Diabetes not an independent predictor of gastroparesis in symptomatic patients referred for gastric emptying studies

Background: It is commonly presumed that diabetics are more prone to gastroparesis when compared to non-diabetics. Objective: To ascertain whether diabetes is an independent predictor of gastroparesis in symptomatic patients who are referred for gastric emptying studies. Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study. The study cohort consisted of 172 consecutive patients who had been referred for gastric emptying studies. Seventy-four of the 172 patients had evidence of diabetes. Results: Gastroparesis was diagnosed in 93 of the 172 patients (54%). Multiple logistic regression analysis did not reveal diabetes to be an independent risk factor (OR 0.77, CI 0.37-1.56, p=0.46). But age >50 years was a significant predictor (OR 3.43, CI 1.62-7.23, p=0.001). The sex of the patient was not a contributing variable (OR 1.47, CI 0.72-2.98, p=0.28). Conclusions: Diabetes is not an independent predictor of gastroparesis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms referred for gastric emptying studies. Age >50 years was a significant predictor.