Fact 5: High-Risk Groups
Like many medical conditions, gastroparesis doesn’t affect the population uniformly. Certain groups are more susceptible, either due to genetic predispositions or associated medical conditions. Recognizing these high-risk groups can facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.
Foremost among these are individuals with diabetes, particularly type 1. Diabetes affects the body’s nerve functionality, and as discussed earlier, nerve damage is a primary cause of gastroparesis. Hence, the connection between the two conditions is direct and undeniable.
But diabetes isn’t the sole contender. Those who’ve undergone certain types of surgeries, especially those related to the stomach or esophagus, might experience gastroparesis as a post-surgical complication. Here, the physical trauma or inadvertent nerve damage during surgery can be the trigger.
Nervous system diseases, such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, also elevate the risk. As these conditions directly affect the nervous system, their potential impact on the vagus nerve and subsequent stomach functionality is significant. (5)
