A hospital-based cross-sectional study on gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetics compared to nondiabetics

Abstract Background: The gastrointestinal (GI) group of diseases (upper and lower GI tract) are common among diabetics. However, awareness that diabetics suffer more from these problems is low among physicians. Early diagnosis by symptom screening and treatment may help diabetics reduce morbidities and improve quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare prevalence of GI symptoms between diabetics and nondiabetics. Materials and Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 226 diabetics and 225 patients without diabetes. Both group subjects were screened for upper and lower GI symptoms. Sociodemographic details, addictions, and duration of diabetes were recorded. Fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin were investigated. Results: Both groups were comparable ( P > 0.05) for age, sex, residence, education, working status, and addictions. All upper GI symptoms were significantly more ( P < 0.05) in diabetics compared to nondiabetics (Globus: 64.1% vs. 35.9%; heart burn: 56.9% vs. 43.1%; acid regurgitation: 58.8% vs. 41.2%; noncardiac chest pain: 60.2% vs. 39.8%; and indigestion: 67.2% vs. 32.8%). Lower GI symptoms were more frequent in diabetics than nondiabetics, but difference was not significant ( P > 0.05). Overall, the prevalence of upper GI symptoms was 64.5% and lower GI symptoms was 44.6%. The prevalence of upper GI symptoms was significantly more in diabetics (73.5%) than controls (55.6%); ( P < 0.05). However, the prevalence of lower GI symptoms was almost similar in both groups ( P > 0.05). Being from rural area, advanced age and prolonged diabetes duration were significantly associated with upper GI symptoms in diabetics ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of upper and lower GI symptoms was very high in the present study in both groups. However, it was more in diabetics than nondiabetics. Upper GI all symptoms were significantly more in diabetes group than controls. Being from rural area, advanced age and prolonged diabetes duration were risk factors of upper GI symptoms in diabetics.