[Peculiarities of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

The problem of coupling of gastroesopahgeal reflux disease (GERD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) remains to be elucidated. The relevant data are contradictory, but certain authors believe that GERD may sometimes be regarded as a complication of DM2. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms include diabetic nephropathy (leading to motor dysfunction of the upper digestive tract and dysregulation of the tone of the lower sphincter) and diabetic gastropathy (delayed gastric evacuation and disturbed motor and tonic functions of the upper gastrointestinal tract are additional preconditions for the development of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux). 78 patients with DM2 were divided into 2 groups depending on duration of the disease (below and above 7 years). The control group was comprised of 40 subjects with normal glucose tolerance. The presence and severity (frequency of erosive oesophageal lesions) of GERD were directly related to the duration of DM2. Other factors with which GERD is associated include insulin requirements and diabetic neuropathy. Patients with DM2 more frequently than controls suffer asymptomatic GERD resulting from visceral neuropathy. Patients with long-standing DM2 need examination of the upper digestive tract by instrumental methods (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, 24hr potentiometry) even in the absence of continuous complaints of heartburn, acid regurgitation, and other typical manifestations of GERD for the early recognition of the disease and timely prescription of antireflux therapy.