Abdalla MMI. Enteric neuropathy in diabetes: Implications for gastrointestinal function. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30(22): 2852-2865 [PMID: 38947292 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i22.2852]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla, MSc, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Biology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, No. 126 Jln Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. monamohamed@imu.edu.my
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Review
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastroenterol. Jun 14, 2024; 30(22): 2852-2865 Published online Jun 14, 2024. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i22.2852
Enteric neuropathy in diabetes: Implications for gastrointestinal function
Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla
Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla, Department of Human Biology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Author contributions: Abdalla MMI performed the research and wrote the paper.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The author declares no conflict of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla, MSc, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Biology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, No. 126 Jln Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. monamohamed@imu.edu.my
Received: January 22, 2024 Revised: May 4, 2024 Accepted: May 21, 2024 Published online: June 14, 2024 Processing time: 136 Days and 1 Hours
Abstract
Diabetes, commonly known for its metabolic effects, also critically affects the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is essential in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility, secretion, and absorption. The development of diabetes-induced enteric neuropathy can lead to various GI dysfunctions, such as gastroparesis and irregular bowel habits, primarily due to disruptions in the function of neuronal and glial cells within the ENS, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation. This editorial explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of enteric neuropathy in diabetic patients. Additionally, it discusses the latest advances in diagnostic approaches, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention to mitigate GI complications in diabetic individuals. The editorial also reviews current and emerging therapeutic strategies, focusing on pharmacological treatments, dietary management, and potential neuromodulatory interventions. Ultimately, this editorial highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing enteric neuropathy in diabetes, aiming to enhance patient quality of life and address a frequently overlooked complication of this widespread disease.
Core Tip: Diabetic enteric neuropathy, an often-overlooked complication of diabetes, significantly impacts gastrointestinal (GI) functions and impairs patients’ quality of life. This editorial examines the link between diabetes and enteric neuropathy, emphasizing its impact on essential GI functions. It discusses how diabetes-induced neuropathy leads to GI issues like gastroparesis and altered bowel habits and highlights recent advances in early diagnostic methods and management. The editorial reviews various treatment strategies, both current and emerging, addressing associated challenges and future directions. It stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing this complication.
