Acid reflux and diabetes often occur together, as one condition increases your risk for the other. Coping with symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, and chest pain can be burdensome if you are also living with a chronic condition like diabetes.
Here’s more about the connection between acid reflux and diabetes.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. Other symptoms include:
- Backwash of sour foods and liquids in the throat
- Lump-like feeling in the throat
- Upper belly pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
Causes and Risk Factors of Acid Reflux
At the bottom of the esophagus is a circular band of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When you eat, it opens to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach, then closes when you’re done. Acid reflux often occurs when the LES becomes weak or stops working as it should.
Other risk factors of acid reflux:
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Hiatal hernia
- Smoking
- Diabetes
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels remain chronically high. It develops over time when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to lower blood glucose levels.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes typically vary based on blood sugar levels and include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
- Slow-healing wounds
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Causes and Risk Factors of Diabetes
Causes of diabetes can be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. Common diabetes risk factors:
- Family history of diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Being African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native
Why Are Acid Reflux and Diabetes Connected?
Some medications for acid reflux increase the risk for diabetes, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are antacids that inhibit the excess stomach acids implicated in GERD, or acid reflux.
Chronic acid suppression, which can be achieved with PPIs, alters the gut microbiome. Changes in the gut microbiome have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes.
Can diabetes cause acid reflux?
Yes, diabetes may cause acid reflux due to the way high blood sugar can damage tissues and organs throughout the body. Diabetes can damage nerves, blood vessels, and tissues that support the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, increasing the risk of GERD.
How Obesity Connects Diabetes and Acid Reflux
More than 85% of people with diabetes are obese, and obesity is a risk factor for acid reflux. Excess fat in the stomach area can increase pressure on the stomach, leading to GERD.
Treatment Options for Acid Reflux
If you have acid reflux and diabetes, our functional medicine doctor in Charlotte, NC, can help. Dr. Mahtani can develop a personalized treatment plan that improves your nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, and boosts your overall immunity. Contact us at 980-414-4600 to learn more about your treatment options.
FAQs
Is acid reflux more common in people with diabetes?
Yes, high blood sugar in diabetes may damage the gastrointestinal tract to increase the risk of acid reflux.
Can diabetes medication cause heartburn?
Yes, many diabetes medications—including metformin—may cause heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Can controlling blood sugar reduce reflux?
Yes, chronically high blood sugar can cause reflux; therefore, getting blood sugar levels under control may prevent or reduce reflux.
Does weight loss help both conditions?
Losing excess weight may reduce symptoms of both acid reflux and diabetes, given how obesity is a risk factor for both conditions.
What are the symptoms of a diabetic stomach? Controlling blood sugar levels may help
In a diabetic stomach, the stomach cannot empty properly due to nerve damage from high blood sugar levels. Common symptoms include vomiting, bloating, and heartburn.
What’s the longest GERD can last?
GERD is a chronic condition that can last a lifetime, but it’s possible to reduce its symptoms with treatment.
What drinks should I avoid with acid reflux?
Coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks can all worsen acid reflux, but herbal teas and plant-based milks may help you find relief.
