GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Link to Diabetes

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a digestive disorder where acid from the stomach goes up into the food pipe (esophagus).

It happens when the ring of the muscle between the stomach and esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter, is weak and relaxed, allowing the content of the stomach to flow up into the food pipe.

The main sign is burning in the lower chest area, neck and throat, also known as heartburn.

You can have acid reflux from time to time. But, if you have it twice a week, you may have GERD. In fact, this digestive disorder affects around 20% of all Americans.

Symptoms of GERD

• Heartburn
• Respiratory problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bad breath
• Wearing away of the teeth
• Difficulty when swallowing, (sometimes even painful)

If you don’t treat it on time, GERD can lead to more serious health complications, including:

• Esophagus damage (narrowing, obstruction, and/or bleeding)
• Severe chest pain
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Higher risk of esophageal cancer

Causes and Risk Factors of GERD

GERD affects people of all ages, and sometimes for an unknown reason. As we mentioned earlier, it happens when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly and opens when it shouldn’t. This allows the stomach acid to flow upwards into the food pipe.

Most common risk factors of GERD include:

• Obesity or overweight – due to increased pressure on the stomach
• Pregnancy – the same reason as in overweight people
• Smoking – as well as second-hand smoke
• Certain medications – such as calcium channel blockers, asthma medications, antihistamines, sedatives, and antidepressants.

How Is GERD Linked to Diabetes?

Some people with diabetes have nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy. In this condition, the esophagus muscles are less able to clear acid. So, the delayed clearing of acid and the increased acid contact irritate the esophagus lining.

Another common diabetes complication is gastroparesis. It’s a disorder which stops or slows the food movement from the stomach to the small intestine. This means that the stomach can’t empty as fast as it should, leading to increased pressure.

That makes it harder for the lower esophageal sphincter to stay closed and retain the stomach acid where it should stay. So, this condition can further worsen the problem.

Even though GERD is more common in those with type 2 diabetes, it’s still a risk for every diabetes patient, especially if they are overweight. In fact, being overweight and having diabetes raises the risk for GERD by 50 percent.

In such cases, it’s best to consult your doctor to give you the right diagnosis and treatment.

How to Treat GERD

Even though it’s a chronic condition, GERD can be managed with proper medications and certain lifestyle changes. Some of them include:

• When in bed, keep your head elevated – You might need more than just a few pillows
• Avoid tight clothing that put pressure on your stomach, such as nylons and tight belts!
• Stop smoking – Cigarettes increases stomach acid production and might weaken the lower esophageal sphincter
• Lose some excess pounds
• Never lie down right after eating
• Exercise regularly, but not immediately after eating. Instead, exercise before you have some bigger meals
• Keep your blood glucose in check
• See what foods worsen your GERD symptoms, and make sure you avoid them. Generally, it’s recommended to avoid alcohol, spicy foods, chocolate, and coffee.