Gastroparesis, also referred to as gastric stasis, is a common motility disorder in which the stomach empties more slowly than normal even though there is no sign of a blockage. Under normal circumstances, the stomach contracts and empties due to the coordinated electrical and physical activity of its muscles. Failure of the stomach to empty properly leads to symptoms such as feeling full too soon, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. In addition to the physical discomfort suffered by patients who have gastroparesis, the symptoms experienced can interfere with normal daily and occupational activities and may lead to malnutrition. Although gastroparesis can occur with no obvious cause, diabetics frequently develop this condition. If gastroparesis causes nausea and persistent vomiting, it can affect the ability of diabetics to maintain control of their blood sugar levels, leading to frequent hospitalization for insufficient or excessive blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, or other complications of diabetes. Motility disorders can also affect the small and large
intestines, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and chronic constipation that are sometimes diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome.