Gall bladder volume and contractility in type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to sonographically evaluate gall bladder changes in type 2 diabetes. One hundred type 2 diabetic subjects (50 with neuropathy and 50 without neuropathy) and 50 healthy controls un-derwent sonographic evaluation of the gall bladder. Fasting and postprandial gall bladder volumes (FGBV and PPGBV) were measured; and the gall bladder contractility index (GBCI) calculated. The presence of gallstones was also noted. It was found that patients with diabetic neuropathy had a significantly higher FGBV and PPGBV; and lower GBCI; compared with diabetic patients without neuropathy; PPGBV and GBCI also differed significantly from non-diabetic controls. Gallstones were present in 22% of diabetic patients with neuropathy; in 10% of those without neuropathy; and in 8% of controls. We conclude that diabetic patients with neuropathy have significant abnormalities of gall bladder function; presumably due to autonomic nerve dysfunction. These patients also have a higher prevalence of gallstones; suggesting that ultrasound screening may be worthwhile