Cureus

Semaglutide may cause delayed stomach emptying when doses increase quickly in a diabetic patient

Updated

Abstract

A 48-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes developed persistent nausea and vomiting after resuming semaglutide at 2 mg weekly, leading to acute kidney injury due to dehydration.

  • Semaglutide, a medication for type 2 diabetes, is associated with slowed gastric emptying and can induce gastroparesis.
  • The patient experienced gastrointestinal symptoms after not following the recommended gradual increase in semaglutide dosage.
  • Imaging revealed left-sided colitis, which was treated with antibiotics, while gastroparesis was suspected due to the medication.
  • Discontinuation of semaglutide and treatment with metoclopramide led to resolution of symptoms and recovery.
  • Rapid dose escalation of semaglutide may contribute to gastrointestinal complications in diabetic patients.

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Funding

Competing interests

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. East Alabama Medical Centre issued approval N/A. The consent was provided voluntarily and with full understanding of the nature and purpose of the case report, titled "Unmasking Semaglutide-Induced Gastroparesis: The Dangers of Rapid Dose Escalation in a Diabetic Patient". Verbal consent was obtained via phone and has been appropriately documented. All necessary privacy and confidentiality protections have been observed in accordance with ethical guidelines. The physician, Dr. Kevin Wortman II, DO, has confirmed the discussion and understanding with the patient, and both the patient and physician have signed and dated the consent form. This research activity, including case documentation and reporting, has been reviewed and approved under the supervision of the Department of Internal Medicine Residency of the East Alabama Medical Centre. No financial compensation or coercion was involved in obtaining consent, and participation in the case report does not affect the quality of care provided to the patient. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
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