Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, often affects gastrointestinal motility, leading to complications such as gastroparesis and gastric emptying dysfunction. A recent study led by researchers at the Olinda School of Medicine analyzes the usefulness of scintigraphy in evaluating these alterations in patients with T2DM.
Understanding Scintigraphy: Scintigraphy is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses radionuclides to assess the function of the gastrointestinal tract. For patients with T2DM, this test can identify abnormalities in motility from the esophagus to the rectosigmoid, offering early diagnosis and monitoring of gastrointestinal complications.
Research Method: The authors performed an integrative literature review using descriptors such as “scintigraphy”, “gastrointestinal motility” and “type 2 diabetes mellitus” in the MESH and DECS databases. The selection of articles took place in April 2024, resulting in the analysis of 8 articles, of which 7 were included in the study.
Results and Discussion: The review revealed that approximately 75% of patients with T2DM studied by Ziessman et al. (2021) had dysmotility in multiple regions of the gastrointestinal tract, highlighting the prevalence of this condition. Scintigraphy has been praised for its sensitivity and ability to provide a dynamic and accurate view of gastrointestinal function, crucial for the diagnosis and management of patients with T2DM.
Impact on Clinical Practice:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Scintigraphy allows changes in motility to be detected before severe symptoms appear, facilitating early interventions.
- Therapeutic Monitoring: The exam helps adjust therapeutic strategies, improving glycemic control and quality of life.
- Access and Implementation: Despite the benefits, the clinical application of scintigraphy is limited by availability and accessibility in health systems, especially in contexts of inequality such as the SUS.
Conclusions: Scintigraphy is an essential diagnostic and monitoring tool for patients with T2DM, offering a noninvasive approach to assess gastrointestinal complications. However, expanding its use requires improvements in health infrastructure to ensure equity in access. This study highlights the need for health policies that democratize access to tests such as scintigraphy, aiming to improve the clinical management of T2DM and prevent gastrointestinal complications.
References:
- Santos, HG, Dacal, BTS, Rodrigues Sobrinho, NSF, Pena, AO, Barboza, CVP, Dourado, SM, Oliveira, SKN (2024). The Importance of Scintigraphy in the Evaluation of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. CPAH Science Journal of Health, 7(2), 1-7.
