Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which dietary modification is not recommended for patients with gastroparesis?

1. Increased fiber intake

2. Small, frequent meals

3. Decreased fat intake

4. Soft or liquid foods

The correct answer is: Increased fiber intake

In patients with gastroparesis, dietary management is crucial to help alleviate symptoms and improve digestion. Increased fiber intake is not recommended because high-fiber foods can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and delayed gastric emptying. Fiber can add bulk to the stomach's contents, thus worsening the slow movement of food through the digestive tract. In contrast, small, frequent meals are encouraged as they help reduce the volume of food in the stomach at any one time, making it easier for the stomach to process. Decreasing fat intake is also advisable since fatty meals can slow gastric emptying further. Soft or liquid foods are typically recommended as they are easier to digest and can help prevent obstructive symptoms in patients with gastroparesis. By understanding the nature of gastroparesis and its effects on digestion, it's evident that increasing fiber is not a suitable strategy.