GASTRIC ACID SECRETION IN DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Gastric acid secretion was studied in 41 patients with diabetes mellitus, utilizing the augmented histamine test. The mean secretory responses in both the male and female groups of patients with diabetes was comparable to the mean values in respective groups of normal subjects. Acid secretion was not influenced by the severity or duration of the disease. Achlorhydria was found in 2 patients, and an additional 2 had evidence of duodenal ulceration. Diabetic diarrhea was usually, but not invariably, associated with low levels of acid secretion. Acid secretion was not low in diabetics, nor was diabetes mellitus, a cause of progressive diminution of acid secretion.