exercise induced heartburn

I am in my mid-fifties. I have diabetes and I am taking a full dose of oral medications including Actos, Januvia (a new medication which supposedly slows down the production of glucose after a meal), Precose (which slows down carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine and, of course, Glucovance (combo of metformin and ?).

For the last 2 years or so, I have had regular but relatively mild belching every 20 minutes or so. HOWEVER, when I do any kind of physical activity, which could be a leisurely walk down the block even, I immediately get hearburn in the back of my chest. It is bad enough that I have to slow down my walk and somehow either try to induce a belch or let it come naturally and then I can walk the normal paced walking again. Otherwise, the 20 minute belching does not bother me much and if I am at my desk working all day, I can time the belches, but as long as I am not active I do not get any heartburn. This activity induced hearburn is a severe damper in my life-style because I am not able to participate in any kind of physical activity including yoga (or sex!)

What do I do? I have not yet seen any gastro-enterologist.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Since you are a diabetic, the chances of having gastroparesis are more.
Gastroparesis may be assocaited with symptoms like bloating, reflux etc.

Control your blood glucose level, take PPI along with prokinetics and modify your lifestyle for relief.
Consult your gastroenterologist before taking these medications.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.