Dumping syndrome occurs when food, especially sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach to the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine—in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

[1] It is mostly associated with conditions following gastric or esophageal surgery, though it can also arise secondary to diabetes or to the use of certain medications; it is caused by an absent or insufficiently functioning pyloric sphincter, the valve between the stomach and the duodenum.

[3] Osmotic diarrhea, distension of the small bowel leading to crampy abdominal pain, and reduced blood volume can result.

It results from excessive movement of sugar into the intestine, which raises the body's blood glucose level and causes the pancreas to increase its release of the hormone insulin.

The following tests may also help confirm dumping syndrome and exclude other conditions with similar symptoms:[1] The health care provider may also examine the structure of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine with the following tests:[1] Treatment for dumping syndrome includes changes in eating, diet, and nutrition; medication; and, in some cases, surgery.