Autonomic Neuropathy in Diabetes - Diabetes and Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic Neuropathy in Diabetes

In diabetes, nerve damage may occur, and one of the consequences of this is a condition known as autonomic neuropathy.

Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems of the Autonomic Nervous System (which is not under voluntary control) may be affected; they supply various organs within the body.

The main systems involved are:
Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels)
Digestive system (stomach, intestines and oesophagus [gullet])
Sweat glands.
Genitourinary system (bladder and sexual function)

Likely symptoms are:
Cardiovascular:
Fast heart beat
Faintness and dizziness on standing
Warm, red swollen feet
Digestive system:
Stomach distension
Upper abdominal pain
Vomiting
Swallowing and digestion problems
Nocturnal diarrhoea and constipation
Sweat glands:
Night sweats
Sweating while eating (gustatory sweating)
Loss of sweating with dry and fissured skin (i.e. feet)
Genitourinary:
Incomplete bladder emptying
Recurrent urinary tract infections and/or impotence

The disabling effects may be moderate or severe, depending on the extent of the autonomic neuropathy.