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.