Diabetic Neuropathy of the Autonomic Nervous System
Neurological damage due to diabetes is known as diabetic neuropathy. Around 50% of all individuals with diabetic issues possess some type of neurological problem. It’s more prevalent with people who have been diabetic for many years and it can bring about many different types of complications.
After a while too much blood sugar can harm the walls of small blood vessels which feed your nerves, particularly in your thighs and legs. Nerve fibers send out messages back and forth from your brain regarding pain, temperature together with touch. They inform your muscle groups when and which ways to move. In addition, they manage the bodily systems which digest meals as well as pass urine.
When you maintain your blood sugar ranges on target, you could possibly prevent or delay diabetic neuropathy. In the event you currently have neurological problems, this will help to protect against or conceivably postpone additional injury.
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions within your body like heart beat and digestion. When these nerves are damaged it is known as “Autonomic Neuropathy.” This type of diabetic neuropathy has an effect on the digestive system, urinary tract, sexual organs, cardiovascular system as well as blood vessels, sweat glands along with the eyes.
Paralysis of your bladder is a very common sign of this particular neuropathy. When this occurs, these particular nerves do not react normally to pressure as it fills up with urine. Consequently, urine remains inside the bladder resulting in urinary tract infections.
Autonomic neuropathy might also bring about erection problems when it impacts the nerves which control penile erection. Nevertheless, sexual interest won’t normally decrease.
Diarrhea can take place if the nerves, which handle the small intestines, happen to be damaged. Diarrhea takes place, in most cases, during the night. Constipation is yet another typical consequence of injury to nerves within the intestines.
Occasionally, your abdomen can be impacted. It manages to lose the capability to move food within the digestive system, leading to throwing up together with feeling bloated. This disorder, known as “Gastroparesis”, can alter how quickly your body assimilates food. It could also make it difficult to match up insulin dosages to food servings.
Researchers don’t know the actual root cause of diabetic neuropathy of the autonomic nervous system and they are trying to find more effective treatment options regarding this form of nerve damage.
Go through the listing below and take note of any signs or symptoms you might have.
Digestive system
- Do you get an upset stomach or maybe acid reflux?
- Do you get nauseous and vomit undigested food items?
- Does it feel like your meals rest in your stomach rather than become digested?
- Do you feel bloated after eating?
- Does your belly seem full, even though you ate just a small amount?
- Do you have diarrhea?
- Have you lost control of your bowels?
- Do you get constipated?
- Are your blood sugar levels difficult to predict?
Urinary system
- Do you have bladder control issues like urinating frequently or not often enough or perhaps leaking urine?
- Do you sometimes not feel the need to urinate although your bladder may be full?
- Have you lost control over your bladder?
- Do you get bladder infections frequently?
Sexual organs
- If you are a man do you have difficulty obtaining or perhaps maintaining an erection?
- If you are a woman do you have problems getting aroused, having orgasms or do you have dryness in the vaginal area?
Cardiovascular system
- Do you get dizzy if you stand up too rapidly?
- Have you fainted after standing up?
- Have you suddenly fainted for no reason at all?
- Does your heart beat too fast when you are at rest?
- Did you ever have a heart attack without experiencing any symptoms like chest pains?
Sweat glands
- Do you perspire a great deal particularly during the night or even while you’re eating?
- Do you not sweat at all even though you may be hot?
- Do you have very dry skin on your feet?
The eyes
- Do you have difficulty with your eyes adjusting from darkness to light or have trouble seeing at night?
You will need more than just a physical exam to diagnose diabetic neuropathy. X-rays, for example, can help find stomach issues while an ultrasound can check your bladder.
There are various treatments available for diabetic neuropathy. If, after eating a tiny amount of food you feel nauseous or full, a dietitian can provide you with a proper meal plan. There are also some types of medication that can aid in digestion and also reduce problems with diarrhea. Problems with erections are also treatable with medication.