By Adam Garcia
Today in diabetic dictionary, we will be discussing what autonomic neuropathy is and how it affects your body.
Autonomic neuropathy is a disease of the nerves affecting mostly the internal organs such as the bladder muscles, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, and the genital organs. These nerves are not under a person’s conscious control and function automatically (autonomically). Autonomic neuropathy is also called visceral neuropathy because it affects the viscera (the internal organs).
Autonomic neuropathy can be associated with diabetes, alcohol abuse, nerve injury and the use of certain medications. Having diabetes puts you at high risk of developing nerve damage, including autonomic neuropathy. Risk is greatest for people over 40 who have had the disease for more than 25 years and have difficulty controlling their blood sugar. Smoking, being overweight, and having high blood pressure or high levels of blood fat also increase your risk of nerve damage and of course, autonomic neuropathy.
Autonomic neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects involuntary body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration, digestion and other processes. The symptoms depend upon what organs are affected and may include abdominal swelling, heat intolerance, nausea, vomiting, impotence, diarrhea, and constipation, dizziness with standing, difficulty urinating and urinary incontinence.
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