Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy

Overview

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is damage to the autonomic nerves caused by diabetes. These nerves control things like your heartbeat, blood pressure, sweating, digestion, urination, and sexual function.

Heart and circulatory system problems

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy may damage the nerves in the heart and circulatory system, causing a:

  • Sudden drop in blood pressure when you sit or stand up suddenly (orthostatic hypotension).
  • Rapid heart rate when you are not exercising (resting tachycardia).
  • Heart attack that causes no chest pain (silent heart attack). Without the symptom of chest pain, a heart attack may be ignored, which can result in severe damage to the heart. The only signs of a heart attack in a person with diabetes and neuropathy may be a rising blood sugar level, weakness that does not go away after eating, increasing shortness of breath, nausea, and occasionally swelling in the legs.

Sweating and temperature regulation problems

Autonomic neuropathy may affect the nerves that control sweating.

  • Reduced sweating is common, especially in the hands and feet. It may be hard to recognize when your blood sugar is dropping because sweating is one of the main symptoms of low blood sugar. You can develop dry skin that may be more prone to cracking, injury, and infection. Profuse sweating of the torso, face, or neck may occur at night or while eating certain things, like hot or spicy food.
  • Changes in the body's ability to regulate temperature may make you more prone to body chilling (hypothermia) or heat-related illness, such as heatstroke or heat exhaustion.

Digestive system problems

Damage to the nerves of the stomach and intestines may cause:

  • Constipation, because of abnormally slow passage of waste through the intestines.
  • Delayed stomach-emptying after a meal (gastroparesis). This may cause frequent bloating, belching, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Diarrhea, because of abnormally fast passage of waste through the intestines. Diarrhea is more common at night.
  • Belly pain.

Sexual function and urination problems

Nerve damage may cause problems with the bladder and sex organs. Common problems include:

  • Trouble knowing when the bladder is full and difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Nerve damage can disrupt the proper emptying of the bladder, which increases the risk of infection.
  • For men, trouble achieving or maintaining an erection during intercourse (impotence).
  • For women, decreased moisture in the vagina and reduced sensation of the clitoris.

Treatment for diabetic autonomic neuropathy

Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy. For example, taking medicines and eating small, frequent meals that are low in fiber and fat may help digestive problems like gastroparesis. Or you may take medicines for urinary or blood pressure problems. Medicines, lubricants, and creams may help with sexual problems.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary