In this Article

• What is diabetic neuropathy?
• What is diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
• What is diabetic autonomic neuropathy?
• What is diabetic proximal neuropathy?
• What is diabetic focal neuropathy?
• What other nerve damage is seen in patients with diabetes?
• Can diabetic neuropathy be prevented?
• Patient Discussions: Diabetic Neuropathy - Effective Treatments
• Diabetic Neuropathy Glossary
• Diabetic Neuropathy Index

Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy most often affects the digestive system, especially the stomach, blood vessels, urinary system, and sex organs. To prevent autonomic neuropathy, continuously keep your blood sugar levels well controlled.

Symptoms of neuropathy of the digestive system may include:

• Bloating
  
  
• Diarrhea
  
  
• Constipation
  
  
• Heartburn
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Vomiting
  
  
• Feeling full after small meals

Treatments of autonomic neuropathy of the digestive system may include:

• Eat smaller meals
  
  
• Medication

Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy of the blood vessels may include:

• Blacking out when you stand up quickly
  
  
• Increased heart rate
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Low blood pressure



• Nausea
  
  
• Vomiting
  
  
• Early fullness
  
  

Treatments of autonomic neuropathy of the blood vessels may include:

• Avoid standing up too quickly
  
  
• Medications
  
  
• Wearing special stockings

Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy of the male sex organs may include:

• Unable to have or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)*
  
  
• "Dry" or reduced ejaculations

*Note: Impotence needs to be evaluated by your doctor. It may be caused by your medicines or factors other than diabetes.

Treatments of autonomic neuropathy of the male sex organs include:

• Counseling
  
  
• Penile implant
  
  
• Vacuum erection device
  
  
• Penile injections
  
  
• Medication

Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy of the female sex organs may include:

• Decrease in vaginal lubrication
  
  
• Decrease in number of orgasms or lack of orgasm

Treatments of autonomic neuropathy of the female sex organs include:

• Counseling
  
  
• Vaginal estrogen creams, suppositories and rings
  
  
• Lubricants

Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy of the urinary system may include:

• Unable to completely empty bladder
  
  
• Bloating
  
  
• Incontinence (leaking urine)
  
  
• Increased urination at night

Treatments of autonomic neuropathy of the urinary system include:

• Medication
  
  
• Self-catheterization (inserting a catheter into the bladder to release urine)
  
  
• Surgery

Diabetic Neuropathy - Effective Treatments

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