Symptoms of Autonomic Neuropathy
The most recognizable symptoms of autonomic neuropathy in diabetes are ailments pertaining to the gastrointestinal tract, urinal tract and genitals:
- Paralysis of the bladder is among the most common symptoms of autonomic neuropathy. If this happens, the nerves of your bladder can no longer respond normally to pressure of urine volume. As a result, your urine will stay in the bladder and this can trigger UTI or urinary tract infections.
- Diarrhea can happen if nerves controlling the small intestine are damaged. The diarrhea will usually take place in the night. Another common symptom of the damage to the nerves of the intestine is constipation.
- Your stomach may lose the ability to process food within the digestive system, which will lead to bloating and vomiting. This condition is also known as the gastroparesis, and can change the manner in which your body absorbs food. This will make it hard for your body to match the insulin doses with food portions.
- Autonomic neuropathy can also lead to erectile dysfunction. This is especially true if it affects the nerves responsible for controlling erection during sexual arousal. However, sexual desire remains unaffected.
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