Peer Reviewed
Perspectives

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy: an oft neglected entity

Chinmay S. Marathe, Michael Horowitz
Abstract

Autonomic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetesthat can manifest in a range of different organ systems. It represents a major source of morbidity, mortality and healthcare use.

Key Points
  • Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is common and important but generally under-recognised.
  • DAN is not a single entity, but an ‘umbrella term’ with broad clinical implications reflecting the diffuse and integral involvement of the autonomic nervous system with major body organ systems.
  • Cardiac autonomic neuropathy is a particularly serious manifestation that may be associated with silent myocardial infarction and represents a major risk for cardiovascular (CV) mortality.
  • Simple inexpensive tests of cardiac autonomic function are markedly underused.
  • Gastric autonomic neuropathy is not only associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms but also has impacts on postprandial blood glucose control.
  • Erectile dysfunction, another manifestation of autonomic neuropathy, is common in men with diabetes and a marker of disordered CV function.

    Picture credit: © Science Source/Anatomical Travalogue/Diomedia.com

Get full access
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Buy this article

Single article purchases are temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance.

If you would like to purchase an article during this time, please email us at [email protected] with the article details and we'll assist you directly. We'll also let you know when online purchasing is available again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Already a subscriber?