Autonomic neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy causes damage within a network of nerves that control the internal organs. This network is called the autonomic nervous system. It controls blood pressure, heart rate, and the sweat glands, eyes, bladder, digestive system and sex organs. Diabetes can affect the nerves in any of these areas. It can bring on symptoms including:

• A lack of awareness that blood sugar levels are low. This is called hypoglycemia unawareness.
• Bladder conditions. These can include frequent urinary tract infections. Some people lose bladder control, called urinary incontinence, or have trouble emptying the bladder, called urinary retention.
• Constipation, serious diarrhea or both.
• Slow emptying of the stomach, called gastroparesis. This can lead to upset stomach, vomiting, a feeling of fullness and loss of appetite.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Problems getting an erection or trouble ejaculating.
• Vaginal dryness, less feeling around the vagina, and trouble with sexual desire or orgasm.
• Sweating a lot, especially at night or during meals. Or less ability to sweat, even when hot.
• Drops in blood pressure when rising from sitting or lying down, called orthostatic hypotension. This may cause feelings of dizziness or fainting.
• Trouble controlling body temperature.
• Changes in the way the eyes adjust from light to dark or distance to nearness.
• Faster heartbeat even while at rest.