Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy affects up to 50% of long-term diabetics yet remains largely undiagnosed and misunderstood. Bethanie Spangenberg explains how this condition impacts the body's involuntary functions including heart rate, digestion, temperature regulation, and bladder control.
• Autonomic neuropathy differs from peripheral neuropathy by affecting involuntary body functions rather than intentional movements
• 7% of Type 2 diabetics already have autonomic neuropathy at diagnosis, with numbers increasing to 50% after 15 years
• Cardiovascular symptoms include resting heart rates above 100, orthostatic hypotension, and decreased exercise tolerance
• Gastrointestinal effects include delayed stomach emptying, difficulty swallowing, and disrupted bowel function
• Heart rate variability under 40-45 on smartwatches can indicate developing autonomic dysfunction
• "Silent" heart attacks can occur when nerve damage prevents pain signals from reaching the brain
• VA claims for autonomic neuropathy must focus on individual symptoms like gastroparesis or orthostatic hypotension
• Exercise, despite being difficult, helps improve autonomic function by forcing neural pathways to activate
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