Heart and Circulatory System
The heart and circulatory system are part of the
cardiovascular system, which controls blood circulation. Damage to nerves in the cardiovascular system interferes with the body's ability to adjust
blood pressure and heart rate.
As a result, for someone with symptoms of
diabetic neuropathy, blood pressure may drop sharply after sitting or standing, causing a person to feel lightheaded -- or even to faint. Damage to the nerves that control heart rate can mean that it stays high, instead of rising and falling in response to normal body functions and exercise.
Digestive System
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite.
Gastroparesis can make blood glucose levels fluctuate widely as well due to abnormal food digestion.
Nerve damage to the esophagus may make swallowing difficult, while nerve damage to the bowels can cause constipation alternating with frequent, uncontrolled
diarrhea, especially at night. Problems with the digestive system may lead to weight loss.
Urinary Tract and Sex Organs
Autonomic neuropathy most often affects the organs that control urination and sexual function. Diabetic neuropathy can prevent the bladder from emptying completely, allowing bacteria to grow in the bladder and kidneys and causing
urinary tract infections. When the nerves of the bladder are damaged,
urinary incontinence may result because a person may not be able to sense when the bladder is full or control the muscles that release urine.
Neuropathy can also gradually decrease sexual response in men and women, although the sex drive is unchanged. A man may be unable to have erections (
erectile dysfunction) or may reach sexual climax without ejaculating normally. A woman may have difficulty with lubrication, arousal, or orgasm.
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