Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy: The Silent Complication

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 activateTune in live every Thursday at 7 PM EST and join the conversation! Click here to listen and chat with us. Visit J Basser's Exposed Vet Productions (Formerly Exposed Vet Radioshow) YouTube page by clicking here.