has anyone had a test done for autonomic neuropathy (diabetic)?

Question

can anyone shed some light on what autonimic neuropathy and what problems it causes and what tests can be done to find out if you have got it?

Answer 1

Please avoid the site the guy above me is promoting - it is a dangerous scam cure.

Answer 2

Here's a few sites for you to read about neuropathy in general. (It doesn't specifically focus on autonomic neuropathy. I'm presuming that you know the difference between autonomic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy.)

Aha. I've found a site that does focus on autonomic neuropathy. It's the final url below. Actually, the third url gives a very good description of autonomic neuropathy.

I've been tested for autonomic neuropathy several times now, in order to ascertain just how it's affecting me with the progression of time. It, basically, affects the nerves that you have no sort of control over ... things such as heart beat, digestion, sexual function, sweating, blood pressure, bowel and bladder control, etc.

If you're worried about the test, don't be. It doesn't hurt ... though you do feel a little strange when you see movements that you aren't expecting. (A small electrical current is pushed along nerve paths and a computer registers how long a reaction takes to happen.)

Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Weight loss is not a typical symptom for neuropathy unless you have "diabetic diarrhea". Have you been screened for thyroid disorders (Hashimoto's/Graves Disease), adrenal disease (Addison's Disease), and/or Celiac Disease? All are more common in Type 1 diabetics and may be related to your other symptoms as well. If you do have autonomic neuropathy and plain old hypoglycemia unawareness, then I believe you would qualify based on what you state. Please search for the above conditions I listed and see if you have any of the symptoms you forgot to mention. It's worth it to be screened. A sudden onset of symptoms within a year and "passing out" is a red flag. Get screened and find a doctor who is familiar with Type 1 diabetes. Too many doctors assume it's a diabetes complication when there is something else serious going on. The bottom line is, if you are passing out no matter what you do, you cannot work, in my opinion. If your doctors cannot help your case, they have no choice but to support your disability claim. However, I suspect that you have another condition going on. Please follow up and do not let your doctor turn you away. You deserve to feel better again. Benforthiamine and the gluten free diet helps some Type 1 diabetics with neuropathy. In addition, you may also qualify for an islet or pancreas transplant. Best wishes.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
has anyone had a test done for autonomic neuropathy (diabetic)?
can anyone shed some light on what autonimic neuropathy and what problems it causes and what tests can be done to find out if you have got it?

Answer 6

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You will be amazed about the of good use options provided in that great program, answer that will help you reduce from all risk of harmful infection such as for instance: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis and more, except obviously, of managing neuropathy.

Answer 7

Have to admit I hadn't heard of this particular type of neuropathy even though I have had diabetes for 25 years! Anyway, went to the Diabetes Uk website, and found the following.
Autonomic neuropathy


Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary activities of the body ie, those which occur automatically. This means the action of the stomach, intestine, bladder, penis or sometimes the heart, can be affected. If autonomic neuropathy occurs in the stomach or intestine, symptoms may include altered bowel movements, such as intermittent diarrhoea or constipation. Additionally, a condition known as gastroparesis can develop. This occurs when the stomach takes too long to empty because the vagus nerve (which controls the movement of food through the gut) has been affected. Other symptoms sometimes include feeling sick, vomiting, stomach bloating, discomfort and weight loss. There are some treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms.
If autonomic neuropathy occurs in the bladder, symptoms may include an inability to pass urine properly and in particular, feeling like the bladder hasn’t emptied completely. In later stages this may lead to incontinence and more rarely, a total inability to pass urine.

Autonomic neuropathy of the penis may gradually lead to erectile dysfunction. However there are a number of treatments that can be prescribed, which help with erectile dysfunction.

Occasionally, the cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels) can be affected by nerve damage. This may result in pain from heart disease being masked.

For example, you might experience a heart attack but be unaware that it has happened (this is known as a ‘silent MI’ or myocardial infarction). Additionally, you may not feel pain when an attack of angina occurs, which is often a warning sign of heart disease.
Postural hypotension (low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up) can also be attributed to neuropathy. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, visual impairment or possibly a loss of consciousness — most frequently occurring when getting out of bed in the morning. Treatment might involve excluding drugs that can reduce blood pressure further, such as water tablets.

Sweating disturbances can also be a sign of autonomic neuropathy. Nerve damage can interfere with the activity of the sweat glands, making it difficult for the body to regulate temperature. This type of neuropathy commonly occurs in the feet, causing a lack of sweating (in severe cases this extends to the whole leg and lower trunk). This lack of sweating leads to the skin of the feet becoming dry and cracked. Gustatory sweating (when eating) may start quite soon after chewing and can be brought on by certain foods. It often starts on the forehead, and spreads to the face, scalp and neck, sometimes affecting the upper part of the body.

Have also given you a link to the main page, I think there is a helpline you can phone for advice as well.

Answer 8

Very good answer given by Louloubelle above.

Very important to not forget that with autonomic neuropathy (aka autonomic dysfunction) symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can also be masked. This can be quite dangerous if you have no warning signs if your sugar is low.

Answer 9

Many common natural remedies are claimed to have blood sugar lowering properties that make them useful for people with or at high risk of diabetes. Learn here https://tr.im/W89qR

A number of clinical studies have been carried out in recent years that show potential links between herbal therapies and improved blood glucose control, which has led to an increase in people with diabetes using these more 'natural' ingredients to help manage their condition.

Answer 10

Ask your doctor about an exercise routine. Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, may reduce neuropathy pain, improve your muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.

Answer 11

I had a diabetes test, they just prick your finger to get a tiny bit of blood. It doesn't hurt.