Complications of Type 1 Diabetes

Peripheral neuropathy is frequently associated with dysfunction of autonomic nerves; both parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve fibers are affected.  The condition is often asymptomatic but, when present, symptoms may involve rhythm abnormalities of the heart, inability of maintaining blood pressure when standing up, abnormalities of sweating with increased sweating in response to food, delayed emptying of the stomach, urinary bladder dysfunction, diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction.  Advanced autonomic neuropathy is frequently associated with a diminished ability of the body to adequately respond to and correct low blood glucose levels.  Autonomic neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes and leads to an approximately five-fold increase in mortality. Strict blood glucose control and treatment of the symptoms are the primary therapies available.