Medical Questions » Diabetes Questions » Question No. 259
| Question: | I am a 57 year old diabetic and have been told that I have autonomic neuropathy. I hate summer, as I can' t bear direct sunlight, and over the past few years I have stopped sweating completely. I take Diamicron for my diabetes. Can you help me with my problem? |
| Answer: | One of the complications of diabetes is the blocking of fine arteries. This may result in problems as diverse as gangrene of a toe to blindness.
If the tiny arteries supplying the nerves become blocked, that nerve does not receive the oxygen and nutrition it needs, and dies.
The autonomic nervous system performs most of the subconscious automatic tasks required by the body, including telling the sweat glands when to operate.
Neuropathy is a term that merely means nerve damage.
Your autonomic neuropathy is thus damage to the autonomic nervous system caused by diabetes, and because these nerves have died and cannot send the appropriate signals, you cannot sweat.
This will make it very difficult for your body to maintain its correct temperature, and it is vital that you do not become overheated. Cool baths or showers, and an air-conditioned room in summer, would be appropriate.
You must keep your diabetes under careful control by taking your medication (Diamicron is one of a number of excellent drugs used to control diabetes in older people), having regular blood tests, and visiting your doctor when appropriate to prevent any further damage to your body.
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