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Diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
Zdravko A Kamenov1, Latchezar D Traykov
1University Hospital Alexandrovska, Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria. zkamenov@hotmail.com
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|February 9, 2013
Summary
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) impacts multiple body systems, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Effective management requires tight glycaemic control, though a broad-spectrum treatment for nerve damage is still needed.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is a systemic complication of diabetes.
- DAN presents with diverse clinical manifestations affecting various organs and systems.
- It significantly contributes to severe diabetic foot complications, including ulceration and amputation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the diverse clinical aspects of diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and the need for simpler evaluation methods.
- To review current understanding on prevention and treatment strategies for DAN.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical aspects of DAN.
- Discussion of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, sudomotor, and pupillary dysfunctions.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- DAN affects multiple systems, leading to varied symptoms and diagnostic complexity.
- Cardiac and other systemic complications of DAN pose significant health risks.
- Current diagnostic tools are time-consuming, necessitating simpler clinical methods.
Conclusions:
- Tight glycaemic control is crucial for preventing and managing DAN progression.
- An effective pathogenetic treatment for neural deterioration in DAN is yet to be established.
- Symptomatic treatment remains the primary approach for managing DAN in most cases.
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