Coping with autonomic neuropathy

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy, the most common of all the complications associated with diabetes mellitus, is manifested as cardiovascular or gastrointestinal denervation, counterregulatory hormone dysfunction, and genitourinary tract denervation. Its treatment at this time is largely palliative, although there is some indication that control of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and obesity may prevent or delay its development. Both counseling and pharmaceutical approaches are essential to permit the afflicted diabetic patient a reasonably good quality of life.