Autonomic Neuropathy

Gerard Limerick, M.D., PhD, Nima Khoshnoodi, M.D.

DEFINITION

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is a common, under-appreciated complication of diabetes with significant negative impact on survival and quality of life.
Involvement of autonomic nerves in diabetes follows a length-dependent pattern. The longest autonomic nerve - the vegus nerve - is the first affected, and provides 75% of parasympathetic tone, with a broad range of effects.
Later, loss of sympathetic nerve function can also occur.

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