New device for detecting autonomic neuropathy.

Hopefully the new device will get rolled out (once available) and become part of the diabetic retinopathy screening service.

There needs to be more screening for Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy, I have read recently that Diabetics should be assessed at 5 years post diagnosis. I have recently had testing at The Autonomic clinic at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queens Square London and have been diagnosed with Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy. Apparently 25% of Type 1 diabetics will suffer from this eventually

My pupils not dilating in response to light was one of the things the Neurologist noted on my records along with several there's in relation to autonomic neuropathy.

Thing is, lot of money and effort is put towards eyes and kidneys in relation to diabetes, but not so much with the many symptoms of AN. It's not unusual for GPs to not pick up this could be a problem in their patients who present with vague symptoms etc. Mine certainly dint until he went on a course for GPs on AN. Next time I was in the surgery seeing the nurse, he asked me to see him before I left and then spent nearly an hour talking about it and asking me numerous questions about how it affected my daily life. Which might help other diabetic patients who see him about problems caused by AN in the future.

And yet some of the problems it causes are pretty difficult to manage. Eg delayed digestion effect on keeping BS levels normal etc.

Unfortunately we have to live with it and manage it as best we can, was given a list of dos and don'ts by the specialist nurse which I have been doing for years anyway, had AN for over 25 years. There are a few medications that can help with the symptoms of AN, Fludrocortisone, Midodrine, Desmopressin, Clonidine, Octreotide , currently taking Fludrocortisone which helps slightly with the postural hypotension, possibly going to try Octreotide in the future which may help with the gastric side of things plus low BP after eating.

Hooked said:

Reading that article and the symptoms they list, I've four or five of them. Should I be concerned?

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Probably worth mentioning when you next have a diabetes check-up.

It is very good to see they are making progress in this area, especially as the complication as in my case can be Terminal, it really is time that Testing for complications was taken more seriously, given a bigger priority, and done AT LEAST once a year, much more research into detecting complications early is sorely needed. !

Hooked said:

Will do. Got next one in September.

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Have PM you, hope thats ok ?

There's a suspicion I have AN, or peripheral or gastoparesis. They are ruling out everything else first I think. Optician says my eyes are ok but they are definitely more sensitive to light. Also waiting for an endoscopy. :/