Editing Peripheral neuropathy (section)

===Autonomic neuropathy===
'''Autonomic neuropathy''' is a form of polyneuropathy that affects the non-voluntary, non-sensory [[nervous system]] (i.e., the [[autonomic nervous system]]), affecting mostly the internal organs such as the [[urinary bladder|bladder]] muscles, the [[cardiovascular system]], the [[digestive tract]], and the [[genital]] organs. These nerves are not under a person's conscious control and function automatically. Autonomic nerve fibers form large collections in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis outside the [[spinal cord]]. They have connections with the spinal cord and ultimately the brain, however. Most commonly autonomic neuropathy is seen in persons with long-standing [[diabetes mellitus]] type 1 and 2. In most—but not all—cases, autonomic neuropathy occurs alongside other forms of neuropathy, such as sensory neuropathy.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

Autonomic neuropathy is one cause of malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, but not the only one; some conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord also may cause [[autonomic dysfunction]], such as [[multiple system atrophy]], and therefore, may cause similar symptoms to autonomic neuropathy.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

The signs and symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include the following:
* [[Urinary bladder]] conditions: [[bladder incontinence]] or [[urine retention]]
* [[Gastrointestinal tract]]: [[dysphagia]], [[abdominal pain]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[malabsorption]], [[fecal incontinence]], [[gastroparesis]], [[diarrhoea]], [[constipation]]
* [[Cardiovascular system]]: disturbances of heart rate ([[tachycardia]], [[bradycardia]]), [[orthostatic hypotension]], inadequate increase of heart rate on exertion
* [[Respiratory system]]: impairments in the signals associated with regulation of breathing and [[gas exchange]] ([[central sleep apnea]], [[hypopnea]], [[bradypnea]]).<!-- "decreased hypoxia-induced respiratory drive" --><ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Vinik AI, Erbas T | chapter = Diabetic autonomic neuropathy | volume = 117 | pages = 279–94 | year = 2013 | pmid = 24095132 | doi = 10.1016/b978-0-444-53491-0.00022-5 | isbn = 978-0-444-53491-0 | series = Handbook of Clinical Neurology | title = Autonomic Nervous System }}</ref>
* Skin: thermal regulation, dryness through sweat disturbances
* Other areas: [[hypoglycemia]] unawareness, [[genital]] impotence