Question: I am a 57 year old diabetic and have been told that I have autonomic neuropathy. I hate summer, as I can’t bear direct sunlight, and over the past few years I have stopped sweating completely. Can you help me with my problem?
One of the complications of diabetes is the blocking of fine arteries. This may result in problems as diverse as gangrene of a toe to blindness.
If the tiny arteries supplying the nerves become blocked, that nerve does not receive the oxygen and nutrition it needs, and dies.
The autonomic nervous system performs most of the subconscious automatic tasks required by the body, including telling the sweat glands when to operate.
Neuropathy is a term that merely means nerve damage. Your auronomic neuropathy is thus damage to the autonomic nervous system caused by diabetes, and because these nerves have died and cannot send the appropriate signals, you cannot sweat.
This will make it very difficult for your body to maintain its correct temperature, and it is vital that you do not become overheated. Cool baths or showers, and an air-conditioned room in summer, would be appropriate.
You must keep your diabetes under careful control by taking your medication (Diamicron is one of a number of excellent drugs used to control diabetes in older people), having regular blood tests, and visiting your doctor when appropriate to prevent any further damage to your body.

Question: I have been suffering from type 2 diabetes, and have recently developed numb feet, and pains down the arteries of the leg. Could you explain what effect diabetes has on circulation, and what sort of specialist should I see?
There are two main types of diabetes—type 1 diabetes which usually affects younger people and requires insulin injections for control, and type 2 diabetes which is far more common, usually affects the elderly, and is normally controlled by diet and tablets.
Both types of diabetes can affect the small blood vessels (capillaries) and restrict the flow of blood. The most commonly involved small blood vessels are in the feet and eyes. In patients with inadequately controlled diabetes, poor circulation to the feet may cause numbness, redness, sores that won’t heal, and finally gangrene. In the eye, deteriorating vision is caused by poor circulation.
If the diabetes is well controlled, it is far less likely for these complications to occur.
Control of diabetes involves regular medication, a careful diet, checking the blood or urine levels of sugar, and checking with the general practitioner or specialist.
If a GP detects any problems that are significant, s/he will refer you to an endocrinologist (gland specialist). Some endocrinologists are super specialists, and treat only patients with diabetes.