Diabetic Neuropathy

Tab. 3 Clinically important manifestations, associated diagnostics and special therapy of autonomic diabetic neuropathy in diabetes mellitus. Data according to [2] [7].

Organ manifestations and clinical picture	Examination methods	Therapy
Cardiovascular system
Resting tachycardia Reduced heart rate variability Orthostatic hypotension Exercise intolerance (inadequate increase of heart rate and blood pressure during physical activity) Perioperative instability with frequent drops in blood pressure and heart rate Reduced or absent perception of myocardial ischaemia during physical activity Silent myocardial infarction or myocardial infarction with few symptoms Prolongation of the QT interval Sudden cardiac death	Basic diagnostics HRV while breathing deeply and after change of position Orthostatic test Further diagnosticsAutonomic function tests (test battery): Resting HRV (frequency and time domain) Exhalation/inhalation ratio while breathing deeply Max/min 30:15-ratio Valsalva ratio (Valsalva manoeuvre) Orthostatic test 24-h HRV, syncope work-up	Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy In general, no special treatment necessary (important: diagnosis and therapy of coronary heart disease and heart failure) For sinus tachycardia cardioselective beta-blockers Orthostatic hypotension General measures: liberal salt intake, physical training, compression stockings, avoidance of hypotensive medications Medications with short half-lives that increase blood pressure (Midodrine) Fludrocortisone (start with a low dose)
Gastrointestinal tract
All gastrointestinal manifestations	Basic GI tract diagnostics: Medical history Exclusion of structural and infectious diseases
Dysphagia and reflux disease	Further diagnostics:Stage 1: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Other imaging examinations, as applicable Stage 2: Oesophagus manometry 24-h pH monitoring with/without impedance measurement	Dysphagia: General measures: prokinetic agents in individual cases Reflux: Proton-pump inhibitors
Diabetic gastropathy (dyspepsia, postprandial hypoglycaemia)	Stage 1: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Abdominal sonography If necessary, other imaging examinations Laboratory tests Stage 2: Gastric emptying scintigraphy 13C-octanoic acid breath test (solid food), 13C-acetate breath test (liquids)	Gastroparesis (gastropathy): Dietary change: frequent, small, low-fibre and low-fat meals Adjust injection-to-meal interval Prokinetic agents (all off-label): Metoclopramide, domperidone, possibly prucalopride, erythromycin for severe refractory symptoms Antiemetics can be added to the symptomatic therapy of nausea and vomiting (antihistamines, 5-HT3-antagonists), as applicable Gastric electrical stimulation (“gastric pacemaker”) Jejunal feeding tube Parenteral nutrition
Diabetic cholecystopathy	Laboratory tests, abdominal sonography	Cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis as needed
Diabetic diarrhoea (enteropathy) and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency	Stage 1: Endoscopy Abdominal sonography Laboratory tests, including examination of stool for pathogenic organisms If necessary, other imaging examinations Stage 2: Lactose/fructose/sorbitol hydrogen breath test Glucose hydrogen breath test Faecal elastase-1, if necessary Lactulose hydrogen breath test, if necessary D-xylose absorption test, if necessary	Diarrhoea: Bulking agents Loperamide Cholestyramine Clonidine Octreotide In case of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine: broad-spectrum antibiotics, e. g. Rifaximin (off-label use) for 10 days with medicinal yeast (e. g. Perenterol); Severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency Pancreatic enzymes
Diabetic constipation (hypomotility of the colon)	Stage 1: Digital rectal examination Ileocolonoscopy Laboratory tests Abdominal sonography, if necessary If necessary, other imaging examinations Stage 2: (MRI) defecography Anorectal manometry Hinton test Neurological examinations	Constipation: Sufficient liquid, fibre and physical activity Gelling agents (pectins, psyllium preparations) Fibre-rich foods (e. g. wheat bran, linseed) Laxatives (e. g. sodium picosulfate, bisacodyl, macrogol, lactulose/lactitol) depending on tolerance and efficacy Biofeedback for rectal emptying disorder, if necessary Prucalopride for delayed transit (a prokinetic agent, approved for laxative-refractory constipation)
Diabetic faecal incontinence	Stage 1: Digital rectal examination Rectal endosonography (MRI) defecography Stage 2: Anorectal manometry Neurological examinations, if necessary	Faecal incontinence: Antidiarrheal medications Pelvic floor gymnastics Biofeedback Sacral nerve stimulation in refractory cases, if necessary
Urogenital tract
Diabetic cystopathy (bladder emptying dysfunction)	Basic diagnostics Micturition diary over 48 h	Cystopathy: Behavioural changes Electrical stimulation Biofeedback Antimuscarinic drugs Beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonists Alpha receptor blockers Antibiotic therapy, as applicable Bladder neck incision Self-catheterisation Suprapubic cystostomy
	Further diagnostics Specific questionnaire (e. g. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)) questionnaire Uroflowmetry Residual urine measurement Digital rectal examination for men Urodynamic testing, as applicable
Erectile dysfunction	Basic diagnosticsStage 1: Sexual history, IIEF-5 Laboratory tests Total testosterone (optional free testosterone), prolactin, FSH, LH Stage 2 (optional): Test with a PDE-5 inhibitor (sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, avanafil)	Erectile dysfunction: Avoidance of medication side effects (caused by antihypertensives, tranquilisers, antidepressants) 1) Step: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil) 2. Step: Erection aid system (vacuum pump) Corpus cavernosum auto-injection therapy Intraurethral alprostadil gel 3. Step: Corpus cavernosum implant
	Further diagnosticsStage 3 (only if surgical therapy is planned/indicated): Intracavernosal injection test Doppler/duplex sonography Cavernosometry/cavernosography Nocturnal tumescence measurement	Hypogonadism: Testosterone substitution
Neuroendocrine system (endocrine dysfunction)
Hypoglycaemia-associated autonomic dysfunction Blunted or absent hormonal counterregulation Impaired hypoglycaemia perception Increased glucose threshold for hypoglycaemia symptoms at falling blood glucose Decreased catecholamine secretion when standing or upon physical exertion	Tight blood glucose control (in particular self-monitoring), in particular during the night	Avoidance of symptomatic and asymptomatic (often nocturnal) hypoglycaemia Hypoglycaemia awareness training (blood glucose awareness training; BGAT)
Sudomotor and vasomotor functions
Dyshidrosis, anhidrosis (“dry feet”) Gustatory sweating	Sweat tests: QSART: Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test TST: Thermoregulatory sweat test SSI: Silastic sweat imprint ACHSST: Acetylcholine sweatspot test Neuropad: Indicator plaster Sudoscan: Cutaneous electrochemical conductivity	Topical agents containing fat or urea Avoidance of exposure to intense heat Prophylaxis in case of identified cause of sweating (dietary components) Anticholinergic drugs, clonidine (low dose) Topical glycopyrrolate cream In focal hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin (Botox) can be tried
Pupillomotor system
Miosis Impaired pupil reflexes Reduced dark adaptation	Clinical examination Infrared pupillography (constriction rate, dilatation rate, latency of pupillary light reflex)	Advise patient of impaired dark adaptation and danger of night blindness Danger of glaucoma (check intraocular pressure)
Respiratory system
Central respiratory dysregulation with reduced respiratory drive in response to hypercapnia or hypoxemia Sleep apnoea syndrome Respiratory arrest	Sleep laboratory, as applicable	Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, as applicable

HRV: heart rate variability; GI tract: gastrointestinal tract; IIEF-5: International Index of Erectile Function-5; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; LH: luteinising hormone; PDE5 inhibitors: phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors; CPAP therapy: continuous positive airway pressure therapy; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; h: hour.

Note

The clinical practice guideline “Diabetic Neuropathy” of the DDG was developed closely together with the National Healthcare Guideline (Nationale Versorgungsleitlinie – NVL) “Neuropathy in Diabetes in Adulthood” (Neuropathie bei Diabetes im Erwachsenenalter), long version, version 1.2, 28 November 2011, based on the version dated August 2011 [1] [2]:

German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer – BÄK), National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung – KBV), Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften – AWMF). National Healthcare Guideline “Neuropathy in Diabetes in Adulthood” – Long Version. Version 1.2, 2011.

In June 2016 the National Healthcare Guideline was reviewed by the members of the Guidelines Group. Until completion of the updated version, several sections had been designated as “under revision” (National Healthcare Guideline “Neuropathy in Diabetes in Adulthood” – Long Version. 1st edition, 2011 Version 5 AWMF register no.: nvl-001e). Subject to revision of the National Healthcare Guideline, the sections revised in this clinical practice guideline reflect the position of DDG.

Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy

Definition, risk factors and comorbidities

Diabetic neuropathy is a clinically manifested or subclinical disease of the peripheral nerves that occurs as a consequence of diabetes mellitus without other underlying causes. It can affect the somatic and/or autonomic nervous system. The risk of distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) and autonomic neuropathy increases with the following risk factors, indicators and co-morbidities:

• Diabetes duration

• Diabetes control (hyperglycaemia)

• Arterial hypertension

• Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD)

• Mönckeberg’s sclerosis

• Diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy

• Depression

• Visceral obesity

• Hyperlipidaemia

• Alcohol and/or nicotine use

• Insufficient physical activity

• Demographic factors (age, height, body weight)

DSPN contributes to the aetiology of diabetic foot syndrome in 85–90% of cases and is thus of paramount significance in the risk constellation for foot ulcers and amputation. In addition, it is deemed an important predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

The prevalence of DSPN in patients with manifest type 1 and type 2 diabetes is approximately 30%. Approximately 13–26% of patients with diabetes have painful neuropathy.

Classification

Clinical criteria is used as the basis for distinguishing between different manifestations:

• Subclinical neuropathy (no symptoms or clinical findings, but abnormal quantitative neurophysiological tests)

• Chronic painful neuropathy (frequent)

• Acute painful neuropathy (insulin neuritis) (rare)

• Painless neuropathy (frequent)

• Focal neuropathies, e. g. diabetic amyotrophy (rare)

• Diabetic-neuropathic foot syndrome as a complication including foot ulcers, neuro-osteoarthropathy and amputation.

Screening

Screening for DSPN should encompass the following data and examinations (always bilateral):

• History with personal and diabetes-specific data (see H 3 “Basic diagnostics”) as well as risk factors/indicators and clinical correlations for DSPN.

• Assessment of neuropathic positive and negative symptoms (e. g. sensory abnormalities, pain, cramps, numbness), especially patient-reported pain intensity, pain localisation and situations triggering pain (using validated questionnaires).

• Inspection and clinical examination (skin colour, trophic disorders, foot deformities, foot ulcers, injuries, skin temperature).

• Screening for foot complications and PAOD (see National Healthcare Guideline “Type 2 Diabetes”).

• Simple neurological examination techniques: 1) testing the Achilles tendon reflexes, vibration sensation with the C64 Hz tuning fork according to Rydel-Seiffer as well as the touch/pressure sensation with the 10 g monofilament and 2) pain sensation (e. g. 512 mN pinprick stimulators or similar) or temperature sensation (e. g. using a pen-shaped instrument with a flat plastic and metal end or similar) (see Healthcare Guideline Type 2 Diabetes, Long Version – Version 3.0 for information on performing and evaluation of this technique [12]). If DSPN is suspected, basic diagnostics (see “Basic diagnostics”) should be performed.

In people with type 2 diabetes, screening for diabetic sensorimotor and/or diabetic autonomic neuropathy should take place at the time of initial diagnosis of diabetes, and in people with type 1 diabetes not later than five years after their diabetes diagnosis. If the physician assesses the risk to be higher, annual screening is recommended. If there is no neuropathy at the initial examination and there is no increased risk according to an individual risk assessment, a screening interval of 2 years is acceptable.

Basic diagnostics

The basic diagnostic approach encompasses all examinations carried out by general practitioners, internists, and diabetologists as a minimum standard in order to diagnose diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy and to identify patients at risk early on. In addition, complications of diabetic neuropathy (e. g. foot complications) should be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Both legs and feet should be inspected, clinically examined and comparatively evaluated. A diagnostic clarification should be conducted in all symptomatic patients, especially in those with pain of unknown origin or other neuropathic symptoms, as well as in all asymptomatic patients who show abnormalities at screening (see “Screening”).

The inspection of the legs and feet should include:

• Skin: colour, turgor, fissures, blistering, subcutaneous bleeding,

• Hyperkeratosis and callus formation,

• Healed foot lesions, hypohidrosis or anhidrosis,

• Signs of bacterial infection and/or mycosis,

• Foot deformities (e. g. diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy [DNOAP] or Charcot arthropathy, hammer toes, claw toes),

• Foot ulcer with exact description of localisation, extent and concomitant infection.

The clinical examination should encompass the following:

• Peripheral pulse status (palpation of the foot pulses in the posterior tibial artery and the dorsalis pedis artery on both sides);

• Examination of skin temperature, skin turgor and sweating;

• Assessment of foot deformities as a sign of DNOAP or Charcot arthropathy as well as assessment of muscle and joint function;

• Evaluation of the patient’s gait, close inspection and touch control of shoes and inlays (changes to the upper and lining material, excessive wearing of the soles, footprint on the inlays, wound secretion on the inlays, wear-and-tear of the padding material).

Acute changes of the skin, soft tissue or joints with or without trauma strongly suggest a serious complication. Hence, infection or DNOAP or Charcot arthropathy must be ruled out in such cases. An infection is indicated by the presence of a skin lesion (entry site) which must then be located.

Subjective symptoms are clinically evaluated using the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) and the severity of neuropathic deficits with the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) [3] or the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) [4] (https://eprovide.mapi-trust. org/instruments/michiganneuropathy-screening-instrument#contact_and_conditions_of_use). An NDS≥3 or MNSI≥2.5 points indicates clinical DSPN. In presence of neuropathic symptoms (NSS≥3) or deficits (NDS≥3 or MNSI≥2.5) alone, DSPN is considered to be possible, while in presence of both neuropathic symptoms and deficits, DSPN is considered to be probable .

Motor function is tested by checking the ability to spread the toes, stretch the toes (toe walking), and flex the toes (making claws) and feet against resistance, as well as by assessing heel walking.

If present, the intensity of neuropathic pain is recorded using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS: 11 points) on a scale of 0 (=no pain) to 10 (=worst pain imaginable).

Follow-up

The intervals of follow-up examinations and, as needed, any further diagnostic procedures (see below) are based on the individual risk. If no neuropathy is present, neuropathy screening should be carried out once a year. If the screening indicates the presence of neuropathy, the diagnosis should be ascertained by basic diagnostics, possibly by adding further diagnostic procedures. If diabetic neuropathy is suspected or present, a neuropathic check-up at a minimum of every 6 months should take place depending on the individual disease progression. If peripheral arterial occlusive disease and/or foot deformities are also present, examination intervals of three months are recommended.

Fig. 1 Diagnostic criteria for diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy. Source: German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer – BÄK), National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung – KBV), Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften – AWMF). National Healthcare Guideline Neuropathy in Diabetes in Adulthood – Long Version, 1st edition. Version 5. 2011. Available at: www.dm-neuropathie.versorgungsleitlinien.de; DOI: 10.6101/AZQ/000302. [rerif] Note: A high NSS score does not necessarily indicate severe symptoms, but can reflect symptoms typical of polyneuropathy; furthermore, other neuropathic symptoms may occur that are not detected by the NSS, e. g. gait uncertainty, foreign body or cold sensation.

Advanced diagnostics

If the suspected symptom-based diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy cannot be ascertained by the basic diagnostic procedures, specific investigations (electroneurography and quantitative sensory testing, particularly if small fibre neuropathy is suspected) should be performed. To this end, the patient should be referred to a physician familiar with the above-mentioned methods.

In the case of etiologically unclear or treatment-resistant pain, a physician with experience in diagnosing and treating pain should be consulted. The pain documentation should preferably contain an indication of the level (intensity) and subjective severity or endurability (tolerability) of pain as well as documentation of the constellations triggering the pain (pain at rest, pain evocable by touch and/or load-dependent pain [standing, walking]). The latter are atypical for painful neuropathy.

Important differential diagnoses

The following can be considered for differential diagnosis: Medications (e. g. cytostatics) metals, toxins (e. g. alcohol), renal insufficiency, PAOD, vitamin B deficiency (B1, B6, B12), tumour diseases, paraproteinemia, infections (e. g. human immunodeficiency disorder (HIV), Lyme disease), vasculitides, inherited neuropathies, endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, acromegaly), immune neuropathies, impingement syndromes.

The process of diagnostic exclusion should be based on the following minimally required standard set of laboratory tests: Complete blood work, creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), vitamin B12, folic acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT), immunoelectrophoresis.

Referral to a neurologist is indicated if one or more of the following findings apply:

• Motor deficits predominate over the sensory deficits

• Rapid development and progression of symptoms

• Marked asymmetry of the neurological deficits, mononeuropathy and cranial nerve dysfunction

• Progression of symptoms despite optimisation of glycaemic control

• Symptoms present initially in the upper extremities

• Detection of other neurological symptoms in addition to diabetic polyneuropathic syndrome

• Family history of neuropathy

Referral to a pain management specialist is indicated if the aetiology of pain remains unclear and/or if the basic symptomatic pain therapy described below is not sufficiently effective or is not tolerated.

General treatment strategies and prevention

Important therapy targets for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes include the improvement in quality of life, empowerment of patients in dealing with their disease, prevention of microvascular and macrovascular secondary complications (retinopathy, nephropathy), neuropathy and diabetic foot syndrome as well as prevention and treatment of symptoms of the disease. The therapy targets should be tailored to patients of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These targets depend on, among others, (co-)morbidity, age, life expectancy and quality of life of the persons affected.

Patients with all forms and stages of neuropathy should be counselled concerning their lifestyle habits, diabetes therapy and foot care. Depending on the patient's wishes, it is recommended to involve the appropriate therapists and, if possible, relatives in problem-solving. In patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, glycaemic control should be adapted to the individual patients and their comorbidity and risk profiles.

Early checks of metabolic control and existing risk factors (e. g. smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, arterial hypertension) in people with diabetes may prevent, delay or slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy. Patients with diabetic neuropathy should be recommended to consume alcohol in – at most – moderate amounts and to give up smoking.

Patients with DSPN and loss of sensitivity with or without foot disproportions or deformities should receive shoes which conform to the guideline recommendations.

Pain therapy

If patients with DSPN do not feel impaired in their daily activities, there is no need to treat their symptoms. Successful individualised pain therapy starts with a pain analysis. Pharmacotherapy of painful DSPN is symptomatic and should be supplemented by non-pharmacological therapeutic measures. Before initiating pharmacotherapy, a detailed medication history should be taken. The choice of pharmacotherapy for DSPN should take into account frequent comorbidities and contraindications. Non-invasive, non-pharmacological therapy options such as psychotherapy/behavioural therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), muscle stimulation (high-tone external muscle stimulation) or acupuncture can be included as part of a multimodal pain therapy plan. If adequate pain relief is not achieved after 12 weeks of therapy at the latest, and the pain has a highly negative impact on the patient’s quality of life, a pain management specialist should be consulted for further therapy. Patients with refractory pain should be referred to a specialised centre as early as possible (at the latest after 9 months) to examine the indication for electrical spinal cord stimulation [5].

Principles of pharmacotherapy for painful diabetic polyneuropathy

1. Therapy of painful diabetic polyneuropathy offers symptomatic relief but does not treat the underlying cause.

2. Pharmacotherapy of chronic neuropathic pain associated with diabetes mellitus should begin as soon as possible if the pain negatively impacts the patient’s quality of life.

3. Pain therapy should not merely mitigate pain, but should also improve the quality of sleep, mobility and overall quality of life.

4. Pharmacotherapy is selected on the basis of the efficacy and general risk profile of the specific agents under consideration of known or potential comorbidities.

5. If medications show comparable analgesic efficacy, the compound with the lowest organ toxicity and particularly with the lowest risk for cardiovascular and renal side effects should be selected.

6. Consequently, agents with increased renal and cardiovascular long-term risks (e. g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Coxibs) are not indicated for therapy of diabetic neuropathic pain.

7. Analgesic efficacy should be tested individually.

8. The required dose should be titrated individually to the lowest effective dose, whereby the maximum permitted dose should not be exceeded.

9. The efficacy of pharmacotherapy should not be assessed earlier than two weeks after an adequate dose has been achieved. Agents without analgesic efficacy should no longer be prescribed.

10. Analgesic combination therapy is recommended only if the combination improves the effectiveness of each individual component and/or lowers the risk by reducing the doses of the individual components.

11. Psychotropic drugs without analgesic potency are not indicated for pain therapy. Combination preparations with caffeine, benzodiazepines or muscle relaxants are not indicated and carry a risk of abuse and dependence.

The following realistic goals of pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain can be aimed for:

1. Pain reduction of 30–50% on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) or the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS),

2. Improved sleep quality,

3. Improved quality of life,

4. Maintenance of social activities and participation,

5. Maintenance of the ability to work.

The aforementioned therapy targets must be discussed with the patient both before and during the course of therapy in order to keep the patient's expectations at a realistic level. In this way disappointments are avoided which may result in an increase in pain.

Fig. 2 Algorithm for pharmacotherapy of painful diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy. Source: German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer – BÄK), National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung – KBV), Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften – AWMF). National Healthcare Guideline Neuropathy in Diabetes in Adulthood – Long Version, 1st edition. Version 5. 2011. Available at: www.dmneuropa thie.versorgungsleitlinien.de; DOI: 10.6101/AZQ/000 302. TCA: tricyclic antidepressants. [rerif].

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy

Classification and prognosis

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is the most frequent form of peripheral neuropathy after diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy. It is only possible to distinguish between symptomatic and asymptomatic manifestations using function tests. In principle, DAN can affect any organ innervated by the autonomic nerves. DAN is classified according to affected organs and functional systems, based on clinical and phenomenological criteria.

The pathomechanisms and risk factors for the pathogenesis of DAN are principally the same as for diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy.

In light of the current knowledge, DAN undoubtedly has significant negative consequences in terms of reduced life expectancy, increased risk assessment for end-organ damage and impaired quality of life. The risk of mortality within 16 years is 3.5-fold higher in patients diagnosed with diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (DCAN) by at least 2 tests compared to patients without DCAN [6].

Screening

There are no suitable test procedures to screen for diabetic autonomic neuropathy. However, the following symptoms can serve as an indication, albeit with low specificity and sensitivity. These symptoms should be recorded at the screening intervals as part of early detection examinations [7]:

• Resting tachycardia

• Gastrointestinal disorders (dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhoea, faecal incontinence)

• Disorders of bladder function, sexual dysfunction

• Impaired hypoglycaemia perception

• Sweat secretion disorders

• Blood glucose fluctuations that cannot be explained otherwise

The Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS) is a validated a simple questionnaire including 12 questions for autonomic symptoms [8] [9] ([Tab. 2]). However, prospective studies for further validation are required in order to be able to conclusively assess the validity of the SAS in practice.

Tab. 2 Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS) to screen for autonomic symptoms. Data according to [8] [9].

Symptom/health problem	Question 1a: Have you had any of the following symptoms during the past 6 months? (1=Yes; 0=No)		Question 1b: If you answered yes to Question 1a, how much would you say these symptoms bother you? (1=Not at all; 2=A little; 3=Some; 4=A moderate amount; 5=Very much)
1. Do you have light-headedness?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
2. Do you have dry mouth or dry eyes?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
3. Are feet pale or bluish?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
4. Are feet colder than the rest of your body?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
5. Are your feet less sweaty compared to the rest of your body?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
6. Are your feet less sweaty or not sweaty at all (for example, after exercise or during hot weather)?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
7. Are your hands sweatier compared to the rest of your body?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
8. Do you have nausea, vomiting, or bloating after eating a small meal?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
9. Do you have persistent diarrhoea (more than 3 loose bowel movements per day)?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
10. Do you have persistent constipation (less than 1 bowel movement every other day)?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
11. Do you experience leaking of urine?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5
12. Do you have difficulty obtaining an erection (men)?	1	0	1	2	3	4	5

Diagnostics

The patient should be asked about the symptoms of autonomic dysfunction when the medical history is taken, especially in view of the need to establish a differential diagnosis and the option of choosing a symptomatic, organ-specific therapy. The full clinical picture of symptomatic DAN affecting multiple organs is encountered only rarely. Usually, the clinical picture shows a heterogeneous pattern of symptoms originating from various organ systems. This can lead to erroneous interpretations (s. Practice tools, [Tab. 3]).

When diagnosing diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy, possible manifestations of DAN should also be considered, as DCAN coexists in approximately 50% of the cases. Likewise, there are also correlations between DAN and other chronic complications of diabetes (retinopathy, nephropathy).

The diagnostic clarification is basically the same as for sensorimotor neuropathy (see above). In addition, cardiovascular autonomic function tests and organ-specific examinations are performed in collaboration with other specialists ([Tab. 3]). The basic diagnostic approach encompasses all examinations carried out by general practitioners, internists, and diabetologists as a minimum standard. Further diagnostic procedures are performed by specialists: neurologists/cardiologists for evaluation of syncope, gastroenterologists for gastrointestinal symptoms, and urologists for urogenital disorders.

Diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (DCAN)

DCAN is encountered in about 20% of patients with diabetes [6] and is characterised by reduced heart rate variability (HRV) as an early sign of vagal damage, which is often detectable before clinical symptoms manifest themselves in the cardiovascular system and other organ systems. Advanced DCAN stages show an increase in resting heart rate (predominantly vagal lesion) and orthostatic hypotension (predominantly sympathetic lesion).

According to the recommendations of the Toronto Consensus Conference [6], initial diagnosis and follow-ups should include at least two autonomic reflex tests for the detection of DCAN: heart rate variability (HRV) and the orthostatic test. Hence, the basic diagnostic tests include measurement of HRV during deep breathing and upon standing up, as well as blood pressure changes during the orthostatic test, with the following diagnostic constellations:

1. One abnormal HRV test: possible or early DCAN, which needs to be confirmed in further course;

2. At least two abnormal HRV tests: definitive or confirmed DCAN;

3. Orthostatic hypotension in addition to abnormal HRV tests: severe or advanced DCAN.

All symptomatic patients in whom the basic diagnostic tests have not revealed any definite abnormal findings then undergo further, computer-aided tests performed by a specialist. In addition to confirming the diagnosis, these tests serve to establish the severity and risk assessment or prognosis of DCAN.

Gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy

Gastrointestinal symptoms occur frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus. They lead to significantly impaired quality of life and require a diagnostic work-up and differential diagnosis. The history recorded within the basic diagnostic clarification should include detailed information about the following signs and symptoms: gastrointestinal symptoms including dysphagia/odynophagia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, faecal incontinence or blood in stool; duration and possible worsening of gastrointestinal symptoms; presence of B-symptoms (fever, weakness, weight loss) and their impact on quality of life.

Structural and infectious diseases should be excluded for all new onset complaints which have not yet been adequately diagnosed and which show a progressive course or are accompanied by warning symptoms (e. g. bleeding, anaemia, unexplained weight loss in excess of 10%, dysphagia/odynophagia, persistent vomiting, family or personal history of gastrointestinal tumours, previous peptic ulcers, enlarged lymph nodes, palpable masses, malnutrition, blood in stool, paradoxical diarrhoea, age >50 years). When symptoms last longer than 4 weeks and are subjectively troublesome, it should be decided, on the basis of these symptoms, whether to refer the patient to a specialist (e. g. to a physician experienced in gastroenterology) for further diagnostic clarification immediately or to try therapy first.

It is especially important to exclude relevant differential diagnoses, because numerous serious gastrointestinal disorders can manifest only through mild and/or non-specific symptoms, especially at their early stages. This applies, for example, to all gastrointestinal malignancies as well as disorders such as coeliac disease and peptic ulcer.

Autonomic neuropathy of the urogenital tract

Diabetic cystopathy is considered to be primarily a neurogenic sensorimotor dysfunction. Within the basic diagnostic clarification, every patient with diabetes should be regularly asked about micturition symptoms (frequency of micturition, residual urine, urinary tract infections, weak urine stream, whether straining/use of abdominal muscles is required when urinating, incontinence) as well as about satisfaction with sexual life. In addition, a drug history should be taken so that undesirable side effects on the urinary tract can be recognised. The basic diagnostic steps should also include a micturition diary that is kept for 48 hours (frequency of micturition, voided volume and fluid intake volume). Another micturition diary should be kept whenever patient medical information changes. In asymptomatic patients, the medical history should be performed annually.

In cases of functional sexual disorders, the basic diagnostic approach consists of targeted history questions directed at the couple. A more thorough examination is indicated in cases stressful disorders in sexual life. The IIEF5 questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function-5) is available for men [10] (see Practice tools, [Tab. 4], [5]).

Tab. 4 The IIEF-5 questionnaire (5-item International Index of Erectile Function). Data according to [10].

Occurrence within the last 6 months. (For each question, tick only one answer that best describes the individual situation).
1) How reliably can you get and keep an erection?	Very low	Low	Moderate	High	Very high
2. When you had erections from sexual stimulation, how often were your erections hard enough for penetration?	Never/almost never	A few times (much less than half the time)	Sometimes (about half the time)	Most times (much more than half the time)	Almost always/always
3. During sexual intercourse, how often were you able to maintain your erection after you had penetrated your partner?	Never/almost never	A few times (much less than half the time)	Sometimes (about half the time)	Most times (much more than half the time)	Almost always/always
4. During sexual intercourse, how difficult was it to maintain your erection to completion of intercourse?	Extremely difficult	Very difficult	Difficult	Slightly difficult	Not difficult
5. When you attempted sexual intercourse, how often did you experience sexual satisfaction?	Never/almost never	A few times (much less than half the time)	Sometimes (about half the time)	Most times (much more than half the time)	Almost always/always
Points	1	2	3	4	5

Tab. 5 Interpretation of the IIEF-5 score for diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. Data according to [10].

Points for questions 1–5	Score (total)	Interpretation of erectile dysfunction (ED)
Question 1: _____	5–7	Severe ED
Question 2: _____	8–11	Moderate ED
Question 3: _____	12–16	Mild to moderate ED
Question 4: _____	17–21	Mild ED
Question 5: _____	22–25	No ED
Points: _____

Patients with micturition complaints should be referred to a urologist for further examination if they have increased residual urine (>20% of bladder capacity or >100 mL) or recurrent urinary tract infections (i. e. more than three urinary tract infections over a period of one year). [Tab. 1]

Tab. 1 Simple neurological examination methods for diagnosis of diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy (always performed bilaterally). Data according to [1] [2].

Quality	Examination	Findings in diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy
Pain sensation	With toothpick, disposable needle or Neurotip Questions to be asked: “Is it painful?” (not: “Can you feel the needle?”)	Bilateral limb section-wise demarcation (e. g. stocking- or sock-wise demarcation)
Touch sensation	E.g. with cotton-ball swab	Bilateral limb section-wise demarcation (e. g. stocking- or sock-wise demarcation)
Pressure and touch sensation	10 g monofilament on the plantar aspect of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bone; plantar distal aspect of great toe; in addition, on the basis of the 3rd and 5th metatarsal bone as applicable. Caveat: Examination should not be carried out on callused areas.	Positive screening test: absent sensation in at least one skin area
Temperature sensation	With cold metal (e. g. tuning fork), ice water-cooled test tube or Tip Therm	Bilateral limb section-wise demarcation (e. g. stocking- or sock-wise demarcation)
Vibration sensation as measured with C64 Hz Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork	First at great toe base joint; if sensation is=0/8 on both sides, examination should be carried out at a proximal location (medial malleolus)	Lower limit of normal proximal to great toe base joint: For ages up to 39 years 5/81 For age 40–59 years 4.5/81 For age 60–74 years 4/81 For age≥75 years 3.5/81 Bilaterally reduced or non-evocable
Proprioceptive reflexes	Ankle reflex and knee reflex

¹ Lower limits of normal for vibration sensation [11].

Perioperative care

Patients with DCAN have higher perioperative morbidity and mortality than those without. When elective surgery is to be performed, the following simple preoperative measures should be taken in order to detect any relevant autonomic neuropathies: Medical history with basic personal and diabetes-specific data, risk factors/indicators and clinical correlates for diabetic sensorimotor and diabetic autonomic neuropathies; physical examination; and assessment of previous findings including previous anaesthesia charts. Extended haemodynamic monitoring in patients with diabetic neuropathy is not mandatory, not even during major surgery. Just as in patients without neuropathy, those with diabetic autonomic neuropathy are allowed to eat solid meals up to six hours and drink clear liquids up to two hours before beginning anaesthesia.

Therapy

The general treatment strategies and prevention of diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy principles mentioned above also apply to autonomic neuropathies. However, with respect to pharmacotherapy of symptomatic diabetic autonomic neuropathy, it must be noted that only a few larger controlled studies are available (exception: erectile dysfunction), so that some recommendations are based on additional evidence from studies performed in patients without diabetes who had the corresponding symptoms (see Practice tools, [Tab. 3]).

Therapeutic modalities for DCAN that extend beyond physical measures should be conducted only in facilities with competence in treating DCAN. Beta adrenergic blocking agents with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (e. g. pindolol) and tricyclic antidepressants at clinically effective doses (e. g. amitriptyline, imipramine) should not be administered to patients with DCAN due to their unfavourable influence on HRV and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

Manifest gastrointestinal disorders should be treated symptomatically and according to the standards that also apply to patients without diabetes mellitus while taking diabetes-specific risks and contraindications should into account. Quantifiable gastrointestinal dysfunction which is not associated with subjective complaints, relevant morphological changes or impaired glycaemic control does not require treatment. Patients with diabetic gastropathy with accelerated gastric emptying should be advised to eat small meals that are distributed over the day and to avoid rapidly absorbed carbohydrates. Patients with diabetic gastroparesis should be advised to modify their diet, i. e. to eat small meals that are distributed throughout the day, with reduced fat and little fibre. General measures such as chewing thoroughly before swallowing and remaining upright (for at least 30 min) after meals should be recommended. If symptoms persist, prokinetic agents can be tried. The approval of metoclopramide and domperidone has been restricted so that their administration as prokinetic drugs is an off-label use. The following criteria must be considered for off-label use: (1) proven efficacy, (2) favourable benefit-risk profile, (3) lack of alternatives – attempt at healing. The treatment options for symptomatic gastrointestinal disorders are listed in [Tab. 3].

Treatment of bladder dysfunction (diabetic cystopathy) should address the patient’s subjective complaints (e. g. micturition complaints, urinary tract infections). Since some of the possible consequences of diabetic cystopathy (e. g. postvoid residual urine with subsequent damage to the upper urinary tract) can progress without symptoms or with only very discrete symptoms, a detailed and targeted medical history is the prerequisite for the recognition of these consequences, prevention of complications and the specific therapy. Behavioural training such as “timed voiding” (micturition by the clock) or “double voiding” (two urinations within a short period of time) can be conducted as initial measures, since improvement of bladder voiding is possible without medication or surgical intervention. Overall, the symptoms and consequences of diabetic cystopathy can only be influenced to a limited extent by drug therapy. Urinary tract infections must be considered as complicated in people with diabetes mellitus, if the metabolic situation is unstable and in presence of manifest diabetic secondary complications. The duration of therapy for complicated urinary tract infections should be at least 7 days.

Symptomatic pharmacotherapy of various organ and functional systems (see Practice tools, [Tab. 3]) should normally be initiated by appropriate specialists within the interdisciplinary cooperation.

German Diabetes Association: Clinical Practice Guidelines

This is a translation of the DDG clinical practice guideline published in Diabetologie 2024; 19 (Suppl 2): S322–S336.DOI: 10.1055/a-2312-0661

Conflicts of interest

D. Ziegler: Consultant: Bayer, Berlin-Chemie, Biogen, Clexio, Grünenthal, GSK, Novaremed, Novartis, Nevro, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Stada, TrigoCare, Viatris, Wörwag; Speaker: AstraZeneca, Berlin-Chemie, Grünenthal, Eva, Nevro, Pfizer, Sanofi, Viatris, Wörwag; Research funds: Wörwag.

• References

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Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
29. April 2025