George has managed his diabetes for 20 years. His latest check-up showed bouts of alternating constipation and diarrhea. He complains about feeling overheated outdoors in the summer and notices reduced sweating. Additionally, he has been treated for urinary tract infections twice in the last year. Match the complication related to George's symptoms and illnesses: A) Autonomic Neuropathy

Health · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021

Answered on

George's symptoms suggest that he could be experiencing Autonomic Neuropathy, a type of complication associated with long-term diabetes. Autonomic Neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, such as digestion, bladder function, perspiration, and temperature regulation. This is consistent with the varying symptoms George is experiencing:

- Alternating constipation and diarrhea can occur due to damage to the nerves that control intestinal muscle contractions, leading to irregular bowel movements. - Feeling overheated outdoors in the summer and noticing reduced sweating can be explained by damage to sweat glands' nervous control, leading to an inability to regulate body temperature properly. - Recurrent urinary tract infections could be a result of bladder function being compromised, as the nerves controlling sensation and muscle function may not work effectively, making it difficult to completely empty the bladder. This can lead to urine retention and increase the risk of infections.

Therefore, matching George's symptoms and illnesses to Autonomic Neuropathy (A) would be appropriate.