Question

Sara, age 40, has diabetes and is now experiencing anhidrosis on the hands and feet, increased sweating on the face and trunk, dysphagia, anorexia, and heartburn. Which complication of diabetes do you suspect?

1) Macrocirculation changes
2) Microcirculation changes
3) Peripheral neuropathies
4) Autonomic neuropathies

Answer 1

Sara is likely experiencing autonomic neuropathies, a complication of diabetes that affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms including anhidrosis, increased sweating, dysphagia, anorexia, and heartburn.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sara, age 40, who has diabetes and is experiencing anhidrosis on the hands and feet, increased sweating on the face and trunk, dysphagia, anorexia, and heartburn, is likely showing symptoms of autonomic neuropathies. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is a complication that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary actions such as sweating and digestion. Sara's symptoms, including dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and gastrointestinal issues like anorexia and heartburn, are indicative of gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy, while her anhidrosis (the inability to sweat normally) corresponds to sudomotor dysfunction, both being components of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Considering these symptoms, the correct answer is 4) Autonomic neuropathies.