Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and ageing have well documented effects on every organ in the body. In T2D the autonomic nervous system\r\nis impaired due to damage to neurons, sensory receptors, synapses and the blood vessels. This paper will concentrate on how\r\nautonomic impairment alters normal daily activities. Impairments include the response of the blood vessels to heat, sweating, heat\r\ntransfer, whole body heating, orthostatic intolerance, balance, and gait. Because diabetes is more prevalent in older individuals,\r\nthe effects of ageing will be examined. Beginning with endothelial dysfunction, blood vessels have impairment in their ability to\r\nvasodilate. With this and synaptic damage, the autonomic nervous system cannot compensate for effectors such as pressure on\r\nand heating of the skin. This and reduced ability of the heart to respond to stress, reduces autonomic orthostatic compensation.\r\nDiminished sweating causes the skin and core temperature to be high during whole body heating. Impaired orthostatic tolerance,\r\nimpaired vision and vestibular sensing, causes poor balance and impaired gait. Overall, people with T2D must be made aware and\r\ncounseled relative to the potential consequence of these impairments.
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