The autonomic nervous system in alcoholic and diabetic neuropathy.

Tests of autonomic function were performed on 10 controls, 16 subjects with diabetic neuropathy and 12 subjects with alcoholic neuropathy. Abnormal sweating occurred in 10/10 alcoholics (100%) and 10/10 diabetics (100%) who were examined. An abnormal Valsalva ratio was present in 7/11 (64%) of diabetics and only 2/9 (22%) of alcoholics. Denervation hypersensitivity to phenylephrine occurred in 2/8 (25%) of diabetics and was absent in alcoholics. A quantitative assessment of baroreceptor function was made. In diabetics there was a reduced resting heart period, heart period range and mean gain, whilst these parameters were essentially normal in alcoholics.