Hand Skin Blood Flow in Diabetic Patients With Autonomic Neuropathy and Microangiopathy

Abstract

These results are consistent with increased palmar arteriovenous shunt blood flow or capillary closure in the hands of diabetic patients with definite or severe autonomic neuropathy. They indicate that thermoregulatory reflex changes in hand skin blood flow are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. It is possible, however, that diabetic microangiopathy, associated with the presence of proliferative retinopathy, also independently affects hand skin blood flow.