There are numerous conditions and diseases that can cause autonomic neuropathy, including:

• Parkinson’s disease
  
  
• Multiple system atrophy 
  
  
• Autoimmune diseases
  
  
• Alcoholism
  
  
• Amyloidosis (abnormal buildup of protein in the organs)
  
  
• Injury or surgery involving the nerves
  
  
• Disorders involving a hardening of body tissue
  
  
• Medication use (e.g., anticholinergics, chemotherapy drugs)
  
  
• Tumors

One of  the most significant risk factors for autonomic neuropathy is diabetes. The longer a person has the disease, the greater the risk of neuropathy. People with the greatest vulnerability include those who are older than 40, have had diabetes for more than 25 years and who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing autonomic neuropathy include:

• Excessive body weight
  
  
• High blood pressure
  
  
• High levels of blood fat
  
  
• Smoking