Damage to these nerves can prevent a man's penis from getting firm when he wants to have sex. Many men who have had diabetes for many years experience impotence. Autonomic nerves go to the vagina. Damage to these nerves prevents a woman's vagina from getting wet when she wants to have sex. A woman might also have less feeling around her vagina.
Autonomic nerves go to the heart.
Damage to these nerves might make your heart beat faster or at different speeds. Damage to autonomic nerves from diabetes can cause bladder and stomach problems. Autonomic nerves go to the bladder. Damage to these nerves can make it hard to know when you should go to the bathroom. The damage can also make it hard to feel when your bladder is empty.