Heart rate variability and cardiovascular tests in young patients with diabetes mellitus type 1

The aim of this study was to obtain information about parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) in three frequency bands (high frequency - HF, low frequency - LF and very low frequency - VLF), the sensitivity of cardiovascular tests, and subjective feelings depending on autonomic nervous system balance in a group of young patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (IDDM). Sixty-four subjects were examined: 32 patients with diabetes with a mean age of 16.1 +/- 0.7 years and a mean duration of IDDM of 6.3 +/- 0.8 years, and 32 healthy controls matched for age, sex and BMI. Shorter R-R intervals and abnormal values reflecting HRV were found in the diabetic group. In particular, parameters of total power, and HF and LF bands were reduced. The ratio VLF/HF power revealed predominance of sympathetic tone in the diabetic subjects. Although relative power VLF was increased in the supine position, the reactive rise of the VLF band activity in orthostasis was lower in the IDDM group. Using cardiovascular tests (deep breathing, Valsalva, orthostasis), significant differences in reactions were found only in the deep breathing test. Evaluation of sympathetic:parasympathetic:indifferent subjective feelings by questionnaire did not reveal any differences between the diabetic and healthy groups.