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Published on: February 25, 2016
Modifications in nasal function and nitric oxide serum level in type 1 diabetes
Walter Di Nardo1, Dario Pitocco, Mauro A S Di Leo
1Department of Otolaryngology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome, Rome, Italy.
Summary
Type 1 diabetes (IDDM) affects nasal function, increasing airway resistance and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) can detect these nasal changes in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]) can affect various bodily systems.
- The involvement of the nasal mucosa, nervous system, and microcirculation in IDDM is not fully understood.
- Previous research has not extensively explored nasal function modifications in IDDM patients without advanced complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nasal function modifications in type 1 diabetes (IDDM) using active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR).
- To investigate potential involvement of the nasal nervous system and microcirculation in IDDM.
- To determine if AAR can detect nasal alterations in IDDM patients without other diabetic complications.
Main Methods:
- Studied 35 non-smoking IDDM patients without diabetic complications or nasal pathology.
- Measured serum nitric oxide (NO) levels and nasal airway resistance using AAR in basal, supine, and post-decongestion states.
- Compared rhinomanometry results with a control group and assessed neuropathy using standardized tests.
Main Results:
- IDDM patients exhibited significantly higher serum NO levels compared to controls.
- AAR revealed increased inspiratory total resistance in basal, supine, and post-decongestion conditions for IDDM patients.
- Diabetic patients showed a greater reduction in nasal resistance after decongestion than controls.
Conclusions:
- Nasal function is demonstrably involved in type 1 diabetes.
- Active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) is a valuable tool for assessing nasal involvement in IDDM, even in the absence of overt diabetic neuropathy.
- Elevated nitric oxide (NO) levels may contribute to the observed nasal alterations in IDDM patients.
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