Impaired compensatory response to hypovolaemic circulatory stress in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is associated with decreased haemodynamic stability and reduced tolerance to hypovolaemia. Compensatory haemodynamic responses during experimental hypovolaemia in type 1 diabetes patients with (DMR+) and without (DMR-) retinopathy as well as healthy controls (C) were studied. Lower body negative pressure created hypovolaemic circulatory stress. Volumetric techniques were used to assess the compensatory capacitance response (redistribution of peripheral venous blood to the central circulation) and to assess capillary fluid absorption from tissue to blood. The compensatory capacitance response was 1/3 lower in DMR+ compared with C (p = 0.002) and DMR- (p = 0.01). Net capillary fluid absorption was reduced by one-third in DMR- and DMR+ compared with C (each p < 0.05). Type 1 diabetes patients with retinopathy demonstrate reduced mobilisation of peripheral venous blood to the central circulation. Furthermore, type 1 diabetes patients present with impaired capillary fluid absorption, which in combination with potentially decreased sympathetic vasoconstriction impedes cardiovascular homeostasis during acute hypovolaemic stress.