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Cardiovascular autonomic function and vibration perception threshold in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Rajesh Kumar Goit1, Rita Khadka, Sanjib Kumar Sharma
1Department of Physiology, Nepalgunj Medical College, Nepalgunj, Nepal. goit_rajesh@yahoo.com
Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications
|April 27, 2012
Summary
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, particularly parasympathetic impairment, is more prevalent in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than somatic nerve involvement. Autonomic function tests reveal significant differences between T2DM patients and controls.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications.
- Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is a common complication affecting cardiovascular and somatic functions.
- Early detection of autonomic dysfunction is crucial for managing T2DM complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cardiovascular autonomic function tests (AFT) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) in patients with T2DM versus healthy controls.
- To assess the extent of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system involvement in T2DM.
- To evaluate the relationship between autonomic and somatic nerve function in T2DM.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 60 patients with T2DM and 30 healthy controls.
- Cardiovascular autonomic function tests including E:I ratio and Valsalva ratio were performed.
- Vibration perception threshold (VPT) was assessed to evaluate somatic sensation.
Main Results:
- Patients with T2DM showed significantly reduced parasympathetic reactivity (E:I ratio and Valsalva ratio) compared to controls (p=0.001).
- Sympathetic reactivity, indicated by the rise in diastolic blood pressure during handgrip, was lower in T2DM patients (p=0.001).
- Vibration perception threshold (somatic sensation) was comparable between T2DM patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Autonomic nervous system involvement is more pronounced than somatic nerve involvement in T2DM.
- Parasympathetic dysfunction is more marked than sympathetic dysfunction in T2DM patients.
- Findings suggest a specific pattern and severity of nerve involvement in T2DM progression.
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