[Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function in patients with early type I diabetes]

M-mode, resting echocardiographic examination has been performed under 2-D control in 19 patients (mean age-26 years) with controlled, type 1 diabetes lasting up to 2 years (D group). The control group (C) consisted of 20 healthy men (average age-25 yrs). Greater cardiac index has been stated in D group (p less than 0.05). Left ventricular systolic function parameters such as: ejection fraction, percentage of fractional shortening and a mean rate of circumferential shortening indicate greater contractility in D patients. Left ventricular mass also has been significantly greater (p less than 0.04) and the total peripheral resistance significantly lowered (p less than 0.05) in the D group. Stated alterations in left ventricular function and structure are probably due to adaptation for increased peripheral flow.