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Abnormal thermoregulation in diabetic autonomic neuropathy
A R Scott1, I A MacDonald, T Bennett
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nottingham Medical School, UK.
Diabetes
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Diabetic individuals with autonomic neuropathy exhibit impaired thermoregulation, leading to a higher risk of hypothermia. This study found reduced vasoconstriction and core temperature drops during cooling in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Physiology
Background:
- Hypothermia is more prevalent in diabetic individuals.
- Autonomic neuropathy may contribute to thermoregulation dysfunction in diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between autonomic neuropathy and disordered thermoregulation in diabetic patients.
- To assess the impact of external cooling on thermoregulation in diabetic patients with and without neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- 12 insulin-treated diabetic patients with neuropathy, 11 without, and 12 non-diabetic controls (all <55 years) underwent external cooling (16°C water) for ≤45 min.
- Normoglycemia was maintained, and baseline metabolic rates were assessed.
- Vasoconstriction, core temperature, and shivering responses were measured.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy showed impaired vasoconstriction, particularly in extremities.
- Core body temperature remained stable or decreased in patients with autonomic neuropathy, unlike controls and diabetics without neuropathy.
- Shivering occurred in 6 patients with diabetic autonomic neuropathy, indicating a heightened cold response.
Conclusions:
- Young diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy have impaired thermoregulation, even under stable metabolic conditions.
- This thermoregulatory deficit during cooling may increase susceptibility to hypothermia.
- Autonomic neuropathy is a significant factor in altered body temperature control in diabetes.