[Autonomic cardiac neuropathy in patients with insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus]

Altogether 60 patients with insulin-deficient diabetes aged 16-40 with a disease standing of 11.2 +/- 0,93 years were examined. Diabetic autonomous cardiac neuropathy was detected in 73% of the patients by means of a study of the R-R interval variation in normal and deep breathing and Valsalva's index. Direct correlation of the time-length of diabetes with retinopathy and distal polyneuropathy was found. Orthostatic hypotension was diagnosed in 10% of the patients.