[Autonomic neuropathy in reduced glucose tolerance]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Neurology

Context:

• Investigating cardiovascular autonomic function in individuals with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT).
• Utilizing standard autonomic function tests to assess sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation.
• Controlled ambulatory setting for subject monitoring.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the integrity of cardiovascular autonomic innervation in IGT subjects.
• To determine if subclinical autonomic dysfunction is present in IGT.
• To correlate autonomic dysfunction with glucose metabolism alterations.

Summary:

• 33 IGT subjects were assessed for cardiovascular autonomic innervation using standard tests.
• Pathological and borderline results were observed in specific parasympathetic function tests (SL1, SL2, LS).
• Autonomic dysfunction in IGT subjects is linked to glucose metabolism, not other factors like age or weight.

Impact:

• Identifies IGT as a high-risk population for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.
• Suggests early screening for autonomic dysfunction in IGT individuals.
• Emphasizes the need for proactive management in pre-diabetic states.