Cardiovascular autonomic function and vibration perception threshold in type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular autonomic function tests (AFT) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with controls.Research Design/MethodsThe study was conducted on 60 diabetic patients comparing with 30 controls. The cardiovascular AFT and VPT were assessed in both groups.ResultsAmong cardiovascular AFT, E:I ratio [1.24 (1.2–1.32) vs 1.3 (1.24–1.4), p = 0.001], and Valsalva ratio [1.28 (1.22–1.4) vs 1.6 (1.5–1.73), p = 0.001], the indicators of parasympathetic reactivity were reduced in T2DM. Rise in DBP during handgrip, an indicator of sympathetic reactivity was lower in T2DM [12 (10–14) vs 16 (14–18) mmHg, p = 0.001] whereas, fall in SBP during head up tilt [4 (4–8) vs 5 (4–8) mmHg] was comparable. VPT (somatic sensation) was comparable between T2DM and control.ConclusionAutonomic involvement is more marked than somatic, and parasympathetic involvement is more marked than the sympathetic, possibly reflecting severity and chronological pattern of their involvement.