European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

The prevalence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in type 2 DM patients increases with
the duration and poor glycemic control. Patients with CAN are at increased risk for
autonomic dysfunction like resting tachycardia,abnormal systolic and diastolic function
leading to syncope and dizziness, prolonged QT interval, silent ischemia/infarction, lethal
arrhythmias and sudden death.Usage of 5 simple and cheap bed side tests for autonomic
function and corrected QT interval from ECG are helpful in early diagnosis of CAN. Early
recognition of CAN is helpful in delaying effects of CAN by strict control of blood sugar and
following healthy life style. Our study was conducted on100known and newly diagnosedType
2 Diabetes Mellitus patients<60 years whopresentedto Medicine OPD and admitted in IPD
wardsin Maharani LaxmiBai Medical College.Out of total 100 patients,49% had normal
score(0,1); 25% had borderline score(2,3,4); rest 26% had abnormal score ≥5; the prevalence
of CAN was 51%.Among 100 patients 47% patients were foundwith poor glycemic control
(HbA1C ≥ 8),in these 17% had early and 21% had definite CAN. Out of 100 patients of the
study, 55% patients had QTc>440ms out of which 17% had early and 23% had definite CAN.
The CAN also increased with older age group. So it is important to diagnose CAN early in
asymptomatic diabetics. There is significant correlation between CAN and QT prolongation.
QT interval in ECG can be used to diagnose CAN with reasonable sensitivity and specificity.
Usage of 5 bedside autonomic function tests are very helpful in early diagnosis of CAN.Strict
control of blood sugar can delay the early development of CAN. Intensive control of blood
sugar can delay the early development of CAN.