European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: In the presence of type 1 diabetes mellitus, the incidence of autonomic dysfunction has increased and various evaluation methods have been identified. Each of these is the classical autonomic control tests.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare autonomic function tests in cases of type I diabetes mellitus and healthy individuals.
Material and Methods: In the study, 60 cases of diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus and 60 age and sex-matched healthy individuals both between the age group of 18-25 years were included. Autonomic function tests were carried out and these parameters were compared between these two groups using an unpaired t-test.
Results: Deep breathing difference in patients of type I diabetes mellitus was significantly decreased as compared to healthy individuals. Valsalva ratio in patients of type I diabetes was significantly decreased as compared to healthy individuals. Postural tachycardia index in patients of type I diabetes was significantly decreased as compared to healthy individuals. The decrease in systolic blood pressure in patients with type I diabetes was substantially higher than in healthy individuals. The increase in diastolic blood pressure with isometric handgrip monitoring in patients with type I diabetes was substantially lower relative to healthy individuals.
Conclusion:  Deep breathing difference, Valsalva ratio, postural tachycardia index are a measure of parasympathetic function. Deranged autonomic function tests in type I diabetic patients may be due to sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction.