Effect of Duration and Glycemic Control on Autonomic Nerve Function Parameters in Diabetic Subjects

Abstract

Objective: The study was designed tnd duration of diabetes mellitus on autonomic nerve function parameters.Patients & Methods: The study was done at department of Physiology in the Medical College of Al-Mustansirya University and the section of Neurophysiology in Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital. In cooperation with the National Diabetic Center (NDC) of Al-Mustansirya University in Baghdad from December 2005 till december2006.Glycemic control was assessed by measuring fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin while cardiac autonomic nerve function parameters were assessed by using Ewing's battery tests. Results: Parameters that are firstly affected by duration of diabetes are Valsalva ratio, heart rate change with breathing (P>0.01). While blood pressure change with standing is firstly affected by bad glycemic control (p>0.05).Conclusion: The results assured the hazardous effect of hyperglycemia and long duration of diabetes on autonomic nerve function parameters.Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Ewing's battery test, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.