Classical autonomic function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy volunteers: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: The incidence of autonomic dysfunction has increased in the setting of type 2 diabetes mellitus and various tools have been developed for assessing it. Classical autonomic function tests are one among them. Objective: To compare the classical autonomic function tests in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy volunteers Materials and methods: The present study was conducted at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu on 30 type 2 diabetic patients (cases) and 30 healthy volunteers (controls). Average age of the diabetic patients was 48.53 ± 5.12 (Mean ± SD) and that of volunteers was 47.10 ±3.59 (Mean ± SD). After obtaining informed, written consent Cardio-respiratory parameters such as resting heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured after 10 minutes of supine rest and autonomic function parameters (AFT) such as heart rate and blood pressure response to handgrip, deep breathing difference test and Valsalvo ratio were recorded in them. Results: Statistical analysis done by using independent Students 't’ test, showed a statistically significant impairment in heart rate response to handgrip (P