Identification of a definite diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetes by comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation: A cross‐sectional comparison with non‐diabetic weight‐matched controls

The relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and periodontal disease may exhibit by the alteration of bone metabolism. However, evidence for this relationship is scarce and inconclusive. Thus, the aims of the present study were to investigate salivary receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β (RANK), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene expression and the RANKL:OPG ratio in T1DM and non-T1DM. Secondary objective was to determine the relationships of RANK, RANKL and OPG gene expression to clinical parameters of T1DM and periodontal disease. Twenty patients with T1DM and twenty age-matched non-T1DM were recruited. Clinical periodontal parameters were measured. Total RNA was isolated from non-stimulated saliva, and the relative gene expressions of RANK, RANKL, OPG and RANKL:OPG ratio were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The T1DM group had significantly higher mean periodontal parameters than the non-T1DM group, while the mean plaque scores of both groups were not significantly different. There was a trend of higher relative gene expression of RANK, RANKL, and the RANKL:OPG ratio and lower expression of OPG in T1DM group but no statistic significant different when compared to non-T1DM. In the T1DM group, RANKL:OPG correlated with the percentage of bleeding sites, whereas RANK, RANKL, and HbA1c levels correlated with pocket depth. Bone metabolisms demonstrating by decreased OPG gene expression and upregulated of RANK, RANKL, RANKL:OPG with higher pocket depth and bleeding in T1DM may play an important role in periodontal destruction in T1DM.

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) confers considerable morbidity and mortality in diabetes. However, the role of CAD in additive effect of left ventricular (LV) function has rarely been explored in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aimed to investigate how CAD affect LV systolic and diastolic function in T2DM patients.Materials and methodsA total of 282 T2DM patients {104 patients with CAD [T2DM (CAD +)] and 178 without [T2DM (CAD −)]} and 83 sex- and age- matched healthy controls underwent cardiac magnetic resonance scanning. LV structure, function, global strains [including systolic peak strain (PS), peak systolic (PSSR) and diastolic strain rate (PDSR) in radial, circumferential and longitudinal directions] and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) parameters were measured. T2DM (CAD +) patients were divided into two subgroups based on the median of Gensini score (60) which was calculated to assess the severity of CAD. Multivariable linear regression analyses were constructed to investigate the determinants of reduced LV function.ResultsCompared with normal controls, T2DM (CAD −) patients exhibited increased LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume index and decreased LV global strains, while T2DM(CAD +) patients showed more marked increase and decrease than T2DM(CAD-) and healthy controls, except for longitudinal PDSR (PDSR-L) (all P < 0.017). All of LV global strains demonstrated a progressive decrease from normal controls, through Gensini score ≤ 60, to Gensini score > 60 group, except for PDSR-L (all P < 0.017). CAD was an independent predictor of reduced LV global circumferential PS (GCPS, β = 0.22, p < 0.001), PSSR (PSSR-C, β = 0.17, p = 0.005), PDSR (PDSR-C, β = 0.22, p < 0.001), global radial PS (GRPS, β = 0.19, p = 0.001), and global longitudinal PS (GLPS, β = 0.18, p = 0.003) in T2DM. The Gensini score was associated with decreased GCPS, PSSR-C, PDSR-C, GRPS, and GLPS in T2DM (CAD +) (all p < 0.05).ConclusionCAD has an additive deleterious effect on LV systolic and diastolic function in T2DM patients. Among T2DM (CAD +) patients, the Gensini score is associated with reduced LV contractile and diastolic function.Trial registration Retrospectively registered

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular death, overall mortality and heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study investigated the additive effects of paroxysmal AF on left ventricular (LV) function and deformation in T2DM patients with or without AF using the cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) technique.MethodsThe present study encompassed 225 T2DM patients differentiated by the presence or absence of paroxysmal AF [T2DM(AF+) and T2DM(AF−), respectively], along with 75 age and sex matched controls, all of whom underwent CMR examination. LV function and global strains, including radial, circumferential and longitudinal peak strain (PS), as well as peak systolic and diastolic strain rates (PSSR and PDSR, respectively), were measured and compared among the groups. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with LV global strains in patients with T2DM.ResultsThe T2DM(AF+) group was the oldest, had the highest LV end‑systolic volume index, lowest LV ejection fraction and estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to the control and T2DM(AF−) groups, and presented a shorter diabetes duration and lower HbA1c than the T2DM(AF−) group. LV PS-radial, PS-longitudinal and PDSR-radial declined successively from controls through the T2DM(AF−) group to the T2DM(AF+) group (all p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, LV PS-circumferential, PSSR-radial and PDSR-circumferential were decreased in the T2DM(AF+) group (all p < 0.001) but preserved in the T2DM(AF−) group. Among all clinical indices, AF was independently associated with worsening LV PS-longitudinal (β = 2.218, p < 0.001), PS-circumferential (β = 3.948, p < 0.001), PS-radial (β = − 8.40, p < 0.001), PSSR-radial and -circumferential (β = − 0.345 and 0.101, p = 0.002 and 0.014, respectively), PDSR-radial and -circumferential (β = 0.359 and − 0.14, p = 0.022 and 0.003, respectively).ConclusionsIn patients with T2DM, the presence of paroxysmal AF further exacerbates LV function and deformation. Proactive prevention, regular detection and early intervention of AF could potentially benefit T2DM patients.

According to the 'Th(1)/Th(2) paradigm', children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) should have a lower risk of developing allergic sensitization and, because of the involvement of insulin in modulating airway inflammation, different frequency or severity in allergy-related respiratory manifestations. This article aims at evaluating the frequency and type of allergic sensitization and its respiratory manifestation, asthma and/or rhinitis, in a group of pediatric patients with T1DM. Patients (112) with T1DM, 7.8-16.9 yr of age (63 males and 49 females) were evaluated. Skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to the most common classes of aeroallergens were performed and compared with data obtained in 709 school-aged children. The frequency of sensitization was not different in the T1DM and in the control subjects (43.7% and 40.8%, respectively; p = 0.55), with similar proportions of individuals sensitized to one allergen (32.7% and 38.1%, respectively; p = 0.47). In both groups, sensitization to house dust mite allergens was the most frequently detected (69.4% and 65.4%, respectively; p = 0.59), with a higher proportions of individuals sensitized to Graminae (+Cynodon dactylon; p < 0.0001) and a lower, but weakly significant, proportion sensitized to Parietaria (p = 0.03) in the T1DM group, as compared with controls. No differences were found between T1DM and control groups in the proportion of individuals reporting rhinitis (26.8% and 29.2%; p = 0.60). However, comparing separately sensitized and non-sensitized subjects, a lower proportion of rhinitis subjects was detected in the non-sensitized T1DM patients, when compared with the non-sensitized control subjects (p = 0.01). In addition, no differences were detected between T1DM and control groups in frequency of symptoms related to 'lifetime asthma', i.e., asthma episodes during life (14.3% and 16.5%, respectively: p = 0.55), also when sensitized and non-sensitized subjects were evaluated separately (p = 0.12 and p = 1.00, respectively). However, no T1DM patient had 'actual asthma', i.e., asthma episodes in the last year, vs. 5.8% of the individuals in the control group (p = 0.009), the difference being mostly ascribed to sensitized subjects (p = 0.012). Finally, out of the 16 T1DM patients with 'lifetime asthma', 15 had mild intermittent disease and only one mild persistent disease. T1DM does not seem to play a downregulating role on the development of allergic sensitization to aeroallergens, but may lower the frequency or the severity of its clinical manifestations at respiratory level.

Background: Sedentary lifestyles, urbanization and improvements in socio-economic status have had serious effects on the burden of diabetes across the world. Diabetes is one of the 10 leading causes of death globally, and individuals with diabetes have a 2–3-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality. Adipose tissue is increasingly understood as a highly active endocrine gland that secretes many biologically active substances, including adipocytokines. However, the exact and discrete pathophysiological links between obesity and T2DM are not yet fully elucidated. Methods: In the current study, we present the association of five diverse adipocytokines, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin and chemerin, with T2DM in 87 patients (46 males and 41 females) with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 85 healthy controls (44 males and 41 females) from the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. The patients were divided into four groups: normal BMI, overweight, obese and severely obese. The baseline biochemical characteristics, including HbA1c and anthropometric lipid indices, such as BMI and waist–hip ratio, were determined by standard procedures, whereas the selected adipokine levels were assayed by ELISA. Results: The results showed significantly decreased levels of adiponectin in the T2DM patients compared to the control group, and the decrease was more pronounced in obese and severely obese T2DM patients. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the females compared to the males in the controls as well as all the four groups of T2DM patients. In the male T2DM patients, a progressive increase was observed in the leptin levels as the BMI increased, although these only reached significantly altered levels in the obese and severely obese patients. The serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the severely obese female patients compared to the controls, patients with normal BMI, and overweight patients. The leptin/adiponectin ratio was significantly higher in the obese and severely obese patients compared to the controls, patients with normal BMI, and overweight patients in both genders. The serum resistin levels did not show any significant differences between the males and females in thr controls or in the T2DM groups, irrespective of the BMI status of the T2DM patients. The visfatin levels did not reveal any significant gender-based differences, but significantly higher levels of visfatin were observed in the T2DM patients, irrespective of their level of obesity, although the higher values were observed in the obese and highly obese patients. Similarly, the serum chemerin levels in the controls, as well as in T2DM patients, did not show any significant gender-based differences. However, in the T2DM patients, the chemerin levels showed a progressive increase, with the increase in BMI reaching highly significant levels in the obese and severely obese patients, respectively. Conclusion: In summary, it is concluded that significantly altered concentrations of four adipokines, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin and chemerin, were found in the T2DM patient group compared to the controls, with more pronounced alterations observed in the obese and highly obese patients. Thus, it can be surmised that these four adipokines play a profound role in the onset, progression and associated complications of T2DM. In view of the relatively small sample size in our study, future prospective studies are needed on a large sample size to explore the in-depth relationship between adipokines and T2DM.

Objectives: Little is known about the specific comorbidities contributing to higher costs in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in older cases. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, type, and cost of comorbidities occurring in older T2DM patients versus older non-T2DM patients, and the factors associated with high cost (HC) T2DM patients. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using information from the Campania Region healthcare database. People aged ≥65 years who received ≥2 prescriptions for antidiabetic drugs were identified as “T2DM patients.” Comorbidities among T2DM and non-T2DM groups were assessed through the RxRiskV Index (modified version). T2DM individuals were classified according to the total cost distribution as HC or “non-high cost.” Two sub-cohorts of HC T2DM patients were assessed: above 90th and 80th percentile of the total cost. Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression models were created. Results: Among the T2DM cohort, concordant and discordant comorbidities occurred significantly more frequently than in the non-T2DM cohort. Total mean annual cost per T2DM patient due to comorbidities was €7,627 versus €4,401 per non-T2DM patient. Among T2DM patients identified as being above 90th and 80th percentiles of cost distribution, the total annual costs were >€19,577 and >€2,563, respectively. The hospitalization cost was higher for T2DM cases. Strongest predictors of being a HC T2DM patient were having ≥5 comorbidities and renal impairment. Conclusion: HC patients accrued >80% of the total comorbidities cost in older T2DM patients. Integrated care models, with holistic and patient-tailored foci, could achieve more effective T2DM care.

BackgroundAdults with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) related to obesity are at increased risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Whether left ventricular (LV) diastolic function abnormalities related to obesity and T2DM start in adolescence and early adulthood is unknown. We non-invasively evaluated the differences seen in LV diastolic and left atrial (LA) function in adolescents and young adults with obesity and T2DM.MethodsWe analyzed echocardiographic measures of LV diastolic function in patients with structurally normal hearts which were divided into 3 groups (normal weight, obese, and T2DM). Spectral and tissue Doppler and 2-D speckle tracking measurements of diastolic function were obtained. Logistic regression was performed to compare the prevalence of abnormalities in diastolic function based on the worst 25th percentile for each measure to determine the prevalence of diastolic and LA function abnormalities in obese and T2DM patients.Results331 teenagers and young adults (median age 22.1 years) were analyzed (101 normal weight, 114 obese, 116 T2DM). Obese and T2DM group had lower E/A and higher E/e′. Obese and T2DM patients had significantly lower atrial reservoir, conduit, and booster strain and worse reservoir and conduit strain rate compared to normal patients (p < 0.001 for all measures). All patients had normal LA volumes. On multivariable analysis, conduit strain and reservoir and conduit strain rate were independently associated with having below the 25th percentile e′. Conduit strain rate was independently associated with having below the 25th percentile for mitral E/A ratio on multivariable analysis.ConclusionsAbnormal indices of LV diastolic function are detected in adolescents and young adults with obesity and T2DM. LA function and strain analysis were able to detect evidence of decreased reservoir, conduit, and booster strain in these patients although LA volume was normal. The use of LA function strain may increase our ability to detect early diastolic function abnormalities in this population.

AimsSubclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction may occur in T2DM patients at the early asymptomatic stage, and LV reserve function is a sensitive index to detect subtle LV dysfunction. The purpose of our study is (1) to assess the LV reserve function using treadmill exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) in asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients; (2) to explore the link of serum biological parameters and LV reserve function.MethodsThis study included 84 patients with asymptomatic T2DM from September 2021 to July 2022 and 41 sex- and age-matched healthy controls during the corresponding period. All subjects completed treadmill ESE, LV systolic function-related parameters such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) and systolic strain rate (SRs), as well as diastolic function-related parameters such as E wave (E), early diastolic velocity (e′), E/e′ ratio, early diastolic SR (SRe), and late diastolic SR (SRa) were compared at rest and immediately after exercise. The difference between LV functional parameters after treadmill exercise and its corresponding resting value was used to compute LV reserve function. In addition, the associations of LV reserve function and serum biological parameters were analyzed.ResultsPatients with T2DM did not significantly vary from the controls in terms of alterations in LV diastolic reserve measures, the changes of LVGLS and SRs (ΔGLS: 2.19 ± 2.72% vs. 4.13 ± 2.79%, P &amp;lt; 0.001 and ΔSRs:0.78 ± 0.33 s−1 vs. 1.02 ± 0.28 s−1, P &amp;lt; 0.001) in the T2DM group were both lower than those in the control group. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), waist circumference, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were identified as independent predictors of LV systolic reserve by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis.ConclusionLV systolic reserve function, as measured by pre- and post-exercise differences in GLS and SRs were significantly impaired in patients with asymptomatic T2DM, whereas diastolic reserve remained normal during exercise and was comparable to that of the control group. This was different from previous findings. High levels of HbA1c, NTproBNP, hsCRP, and increasing waist circumference were independent predictors of LV systolic reserve.

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether the association between dyslipidemia status and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index with myocardial damage varies in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine the differential effects of dyslipidemia status and TyG index on left ventricular (LV) global function and myocardial microcirculation in patients with T2DM using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.MethodsA total of 226 T2DM patients and 72 controls who underwent CMR examination were included. The T2DM group was further categorized into subgroups based on the presence or absence of dyslipidemia (referred to as T2DM (DysL+) and T2DM (DysL-)) or whether the TyG index exceeded 9.06. CMR-derived LV perfusion parameters, remodeling index, and global function index (GFI) were assessed and compared among groups. A multivariable linear regression model was employed to evaluate the effects of various variables on LV myocardial microcirculation, remodeling index, and GFI.ResultsThe LV GFI sequentially decreased in controls, T2DM (DysL-), and T2DM (DysL+) groups (p < 0.001), and was lower (p = 0.003) in T2DM with higher TyG index group than in lower TyG index group. The LV remodeling index was higher in higher TyG index group than in lower TyG index group (p = 0.002), but there was no significant difference in whether the subgroup was accompanied by dyslipidemia. Multivariable analysis revealed that the TyG index, but not dyslipidemia status, was independently associated with LV remodeling index (β coefficient[95% confidence interval], 0.152[0.025, 0.268], p = 0.007) and LV GFI (− 0.159[− 0.281, − 0.032], p = 0.014). For LV myocardial microcirculation, perfusion index, upslope, and max signal intensity sequentially decreased in controls, T2DM (DysL-), and T2DM (DysL+) groups (all p < 0.001). Dyslipidemia status independently correlated with perfusion index (− 0.147[− 0.272, − 0.024], p = 0.02) and upslope (− 0.200[− 0.320, 0.083], p = 0.001), while TyG index was independently correlated with time to maximum signal intensity (0.141[0.019, 0.257], p = 0.023).ConclusionsBoth dyslipidemia status and higher TyG index were associated with further deterioration of LV global function and myocardial microvascular function in the context of T2DM. The effects of dyslipidemia and a higher TyG index appear to be differential, which indicates that not only the amount of blood lipids and glucose but also the quality of blood lipids are therapeutic targets for preventing further myocardial damage.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with high cardiovascular risk. Preclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and subclinical arterial stiffness have been documented in patients with T2DM. The aims of this study were to investigate whether there were any differences in LV function and ascending aorta elasticity between T2DM patients with controlled [defined as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.5%] and uncontrolled (HbA1c ≥6.5%) blood glucose. We studied 86 T2DM patients: 42 T2DM patients with controlled blood glucose (controlled T2DM group) and 44 T2DM patients with uncontrolled blood glucose (uncontrolled T2DM group), and 40 healthy subjects as control. They all underwent transthoracic echocardiography examination, LV systolic function was evaluated by global longitudinal strain (GLS) and LV diastolic function was defined as the ratio of the early diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E) to average mitral annular velocity (e¯). Ascending aorta inner diameters and brachial blood pressure were measured to calculate ascending aorta elastic parameters: compliance (C), distensibility (D), strain (S), stiffness index (SI), Peterson's elastic modulus (EM). Compared to control, T2DM patients had reduced GLS, increased E/e ̅ and impaired ascending aorta elasticity. Furthermore, LV function and ascending aorta elasticity were more severely damaged in uncontrolled T2DM group compared with controlled T2DM group. By Pearson correlation analysis, the level of HbA1c was independently associated with the parameters of the LV function and ascending aorta elasticity. T2DM can impair the LV myocardial function and ascending aorta elastic properties, which may be further impaired by poor blood glucose control.

This study aimed to explore the risk factors attributed to osteoporosis in newly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aimed to recruit 244 T2DM patients and 218 non-diabetic controls. We collected demographic characteristics, medical history, bone mineral density and biomarkers including bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin, N-terminal peptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRCAP-5b), β-Cross Laps of type I collagen-containing cross-linked C-telopeptide (β-CTX), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone were recorded or detected. Bone mineral density (BMD) was our primary outcome. Based on the result of BMD, we divided both the control group and T2DM group into three subgroups: normal bone mass, osteopenia and osteoporosis. In control group, we found age, sex, menopausal status, BMI, P1NP, BALP, TRACP-5b, osteocalcin, and corrected serum calcium are differential among three subgroups. In T2DM group, we found age, sex, menopausal status, drinking status, BMI, HbA1c, TRACP-5b and OC were differential among three subgroups. In T2DM and control groups, age, female, postmenopausal status, BALP, TRACP-5b and osteocalcin were positively correlated while BMI was negatively correlated with osteoporosis. In control group, β-CTX was positively correlated with osteoporosis. In T2DM group, HbA1c and corrected serum calcium concentration were positively correlated with osteoporosis. After further adjustment of age, BMI in male, TRACP-5b was positively correlated with the risk of osteoporosis in newly diagnosed T2DM. After adjusted of age, BMI and menopausal status in female, OC was positively correlated with the risk of osteoporosis in newly diagnosed T2DM and controls. In female T2DM, BALP and P1NP were positively correlated with the risk of osteoporosis. In conclusion, age, BMI and menopausal status are common risk factors for osteoporosis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, however TRACP-5b, BALP and osteocalcin are special risk factors for osteoporosis in newly diagnosed T2DM patients but not non-diabetic patients, which may be applied to identify osteoporosis risk in T2DM patients, but this result needs to be proven with fracture data.

Hypomagnesaemia has been reported in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and an association of low serum magnesium (Mg) with insulin resistance has been observed. In this cross-sectional study, 65 new T2DM patients and 65 healthy controls were investigated to assess the Mg status and see the association between Mg level and insulin resistance. Oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1c, serum Mg, and fasting insulin were measured and the level of insulin resistance was calculated by using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Serum Mg level was similar in T2DM and control groups; a higher frequency of hypomagnesemia was observed in the T2DM than control group (26.2% vs. 12.3%) though it was not statistically significant (p= 0.074). Level of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was higher in the T2DM group and a higher frequency of subjects had insulin resistance in this group compared to controls. No significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR were observed between normomagnesaemic and hypomagnesaemic T2DM subjects. In the T2DM group, age, BMI, WC, WHR, FPG, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR correlated with serum Mg level though in the control group Mg had significant inverse correlations with BMI and fasting insulin. New T2DM subjects and healthy controls had similar Mg status although the frequency of hypomagnesemia was higher (not significant) in the T2DM group and serum Mg level had no correlation with glycemic status, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in T2DM patients.

Evolution of Myocardial Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Patients at Risk of Heart Failure

Background: Non-psychotic mental disorders including non-severe depressive, anxiety and organic disorders can have an impact on the course and prognosis of the underlying disease in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, assessment of their epidemiologic aspects is extremely important. Aim: Investigation of the types and prevalence of the major mental disorders among both type 1 DM (T1DM) and type 2 DM (T2DM) in-patients, determination of possible etiology of the organic involvement of the brain in T1DM patients as well as of the rate of diagnostics and management of mental disorders in DM patients in routine medical practice. Materials and methods: Part 1 was a cross-sectional study in 228 consecutive DM patients aged from 18 to 75 years, aimed at detection of current mental disorders. Part 2 was a cross-sectional study in 72 consecutive T1DM patients with in-depth assessment of signs of organic brain involvement. All patients underwent cognitive function tests. Mental disorders were diagnosed by a psychiatrist according to ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. Results: Mental disorders were found in 80.3% of patients, being significantly more prevalent in patients with T2DM (87.9%) than in T1DM patients (57.4%, р&lt;0.0001). Anxiety disorders as a whole were diagnosed as frequently as depressive ones (39.5% and 40.0%, respectively), being the most prevalent both in T1DM (35%) and T2DM (60%). Within the class of anxiety disorders, diabetes-specific phobias of injections and hypoglycemia were noted 8-fold more often (р&lt;0.01) in T1DM than in T2DM patients. Generalized (22.4 versus 9.3%) and organic (18 versus 0%) anxiety disorders as well as unipolar depressive episodes and dysthymia (40.2 versus 25.9%, р&lt;0.05) occurred considerably more often in T2DM than in T1DM patients. In total, signs of organic brain involvement were found in 37% of T1DM patients. Possible etiologic factors of organic brain disorders were as follows: craniocerebral injury including concussion of the brain, severe hypoglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis – in 40.7% of patients each; alcohol abuse – 30.7%; arterial hypertension – 22.2%; ante- and intranatal factors – 11.1%; neuroinfections/intoxications and occupational neurotropic factors – in 7.4% each; electric trauma, general malnutrition, stroke, and brain tumor – in 3.7% each. None of the listed potential causes could be found only in one patient with organic brain involvement (3.7%). In T1DM patients, organic brain involvement was nonspecific, and there was no evidence of its association with the level of glycated hemoglobin, acute and chronic vascular diabetic complications. Conclusion: The present investigation revealed a high prevalence of non-severe mental disorders with predominance of generalized anxiety disorders and unipolar protracted depressions in T2DM in-patients and specific phobias in T1DM patients. Organic brain involvement (encephalopathy) occurs in every third young T1DM patient; however, in the majority of cases, its potential etiology is linked with factors unrelated to DM or non-specific for DM (for example, hypoglycemia). In routine medical practice, diagnostics and treatment of mental disorders in DM patients are close to non-existent.

To determine if new echocardiographic imaging modalities like Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) can detect early abnormalities in left ventricular (LV) function in asymptomatic patients with Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Forty diabetic patients with retinopathy (mean age 45 +/- 15 ys) without typical symptoms or signs of heart failure or angina, forty diabetic patients without retinopathy and a matched healthy control group (n = 20) underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography and pulsed wave (PW — TDI) imaging of LV in addition to ophthalmological assessment of disease grading and severity. LV Systolic function wasn't affected in all groups. However, LV diastolic function was significantly impaired in DR group measured by both conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Conventional parameters showed significant decreased E/A ratio; p < 0.05 and highly significant increased LA diameter; p < 0.001. While Tissue Doppler parameters showed highly significant increase in E/Ea ratio; p < 0.001, significant decrease in Ea/Aa; p < 0.05 and highly significant increase in average Tei Index; p < 0.001 compared to diabetics without retinopathy and control group. Further elevated disease activity assessed with fundus examination and fluorescein angiography was inversely correlated with significantly values for LV longitudinal function measured by PW-TDI compared to diabetic patients without retinopathy and control group. Diabetic patients with retinopathy who are free of cardiac symptoms showed significant impairment of diastolic function compared to diabetics without retinopathy and control group. TDI provides earlier insights into cardiovascular involvement in diabetic patients and seems to be more sensitive and informative to standard echocardiography alone to detect subclinical myocardial disease.