Clinical Characteristics of Diabetic Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in Korean Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and factors associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in Korean individuals with long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A total of 876 participants with long-standing T2DM were enrolled in this multicenter cross-sectional study. CAN was evaluated using standard cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs) and corrected QT interval (QTc), with additional heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. CAN severity was classified as early, definite, or severe. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with CAN.

RESULTS

CAN was detected in 88.4% of participants. Individuals with CAN showed reduced HRV indices and prolonged QTc intervals. Multivariable analysis revealed advanced age (OR = 1.062; 95% CI: 1.035-1.091; p < 0.0001) and higher systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.036; 95% CI: 1.022-1.051; p < 0.0001) as factors independently associated with CAN.

CONCLUSION

CAN is highly prevalent among Korean individuals with long-standing T2DM. Older age and elevated systolic blood pressure were independently associated with CAN, highlighting the importance of routine CAN screening and careful blood pressure management.