Autonomic function and hemodynamic changes in type 2 diabetes: insights into sympathetic activation and vascular stiffness.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between autonomic function, arterial stiffness, and vascular compliance in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Eighty-one T2D patients were divided into two groups based on disease duration: <10 years (N = 50) and >10 years (N = 31). Autonomic function was assessed via heart rate variability, and vascular hemodynamics via pulse wave velocity (PWV). Linear and multivariate regression analyses explored associations between autonomic function and vascular parameters.

RESULTS

Female participants predominated, accounting for 60 % in the <10 years group and 64.5 % in the >10 years group. Comorbidities were present in 67.7 % of the <10 years group and 70 % of the >10 years group. Biochemical differences were minimal, except for a significant albumin/creatinine ratio in the >10 years group (p = 0.007). Central hemodynamics showed no significant differences, but sympathetic activity correlated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during wakefulness (r = 0.45, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

While no direct correlation was found between arterial stiffness and autonomic function, increased sympathetic activation was linked to higher DBP. Early screening, lifestyle modifications, and targeted treatments could improve patient outcomes and T2D management.