Clinical Evaluation of Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Rural Setting

Abstract

Background: Autonomic dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, significantly affecting morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and laboratory profile of autonomic dysfunction in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction and its association with various clinical parameters in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 60 patients diagnosed with type-2 diabetes mellitus from the General Medicine department of a rural hospital. The evaluation of autonomic dysfunction was performed using standardized tests, including heart rate variability and the Ewing battery of autonomic tests.

Results: Autonomic dysfunction was observed in 42 patients (70%). The results highlighted significant correlations between autonomic dysfunction and glycemic control, as indicated by HbA1c levels, with a mean HbA1c of 8.5 ± 1.2% in patients with dysfunction compared to 6.9 ± 0.8% in those without.

Conclusion: The study concludes that autonomic dysfunction is prevalent in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus, strongly correlated with poor glycemic control and longer duration of diabetes. Early detection and management of autonomic dysfunction could help mitigate its complications.

Keywords

Autonomic dysfunction, Type-2 diabetes mellitus, Glycemic control, Ewing battery, Rural hospital