Aortic Elasticity Changes in Children with Type I Diabetes Mellitus Compared to Controls

Background: Arterial stiffness is recognized as a critical indicator of cardiac disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to compare aortic stiffening between children with type I diabetes mellitus (DMTI) and healthy children. Methods: This case-control study included 192 children, with 96 individuals in each group of DMTI and healthy controls. The diameter of the aorta in systole and diastole was measured using M-mode echocardiography. Aortic elasticity measures were assessed, including aortic strain, aortic stiffness beta index (ASβI), arterial distensibility (AD), and pressure strain elastic modulus. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: The participants had a mean age of 10.87 ± 3.46 years in the DMTI group and 10.77 ± 2.82 years in the control group (P = 0.579). Diastolic (P = 0.005) and systolic (P < 0.001) aortic diameters were significantly higher in children with DMTI. ASβI (12.70 ± 15.15 vs. 8.77 ± 17.46, P < 0.001) and pressure strain elastic modulus (8.92 ± 12.03 vs. 7.24 ± 14.34, P = 0.030) appeared to be higher in healthy children, while AD (0.08 ± 0.06 vs. 0.13 ± 0.09, P < 0.001) and aortic strain (7.78 ± 6.32 vs. 11.98 ± 9.1, P < 0.001) showed a significant lower amount in children with DMTI. However, no significant differences were shown in the elasticity parameters based on hemoglobin A1c levels or duration of diabetes (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Children with DMTI exhibited higher ASβI and pressure strain elastic modulus, as well as lower aortic strain and AD, compared to healthy children. The type of diabetes control and duration of diabetes did not significantly affect the stiffening parameters in children with DMTI.