Cardiovascular and respiratory measures in early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to matched controls.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare cardiac and respiratory function at rest in participants with early-onset type 2 diabetes and a control group without diabetes, matched for age, sex and body mass index (BMI).

Research design and methods: A total of 18 participants with early-onset type 2 diabetes (12M/6F, age 34.9±6 years, diabetes duration 3.1±3.0 years) and 14 control participants without diabetes matched for age, sex, and BMI (9M/5F age 32.9±5.2) were studied. Participants underwent resting echocardiography and pulmonary function tests. Fasting blood samples were analysed for HbA1c, glucose, C-reactive protein, insulin, free fatty acids and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

Results: Significant differences between groups were observed in left ventricular diastolic function at rest. Compared to controls, the group with early-onset type 2 diabetes had lower E/A (ratio between early (E) and late (A) ventricular filling velocity) (p=0.002), higher E/e ' (representing left ventricular filling pressure) (p = 0.017), lower e' (early myocardial relaxation velocity) (p < 0.001) and lower diffusion of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (p=0.003).

Conclusions: Subclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and lower lung diffusing capacity were detected in participants with early-onset type 2 diabetes compared to matched controls.