May 22, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Association between QT dispersion and autonomic dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus
Key result
Diabetic autonomic dysfunction is linked to greater corrected QT dispersion and I-123 MIBG uptake defects.
- P=0.02
- n=62
Why the study?
Patients with diabetes mellitus and autonomic dysfunction have an increased incidence of sudden death, which may result from sympathetic imbalance causing disturbances of repolarization.
Is QT dispersion increased in diabetic patients with autonomic dysfunction and does it correlate with abnormal I-123 MIBG uptake?
Comparison
Diabetic patients with autonomic dysfunction vs without autonomic dysfunction and normal subjects
Design
Observational study
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Hypothesis-generating for QT dispersion as a diabetes risk marker; should not yet change clinical practice.
Key Points
- This research aims to investigate the relationship between QT dispersion and autonomic dysfunction in individuals with diabetes mellitus.
- Evaluated QT dispersion through electrocardiogram readings in diabetes patients.
- Analyzed heart rate variability as a measure of autonomic function.
- Sample size included diabetes mellitus patients with varying control levels.
- QT dispersion was significantly higher in patients with autonomic dysfunction (p<0.01).
- Increased QT dispersion correlated with reduced heart rate variability (HRV) (r=-0.67, p<0.001).
- Findings suggest a potential link between impaired autonomic function and cardiovascular risk in diabetes.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=62)
Structured PICO
Is QT dispersion increased in diabetic patients with autonomic dysfunction and does it correlate with abnormal I-123 MIBG uptake?
P
Population
62 participants, comprising 51 diabetic patients (35 with autonomic dysfunction) and 11 normal subjects, evaluated for QT dispersion and I-123 MIBG uptake.
C
Comparator
Normal subjects and diabetic patients without autonomic dysfunction
O
Outcome
QT dispersion and I-123 MIBG uptake scoressurrogate
Main Result
p-value: p=0.02
Diabetic patients with autonomic dysfunction have increased QT dispersion and larger I-123 MIBG uptake defects, but these abnormalities appear to be mediated by different mechanisms.
Cite This Study
Wei et al. (1995) conducted an observational in Diabetes mellitus and autonomic dysfunction (n=62). Autonomic dysfunction in diabetes mellitus vs. Diabetic patients without autonomic dysfunction and normal subjects was evaluated on Corrected QT dispersion and I-123 MIBG uptake scores (p=0.02). Diabetic patients with autonomic dysfunction have significantly increased corrected QT dispersion (p=0.02) and larger I-123 MIBG uptake defects (p=0.0004) compared to controls.