The Use of an Isometric Handgrip Test to Show Autonomic Damage in People with Diabetes

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial and autonomic damage are hallmarks of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, while much has been published on impairment of the autonomic nervous system, much less has been published on the interrelationship between autonomic damage and exercise. STUDY DESIGN: The present investigation examined the change in heart rate, blood pressure, skin and limb blood flow, and sweat during non-fatiguing (10% and 25% maximum strength [maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)]) and a fatiguing isometric contraction (40% MVC) in people with type 2 diabetes compared to younger and older controls to see if a simple handgrip test could show the extent of autonomic damage in people with diabetes. Fifteen younger subjects (30.6 +/- 8.6 years), 15 older subjects (65.8 +/- 8.8 years), and 15 subjects with diabetes (63.4 +/- 14.4 years) whose average percentage body fat was 40.1 +/- 12.9%, 36.1 +/- 9.3%, and 39.6 +/- 15.5%, respectively, participated in these studies. Whole forearm blood flow, skin blood flow, and sweat on the forearm, chest, and forehead were measured at rest and during and after a contraction at 10% MVC, 25% MVC, and 40% MVC. RESULTS: Blood flows and sweat rates were greatest in younger subjects, significantly less in older subjects, and even significantly less in subjects with diabetes (P < 0.05). The heart rate response was unaltered during contractions at 10% and 25% MVC and less in diabetes than in the other two groups with 40% MVC. Strength was about half in the diabetes group than with the other two groups, but endurance was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is associated with a reduction in handgrip strength and significantly impaired autonomic function during and after isometric exercise.