Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy and its Correlation with Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetics

The cardiovascular autonomic reflexes were studied in 42 Type 2 diabetics. Autonomic neuropathy was observed in 25 patients (59.5%); orthostatic hypotension in 8 (19%); abnormal Valsalva ratio in 12 (28.6%); abnormal heart rate response to deep breathing in 14 (33.3%) and abnormal heart rate response to standing (30:15 ratio) in 13 patients (31%). Incidence of parasympathetic neuropathy was 81% in comparison to 31% sympathetic neuropathy. One abnormal cardiac reflex was seen in 4 (9.5%), 2 in 15 (35.7%) and 3 or more in 6 patients (14.35%). Proliferative retinopathy was seen in 10 type 2 diabetics with autonomic neuropathy and in 0 patients with type 2 diabetes without autonomic dysfunction. Positive link of cardiac autonomic neuropathy was observed with proliferative retinopathy in type 2 diabetics.