Noninvasive Radial Artery Tonometry Augmentation Index and Urinary Albumin/Creatinine Levels in Early Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) are at an even greater risk compared to the general population for the development of cardiovascular disease. Studies have determined that the pathological changes seen in atherosclerosis develop at a very early age. There is a growing consensus within the medical community that early identification of chronic disease may help to reduce morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of arterial stiffness by measuring the augmentation index (AIx), using noninvasive radial artery tonometry, in adolescent children with DM1 compared with age-matched controls. In addition, urinary albumin/creatinine ratios were obtained to assess a possible relationship between renal and cardiac dysfunction in patients with DM1. Forty-five adolescents with DM1 and 42 controls between the ages of 12 and 14 years were recruited. Radial artery stiffness and urinary albumin/creatinine ratios of the adolescents with DM1 were not different from controls.