Forearm Vasoreactivity in Type I Diabetic Subjects

Abstract

This study compared forearm vasoreactivity in 15 Type 1 diabetic subjects with 15 healthy controls. The groups were matched for age, exercise capacity, and the absence of other cardiovascular risk factors. Vasoreactivity was measured using strain gauge plethysmography, at rest, after arterial occlusion (OCC), and following OCC coupled with handgrip exercise (ROCC). Forearm blood flows were significantly elevated between conditions 2.58 ± 0.37 ml/100mltissue at rest to 26.80 ± 6.56 after OCC and 32.80 ± 8.26ml/100mltissue following ROCC in Type 1 diabetic subjects. There were no differences in forearm blood flow between groups for any of the conditions. These data indicate the degree of forearm blood flow is directly related to the intensity of the vasodilatory stimulus. However, our study did not reveal evidence of impaired vasodilatory capacity in Type 1 diabetic subjects compared to controls in the absence of other risk factors. Key words: IDDM, vascular function, exercise, fitness, and reactive hyperemia