Use of alcohol is associated with increased arterial stiffness
in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The increased arterial stiffness may be a mediating factor in the association
between type 2 diabetes and the increased risk of atherothrombotic disease,
according to investigators from Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre in Amsterdam
and University Hospital in Groningen, the Netherlands.
The investigators conducted a cross-sectional, observational study including 81
patients with type 2 diabetes. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring
local distensibility and compliance of the common carotid and femoral arteries
and by carotido-femoral transit time.
The influences of a number of variables on arterial stiffness were assessed.
Variables included diabetes duration, blood pressure, lipid levels,
hyperglycemia, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, insulin resistance,
hyperinsulinemia, cigarette smoking and alcohol use.
Multivariate analysis revealed that insulin-mediated glucose uptake was
positively associated with the carotid artery compliance coefficient while
alcohol use was negatively associated with the femoral artery compliance
coefficient.
None of the other cardiovascular risk factors were associated with measures of
arterial stiffness, except for mean arterial pressure, which was negatively
associated with all of the outcome variables.
Source: Diabetes In Control Dot Com: Eur J Clin Invest
2003;33:4:307-315.
Home - Table of Contents - Donate Now - About Diabetes - Warning Signs - Complications - Screening Test - Diabetes Terms - Site Search - Meet Mr. Diabetes® - Wake Up And Walk® Tour - Latest News - Headlines & News Stories - Health & Fitness - About Us - FAQ - Research Form - - Message Board - Privacy Policy - Legal Notices - How to Contact Us - Comments form - Suggestion Form - Our E-Mail Addresses - Our Address and Phone Numbers - Links - Contact Us