Fast and low-cost analysis of heart rate variability reveals vegetative alterations in noncomplicated diabetic patients.

The aim of the present preliminary study was to describe a simple protocol for the analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) that can reveal the different autonomic control between noncomplicated diabetic patients and normal subjects within 15 min. The power spectrum of the HRV was evaluated on 5-min-long electrocardiographic recordings in both the supine and the seated positions in 30 noncomplicated non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients and in 30 healthy volunteers. In healthy subjects the low-frequency (LF) value was higher in seated position than in supine position, while in diabetic patients the LF value in seated position did not differ from that in supine position and did not differ from that in healthy subjects in supine position.

Post-meal glucose peaks at home associate with carotid intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetes.

Context: Two-hour postprandial hyperglycemia is related to chronic complications of diabetes and is currently used in the international guidelines to drive the therapy.

Objective: Our objective was to assess the size and timing of post-meal glucose peaks in the everyday life of type 2 diabetic patients and the relationship with carotid atherosclerosis.

Design, Setting, And Patients: This was an observational study performed in 644 outpatients with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes clinics located in the area of the Campania County, South Italy, who provided complete home blood glucose profiles and centralized carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) assessment.

Quantitative sensory and autonomic testing in nondiabetic women with sexual dysfunction.

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a significant public health problem. There are no reported studies assessing the relation between sexual function and neuropathy in women, except for diabetes mellitus.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the correlations between peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) among nondiabetic women with or without FSD.

Effect of rosiglitazone on endothelial function and inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of rosiglitazone on endothelial function and inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Research Design And Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. One hundred subjects (54 men and 46 women) with the metabolic syndrome, as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III, were followed for 12 months after random assignment to rosiglitazone (4 mg/day) or placebo.