Maximum skin hyperaemia induced by local heating: possible mechanisms.

Background: Maximum skin hyperaemia (MH) induced by heating skin to > or = 42 degrees C is impaired in individuals at risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Interpretation of these findings is hampered by the lack of clarity of the mechanisms involved in the attainment of MH.

Methods: MH was achieved by local heating of skin to 42-43 degrees C for 30 min, and assessed by laser Doppler fluximetry.

Vascular function in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus.

It is hypothesised that vascular dysfunction, which characterises type 2 diabetes, may predate development of hyperglycaemia. 17 women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus, and thus at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, were matched with normal controls for body mass index, menstrual phase, smoking, age, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. All had normal glucose tolerance.