Abstract 16595: Insulin Replacement Attenuates Autonomic Impairment but Did Not Prevent Early Diastolic Dysfunction in a Model of Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction: Insulin replacement is the most widely used therapy for treatment of patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. However, despite a restricted glycemic control, diabetic patients are prone to chronic complications, such as cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms underlying this increased risk are not well understood. Hypothesis: The insulin replacement therapy can prevent the cardiac and autonomic dysfunctions in a model of type 1 diabetes. Methods:18 male Wistar rats (230-260g) were divided into 3 groups (n=6/group): control (C), diabetic (D, streptozotocin 50 mg/kg) and diabetic treated daily with insulin subcutaneously (DTI). At 30 days, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiogram and after the rats were cannulated and arterial pressure (AP) was recorded. Results: The diabetic groups showed hyperglycemia (>350mg/dl) at the beginning of the protocol. Insulin therapy normalized the glycemia (DTI: 94±28 and C: 126±8 vs. D: 533±67 mg/dl). There was a reduction in the posterior wall thickness o...