Effect of Glycemic Control on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is a main feature of diabetic heart disease. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of glycemic control on diastolic function in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Thirty-six normotensive (24-hour blood pressure 7%) type 1 diabetes, without clinically detectable heart disease, were enrolled. After the basal evaluation, insulin therapy was modified to improve glycemic control. Glycated hemoglobin, LV echocardiography, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, and laboratory tests were repeated after 6 months in all patients and after 12 months in 27 patients. At the basal evaluation, LV anatomy and systolic function were normal in all, and diastolic function was impaired in 14 patients. After 6 months, the mean values of body mass index, 24-hour blood pressure, and LV anatomy and systolic function were unchanged; mean glycated hemoglobin was decreased (p