PREDISPOSING FACTORS FOR CARDIAC AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY IN DIABETES TYPE 1

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The aim of the study was the assessment of predisposing factors for CAN in patients with T1DM. We evaluated 83 patients (30 men and 53 women) with T1DM divided into 2 groups: with and without CAN. In our study the prevalence of CAN in T1DM was 66.3%. After analyzing thoroughly all clinical factors, our study revealed three most important factors, which significantly distinguished a group of patients with CAN versus without CAN. Using these three variables allows the correct detection of CAN in 85.45 % and it absence in 92.86 % which can be used by doctors to assess diabetes risk groups for CAN. Conclusion: Diabetes duration, diabetic nephropathy severity, and frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis are predisposing factors for CAN in patients with T1 DM.