Serum Uric Acid and HRV in Prediabetes and Diabetes

Objectives: Heart rate variability (HRV) tends to decrease in people with type 2 diabetes, but exactly why this happens is not yet fully understood. The aim of the study was to study the correlation of serum uric acid (SUA) with heart rate variability (HRV) in prediabetic individuals and patients with diabetes mellitus and also among male and females in the respective groups. Materials and Methods: In this study, we included a total of 56 participants, which comprised 28 individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 28 who were prediabetic. We conducted the HRV analysis using Power Lab from AD Instruments based in Australia. To determine the P -values, we employed a Student t -test. We also examined the correlations between SUA levels and HRV among the prediabetic group and diabetes mellitus patients, as well as between male and female subjects within these groups, using Pearson’s correlation. Results: The autonomic functions are deranged both in patients with diabetes and prediabetic group but the reduction in HRV is more pronounced in patients with diabetes. Males have more reduced HRV as compared to females in both the groups. The comparative analysis among the prediabetic males and females revealed that the total frequency was decreased in both the groups and moderate autonomic dysfunction was observed. The low frequency/high frequency ratio in pre-diabetic individuals was lower in males than females; though reduced in both the group, signifying symatho vagal imbalance in both males and females. Conclusion: There is a positive link between HRV and SUA levels in patients with diabetes. Prediabetic individuals having normal uric acid levels also exhibit a reduction in HRV. Earlier identification of cardiac autonomic dysfunction on HRV in pre-diabetic individuals and patients with diabetes mellitus will help prevent further cardiovascular complications.