Predictors of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

Background: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CAD) is a frequent yet under-recognized complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Early identification using standard autonomic function tests can facilitate timely intervention. Objectives: To assess cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with T2DM; to determine the association between duration of diabetes and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction; and to identify clinical predictors of autonomic dysfunction in patients with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with T2DM attending the outpatient department. Sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic function was assessed using standard cardiovascular reflex tests. Association between duration of diabetes and autonomic dysfunction was analyzed, and predictors were identified using logistic regression analysis. Results: A substantial proportion of patients with T2DM exhibited abnormal cardiovascular autonomic function. Autonomic dysfunction increased significantly with longer duration of diabetes. Age, duration of diabetes, resting pulse rate, and blood pressure parameters emerged as significant predictors of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. Conclusion: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is common in patients with T2DM and is strongly associated with disease duration and adverse clinical predictors. Routine screening using simple autonomic function tests should be incorporated into diabetes care for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular complications.