A Simple Test for Autonomic Neuropathy in Juvenile Diabetics

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Abstract
The reproducibility of a simple method for determining the beat-to-beat variation during maximal respiration (duration of inspiration = duration of expiration = 5 s), using an ordinary ECG apparatus and a ruler, was tested in 10 normals and 40 insulin-treated diabetics. The results were reproducible and beat-to-beat variation was independent of a 25-min period of rest. The method was subsequently applied to 126 insulin-treated diabetics and the results are in accordance with previous investigations on cardiac vagal neuropathy. The method is applicable as a clinical routine test for cardiac vagal neuropathy.