Incidence of Autonomic Neuropathy during Assessment in Diabetes Mellitus Patients in PAC

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a clinical syndrome characterized by hyperglycaemia due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency. Autonomic neuropathy invokes potentially life threatening outcomes especially in poorly controlled diabetic patients.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods: The Study was conducted on 80 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in Pre Anesthetic Clinic of Department of Anesthesiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital during the period of March 2021 to August 2021. Informed consent was obtained from all those who met the inclusion criteria and their BP and Heart Rate variability to various manoeuvres were assessed.

Results: According to our study 40% and 30% had borderline and definite autonomic neuropathy respectively.

Conclusion: Autonomic neuropathy is common in patients with poorly controlled Diabetes Mellitus, especially those on oral hypoglycemic agents. As nowadays no therapy is able to effectively reverse this process, prevention with strict glycemic control, multifactorial intervention, and lifestyle modification remains essential.