Int J Angiol 1996; 5(4): 189-191
DOI: 10.1007/BF02044255
Original Articles

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Impaired skin blood flow response to heat in children with insulin-dependent diabetes

Jill J. Belch1 , Steve A. Greene2 , Roberta Littleford, Paul E. Jennings3 , Faisel Khan
  • 1University Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School,Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
  • 2University Department Child Health, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
  • 3York District Hospital, York YO3 7HE, England, UK
Presented at the 36th Annual World Congress, International College of Angiology, New York, New York, July 1994.
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
22. April 2011 (online)

Abstract

Vascular disease is a major problem affecting adults with type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Vascular damage may occur early in the disease but the time at which this occurs is not known. We have shown previously that markers of endothelial and white blood cell function are abnormal in young people with diabetes mellitus before clinical evidence of vascular disease is apparent. This paper evaluates blood flow responses in this group (skin blood cell flux (SBCF)). We have compared vascular responses in 21 young children with diabetes (10–14 years) and matched 21 young controls (12–15 years). SBCF was measured at the dorsum of the foot by laser Doppler flowmetry and expressed in volts. The blood flow response to local heating to 44°C was assessed. Comparisons between groups were made using nonparametric statistical analyses. Results are expressed as medians and interquartile range. Basal SBCF was significantly lower in young diabetics than in young control subjects [1.3 (0.9–1.5) volts c.f. 1.8 (1.5–3.0) volts,p <0.01, respectively] as was the maximum SBCF response to 44°C [7.0 (5.0–9.0) volts c.f. 10.6 (9.5–12.6) volts,p <0.01 in diabetic and control children, respectively]. These results suggest that vascular responsiveness may be abnormal in children with diabetes mellitus well before there is clinical evidence of vascular disease.