Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Present Changes in Arterial Compliance and Resistance and Increased Arterial Stiffness

Introduction. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is highly prevalent in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and is responsible for a significant reduction in life expectancy. Objective. To compare the arterial stiffness indices, arterial compliance and vascular resistance assessed centrally and peripherally between healthy adolescents and young adults (CTRL group) and those with T1DM. Methods. This is an observational cross-sectional study involving 90 adolescents and young adults, with half of them being considered healthy (n = 45) and the other half with T1DM (n = 45), matched by age and sex. Cardiovascular parameters were evaluated using the oscillometric method of brachial artery pressure assessment for a noninvasive estimation of central arterial pressures. Results. Weight and body mass index were significantly higher in the T1DM group. AIx@75 was significantly higher in the T1DM group (24.96% ± 8.88%) compared to the CTRL (20.16% ± 9.95%). Peripheral and central arterial compliance were significantly lower in the T1DM group (0.79 ± 0.21; 1.16 ± 0.27 ml/m2/mmHg) compared to the CTRL (0.98 ± 0.32; 1.47 ± 0.61 ml/m2/mmHg). Peripheral and central vascular resistance were significantly higher in the T1DM group (1.32 ± 0.32; 0.91 ± 0.21 mmHg/ml/m2) compared to the CTRL (1.11 ± 0.30; 0.75 ± 0.22 mmHg/ml/m2). Conclusion. Our data confirm premature aging of the vascular system in adolescents and young adults with T1DM and extend our knowledge by showing important changes in central and peripheral hemodynamics indices.