Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels and diabetes duration: Relationship with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac function in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

Aims: We aimed to evaluate asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in young patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus according to diabetes duration and to examine the relationship between these levels and measures of atherosclerosis and myocardial function. Materials and methods: In total, 83 patients (8.5–22 years) with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were stratified by diabetes duration: 12–60 months (Group 1, n = 27), >60–120 months (Group 2, n = 29) and >120 months (Group 3, n = 27). Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were assessed. Carotid intima–media thickness was measured. Myocardial function was assessed by M-mode, conventional Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Results: Asymmetric dimethylarginine level was significantly higher in Group 1, while carotid intima–media thickness was significantly greater in Group 3 (p