Correlation of the myocardial performance index with plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance.

BACKGROUND AND AIM In this study, we aimed to evaluate myocardial functions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). We also aimed to investigate the relationship between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and myocardial performance index (Tei index) in these patients. METHODS A total of 38 patients with DM, 34 patients with IGT, and 40 healthy volunteers were recruited to the study. Basal clinical and laboratory findings were recorded. BNP levels of all individuals were measured. Both conventional transthoracic and tissue Doppler echocardiogaphy were performed to all study participants. RESULTS B-type natriuretic peptide levels of the diabetic group were greater than in patients with IGT and the control group. BNP levels of the IGT group were also higher than the control group. Myocardial performance index values, measured by both the conventional method and tissue Doppler echocardiography, were significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the control group. There was a significant relationship between myocardial performance index and BNP levels. CONCLUSIONS Myocardial functions are disturbed in patients with DM and also in patients with IGT. BNP and myocardial performance index can be used in diabetic patients and in patients with IGT to define myocardial dysfunction.