To Study the Utility of QTc Dispersion in Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy using Ewing’s Parameters

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is the least recognized and understood complications of diabetes despite its significant negative impact on survival and quality of life in people with diabetes. QT dispersion in a routine Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a useful marker to identify Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with a high mortality risk. Therefore this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of DAN and the utility of QTc dispersion in the ECG in diabetes patients using Ewing’s tests. Two hundred (200) diabetic subjects aged between 40 to 70 years were taken for this study. After explaining the purpose and technique of the test they were subjected to a battery of non-invasive autonomic function tests recommended by Ewing. QT interval is measured using Bazett’s formula. Early QTcd changes were observed in 56% of the subjects. Gender based results showed significant earlier QTcd changes in both genders. (p<0.001) Among the intergroup Normal QTcd changes versus definite changes were more significant in males, whereas early versus definite was more significant in females. Autonomic neuropathy changes were seen indicating strong Corelation between diabetic duration and QTcd. (p<0.001) QTc dispersion based on Ewing’s test parameters has prognostic importance in T2DM patients with autonomic dysfunction.