CARDIOSYMPATHETIC NEUROPATHY IS INDEPENDENT OF CARDIOPARASYMPATHETIC NEUROPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

The relationship between cardiosympathetic neuropathy and cardioparasy mpathetic neuropathy was investigated in 103 patients with non-insulin -dependent diabetes mellitus. Cardioparasympathetic nerve function was assessed by comparing electrocardiographically the expiratory and ins piratory R-R interval ratios, during a period of deep breathing, and t he coefficients of variation of the R-R intervals. Cardiosympathetic n erve function was assessed by determining the uptake of [I-123]metaiod obenzyl guanidine into the myocardium. The results indicate that there is no significant correlation between cardioparasympathetic and cardi osympathetic nerve function.