Diastolic BP and grip strength significantly lower in type 1 diabetes patients: Study

Canada: Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging showed that diastolic blood pressure and grip strength appear to be consistently lower and differentially regulated in people with type1 diabetes (T1D) versus nondiabetic controls (CON). The article was published in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes.

Till recently, differences in risk factors that accelerate cardiovascular and muscle health declines in aging persons with T1D versus nondiabetic CON had not been studied. Lauren V. Turner, from York University, Toronto, and colleagues tried to determine differences in cardiovascular health(assessed by blood pressure) and skeletal muscle function(assessed by grip strength) in aging individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to matched nondiabetic controls (CON).

Diabetes mellitus (DM) frequency is a growing problem globally, because of long life expectancy and lifestyle modifications. DM is becoming an alarming public health problem in developed and even developing countries. DM complications and co-morbidities are more frequent in old diabetics compared to their young counterparts. Aging individuals with T1D may be at risk of premature morbidity and mortality.

The Study included 126 individuals, 63 T1D and 63 CON (average age at baseline, 59 years) followed for three years. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to examine the association between sociodemographic, health, behavioral, and T1D-specific variables on blood pressure and grip strength. Generalized estimating equations modeled the average population changes in blood pressure and grip strength from baseline to follow-up.

Data observation showed that

• Systolic blood pressure was not significantly different between groups at baseline or follow-up (p>0.05). Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower at both time points in the T1D group compared to CON.

• Grip strength was consistently lower among persons with T1D. 

• In the multivariate regression model, body mass index, age, and sex were significantly associated with diastolic blood pressure and grip strength in both groups.

• In the T1D group, disease duration accounted for a large proportion of the variance in diastolic blood pressure and grip strength (17% and 9%, respectively).

• The rate of decline in diastolic blood pressure and grip strength did not differ between groups.

The authors concluded that diastolic blood pressure and grip strength appear to be consistently lower and differentially regulated in individuals with T1D versus CON. Disease duration is a significant predictor of outcomes in the T1D group. Abnormally low diastolic blood pressure might be an indicator of early increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Also, data showed evidence that patients with T1D have reduced strength, and undertaking resistance-based exercises can compensate for the loss of muscle strength. More and more studies are proving the multifaceted, benefits of resistance exercise in T1D patients

The present research can guide clinical practice and help patients with diabetes make better decisions about their health, Co-author Lauren Turner wrote

Reference:

Lauren V. Turner, Maureen J. MacDonald, Michael C. Riddell, Jennifer Voth, Thomas J. Hawke Published in 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjd.2022.05.005