Detailed ECG analysis in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a predictor of multitude of complications

ABSTRACT

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease with life-threatening complications and morbidity. The 12 lead ECG, an easily available investigation, when studied in detail can give a lot of information and predict various microvascular and macrovascular complications apart from coronary artery disease.Methods: A random cross sectional study involving 100 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in the age group of 18-80 years were included in study after applying various inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were subjected to ECG, 2D echocardiography and laboratory tests. Data were collected and analysed.Results: Arrythmia was not detected in any patient. A resting tachycardia (HR >100) in 30 patients correlated with Prolonged QTc (>440 miliseconds) (p=0.04). QRS amplitude was reduced in 26 patients. Prolonged QTc also correlated with presence of diabetic complications, retinopathy of NPDR type and nephropathy (p=0.004). Hence about 30% of the study group did show signs of early diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy and cardiomyopathy.Conclusions: The statistically significant utility of electrocardiogram in predicting various complications of diabetes apart from coronary artery disease.