Hemodynamic changes in patients with diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels, which can lead to dysfunction and failure of multiple organs. The prevalence of diabetes has grown significantly, with cases rising from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, and projections suggesting it could reach 700 million by 2045. It has been shown that the duration of diabetes leads to changes in the circulatory system. Elevated blood pressure, obesity, and lipid metabolism disorders in diabetic patients can contribute to the development of hemodynamic changes, increasing the risk of cardiovascular incidents. Diabetic patients may develop an impaired hemodynamic response to physical exertion, with increased vascular resistance and growing vascular stiffness. In the presence of both diabetes and heart failure, the vascular response to physical exertion is disturbed.

New treatments, especially sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, have shown significant benefits in managing diabetes. These medications help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular and kidney-related complications, and decrease hospitalizations.

In primary health care, there is a search for non-invasive, simple methods to monitor hemodynamic changes. Impedance cardiography and applanation tonometry meet these requirements. Regular cardiovascular assessments can help manage diabetes and reduce the risk of serious complications, supporting the need for these methods in routine care.