Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients with Diabetic Mellitus via Color Doppler Flow Imaging

Objective The endothelial function in patients with diabetic mellitus was investigated via color Doppler flow imaging. Methods The changes of the diameter of brachial artery were determined by measuring the diameter of brachial artery in sixty-one patients with DM before and after an inflation of sphygmomanometer pneumatic cuff, and before and after sublingual nitroglycerin (500 μg). Results The changes of the diameter of brachial artery under reactive hyperaemia condition in patients with DM decreased significantly compared with normal control group ( P 0.001). The changes of nitroglycerin mediated brachial dilatation also decreased significantly compared with normal control group ( P 0.05). The damage severity of brachial endothelial function in DM patients was significantly related with its chronicity. Conclusion The damage of vascular endothelial function can be found in the early stage of DM.