EPI in diabetes is associated with autonomic dysfunction

Key clinical point: Patients with diabetes and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) had reduced autonomic function compared with those with diabetes without EPI.

Major finding: Overall, the prevalence of EPI (fecal elastase [FE] < 200 mg/g) was 20%. Patients with or without EPI had reduced baroreflex sensitivity (all P < .05) and heart rate variability (P < .05), but not increased frequency of orthostatic hypotension (P = .92).

Study details: This study included 59 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Patients with diabetes were stratified into EPI (n=8) and control (n=13) groups based on FE levels.

,

Disclosures: This study was funded by Haukeland University Hospital. The authors declared no conflict of interests.

Source: Sangnes DA et al. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2021 Sep 7. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2021.1957496.