[Is the measurement of the pulse wave rate useful in the diagnosis of the early stages of arterial atherosclerosis of the lower extremities in type I diabetics?].

The authors examined the rate of the pulse wave (RPW) on the arteries of the lower extremities in a group of 60 type I diabetics and in a control group of 60 subjects without diabetes. The aim of the examination was to find out whether in diabetes threatened by early development of atherosclerosis preclinical signs of stiffening of the arteries with a fast spread of the pulse wave are present. The authors found in diabetics significantly higher values of RPW, as compared with non-diabetics, starting from the fourth decade. In subjects under 30 years the RPW in the two groups did not differ. In diabetics significant linear correlations were revealed between RPW values and age and RPW values and the duration of diabetes--i.e. with advancing age and longer duration of diabetes RPW rises. In diabetics with peripheral neuropathy significantly higher RPW values were recorded, as compared with diabetics without this complication. Assessment of the RPW by ultrasound is a non-invasive useful examination which makes it possible to detect among type I diabetics subjects with preclinical signs of stiffening of the arteries of the lower extremities which is considered an initial stage of atherosclerosis.