Diabetes mellitus and left ventricular function.

Chronic diabetes mellitus can alter left ventricular function independent of vascular effects. On the basis of available morphologic data in human and canine diabetics, alterations of myocardial interstitium may be the basis for this preclinical abnormality. The abnormal function is independent of apparent duration and treatment by diet, insulin, or hypoglycemic agents. It occurs in both sexes and is independent of age. Whether the observed functional abnormality progresses to clinical heart failure may depend on intensification of the underlying pathophysiology of the myocardium or superimposition of complications such as hypertension, obesity, and obstructive disease of the coronary vessels.