| Summary: | Background: Crosstalk between large and small arteries has been suggested to partake in the microvascular complication development in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Yet, data are scarce.
In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the crosstalk between large and small arteries in T2DM.
Methods: Twenty patients with T2DM and 20 sex- and age matched controls were included. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) using the SphygmoCor. Endothelial function was assessed using EndoPAT. Retinal blood supply regulation was examined by retinal arteriolar diameter change during i) exposure to flickering lights, ii) isometric exercise (hand-weight lifting), and iii) a combined stimulus of i) + ii) using the Retinal Vessel Analyzer (RVA).
Results: T2DM patients had higher cfPWV than controls (9.3±1.8 m/s vs. 8.3±2.2 m/s, p = .049). No group difference was observed in endothelial function (0.71±0.30 vs. 0.81±0.30, p = .32) or in response to intervention with flicker, exercise or the combination (all p > 0.05). Endothelial function was associated with mean arteriolar diameter change for the combination intervention (Beta = 0.033 [0.0013; 0.064], p = .042) in patients and controls. No association was observed between cfPWV and retinal arteriolar %-diameter change in patients or controls.
Conclusion: Peripheral endothelial function was associated with retinal arteriolar diameter change. Our findings may indicate a contribution of macro-microvascular crosstalk in diabetes complication development.
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