P3.5 TYPE 2 DIABETES EXACERBATES CAROTID ARTERY ECHOGENICITY AND CENTRAL ARTERY STIFFNESS IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Grey scale median of the common carotid artery intima-media complex (IM-GSM) characterizes the composition of the arterial wall and low IM-GSM reflects more generalized atherosclerotic vulnerability. However, it is unclear whether the presence of DM itself affects IM-GSM, similar to that observed with aortic stiffness. We measured IM-GSM and aortic stiffness in middle-aged and older individuals with and without DM. We included 264 individuals with DM (DM+; 67.0±8.9yrs, 83F) and 226 individuals without DM (DM-; 66.3±9.3yrs, 81F). Ultrasound images of the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) were obtained and IM-GSM was analysed using semi-automated edge-detection software. Aortic stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) using a SphygmoCor® device. IM-GSM was significantly lower in DM+ than DM− (103.6±1.5au vs 113.4±1.6au, p<0.05) after adjustment for age and sex. Adjustments for cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension (HT), statin treatment and IMT did not change the finding. cfPWV was significantly higher in DM+ than DM- (10.2±1.0m/s vs 9.1±1.0m/s, p<0.05) after adjustment for age, sex and mean arterial pressure. Adjustments for CVD, HT, statin treatment and heart rate did not change the finding. With further adjustment for HbA1c, cfPWV became similar between the groups, but IM-GSM remained lower in DM+ than DM- (p<0.05). These results demonstrate that the presence of DM unfavourably alters both IM-GSM and cfPWV in middle-aged and older individuals, and that impaired glycaemic control (HbA1c) only accounts for the difference in cfPWV. These findings suggest the presence of an additional factor(s) together with glycaemic control that influence IM-GSM in DM.