| Abstract | According to a 2022 report by the Center for Disease Control, 37.3 million people, or
11.3% of the U.S. population, have diabetes. The impact of diabetes on the circulatory system
has been widely accepted and long established (Schofield et al., 2019). However, less is known
about the underlying mechanisms for this relationship. The growing body of evidence (Schofield
et al., 2019) shows endothelial dysfunction is seen frequently in those diagnosed with diabetes
and is associated with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular risk factors. The activity of the
endothelium that is involved in both macro- and microvascular diseases extends far beyond the
control of vascular reactivity. It is also involved in the release of vasodilating mediators.
Although glycemic control delays the onset of diabetic vascular complications, this strategy may
not always be successful in all patients.
Endothelial cells form a single layer of cells that line the blood vessels of the body and
regulate exchanges between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. This single layer of cells is
known as the endothelium. However, dysfunction can occur in the endothelium for a multitude
of reasons, including but not limited to inflammation, tobacco use, hypertension, hyperglycemia,
and more. Increased glucose variability leads to endothelial dysfunction and accelerated
atherosclerosis through increased oxidative stress (Schofield et al., 2019). Atherosclerosis is one
of the leading factors related to cardiovascular disease. Therefore, uncontrolled blood glucose
can negatively affect the endothelium, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in
those diagnosed with diabetes.
The evidence supporting the relationships between endothelial dysfunction and diabetes
is lacking objective comparison to those not diagnosed with diabetes. The purpose of this
proposed study is to describe vascular reactivity and endothelial function in a sample of young
adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in comparison to those without diabetes, utilizing
VENDYS II device to assess vascular reactivity. |
