Spontaneous variations in resting blood flow, postischaemic peak flow and vibratory perception in the feet of diabetics

Abstract

The variability of the resting blood flow in the foot was studied by means of venous-occlusion plethysmography in 25 diabetics and 16 non-diabetics. - To evaluate the functional state of the vessels themselves, the postischaemic peak flow was studied in the same patients. To obtain an estimate of the functional state of the nerves the vibratory perception threshold was determined. - The following results were obtained: 1. The normally occuring spontaneous variations in the resting blood flow in the foot were considerably reduced in the diabetic group of patients, although the mean resting blood flow was identical in the diabetic and the nondiabetic group. The lack of spontaneous variations showed a strong association with the duration of diabetes. - 2. The peak flow was often reduced in long term diabetic patients. This abnormality was associated with the presence of arterial calcifications. - 3. The vibratory perception threshold increased with increasing duration of diabetes as already shown by other authors. - 4. It was demonstrated by statistical analysis that the loss of rhythmic activity in the resting blood flow was due to autonomic neuropathy as well as to a vascular factor. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.