Relationship Between Autonomic Function and Progression of Renal Disease in Diabetic Proteinuria Clinical Correlations and Implications for Blood Pressure Control

The objective of this study was to test the relationship between neurologic and microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus. It was hypothesized that the mechanisms operative in autonomic dysfunction seen in diabetic patients with microangiopathy play a role in the rapidity of progression to renal failure. Twenty-six type 1 diabetic patients with proteinuria were studied with computerized monitoring of heart rate variation during timed ventilation, assumption of upright posture, and Valsalva maneuver and with 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at baseline. Renal function was evaluated over the ensuing 12 months of intensive insulin therapy. Blood pressure was treated so as to achieve consistent 24-h readings < 140/90 mm Hg. Angiotensin converting enzym