Objective: Coronary microvascular function among offspring of patients with diabetes mellitus might be compromised when compared to persons with no first-degree relative with diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to evaluate effect of family history of type-2 diabetes on coronary flow reserve.
Methods: In this observational study, we evaluated coronary flow reserve (CFR) via echocardiography of 95 subjects having a biological parent with type-2 diabetes and 34 healthy volunteers without any biological parent with type-2 diabetes. We have analyzed possible association with CFR and homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Comparison analyses were made using independent samples t test, Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA. Association of independent variables with CFR was obtained by correlation analysis and stepwise linear regression model including potential confounders.
Results: CFR was significantly lower in the positive family history group than in the controls. Moreover, when compared with controls, the subgroup of insulin-sensitive subjects in the positive family history group also had significantly reduced CFR (2.67±0.28 vs. 2.83±0.19; p=0.01). Correlation analysis revealed that CFR was inversely correlated with HOMA-IR, (r=-0.433), fasting glucose (r=-0.331), fasting insulin (r=-0.396), and hemoglobin (Hb)A1c (r=-0.405). When the positive family history group was divided into tertiles of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR <1.3, 1.3-2.6, and >2.6; Groups 1-2, and 3), there was a significant difference in CFR between Groups 1 and 2 and between Groups 1 and 3 (p<0.05 for all). Though statistically not significant, there was also a difference in CFR between Groups 2 and 3. In a linear regression model, only fasting glucose level was independent predictor of CFR (β=-677; p value =0.001, 95% CI: -0.061 and -0.019).
Conclusion: Nondiabetic first-degree relatives of patients with type-2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing coronary microvascular dysfunction.