Hypoglycemia Associated Autonomic Failure in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Hypoglycemia Associated Autonomic Failure in Type 1 DM, Question 1

The purpose of this study is to determine what corticosteroid receptor (and the dose of) is responsible for cortisol inducing hypoglycemia associated autonomic dysfunction in Type 1 DM. Specifically, we aim to determine whether stimulating the type 1 corticosteroid receptor (via fludrocortisone), the type 2 corticosteroid receptor (via dexamethasone), or both causes hypoglycemia associated autonomic dysfunction in Type 1 DM.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 16 (8 males, 8 females) Type 1 diabetic patients aged 18-45 yr.
• HbA1c > 7.0%
• Had diabetes for 2-15 years
• No clinical evidence of diabetic tissue complications
• 16 (8 males, 8 females) Healthy volunteers aged 18-45 yrs.
• Body mass index < 27kg · m-2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior or current history of poor health
• Abnormal results following blood and physical examination
• Pregnancy