Pyridostigmine and Its Effects on Autonomic Modulation in Diabetic Patients

Pyridostigmine and Its Effects on Autonomic Modulation in Diabetic Patients With Autonomic Neuropathy

The purpose of the study is to determine if pyridostigmine bromide improves heart rate variability of type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.

The reduced heart rate variability is associated with increased risk of death in patients with diabetes mellitus. Cholinesterase inhibition with pyridostigmine bromide increases heart rate variability in normal individuals and congestive heart failure subjects but its effects on patients with diabetes mellitus is unknown. Based on those evidences, we will test if the short-term administration of pyridostigmine bromide increases heart rate variability in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diabetes mellitus

Exclusion Criteria:

• myocardial infarction
• acute ischemic syndromes
• second or third degree atrioventricular block
• active alcoholism
• thyroid dysfunction
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• history of intolerance to pyridostigmine.