Hypoglycemia Associated Autonomic Failure in Type 1 DM

Because selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed to treat depression, it is vital to understand how these antidepressants affect hypoglycemia- the most feared complication in diabetes. This study's aim is to determine whether individuals who are chronically taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a reduced ability to defend against hypoglycemia compared to individuals not taking the medication, thus leaving them more susceptible to hypoglycemia. Both healthy volunteers and volunteers with type 1 diabetes mellitus will be studied. The results could potentially be important to diabetic patients, by demonstrating to physicians how to modify therapy for those taking antidepressants in order to avoid hypoglycemia.

The known effects of SSRI on the hypothalamo pituitary axis(HPA)may be important to the counterregulation of hypoglycemia. Prior research has demonstrated in healthy volunteers that antecedent increases in plasma cortisol result in significant blunting of neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to subsequent hypoglycemia. Thus, by activating the HPA axis, SSRIs could cause blunting of the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia.

Inclusion criteria

• 16 (8 males, 8 females) healthy volunteers aged 18-45 yr
• 34 (17 males, 17 females) type 1 diabetes volunteers aged 18-45 yr
• Body mass index 21-30 kg • m-2
• Normal bedside autonomic function
• Normal results of routine blood test to screen for hepatic, renal, and hematological abnormalities
• Female volunteers of childbearing potential: negative HCG pregnancy test
• Volunteers over 40 years old: normal heart tracing recorded while resting and walking on the treadmill
• For those with type 1 diabetes: HbA1c > 7.0%
• For those with type 1 diabetes: had diabetes for 2-15 years
• For those with type 1 diabetes: no clinical evidence of diabetic tissue complications

Exclusion criteria

• Prior history of poor health: any current or prior disease condition that alters carbohydrate metabolism and prior cardiac events and/or evidence for cardiac disease
• Hemoglobin of less than 12 g/dl
• Abnormal results following screening tests
• Pregnancy
• Subjects with any indication of depression, anxiety, bipolar, panic, or eating disorders
• Subjects with a past medical history or family history of mania or bipolar disorders
• Subjects unable to give voluntary informed consent
• Subjects with a recent medical illness
• Subjects with known liver or kidney disease
• Subjects taking steroids
• Subjects taking beta blockers
• Subjects on anticoagulant drugs, anemic, or with known bleeding diseases