Studies of Pulse Wave Velocity in Potential Diabetic Subjects

The arterial pulse wave velocity was studied in seventyfive potential diabetic subjects. A significant increase in the pulse wave velocity was found in the age group of 0 to 10 and 21 to 50 yrs. when compared to an age-related group of normal subjects. Such alterations of the pulse wave velocity have been interpreted as being an index ofdiffuse atherosclerosis and support the concept that early degenerative vascular diseaseoccurs in patients genetically destined to develop diabetes mellitus. Its use as a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic index has also been postulated.