Abnormalities in carotid artery wall thickness and function in youth with obesity and type 2 diabetes
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Increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and stiffness have been shown associated with stroke and myocardial infarction. Using ultrasound for CIMT measurement, the study compared carotid arteries in youth who were either lean, obese, or had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cardiovascular risk factors worsened from lean youth to those who were obese to those presenting with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Compared with lean and obese subjects, those with type 2 diabetes exhibited greater common carotid artery and bulb CIMT. For the internal carotid artery, CIMT measurements were thicker in both obese and type 2 diabetes groups than in the lean group. In the obese and type 2 diabetes groups, carotid arteries were stiffer than in the lean group. Thus, youth with obesity and type 2 diabetes show abnormalities in carotid wall thickness and stiffness. Based on these findings of early vascular changes, healthcare professionals should address cardiovascular risk factors early in these at-risk groups so as to prevent the likely increased subsequent incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction.
Abstract
