Acquired prolonged QT interval in patients with Type 2 diabetes: Prevalence a risk factor

The QT interval on the electrocardiogram (ECG) represents the total duration of depolarization and repolarization of the ventricles, its lengthening is associated with rhythm disturbances and increased mortality. QT interval prolongation occurs in approximately 26% of type 2 diabetics. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of QTc prolongation in patients with type 2 diabetes in a 3-day cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, including volunteer type 2 diabetes patients admitted out of emergency. The QT interval was measured manually on ECG tracings. QTc was calculated using Bazett's formula, a QTc interval at the ECG > 440 ms for men and women was considered pathological. Demographic and biological data were also collected. Potential risk factors for prolonged QTc interval were evaluated. Results: We included 126 patients. The mean age of the patients was 57.59 years. The mean duration of diabetes progression was 8.26 years. Mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 8.04%, 5.55% were smokers, 2.38% were on diuretics and mean QTc was 432.65 ms. The prevalence of prolonged QTc interval in our patients was 27.77% (21.42% of women and 6.35% of men (p=0.645). Smoking (p=0.025), diuretics (p=0.046) and duration of diabetes (p=0.02) were the significant risk factors in our study.