The problem of development of diabetic myocardiodystrophy is analyzed. Thirty-seven patients with type 1 diabetes running a grave course with various disease duration were examined. The major parameters of intracardiac hemodynamics were examined by echolocation; exercise tolerance was studied by bicycle ergometry. The data indicate the development of diastolic rigidity, reduced volume of leftventricular myocardium, and decreased stroke and minute output at the early stages of the disease. Bicycle ergometry showed reduced exercise tolerance. These changes were in direct proportion to disease duration, presence of microangiopathy, and compensation status. These parameters may appreciably improve in recovery of the disturbed metabolic processes with restoration of the age-specific norm in patients with not long disease standing. Hence, echolocation of the heart and bicycle ergometry may be regarded among the criteria of diabetes mellitus compensation.

Capotene is an effective drug for preventing and treating diabetic myocardiodystrophy. A two-month capotene therapy (12.5 mg daily) was carried out in 20 patients with IDDM aged 12-18 years with disease of different duration without clinical signs of cardiac insufficiency, with echocardiographic changes typical of diabetic myocardiodystrophy. Eight patients were administered 3 similar courses with 6-month intervals. The major hemodynamic parameters were investigated by echolocation, and exercise tolerance was evaluated by bicycle ergometry. The data indicate the efficacy of capotene therapy in patients with diabetic myocardiodystrophy, particularly of repeated courses, carried out under conditions of compensated carbohydrate metabolism. The diastolic parameters improved in comparison with those in patients administered no capotene; myocardial contractility and exercise tolerance increased. Capotene therapy did not involve changes in insulin protocols.