Visceral Adiposity as an Independent Risk Factor for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) impacts approximately 50% of individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), leading to severe complications such as foot ulcers and amputations. Notably, visceral adiposity is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor in augmenting the risk of DPN. We aim to evaluate the correlation between obesity-related body composition, particularly visceral fat, and DPN to facilitate early identification of high-risk patients with T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis encompassed 113 T2DM patients from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, conducted between September 2020 and January 2021. Patients were categorized into two cohorts: those with DPN (DPN group) and those without (NDPN group). We utilized bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to determine body measurements, such as weight and visceral fat area, in addition to collecting clinical and biochemical data. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the data. Results: The study uncovered a statistically significant difference in the visceral fat area between the DPN and NDPN groups (p = 0.048). Through multivariate logistic regression analysis, the visceral fat area was identified as an independent risk factor for DPN among T2DM patients (OR 1.027; 95% CI 1.004-1.051, p = 0.022). Other significant risk factors included the duration of diabetes and the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion: The visceral fat area serves as an independent risk factor for DPN in individuals with T2DM. Implementing measures to assess and manage visceral obesity could be vital in the prevention and management of DPN. This underscores the value of technologies such as BIA in clinical and community settings for early intervention.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; bioelectrical impedance analysis; body composition analysis; diabetes peripheral neuropathy; obesity; visceral fat.