Premium
Diabetic neuropathy is closely associated with arterial stiffening and thickness in Type 2 diabetes
Author(s) -
Yokoyama H.,
Yokota Y.,
Tada J.,
Kanno S.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2007.02278.x
Subject(s) - medicine , stiffening , type 2 diabetes , diabetes mellitus , diabetic neuropathy , cardiology , endocrinology , composite material , materials science
Aims Interaction of vascular and metabolic factors appears to contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of arterial stiffening and thickness on diabetic neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes. Methods In 294 patients with Type 2 diabetes, neuropathy was assessed by four components: the presence of neuropathic symptoms, the absence of ankle tendon reflexes, perception of vibration scores and heart rate variation. We measured intima‐media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries to assess arterial thickening, and brachial–ankle pulse‐wave velocity (PWV) and brachial pulse pressure (PP) which reflect arterial stiffening. Results Diabetic neuropathy, defined as ≥ two of the four components, was significantly associated with age, duration, glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1c ), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, PP, hypertension, retinopathy, urinary albumin excretion rate, nephropathy stages, PWV and IMT. PWV and PP were significantly associated with neuropathy independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that PWV, retinopathy, age, and HbA 1c , were significant independent determinants of neuropathy. Conclusions The present cross‐sectional study indicates that markers for vascular wall properties such as PWV, IMT and PP are significantly associated with diabetic neuropathy. PWV and PP are significant determinants of neuropathy independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Multifactorial intervention to inhibit progression of the atherosclerotic process may slow progression of neuropathy.