Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Patients-Cardiologists Be Aware

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is linked to cardiovascular (CV) mortality, particularly in chronic kidney disease patients.
• The potential role of FGF23 as a CV risk factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that FGF23 is a potent CV risk factor in patients with long-standing T2DM.
• To assess the association between FGF23 levels and cardiovascular health in this population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 102 T2DM patients with regular outpatient follow-up.
• Serum FGF23 levels measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
• Echocardiograms and electrocardiograms performed to assess cardiac status.

Main Results:

• FGF23 levels were elevated in all analyzed T2DM patients, irrespective of ischemic heart disease (IHD) status.
• Median patient age was 69 years, with a median T2DM duration of 19 years.
• One-third of patients had pre-existing IHD.

Conclusions:

• FGF23 is consistently elevated in T2DM patients, even with good glycemic control.
• The clinical significance of FGF23 as an independent CV risk factor in T2DM may be limited, especially when glycemic control is adequate.