Factors Affecting Arterial Stiffness and Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Background We defined the progression of atherosclerosis in patients by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) and determined the relationship between ba-PWV and body composition factors, muscle strength, and patient characteristics. Methodology The arterial stiffness index, body composition, anthropometric parameters, blood test data, and background factors were evaluated in 109 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Statistical analysis was conducted using logistic regression analysis and analysis of covariance (p < 0.05). Results The mean age of the participants was 62.87 ± 12.11 years, body mass index (BMI) was 25.72 ± 4.35 kg/m², ba-PWV was 1653.08 ± 366.55 cm/s, systolic blood pressure was 138.87 ± 16.74 mmHg, the number of years of disease was 11.17 ± 9.51 years, and hemoglobin A1c value was 6.90 ± 0.74%. Binomial logistic regression analysis of ba-PWV divided into two groups by arterial stiffness index, ≥ (or <) 1,400 cm/s, showed systolic blood pressure (odds ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval = 1.05-1.18, p < 0.001), BMI, and number of years of disease were significant independent variables. The cut-off value for BMI was 26.28 kg/m². BMI was a significant explanatory factor for ba-PWV in the analysis of covariance (p < 0.001). Conclusion BMI was associated with the incidence of atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM. We proposed a cut-off value for BMI below which the atherosclerosis index increased, a result that may reflect the influence of the metabolic paradox.