Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2025

Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
Differential Impact of Metabolic Factors and Comorbidities on Peripheral Neuropathy
Georgios Ponirakis1, Ioannis N Petropoulos1, Hoda Gad1
1Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the impact of metabolic factors and comorbidities on peripheral neuropathy.
Methods:
Qatari nationals and long-term residents from the Qatar Biobank underwent clinical/metabolic assessments, including iDXA to measure visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) volumes, inflammation, thyroid function, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), vibration perception threshold (VPT), and DN4 questionnaire.
Results:
In 332 adults aged 43.4 ± 12.7 years, the prevalence of neuropathy was 3.9%. The prevalence of T2D was 16.6%, and the prevalence of neuropathy was significantly higher in T2D (14.5% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.0001). A higher HbA1c (p = 0.05) and lower eGFR (p < 0.01) were associated with reduced inferior whorl length (IWL) and lower FT3 was associated with reduced corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) (p < 0.01). Triglycerides were associated with increased neuropathic symptoms (p = 0.05). All the risk factors in this study contributed to 39% of neuropathy in T2D but had a minimal impact in those without T2D.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the importance of additional risk factors beyond traditional risk factors associated with peripheral neuropathy in T2D.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Drug Biotransformation: Biological
Species differences: Variations in enzyme systems across species can cause disparities in drug metabolism. For instance, humans may metabolize certain drugs faster than rodents, altering therapeutic effects.
Strain differences: Genetic variations within a species can result in differing enzyme activity, impacting drug response and toxicity. For example, some mouse strains may...
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Disease States and Pharmacology
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Role of Transporters
Polymorphisms occurring in drug transporters can alter...
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Causes of Nonlinearity
Nonlinear drug absorption can occur when the process is rate-limited by solubility, carrier-mediated transport systems, or saturation of the presystemic gut wall or hepatic metabolism. For instance, high doses of riboflavin...
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...

