Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes
Published on: March 7, 2025
Association between the glycemic risk index and peripheral atherosclerosis in hospitalized patients with type 2
Li Ruopu1, Cheng Dihe1, Chen Yan1
1Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
Objective:
The Glycemic Risk Index (GRI) is a novel composite glycemic indicator, but its role in peripheral atherosclerotic lesions in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. This study examined the association between GRI and the severity of peripheral atherosclerotic lesions in T2D patients and assessed its value in identifying high-risk individuals.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 878 T2D patients hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Jilin University from October 2023 to October 2025. Patients were divided into no-lesion (n = 88), single-lesion (n = 287), and dual-lesion (n = 503) groups by carotid plus lower extremity arterial ultrasound examinations and stratified by GRI quartiles. The performance of GRI in identifying vascular lesion risk was compared with traditional indicators, including TIR and HbA1c. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression and subgroup analyses were conducted.
Results:
Higher GRI quartiles were associated with poorer glycemic control, greater variability, and higher prevalence of peripheral atherosclerosis (86%-95% from Q1 to Q4), while TIR and HbA1c showed no similar trend. After full adjustment, the highest GRI quartile conferred a 76% higher risk of more severe atherosclerosis versus Q1 (OR = 1.76, 95%CI:1.15-2.70, P = 0.009; P for trend = 0.002). This association was stronger in overweight patients (BMI≥24 kg/m², P for interaction = 0.03).
Conclusion:
GRI is independently and positively associated with the severity of peripheral atherosclerotic lesions in T2D and outperforms traditional glycemic indicators, especially in overweight individuals, supporting its clinical use for atherosclerosis risk stratification.
Related Concept Videos
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation