Close relationship between β2-microglobulin and type 2 diabetes-associated peripheral neuropathy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health concern.
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of T2DM, leading to significant morbidity.
• Identifying reliable biomarkers for DPN is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between beta-2 microglobulin (β2-MG) and the presence of DPN in patients with T2DM.
• To identify independent risk factors for DPN in T2DM patients using clinical data and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 1,219 T2DM patients.
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) diagnosis based on nerve conduction study (NCS) findings.
• Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate risk factors and diagnostic performance.

Main Results:

• DPN was diagnosed in 954 out of 1,219 T2DM patients.
• Multivariate analysis revealed positive correlations between DPN and age, β2-MG, uric acid, and male sex.
• Negative correlation observed between DPN and albumin levels. β2-MG demonstrated the highest individual diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.710).

Conclusions:

• Advanced age, elevated β2-MG and uric acid levels, and hypoalbuminemia are associated with a higher risk of DPN in T2DM.
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are valuable for early diagnosis and management of DPN.
• β2-MG emerges as a significant potential biomarker for DPN in T2DM patients.