Dysmetabolism-related Early Sensory Deficits and Their Relationship With Peripheral Neuropathy Development

Aim To investigate the association of early peripheral sensory dysfunction (EPSD) identified through quantitative sensory testing (QST) with factors related to a dysmetabolic status in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without peripheral neuropathy (PN), and the impact of those factors on PN development. Methods A total of 225 individuals (117 and 108 without and with T2DM, respectively) without PN based on clinical and electrophysiological criteria were analyzed. Comparative analysis was conducted between those identified as healthy and those with EPSD based on a standardized QST protocol. A total of 196 were followed-up over a mean of 2.64 years for PN occurrence. Results Among those without T2DM, apart from male sex, height, and higher fat and lower lean mass, only higher insulin resistance (IR; homeostatic model assessment for IR: odds ratio [OR], 1.70; P = .009; McAuley index OR, 0.62, P = .008), was independently associated with EPSD. In T2DM, metabolic syndrome (OR, 18.32; P < .001) and skin advanced glycation end-products (AGEs; OR, 5.66; P = .003) were independent predictors of EPSD. In longitudinal analysis, T2DM (hazard ratio [HR], 3.32 vs no diabetes mellitus; P < .001), EPSD (adjusted HR, 1.88 vs healthy; P = .049 adjusted for diabetes mellitus and sex), higher IR and AGEs predicted PN development. Among the 3 EPSD-associated sensory phenotypes, sensory loss was most strongly associated with PN development (adjusted HR, 4.35; P = .011). Conclusion We demonstrate for the first time the utility of a standardized QST-based approach in identifying early sensory deficits in individuals with and without T2DM. These are associated with a dysmetabolic status signified by IR markers, metabolic syndrome, and higher AGEs, which in turn are shown to influence PN development.

Automated summary

This study aims to investigate the association between early peripheral sensory dysfunction (EPSD) and factors related to dysmetabolic status in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2DM), as well as the impact of these factors on peripheral neuropathy (PN) development. The results showed that higher insulin resistance was independently associated with EPSD in individuals without T2DM, while metabolic syndrome and skin advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) were independent predictors of EPSD in T2DM. Longitudinal analysis revealed that T2DM, EPSD, higher insulin resistance, and AGEs predicted PN development. Among the three EPSD-associated sensory phenotypes, sensory loss was most strongly associated with PN development.