Association of Serum Adiponectin Levels with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Naga Sandhya Katta, Naga Anil Krishna Ramisetty, Phaneendra Dudala, Sunanda Tirupathe, V. B. Kasyapa Jannabhatla, Zagabathina Siddu NikithAbstract
Background:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common debilitating microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties, is considered a potential biomarker for neuropathy, but findings remain inconsistent. This study evaluated the association between serum adiponectin levels and DPN among adults with T2DM.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 60 adults with T2DM at a tertiary care center in South India. Participants were divided into two groups: with clinically diagnosed DPN (
Results:
Participants with DPN were older, had a longer duration of diabetes, and exhibited higher total cholesterol levels than those without DPN. Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in the DPN group (8.05 ± 3.95 µg/mL) compared with the non-DPN group (6.29 ± 2.71 µg/mL;
Conclusions:
Serum adiponectin levels were elevated in individuals with DPN, possibly a compensatory response to longstanding metabolic stress. Despite diagnostic utility, adiponectin was not an independent predictor of neuropathy. Adiponectin may serve as an adjunctive biomarker when integrated with clinical and metabolic indicators.