Diminished levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 may be a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients.

Aims/Introduction: To investigate risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and to explore the connection between insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and DPN in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A total of 790 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a cross‐sectional study, divided into two groups: those with DPN (DPN) and those without DPN (non‐DPN). Blood samples were taken to measure IGF‐1 levels and other biochemical markers. Participants underwent nerve conduction studies and quantitative sensory testing. Results: Patients with DPN exhibited significantly lower levels of IGF‐1 compared with non‐DPN patients (P < 0.001). IGF‐1 was positively correlated with the average amplitude of both motor (P < 0.05) and sensory nerves (P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with the vibration perception threshold (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between IGF‐1 and nerve conduction velocity (P > 0.05), or the temperature detection threshold (P > 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis identified diabetes duration, HbA1c, and the low levels of IGF‐1 as independent risk factors (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined that at 8 years duration of diabetes, 8.5% (69.4 mmol/mol) HbA1c and 120 ng/mL IGF‐1, the optimal cut‐off points, indicated DPN (P < 0.001). Conclusions: A reduction of IGF‐1 in patients with DPN suggests a potential protective role against axon injury in large fiber nerves of type 2 diabetes patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]