Association Between Serum Leptin and Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and contributes substantially to morbidity and impaired quality of life. In addition to its established role in energy homeostasis, leptin has been implicated in glucose metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction. Alterations in circulating leptin levels may therefore be associated with the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy. However, the relationship between serum leptin and DPN in patients with T2DM remains incompletely understood.
Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the association between serum leptin levels and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with T2DM and to assess the relationship of leptin with selected clinical and biochemical parameters.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 T2DM patients, with participants classified according to the presence or absence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. For all the study participants clinical, biochemical parameters were assessed, and serum leptin concentrations were estimated. The association between serum leptin levels and neuropathy status was evaluated using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Serum leptin levels were increased in T2DM patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy those without neuropathy. The study evaluated whether altered leptin concentrations were associated with the presence of peripheral neuropathy after considering relevant metabolic and clinical factors. The findings provide evidence regarding the potential relationship between leptin dysregulation and diabetic peripheral nerve involvement.
Conclusion: Serum leptin may be associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with T2DM and could potentially contribute to the metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve dysfunction.