The visceral fat area/subcutaneous fat area ratio is positively associated with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Evidence has demonstrated that visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) have different influences on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to investigate the relationship between the visceral fat area (VFA), the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) ratio (V/S), and carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in patients with T2DM.

Methods: From January 2018 to May 2023, 1838 patients with T2DM admitted to the National Metabolic Management Centre in our hospital were assigned to two groups based on comorbid CAS. Dual bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure the VAF and SFA, and the V/S was calculated. Patient characteristics and serum biochemical indices were compared between groups. Factors influencing comorbid CAS were determined, and correlations between V/S and other clinical indices were analyzed.

Results: The group with comorbid CAS included 858 individuals and 980 without comorbid CAS. Those with comorbid CAS were older and had a longer disease duration, more significant systolic blood pressure, and greater V/S. The proportions of patients with comorbid hypertension increased significantly with the V/S ratio. The V/S ratio positively correlated with triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and waist circumference. According to binary logistic regression analysis, V/S was an independent risk factor for CAS.

Conclusion: Elevated V/S is an independent risk factor for CAS in patients with T2DM.