Clinical Report: Nonlinear Relationships Among Insulin, Visceral Fat, and Renal Function

Overview

This study investigates the nonlinear associations between fasting insulin levels, visceral fat area, and renal function in women with type 2 diabetes. Significant thresholds were identified, indicating that insulin levels above 70.28 pmol/L and visceral fat area exceeding 73.6 cm² correlate negatively with renal function.

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication of type 2 diabetes, with a rising incidence and significant public health implications. Understanding the factors influencing renal function in women with diabetes is crucial, as they may experience different risk profiles compared to men. This study aims to clarify the relationships between insulin, visceral fat, and renal function to inform better management strategies.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Nonlinear associations exist between fasting insulin, visceral fat area, and eGFR in women with T2DM.
• No significant association between FIns and eGFR when FIns is <70.28 pmol/L.
• FIns levels above 70.28 pmol/L are negatively correlated with eGFR.
• VFA below 73.6 cm² shows a positive correlation with eGFR, while above this threshold, the correlation is negative.
• These findings suggest critical thresholds for renal function risk stratification in female patients with T2DM.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider fasting insulin and visceral fat area as important factors in assessing renal function in women with type 2 diabetes. Recognizing the identified thresholds can aid in early intervention strategies to prevent renal impairment.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the nonlinear relationships between insulin, visceral fat, and renal function, highlighting the need for gender-specific approaches in managing diabetic kidney disease.

Related Resources & Content

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5. Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association
6. Sex-specific and BMI-specific associations between visceral fat and diabetic kidney disease in patients with diabetes: a large-scale multicentre prospective cohort study
7. Insulin resistance mediates the association between adiposity markers and incident chronic kidney disease: Findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study
8. 11. Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association
9. Sex-specific and BMI-specific associations between visceral fat and diabetic kidney disease in patients with diabetes: a large-scale multicentre prospective cohort study - ScienceDirect
10. Insulin resistance mediates the association between adiposity markers and incident chronic kidney disease: Findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study - ScienceDirect