| Description: |
Background White matter hyperintensities (WMHs), commonly seen in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are linked to cognitive decline and may be influenced by cardiovascular risk factors. This study explores the relationship between diabetes, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and the presence of WMHs in an apparently healthy population. Methods The study group includes 735 adult participants without neurological or severe cardiovascular diseases. During the visit, participants took part in detailed clinical examination (medical history, biochemical analysis, carotid arteries ultrasound, and brain MRI). WMHs were quantified by the SAMSEG tool implemented in Freesurfer software. Results Participants’ median age was 45 (range, 36–58) years, 341 (46.39%) were men, 58 (7.9%) had diagnosed diabetes, 345 (46.94%) had diagnosed prediabetes, and 91 (12.38%) individuals fulfilled two definitions of prediabetes—simultaneously impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Univariate analysis presented a positive association between plasma glucose concentrations, glycated hemoglobin, diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome and WMHs ( p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis ( R 2adj. = 0.33) presented an association between glucose metabolism disorders (diabetes mellitus or fulfilling two definitions of prediabetes, β = 2.77, p = 0.006) and WMHs. Conclusion Patients with glucose metabolism disorders, not only those with diabetes but also those fulfilling definitions of prediabetes IGT and IFG simultaneously, have significantly larger volumes of WMHs. Patients with diabetes or prediabetes may benefit from the comprehensive management of cardiovascular risk factors, not only to limit the risk of cardiovascular disease but also to potentially reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. |