Beyond BMI: Ultrasound-Detected Visceral Adiposity as a Predictor of Early Cardiometabolic Dysfunction in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

TL;DR

This study shows that ultrasound-measured visceral fat in children with type 1 diabetes is linked to early heart and metabolic issues, even when body weight is normal.

Contribution

The study introduces ultrasound-based visceral adiposity as a novel, noninvasive predictor of cardiometabolic risk in pediatric type 1 diabetes.

Findings

Children with type 1 diabetes have significantly higher perirenal and epicardial fat thickness compared to healthy controls.

Visceral fat thickness is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and early atherosclerosis in youth with type 1 diabetes.

Ultrasound-based visceral fat measurements are independent predictors of cardiometabolic risk beyond BMI.

Abstract

What are the main findings?
•Perirenal and epicardial adipose tissue thicknesses are significantly increased in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, independent of overall body mass index.•Higher visceral adipose tissue thickness is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity, systemic inflammation, and increased carotid intima–media thickness, indicating early subclinical atherosclerosis.

Perirenal and epicardial adipose tissue thicknesses are significantly increased in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, independent of overall body mass index.

Higher visceral adipose tissue thickness is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity, systemic inflammation, and increased carotid intima–media thickness, indicating early subclinical atherosclerosis.

What are the implications of the main findings?
•Ultrasonographic assessment of perirenal and epicardial fat provides a simple, noninvasive tool for early cardiometabolic risk stratification in pediatric type 1 diabetes.•Visceral adiposity–based imaging markers may help identify high-risk children who could benefit from earlier preventive cardiovascular interventions beyond glycemic control alone.

Ultrasonographic assessment of perirenal and epicardial fat provides a simple, noninvasive tool for early cardiometabolic risk stratification in pediatric type 1 diabetes.

Visceral adiposity–based imaging markers may help identify high-risk children who could benefit from earlier preventive cardiovascular interventions beyond glycemic control alone.

Background: Visceral adiposity has emerged as a clinically relevant determinant of early cardiometabolic dysfunction in pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), yet its assessment remains underutilized in routine practice. This study evaluated ultrasonographically measured epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and perirenal adipose tissue thickness (PrATT) as markers of metabolic risk, insulin sensitivity, and subclinical atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with T1DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 participants with T1DM and 152 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric data, biochemical parameters, hepatic steatosis grade, and insulin sensitivity indices (eGDR) were collected. EATT and PrATT were measured via standardized echocardiographic and abdominal ultrasonographic protocols. Carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) was assessed as an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. Correlation and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of T1DM status and cardiometabolic risk. Results: Children with T1DM exhibited significantly higher PrATT and EATT values compared with controls (both p < 0.05). All eGDR indices were markedly lower in the T1DM group, reflecting reduced insulin sensitivity. PrATT and EATT showed strong or moderate correlations with hsCRP, hepatic steatosis, atherogenic index of plasma, and multiple anthropometric markers. Both visceral fat depots were positively associated with cIMT. Logistic regression identified PrATT, EATT, hsCRP, cIMT, and eGDR-BMI as independent predictors of case status. Subgroup analyses demonstrated more pronounced visceral adiposity and metabolic impairment among participants with BMI ≥85th percentile. Conclusions: Ultrasonographically measured PrATT and EATT provide valuable insight into early cardiometabolic risk in youth with T1DM, independent of BMI. Their associations with insulin resistance, inflammation, and subclinical atherosclerosis highlight their potential utility as accessible markers for early risk stratification in pediatric diabetes. Routine incorporation of visceral fat assessment may support earlier identification of high-risk individuals and more targeted preventive strategies.

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