Association of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width with Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent and significant complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although several risk factors have been established, there is still a need to explore additional indicators for the early detection and intervention planning of DN. Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been noted to play a role in cardiovascular events and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to explore the potential association between RDW and DN in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). METHODS: Data were gathered from 2011 through 2018 through NHANES, and we performed a cross-sectional study that included 3,704 T2DM patients. Logistic regression, curve fitting, and interaction effects were utilized to examine the relationship between RDW and diabetic nephropathy. RESULTS: The mean RDW values were significantly elevated in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared to those without diabetic nephropathy (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between RDW and DN, even after adjusting for the confounding variables (odds ratio: 1.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.12 - 1.21, p < 0.001). Furthermore, after accounting for all confounding variables, curve fitting demonstrateed a linear relationship between RDW and DN (p for non-linearity = 0.658). RDW was positively correlated with DN. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our research suggests that there is a link between higher RDW levels and the presence of DN, indicating that RDW may serve as a valuable biomarker for the early identification, prevention, and strategic intervention of this serious complication.