Neck adiposity appears closely linked to LVH in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to an analysis published in Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. The study evaluated whether NC and the NCI could serve as practical markers of ectopic fat burden contributing to cardiac remodeling.

In the TESEO cohort, 29% of participants had LVH on echocardiography. Individuals with LVH displayed higher NC and NCI values, and these measures remained independently associated with LVH after adjustment for age, sex, blood pressure, HbA1c, triglycerides, renal function, albuminuria, and treatments. NC was associated with a 26% increase in LVH odds, while NCI corresponded to a 57% increase.

Stratified results showed stronger associations in men than in women. Both NC and NCI surpassed body mass index and waist circumference in their relationship with LVH. Receiver operating characteristic analyses further demonstrated that NCI effectively distinguished between individuals with and without LVH.

These findings highlight NC and NCI as simple, non-invasive measurements that may aid cardiovascular risk stratification in routine diabetes care.