Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic systemic inflammation is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related cardiometabolic conditions. Adipokines such as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and vaspin are linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. This study examines the associations of PAI-1 and vaspin levels with cardiometabolic risk markers and the inflammatory potential of diet in overweight or obese women with and without T2DM. METHODS: Women aged 20-50 were grouped based on diabetes diagnosis. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical data (fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and lipid profile), and adiposity indices (Visceral Adiposity Index, Body Adiposity Index, Lipid Accumulation Product Index, and Conicity Index) were assessed. Nutritional status was analyzed via 3-day dietary records. Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Energy-Adjusted DII (E-DII) scores were computed. PAI-1 and vaspin levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: PAI-1 levels were significantly higher in the T2DM group (p < 0.05), whereas vaspin levels did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). After adjustment for age, BMI, and waist circumference (Models 3 and 4), DII and E-DII scores were not significantly associated with T2DM status (p > 0.05). In the T2DM group, higher E-DII scores were associated with lower intake of fiber, polyunsaturated fat, vitamin E, thiamine, folate, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Elevated PAI-1 levels were found in women with T2DM, while dietary inflammatory potential was not independently associated with T2DM status after adjustment for adiposity-related factors. Higher E-DII scores were also associated with lower intake of anti-inflammatory nutrients. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for confounding variables in diet-related inflammation research.