The role of diffusion-weighted imaging in the evaluation of treatment of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

Introduction: To compare the pre and post-treatment pancreatic apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of type II diabetes patients with control subjects, and also to evaluate its effectiveness in evaluating the response to treatment.

Methods: The study included 35 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 35 non-diabetic participants, matched for sex and age. Insulin and metformin treatment was given to the patients. Abdominal diffusion-weighted MR imaging was performed before and after the treatment. ADCs of the control group and patients pre and post-treatment were compared. In addition, the clinical parameters of the patients related to diabetes were recorded.

Results: There was a significant difference between the median pancreatic ADC values of the patients pre and post-treatment. While there was a significant difference between the median pancreatic ADC values of the patient and the control groups before the treatment, no significant difference after the treatment was observed. There was a positive correlation between mean pancreatic ADC values and age, as well as a negative correlation with Hb1Ac level and eGFR.

Conclusion: Pancreatic ADC values of newly diagnosed type II diabetes patients can be used as a marker of pancreatic function in the evaluation of response to treatment and clinical decisions.