Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and mortality in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND

This study examines the relationship between Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI) and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes, aiming to guide clinical nutrition management and extend life expectancy.

METHODS

We analyzed a weighted sample of 7,640 individuals with prediabetes and diabetes from the NHANES 2005-2018 and the NCI database. Nutritional status was assessed using the GNRI. Survival outcomes, including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regressions were further conducted to evaluate the robustness and potential nonlinear relationships between GNRI and mortality outcomes.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 8.00 years, 1,210 participants died, including 319 from cardiovascular diseases. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed significantly lower survival rates for both mortalities in participants with low GNRI. Fully adjusted COX regression models revealed a 2.50-fold (95% CI: 2.14-2.92,  < 0.001) increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 2.78-fold (95% CI: 2.04-3.77,  < 0.001) increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in the low GNRI group. These associations remained robust across subgroup analyses. RCS analyses presented nonlinear associations between GNRI and both mortalities (both -non-linear <0.05, -overall <0.05).

CONCLUSION

GNRI demonstrated a significant, negative, and nonlinear association with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in US individuals with prediabetes and diabetes, highlighting its utility in improving survival outcomes through nutritional assessment.