Association between RBC folate and diabetic nephropathy in Type2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study

Folates play a crucial role as cofactors in metabolic pathways, influencing biological methylation and nucleotide synthesis, which has a significant impact on overall health and disease susceptibility. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent and severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The correlation between RBC folate and DN remains unclear currently. This study aims to assess whether RBC folate is associated with DN. Based on data from the NHANES (2011–2018), we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 3070 adults with type 2 DM (T2DM). Demographic factors, levels of folate and vitamin B12, dietary folate intakes, and relevant laboratory data were obtained from all participants. Logistic regression, fitting smooth curves, interaction effects were utilized to support the research objectives. Regression analyses demonstrated a positive relation between RBC folate and DN. (P