Fig. 3

Scatterplots of relationships of the E of each segment of AT and clinical or biochemical parameters. (a1–3) The E value of the distal segment was inversely related to age (r = − 0.122; P < 0.05). The E values of the middle and proximal segments were not related to age (P > 0.05). (b1 − 3) The E value of the distal segment was not related to BMI (P > 0.05). The E values of the middle and proximal segments were positively related to BMI respectively (r = 0.109; r = 0.142; P < 0.05). (c1 − 3) The E values of the three segments of the AT were inversely related to FPG respectively (r = − 0.424; r = − 0.274; r = − 0.229; P < 0.05). (d1 − 3) The E values of the three segments of the AT were inversely related to HbA1c respectively (r = − 0.376; r = − 0.289; r = − 0.260; P < 0.05). (e1 − 3) The E values of the three segments of the AT were inversely related to diabetes duration respectively (r = − 0.507; r = − 0.313; r = − 0.296; p < 0.05). (f1–3) The E value of each segment was not related to AT thickness (P > 0.05). E, Young’s modulus; AT, Achilles tendon; BMI, body mass index; FPG, fasting plasma glucose; HbA1c, hemoglobin A1c