# Classification of Diabetes Using Photoplethysmogram (PPG) Waveform Analysis: Logistic Regression Modeling

Authors: Yousef K. Qawqzeh; Abdullah S. Bajahzar; Mahdi Jemmali; Mohammad Mahmood Otoom; Adel Thaljaoui
Journal: BioMed Research International
 (2020)

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## Abstract

In this research, the photoplethysmogram (PPG) waveform analysis is utilized to develop a logistic regression-based predictive model for the classification of diabetes. The classifier has three predictors age,b/a, and SP indices in which they achieved an overall accuracy of 92.3% in the prediction of diabetes. In this study, a total of 587 subjects were enrolled. A total of 459 subjects were used for model training and development, while the rest of the 128 subjects were used for model testing and validation. The classifier was able to diagnose 63 patients correctly as diabetes while 27 subjects were wrongly classified as nondiabetes with an accuracy of 70%. Again, the model classified 479 subjects as nondiabetes correctly while it incorrectly classified 18 subjects as diabetes with an accuracy of 96.4%. Finally, the proposed model revealed an overall predictive accuracy of 92.3% which makes it a reliable surrogate measure for diabetes classification and prediction in clinical settings.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Diabetes is considered one of the major causes of mortality in the world [1]. Diabetes can be described as a chronic disease in which the arteries may lose their elasticity. Diabetes is the silent killer of cardiovascular functionalities [2]. The lack of insulin inside our blood causes diabetes since it is responsible of sugar regulation; this happens when the pancreas produces no sufficient insulin [3]. Varieties of lifestyle habits and foods promote type II diabetes among people worldwide [4, 5]. It is expected that the number of diabetic patients will be doubled [6]. PPG signal is used in this study to extract some morphological indices that may be used for diabetes prediction. PPG waveform can be explained as a volumetric measure for blood volume changes inside arteries [7, 8]. Still, there is no unified definition for the origin of PPG signal, but it can be understood as an optical plethysmograph [9]. The detection of blood volume changes inside tissue’s microvascular beds can be tracked by PPG signal [10]. PPG’s main components, the pulsatile components, are linked to changes in blood volume inside arteries [11]. The well-known pulse oximeter device is normally utilized to illuminate the skin (recording position) and then measure the amount of light absorption [12]. Many available medical devices that used PPG technology are available commercially in different clinical settings, as heart rate (HR) monitoring programs [13], devices for blood pressure monitoring, and diagnostic devices for the vascular system [14]. In conclusion, the prediction of diabetes may contribute towards disease stratification and risk prevention.


## 2. Literature Review

The PPG represents a plethysmograph that is obtained optically; it measures the volume of an organ [15]. It is normally used for the tracking and detection of changes in blood volume in the tissues [16]. It measures blood circulation function as it travels through arteries and veins; however, this relationship is affected by a variety of covariates such as physical and optical ones in which they may alter the morphology of PPG [8]. The PPG is often obtained by using a pulse oximeter which illuminates the skin and measures changes in light absorption [12]. The cutaneous blood flow can be estimated using measurement of active assuagement of infrared light by blood inside tissue [7; 12]. The pulsatile components of PPG morphology include descriptive contents for cardiovascular health [17, 18]. PPG signals can be recorded from different recording positions like ears, fingers, and toes [18]. Several clinical applications utilized PPG’s technology, and they are commercially available in the market. The pulse oximeters, vascular diagnostics systems, and digital beat-to-beat blood pressure measurement devices are well-known examples of PPG technology [14]. A neural network-based classifier has been developed by [15] to predict diabetes utilizing indices extracted from PPG waveform. Another researcher utilized decision trees to predict diabetes mellitus type 2 [19].


## 3. Research Methods

### 3.1. Measurement Methods

A National Instruments device (NI cDAQ-9172) was utilized for PPG waveform recording at 5500 Hz sampling rate frequency. An algorithm was developed for extracting PPG’s parameters in the time domain using MATLAB programming language. The outlier’s removal is achieved by detrending the PPG signals. The used filtering technique was band-pass filtering (0.6 Hz–15 Hz) for the removal of respiratory rhythm and higher frequencies effects. The participants are requested not to consume caffeine at least 6 hours before the recordings. In the recording room (hospital-controlled room, ±25C°), subjects lie in a supine position while remaining quiet to avoid any possible noise or artifacts. A specialist lab technician analyzes the hbA1C; the subject will be classified as a type II diabetes if A1C value exceeds 6.5% [20]. Based on the used protocol, a written consent has been taken from each participant, and a questionnaire-like data collection form that includes data about age, gender, CVD history, and contact number is used for data collection.


### 3.2. PPG Index Analysis

PPG indices were extracted through the analysis of PPG’s time domain components, since its AC components represent the most important blood flow features [21]. The extracted parameters were grouped into time parameters and volume parameters. A time parameter represents the total time between any two points (peaks or valleys), while PPG’s volume parameters describe how any point at PPG’s contour differs from the baseline. Normally, the baseline (the minimum point of the pulse) is scaled to zero to facilitate pulse visualization. Table 1 represents the descriptive statistics for the model’s index characteristics.Table 1
Model’s descriptive statistics.
IndexNMinMaxMeanStd. deviationA1C5874.5111.105.89221.31105Age58718.0072.0037.326816.39369RI587.53.85.6879.07872ST587.132.26.1580.02700PT587.60.92.7294.08263DiP587.51.78.6148.05967b/a587.50.80.6744.07393PPT587.09.19.1190.02000DT587.22.45.2770.47000SP587.61.93.7440.07220ValidN (listwise)587PT: pulse time; ST: time to reach systolic peak; DT: time to reach diastolic peak; PPT: peak-to-peak time; RI: reflection index; DiP: diastolic peak; SP: systolic peak;b/a: “b” wave/“a” wave.The A1C test score (diabetic) represents the dependent variable which is represented by 1 (means being a diabetic patient) or 0 (means being a nondiabetic patient), while the rest of the variables mentioned in Table1 represent the independent variables. Additional focus on PPG’s amplitude parameters is given due to the importance of its pulsatile components in reflecting changes in blood stream inside arteries. This focus can be achieved without neglecting its time indices. Diabetes alters blood propagation changes and therefore alters its volumetric changes. The higher the age is, the more the reduction in PPG’s amplitude will be. This phenomenon is thought to be caused by atherosclerosis and diabetes accumulation in the arteries. As a result, changes in blood circulation present roundness to PPG’s morphology. Diabetes affects the elastic properties of the arterial wall, which is thought to alter the PPG’s morphology. Diabetes and atherosclerosis introduce stiffness to the arterial wall. The more the accumulation of atherosclerosis and diabetes, the faster the blood propagation will be. Additionally, it is noted that, as arteries stiffen, PPG’s pulse amplitude tends to be reduced. In total, this work examined eight PPG indices. Through this work, the number 0 represents a nondiabetic patient while the number 1 represents a diabetic patient. Additionally, the A1C score represents a diabetic patient if it exceeds a value of 6.5%.


## 3.1. Measurement Methods

A National Instruments device (NI cDAQ-9172) was utilized for PPG waveform recording at 5500 Hz sampling rate frequency. An algorithm was developed for extracting PPG’s parameters in the time domain using MATLAB programming language. The outlier’s removal is achieved by detrending the PPG signals. The used filtering technique was band-pass filtering (0.6 Hz–15 Hz) for the removal of respiratory rhythm and higher frequencies effects. The participants are requested not to consume caffeine at least 6 hours before the recordings. In the recording room (hospital-controlled room, ±25C°), subjects lie in a supine position while remaining quiet to avoid any possible noise or artifacts. A specialist lab technician analyzes the hbA1C; the subject will be classified as a type II diabetes if A1C value exceeds 6.5% [20]. Based on the used protocol, a written consent has been taken from each participant, and a questionnaire-like data collection form that includes data about age, gender, CVD history, and contact number is used for data collection.


## 3.2. PPG Index Analysis

PPG indices were extracted through the analysis of PPG’s time domain components, since its AC components represent the most important blood flow features [21]. The extracted parameters were grouped into time parameters and volume parameters. A time parameter represents the total time between any two points (peaks or valleys), while PPG’s volume parameters describe how any point at PPG’s contour differs from the baseline. Normally, the baseline (the minimum point of the pulse) is scaled to zero to facilitate pulse visualization. Table 1 represents the descriptive statistics for the model’s index characteristics.Table 1
Model’s descriptive statistics.
IndexNMinMaxMeanStd. deviationA1C5874.5111.105.89221.31105Age58718.0072.0037.326816.39369RI587.53.85.6879.07872ST587.132.26.1580.02700PT587.60.92.7294.08263DiP587.51.78.6148.05967b/a587.50.80.6744.07393PPT587.09.19.1190.02000DT587.22.45.2770.47000SP587.61.93.7440.07220ValidN (listwise)587PT: pulse time; ST: time to reach systolic peak; DT: time to reach diastolic peak; PPT: peak-to-peak time; RI: reflection index; DiP: diastolic peak; SP: systolic peak;b/a: “b” wave/“a” wave.The A1C test score (diabetic) represents the dependent variable which is represented by 1 (means being a diabetic patient) or 0 (means being a nondiabetic patient), while the rest of the variables mentioned in Table1 represent the independent variables. Additional focus on PPG’s amplitude parameters is given due to the importance of its pulsatile components in reflecting changes in blood stream inside arteries. This focus can be achieved without neglecting its time indices. Diabetes alters blood propagation changes and therefore alters its volumetric changes. The higher the age is, the more the reduction in PPG’s amplitude will be. This phenomenon is thought to be caused by atherosclerosis and diabetes accumulation in the arteries. As a result, changes in blood circulation present roundness to PPG’s morphology. Diabetes affects the elastic properties of the arterial wall, which is thought to alter the PPG’s morphology. Diabetes and atherosclerosis introduce stiffness to the arterial wall. The more the accumulation of atherosclerosis and diabetes, the faster the blood propagation will be. Additionally, it is noted that, as arteries stiffen, PPG’s pulse amplitude tends to be reduced. In total, this work examined eight PPG indices. Through this work, the number 0 represents a nondiabetic patient while the number 1 represents a diabetic patient. Additionally, the A1C score represents a diabetic patient if it exceeds a value of 6.5%.


## 4. Results and Discussions

The logistic regression (LR) is used normally for modeling the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable, in which it represents a binary response. The binary output can be either discrete or continuous. Commonly, medical applications utilized the binary output for prediction and classification. The output of this model represents a patient being diabetic or nondiabetic. The multiple regressions focus on getting an approximate association of input variables in which they could contribute towards the explanation of the dependent variable. To conclude, a logistic regression-based model was implemented to evaluate the high-risk evaluation of diabetes. This model is developed to introduce a simple, low-cost, rapid, and surrogate measure of diabetes.The developed model is tested through a variety of logistic regression methods, the Enter: LR, the Forward: LR, and the Backward: LR, respectively. The Enter: LR method was run to study the significance of all indices separately against the output variable, with the risk of diabetes implemented by the hbA1C test. The second and third methods, Forward: LR and Backward: LR, were conducted to measure the contribution of the input parameters in the prediction of diabetes. Statistically significant indices with higher performance in terms of the NagelkerkeR-square and likelihood ratio were fed to the Forward: LR and Backward: LR methods in which they are used to build the final predictive model. Table 2 demonstrates omnibus tests of model coefficients. This test represents a “likelihood ratio chi-squared test” of the developed classifier against the null model. Since the significance values in the proposed model are less than 0.05, this indicates that the current classifier outperforms the null hypothesis.Table 2
Omnibus tests of model coefficients.
Chi-squaredfSig.Step 1Step301.0961.000Block301.0961.000Model301.0961.000Step 2Step29.9511.000Block331.0472.000Model331.0472.000Step 3Step13.1481.000Block344.1953.000Model344.1953.000The results showed that some parameters (age, SP, RI, DiP,b/a, PP, and H) are statistically significant in which they will be used to implement the predictive model. The significant input indices entered to the Forward: LR evaluate the total contribution of all independent variables in the prediction of diabetes. The Forward: LR method picks up the predictor variable that predicts the outcome (the dependent variable) the most; then, it adds it to the model; then, it picks the second most significant predictor variable; and so on. The final response of the Forward: LR was as follows:
(i)
Three indices remained significant in the model which are age, SP, andb/a, respectively. Thereby, RI, ST, DiP, PT, PPT, and DT indices were removed from the final model. The model summary for the logistic regression model based on the Forward: LR method is shown in Table 3(ii)
This model achieved an obtained NagelkerkeR-square value of .771 and a likelihood ratio of 158.78(iii)
In step 3, Forward: LR was selected to implement the final model due to its higher NagelkerkeR-square and likelihood ratio. The variables in the equation are demonstrated in Table 4 belowTable 3
Summary of Forward: LR model.
Step-2 Log likelihoodCox & SnellR-squareNagelkerkeR-square1201.879a.401.6972171.928a.431.7493158.780b.444.771Table 4
Model’s equation variables.
BS.E.WalddfSig.ExpB95% CI forExpBLowerUpperStep 1aAge.186.0289.9131.0001.204.797.866Constant-11.142-1.15892.5351.000.000Step 2bAge.293.03665.5081.0001.34.724.834SP25.6925.66220.5871.0001.438E+11.000.001Constant-34.463-5.63237.4431.000.000Step 3cAge.248.03843.6071.0001.282.753.872b/a-27.591-8.71410.3771.001.000322.1912.2012E17SP26.516.95919.7181.0003.259E+11.000.001Constant-15.868-8.1834.5121.034.000aVariable entered on step 1: age. bVariable entered on step 2: SP. cVariable entered on step 3: b/a.In addition to the given information that are tabulated in Table4, it will be great and useful to elaborate the association between the response variable and some findings from the obtained results. The developed model characteristics are shown in Table 5.Table 5
Forward: LR model indices.
95% CI forExpBBS.E.WalddfSig.ExpBLowerUpperAge.248.03843.6071.0001.282.753.872b/a-27.591-8.71410.3771.001.000322.1912.2012E17SP26.516.95919.7181.0003.259E+11.000.001Constant-15.868-8.1834.5121.034.000The chief focus in this study was to utilize the logistic regression model to predict if a given patient is diabetic or nondiabetic. Thereby, when a new patient comes, the developed model should assist in predicting the probability of being diabetic for that patient. Hence, the proposed predictive model has three significant parameters age,b/a index, and SP in which they will be used to predict diabetes (the A1C test). The probability of being a diabetic patient will fall between 0 and 1, and it can be calculated as the following expression as per equation (1) below:
(1)ResponsevariableY=−15.868+.248∗age+27.591∗ba+26.51∗SP.Therefore, the probability of being a diabetic patient can be calculated as per equation (2) below:
(2)PDiabetes=ExpY1+ExpY.The developed model’s table of classification is given in Table6. The classification process utilized a sample of 587 subjects. The classifier was able to diagnose 63 patients correctly as diabetes while 27 subjects were wrongly classified as nondiabetes with an accuracy of 70%. Again, the model classified 479 subjects as nondiabetes correctly while it incorrectly classified 18 subjects as diabetes with an accuracy of 96.4%. Finally, the proposed model revealed an overall predictive accuracy of 92.3% which makes it a reliable surrogate measure for diabetes prediction.Table 6
Classification table.
ObservedPredictedA1CPercentage correctDiabeticNon-DiabStep 1A1CgDiabetic622868.9Non-Diab1947896.2Overall percentage92.0Step 2A1CgDiabetic652572.2Non-Diab1448397.2Overall percentage93.4Step 3A1CgDiabetic632770.0Non-Diab1847996.4Overall percentage92.3aThe cut value is .500.In this study, a patient who had a value of hbA1C test greater than 6.5 is considered a diabetic patient (MayoClinic, 2019). However, another way to look at the classification results for the developed model is by visualizing the interactive dot diagram for each predictor variable. Figure1 visualizes how each independent variable contributes towards A1C test classification. Additionally, Figure 2 examines the multiple boxplots for the used predictor variables in this model. The developed model is aligned with the ANN model developed by [15] in terms of age and b/a predictors. The advantage of the LR model is in using bigger datasets, and it uses the SP index as a new predictor that contributes towards the prediction and classification of diabetes.Figure 1
The interactive dot plot diagram for each independent variable, where 0 represents nondiabetic and 1 represents diabetic.Figure 2
Multiple boxplots for age,b/a, and SP indices grouped by the A1C test, respectively, where 0 represents nondiabetic and 1 represents diabetic.Results in Figure2 demonstrate the possible variance in the A1C test among three different predictors age, b/a, and SP parameters. It is described that as we age, the A1C test score is prone to be increased. In addition, as the b/a index increases, the risk of diabetes decreases, since the A1C test score decreases as the b/a index increases. Finally, a negative relationship between the SP index and the A1C test score was obtained; the more the SP index value, the less the A1C test score will be.


## 5. Conclusions

The study focused on the prediction of diabetes utilizing predictor variables that are extracted from PPG signal morphology. The developed predictive model showed an overall performance percentage of 92.3% which in turn promotes this model as a rapid surrogate assessment tool for diabetes prediction. The true positives and true negatives of this developed classifier can be improved by conducting a new data recording, in which it believed that some new features (new predictors) might be obtained to contribute towards diabetes prediction and classification. This, in turn, might improve the classification accuracy. However, there is no doubt that the assessment of diabetes contributes deeply towards disease prediction and medical intervention techniques. The new developed method of diabetes prediction and assessment utilized a low-cost and noninvasive optical measurement (the PPG). The proposed method of diabetes assessment used variables based on PPG’s morphological changes. The analysis of PPG signals can provide a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive means for studying diabetes development. By that means, PPG can assist hbA1C; or it can be used as an alternative measure as an early detection of diabetes progression in homes and in clinical settings. Thereby, PPG represents a fruitful method for clarifying diabetes risk, particularly for elder patients and for in-home patients. The developed classifier will be examined with a new ANN model and a new decision tree model using the same dataset to compare the results among three different classification techniques to better find out the best classifier for diabetes prediction and classification.



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