Serum leptin levels in female patients with NIDDM.

Abstract

To compare serum leptin levels of diabetic and non-diabetic female subjects and also assess the relationship of hyperglycemia with serum insulin, C-peptide and leptin levels. It is a case control study. The study was conducted at Medicare Hospital, Family Care Clinic and Baqai Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology between December 1997 to September 1999. One hundred and forty female subjects with different body mass indices and fasting blood sugar levels were selected from three different diabetic centers. A venous sample was drawn after an overnight fast (12 hours) for determination of blood parameters in all groups. Glycosylated hemoglobin, hexosamine, fructosamine, insulin and C-peptide were determined only in diabetic patients. Blood glucose, triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, HbA1C, hexosamine and fructosamine were determined enzymatically. Serum leptin, C-peptide and insulin were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Serum leptin levels of obese diabetic and non-diabetic subjects were significantly higher as compared with lean diabetic patients and non-diabetic subjects (P< 0.05). Leptin levels were positively correlated with serum insulin and C-peptide levels. Serum leptin increased with increase in body mass index and waist hip ratio was strongly related with insulin resistance in NIDDM. Leptin levels are increased in obesity and may play a role in development of insulin resistance and NIDDM.