A Study of Nontraditional Biochemical Markers and Their Relation to the Level of Fasting Glycemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT

Objective: Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease in developing countries. Certain nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors have been associated with diabetes mellitus. The increased level of lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is a genetically determined, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The elevated levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein frequently correlate with wellestablished risk factors of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the association between Lp (a), high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to measure the nontraditional biochemical markers of cardiovascular risk regarding the level of fasting glycemia in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with nondiabetic persons.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four groups (n=50 each group) considering the current levels of fasting plasma glucose. The groups were as follows: group 1 included nondiabetic healthy controls with the current fasting plasma glucose level of less than 100 mg/dL, group 2 included patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with fasting plasma glucose level in the range of 100-130 mg/dL, group 3 included patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with fasting plasma glucose level of greater than 130 mg/dL but less than 200 mg/dL, and group 4 included patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with fasting plasma glucose level of greater than 200 mg/dL.

Results: Lp (a) levels were significantly elevated in the patients with various glycemic levels compared with nondiabetic persons (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The results of this study conclude that Lp (a) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels are elevated in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with that in healthy controls. The elevated levels of nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors reflect the glycemic status by showing an association between fasting plasma glucose, Lp (a), and cardiovascular disease.