Role of fetuin-A in insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

To determine the role of fetuin-A in triggering insulin resistance and leading to development of type 2 diabetes. A cross sectional, case control study was conducted at Basic Medical Sciences Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre [JPMC]. Time duration of the study was from February 2012 to September 2013. A total of 150 subjects were included by random sampling out of which 50 were known type 2 diabetics, 50 were having impaired fasting glycaemia [IFG] and 50 were normal healthy individuals. Detailed history taking, clinical examination and body mass index [BMI] calculation were done. Laboratory investigations included serum fasting glucose, measured by glucose oxidase method and serum insulin and serum fetuin-A levels that were measured by ELISA method. Insulin resistance was calculated by Homeostatic model assessment, [HOMA IR]. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS Version 16. We observed that serum fetuin-A levels were significantly higher in known type 2 diabetics as compared to impaired fasting glycaemics and controls [p<0.01]. Serum insulin and HOMA IR were also significantly elevated in known type 2 diabetics when compared to impaired fasting glycaemics and healthy individuals [p<0.01]. Body mass index was also significantly higher in known type 2 diabetics and impaired fasting glycaemics when compared to controls [p<0.01]. Our findings suggested that higher serum fetuin-A levels have a possible role in promoting insulin resistance and development of diabetes mellitus type 2