Leptin correlates with BMI and fasting blood sugar in lean and obese females with NIDDM

ABSTRACT

Leptin was first described as an adipocyte derived signaling factor, which after interaction with its receptors induces a complex response including control of body weight and energy expenditure. In humans leptin is present in circulation in direct proportion to the amount of body fat. Present study was conducted to investigate serum leptin levels in lean and obese Pakistani females with NIDDM, and evaluate its relationship with BMI, waist-hip ratio and fasting blood glucose levels. One hundred and forty subjects with different body mass index and fasting blood sugar levels were selected from diabetic centers in urban areas of Karachi. Serum leptin was measured by ELISA using coated micro-wells. The results indicate that serum leptin levels of obese non-diabetics were significantly higher compared to lean non-diabetics [p<0.001]. Leptin levels of diabetic patients were significantly higher than non-diabetic subject [p<0.05]. Based on these results, it is concluded that serum leptin levels are significantly correlated with body mass index. Increased leptin levels in diabetic patients may have an important metabolic role in the development of NIDDM