Relation between leptin and metabolic control in elderly diabetics

ABSTRACT

An inverse correlation of serum leptin level with hemoglobin A1c has been found in adults with diabetes mellitus. To assess this relation as well as the leptin levels in elderly with diabetes mellitus type 2, this study included twenty diabetic patients aged above sixty on oral hypoglycemic medications, in addition to two control groups; fifteen healthy elderly and fifteen young adults. All subjects were studies as regards serum leptin levels and other biochemical parameters such as serum uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood suger, postprandial blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c. The results in both diabetic and health elderly as well as young controls were compared. Serum liptin levels were not affected by presence of diabetes but were inversely correlated with glyemic control and hemoglobin A1c. There was no significant difference as regards serum leptin levels in elderly compared to young adult controls. Serum leptin level were directly correlated with body mass index in young adults as well as in elderly, however, this correlation was disrupted in presence uncontrolled diabetes mellitus