ASSOCIATION OF SERUM FETUIN-A WITH β -CELL DYSFUNCTION IN FIRST DEGREE RELATIVES OF TYPE 2 DIABETICS

Objectives: To determine the relationship between serum Fetuin-A and β cell function in adolescents with family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM)

Background: Increased level of circulating Fetuin-A, may alter both maturity and adaptive ability of β  cells in response to glucose and increase the progression of T2DM. Genetic factors may have a role in the formation of immature β cells resulting in altered functioning of β cells.

Methods: The study population included adolescents with family history of T2DM. The study variables included age, sex, fasting blood sugar (BSF), serum insulin and serum Fetuin-A. 70 adolescents first degree relatives (FDR) of diabetics and 50 controls aged 18 to 20 years were included. Insulin resistance and β-cell function were examined by using a homeostatic model assessment. Data was statistically analyzed by student’s ‘t’ test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient.

Results: Significantly increased level of Fetuin-A was related with increased level of BSF, serum insulin and insulin resistance in both male as well as female study subjects. Similarly, it is also associated with decreased β cell function in both genders (indirect correlation).

Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of Fetuin-A as a predictor of β cell functionality in non-diabetics with positive family history.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) , Fetuin-A, β cells function , Fasting blood sugar(BSF)