RELATIONSHIPS OF SERUM LEPTIN CONCENTRATION WITH INSULIN, GLUCOSE, HbA۱c LEVELS AND INSULIN RESISTANCE IN OVERWEIGHT POST-MENOPAUSAL DIABETIC WOMEN

Abstract    BACKGROUND: Leptin, the product of the ob gene, could have a role in the pathogenesis of obesity and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between serum leptin concentration and insulin, glucose, HbA۱c levels and insulin resistance in diabetic women.    METHODS: We studied ۴۵ diabetic women and ۴۵ healthy women (controls) who aged ۴۵-۶۰ years and had BMI of ۲۵-۳۰ kg/m۲. Serum leptin, insulin, HbA۱c, fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance were determined in the two groups.    RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between leptin and insulin (r = ۰.۲۹۵, P = ۰.۰۴۹) and insulin resistance (r = ۰.۳۲۹, P = ۰.۰۲۷) in controls but non-significant correlation between leptin and HbA۱c and fasting blood sugar were observed in the two groups.    CONCLUSION: This study did not document any significant relationship between serum leptin and insulin, glucose, HbA۱c and insulin resistance in diabetic women.      Keywords: Type ۲ Diabetes Mellitus, Leptin, Insulin.