Serum homocysteine levels and lipid profile in Type 2 diabetic patients in Zaria, northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most frequently occurring non-communicable disorders characterized by hyperglycemia. Diabetic individuals are highly prone to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and hence it is necessary to search for advanced markers to assess the CVD risk.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum homocysteine concentrations and lipids in Type 2 diabetic patients in Zaria, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional type. A consecutive sampling method was employed to select the subjects who satisfy the study inclusion criteria. Informed consent for inclusion into the study was obtained from the subjects. Anthropometric measures, blood pressures were recorded for each of the subjects. This was followed the collection of blood specimens. Diabetes mellitus status was confirmed biochemically according to World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for classification of diabetes mellitus. We assessed 140 men and women with type 2 diabetes in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Nigeria. Serum total homocysteine concentration was measured using ELISA method. Serum lipids concentrations were measured using a commercial enzymatic kit method.

Results: The mean values of homocysteine levels and lipids (TC, TG, HDL, LDL, TC: HDL), were higher among diabetic patients than those of control group (p=0.000). Similarly the mean values of other biochemical analytes (FBG and HbA1c) were also higher among diabetic patients when compared to control group (p=0.000).

Conclusion: High levels of homocysteine and dyslipidaemia are implicated in the development of cardiovascular complications in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.