Serum Biochemical Changes in Insulin Dependent and Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and their Role in the Development of Secondary Complications

Fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, lipoprotein cholesterol, phospholipids, total lipids, uronic acid, total amino acids, glycated serum proteins, fructosamine, copper and zinc levels were determined in insulin-dependent diabetics (IDDs) non-insulin dependent diabetics (NIDDs). Appreciable hyperglycaemia and hypertriglycerideamia was noticed in all diabetics. IDDM females exhibited an increase in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, as compared to their age and sex matched controls. In poorly controlled diabetics (fasting blood sugar > 140 mg%) a significant increase in total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids was noticed. Glycated serum proteins and fructosamine were significantly higher in diabetics, more so in the poorly controlled group. Serum uronic acid and total amino acids were appreciably higher in diabetics, the latter being much higher in IDDM group. Serum copper was higher in diabetics, female NIDDM group showing highest values. Serum zinc levels were lower in diabetics as compared to controls.