[Serum PABA test in diabetes mellitus].

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Type II diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia.
• Exocrine pancreatic function plays a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Assessing exocrine pancreatic function can provide insights into potential complications of diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate exocrine pancreatic function in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.
• To compare the absorption of para-amino-benzoic acid (PABA) between diabetic patients and a control group.
• To determine if impaired pancreatic function affects digestion or nutritional status in diabetics.

Main Methods:

• Serum PABA levels were measured hourly for 6 hours after oral B-T-PABA ingestion.
• Diabetic patients were compared to a healthy control group.
• Area under the curve analysis was used to compare overall PABA absorption.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in mean serum PABA values were observed between groups at 1, 2, 4, and 5 hours post-ingestion (p < 0.01, p < 0.002, p < 0.0001, p < 0.005).
• No significant difference in the area under the curve indicated similar overall PABA absorption by 6 hours.
• These findings suggest an altered exocrine pancreatic response in diabetic patients.

Conclusions:

• Patients with type II diabetes mellitus exhibit altered exocrine pancreatic function.
• This alteration may stem from reduced zymogen stores or a diminished secretory response.
• Despite functional changes, PABA digestion and the nutritional status of diabetic patients are not adversely affected.