Serum Homocysteine and its Association with Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

In developing countries like Bangladesh the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing day by day. Among the long-term complications of diabetes mellitus, vascular complications represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemia is still considered the principal cause of diabetes complications. Total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor. Hyperhomocysteinemia independently appears to be a stronger risk factor for mortality than other risk factors in type 2 diabetes than in non diabetes. It may partly explain the link between microalbuminurea and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective of the study was to evaluate serum total homocysteine level and to correlate it with glycemic status in type 2 diabetic patients. This cross sectional study was conducted during the period of July 2011 to June 2013 on 95 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus, attending the Endocrine OPD of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Study subjects were selected by purposive and convenient sampling technique. Study subjects were categorized according to the presence or absence of hyperhomocysteinemia. Among the total study population hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 21.05%. Among them number of male was greater. Overall glycemic control was poor in the patients. Mean HbA1c (%) was 8.31±2.04. Among those having hyperhomocysteinemia mean HbA1c (%) was significantly lower than those who had no hyperhomocysteinemia (7.2±1.5 vs. 8.6±2.06). Around one fifth of the type 2 diabetic patients had hyperhomocysteinemia. Those having hyperhomocysteinemia had significantly better glycemic control than those having no hyperhomocysteinemia.