Distinct Circulating Biomarker Profiles Associated with Type 2 Diabetes in a Regional Cohort-A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has significantly increased in Saudi Arabia, rising from 16.8% in 2018 to 28% in 2023. This study aimed to identify and quantify the key biochemical factors associated with T2DM patients in the Aljouf region by comparing a comprehensive panel of biomarkers between T2DM and healthy individuals and to identify key risk factors in the regional population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling 114 T2DM patients and 91 healthy controls recruited from tertiary care centers in the Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. We analyzed lipid profiles, vitamin levels (B₁₂ and D), liver profile, and renal function markers. Statistical analyses included independent t-test, Pearson's correlation, and binary logistic regression to calculate the Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: T2DM patients showed significantly altered metabolic profiles including elevated triglycerides (p = 0.041), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.017), and serum uric acid (p < 0.001) in addition to deficient levels of vitamin B₁₂ (p < 0.001) and vitamin D (p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, hyperuricemia (OR = 4.85, 95% CI: 2.45-9.61) and vitamin D deficiency (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.98-6.62) were the strongest independent predictors of T2DM, after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: Our findings confirm a distinct biochemical phenotype in T2DM patients from the Aljouf region. The potent associations of hyperuricemia and vitamin D deficiency with T2DM suggest their utility as key biomarkers providing a regional context. These findings highlight their potential relevance for prioritizing public health and clinical interventions in the studied population.