Authors:

Abstract

Background

Serum gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) have shown a strong association with diabetes mellitus (DM) in many reported studies. Studies have proven the association of elevated body mass index (BMI) and deposition of fat causing insulin resistance leading to increased serum GGT levels. Evidence is less supportive in the Sri Lankan context.

Objectives

The present study assessed the association of serum GGT with random blood glucose (RBS) and BMI in selected individuals with diabetes and individuals without diabetes.

Methods

Hundred and fourty-seven subjects including healthy individuals (n=72- individuals without diabetes) and individuals with type 2 diabetes (n=75) were recruited by convenience sampling. Serum GGT, RBS and BMI were measured in all participants.

Results

The cases (median GGT=21.1 U/L, interquartile range (IQR)=12.7-28.8 U/L) showed a significantly elevated (p=0.024) median serum GGT level compared to controls (median GGT=14.4 U/L, IQR=12.3-20.1 U/L). There was a weak, positive but statistically significant correlation (p=0.001) between serum GGT and RBS in individuals with diabetes. The median serum GGT was significantly different (p=0.03) among the categories of BMI in cases. However, overweight group had a higher GGT (median GGT=24.1 U/L, IQR=14.6-32.0 U/L) than the rest of the BMI categories in cases, while obese cases have a low serum GGT level (median GGT=19.6 U/L, IQR=12.6- 26.9 U/L) compared to overweight individuals.

Conclusion

Diabetes patients have significantly higher serum GGT levels compared to controls. Serum GGT levels positively associated with DM in the selected population with diabetes. Higher serum GGT levels were associated higher BMI. Serum GGT among BMI categories in cases showed a significant difference.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Gamma glutamyl transferase, Body mass index, Random blood sugar