Evaluation of serum pancreatic enzymes in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with insulin resistance

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to the decreased biological response to insulin or insulin resistance. Insulin resistance develops as a consequence of defects in signal transduction by insulin. These defects may also affect the exocrine pancreatic function. The aim of this study was to determine serum pancreatic enzyme levels in diabetic patients and to correlate them with insulin resistance. Materials and Methods: In this case control study we compared fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, lipase and amylase levels and insulin resistance in diabetic and normal healthy adults. The correlation of pancreatic enzymes with insulin resistance was also studied. Results: Diabetic group showed statistically significant increase in all the parameters compared to control group. Serum amylase showed a significant negative correlation with insulin resistance (p=0.007) and serum lipase a positive correlation with insulin resistance, but it was not significant (p =0.119). Conclusion: The study showed a significant alteration in the exocrine pancreatic function in diabetic patients. There is a negative correlation between serum amylase level and insulin resistance.