Role of serum adenosine deaminase level in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a cluster of abnormal metabolic disorder having common features of hyperglycaemia with a state of increased free radical activity. Chronic hyperglycemic status favours auto-oxidation and the formation of advanced glycation end products. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is considered as a good marker of cell mediated immunity. Increased ADA activity in diabetic individuals couldbe due to altered insulin related T-lymphocyte function. Methodology: This study was done as case control study among 60 cases and 40 controls. The cases were further divided into two groups based on HbA1c levels. All the parameters like FBS, PPBS, HbA1c and ADA were measured. Results: In our study, ADA levels was significantly high in controlled diabetics (group II with HbA1C < 7) and was much higher in Uncontrolled diabetics (group III with HbA1 C > 7) compared to healthy controls (group I). Comparison of the parameters (FBS, PPBS, HbA1 C, ADA) between the 3 group was done using Student t test and was statistically significant. Pearson's coefficient correlation was done between ADA and HbA1 C and found a positive correlation between them and had a statistical significance. Conclusion: This study indicates that ADA raises with the extent of severity of type 2 diabetes. Positive correlation of ADA with HbA1 C provides the information that ADA can be considered to reflect the glycemic status of the individual.