The evaluation of serum amylase in the patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a possible correlation with the pancreatic functions.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder which is associated with hyperglycaemia. It is caused by a derangement in the secretion or function of the endocrinal portion of the pancreas. There is a close anatomical and functional relationship between its exocrine and endocrine portions. To address this issue, the current study was designed to evaluate the blood glucose and the amylase levels of diabetic patients as representatives of the two portions of the pancreas respectively.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the blood glucose, serum amylase and the serum lipid profile in known cases of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and to compare and correlate these parameters with those of age and sex matched healthy controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred ten patients of type 2 Diabetes mellitus, who were already diagnosed and were taking treatment, were included in this study. 30 age and sex matched healthy individuals were recruited as the control group in our study. Fasting venous blood samples were collected from the patients as well as the controls and they were analysed by using an automated analyser for blood glucose, serum amylase and the lipid profile (serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins). The results were analyzed statistically by using the Student's "t" test and correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Significantly low serum amylase levels were found in the diabetic patients as compared to those in the healthy controls (p value <0.001). Also, the levels of fasting serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and the low density lipoproteins were significantly higher in the patients as compared to those in the controls, with p values of <0.05, <0.001 and <0.001 respectively. The HDL (high density lipoprotein) level was found to be lower in the diabetic patients (p value <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

From our study, it was concluded that in type 2 Diabetes mellitus, wherever the blood glucose level was higher, the serum amylase activity was found to be significantly lower. This reflected the derangement in the endocrine-exocrine axis of the pancreas, as a disease which affected any portion of an organ would affect the adjoining area of that organ functionally. This fact must be kept in mind while the patients are treated.