Significance Of Interleukin-6 In Diabetes Mellitus And Its Complications

Abstract

: Low grade inflammation is one of the causes in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Interleukin – 6 (IL-6) a proinflammatory cytokine is found to be increased in type 2 diabetic patients. This study was aimed to assess the role of Interleukin -6 in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This was a cross sectional study done among diabetics and non- diabetics. The total number of subjects involved in the study was 120 within the age group of 20-50 years attending the outpatient department and diabetic clinic of Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital. The study group comprised of Group- I – 40, age and sex matched non diabetic subjects. Group- II – 40, type II diabetic patients with good control of blood glucose, Group III – 40, type II diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. Blood samples were taken after 8 hours of fasting period, centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min and serum, plasma separated. Plasma glucose levels (FBG, PPBG) were estimated by GOD/POD method, IL- 6 levels were measured by ELISA method and HbA1c by immunoturbidimetric method. Data was statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. Results showed that the circulating Interleukin- 6 (IL-6) levels were found to be elevated in type 2 diabetics than non diabetic subjects (p < 0.0001). Raised level of Interleukin-6 was found in diabetics compared to non diabetics that showed the presence of inflammatory mechanisms in diabetes patients. Also uncontrolled diabetics have increased Interleukin-6 levels. In addition to periodic checking of HbA1c, it is paramount important to check the inflammatory status in high risk subjects for diabetes and also in diabetics to prevent diabetic complications.