Niacin deficiency and hormonal imbalance as emerging biochemical markers in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 (T2DM), is increasingly common among young adults and is associated with metabolic syndrome and endocrine dysfunction. Niacin (vitamin B3), essential for lipid and energy metabolism, may serve as a diagnostic marker for diabetic complications. This study compared niacin levels, steroid hormone profiles, and hematological markers in women with Type 1 (T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes versus non-diabetic controls. A total of 180 women aged ≥20 were evenly divided into T1DM, T2DM, and control groups. Blood samples were collected to measure niacin, estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Statistical analysis included mean comparison and Pearson correlation. Both diabetic groups exhibited significantly lower niacin levels (T1DM: 2.50 µg/L; T2DM: 2.61 µg/L) compared to controls (3.75 µg/L). Elevated E2 and reduced FSH and LH levels were observed in diabetic women, suggesting endocrine disruption. Additionally, RBC and Hb levels were lower (T1DM: 10.85 g/dL; T2DM: 11.70 g/dL) compared to controls (14.32 g/dL), while HbA1C was higher (T1DM: 6.76%; T2DM: 5.83%; controls: 5.25%). Significant negative correlations were found for RBC, Hb, FSH, LH, and niacin, while positive correlations were found for E2 and HbA1C with diabetic status. These results indicate that diabetes in women is associated with systemic biochemical anomalies, including niacin deficiency, impaired hematopoiesis, and hormonal dysregulation. The findings emphasize the importance of holistic treatment approaches considering metabolic, nutritional, and hormonal factors in female diabetes patients.