Vela D, et al. – The physicians conducted this work to determine the levels of YKL–40 in all groups of participants included in the study. It has been shown that serum hepcidin levels in matched persons with prediabetes are a stronger marker of early changes in glucose metabolism compared to YKL–40 levels. Also, treatment with insulin corrects hepcidin levels, but not YKL–40 levels. In addition, correcting levels of hepcidin is important for reducing iron–overload, which is a risk factor for diabetes.

Methods

• Physicians assessed serum hepcidin levels and YKL–40 levels in control group (n=20), persons with prediabetes (n=30) and persons with diabetes on insulin therapy (n=30) applying ELISA method.
• Thereafter, patients in all three groups were matched by Body Mass Index, Waist–to–Height Ratio, C–Reactive Protein and creatinine levels.

Results

• The results displayed that hepcidin levels were lower in persons with prediabetes compared to control, while persons with diabetes on insulin therapy had higher values than those with prediabetes (p=0,00001).
• There were no significant changes in YKL–40 levels.