Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with type II diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To determine the Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Endocrinology Service of Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital.  

Materials and methods: The study is a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical assessment performed in a sample including 115 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged between 40 and 70 years, in which plasma homocystein, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were measured using direct chemoluminiscence, and factors associated with homocysteinemia were also assessed in this population. The SPSS software, version 12.0, Students t test, and the chi square test were used for variable assessments, with a 95% significance level. .  

Results: 15% of patients had hyperhomocysteinemia. No significant correlation was found (p> 0.005) between homocysteine levels and factors associated with diabetes. However, we found a significant correlation (p = 0.013) with age and with folic acid levels (p = 0.001). Twenty-three (23%) and 72% of subjects had elevated vitamin B-12 levels and folic  

Conclusion: TThe prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is low compared to other studies performed in this population. Homocysteine acts as a risk factor acting independently from metabolic control and from other factors associated with diabetic patients.