Dietary pattern and serum leptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Oman: a case‐control study

Abstract

This case‐control study was conducted to identify the dietary pattern and the correlation between serum leptin level, obesity and insulin level in diagnosed type 2 Omani diabetics (in the age 35–65 years) as compared to controls group. One hundred subjects (50 patients and 50 controls) were recruited for this study. All subjects were interviewed to answer a questionnaire which included all socioeconomic data, dietary intake and anthropometric measurements. Biochemical parameters measured were fasting glucose level, serum insulin and serum leptin. The total daily energy intake of cases was significantly higher than the controls group. The percentage of energy derived from carbohydrate and protein were comparable between cases and controls. Meanwhile the total daily fat consumption and its contribution to energy intake were significantly higher in diabetics as compared to controls. The mean serum leptin level was significantly higher in diabetics than in controls showing a pattern of increased risk for diabetes development, and it was also significantly higher in females than in males. Serum leptin was positively correlated with body mass index and serum insulin level.ConclusionHigh energy intake and obesity predispose susceptible individuals to an increase in serum leptin level which is positively correlated to serum insulin level and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.