A Study of Serum Amylase and Lipase Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance andpancreatic β cell dysfunction. Amylase and Lipase are digestive enzymes secreted by the acinar cells of exocrinepancreas. Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in Diabetes can interfere with the exocrine function of the pancreas. Inthe present study we assessed serum Amylase and Lipase levels in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.Materials and Methods: The study included 50 Type 2 Diabetic Subjects and 50 age-matched healthyindividuals with no history of Diabetes. Fasting and Post Prandial plasma glucose, HbA1c, Serum Amylase andSerum Lipase were measured in all these subjects.Results: Fasting plasma glucose, Post Prandial plasma glucose and HbA1c were significantly higher in subjectswith Type 2 Diabetic subjects compared to controls (p<0.01). A significant elevation of Serum Amylase andLipase (p<0.01) levels that are within the normal reference range is observed in Type 2 Diabetic subjects whencompared to controls.Conclusion: The compensatory hyperinsulinemia in Type 2 Diabetes may increase the synthesis of serumAmylase and Lipase via stimulation of islet acinar axis. Elevated Serum Amylase and Lipase levels withinnormal range may be an early sign of pancreatic impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and may be useful inmonitoring the progression of the disease