Abstract:
Background: Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) is known as a predictor for several diseases
such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, liver diseases and alchol abuse. There is a
strong association of obesity with hepatic insulin resistance. According to studies, Sri Lanka is
among the countries with highest prevalence rates for diabetes in the world. Despite several
studies reported worldwide, correlation between serum GGT and diabetes considering plasma
glucose level and body mass index (BMI), are less supportive in Sri Lankan context.
Objective: To investigate the association of serum GGT in diabetics and non-diabetics and
analyzed associations of GGT with random plasma glucose (RPG) and BMI in a selected Sri
Lankan setting
Methods: A case control study was conducted with 147 subjects (n = 72; controls/healthy
individuals, n = 75; cases/type 2 diabetics) between 20-60 years of age. Height and weight was
measured and BMI was calculated. Venous blood (5 mL) was collected for serum GGT and
RPG analysis and were estimated using semi-automated clinical analyzer. A subgroup analysis
was conducted classifying subjects into two BMI subgroups (group 1: underweight, normal
and group 2: overweight, obese).
Results: Serum GGT was significantly higher (p = 0.024) in diabetics (median GGT 21.11
U/L) than non-diabetics (median GGT 14.40 U/L). A significant positive correlation (r =
0.375, p = 0.001) was observed between serum GGT and RPG in cases. Serum GGT had no
significant correlation with BMI in either cases or controls. Serum GGT was significantly
higher (p = 0.007) in overweight subjects (median GGT 24.14 U/L) compared to underweight
subjects (median GGT 10.91 U/L) in diabetics. In BMI subgroup analysis, group 2 in cases
(median GGT 21.84 U/L) showed significantly higher (p = 0.048) serum GGT levels compared
to group 1 (median GGT 16.05 U/L).
Conclusions: Elevated serum GGT level was associated with type 2 diabetes and GGT levels
showed a positive correlation with plasma glucose levels. Higher seum GGT levels were
associated with increased BMI in diabetics.
