BMI is related to elevated levels of Homocysteine in Type 1 individuals

Objective: To determine, in individuals with Type 1 diabetes, if there is a relationship between plasma homocysteine (tHcy), antioxidant markers and body mass index (BMI).Methods: Ethical permission was obtained from the University of Ulster; Type 1 volunteers gave signed informed consent. Height and weight was measured and BMI calculated. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), % glycated Hb (HbA1C), folate, tHcy, and two endogenous antioxidant enzymes: Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidise (GPx)Results: 21males completed the study with a mean age of 43.7 ± 2.8 years and a mean BMI of 27.94± 3.46 kg/m2. tHcy, SOD, GPx, Hb and %HbA1C were elevated among volunteers classified as overweight (BMI, 25-29.9 kg/m2). SOD was positively correlated with Hb and PCV (r=0.79 and 0.85, respectively) in overweight but not normal weight volunteers (BMI, 18.5-24.9 kg/m2). tHcy levels correlated positively with %HbA1C (r=0.92) in obese volunteers (BMI>30 kg/m2). tHcy was negatively correlated with folate (r=o.97), as expected, however only in normal weight volunteers. This relationship was lost in the overweight and obese volunteers.Conclusions: The elevated tHcy observed in overweight volunteers with Type 1 diabetes suggests that they may be susceptible to increased cardiovascular morbidity. Indeed, the loss of the normal negative correlation between tHcy and folate is concern and is an indication of the perturbed metabolism in overweight and obesity. Future studies are required to elucidate this finding with the inclusion of waist circumference in addition to BMI.Keywords: tHcy, BMI. Type 1 diabetes.