Determination of the serum levels of troponin I and creatinine among Sudanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for developing cardiac diseases. Hence, we compare the serum levels of cardiac troponin I (CTnI) among type 2 diabetic and healthy patients. We additionally correlated CTnI and creatinine levels with duration of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sudan University of Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan, from February 2008 to February 2011. 200 patients diagnosed with DM type 2 from Jabir Abulizz Diabetes Centre in Khartoum state, Sudan, and 100 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from both groups, and the serum levels of CTnI, creatinine, fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured. RESULTS: Significant increase in serum levels of CTnI, glucose, HbA1c, and creatinine was observed in diabetic patients compared to healthy controls. In addition, the significant increase in CTnI and creatinine levels was observed among diabetic patients with ischemic heart disease or hypertension when compared with those without ischemic heart disease or hypertension. Further a strong positive correlation was observed between the duration of diabetes and the serum levels of CTnI and creatinine (r = 0.84, P > 0.01) and (r = 0.72, P > 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: The higher levels of CTnI and creatinine may be indicative of progressive cardiovascular disease and nephropathy among diabetic patients.