Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common genetic disorders affecting approximately 400 million people worldwide. Several recent studies have reported a relationship between G6PD deficiency and the incidence of diabetes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare levels of G6PD deficiency in diabetes mellitus patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: G6PD activity and fasting glucose levels were measured in blood samples of 49 diabetic patients and 21 healthy controls. RESULTS: G6PD activity was decreased in patients with diabetes mellitus as compared to healthy controls and showed that overall G6PD deficiency was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus as compared to nondiabetics. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that G6PD deficiency is noted in diabetics than in nondiabetics and can be a biomarker of oxidative stress and poor glycemic control in diabetes mellitus.