Impact of self-reported family history on some metabolic markers of type 2 diabetic patients

Context: Family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HTN) and obesity, are known non-modifiable, independent and easily assessed risk factors for incident type 2 diabetes. Aims: This study was aimed at assessing the effect of self-reported family history on the levels of some metabolic markers (total homocysteine [tHcy], high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] and glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c]) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Settings and Design: Two hundred and forty participants subdivided into Group 1 (T2DM only), Group 2 (T2DM diagnosed with HTN) and Group 3 (controls) were enrolled in a cross-sectional pattern. Subjects and Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on self-reported family history. Biochemical parameters were assayed using standard laboratory procedures. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis with significance at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Group 1: Family history of type 2 diabetes (FHD) (HbA1c, P < 0.001, fasting plasma glucose [FPG], P = 0.005, triglycerides [TG], P = 0.049), family history of HTN (FHTN) (HbA1c, P < 0.001, FPG P = 0.005), family history of obesity (FHO) (HbA1c, P < 0.001, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], P = 0.049). Group 2: FHD (tHcy, P = 0.021, HDL-C, P = 0.026), FHTN (tHcy, P = 0.035), FHO (HbA1c, P = 0.003, FPG, P = 0.001, TC, P < 0.001, TG, P = 0.019, LDL-C, P = 0.001). Group 3: FHD (tHcy, P = 0.004, HDL-C, P = 0.035), FHTN (FPG, P < 0.001, tHcy P = 0.010, TC, P = 0.037, TG, P = 0.003), FHO (hs-CRP, P < 0.001, HDL-C, P = 0.007, TG P = 0.001, LDL-C P = 0.019). Conclusions: Self-reported positive family history may provide insights into the biochemical and metabolic profile of patients with type 2 diabetes.