Visfatin and Gestational, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Literature

Background: Adipose tissues produce adipocytokines and other various substances that have useful actions in the body. One of such adipocytokines is visfatin which has been linked to diabetes mellitus. Aim: This study aimed at investigating the existence of a probable correlation between plasma levels of visfatin and the various types of diabetes mellitus: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Internet search engines linked to academic databases including Pubmed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, Hinari, etc. Studies involving visfatin were thoroughly searched and the references of such articles were also searched for any probable relevant information. Results/Findings: There is no agreed finding regarding the correlation between visfatin and diabetes mellitus. While some authors believed that plasma visfatin levels are elevated in diabetes mellitus, others believed that the contrary might be true. Conclusion: Various studies conducted so far have contrasting opinions about the correlation between plasma visfatin levels and diabetes mellitus.