Enhanced diagnostic accuracy of type 1 diabetes mellitus through the combined use of serum β-catenin and HbA1c.

Abstract

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is due to the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Biomarkers of early diagnosis of T1DM are important to improve treatment and prevent complications. β-catenin, a key effector of the WNT signaling pathway, plays a critical role in the development of pancreatic β-cells. This study investigates the association between serum β-catenin protein and T1DM and evaluates its diagnostic performance compared to routine markers.

Material and methods: The study included 50 patients with T1DM aged 15-25 years and 30 healthy age- and gender-matched subjects (HS). All participants were evaluated with full history taking, thorough clinical examination, and laboratory evaluation of biochemical tests and glycemic markers. Serum β-catenin was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Result: There were significant differences in the concentration of β-catenin between T1DM and HS (P < 0.001). Gender, HbA1c, BU, and lipid profile were found to be significantly independently related to β-catenin levels (P < 0.05). β-catenin showed excellent discriminatory ability (AUC 1.0); the results revealed that the best cut-off value of β-catenin levels to predict T1DM was > 1.81 ng/ml.

Conclusion: The results show that the concentration of β-catenin has the potential to diagnose T1DM. Further, larger studies are needed on whether β-catenin has a therapeutic role in T1DM.