Clinical utility of adiponectin as an early marker in the detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus
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Abstract
Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that represents a serious global public health problem. It is characterized by the presence of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, which can lead to severe complications such as blindness, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and/or amputations. Its symptoms usually include polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, blurred vision, asthenia, and unintentional weight loss, which become evident over the course of several years. This is why the need persists in studying biomarkers that assist in the early detection of T2DM. For example, adiponectin, which has anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects, plays a fundamental role in energy metabolism and glycemic homeostasis. It is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, composed of 244 amino acids and with a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa. Objective: Evaluate the clinical usefulness of adiponectin as an early marker in the detection of T2DM and its direct relationship with other biochemical parameters. Methodology: Systematic review of the literature with a qualitative and descriptive approach, using inclusion and exclusion criteria and based on the PRISMA methodology. Results: Adiponectin has been shown to have an inverse association with risk factors related to the development of T2DM, including obesity and hypertriglyceridemia. Normal adiponectin levels have been observed in patients with normoglycemia, but decreased levels in prediabetic and diabetic patients, which positions adiponectin as a strong marker for the early detection of T2DM, thereby allowing better disease management. Conclusion: Based on scientific evidence, adiponectin is considered a clinically relevant marker for the early detection of T2DM. Its decrease reflects an unfavorable metabolic profile, thus reinforcing its protective role and its potential usefulness in screening strategies and in the improved management of T2DM. General Area of Study: Clinical Laboratory. Specific area of study: Clinical Biochemistry. Type of study: Systematic bibliographic review.
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