Abstract

 


Sialic acid (X-Acetvl-neuraminic acid) is synthesized in the body from glucose. It has important functions as part of the structure ofglucoproteins and mucoproteins. Some studies have shown an increase in the level of serum glucoproteins and mucoproteins in diabetes mellitus (DM) and changes also occur in the level of sialic acid.

Serum total sialic acid (SA) levels of I~ patients with Tip 1 DM followed at Department of Pediatrics. Dicle [ niversitv Medical Faculty were measured. 12 of the /latients were male and 5 were female and age range of to I ~ (median 1 l.~6 t2.9) years. 14 healthy children of matched sex and age were taken as controls. The mean level ofSA wav 10".~ 1x28.33 in patients with Tip 1 DM and was 68.3~< 11.31 in the control group. SA levels were significantly higher in DM when compared to the kontrol group (P 0.001). This elevation is not associated with the patient's sex. duration, regulation of diabetes and blood glucose. ¡.Journal of'Turgut Ozal Medical Center 1(4):25~-259,1994/

Key Words: Sialic acid, diabetes mellitus