Irisin, a new envoy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus – A plausible association with insulin resistance

Insulin resistance plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Irisin, an adipo-myokine, is found to increase insulin sensitivity by adaptive thermogenesis. Various studies have found that endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas are affected in T2DM. This case-control study with 180 participants aimed to find any association of serum irisin with insulin resistance and pancreatic profile in newly diagnosed T2DM.

Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and pancreatic profile were measured by Auto Analyzer, serum insulin by chemiluminescence assay, serum irisin by Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) kit, and insulin resistance by Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).

Significantly lower irisin levels were observed in T2DM patients compared to healthy individuals (p =0.001*). A positive correlation was found between serum irisin and insulin resistance in T2DM patients, whereas a negative correlation was found in healthy controls. In some cases, serum amylase and lipase positively correlated with irisin, whereas a negative association was observed in controls.

This study concludes a protective role for irisin in combating insulin resistance and improving pancreatic function in T2DM, but more extensive studies are required to prove it.