Association of Serum Galectin-3 with Glycemic Control and Diabetic Complications among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand

Ashish Upreti, Suryakant Nagtilak, Paramjeet Singh

Abstract: Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly growing public health concern worldwide and is associated with significant microvascular and macrovascular complications. Chronic low-grade inflammation and tissue fibrosis play central roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its long-term complications. Galectin-3, a ?-galactoside-binding lectin secreted predominantly by activated macrophages, has emerged as a promising biomarker involved in inflammation, fibrosis, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiovascular remodelling. Although increasing evidence suggests that elevated serum Galectin-3 levels are associated with poor glycaemic control and diabetic complications, data from the Himalayan region of northern India remain limited. Objectives: To evaluate the association between serum Galectin-3 levels, glycaemic control, and diabetic complications among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care hospital in the Kumaun region. Demographic variables, anthropometric measurements, biochemical investigations, serum Galectin-3 concentrations, and the presence of diabetic complications were included in the study. Statistical analyses were designed to include descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis, multivariable logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Mean serum Galectin-3 concentrations were higher among participants with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥8%) than among those with better glycaemic control. Higher Galectin-3 levels were also observed in participants with diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. Correlation analyses demonstrated positive associations between Galectin-3 and HbA1c, duration of diabetes, serum creatinine, and urine albumin-creatinine ratio, while a negative association was observed with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Multivariable logistic regression in the analysis suggested that elevated Galectin-3 remained independently associated with diabetic nephropathy after adjustment for conventional risk factors. Conclusion: This analysis illustrates how serum Galectin-3 may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying patients at increased risk of poor glycaemic control and diabetes-related complications. Well-designed prospective studies involving patients from the Kumaun region are required to validate these observations.

Keywords: Biomarker, Diabetic nephropathy, Diabetic neuropathy, Diabetic retinopathy, Galectin-3, Glycaemic control, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Uttarakhand

How to Cite?: Ashish Upreti, Suryakant Nagtilak, Paramjeet Singh, "Association of Serum Galectin-3 with Glycemic Control and Diabetic Complications among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1930-1936, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26722165755, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26722165755

Download Citation: APA | MLA | BibTeX | EndNote | RefMan