Fetuin-A as Predictor of Insulin Resistance in Diagnosed Case of Prediabetic in Association with Glycaemic Indices

Barzan Abdullah Ali; Rojeen Rasheed Suleiman

doi:10.31632/ijalsr.2026.v09i04.018

Barzan Abdullah Ali Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Clinical Biochemistry, Duhok Polytechnic University, Duhok 1006, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Rojeen Rasheed Suleiman Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Clinical Biochemistry, Duhok Polytechnic University, Duhok 1006, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

DOI https://doi.org/10.31632/ijalsr.2026.v09i04.018

Abstract

Background: Prediabetes is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by the impaired glucose fasting condition and/or glucose tolerance, representing a state of intermediate between diabetes and normal glucose metabolism. It is associated with multiple metabolic disturbances and elevated risk of diabetes mellitus. Fetuin-A, a multifunctional hepatokine and adipokine, plays important function in pathogenesis of several chronic diseases and insulin resistance. This research aimed to assess the serum levels of Fetuin-A in individuals with prediabetes in Duhok City. This study also aimed to examine the relationship between key metabolic risk factors and Fetuin-A levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 150 participants, aged 18–75 years, including 75 prediabetic and 75 Apparently Healthy subjects, recruited between September 2024 and July 2025. Prediabetes was diagnosed based on the criteria established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were collected, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin levels, Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum Fetuin-A concentrations. Results: Prediabetic participants exhibited significantly higher mean serum Fetuin-A levels compared to apparently healthy subjects (439.62 ± 176.44 vs. 202.52 ± 115.12 ng/mL, p<0.001). Fetuin-A was positively correlated with FBG, OGTT, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index, while no significant correlations (p>0.05) were found with other biochemical or lifestyle parameters. Conclusion: Elevated serum levels of Fetuin-A are strongly related to prediabetes and multiple metabolic risk indicators. These findings support Fetuin-A as a probable preliminary biomarker for recognizing individuals at increased risk of diabetes. To fully confirm these findings, suggest that more extensive, larger-scale studies would be beneficial.

Keywords: Biomarker, Duhok City, Fetuin-A, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Risk, Prediabetes

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