Evaluation of the Relationship between Serum ACTH and Uric Acid Levels and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Research indicates that high levels of uric acid (UA) are linked to insulin resistance (IR), which may elevate the risk of diabetes development. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates cortisol, a hormone essential for glucose metabolism. This study examined the relationship between ACTH, uric acid (UA) levels, and IR in diabetic patients. Methods: This case-control study involved thirty individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 30 healthy controls (45% male and 55% female) in Iran. Demographic data were collected, and serum levels of ACTH and insulin were assessed using ELISA; serum UA levels were measured through spectrophotometry. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Results: Significant differences were observed in body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, and IR, with higher mean values in the T2D group compared to the control group (P<0.05). UA levels were significantly elevated in all patients (P=0.004), particularly males (P=0.009), compared to controls. Moreover, increased UA levels were linked to greater disease risk (P=0.007). ACTH levels were also significantly higher in T2D individuals than in healthy individuals (P<0.001), and elevated ACTH levels correlated with an increased disease risk (P=0.002). Additionally, the relationship between ACTH and UA levels and IR in the T2D group was significant compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings indicate a relationship between ACTH, UA, IR, and T2D, suggesting that these factors may serve as important indicators for diagnosing the progression of the disease.