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Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a progressive metabolic condition marked by hyperglycemia due to irregularities in insulin production or activity, leading to poor carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Dysfunctional glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) activity, characterized by insufficient expression or poor redistribution to the cell membrane, is a critical element in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This defect limits cellular glucose uptake, leading to energy deficits and elevated blood glucose levels. Objective: What is the clinical diagnostic potential of serum GLUT4 levels in newly identified type 2 diabetic people, and how do these levels correspond with established metabolic parameters? Materials and methodology: A case-control study was undertaken with 140 Iraqi participants, separated into two groups of 70: a control group and a newly diagnosed T2DM group. Serum GLUT4 and insulin levels were estimated using ELISA assays. Samples were collected from Imamein Kadhimein Medical City Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between August 2024 to January 2025. Results: The T2DM group had a significantly higher proportion of elderly participants. Most parameters measured were significantly elevated except LDL (non-significant increase) and HDL (non-significant decrease). In the T2DM group, GLUT4 levels positively correlated with age, FBS, and HbA1c but demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with insulin. Conclusion: Early and accurate diabetes diagnosis is essential. GLUT4's high sensitivity suggests it could enhance diagnostic precision. This study highlights the potential of GLUT4 as a promising biomarker for T2DM diagnosis, warranting further investigation to refine clinical diagnostic tools.

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