The Association Between Body Mass Index, Lipid Profile and Serum Estradiol Levels in a Sample of Iraqi Diabetic Premenopausal Women

Objectives: To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI), serum lipid profile and estradiol level in a sample of Iraqi diabetic premenopausal women at their pre ovulatory period.Methods: A total of 155 diabetic female patients aged between 20-45 years, were enrolled in this study, which was conducted in Al Khademiyia Teaching Hospital from July 2008 to January 2010. Venous blood samples were taken, each serum sample was analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein - cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein - cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting glucose, insulin and estradiol. Body weight and height were measured for all patients included to calculate their Body Mass Index.Results: The age of diabetic patients was 29.7 ± 4.3 years and BMI was 28.3 ±5.84 kg/m2. Fifty patients had normal BMI, while 50 patients were overweight and 55 were obese. The study revealed a positive association between obesity, triglycerides and LDL-C and a negative association between serum estradiol, obesity and LDL-C.Conclusion: Iraqi diabetic pre menopausal women at their pre ovulatory period exhibit a pro-atherogenic risk profile because of their abnormal BMI, higher LDL-C, lower HDL-cholesterol and estradiol level.