Introduction & Objective: Leptin is considered to play an important role in the regulation of body weight and metabolism. Many studies have shown an association between BMI and leptin concentration. Our study compares the relationship between plasma leptin levels and risk factors for CHD in patients with type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic controls.

Materials & Methods: A total of 88 patients without diabetes (group A) were compared with 17 diabetic subjects (group B). Patients with CHD according to myocardial perfusion scan results, renal, thyroid and hepatic disorders were excluded from the study. After a 12-hours overnight fast, blood samples were obtained. Plasma was immediately separated for laboratory measurements. Plasma leptin levels were measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit.

Results: The mean age for 88 non-diabetic subjects and 17 diabetic patients didn't have differences. Frequency of smoking and BMI mean score were significantly higher in diabetic patients. There were no differences in leptin levels in two groups. A close relationship between BMI and leptin levels was observed.

Conclusion: Leptin concentration didn't show correlation with CHD risk factors except for BMI in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects.