Introduction : Circulating IL-6 levels have been reported to be elevated in subjects with type 2
diabetes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes in 66% of type
I and 59% of type 2 diabetics. 1 Diabetic polyneuropathy is the most commonly acquired diffuse
disorder of the peripheral nervous system.2
Aim : This study is focussed on the correlation between serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum
insulin and glycaemic status.
Methods and Patients : Twenty-three subjects were selected for the study. Out of the total
subjects, 17 were with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 6 with diabetic neuropathy. Two subjects
with diabetic neuropathy had given consent for neurolysis. Blood sugar level was estimated by
standard method. Serum IL-6 and insulin levels were measured by ELISA method. Attempts
were made to elucidate the relationship between glycaemic status (or insulinaemia) and with
diabetic neuropathy and neurolysis.
Results : Results show that there is no direct relationship between fasting blood sugar and IL-
6 however, raised IL-6 was observed in 66.66%) diabetic and in 50% with diabetic neuropathy. It
was observed that though patients with diabetes were within glycaemic control raised IL-6
levels revealed the presence of inflammation. Such patients should be followed up for early
detection of neuropathy.
Conclusion : Raised IL-6 levels in diabetics with glycaemic control revealed the presence of
inflammation. Such patients should be followed up further to prevent neural damage