PLASMA AND URINARY β-HEXOSAMINIDASE IN JUVENILE DIABETES MELLITUS

ABSTRACT. The activity of β-hexosaminidase (E C 3.2.1.30) in plasma and urine was determined in 99 patients with juvenile diabetes mellitus and in 40 age-matched controls. Plasma enzyme activities were above normal in plasma from diabetics and showed significant correlations with blood glucose and glycosylated HbA₁ (GHbA₁) but not with the presence of retinopathy. The urinary excretion of β-hexosaminidase, which is a sensitive indicator of renal injury, was also excessive in the diabetics and showed a significant correlation with blood GHbA₁. The results show that plasma and urinary β-hexosaminidase correlate with parameters of diabetic control and that urinary β-hexosaminidase may be more sensitive than urinary albumin as an indicator of early renal damage.