Abstract Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels have
been advocated as a biomarker for evaluating the oxidative
stress status. No data are showed on the potential role of
IMA in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We aimed to establish the
correlation among serum levels of IMA, C-reactive protein
(CRP), and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients with
T1D. Fifty-seven patients with T1D, 27 patients with DKA,
and 40 controls were enrolled. Serum IMA and CRP levels
were measured and evaluated to distinguish from DKA.
CRP and IMA levels were significantly elevated in patients
with DKA at admission to the hospital compared to non-
DKA and control subjects. CRP and IMA levels were
higher in non-DKA patients than in controls. CRP, plasma
glucose, and IMA levels were reduced after insulin treatment.
Serum IMA levels were an independent risk marker
for DKA (OR = 1.225, p = 0.002, 95 % CI: 1.076–1.394).
Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed no
difference in the areas under curve for serum IMA and
CRP values. This study indicates that IMA and CRP levels
were significantly correlated with DKA diagnosis. IMA
can act as a biomarker that reflects the presence of DKA.