Objective: We studied the relationship between haptoglobin (HP) and insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes pedigrees. Methods: The plasma concentrations of HP were determined in 30 healthy controls

50 familial type 2 diabetic patients and their 44 nondiabetic first-degree relatives by using colorimetry. Fasting plasma insulin (FINS)

plasma lipids and lipoproteins were measured simultaneously. Results: The level of HP and FINS were higher in both diabetic patients and their nondiabetic first-degree relatives than those in the healthy subjects. Besides

the former two groups were found to have dyslipidemia. HP was inversely correlated with the insulin sensitivity index in all subjects. Conclusion:The study indicated that HP may be closely associated with IR. The increased level of HP may be one of the hereditary markers of familial type 2 diabetes.