Abstract—Objective: Increased oxidative stress in accumulated fat is an important pathogenic mechanism for obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. The increased free radicals can cause cellular damage and contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes. Method: The alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay was used to determine DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes of 35 subjects with diabetes and 18 age- and sex-matched controls. The patient group differed from control subjects for general (BMI) and central adiposity (waist hip ratio, waist circumference). Diabetic patients included those on treatment (n=18) and yet to start treatment (n=17). Results: DNA damage in both, male and female patients was statistically higher (p=0.000) compared to that in respective controls. There were no gender differences however. Though DNA damage was higher in untreated patients, yet was not significantly different from treated patients. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant association of waist circumference (central adiposity) with damage index(r=0.331,p=0.052). Conclusion:As an increase in DNA damage is an initial step in carcinogenesis and if unrepaired can lead to cancer and cause age-related disorders, the patients in the present study may be also similary susceptible and require its management.