Study of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with glycemic control

ABSTRACT

Background: Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an indicator of subclinical inflammation. Subclinical inflammation may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Raised NLR is associated with metabolic syndrome and is found to be a predictor of cardiovascular disorders. There are only few studies assessing the correlation between NLR and glycemic control. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between NLR and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients.Methods: This observational study was conducted in Department of Medicine, Bangalore medical college. 100 patients diagnosed to have type 2 diabetes mellitus were assessed. They were divided into three groups based upon HbA1c levels Group 1, HbA1c ≤7%; group 2, HbA1c 7-9%, and group 3, HbA1c>9%. Complete blood count and other relevant investigations were performed. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. T test was used for continuous variables and chi square test for categorical variables. ANOVA test was used to compare three groups. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 100 patients, the white blood cell count (WBC count) was higher in group 3 as compared to group 1 and group 2(p 0.008). Similarly, the absolute neutrophil count was higher in group 3 as compared to group 1 and group 2(p.017). The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly higher in group 3 as compared with group 1 and group 2(p.009). NLR had a positive correlation with HbA1c and was found to be an independent predictor of poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusConclusions: Our study found a significant positive correlation between NLR and glycemic control. Increased NLR is associated with elevated HbA1c and poor glycemic control. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with raised NLR should be evaluated for cardiovascular, renal and ocular complications of diabetes.