Inflammatory and Hematological Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Correlation with Microvascular Complications

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and hematological alterations that contribute to the development of microvascular complications. Identifying simple and cost-effective markers for early detection of these complications is of significant clinical importance.

Objectives: To evaluate inflammatory and hematological markers in patients with T2DM and to assess their correlation with microvascular complications.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted over one year in a tertiary health care hospital, including 140 patients with T2DM. Clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations were performed, including inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and hematological parameters (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR], red cell distribution width [RDW]). Microvascular complications were assessed, and statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The mean HbA1c was 8.2 ± 1.4%, indicating poor glycemic control. Microvascular complications were present in 60% of patients, with neuropathy being the most common (37.1%). Inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR) and hematological indices (NLR, PLR, RDW) were significantly higher in patients with complications compared to those without (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations were observed between these markers and HbA1c, with CRP (r = 0.62) and NLR (r = 0.59) showing the strongest associations.

Conclusion: Inflammatory and hematological markers are significantly associated with microvascular complications in T2DM. These simple, cost-effective markers may serve as useful tools for early identification of high-risk patients and aid in improving clinical outcomes.