Relationship between C-Reactive Protein, White Blood Cell Count and Metabolic Syndrome in Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in people with diabetes confers increased cardiovascular and diabetes-specific micro- and macrovascular complications. The pathogenic pathways for metabolic syndrome are still issues for discussion especially in some special groups like those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent evidences suggest that inflammation may play a key role in MS. This study assessed the relationship between MS (and its component risks) and markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein {hs-CRP} and white blood cells {WBC}). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 108 patients with T2DM. Anthropometric measurements and clinical examination were conducted. Blood sample was collected for hs-CRP, WBC, glycated haemoglobin etc. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Ethical approval was granted and informed consent was obtained from participants. Results: Mean age of male and female participants were 58.00 ± 7.01 years and 55.48 ± 8.35 years respectively (p = 0.092). Eighty-two (75.9%) participants had metabolic syndrome. Median values of hs-CRP and total WBC were 0.89mg/L and 5.73 x103/mm3 respectively. On correlation, hs-CRP showed statistically significant association with waist circumference (r = 0.194; p = 0.044), fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.191; p = 0.048) and serum triglycerides (p = 0.226; r = 0.019). There was no statistically significant association between WBC and the metabolic components. Conclusion: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high, and C-reactive protein was associated with waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and serum triglycerides.