Association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, glycated haemoglobin, body mass index and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting from defective secretion, defective action, or both of insulin. The aim of this study was to determine the high sensitivity CReactive Protein (hs-CRP) levels in type 2 diabetics and correlate hs-CRP levels with glycaemic control (Glycated Haemoglobin HbA1c levels), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study carried out at Endocrinology Unit of Hayatabad Medical complex (HMC) and samples were analyzed in the laboratory of Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. A total of 125 known diabetic patients were recruited by non-probability convenience sampling. HbA1c, and hs-CRP were measured through immunoassay method besides Fasting Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure, Height and Weight. Results: Out of 125 patients, 68% were females and 32% were males, 16% had normal BMI, 48% were overweight and 36% were obese. In the male patients, 4% had good, and 28% had poor glycaemic control. In females, 8.8% had good glycaemic control and 59.2% had poor glycaemic control. There was significant small positive correlation of HbA1c and hs-CRP (r=0.207, p=0.020), significant weak positive correlation of hs-CRP and BMI (r=0.299, p=0.001), and no correlation of hs-CRP and systolic blood pressure in the data (r=0.059, p=0.555). Conclusion: There is a positive association of hsCRP with HbA1c and BMI. If better glycaemic control is maintained, chances of getting cardiovascular diseases are reduced. (author)