ASSOCIATION OF NEUTROPHIL-TO-LYMPHOCYTE RATIO WITH GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and low-grade systemic inflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory biomarkers play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes and its complications. The neutrophil-to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inexpensive and readily available marker derived from routine blood counts, has emerged as a potential indicator of systemic inflammation. Objective: To evaluate NLR in patients with T2DM and determine its association with glycemic parameters. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients with T2DM attending a tertiary care center. Clinical details, hematological parameters, fasting blood sugar (FBS), random blood sugar (RBS), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were recorded. NLR was calculated from complete blood count parameters, and its correlation with glycemic indices was assessed. Results: Among the study participants, 43% had NLR <3, 16% had NLR between 3–5, and 41% had NLR >5. NLR demonstrated a significant positive correlation with HbA1c (r=0.44, p<0.001), FBS (r=0.36, p<0.001), and RBS (r=0.30, p=0.003). Higher NLR values were associated with poorer glycemic control. Conclusion: NLR showed a significant association with glycemic parameters in patients with T2DM and may serve as a simple, cost-effective inflammatory marker for assessing glycemic status and disease severity.