NEUTROPHIL–LYMPHOCYTE RATIO AS A MARKER OF GLYCEMIC STATUS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, and the Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) has emerged as a simple and accessible marker of systemic inflammatory status. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between NLR and glycaemic indicators, particularly HbA1c, in patients with T2DM. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 participants, including 40 patients with T2DM and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Demographic details, clinical parameters, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical indices including fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), HbA1c, lipid profile, and complete blood count were recorded. NLR was calculated from absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. Group comparisons were performed using the unpaired t-test and Chi-square test. Correlations were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Diabetic patients had significantly higher FBS (211.37 ± 146.40 mg/dL vs. 94.94 ± 8.94 mg/dL), PPBS (326.63 ± 201.67 mg/dL vs. 130.53 ± 11.57 mg/dL), and HbA1c (8.27 ± 1.70% vs. 5.29 ± 0.31%) compared with controls (all p < 0.001). NLR was markedly elevated in diabetics (3.55 ± 1.19) compared with non-diabetics (1.39 ± 0.41) (p < 0.001), with 97.5% of diabetics showing NLR > 2 versus 5% of controls. Significant correlations were observed between NLR and FBS (r = 0.559, p < 0.001), PPBS (r = 0.546, p < 0.001), HbA1c (r = 0.341, p = 0.031), duration of diabetes (r = 0.316, p = 0.047), and abdominal diameter (r = 0.392, p = 0.012). Conclusion: NLR is significantly elevated in T2DM and correlates with key glycaemic parameters and anthropometric indices. As an inexpensive and routinely available inflammatory marker, NLR may serve as a useful adjunct in assessing metabolic status in T2DM. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore its prognostic value.