The study of hsCRP in type 2 diabetic melltus & its complications

Background and objectives: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an inflammatory atherothrombotic metabolic disease. In patients with type 2 diabetes, low grade inflammation is characterized by increased plasma levels of several biomarkers of inflammation such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). This prospective observational study was designed to assess serum levels of hsCRP in type 2 diabetes and determine correlation between hsCRP and complications associated with diabetes. Methods: A total of 60 subjects were enrolled in the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Hypertension (36.7%), duration of diabetes (14 years), urine microalbunuria (46.7%), serum creatinine, hsCRP and diabetic retinopathy (40%) were higher in DM patients with complications. Intermediate and high risk levels of hsCRP were higher in patients with diabetic complications. Correlation of hsCRP levels and other findings suggest that there was no significant correlation whereas the propensity of having abnormal ECG increases with rise in hsCRP levels. Rise in hsCRP levels were significantly associated with increase in serum creatinine, microalbuminuria and abnormal ECG. Interpretation and Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that there is a significant association between hsCRP and complications of DM. Abnormal ECG findings suggest the linkage amongst DM, cardiovascular complications and hsCRP. The role of hsCRP in metabolic abnormalities cannot be neglected as it may be very essential biomarker to detect associated complications.