Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio: A Risk Predictor in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an endocrinal disorder with an underlying systemic inflammation. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are an indicator of blood glucose regulation; increased HbA1c levels may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Patients with type 2 DM feature important modification of both Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) particles which are likely to play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a novel-potential marker of inflammation, has been linked to adverse outcomes in various cardiac pathologies. Hence the study was aimed at correlating NLR with HbA1c and LDL/HDL. Sixty Type 2 diabetics were selected randomly in Medall Clumax Diagnostics according to the eligibility criteria. Haemogram, HbA1c and Lipid profile were tested. NLR was found to be higher in patients with HbA1c > 7%. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, NLR was found to increase with increase in HbA1c and LDL/HDL which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Hyperglycaemia and Dyslipidaemia induce activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines resulting in a constantly elevated neutrophilic count and also cause insufficient lymphocyte proliferation. To conclude, unregulated diabetic patients have a higher NLR; hence are at a higher risk of cardiovascular complications.