Evaluation of inflammatory markers - il-6, ferritin, hs-crp in type 2 diabetic patients and its correlation with glycated hemoglobin

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Diabetes mellitus has evolved from a metabolic disorder to a condition closely linked with inflammation, influenced by cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP. Measuring the levels of inflammatory markers like IL-6, hs-CRP, and ferritin can reveal subclinical inflammation and help assess the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications along with the disease progression. OBJECTIVES 1) To study the serum level of the inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, Serum ferritin and hs CRP) in type 2 Diabetic patients and a group of healthy controls. 2) To assess the correlation between glycemic control (HbA1c, FBS and PPBS) and inflammatory markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 80 participants, 60 clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients as cases and 20 healthy controls from the Medicine department, enrolled between May 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024. FBS, PPBS, glycated haemoglobin, ferritin, hs-CRP, and IL-6 levels were measured in both groups. RESULTS 1) Type 2 Diabetic patients have significantly higher inflammatory markers (ferritin, hs-CRP and IL-6) than healthy controls. 2) 51.6% of type 2 diabetic patients having poorer glycemic control (HbA1C > 7) exhibit significantly higher inflammatory markers than those with better glycemic control (HbA1C ≤ 7) 3) Serum ferritin, hs-CRP, and IL-6 are positively correlated with HbA1c, with statistically significant correlations observed in the higher HbA1c group. CONCLUSION Our study confirms that Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with significantly elevated levels of inflammatory markers, including ferritin, hs-CRP, and IL-6, compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7) exhibit even higher levels of these markers, reinforcing the link between hyperglycemia and systemic inflammation. The significant positive association observed among ferritin, hs-CRP, IL-6, and HbA1c emphasizes how inflammation plays a role in glycemic dysregulation and aids as a tool in the risk assessment of micro and macrovascular complications. These findings emphasize the need to monitor inflammatory markers in T2DM management and suggest that addressing inflammation could be a valuable approach to improving glycemic control and reducing diabetes-related complications.