HIGH SENSITIVITY C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND PLASMA LIPIDS IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS IN ENUGU, NIGERIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND Type II Diabetes is a worldwide health problem. It
exerts a heavy economic burden on the society and is associated with
microvascular and macrovascular complications.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study on high sensitivity C-reactive
protein (hs-CRP) and plasma lipids in type II diabetic patients was
carried out to have a baseline data of hs-CRP and plasma lipids in
type II diabetics and its relation to glycaemic control.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS One hundred and fifty (150) known type
II diabetics and 100 age-matched non diabetics without inflammatory
conditions were used as controls. Fasting plasma glucose, lipids and
hs-CRP were assayed, Body mass index was calculated by using the
Quetelet formula [weight (Kg)/height (m2)]. Values presented as mean
± 2standard deviations. Student’s t test and Chi-square tests were
used to compare the means and proportion between two groups
respectively. Pearson correlation was utilised in comparing the
relationship between the hs-CRP and other parameters.
RESULTS In the diabetics the following plasma parameters were
significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the non-diabetic controls. In
mmol/L, glucose 5.44± 1.19(4.88±1.41), TC 6.03±1.16(5.01±1.39),
LDL Cholesterol 5.28±1.43(3.90±1.27), TG1.12±0.58(0.81±0.29); hs
CRP 0.12±0.10mg/dl(0.07±0.04), BMI29.04±5.72Kg/m2(23.62±5.22)

There was a significant decrease in HDL Cholesterol in diabetics than
in the non-diabetic controls, 1.38±0.25mmol/L (1.47±0.38).
Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient for hs-CRP and BMI is 0.119(p>0.05
and was not significant).
CONCLUSION Data shows that there are significant increases in the
parameters measured in all the diabetic subjects except in HDL
cholesterol where there is significant reduction when compared with
the control (P<0.05). There is no significant correlation between the
hsC-reactive protein and BMI (P>0.05). The results concluded that
total Cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and
hs–CRP have strong associations with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the
significance of these associations was discussed.