Role of Inflammatory Marker Hs CRP Serum Ferritin and Lipoprotein a in Type 2diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly recognised as a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with dyslipidaemia and heightened cardiovascular risk. Inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum ferritin, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been implicated in the pathophysiology of T2DM, but their interrelationship with lipid parameters remains incompletely understood.

Objectives: To evaluate the levels of hs-CRP, serum ferritin, and lipoprotein(a) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to assess their association with lipid profile parameters in comparison with healthy controls.

Materials and Methods: This case–control study included patients with T2DM (cases) and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (controls). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters, including HbA1c, hs-CRP, serum ferritin, lipoprotein(a), and lipid profile, were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test for group comparisons and correlation analysis to evaluate associations between inflammatory markers and lipid parameters.

Results: Diabetic patients had significantly higher body weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and HbA1c levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). Levels of hs-CRP, serum ferritin, and lipoprotein(a) were markedly elevated in cases (p < 0.001). Diabetic subjects also demonstrated significant dyslipidaemia with increased VLDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between hs-CRP and LDL cholesterol, while serum ferritin exhibited a negative correlation with triglycerides. No significant correlation was observed among the inflammatory markers themselves.

Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated inflammatory markers and significant lipid abnormalities, reflecting an increased cardiovascular risk. Hs-CRP, serum ferritin, and lipoprotein(a) may serve as useful adjunctive biomarkers for assessing inflammation and atherogenic risk in patients with T2DM.