Scripta Medica (Jan 2013)
C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Abstract
Introduction. Chronic,low-grade inflammation is important in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Indicators of increased inflammatory activity include elevated values of circulating acute phase proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. The aim of the study was to test sex-related differences in CRP and fibrinogen blood levels in T2DM patients. Patients and Methods. The cross-sectional study included 40 T2DM patients, both sexes (19 males and 21 females), median age 70 (36-90) years. Patients were hospitalized at the Clinic of Endocrinology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. The fasting glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin, fibrinogen and CRP in the blood of T2DM patients were determined by standard laboratory methods. The data were analysed by statistical software SPSS 19. Results. The median values of CRP and fibrinogen in blood were not statistically different between female and male T2DM patients, although values had tendency to be higher in female patients [17.30 mg/L (3.40-61.35) vs. 9.60 mg/L (3.50-28.90); p=0.573]; [5.70 g/L (4.20-6.35) vs. 3.80 g/L (3.60-6.00); p=0.078]. A positive correlation between CRP and fibrinogen was found in samples from female T2DM patients (rho=0.606;p<0.01). Conclusion. Elevated CRP and fibrinogen indicate the presence of inflammation in T2DM patients. Female patients had higher values of both inflammatory markers in blood in comparison to males, but we did not prove statistically significant sex-related differences.
