Monocyte–Lymphocyte Ratio and Dysglycemia: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study of the Saudi Population

Abstract

Background: Abnormalities in fasting blood glucose (FBG) resulting in hypoglycemia (OG), impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), or hyperglycemia (HG) arise from disordered metabolic regulation caused in part by inflammation. To date, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the clinical utility of the monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR), an emerging inflammatory index, in the management of dysglycemia. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study explored MLR fluctuations as a function of glycemic control in 14,173 Saudi subjects. Data collected from 11 August 2014 to 18 July 2020 were retrieved from Al-Borg Medical Laboratories. Medians were compared by Mann–Whitney U or Kruskal–Wallis tests and the prevalence, relative risk (RR), and odds ratio (OR) were calculated. Results: MLR was significantly elevated in IFG (p p 0.191) had significantly increased FBG (p p p p p < 0.0216). Conclusion: Elevated MLR is correlated with and carries a greater risk for IFG and HG. However, large prospective cohort studies are needed to establish the temporal relationship between MLR and FBG and to examine the prognostic value of this novel marker.

Keywords

• diabetes
• monocyte–lymphocyte ratio
• biomarker
• Saudi Arabia