Correlation of Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio with Glycemic Control: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Poorly controlled diabetes is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Neutrophil–Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a potential marker to predict inflammation. Many studies have shown it to be a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in Type 2 diabetic patients. Our study was done to examine and establish a relationship between NLR and poor glycemic control and to examine whether a correlation exists between NLR and HbA1c. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 randomly selected Type 2 diabetic patients (39 females and 65 males). They were randomly divided into three groups based on glycemic control according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Patients with HbA1c <7% as excellent control, HbA1c 7%–9% as poor control, and HbA1c >9% as worst control were considered. Total leukocyte count, fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and NLR were assessed. Results: Our study showed that the mean neutrophil count was significantly higher and the mean lymphocyte count was significantly lower in patients with the worst diabetic control. NLR was also significantly higher in patients with worse diabetic control. However, our study did not find any statistically significant correlation between total leukocyte count and glycemic control. Mean LDL and mean FBS were also significantly higher in patients with the worst diabetic control. Conclusions: Increased NLR was associated with high HbA1c and poor glycemic control. Thus, NLR can be used as a tool in follow-up of Type 2 diabetic patients and as a predictor of poor glycemic control and adverse cardiovascular events.