Association Between C-Reactive Protein and Type 2 Diabetes in a Tunisian Population

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CRP levels with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its related variables in a sample of the Tunisian population. Our sample included 129 patients with T2D and 187 control subjects. Body mass index (BMI), plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, and CRP concentrations were measured for each participant. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. T2D was defined as a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, the use of anti-diabetic drugs, or both. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 11.5. A significant difference in mean values of BMI, plasma lipids, FPG, insulin, and HOMA-IR was observed between subjects with and without T2D. CRP level was significantly higher in subjects with T2D than those without (p = 0.023), and this result persisted even after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In both diabetes statuses, log CRP was significantly associated with FPG, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Subjects with elevated CRP levels (>5 mg/L) had an increased risk of T2D (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.18-3.46, p = 0.010) than those whose CRP levels were less or equal to 5 mg/L. Even after adjustment for potentially confounding factors, the risk of T2D was still increased in subjects with elevated CRP levels (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.08-3.36, p = 0.025). These results suggest that elevated CRP levels are independently associated with T2D.

Elevated C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha and glycemic load associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural Thais: a cross-sectional study

“…The link between CRP and diabetes has been widely reported [5, 6]. We found that the pre-diabetic and T2DM groups had markedly higher CRP levels than the normal group.…”

“…Elevation of CRP was related to an increased risk of developing T2DM [5, 6] and was suggested as an independent risk determinant for newly diagnosed T2DM [7, 8]. However, these results are controversial.…”

Clinical Significance of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Complications in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…These results are in keeping with those of Belfki et al [50] who demonstrated that levels of CRP are significantly elevated in patients with T2DM versus controls. Morohoshi et al [51] and Guha et al [52] mentioned that hyperglycemia stimulates the liberation of the inflammatory cytokine such as IL-6 and TNF-α from different cell types and results in the secretion of acute phase reactants by adipocytes.…”

Enhanced Adipose Expression of Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF)-5 Associates with the Signatures of Metabolic Inflammation in Diabetic Obese Patients

“…A total of 46 T2D patients were recruited in the study through outpatient clinics of Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait. T2D was defined as a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥7.0 mmol/L and use of anti-diabetic drugs [27]. Those with serious morbidities including pulmonary, renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, hematologic or immune diseases, type-1 diabetes, pregnancy, or malignancy were excluded.…”