C-Reactive Protein And Fibrinogen In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic,low-grade infl ammation is important in the development and
progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Indicators of increased infl ammatory activity
include elevated values of circulating acute phase proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP) and
fi brinogen. The aim of the study was to test sex-related differences in CRP and fi brinogen
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, fi brinogen 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 fi brinogen 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
fi brinogen was found in samples from female T2DM patients (rho=0.606;p<0.01).
Conclusion. Elevated CRP and fi brinogen indicate the presence of infl ammation in T2DM
patients. Female patients had higher values of both infl ammatory markers in blood in
comparison to males, but we did not prove statistically signifi cant sex-related differences.