Association of serum inflammatory biomarker and cardiometabolic risk in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case–control study
TL;DR
Elevated IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP reflect chronic inflammation and are strongly linked to impaired glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk in T2DM.
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health challenge marked by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Emerging evidence highlights the role of low-grade inflammation in its pathogenesis and cardiovascular complications. Proinflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are implicated in insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the association of serum IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP with glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk in T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted among T2DM patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters, including fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and lipid profile, were assessed. Serum IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and hs-CRP by immunoturbidimetric assay. Cardiometabolic risk was evaluated using body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid indices, and atherogenic markers. Statistical analyses included group comparisons, correlations, and multivariable regression. Results: T2DM patients had significantly elevated IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP compared to controls. These biomarkers correlated positively with fasting glucose, HbA1c, BMI, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and inversely with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Regression analysis confirmed their independent association with poor glycemic control and heightened cardiometabolic risk. Conclusion: Elevated IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP reflect chronic inflammation and are strongly linked to impaired glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk in T2DM. These biomarkers may serve as adjunctive tools for risk stratification, disease monitoring, and personalized therapeutic strategies to mitigate diabetes-related cardiovascular complications.