Haematopoietic and Inflammatory Cytokines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Enugu Metropolis, South East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia and persistent low-grade inflammation, which contribute to disease progression and the development of vascular complications. Alterations in inflammatory cytokines and haematopoietic factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of T2DM and may provide valuable insights into disease-associated immune and erythropoietic responses. Aim: This study evaluated haematopoietic and inflammatory cytokine profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 86 patients with T2DM and 58 apparently healthy controls. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), complete blood count, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations were determined using standard laboratory methods. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Patients with T2DM exhibited significantly higher FBG and HbA1c levels compared with controls (p < 0.001), indicating poor glycaemic control. Interleukin-1β concentrations were significantly elevated in diabetic males (14.36 ± 0.99 pg/mL) and females (17.17 ± 0.66 pg/mL) compared with their respective controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, IL-10 levels were markedly reduced in diabetic males (3.44 ± 0.28 pg/mL) and females (3.70 ± 0.21 pg/mL) relative to controls (p < 0.001). Erythropoietin concentrations were significantly increased in diabetic males (31.50 ± 1.09 mU/mL; p < 0.001) and diabetic females (28.63 ± 1.62 mU/mL; p < 0.05) compared with controls. Total white blood cell and neutrophil counts were also significantly elevated, particularly among diabetic females, reflecting enhanced systemic inflammatory activity. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with significant alterations in inflammatory cytokines and haematopoietic activity, characterised by elevated IL-1β, reduced IL-10, increased erythropoietin concentrations, and leukocyte abnormalities. These findings highlight the presence of persistent inflammation and altered haematopoietic responses in T2DM and suggest that inflammatory and haematopoietic biomarkers may serve as useful indicators of disease progression and metabolic dysfunction.