Evaluation of Haematological and Lipid Profile Parameters and their Interrelationship in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge contributing to elevated morbidity and mortality. Growing evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes mellitus is closely associated with alterations in haematological and lipid parameters, mediated by chronic hyperglycaemia and systemic inflammation. However, data from sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria remain limited. This study aimed to characterize haematological and lipid profile changes in Nigerian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and explore potential correlations between these parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 participants (200 diabetic patients and 100 non-diabetic controls), aged 40–85 years, recruited from the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Nigeria. Standardized protocols were employed to measure anthropometric indices (weight, height, body mass index) and blood pressure. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and analysed for fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein using a semi-auto analyzer. Haematological parameters: packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, platelet count, total white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils using an automated haematology analyser. Results: Compared to controls, diabetic subjects exhibited significantly elevated systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures (p < 0.05). Type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects demonstrated significantly lower red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, lymphocytes and basophil percentage counts, alongside elevated neutrophil percentage counts (p < 0.05). Additionally, diabetic subjects had higher fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and high-density lipoprotein levels (p < 0.05). Among the diabetic patients, significant positive correlations were observed between total white blood cell and low-density lipoproteins; percentage neutrophil counts and total cholesterol; eosinophil percentage count with both triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins; and platelet count with triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins. Conversely, significant negative correlations were identified between lymphocytes and total cholesterol, as well as between basophil percentage count and low-density lipoproteins. Conclusion: T2DM is associated with haematological and lipid alterations. The observed correlations between immune-inflammatory markers and lipid abnormalities suggest an interplay between metabolic and haematological dysregulation. These parameters may serve as affordable biomarkers for monitoring type 2 diabetes mellitus progression in Nigeria.