Association between Inflammatory Cytokines and Glycemic Parameters in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly recognized not only as a metabolic condition but also as a chronic inflammatory state. Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been associated in insulin resistance and poor glycemic control. It is crucial to comprehend how they relate to glycemic markers in order to create tailored treatments and enhance disease surveillance. Aim/Objective: The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP) and glycemic parameters (disease duration and fasting blood sugar) in T2DM patients in Edo South, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical investigation was undertaken including 240 people (140 T2DM patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls). Venous blood samples were tested for fasting blood sugar (FBS), IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Multivariate linear regression and Pearson correlation were used in the statistical study. Results: Mean FBS in T2DM patients was significantly higher than in controls (172.93 ± 27.93 vs 70.24 ± 8.51 mg/dL, p<0.001). IL-6 (15.27 ± 4.88 pg/mL), TNF-α (25.14 ± 6.10 pg/mL), and hs-CRP (9.65 ± 2.34 mg/L) were significantly elevated in diabetics (p<0.001). Positive correlations were found between FBS and IL-6 (r = 0.548, p < 0.001), TNF-α (r = 0.416, p < 0.001), and hs-CRP (r = 0.378, p < 0.001). Disease duration was also positively associated with IL-6 (r = 0.355, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Poor glycemic control and the severity of the disease are directly correlated with inflammatory cytokines, which are markedly raised in type 2 diabetes. These biomarkers may act as predictive tools and targets for therapeutic intervention in T2DM therapy.