Evaluation of The Relationship Between Glycaemic Regulation Parameters and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple and inexpensive examination that is considered to show inflammation. In this study, which included a control group, the authors aimed to investigate if there was a relationship between glycaemic regulation parameters and NLR in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods: A total of 278 Type 2 diabetic patients were included in the study. An additional total of 148 healthy people were also included as a control group. NLR was calculated by dividing the absolute neutrophil number by the absolute lymphocyte number. The patients were divided into two groups: the good glycaemic control group (HbA1c ≤7.5%) and the poor glycaemic control group (HbA1c >7.5%). NLR was compared between the diabetic groups. In addition, NLR was compared with diabetic patients and control group. Results: The NLR was statistically and significantly higher in the poor glycaemic control group compared to the good glycaemic control group (2.48 [1.97–2.60] to 2.07 [1.72–2.40], respectively; p=0.020). In addition, NLR was significantly higher in the patients than in the control group (2.30 [2.04–2.49] to 2.01 [1.85–2.18], respectively; p=0.002). Conclusion: According to the authors’ knowledge, increased NLR may be associated with poor glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetic patients. NLR may be useful used as an easily measurable, noninvasive, available, and cost-effective parameter for the follow-up of diabetic patients.