Diagnostic value of a complete blood count in type 2 diabetes mellitus and comorbidities

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus is associated with overweight and pancreatitis. To date, the results of routine laboratory tests are not being utilized as reliable markers for comorbidities associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective of the study. The aim of this study was to analyze complete blood count parameters in order to determine significant predictors of T2DM comorbid course. Material and methods. The study involved 579 T2DM patients with comorbid overweight/obesity and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Complete blood count (CBC) was performed using a Yumizen H500 CT automatic hematology analyzer. Insulin levels were determined using a standard kit with a Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC enzyme-linked immunoassay analyzer. Glucose levels were determined using a standard kit with a COBAS INTEGRA® Diagnostics automatic biochemical analyzer. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated based on CBC. Results. In T2DM patients, glucose levels significantly correlated with the fraction of neutrophilic granulocytes, including segmental neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NLR, while glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were significantly correlated with the lymphocyte and NLR fractions. Notably, no correlations between leukocyte profile and carbohydrate metabolism variables were found in T2DM patients. We found a negative correlation between glucose levels and the rod-shaped neutrophilic granulocyte fraction, as well as between HbA1c and NLR levels in overweight T2DM patients without CP. In overweight T2DM patients with comorbid CP, glucose levels correlated with the lymphocyte and NLR fractions. Conclusion. T2DM in overweight/obese patients with CP is characterized by an abnormal and uncontrolled leukocyte response, therefore a complete blood count is not an adequate marker of the comorbid course of diabetes in such patients.