Elevated inflammatory markers in pre-diabetic individuals: correlation with hs-CRP & implications for cardiovascular disease prevention

Abstract

Background: Pre-diabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that fall below the diagnostic thresholds for diabetes. It is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to systemic inflammation. Inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are known to play critical roles in the progression of insulin resistance and subsequent disease development.

Aim & Objective: To evaluate the association of inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP, with insulin resistance in pre-diabetic individuals compared to normoglycemic controls.

Materials and Methods: This study involved 60 pre-diabetic individuals and a normoglycemic control group. Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP were measured to evaluate systemic inflammation. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between HOMA-IR and inflammatory markers, as well as the interrelationships among the markers.

Results: The study found a strong positive correlation between HOMA-IR and TNF-α (r = 0.925), as well as HOMA-IR and IL-6 (r = 0.766). A significant relationship was also observed between TNF-α and hs-CRP (r = 0.831), highlighting elevated systemic inflammation in pre-diabetic individuals.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that systemic inflammation plays a critical role in the progression of pre-diabetes to Type 2 diabetes and CVD. Inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP can serve as early indicators of disease progression. Early detection and targeted interventions focused on reducing inflammation may help prevent the transition from pre-diabetes to diabetes and mitigate cardiovascular risks, thereby improving patient outcomes.