Assessment of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in elderly diabetes mellitus patients in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic condition, chronic in nature commonly linked to high levels of inflammatory indicators such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Inflammation is thought to play a vital role in the pathogenesis and complications of diabetes. Hence, estimating these indicators may provide additional insight into the inflammatory state in diabetic patients.
Aim: This research aimed to assess the levels of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) among the elderly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study which assessed a total of 88 subjects within the ages of 60-80 years for Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in elderly diabetes in Port Harcourt. Subjects were recruited, seven (7) mls of whole blood was collected from each subject via standard venipuncture.
Materials/Methods: Fasting blood sugar (FBS), ESR and CRP were examined using Glucose oxidase method, Westergren and Immunoturbidometric ELISA methods respectively. Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) t-test was used for comparison between two groups with, p≤0.05 being considered statistically significant.
Results: The CRP level in diabetic patients (10.95±2.78 ng/ml) was statistically significantly higher (p=0.033) than in non-diabetics (7.63±3.57 ng/ml) correspondingly, FBS levels were significantly higher (p=0.026) in diabetics (11.77±2.34 ng/ml) compared to the controls (5.08±3.77 ng/ml). The ESR for female diabetics (70.00±21.21.3mm/hr) was seen in the study. This is suggestive of a raised inflammatory response. Incorporating CRP and ESR tests into the routine management of elderly diabetes patients are proffered to monitor inflammation more efficiently to prevent possible diabetics complications. Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes among older adults, routine screening, early intervention, and lifestyle modifications should be prioritized to prevent the onset and progression of the disease.
Conclusion: The study therefore, advocates regular monitoring of CRP in diabetic patients to help identify those at a higher risk of cardiovascular complications and guide the implementation of preventive strategies, such as anti-inflammatory therapies and lifestyle modifications.