Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Elevated levels of the inflammatory markers are associated with increased risk for CVD and diabetes mellitus. There is accumulating evidence indicating that inflammatory markers as C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with insulin resistance. The aim of the study is to evaluate the correlations between serum inflammatory markers and plasma fasting glucose (PFG) in overweight and obese women.

Methods: Overweight (25<BMI<30 kg/m²) and obese (BMI>30 kg/m²) 2846 women were enrolled into the study. Anthropometrical parameters were measured. Leukocyte, CRP, ferritin and sedimentation rate were evaluted. Subjects were measured during minimum 12 h fasting period. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=1982); women with PFG<100 mg/dl, Group II (n=864); women with PFG ≥100 mg/dl.

Results: CRP levels were higher with group II than in Group I (6.13±4.34 vs 5.2±3.09 mg/l; P=0.012). Serum ferritin levels were higher Group II than in Group I (50.10±46.68 vs 37.51±35.26 ng/ml; P<0.001). Leukocyte count and eritrocyte sedimentation rate were higher Group II than group I (7.73±3.71 vs 7.40±1.85/mm³, P=0.002 and 26.67 vs 22.33 mm/h, P=0.001). The results are documented on Table.

Conclusions: This study shown that increased concentrations of PFG are associated with elevated inflammatory markers in overweight and obese women. Inflammation is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors. The Women’s Health Study has shown that high CRP levels predict type 2 diabetes. The investigators also have shown that high CRP levels are predictors of the development of type 2 diabetes.