Inflammatory Burden in Type 2 Diabetes: Correlation between Serum Amyloid A and Glycated Hemoglobin in Nigerian Adults

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and various complications. Serum amyloid A (SAA) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) are biomarkers that may indicate inflammation and glucose control, respectively. Objective: To evaluate the levels of SAA and HbA1c and their relationships in type 2 diabetic subjects. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 130 participants which comprises of 65 diabetic subjects and 65 non-diabetic control subjects. Fasting blood samples was collected from each participant following standard procedure and SAA and HbA1c levels were determined using ELISA and Ion-exchange chromatographic methods respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 to determine the levels and correlation between SAA and HbA1c. Results: The results showed a significant high levels of SAA (272.16±111.58 Vs 94.08± 47.59; p = <0.001) and HbA1c (8.11±1.79 Vs 5.40± 1.12; p = <0.001) in type 2 diabetic group when compared with the non-diabetic group. There was a significant positive correlation between SAA and HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetic subjects (r = 0.758; p = <0.001). However, the mean levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and age did not differ significantly in type 2 diabetics (p>0.05) although body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the diabetic group when compared with non-diabetic group (24.42±2.50 Vs 26.41 ± 2.63; p = <0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that poor glycemic control may be associated with heightened inflammatory status in these patients which may increase the risk of diabetic complications in these patients.