Correlation between HbA1c and high sensitivity C-reactive protein in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study at tertiary care hospital in western Rajasthan

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, increasing cardiovascular risk. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) is a reliable inflammatory biomarker. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between HbA1c and HSCRP and its association with lipid profile in T2DM patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Medical College and Bangur Hospital, Pali, Rajasthan, over one year. A total of 123 patients aged 18-75 years with T2DM were included. Patients were categorized into controlled (HbA1c<7.5%) and uncontrolled (HbA1c≥7.5%) groups. HbA1c, HSCRP, and lipid profile were measured using standard laboratory methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, and Pearson’s correlation was applied. Results: Among 123 patients, 50.4% had controlled and 49.6% had uncontrolled diabetes. Mean HSCRP levels were significantly higher in the uncontrolled group (4.86±2.37 mg/L vs 2.63±0.43 mg/L; p<0.001). Uncontrolled diabetes was associated with significantly higher total cholesterol and triglycerides and lower HDL levels (p<0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between HSCRP and HbA1c (r=0.961, p<0.001), triglycerides (r=0.889), and total cholesterol (r=0.731), while a negative correlation was seen with HDL (r=−0.827). Conclusions: Poor glycemic control is strongly associated with increased systemic inflammation and adverse lipid profile. HSCRP can serve as an important marker for cardiovascular risk assessment in T2DM patients.