Raised Neutrophil-Lymphocyte may predict Peripheral Neuropathy among diabetics

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has significantly and independently raised in Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy patients as per the study published in the journal, 'International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 2022.' 

The most common complication of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) is Peripheral Neuropathy. It is a chronic inflammatory condition. The ideal marker for any kind of chronic inflammatory disease including Diabetes is the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR). So, researchers from Turkey conducted a study to evaluate the association between NLR and Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN) and to determine whether NLR could be a new indicator of PDN in T2DM. 

The study was carried out between 2018-21. Records of the patients who underwent electroneuromyography studies with the diagnosis of T2DM in the Neurology outpatient clinic were collected. They were divided into two groups those with normal results and those with polyneuropathy. The NLR was calculated from the hemogram tests. 

Results: 

• Eighty-nine (52.7%) normal and 80 (47.3%) PDN patients were included in the study.
• Of the total, 77 (45.6%) were male and 92 (54.4%) were female.
• The mean age of the patients was 58.92±13.88 years.
• According to the records examined, the mean NLR value was significantly higher in patients with PDN (2.70±1.99) than in those with normal results (1.98±0.80).
• According to the ROC analysis, the sensitivity is 0.875 and the specificity is 0.292 for 1.46, which is determined as the optimal cut-off value for the NLR value in the diagnosis of PDN. 

Thus, the researchers found a significant correlation between NLR and PDN as inflammation and endothelial dysfunction could be an integral part of PDN. They also added that NLR was significantly and independently raised in patients with T2DM.  

For the full article, click here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13410-022-01103-1 

Ocak, Ö., Şahin, E.M. Value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. Int J Diabetes Dev Ctries (2022).