Analysis of White Blood Cells Morphology and Neutrophils to Lymphocytes Ratio of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Abstract
Hyperglycemia increases stress to the body and makes the body system more or less complicated. This includes white blood cells (WBC) of the immune system. This study aimed to determine the WBC morphology and neutrophil?to?lymphocyte (N/L) ratio of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. A case–control study was conducted at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) from July to November 2024, involving 70 T2DM patients (aged 40–60 years) and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Total white blood cell (TWBC) count and differential count such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils were measured using an automated analyzer. Peripheral blood smears were also prepared and examined for morphological abnormalities. Neutrophil?to?lymphocyte ratio and monocytes –to- lymphocytes (M/L) ratio were calculated from differential count. The mean lymphocytes was significantly higher among T2DM (55.58 ± 8.15%) compared to non?diabetic subjects (40.62 ± 4.79%), p < 0.001. The mean neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil count was significantly lower in the T2DM group compared to control group (p<0.001). Peripheral blood smear examination revealed predominantly lymphocytes in 52% of patients and left shift of neutrophil in one female subject. A significant positive correlation was also found between neutrophil and N/L ratio in T2DM. T2DM decreased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, increased lymphocytes, morphological changes including left shift of neutrophils. Based on findings, routine examination of white blood cell is recommended to minimize diabetes related complications.
Keywords
neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio
monocytes
type 2 diabetes mellitus
References
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