The utility of simple biomarkers of inflammation in the diagnosis of dyslipidaemia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Ho Municipality: A cross sectional study

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with dyslipidaemia and exaggerated immune response with high morbidity and mortality. However, the diagnostic capacity of simple inflammatory indicators to detect dyslipidaemia in T2DM is not fully explored. Aim The study aimed to assess the predictive ability of simple biomarkers of inflammation in the diagnosis of dyslipidaemia among patients with T2DM in the Ho municipality. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 patients with T2DM conveniently recruited at the Ho Municipal Hospital. A questionnaire was administered to gather socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical data. Anthropometry and blood pressures were measured. Fasting blood samples were obtained for full blood count, glucose and lipid assays. Cell line ratios reflecting various inflammation pathways were calculated. Dyslipidaemia was defined using National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The diagnostic value of biomarkers were assessed based on logistic regression and area the under curve (AUC) analyses. Results The overall prevalence of dyslipidaemia was 167(86.5%; 95% CI: 81.0-90.6). A unit change in total white blood cell count was associated with 2.073 odds of developing dyslipidaemia (OR: 2.073: 95% CI: 1.037–4.144; p = 0.039) after adjustment for confounders. Total white blood cell counts significantly discriminated between respondents with dyslipidaemia and those without dyslipidaemia (AUROC: 0.64: 95% CI: 0.57–0.7; p = 0.0195). Conclusion The prevalence of dyslipidaemia is high among study participants. Total white blood cell count appears to be an important clinical tool for the diagnosis of dyslipidaemia in our study cohort. This highlights it’s utility as a potential biomarker for early detection and disease management.