Aktas G. Exploring the link: Hemogram-derived markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. World J Diabetes 2025; 16(7): 105233 [DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v16.i7.105233]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Gulali Aktas, MD, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Golkoy, Bolu 14030, Türkiye. draliaktas@yahoo.com
Research Domain of This Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Article-Type of This Article
Review
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Diabetes. Jul 15, 2025; 16(7): 105233 Published online Jul 15, 2025. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v16.i7.105233
Exploring the link: Hemogram-derived markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications
Gulali Aktas
Gulali Aktas, Department of Internal Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu 14030, Türkiye
Author contributions: All work related to this paper was performed by Aktas G.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Gulali Aktas, MD, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Golkoy, Bolu 14030, Türkiye. draliaktas@yahoo.com
Received: January 15, 2025 Revised: March 28, 2025 Accepted: May 14, 2025 Published online: July 15, 2025 Processing time: 181 Days and 14.8 Hours
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, often leading to severe complications. Hemogram markers have attracted great attention from researchers for their established role in inflammatory conditions. In this respect, T2DM and its microvascular complications are characterized by high inflammatory burden. Hence, recent studies in the literature have reported an association between T2DM and hemogram-derived markers. Emerging evidence highlights the utility of hemogram-derived markers, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, red cell distribution width, and mean platelet volume, as potential predictors of T2DM onset and progression. These markers, readily available from routine hemogram tests, offer valuable insights into the systemic inflammation and vascular changes associated with T2DM and its complications, such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and retinopathy. This review synthesizes current research on the association between hemogram-derived markers and T2DM, emphasizing their prognostic value in predicting disease severity and complications. We also explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms linking these markers to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. The findings suggest that hemogram-derived markers could serve as cost-effective, non-invasive tools for risk stratification and early intervention in T2DM management. Future research should focus on standardizing reference ranges and validating these markers in diverse populations to enhance their clinical utility.
Core Tip: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition marked by high blood glucose and insulin resistance, often accompanied by severe complications and systemic inflammation. Recent research highlights hemogram-derived markers, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, red cell distribution width, and mean platelet volume, as valuable tools for predicting the onset, progression, and complications of T2DM. These markers, accessible through routine blood tests, provide insights into inflammation and vascular changes linked to T2DM including cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and retinopathy.
