Evaluation of Procalcitonin in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. In Indonesia, type 2 diabetes is increasing, with a substantial percentage of patients experiencing poor glycemic control. This study aims to explore the relationship between serum procalcitonin levels and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes, assessing procalcitonin's potential as a biomarker for diabetes complications. A total of 122 patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes were included, excluding those with infection or recent trauma. Clinical parameters, including blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and blood samples for FBG and procalcitonin levels, were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. The mean age of participants was 56.7 years, with 43.4% diagnosed with hypertension. A significant correlation was found between procalcitonin and FBG (<i>p</i> = 0.024, r = 0.205), indicating a weak positive relationship. No significant differences in procalcitonin levels were observed between hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients. The findings suggest that procalcitonin may serve as a useful biomarker in managing complications associated with type 2 diabetes. While the correlation with FBG was weak, the role of inflammation in diabetes progression highlights the need for further investigation. Integrating procalcitonin testing into clinical practice could enhance patient management, and future research should explore the mechanisms linking procalcitonin levels to diabetes complications, as well as establish reference values for procalcitonin in diabetic populations.