Follow-up study to explore the relationship between Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and impaired fasting glucose: using the Group- Based Trajectory Modeling

Abstract

Background and objective: Previous studies have reported an association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), but the conclusions were controversial. A follow-up study in the real world can observe the occurrence of diseases and verify the relationship between NLR and IFG. Methods: A total of 1,168 patients without prediabetes or T2DM were followed up for six years. At baseline, participants' NLR levels, fasting plasma glucose and other clinical characteristics were recorded. During the follow-up period, NLR levels and the prevalence of IFG were recorded. Ultimately, 45 individuals were lost to follow-up, leaving 1,123 participants for analysis. Using Group-Based Trajectory Modeling (GBTM), the sample was divided into three groups. Results: The prevalence of IFG in the three groups was 12.1%, 19.4%, and 20.85%, respectively. Compared with the low-level NLR group, the hazard ratio of IFG in the moderate-level NLR group and high-level NLR group were 1.628 (1.109-2.390) and 1.575 (1.001-2.497), respectively, after adjusting for sex, age, and other variables. There was a significant interaction effect of BMI and NLR on the risk of IFG (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this real-world follow-up study, we observed a positive association between NLR and the risk of IFG, with this relationship being exacerbated by obesity status.