The role of C-reactive protein in the metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that, in addition to signaling the presence of infection in the body, is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. It is not clear whether CRP plays a causal role in the development of vascular disease, although accumulating evidence suggests that it may. Persons with diabetes mellitus are already at great risk of cardiovascular disease, and it has been suggested that reducing elevated levels of CRP in this population may confer protection beyond that provided by modification of traditional risk factors. Statins are effective agents not only in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to the low levels recommended by current guidelines but also in decreasing levels of CRP. Whether lowering CRP provides incremental reduction in risk, however, remains to be tested in ongoing and future clinical trials.