C-reactive protein--or CRP--is a marker of inflammation in the body and has been used as a marker for the development of type 2 diabetes. CRP is released from the liver as a reaction to inflammatory processes in the body when it's fighting an infection or is producing inflammation to an irritant in your body. People who develop diabetes have a higher level of CRP in their body, which leads clinicians to believe it is an indicator of the development of the disease.
Inflammation
Acute phase proteins increase when your body experiences trauma from an accident or event, such as a small tear in your blood vessel. Your body produces certain immunity-related cells to take care of the inflammation that results from the trauma. This inflammation can cause markers, such as CRP, to increase 1,000 fold until the issue has been resolved. This inflammation can lead to your immune system reacting in an overdrive fashion and leading to insulin resistance by interfering with insulin receptor binding sites, according to the study "C-reactive Protein and the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes in Middle-aged Men."
Insulin Recognition
CRP and other pro-inflammatory markers impair cell function and how your body responds to insulin. When CRP levels are elevated, your body's ability to recognize insulin is hindered. Blood sugar levels begin to build up, and your body tries to respond by increasing insulin output to lower your blood sugar level. This is the first stage of the development of insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes.
Atherosclerosis
The level of insulin resistance in the body can be measured by C-reactive protein levels. Atherosclerosis is the development of fatty streaks in your arteries that form LDL, or bad cholesterol being deposited and oxidized in your arteries. The level of inflammation this process causes raises CRP levels. Fatty streak build-up in the arteries starts an inflammatory immune response to recover damaged artery walls, but nitric oxide synthase levels are increased, according to the article "C-reactive Protein: a Marker or a Player?" The release of nitric oxide disturbs the health of artery cells and function, leading to a stroke or heart attack. These are risk factors and cofactors with type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a group of symptoms that increases your risk of developing diabetes. The symptoms include having excess fat accumulated around the waist, cholesterol problems, abnormal blood sugar levels, elevated blood pressure and elevated inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein. The elevation of C-reactive protein levels indicates the body has started showing signs of metabolic problems years before laboratory values or symptoms of diabetes become clear.
Diet and Supplements
C-reactive protein indicates the level of inflammation present in your body. Dietary modifications could possibly lower your CRP level if this is the only health indicator that is elevated, and you have no other health issues, according to "Life Extension" magazine. Foods that help decrease inflammatory processes in your body include omega-3 fats from flaxseed and fish oils. Supplements such as vitamin E oil, DHEA, vitamin K and nettle leaf can lower C-reactive protein levels. Decreasing your consumption of highly processed foods that contain saturated fat, are low in fiber and are rich in omega-6 fats can promote C-reactive protein levels. Eating foods that are low-glycemic, or have a small impact on blood sugar levels, helps manage inflammatory immune responses in your body.
