Hello; Thank you for writing in today. I want you to feel comfortable with this information. I think I can explain it in a way that can help you understand all of this. First of all, get use to the CRP. It has become common practice to monitor this, especially with regard to cardiac risk. CRP is a marker of inflammation. The CRP can be elevated whenever there is acute inflammation or chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation usually includes acute infections or injuries, such as burns or fractures. As for chronic inflammation, this can be any number of conditions. For example, elevated CRP is seen in cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Chrohn's Disease, Vasculitis, and Cancer. In addition, some people can have an elevated CRP without any clear explanation. Now, one elevated CRP is not as significant as multiple elevations. More specifically, one isolated reading is not as important as multiple readings over time. Your provider wants to check you again in 3 months. Three months is a significant enough amount of time to let the CRP normalize again. If at that time your CRP is still elevated, then this would be concerning. If your CRP fails to return to normal or climbs higher over a period of time, your providers will likely want to evaluate for any autoimmune or other inflammatory disorders. Having diabetes also puts you at risk for having an elevated CRP, particularly if you have any vascular complications. Therefore, getting and keeping your HgbA1c < 6% is very important for you. Regardless, knowing that you have an elevated CRP is very important from a cardiology standpoint. It increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, specifically heart attack. If your CRP remains elevated at your next check, your cardiologist may actually put you on a medication, such as Crestor. Although your cholesterol is not very elevated, Crestor, has been known to reduce the risk of heart attacks in patients with elevated CRP. I hope this helps explain the CRP. Remember, it's the trend that is important, so wait till your re-check before you worry. Also, take this time to improve your diabetic control if this is an issue. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let me know. Lisa

Edited by Ms. Lisa on 10/28/2009 at 1:59 AM

Although you have an elevated CRP now, it may not remain elevated. Some people naturally worry. As for not worrying, believe me, I know it is easier said than done. For now, think about your positives, you are really turning your health around. The weight loss, the improved glycemic control, and the improved cholesterol all lower your risk of heart attack. If I may make one recommendation, try to work on getting that cholesterol level down to 100 or lower. If you can do that and get your HgbA1c down to 6, you really would have optimal levels. Again, try not to let this get you down. The important thing is to know the level and to monitor it. Lisa

You're welcome. Glad I could help. Lisa