This study aimed to evaluate serum leptin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations in obese Ghanaians with or without type 2 diabetes and to find out the extent to which their levels are influenced by underlying disorders.
Obese subjects with type 2 diabetes had lower leptin but higher hsCRP levels compared with obese non-diabetic controls. There were negative correlations within the control group for glucose vs % muscle mass (r = - 0.378, p = 0.016), leptin vs % muscle mass (r = - 0.555, p = 0.001) and within the obese diabetic group for leptin vs % muscle mass (r = - 0.602, p = 0.001). Obese persons without diabetes were about three times more likely to have higher leptin levels compared with their obese diabetic counterparts (Odds ratio = 3.315, p < 0.001). Obese females independently had a tenfold increase in leptin levels compared with obese males.