Kawamoto R, et al. – Researchers determined whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has any significance in diabetic kidney disease in this study involving 199 men (mean ± standard deviation, age: 73 ± 11 years) and 187 women (aged 77 ± 10 years) from a rural hospital. NLR was calculated via analysis of differential leukocyte count in complete blood picture. Renal function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE). The investigators noted a significant and independent association of NLR—as well as age, body mass index, serum uric acid, and presence of uric acid lowing medication—with eGFR. A significant and independent association with UAE was also demonstrated by NLR, as well as prevalence of cardiovascular disease, systolic blood pressure, presence of antihypertensive medication, presence of antilipidemic medication, and eGFR. A possible significance of NLR was suggested as a potential factor for evaluating patients with a higher degree of albuminuria among diabetic outpatients.