Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Connection to Blood Sugar Levels

Elevated white blood cell count?

Hello Doctor, I had a blood test two days ago and found that my white blood cell count is 14,930 (but I have no discomfort).
What kind of inflammatory conditions could this value indicate? Additionally, my fasting blood glucose is 104.
Is there a correlation between the white blood cell count and fasting blood glucose? Does this indicate prediabetes? Thank you for your time in responding.

Cherry, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/04

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Hello Cherry,
In your letter, you mentioned that your blood test showed an elevated white blood cell count.
An increase in white blood cell count can commonly be attributed to acute or chronic inflammation.
When any organ or system in the body is significantly inflamed, it can trigger a systemic immune response, resulting in elevated white blood cells.
Additionally, during periods of acute stress or after engaging in intense physical activity just before the blood draw, white blood cell counts may also temporarily rise.

A small percentage of individuals may experience chronic leukocytosis, primarily due to bone marrow disorders or leukemia.
Therefore, the cause of your elevated white blood cell count needs to be assessed in conjunction with clinical symptoms and your medical history.
I recommend that you consult a family medicine specialist for a thorough evaluation of the potential issues.
Furthermore, your fasting blood glucose level of 104 mg/dL is indeed slightly elevated compared to the normal range (<100 mg/dL).
Abnormal fasting blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance are common and can be classified as prediabetes.
However, if you consumed a significant amount of high glycemic index foods in the days leading up to the blood test or were under acute stress (whether due to physical illness or psychological anxiety), this could also lead to a temporary increase in blood glucose levels.

You might want to consider whether any short-term factors affecting your blood sugar were present during the days leading up to the test.
If stress is the cause, it is possible for both white blood cell count and fasting blood glucose to be elevated simultaneously.

Regardless, you can implement lifestyle management strategies for high blood sugar—such as a low glycemic index diet, regular aerobic exercise, weight control, and waist circumference management—and follow up with your family medicine specialist for a re-evaluation in three months.

Reply Date: 2022/06/04

More Info

Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts can indicate a variety of conditions, often related to inflammation or infection. In your case, a WBC count of 14,930 cells per microliter is significantly above the normal range (typically 4,000 to 11,000 cells/µL). While you mentioned not experiencing any discomfort, it is essential to consider potential underlying causes for this elevation.

Common reasons for an elevated WBC count include:
1. Infection: The body often responds to infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) by increasing the production of white blood cells to fight off the pathogens. Even if you do not feel unwell, a subclinical infection could be present.

2. Inflammation: Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, or chronic inflammatory conditions can lead to elevated WBC counts.

3. Stress Response: Physical or emotional stress can also cause a temporary increase in WBCs.

4. Bone Marrow Disorders: In some cases, disorders affecting the bone marrow, such as leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders, can lead to elevated WBC counts.

5. Medications: Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids, can increase WBC counts.

Regarding your fasting blood sugar level of 104 mg/dL, this value is considered to be in the prediabetic range (100-125 mg/dL). Prediabetes indicates that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It is a critical stage where lifestyle changes can significantly impact your health and potentially prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.

As for the relationship between elevated WBC counts and blood sugar levels, there is some evidence to suggest that chronic inflammation, which can be indicated by elevated WBC counts, may play a role in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Therefore, while the two values may not be directly correlated, they can both be influenced by underlying inflammatory processes.

In summary, your elevated WBC count could be due to various factors, including infection or inflammation, and should be evaluated further, especially if it persists. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough assessment, which may include additional tests to determine the cause of the elevated WBC count.
Additionally, since your fasting blood sugar is in the prediabetic range, it would be beneficial to adopt lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight management to help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular monitoring of both your blood sugar and WBC counts will be essential in managing your health effectively.

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