CRP and Hyperglycemia: •MetS was not associated with ↑ HNC risk.•↑ number of MetS components showed no risk.•Hyperglycemia independently correlated with ↑ HNC risk.•U-shaped associations for HDL-C and waist circumference with HNC risk.•CRP ≥ 1.00 mg/dL → ↑ HNC risk.