Association of Platelet Indices with Diabetic Complications: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a prothrombotic state characterised by enhanced platelet activity, which may lead to microvascular and macrovascular complications. Platelet indices, such as Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), are routinely available in laboratories and can serve as a prognostic markers for patients. Aim: To evaluate platelet indices in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and associated complications. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology in Krishna Vishva Vidyapeeth’s Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Karad, Maharashtra, India, from July 2020 to May 2022. A total of 120 patients with type 2 diabetes, both with and without complications, were investigated. Haematological parameters (platelet count and platelet indices such as MPV and PDW) and biochemical parameters {fasting blood sugar and Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)} were compared between the two groups. Platelet indices were measured using an automated haematology analyser. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: The study included 60 cases each of DM with complications and without. Among those with complications, 17 (28.33%) were aged 51-60 years, 14 (23.33%) were 61- 70 years old, and 12 (20%) were over 70 years. The mean MPV was 12.74±3.076 fL for patients with complications and 8.65±1.58 fL for those without. The mean PDW was 15.54 15.54±3.31 fL for patients with complications and 13.94±2.66 for those without. The mean HbA1c levels were 8.33 mmol/ mol for patients with complications and 6.75 mmol/mol for those without. The mean platelet count was 3.12 lakh/mm³ for patients with complications and 2.45 lakh/mm³ for those without. The mean fasting blood sugar levels were 219.65 mmol/L for patients with complications and 109.96 mmol/L for those without. Conclusion: Diabetes contributes to endothelial dysfunction and platelet hyperactivity. The present study reveals that diabetic patients with uncontrolled glycaemic indices and elevated fasting blood sugar levels have higher platelet indices compared to patients without complications, where the platelet count, platelet indices, and glycaemic indices were within normal limits. These indices may also serve as useful prognostic tools.