Plasma fibrinogen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without macrovascular disease and its relationship with endothelial function, carotid intima media thickness and dyslipidemia

Abstract

Plasma fibrinogen is higher in diabetic subjects, but it is not clear whether its levels differ in patients with or without existing macrovascular disease (MVD) and whether it has any relationship with endothelial function as determined by flow mediated dilatation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and lipids. To study plasma fibrinogen levels and their relationship with endothelial functions, CIMT and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients with and without macrovascular disease, twenty six diabetic subjects and thirteen matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. Subjects were divided into group I—with MVD, group II—without MVD and group III—healthy controls. Fasting blood was analyzed and radiological studies were performed. Statistical analysis was done to find any correlation between study parameters. Plasma fibrinogen was significantly higher in diabetic subjects as compared to controls. Plasma fibrinogen was significantly higher in group I as compared to group II. Plasma fibrinogen levels correlated significantly with CIMT and FMD in diabetic subjects. No significant correlation was found between plasma fibrinogen and glycemic parameters, insulin or lipids. Plasma fibrinogen levels increased progressively from controls to diabetic subjects without MVD and to those with MVD and is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in diabetic subjects.