Platelet indices as a predictor of microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: The burden of diabetes is increasing day by day, and diabetic individuals are predisposed to develop micro- and macrovascular complications leading to increased mortality and morbidity. Platelet indexes can alert us regarding endothelial dysfunction in diabetes and in turn regarding microvascular complications. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted on 100 diabetic patients with age and sex matched and 100 nondiabetic controls. All diabetic patients were evaluated for microvascular complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Clinical history of all patients was taken regarding associated comorbidities and association. Fasting and postprandial blood sugar, HbA1c, platelet count, and platelet indices were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by using student unpaired t test and χ2 test. Results: Platelet indices mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) were significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with controls. It was also observed that changes in mean platelet volume, PDW, and P-LCR were more significant in diabetic patients with microvascular complications than diabetic patients without microvascular complications. Conclusion: Values of platelet indices were statistically associated with diabetes and its microvascular complications.