Platelet parameters: Can they serve as biomarkers of glycemic control or development of complications in evaluation of type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Abstract

Background: Platelet function plays a crucial pathophysiological role in the development of atherothrombosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Platelet count (PC) and mean platelet volume (MPV) are simple, effective, and cheap tests that may be used to predict angiopathy in type 2 DM. Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyze various platelet parameters including PC, plateletcrit (total mass of platelets) (PCT), and mean platelet indices that are MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet-large cell ratio (PLCR) in the type 2 DM patients, to compare various platelet indices between DM patients (with and without complications) and controls. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 3 months. Complete blood count along with blood glucose and HbA1c was estimated. The study population was divided into three groups: Group 1: Normal controls (n = 30); Group 2: DM patients without complications (n = 30); and Group 3: DM patients with complications (n = 30). Based on HbA1c levels among the diabetic patients, the diabetic groups were also classified as DM with HbA1c 7%. Results: All the platelet parameters were found to be higher among DM with complication as compared to DM without complication, and this was found to be statistically significant. Among the platelet parameters, MPV, PCT, and PDW were found to be higher among DM with HbA1c >7% as compared to DM with HbA1c Conclusion: Monitoring of DM to prevent the occurrence of vascular complications is the need of the hour. The results of the study suggest a role of various platelet indices as a simple and cost-effective tool to monitor the progression and control of DM.