To study the role of hematological biomarkers in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic retinopathy

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Abstract Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common and severe microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, and the prevalence is expected to double by 2030. Aim of this study was to compare the hematological biomarkers in diabetics with and without retinopathy. And also, as the grade of retinopathy increased. Methods: The study comprised three groups: DR (n = 66), NDR (n = 33), and controls (n = 33). Detailed workup included HbA1c levels, platelet indices (mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet count, and plateletcrit. Results: The mean age was 54 years. The mean duration of DM was 10 and 4 years in the DR and NDR groups, respectively. MPV values were significantly higher in the DR group (10.77 ± 1.2) than NDR (9.2 ± 1.1) and least in controls (8.3 ± 0.89) (P = 0.00). These values increased significantly with increasing severity of retinopathy (P = 0.04). There was a 6.13 times increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy with increased mean platelet volume (MPV). Mean PDW was significantly higher in the DR group (19.22 ± 2.5) than NDR (13.89 ± 2.9) and least in controls (11.3 ± 2.5) (P = 0.00). These values increased significantly with increasing severity of retinopathy (P = 0.00). Other markers were not significant. Conclusion: MPV and PDW are important biomarkers which can predict the development and severity of retinopathy. Therefore, it is suggested that platelet indices be routinely done in diabetic workup. Furthermore, these are conveniently obtained from automated cell counters.