EVALUATING PLATELET INDICES AS PREDICTIVE MARKER FOR MICROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Authors: Ashraf Ahmed Zubair, Madhavi Ajit Kulkarni, Asfia Sultana, Anand Anantha rao Shankar

DOI: 10.18231/j.pjms.11404.1761305368

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus,microvascular complications ,Platelet indices

Abstract: Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. It is associated with long-term complications, particularly microvascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and diabetic foot. These complications are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. Early detection and intervention are crucial, but screening is often resource-intensive. Platelet indices—Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), and Platelet Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR)—reflect platelet activation and may serve as cost-effective biomarkers to predict diabetic complications. Objectives: This study aims to assess platelet indices in patients with T2DM and to determine their association with microvascular complications. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Navodaya Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Raichur, including 60 participants—30 T2DM patients (disease duration >5 years) and 30 healthy controls. Platelet indices were measured using an automated analyser, and HbA1C was estimated using HPLC. Diabetic patients were further categorized based on the presence or absence of microvascular complications. Results: MPV, PDW, and P-LCR were significantly elevated in diabetics compared to non-diabetics (p < 0.05). Diabetic patients with complications exhibited higher MPV, PDW, and P-LCR compared to those without complications, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. HbA1C levels were significantly higher in diabetics with complications (p = 0.003), while platelet count was significantly lower (p = 0.045). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant alteration in platelet indices among T2DM patients. While MPV, PDW, and P-LCR levels were higher in patients with complications, further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up is needed. Platelet indices may serve as valuable, cost-effective indicators for identifying diabetic patients at risk of microvascular complications, enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.