Mean platelet volume and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACT

The mean platelet volume [MPV] is a marker of platelet activity. The increased platelet activity may play a role in the development of vascular complications of type 2 diabetes. The association between platelet activity and glycemic control in diabetics is uncertain. Therefore, We aim 10 assess MPV in patients with type 2 diabetes and to determine the correlation of MPV with the degree of glycemic control Platelet counts and MPV were measured in 60 Type 2 diabetic patients and 20 healthy subjects using an automated blood cell counter. The fasting plasma glucose levels, two-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels and HbAlc levels were also measured. Also, patients with type 2 diabetes were classified into two groups according to their HbAlc levels group A with HAlc <7% and group B with HAlc >/= 7%. The MPV was significantly higher in diabetics compared to the healthy subjects [8.9 +/- 1.1 fl versus 7.2 +/- 0.9 fl [P< 0.001]]. MPV showed a strong positive correlation with fasting plasma glucose, two-hour postprandial plasma glucose and HbAlC levels [P<0.001 for each]. The MPV in groupB [9.2 +/- L4 ft] was significantly higher than that of group A[8.4 +/- 1.3 fl;P = 0. 003]. We concluded that mean platelet volume is significantly higher in type 2 diabetes and this is more apparent in those with poorer glycemic control. Therefore, glycemic control may decrease the platelet hyperactlvity and thus may prevent or delay possible diabetic vascular complications