Mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width as predictive markers of poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes in tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with a prothrombotic state that contributes significantly to microvascular and macrovascular complications. Enhanced platelet reactivity is a key factor in the pathogenesis of these vascular events. This study investigates the clinical utility of platelet indices, specifically mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width, as potential biomarkers for assessing glycaemic control and predicting vascular complications in patients with diabetes. The research compares haematological parameters between diabetic patients and healthy control subjects, stratifying the diabetic group based on glycated haemoglobin. Studies show that people with diabetes have noticeably higher platelet indices than those in the control group. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation exists between increased mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and poor glycaemic regulation. The findings suggest that larger, more reactive platelets are associated with sustained hyperglycaemia and endothelial dysfunction. In conclusion, platelet indices derived from routine complete blood counts offer a simple, cost-effective, and non-invasive method for monitoring disease progression. These parameters hold prognostic value in identifying high-risk patients, potentially facilitating earlier intervention to prevent diabetes-related vascular morbidity.