Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a prothrombotic state which has influence on pathways regulating platelet function, that is represented by increased platelet reactivity. Many studies have tried to explain the pathophysiology of these hyperreactive platelets contributing to diabetic vascular complications. However, a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between Mean platelet volume and glycemic status is still lacking.

Aim: To determine the Mean Platelet volume (MPV) in diabetics compared to Non-diabetics and to find out, among the Diabetics if there is an association between MPV and micro, macrovascular complications of Diabetes and to determine the correlation of MPV with Fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, Glycosylated Hb (HbA_1c), Body mass index and duration of Diabetes.

Materials and Method: A total of 100 patients (Study – 50; Control - 50) admitted in medicine wards of Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram from September 2017 to October 2018 were studied. Our patients were on treatment with insulin or OHAs. All the patients were put through a detailed clinical evaluation. Height, weight were measured in all subjects and BMI was calculated.

Results: Diabetics had elevated MPV in comparison to non-diabetics. MPV was significantly higher among uncontrolled diabetics than patients with good glycemic control and non-diabetics. MPV showed a significant positive correlation with HbA1c, FBS and PPBS. We observed a significant difference in MPV among various grades of HbA1c.

Conclusion: The MPV is increased in diabetics. It is a simple and inexpensive tool that can be used as a good indicator of platelet hyperactivity and predictor of upcoming vascular complications in DM.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Mean Platelet volume.

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E Sumanraj

Postgraduate, Department of General Medicine, RMMCH, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu