What affects carotid intima media thickness more, diabetes or smoking: An ultrasound based study

Background Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and cigarette smoking have been implicated in affecting carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and plaque formation. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of these risk factors on CIMT. Objective To compare sonographically measured carotid arterial intima‐media thickness among non‐diabetic and non‐smoker control group with smokers and diabetics. Materials and Methods This cross‐sectional analytical study was conducted over 9 months. Sonographic measurement of CIMT was done in 143 participants, divided into three groups: non‐diabetic non‐smokers, diabetics, and smokers. Data were analyzed using MEDCALC. Results Mean CIMT values differed significantly among the three groups ( p value = .000001) bilaterally. CIMT correlated strongly positively with age in Group I ( r = .38, p = .018) and Group III ( r = .35, p = .008) but not in Group II ( r = .002, p = .98). Conclusion The study concludes that both smoking and diabetes contribute to the intimal thickening. However, smoking may have a more pronounced effect on CIMT thickening than diabetes. This underscores the importance of addressing smoking cessation in cardiovascular risk management.