Simple hematological parameters before detailed glycemic investigations: An easy approach for pre-assessment of diabetic complications in Indian scenario

The increased platelet activity may play a role in the development of vascular complications in diabetics. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of the average size and activity of platelets. Larger platelets are younger and exhibit more activity. The objective of this study was to determine the MPV in diabetics with different glycemic control; to see if there is a difference in MPV between diabetics with and without vascular complications; and to determine the correlation of MPV with fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index, and duration of diabetes. Platelet counts and MPV were measured in 160 patients with type 2 diabetes using an automated blood cell counter. The blood glucose levels and HbA1c levels were also measured. All patients were divided in 2 groups: group A, which includes patients with HbA1c ≤ 8%, and group B, which includes patients with HbA1c > 8%. The mean platelet counts and MPV were higher in group B than in group A (P = 0.16 and 0.0001, respectively). MPV showed a positive correlation with fasting blood glucose [regression (r) = 0.18] and HbA1c levels (P = 0.0001). HbA1C and MPV increase with increase in duration of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.49 and 0.50, respectively) in both groups with duration >5 years and ≤5 years. Elevated MPV could be either the cause for or due to the effect of the vascular complications. Hence, MPV can be used as a simple parameter to assess the vascular events in diabetes.