Platelet indices as an accouterment for monitoring short-term glycemic levels and as an economical alternative to HbA1c

BACKGROUND: India is facing a galloping diabetes epidemic with an estimated 62 million patients and is projected to explode beyond 85 million by the year 2030. There is platelet dysfunction with platelet hyper-reactivity in diabetes mellitus. AIM: To assess for any correlation between HbA1c levels with various platelet indices like mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, diabetes mellitus patients have undergone detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations. Data is statistically analyzed for levels of HbA1c and their correlation to platelet indices. RESULTS: 58.7% study population is with HbA1c levels of more than 8%. In patients with normal range HbA1c levels between 4-6%, the MPV, PDW, and P-LCR are found to be 9.9 ± 0.97 fl, 10.84 ± 2.08 fl, and 23.75 ± 7.99%, respectively. In patients with HbA1c levels of 6.1 to 7%, the MPV, PDW, and P-LCR are found to be 10.22 ± 1.04 fl, 11.79 ± 1.8 fl, and 26.36 ± 7.05%, respectively. In patients with HbA1c levels of 7.1 to 8%, the MPV, PDW, and P-LCR values are found to be 10.21 ± 1.06 fl, 12.03 ± 2.52 fl, and 26.65 ± 8.05%, respectively. In patients with poor glycemic control with HbA1c levels more than 8%, the MPV, PDW, and P-LCR are found to be 10.64 ± 1.1 fl, 12.81 ± 2.61 fl, and 30.26 ± 8.24%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, HbA1c is positively correlated with platelet indices.