Flow Cytometric Assessment of Activated Platelets in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Relation with Platelet Indices

Abstract

Background: Persistent hyperglycemia and disruption in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These metabolic disruptions cause hyperactivation of platelets resulting in a prothrombotic propensity. Aim: This work aims to assess platelet activation in type 2 diabetic patients, controlled and uncontrolled, and its relation with platelet indices. Methods: The study involved 75 participants split into 3 groups: Group 1: 25 Normal controls, Group 2: 25 controlled diabetics whose HbA1c > 7%; and Group 3: 25 uncontrolled diabetics whose HbA1c ≤7%. All had been subjected to glycemic markers, lipid profile, and platelet parameters including platelet indices and the flow cytometric assessment of CD62p < /em> expression. Results: The mean percentage of activated platelets, measured by CD62p < /em> expression, is significantly higher among diabetic patients, controlled and uncontrolled (28.3±12.4% and 59±18.5% respectively) in comparison to healthy controls (8.8±2.3%) with a p-value of <0.05. Additionally, it exhibits a strong positive correlation with FBS and HbA1c and has a substantial moderate positive correlation with PDW, MPV, P-LCR, and DM duration. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetic patients have greater numbers of activated platelets as seen by the positive correlation of CD62p and HbA1c in addition to platelet indices including MPV and PDW. These correlations suggest that proper management of patients with T2DM should include regular monitoring of platelet parameters