Comparison of mean platelet volume in patients with diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and non-diabetic subjects.

INTRODUCTION Large platelets are more thrombogenic and thus put the patient at a higher risk status. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a determinant of platelet functionality and increased MPV is associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction, stroke and transient ischaemic attacks. The objective of this study is to compare the MPV in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and non-diabetic controls. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan between the period of September 2006 and May 2007. Sample size of 204 in each group was calculated using power (1-beta) of 90 percent and level of significance (alpha) at five percent. Confirmed patients with DM, IFG and non-diabetic controls were selected and allocated to respective groups. A total of 612 patients were selected and allocated to three groups of 204 patients each, referred to as DM group, IFG group and non-DM group. Fasting blood glucose, platelet counts and MPV were done. RESULTS Mean MPV in the DM group was 9.34 fl, in the IFG Group 8.98 fl, and in the non-DM group 8.63 fl. Comparison of MPV values for the three groups showed statistically significant intergroup and intragroup differences, with a p-value of 0.00. CONCLUSION MPV was significantly increased in the IFG group, as compared to the non-DM group, and it increased further when compared to the DM and IFG groups.