Mean platelet volume and platelet counts in type 2 Diabetes: Mellitus on treatment and non-diabetic mellitus controls in Lagos, Nigeria

Introduction: The Mean platelet volume and platelet counts are indicators of thrombotic potentials, and risk factors for microvascular complications in diabetics. This study aimed to establish variations in platelet counts and mean platelet volume in type 2 diabetic patients on treatment and non-diabetic controls. Methods: This was an unmatched case-control study involving 200 participants consisting of 100 diabetics and 100 non-diabetic controls. Four and half milliliters of blood was collected from diabetics and non diabetic controls into EDTA anticoagulant tubes. Full blood count was performed using the Sysmex KN-21N, (manufactured by Sysmex corporation Kobe, Japan) a three-part auto analyzer able to run 19 parameters per sample including platelet counts and mean platelet volume. Results: The mean fasting blood sugar for the diabetics was 147.85 +/- 72.54 mg/dl and the controls 95.20 +/- 30.10 mg/dl. The mean platelet count for the diabetics was 235.29 +/- 76.81*10(9)/L and controls, 211.32 +/- 66.44*10(9)/L. The mean platelet volume, for the diabetics was 8.69 +/- 0.67 fl and the controls, 8.91 +/- 0.80 fl. There was a statistically significant difference in platelet counts of diabetics and healthy controls p = 0.038 while none existed between the mean platelet volume in diabetics and healthy controls p=0.593. Conclusion: This study revealed a higher mean platelet count for diabetics on treatment than for non diabetic controls while mean platelet volume was lower in cases than controls. However, both parameters in diabetics on treatment were within the normal reference range for healthy individuals.