Variations in platelet indices in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension: A case-control study from a tertiary hospital in North Bengal

ABSTRACT Background: Platelet indices (PI) have emerged as a useful tool for identifying platelet dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in various diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the variation of PI in patients with DM and hypertension in the northern part of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted, which included 1096 participants, comprising 264 healthy controls, 472 individuals with DM, 220 individuals with hypertension, and 140 individuals with both hypertension and DM. PI were measured using automated hematology analyzers, and statistical analysis was performed to determine the differences in PI among the different groups. Result: The study results revealed that PI were significantly higher in individuals with DM and hypertension compared to healthy controls. The mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) were significantly higher in patients suffering from DM, hypertension and both when compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that PI can be used as a reliable and cost-effective tool for identifying platelet dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in individuals with DM and hypertension. PI can serve as a useful collaborative tool for identifying individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events in these conditions.