Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) as an inflammatory marker in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity are two important disorders which are associated with the enormous amount of morbidity and mortality. Inflammation plays a crucial role in development and complications of these diseases. Aim: We aimed to compare mean platelet volume (MPV) as an inflammatory marker in well and poorly controlled type 2 diabetic subjects and to observe its association with obesity indices, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Method: Data of type 2 diabetic patients obtained from institutional database retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the HbA1c level as follows: HbA1c lower than 7% were classified as well-controlled, and HbA1c equal to or greater than 7% were classified as poorly controlled diabetics. Result: Both MPV, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were significantly higher in poorly controlled diabetics compared to patients with well-controlled type 2 DM. Conclusion: MPV could be considered as a marker of inflammatory burden in type 2 DM and obesity. Due to its cost-effective and easy to assess nature, MPV may be screened periodically in these patients, along with HbA1c and other measures to keep both physicians and patients aware of the inflammatory load of these diseases.