Treatment modality, diabetic control and blood homeostasis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Basra

This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between treatment modality, glycemic control and blood homeostasis as represented by prothrombin time (PT) and activated thromboplastin time (APTT) in T2DM patients. Sixty-four type 2 diabetic patients (40 males and 24 females) on metformin or insulin or both for not less than six months of ages between 20 and 75 years were selected during their visit to Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolism Centers in two General Hospitals in Basra. Socioeconomic characteristics and treatment plans were recorded. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles and hematological parameters measured in blood samples were taken. Lower mean HbA1c (p = 0.0383) was found in patients on metformin alone, higher percentage of hemoglobin was found in patients on insulin treatment, and higher levels of LDL (P = 0.0018) and HDL (P = 0.0241) in patients on metformin and insulin. Treatment manner had no effect on mean PT or APTT, however, there was a significant inverse correlation of PT with LDL (P = 0.0042), and a direct correlation of APTT with HbA1c (p = 0.0209) and an inverse correlation of APTT with platelets count (P = 0.0324) in patients on insulin treatment. In addition, there was a significant direct correlation of APTT with triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.0069) in patients on metformin treatment. In conclusion, lower mean of HbA1c was found only in patients receiving metformin drug alone, higher Hb percentage were found in patients treated with insulin alone, higher LDL and higher HDL levels were found in patients treated with both metformin and insulin for at least six months. Treatment manner had no effect on mean PT or APTT and further studies are needed to bring about understanding of diabetic control and blood homeostasis.