Comparative Analysis of Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width in Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Healthy Controls

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and an increased risk of vascular complications. Platelet activation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of these complications. Simple hematological indices, such as mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW), may serve as accessible markers of platelet function and vascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate alterations in platelet indices (MPV and PDW) in patients with T2DM compared with healthy controls and to investigate their relationship with glycemic control, as assessed by HbA1c levels. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2025 at Ghout Al-Shaal Medical Center, Tripoli, Libya. The study included 60 adults aged 30–60 years, comprising 40 patients with T2DM and 20 healthy controls. Venous blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes for complete blood count (CBC) analysis and HbA1c measurement using standardized laboratory analyzers. Independent t-tests were used for group comparisons, and Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess the relationship between HbA1c and platelet indices. MPV was significantly increased in diabetic patients compared with controls (10.33 ± 1.04 vs. 9.41 ± 1.00, P = 0.0013), whereas platelet count and PDW showed no statistically significant differences between groups. HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the diabetic group compared with controls (9.00 ± 1.85 vs. 5.40 ± 0.33, P < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between HbA1c and MPV in the overall sample (r = 0.2499, P = 0.0269), with a stronger association noted among females (r = 0.2586, P = 0.0470). Conclusion: Patients with T2DM exhibit increased MPV compared with healthy individuals, suggesting enhanced platelet activation in association with poor glycemic control. MPV may serve as a useful and cost-effective hematological marker for assessing platelet activity and potential vascular risk in diabetic patients.