Main Article Content
Platelet indices in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a simple glucoregulation monitoring tool
Abstract
Introduction: Long-term hyperglycemia can lead to changes in the function and morphology of platelets.
Objective: This study aimed to test the potential glucoregulation monitoring properties of platelet indices, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW), in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
Methods: The study included 453 patients below the age of 18 with T1DM treated at the Institute for Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina. Children were divided into two groups, according to their glucoregulation quality, i.e., glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.
Results: MPV and PDW were found to be important in predicting poor glucoregulation, both in independent and conjoint analysis. Proposed cut-off values for MPV and PDW in the glucose control monitoring of children with T1DM were 7.6 fL and 14.4%, respectively.
Conclusion: Our study showed that MPV and PDW have monitoring properties in terms of glucose control in children with T1DM. Additionally, our study emphasizes the importance of selecting the most convenient control group in order to avoid misleading conclusions.