A Study of Carotid Doppler and Highly Specific C Reactive Protein in Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Its Correlation with Macrovascular Complications

Background: Diabetes has a multitude of macrovascular complications, one of them being Carotid artery Atherosclerosis leading to stenosis and predisposing patient to Stroke. A hypothesis put forward is the presence of low-grade inflammation in Diabetic patients, which may enhance atherosclerosis. A study was planned to assess Carotid artery stenosis and HsCRP levels in Diabetic patients, so as to identify at risk group and take measures to prevent complications such as stroke and ischemic heart disease.

Aim: To study the patients by clinical parameters, ultrasound carotid doppler study, and estimation of HsCRP with patients of type II DM.

Study Design: Cross sectional observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at Department of General Medicine, Dr D Y Patil Medical College, Pune from July 2019 – September 2021.

Methodology: The study included 50 subjects with type 2 DM (as per inclusion and exclusion criterion). All participants were explained the nature of the study and after informed consent all subjects were clinically examined and were subjected to carotid artery doppler and HsCRP levels.

Results: In our study 16% had carotid stenosis of <50% while 8% had >50%. However, 42% had increased intima-media thickness. On the other hand, 52% subjects had raised HsCRP levels.

Conclusion: In our study, Carotid Stenosis and impending stenosis was seen in significant number of Diabetic patients of more than 5 years duration, who also had higher HsCRP levels.