Assessment of Coagulopathy Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in Thumbay Hospital, UAE

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) is associated with coagulation abnormalities and a higher risk for blood clots due to changes in the clotting factors and platelet function. This study aimed to assess blood clotting parameters in T2DM patients within a single research center in the UAE. Methods and Results: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 158 patients (112 men and 46 women) diagnosed with T2DM in Thumbay Hospital, Ajman, UAE. Blood samples were properly labeled and used for screening tests. The HbA1c and platelet tests were performed using the Beckman Coulter DxC 700 and DxH 900 analyzers. Coagulation profile tests, including D-dimer, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and prothrombin time (PT), were performed using an ACL TOP 300 CTS analyzer. All patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 68 patients with controlled diabetes (cT2DM), and Group 2 included 90 patients with uncontrolled diabetes (uT2DM). The assessment of the blood clotting parameters showed a lower level of INR in the uT2DM group than in the cT2DM group (1.06±0.10 and 1.53±1.13, respectively, P=0.0001). Platelet count, PT, APTT, and D-dimer levels did not differ significantly between the two groups. Men had a higher HbA1c than women (7.30±2.07% and 6.52±2.02%, respectively, P=0.0318), indicating poor diabetes control. Higher HbA1c in men was accompanied with a higher D-dimer level (409.1±44.4 ng/mL for men and 388.7±42.1 ng/mL for women, P=0.0086) and a lower level of INR (1.09±0.10 and 1.73±1.13, respectively, P=0.0001). Platelet count, PT and APTT levels did not differ significantly between male and female patients. Evaluation of the studied parameters, considering age groups, showed increased HbA1c with age (P=0.0018), indicating an increase in poor diabetes control. This was accompanied by a significant increase in the D-dimer levels in the age group above 45 (P=0.0000).The levels of other indicators did not differ significantly depending on the age group. Conclusion: Patients with T2DM have a cumulative thrombotic risk. The prothrombotic state in T2DM is primarily mediated by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Good glycemic control (HbA1c<7.0%) in T2DM has reduced the risk of developing thrombotic complications.