Endocrine Abstracts

Background: High resolution real-time B-mode ultrasound diagnostic and off-line computerized measurement of vasculature can precisely assess the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the vascular wall and the presence of atherosclerotic plaque.

Aim of the study: To determine whether there is a difference in IMT of common carotid artery wall (CCA) between patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and non-diabetics (nonDM).

Materials and methods: Three hundred and sixty patients are examined – mean age 55.47±11.97 year, male – 120, female 240, DM2 – 195, non-diabetic – 175. The difference in age between diabetics and non-diabetics with equal IMT measure is calculated. IMT was assessed by sonograph ‘Ultrasonix’, linear transducer 7.5–12 MHz and M’Ath Software.

Results: Linear regression analysis (Stepwise method).

IMTcca-left=0.229+0.008×Age+0.105×DM – male – 13.1 years.

IMTcca-left=0.244+0.007×Age+0.100×DM – female – 14.3 years.

Age (years), DM=1 for DM2, DM=0 for nondiabetic.

Conclusions: Male with DM2 have IMTcca-left equal to that of non-diabetic male that are 13.1 year older than them. Women with DM2 have ITMcca-left equal to that of non-diabetic female that are 14.3 year older than them. IMT of the left CCA is significantly thicker than IMTcca-right. The presence of diabetes mellitus precipitates early thickening of the vascular wall.