DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i06.027

Pages: 2075-2077

Atherosclerosis is more extensive and occurs earlier in diabetic subjects than in general population. Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries has become the most widely accepted screening method. Screening is usually undertaken in symptomatic patients, but evidence of beneficial effects of elective carotid endarterectomy in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, indicates that screening of asymptomatic diabetics should be widely practiced. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the presence and extent of atherosclerotic carotid disease in Type 2 diabetics who were asymptomatic for presence of cerebro- vascular disease, by screening them with Doppler ultrasonography. 50 Type 2 diabetic subjects with no symtoms of cerebro vascular disease in past or present were evaluated with colour and spectral doppler This examination allowed rapid identification of atherosclerotic plaques and associated areas of flow disturbances. A high prevalence of carotid disease (44%) was found in our study in asymptomatic Type-2 Diabetics. Of these 3 subjects had only evidence of thickened intima more than 8mm. 15 subjects showed plaques and 4 subjects showed significant stenosis of common carotid artery near bifurcation. The result emphasises the need for carotid Doppler evaluation of all Type 2 diabetics as a first measure of stroke prevention, with the hope that timely intervention might avert stroke and its accompanying disability.