DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i07.010

Pages: 2485-2492

Atherosclerosis typically occurs over a period of many years, usually many decades. After a generally prolonged “silent” period, atherosclerosis may become clinically manifest. Evaluation of intima media thickness is considered as surrogate marker of Atherosclerosis. B mode ultrasound was found to be a suitable non invasive method to visualize the arterial walls and to monitor the early stages of the atherosclerotic process. Purpose of this study was to find out carotid intima media thickness in patients with diabetic and non diabetic patients and its correlation with associated risk factors like age, sex, hypertension, and smoking. A total of 100 patients were selected with 50 patients each in diabetic and non diabetic groups. Study protocol included detailed clinical history, clinical examination and investigations. Patients were subjected for carotid doppler examination and other relevant investigations pertaining to their clinical status. The mean intima media thickness values of the diabetic subjects (0.12mm) were significantly higher than those of the non-diabetic subjects (0.07 mm) (p < 0.001). Both in the normal and diabetic subjects, these values increased with age. At any given age, the diabetic subjects had higher values than the non-diabetic subjects. Intima media thickness showed a correlation with age, gender, hypertension, HbA1C, duration of diabetes with significant p value. Diabetic subjects have higher intima media thickness values than non-diabetic subjects. Diabetes, duration of diabetes, age, gender and hypertension are the most important risk factors associated with increased intima media thickness. By using non invasive ultrasound guided measurement of carotid intima media thickness it is possible to detect atherosclerosis in risk groups at the earliest during asymptomatic period and to prevent related complications.