Abstract
BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis, a precursor to macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes, has shown links to blood glucose fluctuations. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) serves as a non-invasive tool for early atherosclerosis assessment. PURPOSE: This study explores associations between specific glycaemic variability markers and CIMT in young type 2 diabetes patients. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 52 patients aged ≤50, assessing mean blood glucose (MBG), standard deviation (SD), mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE), largest amplitude of glucose excursion (LAGE) and CIMT. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation tests. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Participants exhibited diverse characteristics and poor glycaemic control (mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): 8.7%). Nephropathy (52%), neuropathy (44.2%) and diabetic retinopathy (67.3%) were prevalent. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) revealed elevated glycaemic parameters. Significant correlations were found between MBG, SD, MAGE, LAGE and CIMT. Despite regional variations and elevated risk factors, findings align with prior studies, emphasising the multifactorial nature of atherosclerosis. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions in diabetes management. CONCLUSION: The study reveals suboptimal glycaemic control and a high prevalence of microvascular complications. Contrary to some studies, it establishes a significant correlation between glycaemic variability and CIMT, emphasising the importance of targeted interventions.