Ultrasound assessment common carotid artery intima-media thickness in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A comparative study

Background Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Structural and functional changes in the common carotid artery (CCA) particularly the intima media is detectable by ultrasound. This provides a non-invasive means of assessing cardiovascular risk. However, a comparative study involving diabetic and non-diabetic adults remain essential for early risk stratification and preventive changes. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 82 adults with type 2 DM and 82 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Common carotid intima–media thickness (CCIMT) was measured approximately 1 cm distal to the carotid bulb, which was repeated twice and means values were recorded. An 8 mHz high-resolution linear array transducer on the Venue 50 ultrasound system (GE Medical Systems, 2014) was used for the examination. Results The mean CCIMT was significantly higher among diabetic subjects (0.91 ± 0.26 mm) compared with healthy controls (0.83 ± 0.09 mm) (p