SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF INTIMA MEDIA THICKNESS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL DIABETIC FEMALES

Abstract

Due to hormonal and metabolic changes, postmenopausal women are more susceptible to cardiovascular illnesses. Diabetes mellitus increases atherosclerosis even more. Non-invasive ultrasound measurements of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) are a trustworthy indicator for the early identification of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of the current study was to assess the intima media thickness by sonographic method in postmenopausal women suffering from diabetes and correlate it with age, duration of disease and other associated risk factors. The study is based on a cross-sectional design, where participants are recruited from a tertiary care hospital radiology department among postmenopausal diabetic women. The carotid intima media thickness was estimated using high resolution B mode ultrasound scan. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Inferential analysis including the sample t-test and correlation analysis was performed, along with descriptive statistics. Statistical significance was accepted when p≤0.05. Among postmenopausal diabetic females, the study showed a substantial rise in carotid IMT. Longer duration of diabetes and increasing age were positively correlated with IMT levels. Increased cardiovascular risk was indicated by higher IMT levels in participants with a higher body mass index and poor glycemic management. According to assessment of patients and observed variables in this study, age, obesity, and the length of diabetes are all potentially found correlated with elevated IMT, underscoring the significance of early screening and preventative measures to lower cardiovascular morbidity in this high-risk population