Association Between Serum Bilirubin and the Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective: This study investigated whether serum bilirubin levels can predict the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: This observational study included 1,381 subjects with T2DM in whom serial measurements of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were made at 1- to 2-year intervals for 6-8 years. The progression of carotid atherosclerosis was defined as newly detected plaque lesions on repeat ultrasonography.