Platelet function in diabetes mellitus in relationship to complications, glycosylated haemoglobin and serum lipoproteins

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Mean levels of .beta.-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 were highly significantly elevated in diabetes compared to controls (72.6 vs. 36.3 ng/ml, P < 0.0005; 48.5 vs. 16.5 ng/ml, P < 0.0005; respectively) as was malondialdehyde formation (12.4 vs. 8.1 nmol/109 platelets, P < 0.0005). Diabetics with retinopathy had significantly higher levels of .beta.-thromboglobulin than those without retinopathy (79 vs. 70 ng/ml; P < 0.042). Those diabetics without clinical evidence of vascular disease had levels of .beta.-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 significantly higher than controls. .beta.-Thromboglobulin did not correlate with glycosylated Hb but did correlate significantly with individual lipid and lipoprotein levels (.beta.-thromboglobulin vs. total triglyceride, P < 0.029; vs. very low density lipoprotein triglyceride, P < 0.041; vs. low density lipoprotein cholesterol, P < 0.042; vs. high density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio, P < 0.02). Abnormal platelet function may contribute to the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus.