Role of dietary fibre on platelet adhesiveness.

Fifty five adult patients of diabetes mellitus and fourteen normal healthy subjects matched for age and sex were studied to see the effect of dietary fibre on platelet adhesiveness. In patients of diabetes mellitus the platelet adhesiveness 2 1/2 hrs. after a load of glucose was significantly higher (p = less than 0.001) as compared to normal individuals under the same conditions. After a glucose load with fibre the platelet adhesiveness in patients with diabetes mellitus fell significantly (p = less than 0.001). Although there was a fall in platelet adhesiveness in normal subjects also, it was statistically not significant. Supplements of fibre in the diet of diabetic patients may prevent or delay the vascular complications.