Platelet function in type I (insulin dependent) diabetes without vascular disease.

ABSTRACT

In 10 patients of type I diabetes who were free from clinically apparent vascular disease, platelet functions were studied prior to control, and 10 days and 3 months after strict metabolic control. Platelet hyperactivity, seen as significant shortening of latent period and increase in rate and degree of aggregation, present in patients in the initial uncontrolled state, but absent at the subsequent two periods did not correlate with glycosylation of haemoglobin. Thus control of diabetes mellitus, capable of reversing platelet hyperactivity, is reflected by blood sugar levels, and not by the glycosylation status of haemoglobin.