Platelets as Potent Signaling Entities in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disease with a dysregulated circulating inflammatory molecule tendency. T2DM is closely associated with systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular risk, and increased clotting susceptibility. Platelets have fundamental roles in the development and propagation of inflammation and cardiovascular risk. They signal through membrane receptors, resulting in (hyper)activation and release of inflammatory molecules from platelet compartments. This review highlights how circulating inflammatory molecules, acting as platelet receptor ligands, interact with platelets, causing platelets to be potent drivers of systemic inflammation. We conclude by suggesting that focused platelet research in T2DM is an important avenue to pursue to identify novel therapeutic targets, and that platelets could be used as cellular activity sensors themselves.