Plasma beta-thromboglobulin in uncomplicated insulin-dependent diabetes at rest and during physical exercise

Plasma beta-thromboglobulin (beta TG) was assayed in 10 insulin-dependent uncomplicated diabetic subjects and in 10 age- and sex-matched metabolically healthy controls, both at rest and after maximal physical exercise. Diabetic patients showed significantly higher (p less than 0.005) resting beta TG values as compared to the control group. After physical exercise, beta TG rose significantly (p less than 0.05) only in the control group, thus abolishing the difference (evaluated through beta TG values) between the two groups observed at rest. Platelet hyperactivity seems thus to be present even in uncomplicated diabetes, at rest, while exercise does not lead to a further increase in beta TG values contrary to what is observed in controls.