Influence of metabolic control on platelet functions in diabetic mellitus

Two groups of diabetic patients in poor metabolic control were followed prospectively for platelet function in the course of adequate insulin therapy. All 8 ketoacidotic and 38 nonacidotic, but markedly hyperglycemic, patients showed decreased platelet aggregation at the time of entering the hospital in comparison to subsequent controls. Platelet adenylate cyclase activity rose during the observation periods significantly. Changes of beta-thromboglobulin plasma levels were not uniform. These data give evidence for a metabolic factor which modifies platelet functions to a considerable degree.