Platelet Adhesiveness, Plasma Fibrinogen And Factor-Viii Levels In Diabetes Mellitus

Platelet adhesiveness and the levels of two coagulation factors, fibrinogen and factor VIII, were studied in a series of diabetic and nondiabetic control subjects. All three measurements were significantly abnormal in the diabetic patients. The increase in platelet adhesiveness was capable of distinguishing the diabetics on a group basis, but not on individual results. The greatest increase in platelet adhesiveness was demonstrated in patients with ischaemic heart disease and diabetes. Increased platelet adhesiveness was seen in individuals of both diabetic and control groups, in whom no clinical or electrocardiographic evidence of ischaemic heart disease was found. This finding is discussed, also the relationship between platelet adhesiveness levels and the age, sex, duration of disease, blood glucose and serum lipid levels of the diabetic patients.