Summary
ADP-induced platelet aggregation and calcium-induced platelet aggregation tests were
studied in 14 diabetic patients in the fasting state and half an hour after an intravenous
injection of 0.1 unit insulin/kg body weight. Platelet disaggregation was significantly
diminished as compared to a normal control group, and their results were negatively
correlated with the corresponding serum cholesterol levels. Insulin caused significant
diminution in the ADP-induced platelet aggregation as a result of rapid onset of aggregation
and disaggregation. There was also a significant increase in platelet disaggregation.
In the calcium-induced platelet aggregation test, there was a significant shortening
of the aggregation time, its duration, and the clotting time. The optical density
fall due to platelet aggregation showed a significant increase. Insulin may have a
role in correcting platelet disaggregation possibly through improvement in the intracellular
enzymatic activity.