Summary
Platelet-rich plasma was prepared from 47 patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes
treated with glibenclamide and metformin, and 21 controls. The release of radio-labelled
5-hydroxy-tryptamine in response to aggregating agents (adenosine diphosphate, adrenaline
and sodium arachidonate), and the effects on release of a selective thromboxane inhibitor
(UK-34787) were investigated. Subsequently, 20 of the diabetic subjects were chosen
at random for treatment with insulin; the remainder continued to take tablets. Platelet
studies were then repeated, in all patients, after 4 and 6 months.
The results showed an association between platelet behaviour and the presence of vascular
complications, and were consistent with previous observations of reduced platelet
reactivity in patients taking sulphonylureas. There was no correlation of platelet
reactivity with blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin or lipid levels.
Keywords
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus - Platelet reactivity - Sulphonylureas - Vascular
complications of diabetes