Improved metabolic control decreases platelet activation markers in patients with type-2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is associated with platelet dysfunction in patients with diabetes. Hyperglycaemia is known as an independent risk factor for micro- and macrovascular complications, and improvement of metabolic control has shown beneficial effects on diabetic late complications. Our study attempts to clarify the effect of improved metabolic control on platelet activation markers in patients with type-2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients were studied at baseline and 3 months after improvement of metabolic control and compared with an age-matched nondiabetic control group. Platelet activation markers (CD31, CD36, CD49b, CD62P and CD63) were assessed by flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS: Significantly more activated platelets were detected in patients with diabetes compared with controls. After 3 months' improvement of metabolic control, a significant decline of all platelet activation markers except CD36 was noted. Furthermore a significant correlation between CD62P, CD63 and HbA(1c) levels was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude therefore that improvement of metabolic control has a beneficial effect on platelet activation. This may have an implication in the pathogenesis of vascular disease in patients with type-2 diabetes.