Platelet function in male diabetics with and without macrovascular complications.

Changes of platelet aggregation in relation to macroangiopathy and to some of its risk factors were observed in microangiopathy-free, well-controlled type 1 diabetic males. Platelet aggregate ratio was generally lower in patients (n = 77) than in age-matched healthy subjects (n = 48). In the absence of cigarette smoking, hypertension, obesity and hypercholesterolemia (n = 25) in vitro platelet hyperaggregation was found induced with epinephrine, collagen or arachidonic acid, and to a lesser degree with ADP. There was no change in the presence of at least one risk factor in addition to diabetes (n = 29), but there was a further significant increase in platelet aggregation when overt coronary, cerebral or peripheral artery disease was present (n = 23).