Platelet function and signaling in diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with the accelerated development of vascular disease and there is evidence that platelets actively contribute to this process. Certainly, platelets are able to modulate the function of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells via the direct release of growth factors and pro-inflammatory chemokines but also via the production of microparticles which function as a transcellular delivery system for micro RNAs. This article reviews the intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying the increased activation of diabetic platelets and the involvement of platelets in atherothrombosis development.