The Diabetic Platelet

Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have accelerated atherosclerosis, which is the main essential factor contributing to the high risk of atherothrombotic events in these patients. Atherothrombotic complications are the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with DM. Both atherosclerosis and the increased risk of thrombotic vascular events may result from dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction, platelet hyperreactivity, an impaired fibrinolytic balance, and abnormal blood flow. Platelets of DM patients are characterised by dysregulation of several signalling pathways causing increased adhesion, activation and aggregation. Platelet function of patients with DM is complicated by several mechanisms, such as hyperglycaemia, insulin deficiency and resistance, associated metabolic conditions, and cellular abnormalities. The present manuscript purposes to provide a review on the up-to-date status of data on platelet abnormalities that characterise patients with DM.