A role for the platelet has been suggested in the pathogenesis and complications of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Accordingly, as part of a large prospective study on diabetes mellitus, platelet consumption was estimated by 51Cr platelet survival halflife in 4 groups of subjects over age of 50: (1) in 20 control apparently normal individuals free of known risk factors for atherosclerotic disease, (2) in 25 patients (pts) with diabetes, (3) in 29 pts with clinical and objective evidence (by transcutaneous Doppler ultrasound studies) of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), and (4) in 28 pts with both diabetes and PAOD.vs. control:* = 0.03, # p = 0.02, ** p < 0.001In conclusion, platelet survival was significantly short in 3 groups of pts:in those with diabetes mellitus alone, in those with PAOD and in those with diabetes mellitus associated with PAOD. This data further supports the role of platelets in the pathogenesis and complications of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus.
Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry in Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease Patients
