HEMOSTATIC AND METABOLIC ABNORMALITIES IN DIABETES-MELLITUS - THE SEARCH FOR A LINK

Background. As many as 80% of diabetic patients die from major thrombo tic complications of atherosclerosis, stroke and myocardial infarction . Plasma and cellular components of the hemostatic system are often ab normal in diabetic patients, and some of these abnormalities may play a role in the high risk of thrombosis in these patients. Materials and Methods. Clinical studies imply that certain hemostatic abnormalities of diabetic patients are related, to some extent, to poor metabolic c ontrol. Thus, a critical review of the data avalaible in the specializ ed literature has been carried out. Results. Although suggestive, the link between hemostatic and metabolic abnormalities in diabetes mellit us is only circumstantial. Little is known about similarities and diff erences between type I and type II diabetes mellitus with respect to h emostatic parameters. Likewise, current understanding of the effects o n the hemostatic system of the combination of glucose and lipid abnorm alities often coexisting in diabetic patients is rather limited. Concl usions. Ad hoc studies are mandatory to clarify unsolved issues in thi s held and define the extent to which good metabolic control is crucia l to preventing the risk of thrombosis in diabetes mellitus.