Beta-thromboglobulin in diabetes: relationships with blood glucose and fibrinopeptide A.

Plasma thromboglobulin concentrations are raised in diabetes. Although patients with angiopathic complications tend to have the highest thromboglobulin, this distinction is not clearly defined. Diabetic subjects with high thromboglobulin also have increased plasma concentrations of fibrinogen and fibrinopeptide A. Abnormal platelet function, therefore, accompanies changes in the coagulation system and suggests a "prethrombotic" state. Increases in plasma glucose induced by an oral glucose load in diabetics are associated with a decrease in plasma thromboglobulin. The role of these changes in the pathogenesis of microangiopathic complications remains speculative.