Beta thromboglobulin and glycosylated haemoglobin in diabetes mellitus.

No correlation has been demonstrated between the elevated levels of plasma beta-thromboglobulin and glycosylated haemoglobin found in a group of 97 diabetic patients. The abnormality in diabetic platelets which is reflected by beta-thromboglobulin levels may not therefore be a direct result of poor metabolic control. The highest levels of beta-thromboglobulin were found in those patients with a raised blood urea. Glycosylated haemoglobin levels correlated with prevailing blood glucose and with the type of therapy employed, and were highest in the insulin dependent diabetics, intermediate in those on tablets and lowest in those on diet alone.