Reduction of beta-thromboglobulin levels in diabetics controlled by artificial pancreas

Beta-Thromboglobulin (B-TG) levels were measured in 22 poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetics and 27 nondiabetic controls from the same age groups. Mean B-TG level was higher in diabetics than in controls (62.9 ± 18.0 versus 26.9 ± 12.2 ng/ml p < 0.01), but was identical in diabetics with (62.7 ± 17.4 ng/ml) and without complications (63.0 ± 19.3 ng/ml). After 24 hr of strict blood glucose (BG) normalization using an artificial pancreas, B-TG mean level remained stable. It decreased significantly after 48 hr of glycemic normalization, (11 patients, 44.2 ± 12.1 ng/ml versus 66.2 ± 18.5 ng/ml, p < 0.01). These results support the hypothesis that B-TG levels in diabetics can be reduced by strict BG control. Therefore, the platelet hyperactivity as measured by B-TG levels must be carefully interpreted taking into account the metabolic control of the patients.