On the state of platelet membranes in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in diabetic ketoacidosis

Abstract

A total of 120 patients (55 men and 65 women) aged 18-53 years with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were examined. Ninety patients presented with diabetic ketoacidosis and 30 without complications. The disease duration was 1-20 years, daily insulin dose 45+0.9 U. Control group consisted of 30 normal subjects. In the ketoacidosis group, 38 patients had moderate ketoacidosis, 47 were in a state of decompensated ketoacidosis or precoma, and 5 in ketoacid coma. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, activities of antiradical defense enzymes, phospholipid composition, and cholesterol level of platelet membranes were measured in the patients. The results showed LPO activation, disturbed phospholipid composition of platelet membranes, and decreased activity of antiradical defense enzymes. The severity of ketoacidosis, disease duration, and vascular involvement lead to destabilization of platelet membranes in diabetics.