The effect of oral glucose on von Willebrand factor activity in normal and diabetic subjects

Abstract

We have previously noted increased platelet aggregation and high von Willebrand factor activity in patients with chemical diabetes. In this paper we have studied platelet aggregation, plasma glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, growth hormone, and von Willebrand factor activity during the glucose tolerance test in six normal and six chemical diabetic subjects. The results suggest that von Willebrand factor activity is suppressed coincident with the rise of glucose and insulin and provide further evidence of hormonal and metabolic control of levels of von Willebrand factor activity.