The Role of Platelets in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus and Comorbid Conditions

Abstract Numerous studies demonstrate platelet hyperactivity in type 2 diabetes and their involvement in inflammatory responses. In this review, the authors describe the contribution of platelets (taking into account their polyfunctionality) to thrombus formation and proinflammatory metabolic disturbances in the development of cardiovascular pathology in type 2 diabetes. Data are presented on the ability of extracellular platelet vesicles to deliver proinflammatory cytokines to target cells and induce monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, which increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic changes in the vascular wall. Attention is also given to the role of platelet-leukocyte aggregates in microvascular damage in type 2 diabetes. The presented data allow us to speak of the important role of platelets in the progression of type 2 diabetes and its complications affecting various tissues and organs. Establishing the role of platelets in the progression of type 2 diabetes provides a strong basis for the development of drugs that affect the proinflammatory activity of platelets and the mechanisms of their activation, with the aim of preventing the progression of cardiovascular diseases.