This work was carried out to determine the concentration of lipoproteins,
apolipoproteins A & B, the clotting factors VII & VIII and antithrombin III in
diabetic patients and to investigate the significance of the presence of
microalbuminuria in this respect. Fortyfive insulin-dependent diabetic patients- of
whom 21 were with and 24 were without microalbuminuria - and 20 healthy
controls, were included in the study. The serum total cholesterol, triglycerides,
phospholipids, low density liporoteins & apoprotein B were significantly higher
while the serum HDL/ LDL and apoprotein Al apoprotein B ratios were
significantly lower in diabetic groups. The coagulation factors WI & WII and
antithrombin III were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in controls.
The abnormalities in the lipid profile & the coagulation parameters were more
marked in microalbuminuric than in normoalbuminuric patients. The work shows
that insulin- dependent diabetic patients suffer from hyperlipidaemic and
hypercoagulability states which are more marked when microalbuminuria is
present These changes might be responsible for macro- & microvascular disease
with subsequent thromboembolic complications in diabetes. The presence of
microalbuminuria should be considered an important warning sign and necessary
medical care should start. |
