Effects of Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus on Coagulation and Hemostasis

In patients with diabetes, metabolic disorders disturb the physiological balance of coagulation and fibrinolysis, leading to a prothrombotic state characterized by platelet hypersensitivity, coagulation disorders and hypofibrinolysis. Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance cause changes in platelet number and activation, as well as qualitative and/or quantitative modifications of coagulatory and fibrinolytic factors, resulting in the formation of fibrinolysis-resistant clots in patients with diabetes. Other coexisting factors like hypoglycemia, obesity and dyslipidemia also contribute to coagulation disorders in patients with diabetes. Management of the prothrombotic state includes antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies for diabetes patients with either a history of cardiovascular disease or prone to a higher risk of thrombus generation, but current guidelines lack recommendations on the optimal antithrombotic treatment for these patients. Metabolic optimizations like glucose control, lipid-lowering, and weight loss also improve coagulation disorders of diabetes patients. Intriguing, glucose-lowering drugs, especially cardiovascular beneficial agents, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors, have been shown to exert direct anticoagulation effects in patients with diabetes. This review focuses on the most recent progress in the development and management of diabetes related prothrombotic state.