Effects of glibenclamide on postprandial coagulation activation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Previous data indicate that even mild postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic subjects, who are concerned to be in good control, activates haemostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the oral administration of 5 mg glibenclamide on postprandial activation of coagulation in type 2 diabetics. METHODS AND RESULTS: We designed a placebo controlled, randomised study. After an overnight fast, each subject (n = 16, age 50-68 yr.) underwent a standard test meal (600 Kcal: carbohydrates 40%, lipids 50%, proteins 10%) preceded by one tablet of glibenclamide (5 mg) or placebo. The two tests were performed randomly, with an interval of 7 days. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 2 and 4 hours after the meal to measure the concentrations of glucose, insulin, c-peptide, triglycerides as well as of d-dimers, fibrinogen, F1.2 and TAT. The postprandial levels of TAT, fibrinogen, F1.2, d-dimers, insulin, glucose and triglycerides were significantly higher compared to baseline values. CONCLUSIONS: The postprandial levels of glucose, triglycerides, fibrinogen, F1.2, TAT and d-dimers were lower after glibenclamide administration as compared to placebo, while the concentrations of insulin and c-peptide were higher. Thus, acute administration of glibenclamide reduces the postprandial activation of coagulation.