Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions and Thrombo-inflammatory Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose of the Review This review recapitulates the complex pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with a prothrombotic and proinflammatory phenotype. It focuses on the roles played by platelets and neutrophils in these pathologies and then focuses on recent advances in therapeutic interventions. Recent Findings Platelets, fundamental to the process of hemostasis (and thrombosis), have been increasingly implicated with inflammatory responses. Similarly, neutrophils, the first line of defense against pathogen invasions, forming a crucial role in body's inflammatory immune responses, have been progressively associated with coagulation and thrombotic reactions. Interestingly, these two cells also interact with each other in their microenvironment, forming platelet-neutrophil complexes, to achieve full functionality. The incidence of these complexes is found to be higher in patients with diabetes mellitus, promoting associated complications. Summary This review attempts to understand the interplay of these cells in a diabetic, hyperglycemic milieu, concluding with a look back at the available therapeutic interventions to address the complications.