Insulin receptors and glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetics influenced by acetyl-salicylic acid treatment.

The effect of acetyl-salicylic acid administration on insulin receptors on the erythrocytes and the changes of glucose homeostasis examined by hyperglycaemic clamps were evaluated in 8 Type 2 diabetics. Significantly increased number of insulin receptors and decreased insulin affinity constants were found in diabetics after the acetyl-salicylic acid treatment (p less than 0.02). Significantly decreased tissue sensitivity to insulin and metabolic clearance rate of insulin (p less than 0.02) were observed in Type 2 diabetics after the acetyl-salicylic acid treatment. We conclude that acetyl-salicylic acid may impair glucose homeostasis due to interference with insulin action in peripheral tissues.