[Gas chromatographic determination of phospholipid fatty acids and free cholesterol in a single sample]

The results of gas chromatographic measurements of phospholipid fatty acid spectrum and free cholesterol in the blood serum and red cells of diabetics are presented. A deficit of polyunsaturated fatty acids (at the expense of C18:2 and C20:4) in the presence of a high free cholesterol level was found to be a characteristic feature of diabetes mellitus.