Changes in erythrocyte aggregation and deformability in diabetes mellitus: a brief review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by varying or persistent hyperglycemia either due to insufficient production of insulin by pancreas or improper utilization of the glucose. Erythrocytes remain in hyperglycemic environment throughout their life span and thus are subjected to series of compositional changes, which in turn affect their flow properties through alteration of deformation at individual level and aggregation at collective level. This brief review summarizes the changes in biochemical parameters primarily contributing to the erythrocyte deformability and aggregation as measured by various techniques, of blood samples obtained from diabetic subjects. The significant changes in erythrocyte aggregation and deformability, in comparison with that of control subjects show the relevance of these measurements. These changes are further supported by in vivo observations of blood flow through microvessels. Finally the relevance of these in combination with other clinical parameters is suggested.