Erythrocytes from diabetics with neuropathy have fewer sodium pumps

Erythrocytes from diabetics with neuropathy had fewer binding sites for ouabain and, therefore, fewer sodium pumps than did erythrocytes from diabetics without neuropathy or from age-matched controls (P less than 0.001). Diabetics with neuropathy excreted in their urine significantly less C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) than those without neuropathy, which is a sign of lower endogenous insulin secretion levels. Significant positive correlations existed between the number of pumps and tibial motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and urinary CPR in diabetics, and between urinary CPR and MNCV. This suggests that there is close correlation between the fall in the number of pumps in diabetics and diabetic neuropathy and insulin deficiency.