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Red blood cell aggregation in diabetes mellitus
C Le Devehat1, M Vimeux, G Bondoux
1Unité de Recherches d'Hémorhéologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier de Nevers, France.
Summary
Red blood cell aggregation is significantly increased in diabetic patients, especially those with poor metabolic control or complications. This finding highlights the role of hemorheological changes in diabetic angiopathy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Diabetology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with microvascular complications.
- Altered hemorheological properties, including red blood cell aggregation, are implicated in diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate red blood cell aggregation in diabetic patients.
- To compare aggregation levels across different diabetic subgroups and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Rheometric techniques were employed to measure red blood cell aggregation.
- Four groups of diabetic patients were studied: good metabolic control, poor metabolic control, distal angiopathy without signs, and distal angiopathy with trophic disorders.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte aggregation was significantly modified in diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects.
- A notable increase in red blood cell aggregation tendency was observed in diabetics.
- Hyperaggregation was more pronounced in patients with poor metabolic control or distal angiopathy.
Conclusions:
- Red blood cell aggregation is elevated in diabetic patients.
- Plasma protein alterations likely contribute to these hemorheological disturbances.
- These findings support the role of altered hemorheology in the pathogenesis of diabetic angiopathy.