[Clinico-therapeutic aspects of diabetes mellitus]

The mechanisms of diabetes mellitus development are outlined and the share of immunological disorders in the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) and in progress of diabetic angiopathy is substantiated. Affection of peripheral tissues in noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is explained, specifically the deranged plasma cell membrane function and insulin-receptor relationships. The actions of insulin on the metabolic status of the target cells are demonstrated using the fibroblast culture. The role of hyperinsulinaemia and activation of sorbitol glucose metabolism pathway in the pathogenesis of diabetic angiopathies is elucidated. New diagnostic and therapeutic devices are described.