[Interferon-synthesizing function of leukocytes in patients with diabetes mellitus]

Examination of the interferon response of leukocytes in 119 patients with diabetes mellitus has demonstrated that interferon formation is influenced by a lot of factors. During counterbalancing of the metabolic disorders interferon formation was increased, being attended by marked clinical improvement of the patients. In the course of the treatment there was no rise in interferon production if the disease progressed rapidly and was accompanied by grave illnesses. The interferon response of leukocytes mirrors the gravity of metabolic abnormalities and can be used as an important prognostic test in the evaluation of the course of diabetes mellitus.