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The effect of improvement in diabetic control on plasma and whole blood viscosity

R B Paisey, J Harkness, M Hartog

    Diabetologia
    |October 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Improving diabetic control significantly reduces blood viscosity and plasma fibrinogen levels in diabetic patients. Better glycemic control is key to mitigating hyperviscosity associated with diabetes.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiovascular Science
    • Endocrinology
    • Hematology

    Background:

    • Diabetes mellitus is associated with altered blood rheology, potentially contributing to complications.
    • Hyperviscosity in diabetes is linked to hyperglycemia and poor glycemic control.
    • Understanding these rheological changes is crucial for managing diabetic vascular health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of improved glycemic control on blood rheological parameters in diabetic patients.
    • To assess changes in plasma fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, and whole blood viscosity following enhanced diabetes management.
    • To explore the relationship between hyperglycemia, diabetic control, and blood viscosity.

    Main Methods:

    • Rheological studies were conducted on 12 diabetic patients before and after achieving improved glycemic control (at least three months).
    • Measurements included HbA1c, home capillary blood glucose levels, plasma fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, and whole blood viscosity at varying shear rates.
    • A matched cohort of 10 diabetic patients with complications was compared to controls.

    Main Results:

    • Improved diabetic control led to significant decreases in HbA1c and blood glucose levels.
    • Plasma fibrinogen levels decreased significantly (p < 0.01).
    • Plasma viscosity (p < 0.001) and whole blood viscosity at low and high shear rates (p < 0.01) also significantly decreased.

    Conclusions:

    • Enhanced diabetic control demonstrably improves blood rheological properties, including viscosity and fibrinogen levels.
    • Blood hyperviscosity in diabetes is strongly correlated with hyperglycemia and is modifiable through improved glycemic management.
    • These findings highlight the importance of tight glycemic control in preventing diabetes-related vascular complications.

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