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The mean red cell volume in diabetes mellitus
Diabetologia
|May 1, 1981
Insights
Diabetic patients show significantly higher mean red cell volume. This elevation in red blood cell size was not linked to diabetes type, treatment, or blood sugar control levels.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder.
- Red blood cell indices can be affected by various physiological conditions.
- Mean red cell volume (MCV) is a standard hematological parameter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mean red cell volume differs in diabetic patients compared to healthy individuals.
- To explore potential correlations between MCV and diabetes characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 100 diabetic patients and 200 normal subjects.
- Coulter counter methodology was used for measuring mean red cell volume.
- Blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were assessed for diabetes control.
Main Results:
- Mean red cell volume was significantly elevated in the diabetic group (p < 0.01).
- No significant correlation was observed between MCV and diabetes type.
- MCV showed no correlation with treatment methods or glycemic control (blood glucose, HbA1c).
Conclusions:
- Elevated mean red cell volume is a characteristic feature in this cohort of diabetic patients.
- MCV elevation in diabetes appears independent of disease type, treatment, and glycemic control.
- Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms of increased MCV in diabetes.
Abstract:
The Coulter mean red cell volume was found to be significantly elevated in a sample of 100 diabetic patients compared with 200 normal subjects (p less than 0.01). There was no correlation between the mean red cell volume level and the type of diabetes, its method of treatment or degree of control as measured by random blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels.
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