Various types of microcirculation disturbances have been described in
the course of systemic diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and
the so-called ''idiopathic oedema'' syndrome. This article summarizes
the relevant microcirculatory disorders associated with diabetes and t
heir pathophysiology. These functional disorders occur before or in as
sociation with anatomical lesions of diabetic microangiopathy. Increas
ed capillary permeability to albumin is frequently observed in diabete
s. In a placebo-controlled trial, Daflon 500 mg, a purified, micronize
d, flavonoidic fraction, significantly improved this disorder. Patient
s complaining of an oedematous syndrome almost always have an increase
d extracellular fluid volume, probably largely due to increased capill
ary permeability. Diabetes and ''idiopathic oedema'' therefore constit
ute two examples of the major clinical implications of impaired microc
irculation.