THE STUDY OF RBC DEFORMABILITY IN NIDDM PATIENTS AND ITS CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The maximum deformation indexes (DI)(max) and integration defromation index (IDI) of RBC in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mell itus (NIDDM) were measured with Ektacytometry. Comparing with controls , (DI)(max) and IDI for NIDDM patients change with duration of NIDDM. No difference of (DI)(max) between less than 3 year-term NIDDM patient s without complications and the controls was found but significant dif ference of IDI in this subgroup of patients was present. (DI)(max), ID I in greater than 3 year-term NIDDM patients decreased with the durati on of NIDDM when compared with the controls. Moreover, (DI)(max) and I DI were related with complications. These facts suggest that the durat ion or patient's condition in NIDDM patients might be judged by means of deformation indexes.