GRANULOCYTIC FUNCTION IN DIABETES-MELLITU S TYPE-1 AND TYPE-2

The phagocytosis rate of polymorphonuclear leucocytes was measured by flow-cytometry. Vital bacteria were incubated in whole blood. 111 bloo d samples were measured, 54 in diabetic patients (14 type 1 and 40 typ e 2), the rest of 57 samples in healthy controls. Results showed first ly, that a decompensation in glucose metabolism in diabetic patients c orrelated with a decrease in phagocytosis. The HbA1 level was more clo sely correlated than the glucose level. The second result was, that de spite a similar grade of decompensation in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, the phagocytosis was significantly lower in type 1 diabetes. No correlation was found concerning age and sex. These findings show, that the impact on granulocytic function in diabetes is of multifacto rial origin, not only a shorter or longer elevation of the serum gluco se level can explain it solely.