Correlation between rheological parameters and erythrocyte velocity in nailfold capillaries in patients with diabetes mellitus

Increased rheological parameters and disturbances of capillary perfusion ar e often observed in both types of diabetes. It is assumed that these altera tions might be involved in the development and progression of diabetic micr oangiopathy. It has been shown elsewhere, that erythrocyte rigidity, erythr ocyte and platelet aggregation, plasma viscosity and leucocyte adhesion are increased. By methods of microcirculation capillary perfusion can be inves tigated and in vivo no significant alterations can be found at rest. During reactive hyperemia flow reduction diminishes capillary perfusion in variou s organs. In this presentation hemorheological parameters and erythrocyte v elocity in nailfold capillaries are investigated in both types of diabetes under various conditions. Plasma viscosity and spontaneous platelet aggrega tion are often increased, especially in patients with diabetes type 2 and i n diabetic foot lesions. Improvement of the metabolic situation by insulin application reduces the elevated parameters and improves capillary perfusio n. Long-term type 1 diabetics tend to show increased rheological factors an d reduced capillary perfusion. Although an association between some hemorhe ological parameters and capillary perfusion seems to exist, a strong correl ation cannot be found.