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 mellitus (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 patients without complications and the controls was found but significant difference of IDI in this subgroup of patients was present. (DI)(max), IDI in greater than 3 year-term NIDDM patients decreased with the duration of NIDDM when compared with the controls. Moreover, (DI)(max) and IDI were related with complications. These facts suggest that the duration or patient's condition in NIDDM patients might be judged by means of deformation indexes.