Analysis of aggregation parameters of erythrocytes in diabetes mellitus.

Aggregation properties of normal and diabetic subjects were analyzed by optical scattering under dynamic conditions. Aggregation of erythrocytes was determined using on-line erythrocyte aggregometer based on sequential analysis of transmitted laser light intensity after passing through the erythrocyte suspension. Diabetes samples were divided into four groups depending upon their blood glucose levels. The aggregation mechanism was determined in terms of aggregation size index, effective number of cells and effective cellular sedimentation duration. These parameters thus obtained were used to quantitatively describe the dynamic nature of aggregation process under gravitational sedimentation. The aggregation parameters decreased in diabetic samples. This indicates that the aggregation of erythrocytes was significantly increased in diabetes mellitus. These changes may affect flow properties of erythrocytes in the microcirculation.