Erythrocyte adhesion to cultured endothelium and glycaemic control in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients.

The relation between blood glucose control and erythrocyte adhesion to cultured human vascular endothelial cells was studied in 12 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. Erythrocyte adhesion was measured before, 8 days and 6 weeks after continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Compared to controls, erythrocyte adhesion expressed as an adhesion ratio was increased in 10 diabetic patients at the first examination (adhesion ratio greater than 1.52). After 8 days, adhesion ratio was normalized in 5 patients. After 6 weeks, adhesion ratio was normal in 7 patients and significantly lower in the group of 12 patients (p less than 0.01). The adhesion ratio was significantly correlated with glycosylated haemoglobin values (p less than 0.001). Insulin did not directly affect erythrocyte adhesion. Adequate insulin treatment modifies erythrocyte adhesion through a metabolic effect which needs longer than 1 week to be effective.