Comparative analysis of the rheological properties of blood in patients with type 2 diabetes

The aim of the study is to estimate the rheological properties of blood in patients with type 2 diabetes and to compare the hemorheological parameters with a control group of healthy subjects. Hemorheological variables, including hematocrit (Ht), fibrinogen (Fib) and whole blood viscosity (WBV) at shear rates of 0,0237 s to 128,5 s were examined in 20 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and in 10 control subjects. Whole blood viscosity was measured using a rotational viscometer Contraves Low Shear 30 (Switzerland). Relationship between dynamic viscosity and Ht, Fib, Erythr and MCV were evaluated by coefficient of correlation “r”. The results of this study confirm the significant increase of whole blood viscosity in the patients in comparison to controls within the range of shear rates 0,0237 s to 128,5 s, which is due to the increased values of hematocrit, fibrinogen and erythrocytes. Rheological abnormalities such as increased aggregation and decreased deformation of erythrocytes also contribute to increase of blood viscosity which leads to the vascular blood flow changes in diabetes.