RESUMO
The Rigidity of human RBCs from normal healthy subjects and from diabetic mellitus patients was assessed by 5um pore diameter polycarbonate filtration system. The Rigidity of RBCs from diabetic patients was found to vary according to the type of treatment which the patients received. Rigidity of RBCs from diabetic patients on oral hypoglycaemic agents treatment was similar to RBC rigidity from normal healthy subjects. In contrast, rigidity of RBCs from diabetic patients on diabetic diet only or on insulin treatment was found to be higher than the rigidity of RBCs from either normal healthy subjects or from diabetic patients on oral hypoglycaemic agents treatment. No relationship was found between the vitro rigidity measurement of RBCs and the in vivo glucose levels