Anaemia in diabetes mellitus

Eighty five patients with diabetes mellitus and 25 normal controls were studied clinically together with evaluation of their red cell values, bone marrow picture, serum iron and liver function tests. Normochromic normocytic anaemia was found to be a characterstic feature of diabetics having chronic complications or infections. Macrocytic normochromic anaemia was present in diabetics having ketoacidosis. Possible underlying mechanisms for the present anaemia was discussed. In non complicated diabetics anaemia was not present and serum iron was within normal limits. Conclusion was reached that the presence of anaemia in a diabetic patient is a sign of diabetic complications

Blood viscosity in diabetes mellitus

Eight five diabetics and 25 normal controls of matched age and sex were studied. Estimation of the whole blood viscosity by using the U-shaped viscometer tube was made. Significantly higher blood viscosity was a constant feature for diabetics. Correlation of viscosity to diabetic complications and type of diabetes was carried out. Hyperlipidemia, hyperfibrinogenaemia, increased alpha[2] and beta globulins showed a linear relation to the blood viscosity. Conclusions were reached that the estimation of blood viscosity in diabetics is a rapid, simple and reliable prognostic test for diabetics especially in complicated cases