The effect of human proinsulin C-peptide on erythrocyte deformability in patients with Type I diabetes mellitus.

Aims/hypothesis. In recent years, evidence has arisen that proinsulin C-peptide exerts biological effects especially on microcirculation, e. g. C-peptide has been shown to increase skin microcirculation in patients with Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and to activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase. This study aimed to investigate the influence of proinsulin C-peptide on erythrocyte deformability which was assessed by means of laser diffractoscopy. Methods. Blood samples from healthy control subjects (n = 10) and Type I diabetic patients (n = 15) completely deficient of C-peptide were analysed at shear stresses ranging from 0.3 to 30 Pa. Results. Erythrocyte deformability was…