The relationship of plasma viscosity with microvascular complications in the diabetic elderly and its predictive value

PurposeThe aim of our study is to define the association between microvascular complications and plasma viscosity (PV) in the diabetic elderly and to determine whether PV measurement can be used as a potential marker for microvascular complications of diabetes.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study consisted of people aged 65 or over, 226 of them had diabetes and 59 of them did not. Those with inflammatory disease, infection and organ failure were not included in the study as they could affect PV. Diabetic cases are categorized into groups according to their microvascular complications. The PV of all the cases was measured by Brookfield DV-II viscometer.ResultsPV is significantly higher in diabetic patients when compared to the non-diabetic control group (1.71 ± 0.17 mPa s and 1.48 ± 0.06 mPa s respectively, P < 0.001). PV is higher in DM patients with neuropathy as compared to those without any microvascular complications (1.76 ± 0.16 mPa s and 1.60 ± 0.07 mPa s respectively, P < 0.001). In all the dual and triple combinations of microvascular complications, the average PV is found to be significantly higher than those with no complications (for all groups P < 0.001). In addition, there is statistically significant positive association between the severity of diabetic retinopathy and PV (P < 0.001).ConclusionPV is clearly elevated in the diabetic elderly, particularly in patients with microvascular complications. These elevations are significantly correlated with the duration of diabetes, metabolic control level and the number of microvascular complications. Studies are needed to show the cause and effect relationship between diabetic complications and PV in the elderly.