Influence of lactate on the insulin action on red blood cell filterability

Abstract

The effects of the 24-h insulin treatment using an artificial pancreas on red blood cell filterability (VRBC) were studied in two groups of insulin-dependent diabetics with different degrees of metabolic control. RBC filterability significantly improved in the group with better metabolic control, but was reduced in the group with poor control. In the latter group, the initial plasma lactate levels were slightly abnormal and did not significantly change following the treatment. Significantly increased MCHC and decreased VRBC were found after an in vitro addition of lactate, and it was further observed that the correction of RBC filterability obtained by insulin was abolished with the addition of lactate. These results suggest that insulin correction of RBC filterability by the treatment using the artificial pancreas will be less effective in those insulin-dependent diabetics who also exhibit marked disturbances in intermediary metabolism.