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Pulmonary biopsy was carried out in 30 patients with type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus during diagnostic bronchoscopy for pulmonary tuberculosis. Biopsy specimens collected at lung sites distant from the zone of tuberculous involvement were examined by routine histological methods and electron microscopy. Signs of microangiopathies (MAP) were detected in all the cases. These signe were moderate in 12 and extensive in 18 patients. The diabetic origin of MAP was confirmed not only by morphological, but by clinical data as well, namely, direct correlation with the duration and severity of diabetes and the severity of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Pulmonary tuberculosis developing in the presence of manifest pulmonary MAP ran a more grave course and poorly responded to specific chemotherapy.

Blood plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and their metabolites (DOPAC, HVA, 5HIAA) were measured in 28 patients with insulin-dependent and 32 with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM and NIDDM, respectively). The patients were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 were 15 patients without late diabetic complications, group 2 were 15 subjects with diabetic neuropathy, group 3 were patients with neuropathy and retinopathy (n = 16), and group 4 were 14 patients with neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. The results showed an increase of serotonin levels in IDDM patients vs. those with NIDDM, a positive correlation between serotonin and blood glucose levels in IDDM, increased concentration of dopamine and reduced plasma level of noradrenaline in patients with diabetic neuropathy vs. those without late diabetic complications. Plasma levels of dopamine were decreased in all the patients microvascular involvement. The findings indicate the development of changes in the sympathoadrenal system of patients with late diabetic vascular complications.

Blood plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and their metabolites (DOPAC, HVA) were measured in 28 patients with insulin-dependent and 32 with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM and NIDDM, respectively). The patients were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 were 15 patients without late diabetic complications, group 2 were 15 subjects with diabetic neuropathy, group 3 were patients with neuropathy and retinopathy (n=16), and group 4 were 14 patients with neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. The results showed an increase of serotonin levels in IDDM patients w. those with NIDDM, a positive correlation between serotonin and blood glucose levels in IDDM, increased concentration of dopamine and reduced plasma level of noradrenaline in patients with diabetic neuropathy vs. those without late diabetic complications. Plasma levels of dopamine were decreased in all the patients microvascular involvement. The findings indicate the development of changes in the sympathoadrenal system of patients with late diabetic vascular complications.

The influence of cellulose-containing vegetables, added to the breakfast, on the blood glucose and insulin levels, was investigated in patients, suffering from type II diabetes mellitus and healthy humans. It was shown, that cellulose promotes a decrease in the glycemia and a rise in the insulin level 1 to 1.5 hours after the breakfast. On the basis of their own results and data of other authors it was concluded that cellulose exerts a good effect upon the blood glucose level and its use should be recommended as a dietetic treatment component in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

Divascan (iprasochrome), a drug designed by GDR pharmacologists, brings about a positive effect in the management of diabetic microangiopathies, particularly at early stages. Altogether 22 patients with diabetes mellitus, types I and II, were on divascan therapy. Before and after treatment the patients were subjected to clinical and ophthalmoscopic studies including the determination of microcirculation in the conjunctiva, renal function, the level of serotonin, its precursors and the main metabolite. The optimal dose of divascan is 7.5-10 mg/day, the period of therapy not less than 3 months followed by the use of maintenance doses. The drug produces no side effects.