2,3-diphosphoglycerate and glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetes mellitus
Stufano, N.; Altomare, E.; Conese, A.; Sabbà, C.; Carbone, P.; Vendemiale, G.; Palasciano, G.; Albano, O.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 59(12): 1849-1854
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 6671045 Document Number: 197925
Large amounts of intraerythrocytic 2-3 diphosphoglycerate (2-3 DPG) increase red cell O2-releasing capacity. Since glycosylated Hb, found in higher percentages in diabetics, have an increased O2 affinity, 2-3 DPG concentration was assayed in 12 diabetics (4 I.D.D. ) and 18 healthy volunteers. 2-3 DPG was related to glycemic fasting values and to glycosylated Hb to evaluate if 2-3 DPG levels increase in diabetics as a compensatory mechanism to prevent peripheral hypoxia. 2-3 DPG values were significantly higher in diabetics than in normals: 11.4 .mu.mol/gHb .+-. 1.7 (= .hivin.M .+-. 1 SD) vs. 9.8 .mu.mol/gHb .+-. 2.3 (P < 0.05). 2-3 DPG did not correlate significantly to glycosylated Hb or to glycemic values neither in diabetics nor in normals. These preliminar observations emphasize the usefulness of 2-3 DPG assay in evaluating peripheral oxygenation in diabetics: 2-3 DPG is higher in diabetics but does not correlate to glycemic equilibrium.