The relationship between red blood cell Na/K-ATPase activities and diabetic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The development of complications does not depend entirely on diabetes duration and control. Red-blood-cell Na/K-ATPase plays a central role in the regulation of intra- and extracellular cation homeostasis. Alteration of this transport enzyme is thought to be linked to several complications of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to find out any association between diabetic complications and red-blood-cell Na/K-ATPase activities in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sixty-seven patients and 25 controls were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated for retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. The membrane Na/K-ATPase activities were measured. The studies were done twice with and without ouabain. The results of the calculations are written as micromol Pi/mg protein/h.