ABSTRACT
The functions of blood are adversely affected by Type 2 diabetes. Chronic hyperglycemia adversely alters the fluid medium in which specialized blood cells perform crucial functions: Diabetes impedes blood flow by increasing viscosity, and by causing red blood cell aggregation, and cell-membrane fragility.
The all-too-common chronic inflammation state in Type 2 diabetes alters platelet function and clotting properties, as well as beta-cell function in the pancreas. emoglobin glycation adversely affects oxihemoglobin dissociation and may lead to chronic hypoxemia.
