Immunological aspects of long-term insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The results of a comprehensive study of immune homeostasis in 45 patients with long-term insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are presented. In 50% of the examined patients, the absolute number of leukocytes was reduced, in a third - the number of lymphocytes and the total population of T-lymphocytes, in every second patient - the number of T-helpers and in a quarter - T-suppressors, and quite significantly. In 50% of patients, a sharp decrease in the immunoregulatory index, a significant decrease in the absolute number of B-lymphocytes were found. A significant increase in the content of activated T-lymphocytes and a decrease in the number of null lymphocytes were revealed, there was a disimmunoglobulinemia. In 50% of patients, the activity of the C3 component of the complement and the level of the CEC were increased.