Search

A new method for the measurement of capillary fragility based on the time of appearance of petechiae under standardized conditions has been used to study 88 non-diabetics and 211 patients attending a diabetic clinic. In the former the capillary fragility increased with age. In the diabetic group 78 out of 195 patients had complications, and in all age groups these latter patients had more fragile capillaries. In general the capillary fragility was greater in patients taking insulin than in those taking antidiabetic tablets or on diet alone, and in the first group capillary fragility was greatest in those receiving more than 50 units daily and least in those receiving less than 25 units daily. Capillary fragility measurement by this method may be of value in assessment, prognosis, and studying the response to treatment in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effect of 50 mg. of sustained release phenformin capsules administered twice daily was compared with a placebo as an aid to weight reduction in obese non-diabetic patients. Phenformin and placebo were administered alternately in two three-month periods. Weight loss on a 1,200-calorie diet was greater in the first three months than in the second three months regardless of treatment. There was no difference in weight loss between the phenformin and placebo groups in either the first or second three-month period. Serum cholesterol levels tended to fall in association with weight loss, but not apparently in relation to the size of the weight loss or to the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]