Rheography (impedance plethysmography) makes it possible to differentiate the normal condition of arteries of the lower extremity from functional and organic affections. The examination of a group of 325 patients with diabetes mellitus revealed that without the use of rheography, i.e. when relying only on examination of the lower extremities by palpation, the presence of macroangiopathy would escape attention in 46% of the affected subjects. Macroangiopathy of an organic character was found significantly more frequently in type 2 (NIDDM) (35%) than in type 1 (IDDM) (9%; p less than 0.03). Its incidence increased in both types of diabetes with the duration of the disease. Moreover it was significantly associated with hyperlipoproteinaemia. The assembled results drew attention to the great diagnostic value of rheography. It permits also to document objectively the effect of treatment focused on macroangiopathy.

Keywords: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Diabetic Angiopathies /diagnosis/; Humans; Leg /blood supply/; Middle Aged; Peripheral Vascular Diseases /diagnosis/; Plethysmography, Impedance; Regional Blood Flow