Seminal vesicles and diabetic neuropathy： ultrasound evaluation in patients with couple infertility and different levels of glycaemic control

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound characteristics of the seminal vesicles （SVs） of infertile patients with diabetes mellitus （DM） and diabetic neuropathy （DN） and to investigate possible changes in ultrasound characteristics related to glycaemic control. To accomplish this, 45 infertile patients with type 2 DM and symptomatic DN were selected. Twenty healthy fertile men and 20 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia without DM represented the control groups. DM patients were arbitrarily divided into three groups according to glycaemic control level （A=glycosylated haemoglobin 〈7%; B =glycosylated haemoglobin between 7% and 10%; C=glycosylated haemoglobin 〉 10%）. Patients underwent prostate-vesicular transrectal ultrasonography and sperm analysis. The following SV ultrasound parameters were recorded： （i） body antero-posterior diameter （APD）; （ii） fundus APD; （iii） parietal thicknesses of the right and left SVs; and （iv） the number of polycyclic areas within both SVs. We then calculated the following parameters： （i） fundus/body （F/B） ratio; （ii） difference of the parietal thickness between the right and the left SV; and （iii） pre- and post-ejaculatory APD difference. All DM patients had a higher FIB ratio compared to controls （P〈0.05）. Group C had a higher FIB ratio compared to the other DM groups （P〈0.05）. All DM patients had a lower pre- and post-ejaculatory difference of the body SV APD compared to controls （P〈0.05）. Groups A and B had a similar pre- and post-ejaculatory difference of the body SV APD, whereas this difference was lower in Group C （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, infertile DM patients with DN showed peculiar SV ultrasound features suggestive of functional atony, and low glycaemic control was associated with greater expression of these features.

Inadequate glycaemic control and antidiabetic therapy among inpatients with type 2 diabetes in Guangdong Province of China

Background Diabetes mellitus has become epidemic in recent years in China. We investigated the prevalence of hyperglycaemia and inadequate glycaemic control among type 2 diabetic inpatients from ten university teaching hospitals in Guangdong Province, China. Methods Inadequate glycaemic control in diabetic patients was defined as HbA1c 〉 6.5%. Therapeutic regimens included no-intervention, lifestyle only, oral antiglycemic agents （OA）, insulin plus OA （insulin＋OA）, or insulin only. Antidiabetic managements included monotherapy, double therapy, triple or quadruple therapy. Results Among 493 diabetic inpatients with known history, 75% had HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. inadequate glucose control rates were more frequently seen in patients on insulin＋OA regimen （97%） ,than on OA regimen （71%） （P 〈0.001）, and more frequent in patients on combination therapy （81%-96%） than monotherapy （7,5%） （P 〈0.0,5）. Patients on insulin differed significantly from patients on OA by mean HbA1c, glycemic control rate, diabetes duration, microvascular complications, and BMI （P 〈0.01）. Conclusions This study showed that glycaemic control of type 2 diabetic patients deteriorated for patients who received insulin and initiation time of insulin was usually delayed, it is up to clinicians to move from the traditional stepwise therapy to a more active and early combination antidiabetic therapy to provide better glucose control.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose improved glycaemic control and 10-year coronary heart disease risk profile of type 2 diabetic patients

Background The debate over the overall benefits of self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients is still continuing.We aimed to assess the difference in glycaemic control and coronary heart disease （CHD） risk levels of experimental type 2 diabetes patients provided with facilities for self-monitoring blood glucose and their counterparts without such facilities.Methods Sixty-one patients who had no prior experience in using glucometers were studied as intervention （n=30） and control （n=31） groups.The intervention group was trained in self-monitoring of blood glucose and documentation.Baseline blood glucose and fasting blood glucose were measured and the intervention patients were provided with glucometers and advised to self-monitor their fasting and postprandial blood glucose over six months.The 10-year CHD risk levels were determined with the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-derived risk engine calculator.Results The age and diabetes duration were similar in the two groups （P 〉0.05）.The majority of the patients were unemployed or retired females with only a primary level education.After 3 months,the haemogolbin A1c （HbA1c） levels of the control patients remained unchanged （（7.8±0.3）% vs.（7.9±0.4）%,P 〉0.05） whereas the HbA1c levels of the intervention patients were significantly reduced from the baseline at three （（9.6±0.3）% vs.（7.8±0.3）%,P 〈0.001） and six （（9.2±0.4）% vs.（7.5±0.3）%,P 〈0.001） months.Interestingly,while the 10-year CHD risk level of the control group remained unchanged after three months,that of the intervention group was remarkably reduced at three and six months from the baseline level （（7.4±1.3）% vs.（4.5±0.9）%,P=0.056）.Conclusion Self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients significantly improved glycaemic control and the CHD risk profile,suggesting that type 2 diabetes patients will potentially benefit from inclusion of glucose meters and testing strips in their health-care package.

Determinants for inadequate glycaemic control in Chinese patients with mild-to-moderate type 2 diabetes on oral antidiabetic drugs alone

Background Prevalence of inadequate glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） remains high. We assessed glycaemic control in the real-life practice among people with T2DM in metropolises in China who were treated with oral antidiabetic drugs （OAD） alone and to determine factors associated with inadequate glycaemic control in this population. Methods An observational, cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted in 16 metropolitan medical centers. People with T2DM who had been followed-up before the index visit which occurred from January to September 2007 were included in the study. All subjects were 〉30 years of age at the time of T2DM diagnosis and had received monotherapy or combination therapy of OAD for at least 6 months. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. The main study outcome was the inadequate glucose control rate, which was calculated by the proportion of patients with haemoglobin Alc （HbAlc） 〉6.5% detected on the index visit. Results In this cohort of 455 patients with T2DM whose mean age was 60.6 years and mean disease duration was 6.1 years, 45.5% had inadequate glycaemic control. The mean （SD） HbA1c was 6.7% （1.3）. Multivariate Logistic regression showed that physical inactivity, disease duration 〉10 years, body mass index （BMI） ≥24 kg/m2, low homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function （HOMA-13） index, less frequency of medical visit and hypertriglyceridaemia were independent determinants of inadequate glycaemic control. Higher incidence of self-reported hypoglycemia experience （47.1% vs. 34.8%, P=0.008） and more fear of hypoglycemia quantified by Worry subscale of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey （HFS） II were happened in subjects with good glycemic control. Conclusion Approximately one half of these outpatients with T2DM from the metropolitan medical centers in China had inadequate glycaemic control treated with OAD alone, which raises the need for more effective educational and therapeutic approaches on management of hypertriglycemia, enhancing physical exercise and weight control, and at the same time. Iowerina the hvooalvcemic risk and diminishina the hvooalvcemic fear of oatients.

Periodontitis:An often-neglected complication of diabetes

The bidirectional association between type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and periodontitis is now well established,resulting in periodontal disease being considered as the 6th major complication of diabetes mellitus(DM)after cardiovascular disease,eye disease,neuropathy,nephropathy,and peripheral vascular disease.DM can worsen the virulence and invasiveness of pathogenic oral microbial flora aggravating the local inflammation and infection in those with periodontal disease.On the other hand,the chemical and immunological mediators released into the circulation as part of periodontal inflammation worsen the systemic insulin resistance with worsening of T2DM.Periodontitis if undiagnosed or left untreated can also result in eventual tooth loss.A study by Xu et al in the World Journal of Diabetes examined the predictive factors associated with periodontitis in Chinese patients with T2DM.The prevalence of periodontitis was found to be 75.7%in this study.Based on logistic regression analysis,the predictive factors for higher risk were low tooth brushing frequency[odds ratio(OR)=4.3],high triglycerides(TG;OR=3.31),high total cholesterol(TC;OR=2.87),higher glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c;OR=2.55),and higher age(OR=1.05)while higher education level was protective(OR=0.53).However,the most influential variables were HbA1c followed by age,TC,TG,low education level,brushing frequency,and sex on the random forest model(this model showed higher sensitivity for predicting the risk).A good understanding of the predictors for periodontitis in T2DM patients is important in prevention,early detection of susceptible patients,and intervention to improve periodontal health and enable long-term glycaemic control as observed by Xu et al.

Continuous glucose monitoring metrics in pregnancy with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Managing diabetes during pregnancy is challenging,given the significant risk it poses for both maternal and foetal health outcomes.While traditional methods involve capillary self-monitoring of blood glucose level monitoring and periodic HbA1c tests,the advent of continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)systems has revolutionized the approach.These devices offer a safe and reliable means of tracking glucose levels in real-time,benefiting both women with diabetes during pregnancy and the healthcare providers.Moreover,CGM systems have shown a low rate of side effects and high feasibility when used in pregnancies complicated by diabetes,especially when paired with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump as hybrid closed loop device.Such a combined approach has been demonstrated to improve overall blood sugar control,lessen the occurrence of preeclampsia and neonatal hypoglycaemia,and minimize the duration of neonatal intensive care unit stays.This paper aims to offer a comprehensive evaluation of CGM metrics specifically tailored for pregnancies impacted by type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Better Glycaemic Outcome, Low Levels of Acute Severe Complications, and High Patient Satisfaction in Routine Practice in Type 1 Diabetes Treated with an Insulin Pump

Treatment of patients with Type 1 diabetes with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was re-introduced in Denmark in this millennium and initiated in the diabetes clinic, Fredericia Hospital, in 2005. The aim of the present study was to present yearly data of quality from 2005 to 2013 from a clinical database of patients treated with CSII in routine practice. Methods: A database was established in 2009-2010. Data from 2005 to 2009 are retrospective, data from 2009 to 2013 prospective. From 2009, patient satisfaction was measured by validated questionnaires. Results: By 31 December 2013, the database contained data from 143 active patients. HbA1C (median and range) decreased from 64 (40 - 126) mmol/mol (8.0 (5.8 - 13.7)%) (n = 104) to 60 (36 - 98) mmol/mol (7.6 (5.4 - 11.1)%) (n = 134) (p < 0.001) before and latest year on CSII. The improved glycaemic control was maintained each year until ≥5 years after initiation of CSII (p < 0.01). There was no change in weight. The number of attacks of severe hypoglycaemia was reduced from 60 attacks in 21 patients (n = 104) the year before CSII to only 5 attacks in 5 patients in 2013 (n = 134) (p < 0.01), corresponding to an incidence of 3.7 episodes per 100 patient years. Each year after initiation of CSII until ≥5 years, the number of episodes of severe hypoglycaemia was reduced (p < 0.01). Since 2005, nine episodes of ketoacidosis have been registered in eight patients corresponding to an incidence of 1.4 episodes per 100 patient years. Patient satisfaction was high one year after initiation of CSII (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Change of treatment to CSII is accompanied by an improvement in glycaemic control, very pronounced reduction in severe hypoglycaemia, low levels of diabetic ketoacidosis, and pronounced patient satisfaction.

Age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factor profile:A pooled analysis

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes(T2D)in younger adults,an increasingly common public health issue,is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality,which may be due to a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile in individuals diagnosed at a younger age.AIM To investigate the association between age at diagnosis and the cardiovascular risk profile in adults with T2D.METHODS A pooled dataset was used,comprised of data from five previous studies of adults with T2D,including 1409 participants of whom 196 were diagnosed with T2D under the age of 40 years.Anthropometric and blood biomarker measurements included body weight,body mass index(BMI),waist circumference,body fat percentage,glycaemic control(HbA1c),lipid profile and blood pressure.Univariable and multivariable linear regression models,adjusted for diabetes duration,sex,ethnicity and smoking status,were used to investigate the association between age at diagnosis and each cardiovascular risk factor.RESULTS A higher proportion of participants diagnosed with T2D under the age of 40 were female,current smokers and treated with glucose-lowering medications,compared to participants diagnosed later in life.Participants diagnosed with T2D under the age of 40 also had higher body weight,BMI,waist circumference and body fat percentage,in addition to a more adverse lipid profile,compared to participants diagnosed at an older age.Modelling results showed that each one year reduction in age at diagnosis was significantly associated with 0.67 kg higher body weight[95%confidence interval(CI):0.52-0.82 kg],0.18 kg/m^(2) higher BMI(95%CI:0.10-0.25)and 0.32 cm higher waist circumference(95%CI:0.14-0.49),after adjustment for duration of diabetes and other confounders.Younger age at diagnosis was also significantly associated with higher HbA1c,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.CONCLUSION The diagnosis of T2D earlier in life is associated with a worse cardiovascular risk factor profile,compared to those diagnosed later in life.

Add-on therapy of herbal formulation rich in standardized fenugreek seed extract in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with insulin therapy: An efficacy and safety study

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of herbal formulation rich in standardized fenugreek seed extract(IND-2) add-on therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) patients who were on insulin treatment in prospective, single arm, open-label, uncontrolled, multicentre trial.Methods: T2DM patients(n=30) with aged 18-80 years who were stabilized on insulin treatment with fasting blood sugar(FBS) level between 100-140 mg/dL received IND-2 capsules(700 mg, thrice a day) for 16 weeks.The primary endpoints were an assessment of FBS at week 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16.Secondary end-points include post-prandial blood sugar level, glycosylated Hb(HbA1c), reduction in the dose of insulin and number of hypoglycemic attacks, and improvement in lipid profile at various weeks.Safety and adverse events(AEs) were also assessed during the study.Results: Study was completed in twenty T2DM patients, and there was no significant reduction in FBS and post-prandial blood sugar level after addon therapy of IND-2.However, add-on therapy of IND-2 significantly reduced(P<0.01) the HbA1c values, requirements of insulin and hypoglycemic events as compared with baseline.Total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteincholesterol levels were significantly increased(P<0.01) after IND-2 add-on therapy.Body weight and safety outcomes did not differ significantly in IND-2 add-on therapy group at week 16.Additionally, add-on therapy of IND-2 did not produce any serious adverse events.Conclusions: The results of present investigation suggest that add-on therapy of IND-2 with insulin in T2DM patients improves glycaemic control through a decrease in levels of HbA1c and number of insulin doses needed per day without an increase in body weight and risk of hypoglycemia.Thus, IND-2 may provide a safe and well-tolerated add-on therapy option for the management of T2DM.

Relationship between glycemic control and perceived family support among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus seen in a rich kinship network in Southwest Nigeria

Objective:The practice of diabetes self-care behaviors has been cited as a foundation for achieving optimal glycemic control.Proper motivation of people with diabetes mellitus is,howev-er,needed for the performance of these behaviors.It is therefore pertinent to know if motivation by the family will improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between glycemic control and perceived family support among Ni-gerians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conduced on 316 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who attended a medical outpatient clinic.Data were collected through a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and a standardized tool(Perceived Social Support-Family scale).Hemoglobin A1c level was used as an indicator of glycemic control.Results:The proportion of participants with good glycemic control was 40.6%.Most of the participants(137,43.8%)had strong perceived family support.Strong perceived family support(P=0.00001,odds ratio 112.51)was an independent predictor of good glycemic control.Conclusion:This study shows that strong perception of family support is a predictor of gly-cemic control among the adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus studied.Physicians working in sub-Saharan African countries with rich kinship networks should harness the available family support of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in their management.

Influence of HbA1c on short-term blood pressure variability in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy

The aim of this study was to understand the characteristics of blood pressure （BP） variability in subjects with diabetic nephropathy （DN）, and identify the probable predictors affecting BP variability. Fifty-one chronic kidney disease （CKD）-hypertensive patients without diabetes （NDN group） and sixty type 2 diabetic patients with overt DN （DN group） were enrolled in this study. The values of short-term BP variability were obtained from 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring （ABPM）. Variance analysis or nonparametric analysis revealed that 24-h systolic BP variability and night- time systolic BP variability of the DN group were significantly higher than those of the NDN group [（12.23±3.66） vs. （10.74±3.83） mmHg, P〈0.05; （11.23±4.82） vs. （9.48±3.69） mmHg, P〈0.05]. Then the patients of the DN group were divided into two groups according to glycated hemoglobin （HbAlc） level： Group A （HbA1c〈7%） and Group B （HbA1c〉7%）, and the t-test showed that patients in Group B had larger 24-h diastolic, daytime diastolic, and nighttime systolic/diastolic BP variability compared with Group A. In the DN group, partial correlation analysis revealed that HbAlc exhibited a strong association with 24-h diastolic, daytime diastolic, nighttime systolic and diastolic BP vari- ability （P〈0.001, P〈0.001, P〈0.05, and P〈0.001, respectively）. Taken together, larger short-term BP variability was detected in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy and renal insufficiency. It may imply that the optimal BP variability level could benefit from a better glycaemic control.