Global trends in diabetic eye disease research from 2012 to 2021

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye complications that occur in diabetic patients and include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, diabetic cataracts, and diabetic glaucoma. However, the global epidemiology of these conditions has not been well characterized. In this study, we collected information on diabetic eye disease-related research grants from seven representative countries––the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and France––by searching for all global diabetic eye disease journal articles in the Web of Science and Pub Med databases, all global registered clinical trials in the Clinical Trials database, and new drugs approved by the United States, China, Japan, and EU agencies from 2012 to 2021. During this time period, diabetic retinopathy accounted for the vast majority(89.53%) of the 2288 government research grants that were funded to investigate diabetic eye disease, followed by diabetic macular edema(9.27%). The United States granted the most research funding for diabetic eye disease out of the seven countries assessed. The research objectives of grants focusing on diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema differed by country. Additionally, the United States was dominant in terms of research output, publishing 17.53% of global papers about diabetic eye disease and receiving 22.58% of total citations. The United States and the United Kingdom led international collaborations in research into diabetic eye disease. Of the 415 clinical trials that we identified, diabetic macular edema was the major disease that was targeted for drug development(58.19%). Approximately half of the trials(49.13%) pertained to angiogenesis. However, few drugs were approved for ophthalmic(40 out of 1830;2.19%) and diabetic eye disease(3 out of 1830;0.02%) applications. Our findings show that basic and translational research related to diabetic eye disease in the past decade has not been highly active, and has yielded few new treatment methods and newly approved drugs.

Gestational diabetes mellitus combined with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus, four cases of double diabetes: A case report

BACKGROUND Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus(FT1DM)that occurs during pregnancy or the perinatal period is known as pregnancy-related FT1DM(PF),always without history of abnormal glucose metabolism.Here,we present four patients who developed FT1DM during treatment but were first diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).CASE SUMMARY The clinical data of four patients with GDM combined with FT1DM admitted to our hospital between July 2018 and April 2021 were collected,and the patients and their infants were followed up.All patients were diagnosed with GDM during the second trimester and were treated.The blood glucose level elevated suddenly during the third trimester and then were diagnosed with FT1DM.Two patients had an insulin allergy,and two had symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection before onset.One patient developed ketoacidosis,and three developed ketosis.Two patients had cesarean section deliveries,and two had vaginal deliveries.The growth and development of the infants were normal.C-peptide levels were lower than those at onset,suggesting progressive impairment of islet function.The frequencies of the DRB109:01,DQB103:03,DQA103:02,DPA101:03,DPA102:02,DPB105:01,DRB401:03,G 01:01,and G 01:04 human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-G alleles were high in the present study.CONCLUSION In comparison with pregnancy-associated FT1DM(PF),patients with GDM combined with FT1DM had an older age of onset,higher body mass index,slower onset,fewer prodromal symptoms,and less acidosis.The pathogenesis may be due to various factors affecting the already fragileβ-cells of GDM patients with genetically susceptible class II HLA genotypes.We speculate that GDM combined with FT1DM during pregnancy,referred to as“double diabetes,”is a subtype of PF with its own unique characteristics that should be investigated further.

Monogenic diabetes in children:An underdiagnosed and poorly managed clinical dilemma

Monogenic diabetes,constituting 1%-2%of global diabetes cases,arises from single gene defects with distinctive inheritance patterns.Despite over 50 associated genetic disorders,accurate diagnoses and management of monogenic diabetes remain inadequate,underscoring insufficient clinician awareness.The disease spectrum encompasses maturity-onset diabetes of the young(MODY),characterized by distinct genetic mutations affecting insulin secretion,and neonatal diabetes mellitus(NDM)-a heterogeneous group of severe hyperglycemic disorders in infants.Mitochondrial diabetes,autoimmune monogenic diabetes,genetic insulin resistance and lipodystrophy syndromes further diversify the monogenic diabetes landscape.A tailored approach based on phenotypic and biochemical factors to identify candidates for genetic screening is recommended for suspected cases of MODY.NDM diagnosis warrants immediate molecular genetic testing for infants under six months.Identifying these genetic defects presents a unique opportunity for precision medicine.Ongoing research aimed to develop cost-effective genetic testing methods and gene-based therapy can facilitate appropriate identification and optimize clinical outcomes.Identification and study of new genes offer a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into pancreatic cell biology and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying common forms of diabetes.The clinical review published in the recent issue of World Journal of Diabetes is such an attempt to fill-in our knowledge gap about this enigmatic disease.

Acute worsening of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus during rapid glycemic control:The pathobiology and therapeutic implications

While chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from poorly controlled diabetes mellitus(DM)is a well-known precursor to complications such as diabetic retinopathy,neuropathy(including autonomic neuropathy),and nephropathy,a paradoxical intensification of these complications can rarely occur with aggressive glycemic management resulting in a rapid reduction of glycated haemoglobin.Although,acute onset or worsening of retinopathy and treatment induced neuropathy of diabetes are more common among these complications,rarely other problems such as albuminuria,diabetic kidney disease,Charcot’s neuroarthropathy,gastroparesis,and urinary bladder dysfunction are also encountered.The World Journal of Diabetes recently published a rare case of all these complications,occurring in a young type 1 diabetic female intensely managed during pregnancy,as a case report by Huret et al.It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the pathobiology,prevalence,predisposing factors,and management strategies for acute onset,or worsening of microvascular complications when rapid glycemic control is achieved,which serves to alleviate patient morbidity,enhance disease management compliance,and possibly to avoid medico-legal issues around this rare clinical problem.This editorial delves into the dynamics surrounding the acute exacerbation of microvascular complications in poorly controlled DM during rapid glycaemic control.

Interconnections between diabetic corneal neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy:diagnostic and therapeutic implications

Diabetic corneal neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy are ocular complications occurring in the context of diabetes mellitus.Diabetic corneal neuropathy refers to the progressive damage of corneal nerves.Diabetic retinopathy has traditionally been considered as damage to the retinal microvasculature.However,growing evidence suggests that diabetic retinopathy is a complex neurovascular disorder resulting from dysfunction of the neurovascular unit,which includes both the retinal vascular structures and neural tissues.Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness and is frequently screened for as part of diabetic ocular screening.However,diabetic corneal neuropathy is commonly overlooked and underdiagnosed,leading to severe ocular surface impairment.Several studies have found that these two conditions tend to occur together,and they share similarities in their pathogenesis pathways,being triggered by a status of chronic hyperglycemia.This review aims to discuss the interconnection between diabetic corneal neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy,whether diabetic corneal neuropathy precedes diabetic retinopathy,as well as the relation between the stage of diabetic retinopathy and the severity of corneal neuropathy.We also endeavor to explore the relevance of a corneal screening in diabetic eyes and the possibility of using corneal nerve measurements to monitor the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Honeymoon phase in type 1 diabetes mellitus: A window of opportunity for diabetes reversal?

The knowledge of the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)continues to rapidly evolve.The natural course of the disease can be described in four clinical stages based on the autoimmune markers and glycemic status.Not all individuals of T1DM progress in that specific sequence.We hereby present a case of T1DM with a classical third phase(honeymoon phase)and discuss the intri-cacies of this interesting phase along with a possible future promise of“cure”with the use of immunotherapies.We now know that the course of T1DM may not be in only one direction towards further progression;rather the disease may have a waxing and waning course with even reversal of type 1 diabetes concept being discussed.The third phase popularly called the“honeymoon phase”,is of special interest as this phase is complex in its pathogenesis.The honeymoon phase of T1DM seems to provide the best window of opportunity for using targeted therapies using various immunomodulatory agents leading to the possibility of achieving the elusive“diabetes reversal”in T1DM.Identifying this phase is therefore the key,with a lot of varying criteria having been proposed.

Intraocular lens selection in diabetic patients:How to increase the odds for success

The incidence of cataracts is significantly higher in diabetic individuals,particularly in younger age groups,with rates quadrupled in those under 65 and doubled in those over 65 compared to non-diabetics.Cataract surgery in diabetic patients poses many challenges:Poor epithelial healing,decreased corneal sensitivity,increased central corneal thickness,decreased endothelial cell count,variable topography,poor pupillary dilatation,anterior capsular phimosis,posterior capsular opacification(PCO),chances of progression of diabetic retinopathy(DR),zonular weakness,and vitreous prolapse and diabetic macular edema.Selection of an appropriate intraocular lens(IOL)is crucial for visual rehabilitation and monitoring DR.The choice of IOL in diabetic cataract patients is a challenging scenario.Square-edge IOLs are favored for their capacity to mitigate PCO,whereas hydrophilic counterparts may incur calcification in the setting of proliferative DR.The advisability of premium IOLs for achieving spectacle independence warrants judicious evaluation,particularly in the presence of advanced retinopathy.Optimal IOL placement within the capsular bag is advocated to minimize postoperative complications.Rigorous preoperative assessment and informed patient counseling regarding IOL options are indispensable for optimizing surgical outcomes.This review article covers various aspects regarding the choice of IOLs in different case scenarios and complications in the diabetic population.

Surgical management of the diabetic foot:The current evidence

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications,particularly diabetic foot pathologies,poses significant healthcare challenges and economic burdens globally.This review synthesises current evidence on the surgical management of the diabetic foot,focusing on the interplay between neuropathy,ischemia,and infection that commonly culminates in ulcers,infections,and,in severe cases,amputations.The escalating incidence of diabetes mellitus underscores the urgency for effective management strategies,as diabetic foot complications are a leading cause of hospital admissions among diabetic patients,significantly impacting morbidity and mortality rates.This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetic foot complications and further examines diabetic foot ulcers,infections,and skeletal pathologies such as Charcot arthropathy,emphasising the critical role of early diagnosis,comprehensive management strategies,and interdisciplinary care in mitigating adverse outcomes.In addressing surgical interventions,this review evaluates conservative surgeries,amputations,and reconstructive procedures,highlighting the importance of tailored approaches based on individual patient profiles and the specific characteristics of foot pathologies.The integration of advanced diagnostic tools,novel surgical techniques,and postoperative care,including offloading and infection control,are discussed in the context of optimising healing and preserving limb function.

Prophylactic Pattern Scanning Laser Retinal Photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Fatty Rats: Preliminary Experimental Results

Research Background and Purpose: The number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing, making it crucial to find methods to prevent diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness. We investigated the effects of prophylactic pattern scanning laser retinal photocoagulation on DR development in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats as a new prevention approach. Methods: Photocoagulation was applied to the right eyes of 8-week-old Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats, with the left eyes serving as untreated controls. Electroretinography at 9 and 39 weeks of age and pathological examinations, including immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor and glial fibrillary acidic protein at 24 and 40 weeks of age, were performed on both eyes. Results: There were no significant differences in amplitude and prolongation of the OP waves between the right and left eyes in SDT fatty rats at 39 weeks of age. Similarly, no significant differences in pathology and immunohistochemistry were observed between the right and left eyes in SDT fatty rats at 24 and 40 weeks of age. Conclusion: Prophylactic pattern scanning retinal laser photocoagulation did not affect the development of diabetic retinopathy in SDT fatty rats.

Portraying Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Comparative Evaluation of Diabetic Foot Infections versus Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Background: Confusion often arises in caring for diabetic foot infections and ulcers, especially with antimicrobials;we aim to shed light on this entity and alert healthcare workers to its stewardship. Methods: Records were reviewed between February 2016 and September 2023. Data for patients diagnosed with diabetes and foot ulcers, infected or not, were examined following ICD 9 search terms. Records for patients were included if they were prediabetic/diabetic adults with foot ulcers, more than 18 years old, and on antidiabetic treatment. Patients were excluded if they insulin resistant, with normal HgbA1c levels, wheel-chair dependent, bed-bound, non-diabetic patients, diabetic patients who had vascular lower limb surgery earlier to ulcers, diabetic patients who had aortocoronary bypass, deep venous thrombosis within six months, malignancy, and severe clinical depression. A modified IWGDF/IDSA guidelines definitions for DFI and DFU was considered. Statistical analysis was done using R programming. Statistical methods were employed as appropriate, and a significant P-value was considered for P Results: Most characteristics were well balanced between DFI and DFU, on imaging osteomyelitis and tissue swelling were significantly more in DFI. Endovascular radiological procedures showed angiograms to be considerably more in DFI, while angioplasty was more in DFU, in addition to smoking. Bacteremia was uncommon, and swab cultures were mostly polymicrobial in both ulcers;no clear association with blood bacteria was detected with the polymicrobial growth, though few were concordant. Antimicrobials prescribed for both ulcers were not statistically different except for carbapenems, which were more in DFI (P Conclusion: Attention should be paid to best practices while caring for diabetic ulcers. These include swab culture interpretations, the use of antimicrobials, and plan management according to DFI or DFU to utilize either local care or combination with antimicrobials.

Diabetic retinopathy:A review on its pathophysiology and novel treatment modalities

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a chronic metabolic non-communicable disease with the ability to cause serious microvascular and macrovascular complications throughout the body,including in the eye.Diabetic retinopathy(DR),present in onethird of patients with diabetes,is a vision-threatening complication caused by uncontrolled diabetes,which greatly affects the retinal blood vessels and the lightsensitive inner retina,eventually leading to blindness.Several epidemiological studies elucidate that DR can vary by age of onset,duration,types of diabetes,and ethnicity.Recent studies show that the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy has spread its roots beyond merely being the result of hyperglycemia.The complexity of its etiopathology and diagnosis makes therapeutic intervention challenging.This review throws light on the pathological processes behind DR,the cascade of events that follow it,as well as the available and emerging treatment options.

Correlation of periodontal inflamed surface area with glycated hemoglobin,interleukin-6 and lipoprotein(a)in type 2 diabetes with retinopathy

BACKGROUND The two-way relationship between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is well established.Prolonged hyperglycemia contributes to increased periodontal destruction and severe periodontitis,accentuating diabetic complications.An inflammatory link exists between diabetic retinopathy(DR)and periodontitis,but the studies regarding this association and the role of lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]and interleukin-6(IL-6)in these conditions are scarce in the literature.AIM To determine the correlation of periodontal inflamed surface area(PISA)with glycated Hb(HbA1c),serum IL-6 and Lp(a)in T2DM subjects with retinopathy.METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 40 T2DM subjects with DR and 40 T2DM subjects without DR.All subjects were assessed for periodontal parameters[bleeding on probing(BOP),probing pocket depth,clinical attachment loss(CAL),oral hygiene index-simplified,plaque index(PI)and PISA],and systemic parameters[HbA1c,fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose,fasting lipid profile,serum IL-6 and serum Lp(a)].RESULTS The proportion of periodontitis in T2DM with and without DR was 47.5%and 27.5%respectively.Severity of periodontitis,CAL,PISA,IL-6 and Lp(a)were higher in T2DM with DR group compared to T2DM without DR group.Significant difference was observed in the mean percentage of sites with BOP between T2DM with DR(69%)and T2DM without DR(41%),but there was no significant difference in PI(P>0.05).HbA1c was positively correlated with CAL(r=0.351,P=0.001),and PISA(r=0.393,P≤0.001)in study subjects.A positive correlation was found between PISA and IL-6(r=0.651,P<0.0001);PISA and Lp(a)(r=0.59,P<0.001);CAL and IL-6(r=0.527,P<0.0001)and CAL and Lp(a)(r=0.631,P<0.001)among study subjects.CONCLUSION Despite both groups having poor glycemic control and comparable plaque scores,the periodontal parameters were higher in DR as compared to T2DM without DR.Since a bidirectional link exists between periodontitis and DM,the presence of DR may have contributed to the severity of periodontal destruction and periodontitis may have influenced the progression of DR.

Clinical study of different prediction models in predicting diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Among older adults,type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is widely recognized as one of the most prevalent diseases.Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a frequent com-plication of DM,mainly characterized by renal microvascular damage.Early detection,aggressive prevention,and cure of DN are key to improving prognosis.Establishing a diagnostic and predictive model for DN is crucial in auxiliary diagnosis.AIM To investigate the factors that impact T2DM complicated with DN and utilize this information to develop a predictive model.METHODS The clinical data of 210 patients diagnosed with T2DM and admitted to the First People’s Hospital of Wenling between August 2019 and August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether the patients had DN,they were divided into the DN group(complicated with DN)and the non-DN group(without DN).Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors affecting DN in patients with T2DM.The data were randomly split into a training set(n=147)and a test set(n=63)in a 7:3 ratio using a random function.The training set was used to construct the nomogram,decision tree,and random forest models,and the test set was used to evaluate the prediction performance of the model by comparing the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,recall,precision,and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Among the 210 patients with T2DM,74(35.34%)had DN.The validation dataset showed that the accuracies of the nomogram,decision tree,and random forest models in predicting DN in patients with T2DM were 0.746,0.714,and 0.730,respectively.The sensitivities were 0.710,0.710,and 0.806,respectively;the specificities were 0.844,0.875,and 0.844,respectively;the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the patients were 0.811,0.735,and 0.850,respectively.The Delong test results revealed that the AUC values of the decision tree model were lower than those of the random forest and nomogram models(P<0.05),whereas the difference in AUC values of the random forest and column-line graph models was not statistically significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Among the three prediction models,random forest performs best and can help identify patients with T2DM at high risk of DN.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among elderly patients in the Lugu community

BACKGROUND Age is a significant risk factor of diabetes mellitus(DM).With the develop of population aging,the incidence of DM remains increasing.Understanding the epidemiology of DM among elderly individuals in a certain area contributes to the DM interventions for the local elderly individuals with high risk of DM.AIM To explore the prevalence of DM among elderly individuals in the Lugu community and analyze the related risk factors to provide a valid scientific basis for the health management of elderly individuals.METHODS A total of 4816 elderly people who came to the community for physical examination were retrospectively analyzed.The prevalence of DM among the elderly was calculated.The individuals were divided into a DM group and a non-DM group according to the diagnosis of DM to compare the differences in diastolic blood pressure(DBP)and systolic blood pressure(SBP),fasting blood glucose,body mass index(BMI),waist-to-hip ratio(WHR)and incidence of hypertension(HT),coronary heart disease(CHD),and chronic kidney disease(CKD).RESULTS DM was diagnosed in 32.70%of the 4816 elderly people.The BMI of the DM group(25.16±3.35)was greater than that of the non-DM group(24.61±3.78).The WHR was 0.90±0.04 in the non-DM group and 0.90±0.03 in the DM group,with no significant difference.The left SBP and SBP in the DM group were 137.9 mmHg±11.92 mmHg and 69.95 mmHg±7.75 mmHg,respectively,while they were 126.6 mmHg±12.44 mmHg and 71.15 mmHg±12.55 mmHg,respectively,in the non-DM group.These findings indicate higher SBP and lower DBP in DM patients than in those without DM.In the DM group,1274 patients were diagnosed with HT,accounting for 80.89%.Among the 3241 non-DM patients,1743(53.78%)were hypertensive and 1498(46.22%)were nonhypertensive.The DM group had more cases of HT than did the non-DM group.There were more patients with CHD or CKD in the DM group than in the non-DM group.There were more patients who drank alcohol more frequently(≥3 times)in the DM group than in the non-DM group.CONCLUSION Older adults in the Lugu community are at a greater risk of DM.In elderly individuals,DM is closely related to high BMI and HT,CHD,and CKD.Physical examinations should be actively carried out for elderly people to determine their BMI,SBP,DBP,and other signs,and sufficient attention should be given to abnormalities in the above signs before further diagnosis.

Application of non-mydriatic fundus photography-assisted telemedicine in diabetic retinopathy screening

BACKGROUND Early screening and accurate staging of diabetic retinopathy(DR)can reduce blindness risk in type 2 diabetes patients.DR’s complex pathogenesis involves many factors,making ophthalmologist screening alone insufficient for prevention and treatment.Often,endocrinologists are the first to see diabetic patients and thus should screen for retinopathy for early intervention.AIM To explore the efficacy of non-mydriatic fundus photography(NMFP)-enhanced telemedicine in assessing DR and its various stages.METHODS This retrospective study incorporated findings from an analysis of 93 diabetic patients,examining both NMFP-assisted telemedicine and fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA).It focused on assessing the concordance in DR detection between these two methodologies.Additionally,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were generated to determine the optimal sensitivity and specificity of NMFP-assisted telemedicine,using FFA outcomes as the standard benchmark.RESULTS In the context of DR diagnosis and staging,the kappa coefficients for NMFPassisted telemedicine and FFA were recorded at 0.775 and 0.689 respectively,indicating substantial intermethod agreement.Moreover,the NMFP-assisted telemedicine’s predictive accuracy for positive FFA outcomes,as denoted by the area under the ROC curve,was remarkably high at 0.955,within a confidence interval of 0.914 to 0.995 and a statistically significant P-value of less than 0.001.This predictive model exhibited a specificity of 100%,a sensitivity of 90.9%,and a Youden index of 0.909.CONCLUSION NMFP-assisted telemedicine represents a pragmatic,objective,and precise modality for fundus examination,particularly applicable in the context of endocrinology inpatient care and primary healthcare settings for diabetic patients.Its implementation in these scenarios is of paramount significance,enhancing the clinical accuracy in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of DR.This methodology not only streamlines patient evaluation but also contributes substantially to the optimization of clinical outcomes in DR management.

Prevalence of Anemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Anemia is a common public health concern in patients with type 2 diabetes worldwide.This study aimed to identify the prevalence of anemia among patients with diabetes.Methods Electronic databases,including PubMed,Scopus,Web of Sciences,and Google Scholar,were searched systematically for studies published between 2010 and 2021.After removing duplicates and inappropriate reports,the remaining manuscripts were reviewed and appraised using theNewcastleOttawa Scale(NOS)tool.A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates of the extracted data using Stata version 17.Heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Q statistic.Results A total of 51 articles containing information on 26,485 patients with diabetes were included in this study.The articles were mainly from Asia(58.82%)and Africa(35.29%).The overall prevalence of anemia was 35.45%(95%CI:30.30–40.76),with no evidence of heterogeneity by sex.Among the two continents with the highest number of studies,the prevalence of anemia in patients with diabetes was significantly higher in Asia[40.02;95%CI:32.72–47.54]compared to Africa[28.46;95%CI:21.90–35.50](P for heterogeneity=0.029).Moreover,there has been an increasing trend in the prevalence of anemia in patients with diabetes over time,from[15.28;95%CI:9.83–22.21]in 2012 to[40.70;95%CI:10.21–75.93]in 2022.Conclusion Globally,approximately 4 in 10 patients with diabetes suffer from anemia.Therefore,routine anemia screening and control programs every 3 months might be useful in improving the quality of life of these patients.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and neuromodulation techniques:a systematic review of progress and prospects

Neuromodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy represents a significant area of interest in the management of chronic pain associated with this condition.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy,a common complication of diabetes,is characterized by nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels that lead to symptoms,such as pain,tingling,and numbness,primarily in the hands and feet.The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of neuromodulatory techniques as potential therapeutic interventions for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy,while also examining recent developments in this domain.The investigation encompassed an array of neuromodulation methods,including frequency rhythmic electrical modulated systems,dorsal root ganglion stimulation,and spinal cord stimulation.This systematic review suggests that neuromodulatory techniques may be useful in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Understanding the advantages of these treatments will enable physicians and other healthcare providers to offer additional options for patients with symptoms refractory to standard pharmacologic treatments.Through these efforts,we may improve quality of life and increase functional capacity in patients suffering from complications related to diabetic neuropathy.

Enteric neuropathy in diabetes:Implications for gastrointestinal function

Diabetes,commonly known for its metabolic effects,also critically affects the enteric nervous system(ENS),which is essential in regulating gastrointestinal(GI)motility,secretion,and absorption.The development of diabetes-induced enteric neuropathy can lead to various GI dysfunctions,such as gastroparesis and irregular bowel habits,primarily due to disruptions in the function of neuronal and glial cells within the ENS,as well as oxidative stress and inflammation.This editorial explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of enteric neuropathy in diabetic patients.Additionally,it discusses the latest advances in diagnostic approaches,emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention to mitigate GI complications in diabetic individuals.The editorial also reviews current and emerging therapeutic strategies,focusing on pharmacological treatments,dietary management,and potential neuromodulatory interventions.Ultimately,this editorial highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing enteric neuropathy in diabetes,aiming to enhance patient quality of life and address a frequently overlooked complication of this widespread disease.

TCERG1L hypermethylation is a risk factor of diabetic retinopathy in Chinese children with type 1 diabetes

●AIM:To identify the differential methylation sites(DMS)and their according genes associated with diabetic retinopathy(DR)development in type 1 diabetes(T1DM)children.●METHODS:This study consists of two surveys.A total of 40 T1DM children was included in the first survey.Because no participant has DR,retina thinning was used as a surrogate indicator for DR.The lowest 25%participants with the thinnest macular retinal thickness were included into the case group,and the others were controls.The DNA methylation status was assessed by the Illumina methylation 850K array BeadChip assay,and compared between the case and control groups.Four DMS with a potential role in diabetes were identified.The second survey included 27 T1DM children,among which four had DR.The methylation patterns of the four DMS identified by 850K were compared between participants with and without DR by pyrosequencing.●RESULTS:In the first survey,the 850K array revealed 751 sites significantly and differentially methylated in the case group comparing with the controls(|Δβ|>0.1 and Adj.P<0.05),and 328 of these were identified with a significance of Adj.P<0.01.Among these,319 CpG sites were hypermethylated and 432 were hypomethylated in the case group relative to the controls.Pyrosequencing revealed that the transcription elongation regulator 1 like(TCERG1L,cg07684215)gene was hypermethylated in the four T1DM children with DR(P=0.018),which was consistent with the result from the first survey.The methylation status of the other three DMS(cg26389052,cg25192647,and cg05413694)showed no difference(all P>0.05)between participants with and without DR.●CONCLUSION:The hypermethylation of the TCERG1L gene is a risk factor for DR development in Chinese children with T1DM.

Risk evaluation for diabetic retinopathy in Chinese renalbiopsied type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

AIM:To investigate diabetic retinopathy(DR)prevalence in Chinese renal-biopsied type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients with kidney dysfunction,and to further evaluate its relationship with diabetic nephropathy(DN)incidence and the risk factors for DR development in this population.METHODS:A total of 84 renal-biopsied T2DM patients were included.Fundus and imaging examinations were employed for DR diagnosis.Demographic information and clinical measures along with renal histopathology were analyzed for comparisons between the DR and non-DR groups.Risk factors on DR development were analyzed with multiple logistic regression.RESULTS:DR prevalence was 50%in total.The incidences of DN,non-diabetic renal disease(NDRD)and mixed-type pathology were 47.6%,19.0%and 33.3%in the DR group respectively,while 11.9%,83.3%and 4.8%in the non-DR group.Systolic blood pressure,ratio of urinary albumin to creatine ratio,urinary albumin,24-hours urinary protein,the incidence and severity of DN histopathology were found statistically increased in the DR group.Multiple logistic regression analysis showed histopathological DN incidence significantly increased the risk of DR development[odds ratio(OR)=21.664,95%confidential interval(CI)5.588 to 83.991,P<0.001 for DN,and OR=45.475,95%CI 6.949 to 297.611,P<0.001 for mixed-type,respectively,in reference to (NDRD)],wherein DN severity positively correlated.CONCLUSION:Renal histopathological evidence indicates DN incidence and severity increases the risk of DR development in Chinese T2DM patients inexperienced of regular fundus examinations.