Utilising continuous glucose monitoring for glycemic control in diabetic kidney disease

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Zhang et al.Chronic kidney disease(CKD)presents a significant challenge in managing glycemic control,especially in diabetic patients with diabetic kidney disease undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation.Conventional markers like glycated haemoglobin(HbA1c)may not accurately reflect glycemic fluctuations in these populations due to factors such as anaemia and kidney dysfunction.This comprehensive review discusses the limitations of HbA1c and explores alternative methods,such as continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)in CKD patients.CGM emerges as a promising technology offering real-time or retrospective glucose concentration measure-ments and overcoming the limitations of HbA1c.Key studies demonstrate the utility of CGM in different CKD settings,including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients,as well as kidney transplant recipients.Despite challenges like sensor accuracy fluctuation,CGM proves valuable in monitoring glycemic trends and mitigating the risk of hypo-and hyperglycemia,to which CKD patients are prone.The review also addresses the limitations of CGM in CKD patients,emphasizing the need for further research to optimize its utilization in clinical practice.Altogether,this review advocates for integrating CGM into managing glycemia in CKD patients,highlighting its superiority over traditional markers and urging clinicians to consider CGM a valuable tool in their armamentarium.

Blood Pressure Profile and Glycemic Control of Type 2 Diabetics and Hypertensives at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital: A Review of 116 Cases

Objective: The association hypertension and diabetes is important. The two pathologies may influence each other. The aim was to study the correlation between glycemic control and blood pressure control and to determine the factors associated with blood pressure control. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical focus over 7 months. Patients were recruited as outpatients and all underwent ambulatory blood pressure measure, glycated hemoglobin and creatinine measurements, and assessment of compliance with treatment. Results: During this period 116 patients were collected. The predominance was female 69%. The mean age of the patients was 62 ± 7 years with a peak between 60 and 70 years. The average age of hypertension was 12 years and that of diabetes 6 1/2 years. The most frequently associated cardiovascular risk factor was a sedentary lifestyle (71.5%) after age. 57.8% of patients were not controlled at the office, with a predominance of systolic hypertension (58.2%). 61.6% of patients were controlled by ambulatory blood pressure measure, a rate of 47.8% of white coat hypertension. Glycemic control was observed in 42.2% of cases and 87% of patients had good renal function (glomerular filter rate ≥ 60 ml/mn). Therapeutic compliance was good in 53.4% of cases and dual therapy was the most used therapeutic modality 44.8% (52 patients) followed by triple therapy. The factors associated with poor blood pressure control were glycemic imbalance, non-compliance and monotherapy. Dual therapy had a protective effect. Conclusion: The association of hypertension and type 2 diabetes is frequent. The risk of occurrence increases with age. Ambulatory blood pressure measure is the best method to assess blood pressure control. Optimization of blood pressure control should also include optimization of glycemic control.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists:Exploring the mechanisms from glycemic control to treatment of multisystemic diseases

This editorial takes a deeper look at the insights provided by Soresi and Giannitrapani,which examined the therapeutic potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1RAs)for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.We provide supplementary insights to their research,highlighting the broader systemic implications of GLP-1RAs,synthesizing the current understanding of their mechanisms and the trajectory of research in this field.GLP-1RAs are revolutionizing the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and beyond.Beyond glycemic control,GLP-1RAs demonstrate cardiovascular and renal protective effects,offering potential in managing diabetic kidney disease alongside renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors.Their role in bone metabolism hints at benefits for diabetic osteoporosis,while the neuroprotective properties of GLP-1RAs show promise in Alzheimer's disease treatment by modulating neuronal insulin signaling.Additionally,they improve hormonal and metabolic profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome.This editorial highlights the multifaceted mechanisms of GLP-1RAs,emphasizing the need for ongoing research to fully realize their therapeutic potential across a range of multisystemic diseases.

Association of vitamin D and magnesium with insulin sensitivity and their influence on glycemic control

Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing diabetes,and the degree of resistance influences the glycemic control of patients with diabetes.Numerous researchers have focused on improving insulin sensitivity in order to prevent diabetes-related complications and other chronic diseases.Several studies have also linked vitamin D levels to insulin secretion and resistance,given that both vitamin D and its receptor complex play important roles in regulating pancreaticβ-cells.It has been suggested that vitamin D supplementation improves vitamin D levels,but further research is needed to confirm this as neither insulin function nor glycemic control improves when vitamin D levels increase.Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzymes.Although the role of magnesium in the management of diabetes has long been evaluated,it has not yet been determined whether magnesium supplements improve insulin function.However,several researchers have found that patients with good glycemic control have high magnesium levels.Magnesium is closely related to vitamin D and is necessary for the transport and activation of vitamin D in humans.Combined supplementation with vitamin D and magnesium improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

Early neonatal complications in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and the effects of glycemic control on neonatal infection

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)has become increasingly prevalent globally.Glycemic control in pregnant women with GDM has a critical role in neonatal complications.AIM To analyze the early neonatal complications in GDM,and examine the effect of blood glucose control level on neonatal infection.METHODS The clinical data of 236 pregnant women with GDM and 240 healthy pregnant women and newborns during from March 2020 to December 2021 the same period were retrospectively analyzed,and the early complications in newborns in the two groups were compared.The patients were divided into the conforming glycemic control group(CGC group)and the non-conforming glycemic control group(NCGC group)based on whether glycemic control in the pregnant women with GDM conformed to standards.Baseline data,immune function,infectionrelated markers,and infection rates in neonates were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The incidence of neonatal complications in the 236 neonates in the GDM group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Pregnant women with GDM in the NCGC group(n=178)had significantly higher fasting plasma glucose,2 h postprandial blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1C levels than those in the CGC group(n=58)(P<0.05).There were no differences in baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05).Additionally,the NCGC group had significantly decreased peripheral blood CD3^(+),CD4^(+),CD8^(+)T cell ratios,CD4/CD8 ratios and immunoglobulin G in neonates compared with the CGC group(P<0.05),while white blood cells,serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels increased significantly.The neonatal infection rate was also significantly increased in the NCGC group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The risk of neonatal complications increased in pregnant women with GDM.Poor glycemic control decreased neonatal immune function,and increased the incidence of neonatal infections.

Relation between sleep quality and glycemic control among type 2 diabetic patients

Objective:To investigate the relation between sleep quality and glycemic control among type 2 diabetic patients.Methods:Across sectional descriptive design was used;the study sample including 125 diabetic patients was recruited at diabetic clinics in Zagazig University hospitals.The interview questionnaire sheet consists of 4 par ts:(1)demographic data,(2)medical history,(3)an Arabic version of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),and(4)glycated hemoglobin A1c(Hb A1c)analysis test.Results:The mean of sleep duration was the highest score of PSQI components,96.8%of diabetic patients had poor sleep quality,and 90.4%of diabetic patients had poor glycemic control.A highly statistically significant relationship was found between Hb A1c and sleep quality.Moreover,income,duration of disease and smoking were independent positive predictors of Hb A1c level,while the female gender was a statistically significant negative predictor.Additionally,female gender and income were statistically significant independent positive predictors of PSQI score.Conclusions:Poor sleep quality and poor glycemic control were very common among type 2 diabetic patients.There was a highly significant relation between sleep quality and glycemic control.

Effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercises on glycemic control in type 1 diabetic youths

AIM:To evaluate the long-term effect of aerobic and/or anaerobic exercise on glycemic control in youths with type 1 diabetes.METHODS:Literature review was performed in spring and summer 2014 using Pub Med/MEDLINE,Google Scholar,Scopus,and Science Direct with the following terms:aerobic,anaerobic,high-intensity,resistance,exercise/training,combined with glycemic/metabolic control,glycated haemoglobin A1c(Hb A1c) and type 1diabetes.Only peer-reviewed articles in English were included published in the last 15 years.It was selected from 1999 to 2014.Glycemic control was measured with Hb A1 c.Studies with an intervention lasting at least 12 wk were included if the Hb A1 c was measured before and after the intervention.RESULTS:A total of nine articles were found,and they were published between the years of 2002-2011.The sample size was 401 diabetic youths(166 males and 235 females) with an age range of 10-19 years except one study,in which the age range was 13-30 years.Study participants were from Australia,Tunisia,Lithuania,Taiwan,Turkey,Brazilia,Belgium,Egypt and France.Four studies were aerobic-based,four were combined aerobic and anaerobic programs,and one compared aerobic exercise to anaerobic one.Available studies had insufficient evidence that any type of exercise or combined training would clearly improve the glycemic control in type 1 diabetic youth.Only three(two aerobic-based and one combined) studies could provide a significant positive change in glycemic control.CONCLUSION:The regular physical exercise has several other valuable physiological and health benefits that justify the inclusion of exercise in pediatric diabetes treatment and care.

Indicators of glycemic control in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnant women with diabetes mellitus

Recently, it has become clear that mild abnormal glucose tolerance increases the incidence of perinatal maternalinfant complications, and so the definition and diagnostic criteria of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) have been changed. Therefore, in patients with GDM and pregnant women with diabetes mellitus, even stricter glycemic control than before is required to reduce the incidence of perinatal maternal-infant complications. Strict glycemic control cannot be attained without an indicator of glycemic control; this review proposes a reliable indicator. The gold standard indicator of glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus is hemoglobin A1c(Hb A1c); however, we have demonstrated that Hb A1 c does not reflect glycemic control accurately during pregnancy because of iron deficiency. It has also become clear that glycated albumin, another indicator of glycemic control, is not influenced by iron deficiency and therefore might be a better indicator of glycemic control in patients with GDM and pregnant women with diabetes mellitus. However, largepopulation epidemiological studies are necessary in order to confirm our proposal. Here, we outline the most recent findings about the indicators of glycemic control during pregnancy including fructosamine and 1,5-anhydroglucitol.

Utility of different glycemic control metrics for optimizing management of diabetes

The benchmark for assessing quality of long-term glycemic control and adjustment of therapy is currently glycated hemoglobin(Hb A1c). Despite its importance as an indicator for the development of diabeticcomplications, recent studies have revealed that this metric has some limitations; it conveys a rather complex message, which has to be taken into consideration for diabetes screening and treatment. On the basis of recent clinical trials, the relationship between Hb A1 c and cardiovascular outcomes in long-standing diabetes has been called into question. It becomes obvious that other surrogate and biomarkers are needed to better predict cardiovascular diabetes complications and assess efficiency of therapy. Glycated albumin, fructosamin, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol have received growing interest as alternative markers of glycemic control. In addition to measures of hyperglycemia, advanced glucose monitoring methods became available. An indispensible adjunct to Hb A1 c in routine diabetes care is selfmonitoring of blood glucose. This monitoring method is now widely used, as it provides immediate feedback to patients on short-term changes, involving fasting, preprandial, and postprandial glucose levels. Beyond the traditional metrics, glycemic variability has been identified as a predictor of hypoglycemia, and it might also be implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular diabetes complications. Assessment of glycemic variability is thus important, but exact quantification requires frequently sampled glucose measurements. In order to optimize diabetes treatment, there is a need for both key metrics of glycemic control on a day-to-day basis and for more advanced, user-friendly monitoring methods. In addition to traditional discontinuous glucose testing, continuous glucose sensing has become a useful tool to reveal insufficient glycemic management. This new technology is particularly effective in patients with complicated diabetes and provides the opportunity to characterize glucose dynamics. Several continuous glucose monitoring(CGM) systems, which have shown usefulness in clinical practice, are presently on the market. They can broadly be divided into systems providing retrospective or real-time information on glucose patterns. The widespread clinical application of CGM is still hampered by the lack of generallyaccepted measures for assessment of glucose profiles and standardized reporting of glucose data. In this article, we will discuss advantages and limitations of various metrics for glycemic control as well as possibilities for evaluation of glucose data with the special focus on glycemic variability and application of CGM to improve individual diabetes management.

Relationship between perioperative glycemic control and postoperative infections

Perioperative hyperglycemia in critically ill surgery patients increases the risk of postoperative infection (POI), which is a common, and often costly, surgical complication. Hyperglycemia is associated with abnormalities in leukocyte function, including granulocyte adherence, impaired phagocytosis, delayed chemotaxis, and depressed bactericidal capacity. These leukocyte deficiencies are the cause ofinfection and improve with tight glycemic control, which leads to fewer POIs in critically ill surgical patients. Tight glycemic control, such as intensive insulin therapy, has a risk of hypoglycemia. In addition, the optimal targeted blood glucose range to reduce POI remains unknown. Since 2006, we have investigated tight perioperative blood glucose control using a closed-loop artificial endocrine pancreas system, to reduce POI and to avoid hypoglycemia. In this Topic Highlight, we review the relationship between perioperative glycemic control and POI, including the use of the artificial pancreas.

Impact of postoperative glycemic control and nutritional status on clinical outcomes after total pancreatectomy

AIM To evaluate the impact of glycemic control and nutritional status after total pancreatectomy(TP) on complications, tumor recurrence and overall survival.METHODS Retrospective records of 52 patients with pancreatic tumors who underwent TP were collected from 2007 to 2015. A series of clinical parameters collected before and after surgery, and during the follow-up were evaluated. The associations of glycemic control and nutritional status with complications, tumor recurrence and long-term survival were determined. Risk factors for postoperative glycemic control and nutritional status were identified.RESULTS High early postoperative fasting blood glucose(FBG) levels(OR = 4.074, 95%CI: 1.188-13.965, P = 0.025) and low early postoperative prealbumin levels(OR = 3.816, 95%CI: 1.110-13.122, P = 0.034) were significantly associated with complications after TP. Postoperative Hb A1 c levels over 7%(HR = 2.655, 95%CI: 1.299-5.425, P = 0.007) were identified as one of the independent risk factors for tumor recurrence. Patients with postoperative Hb A1 c levels over 7% had much poorer overall survival than those with Hb A1 c levels less than 7%(9.3 mo vs 27.6 mo, HR = 3.212, 95%CI: 1.147-8.999, P = 0.026). Patients with long-term diabetes mellitus(HR = 15.019, 95%CI: 1.278-176.211, P= 0.031) and alcohol history(B = 1.985, SE = 0.860, P = 0.025) tended to have poor glycemic control and lower body mass index levels after TP, respectively.CONCLUSION At least 3 mo are required after TP to adapt to diabetes and recover nutritional status. Glycemic control appears to have more influence over nutritional status on longterm outcomes after TP. Improvement in glycemic control and nutritional status after TP is important to prevent early complications and tumor recurrence, and improve survival.

Glycemic control indicators in patients with neonatal diabetes mellitus

Neonatal diabetes mellitus(NDM) is a type of diabetes mellitus caused by genetic abnormality which devel ops in insulin dependent state within 6 mo after birth HbA1c is widely used in clinical practice for diabetes mellitus as the gold standard glycemic control indica tor; however, fetal hemoglobin(HbF) is the main he moglobin in neonates and so HbA1c cannot be used as a glycemic control indicator in NDM. Glycated albumin(GA), another glycemic control indicator, is not affected by HbF. We reported that GA can be used as a glycemic control indicator in NDM. However, it was later found that because of increased metabolism of albumin, GA shows an apparently lower level in relation to plasma glucose in NDM; measures to solve this problem were needed. In this review, we outlined the most recen findings concerning glycemic control indicators in neo nates or NDM.

Effect of proton pump inhibitors on glycemic control in patients with diabetes

Gastrin is a linear peptide hormone which is secreted mostly in the stomach pyloric antrum G cells. Although the main role of this hormone is the promotion of the secretion of gastric acid from the stomach parietal cells, gastrin can also behave as a growth factor and stimulate gastric cell proliferation. It is also reported that gastrin promotes β cell neogenesis in the pancreatic ductal complex, modest pancreatic β cell replication, and improvement of glucose tolerance in animal models, in which the remodeling of pancreatic tissues is promoted. These findings suggest the possibility that gastrin has the potential to promote an increase of β cell mass in pancreas, and therefore that gastrin may improve glucose tolerance. Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) are wildly used clinically for the therapy of gastro-esophageal reflex disease, gastritis due to excess stomach acid, and gastric ulcers. PPIs indirectly elevate serum gastrin levels via a negative feedback effect. Recent evidence has revealed the beneficial effect of PPIs on glycemic control especially in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), probably via the elevation of the levels of serum gastrin, although the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In addition, the beneficial effects of a combination therapy of gastrin or a PPI with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist on glycemic control in animal models have been demonstrated. Although PPIs may be possible candidates for a new approach in the therapy of diabetes, a prospective, longterm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is needed to establish the effect of PPIs on glycemic control in a large number of patients with T2 DM.

Glycemic control in critically ill patients

Hyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients and can be caused by various mechanisms, including nutrition, medications, and insufficient insulin. In the past, hyperglycemia was thought to be an adaptive response to stress, but hyperglycemia is no longer considered a benign condition in patients with critical illnesses. Indeed, hyperglycemia can increase morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Correction of hyperglycemia may improve clinical outcomes. To date, a definite answer with regard to glucose management in general intensive care unit patients, including treatment thresholds and glucose target is undetermined. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials suggested no survival benefit of tight glycemic control and a significantly increased incidence of hypoglycemia. Studies have shown a J- or U-shaped relationship between average glucose values and mortality; maintaining glucose levels between 100 and 150 mg/dL was likely to be associated with the lowest mortality rates. Recent studies have shown glycemic control < 180 mg/d L is not inferior to near-normal glycemia in critically ill patients and is clearly safer. Glycemic variability is also an important aspect of glucose management in the critically ill patients. Higher glycemic variability may increase the mortal-ity rate, even in patients with the same mean glucose level. Decreasing glucose variability is an important issue for glycemic control in critically ill patients. Continuous measurements with automatic closed-loop systems could be considered to ensure that blood glucose levels are controlled within a specific range and with minimal variability.

Spatiotemporal phase change materials for thermal energy long-term storage and controllable release

Phase change materials(PCMs)have attracted much attention in the field of solar thermal utilization recently,due to their outstanding thermal energy storage performance.However,PCMs usually release their stored latent heat spontaneously as the temperature below the phase transition temperature,rendering thermal energy storage and release uncontrollable,thus hindering their practical application in time and space.Herein,we developed erythritol/sodium carboxymethylcellulose/tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate(ERY/CMC/EDTA-4Na)composite PCMs with novel spatiotemporal thermal energy storage properties,defined as spatiotemporal PCMs(STPCMs),which exhibit the capacity of thermal energy long-term storage and controllable release.Our results show that the composite PCMs are unable to lose latent heat due to spontaneous crystallization during cooling,but can controllably release thermal energy through cold crystallization during reheating.The cold-crystallization temperature and enthalpy of composite PCMs can be adjusted by proportional addition of EDTA-4Na to the composite.When the mass fractions of CMC and EDTA-4Na are both 10%,the composite PCMs can exhibit the optical coldcrystallization temperature of 51.7℃ and enthalpy of 178.1 J/g.The supercooled composite PCMs without latent heat release can be maintained at room temperature(10-25℃)for up to more than two months,and subsequently the stored latent heat can be controllably released by means of thermal triggering or heterogeneous nucleation.Our findings provide novel insights into the design and construction of new PCMs with spatiotemporal performance of thermal energy long-term storage and controllable release,and consequently open a new door for the development of advanced solar thermal utilization techniques on the basis of STPCMs.

Number of parous events affects the association between physical exercise and glycemic control among women with gestational diabetes mellitus:A prospective cohort study

Background:Multiparous women are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) than primiparas.Physical activity during pregnancy has been shown to be beneficial for GDM,but there is little evidence on the association between physical activity and glycemic control among women with GDM,whether primiparas or multiparas.Thus,the objective of the present study was to examine the association between physical activity and glycemic control in women with GDM and to determine what,if any,effects result from number of parous events.Methods:A prospective cohort of 1162 women with GDM was recruited,with 604 multiparas(51.98%).The general linear model was used to calculate the risk difference and its 95% confidence interval(95%CI) to quantify the impact of parous events on glycemic control in pregnancy as well as the association between physical activity time and glycemic control.Results:Among 1162 women with GDM,the median daily activity time was 65 mm(interquartile range(IQR):45-90 min),and the abnormal plasma glucose(PG) percentage,calculated as number of abnormal PG tests divided by the total number of PG tests,was 40.00%(IQR:22.22%-66.67%).The percentage of abnormal PG was stabilized and statistically lower with daily physical activity time exceeding 60 min among primiparas(IQR:30.89%-44.43%) and exceeding 90 min among multiparas(ranged from 27.76% to 38.82%).After adjusting for potential confoumders,primiparas tended to have a lower percentage of abnormal PG than do multiparas(rate difference=-0.39,95%CI:-3.61 to2.84).The same amount of physical activity time was significantly less effective for multiparas than for primiparas(trend p-value <0.01).Conclusion:In women with GDM,being multiparous is associated with less effective glycemic control through physical activity,such that multiparas need more physical activity to achieve glycemic control at a similar level to primiparas.

Effect of glycemic control on markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus:A review

Cardiovascular disease is the predominant cause of death in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Evidence suggests a strong association between duration and degree of hyperglycemia and vascular disease.However,large trials failed to show cardiovascular benefit after intensive glycemic control,especially in patients with longer diabetes duration.Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive disease,with a long asymptomatic phase.Subclinical atherosclerosis,which is impaired in T2DM,includes impaired vasodilation,increased coronary artery calcification(CAC),carotid intima media thickness,arterial stiffness,and reduced arterial elasticity.Each of these alterations is represented by a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis,offering a cost-effective alternative compared to classic cardiac imaging.Their additional use on top of traditional risk assessment strengthens the predictive risk for developing coronary artery disease(CAD).We,herein,review the existing literature on the effect of glycemic control on each of these markers separately.Effective glycemic control,especially in earlier stages of the disease,attenuates progression of structural markers like intima-media thickness and CAC.Functional markers are improved after use of newer antidiabetic agents,such as incretin-based treatments or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors,especially in T2DM patients with shorter disease duration.Larger prospective trials are needed to enhance causal inferences of glycemic control on clinical endpoints of CAD.

Lessons from the Real World: Financial Incentives to Improve Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objectives: While the value of glycemic control to minimize adverse health outcomes among patients with diabetes is clear, achieving hemoglobin A1c (A1c) goals remain a challenge. We evaluated the use of financial incentives to increase enrollment and improve glycemic control among patients invited to participate in a monthly diabetes group appointment (DGA) as part of their enrollment in DaVita HealthCare Partners, a large southern California managed care organization. Methods: Adult diabetes patients (≥18 years) with a currently uncontrolled hemoglobin A1c level (>8.0% if 9.0% if ≥ 65 years) were randomized to 1) no DGA, 2) DGA with no financial incentives (non-incentive DGA) or 3) DGA with financial incentives (incentive DGA). Results: Nine sites among four regions of the greater Los Angeles area participated. Each site offered one non-incentive DGA and one incentive DGA. Over 1500 patients were identified for recruitment and at the peak of enrollment, 299 patients were enrolled in 18 DGAs. On average, hemoglobin A1c values dropped more for patients participating in the incentive DGA (9.9% to 8.7%, -1.2%) versus non-incentive DGA (9.7% to 9.0%, -0.7%) versus no DGA group (9.1% to 8.7%, -0.4%). Several unexpected implementation challenges arose which complicated evaluation but provide important learning lessons. Conclusions: Management of chronic diseases like diabetes is challenging for patients and the primary care system alike. Continuing to implement and evaluate programs under “real-world” conditions can provide further insight into how best to support patients with diabetes and their primary care teams in order to achieve glycemic control and avoid preventable complications.

Is Helicobacter pylori infection associated with glycemic control in diabetics?

AIM:To investigate whether Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection is associated with glycemic control and whether hyperglycemia is modified by eradication therapy.METHODS:The databases of Pub Med,Cochrane Library,Chinese Bio Medicine Web Base and Chinese Science and Technology Journals were searched from inception to June 2014.Studies examining the association between H.pylori infection and glycemic control and/or the effect of eradication treatment on glycemic control in diabetic humans were eligible for inclusion.Meta-analyses were conducted using the Review Manager software version 5.2.The outcome measures are presented as weighed mean differences(WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs).Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q test and the I2 statistic.RESULTS:A total of 21 relevant publications were identified.A meta-analysis of 11 studies with 513 patients with diabetes mellitus(DM) showed significantly lower glycosylated hemoglobin(Hb A1c) levels in the H.pylori-negative than H.pylori-positive DM participants(WMD = 0.43,95%CI:0.07-0.79;P = 0.02).In children and adolescents with type 1 DM(T1DM),there was a positive association between H.pylori infection and Hb A1 c level(WMD = 0.35,95%CI:0.05-0.64;P = 0.02),but there was no difference in those with type 2 DM(T2DM,WMD = 0.51,95%CI:-0.63-1.65;P = 0.38).A meta-analysis of six studies with 325 T2 DM participants showed a significant difference in the fasting plasma glucose levels between H.pylori-positive and H.pylori-negative participants(WMD = 1.20,95%CI:0.17-2.23;P = 0.02).Eradication of H.pylori did not improve glycemic control in the T2 DM participants in a threemonth follow-up period(Hb A1 c decrease:WMD =-0.03,95%CI =-0.14-0.08;P = 0.57;fasting plasma glucose decrease:WMD =-0.06,95%CI:-0.36-0.23;P = 0.68).Glycemic control was significantly better in T1 DM participants who were not reinfected than in those who were reinfected(Hb A1c:WMD = 0.72,95%CI:0.32-1.13:P = 0.00).CONCLUSION:H.pylori infection is associated with poorer glycemic control in T1 DM patients,but eradication may not improve glycemic control in DM in a short-term follow-up period.

Intraoperative glycemic control procedures and the use of an artificial pancreas

Strict intraoperative glycemic control can significantly decrease the incidence of postoperative infection; however, anesthesiologists must carefully control blood glucose levels as well as properly manage the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. However, standard blood glucose measurement systems and insulin dosing algorithms, which are necessary for achieving strict glycemic control, have not yet been developed. An artificial pancreas (STG-22TM; Nikkiso Co., Tokyo, Japan) is considered a highly accurate blood glucose monitoring system capable of closed-loop control of blood glucose. The device has, however, many problems to be addressed since it is a large and expensive system with little versatility, and it requires a large amount of blood to be collected. Therefore, the development of less invasive and inexpensive systems with future technological progress is greatly anticipated.