The association of isocarbophos and isofenphos with different types of glucose metabolism: The role of inflammatory cells.

To investigate the associations between isocarbophos and isofenphos with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to assess the mediation roles of inflammation cells. There were 2701 participants in the case-control study, including 896 patients with T2DM, 900 patients with IFG, 905 subjects with NGT. Plasma isocarbophos and isofenphos concentrations were measured using gas chromatography and triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear models were used to calculate the relationships between plasma isofenphos and isocarbophos levels with inflammatory factor levels and T2DM. Inflammatory cell was used as mediators to estimate the mediating effects on the above associations. Isocarbophos and isofenphos were positively related with T2DM after adjusting for other factors. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) (OR (95%CI)) for T2DM was 1.041 (1.015, 1.068) and for IFG was 1.066 (1.009, 1.127) per unit rise in ln-isocarbophos. The prevalence of T2DM increased by 6.4% for every 1 unit more of ln-isofenphos (OR (95% CI): 1.064 (1.041, 1.087)). Additionally, a 100% rise in ln-isocarbophos was linked to 3.3% higher ln-HOMA2IR and a 0.029 mmol/L higher glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (95% CI: 0.007, 0.051). While a 100% rise in ln-isofenphos was linked to increase in ln-HOMA2 and ln-HOMA2IR of 5.8% and 3.4%, respectively. Furthermore, white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophilic (NE) were found to be mediators in the relationship between isocarbophos and T2DM, and the corresponding proportions were 17.12% and 17.67%, respectively. Isofenphos and isocarbophos are associated with IFG and T2DM in the rural Chinese population, WBC and NE have a significant role in this relationship.

GLT-1 downregulation in hippocampal astrocytes induced by type 2 diabetes contributes to postoperative cognitive dysfunction in adult mice.

AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related to an increased risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which may be caused by neuronal hyperexcitability. Astrocyte glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) plays a crucial role in regulating neuron excitability. We investigated if T2DM would magnify the increased neuronal excitability induced by anesthesia/surgery (A/S) and lead to POCD in young adult mice, and if so, determined whether these effects were associated with GLT-1 expression. METHODS: T2DM model was induced by high fat diet (HFD) and injecting STZ. Then, we evaluated the spatial learning and memory of T2DM mice after A/S with the novel object recognition test (NORT) and object location test (OLT). Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression levels of GLT-1 and neuronal excitability. Oxidative stress reaction and neuronal apoptosis were detected with SOD2 expression, MMP level, and Tunel staining. Hippocampal functional synaptic plasticity was assessed with long-term potentiation (LTP). In the intervention study, we overexpressed hippocampal astrocyte GLT-1 in GFAP-Cre mice. Besides, AAV-Camkllα-hM4Di-mCherry was injected to inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability in CA1 region. RESULTS: Our study found T2DM but not A/S reduced GLT-1 expression in hippocampal astrocytes. Interestingly, GLT-1 deficiency alone couldn't lead to cognitive decline, but the downregulation of GLT-1 in T2DM mice obviously enhanced increased hippocampal glutamatergic neuron excitability induced by A/S. The hyperexcitability caused neuronal apoptosis and cognitive impairment. Overexpression of GLT-1 rescued postoperative cognitive dysfunction, glutamatergic neuron hyperexcitability, oxidative stress reaction, and apoptosis in hippocampus. Moreover, chemogenetic inhibition of hippocampal glutamatergic neurons reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis and alleviated postoperative cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the adult mice with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing POCD, perhaps due to the downregulation of GLT-1 in hippocampal astrocytes, which enhances increased glutamatergic neuron excitability induced by A/S and leads to oxidative stress reaction, and neuronal apoptosis.

ED-71 Ameliorates Bone Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Enhancing Osteogenesis Through Upregulation of the Circadian Rhythm Coregulator BMAL1.

Purpose: Bone loss is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Circadian rhythms play a significant role in T2DM and bone remodeling. Eldecalcitol (ED-71), a novel active vitamin D analog, has shown promise in ameliorating T2DM. We aimed to investigate whether the circadian rhythm coregulator BMAL1 mediates the anti-osteoporotic effect of ED-71 in T2DM and its associated mechanisms. Methods: A T2DM mouse model was established using high-fat diet (HDF) and streptozotocin (STZ) injection, and blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. HE staining, Masson staining, and Micro-CT were performed to assess the changes in bone mass. IHC staining and IF staining were used to detect osteoblast status and BMAL1 expression and RT-qPCR was applied to detect the change of oxidative stress factors. In vitro, high glucose (HG) stimulation was used to simulate the cell environment in T2DM. RT-qPCR, Western blot, IF, ALP staining and AR staining were used to detect osteogenic differentiation and SIRT1/GSK3ß signaling pathway. DCFH-DA staining was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Results: ED-71 increased bone mass and promoted osteogenesis in T2DM mice. Moreover, ED-71 inhibited oxidative stress and promoted BMAL1 expression in osteoblasts The addition of STL1267, an agonist of the BMAL1 transcriptional repressor protein REV-ERB, reversed the inhibitory effect of ED-71 on oxidative stress and the promotional effect on osteogenic differentiation. In addition, ED-71 facilitated SIRT1 expression and reduced GSK3ß activity. The inhibition of SIRT1 with EX527 partially attenuated ED-71's effects, whereas the GSK3ß inhibitor LiCl further enhanced ED-71's positive effects on BMAL1 expression. Conclusion: ED-71 ameliorates bone loss in T2DM by upregulating the circadian rhythm coregulator BMAL1 and promoting osteogenesis through inhibition of oxidative stress. The SIRT1/GSK3ß signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of BMAL1.

Exploring the Effect of Exercise versus Metformin on Insulin Resistance amongst Nigerians with Pre-diabetes: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Pre-diabetes is an important risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and is common in Nigeria. Effective intervention can reverse the underlying pathogenesis of insulin resistance in pre-diabetes. This study aimed to determine and compare the impact of moderate exercise and metformin interventions on insulin resistance among participants with pre-diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a randomised placebo-controlled design, 54 Nigerians with pre-diabetes were selected using simple random sampling. They were offered metformin, moderate exercise or placebo treatment and followed up for 12 weeks. Insulin resistance was assessed before and after the interventions and the outcome was compared. RESULTS: Forty-nine participants with pre-diabetes completed the study. Participants in both the exercise and metformin groups had significantly decreased insulin resistance compared to placebo after 12 weeks of intervention. However, there was a decrease in insulin resistance by 77.3% (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) and an increase in insulin sensitivity by 81.2% (quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI]) in the exercise group. In comparison, participants in the metformin group had a decrease in insulin resistance by 66.3% (HOMA-IR) and an increase in insulin sensitivity by 76.2% (QUICKI). CONCLUSION: Amongst Nigerians with pre-diabetes, both moderate exercise and metformin have significantly higher efficacy than placebo in improving insulin resistance. However, moderate exercise improved insulin resistance more than the metformin intervention. Participants in this study need to be followed up for a longer period to assess the long-term effects of these interventions.

Perirenal Fat Thickness Is Associated With Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Catheterization.

Background: Deposition of adipose tissue may have a promoting role in the development of diabetic complications. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between adipose tissue thickness and risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 603 T2DM patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography or angioplasty with suspicious or confirmed stable coronary artery disease were enrolled in this study. The thicknesses of perirenal fat (PRF), subcutaneous fat (SCF), intraperitoneal fat (IPF), and epicardial fat (ECF) were measured by color Doppler ultrasound, respectively. The association of various adipose tissues with CIN was analyzed. Results: Seventy-seven patients (12.8%) developed CIN in this cohort. Patients who developed CIN had significantly thicker PRF (13.7 ± 4.0 mm vs. 8.9 ± 3.6 mm, p < 0.001), slightly thicker IPF (p = 0.046), and similar thicknesses of SCF (p = 0.782) and ECF (p = 0.749) compared to those who did not develop CIN. Correlation analysis showed that only PRF was positively associated with postoperation maximal serum creatinine (sCr) (r = 0.18, p = 0.012), maximal absolute change in sCr (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), and maximal percentage of change in sCr (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of PRF (0.809) for CIN was significantly higher than those of SCF (0.490), IPF (0.594), and ECF (0.512). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further confirmed that thickness of PRF, rather than other adipose tissues, was independently associated with the development of CIN after adjusted for confounding factors (odds ratio (OR) = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.38-1.71, p < 0.001). Conclusions: PRF is independently associated with the development of CIN in T2DM patients undergoing coronary catheterization.

THE ROLE OF MYONECTIN IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a chronic devastating disease characterized by remarkable tissue damage. AIM: This prospective study conducted in Tikrit City aimed to investigate the role of myonectin and glycemic control parameters in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: The study enrolled 60 patients with T2DM and 30 controls participants. Blood withdrawn, serum separated, serum myonectin and glycemic control parameters were quantified using Cobas C 111 analyzer. The mean serum level FBS (263.60±130.83) and HbA1C (97.56±15.54%) in T2DM patients compared with the control group (p≤0.0001). Myonectin level (pg/ml) significantly reduced (p>0.005) in T2DM (292.78±110.32) compared with the control group (379.72±140.64). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating myonectin levels were decreased in T2DM patients. Moreover, serum myonectin levels were correlated with metabolic markers of T2DM. These data suggest that myonectin may be a useful marker in predicting the development of T2DM.

ANTIOXIDANTS, LIPID PROFILES, AND GLUCOSE LEVELS, AS WELL AS PERSISTENT INFLAMMATION, ARE CENTRAL TO THE LINK BETWEEN DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE II AND OXIDATIVE STRESS.

One of the four main non-communicable illnesses, diabetes mellitus, calls for immediate attention from all key stakeholders worldwide to address its prevalence and related consequences. Hyperglycemia and hyperglycemic-induced oxidative stress and inflammation are thought as the third largest risk factor for early mortality throughout the globe, killing an estimated 1.6 million people annually. Hyperglycemia hyperglycemic-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus are all intricately connected. Several studies showed that subclinical inflammation adds to insulin resistance and is connected to the hallmarks of metabolic syndrome, including hyperglycemia, that increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Inflammation increases the creation of reactive oxygen species, which will be later increased by oxidative stress. The fundamental impetus for this study was the recognition of the interplay between diabetes, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This literature review focuses on type 2 diabetes and selected diabetic complications, and it analyses the relationship between these diseases, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation, risk factors for developing diabetes, and the mechanisms behind hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress.

Uncovering novel regulatory variants in carbohydrate metabolism: a comprehensive multi-omics study of glycemic traits in the Indian population.

Clinical biomarkers such as fasting glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin, which gauge glycemic status in the body, are highly influenced by diet. Indians are genetically predisposed to type 2 diabetes and their carbohydrate-centric diet further elevates the disease risk. Despite the combined influence of genetic and environmental risk factors, Indians have been inadequately explored in the studies of glycemic traits. Addressing this gap, we investigate the genetic architecture of glycemic traits at genome-wide level in 4927 Indians (without diabetes). Our analysis revealed numerous variants of sub-genome-wide significance, and their credibility was thoroughly assessed by integrating data from various levels. This identified key effector genes, ZNF470, DPP6, GXYLT2, PITPNM3, BEND7, and LORICRIN-PGLYRP3. While these genes were weakly linked with carbohydrate intake or glycemia earlier in other populations, our findings demonstrated a much stronger association in the Indian population. Associated genetic variants within these genes served as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in various gut tissues essential for digestion. Additionally, majority of these gut eQTLs functioned as methylation quantitative trait loci (meth-QTLs) observed in peripheral blood samples from 223 Indians, elucidating the underlying mechanism of their regulation of target gene expression. Specific co-localized eQTLs-meth-QTLs altered the binding affinity of transcription factors targeting crucial genes involved in glucose metabolism. Our study identifies previously unreported genetic variants that strongly influence the diet-glycemia relationship. These findings set the stage for future research into personalized lifestyle interventions integrating genetic insights with tailored dietary strategies to mitigate disease risk based on individual genetic profiles.

[Current Use of Sodium Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure Therapy]. / Kalp Yetersizligi Tedavisinde Sodyum Glukoz Ko-transporter 2 Inhibitörlerinin Güncel Kullanimi.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) inhibit urinary glucose and sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the nephron and result in glucosuria, natriuresis and diuresis. In patients with T2DM who have atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease or CV risk factors, SGLT2is have been shown to reduce major CV events and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. The greatest and most consistent effect of SGLT2is in these trials was found to be reduction in HF hospitalization, which raised the possibility of clinical benefit of SGLT2i in HF patients. In DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced trials in HFrEF patients with or without T2DM, SGLT2is, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin treatment on top of standard HF therapy has been shown to have clear clinical benefit in reducing primary endpoint of CV mortality or HF hospitalization and improving quality of life. Recently published EMPEROR-Preserved and DELIVER trials showed that SGLT2is were also very effective in the treatment of HFpEF (EF >40%). Furthermore, SGLT2is have also been shown to have potential in improving clinical outcomes in hospitalized acute HF patients in EMPULSE and DICTATE-AHF trials. All of this evidence has changed guidelines recommended therapies, not only for HFrEF but also for HFpEF treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview focused on the role of SGLT2i in the treatment of HF based on the recent evidence.

Genetic Features of Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Arctic Peoples.

Prolonged adaptation of ancestors of indigenous peoples of the Far North of Asia and America to extreme natural and climatic conditions of the Arctic has resulted in changes in genes controlling various metabolic processes. However, most genetic variability observed in the Eskimo and Paleoasians (the Chukchi and Koryaks) is related to adaptation to the traditional Arctic diet, which is rich in lipids and proteins but extremely poor in plant carbohydrates. The results of population genetic studies have demonstrated that specific polymorphic variants in genes related to lipid metabolism (CPT1A, FADS1, FADS2, and CYB5R2) and carbohydrate metabolism (AMY1, AMY2A, and SI) are prevalent in the Eskimo and Paleoasian peoples. When individuals deviate from their traditional dietary patterns, the aforementioned variants of genetic polymorphism can lead to the development of metabolic disorders. American Eskimo-specific variants in genes related to glucose metabolism (TBC1D and ADCY) significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These circumstances indicate the necessity for a large-scale genetic testing of indigenous population of the Far North and the need to study the biochemical and physiological consequences of genetically determined changes in the activity of enzymes of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

[GLP-1 receptor agonists : impact on diabetic kidney disease]. / Agonistes des récepteurs du GLP-1 : ­impact sur la maladie rénale diabétique.

In addition to optimal glycemic control and management of other factors aggravating the pathology (hypertension, dyslipidemia, -obesity), the cornerstone of treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) includes blockers of the renin-angiotensin system, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors or nonsteroidal antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor (finerenone). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are recommended in the treatment of high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to reduce cardiovascular (CV) risk. Data from CV studies indicate a nephroprotective effect of certain GLP-1 RAs in T2DM patients with DKD. The FLOW study published in May 2024, analyzing the impact of semaglutide vs placebo on renal events as primary outcome, confirms this renal protection of GLP-1 RAs.

Outre le contrôle glycémique et la prise en charge d'autres ­facteurs d'aggravation de la pathologie, la pierre angulaire du traitement de la maladie rénale diabétique (MRD) comprend les bloqueurs du système rénine-angiotensine, les inhibiteurs du cotransporteur sodium-glucose de type 2 ou encore la finérénone (antagoniste de l'aldostérone). Les agonistes du récepteur du glucagon-like peptide-1 (ARGLP-1) sont recommandés dans le traitement des patients avec un diabète de type 2 (DT2) à haut risque afin de réduire le risque cardiovasculaire (CV). Les ­données provenant des études CV indiquent un effet néphro­protecteur de certains ARGLP-1 chez les patients DT2 avec MRD. L'étude FLOW, publiée fin mai 2024 et analysant l'impact du sémaglutide sur les événements rénaux comme critère principal, confirme cette protection rénale des ARGLP-1.

[Innovative therapeutic drug combination for type 2 diabetes at cardiorenal risk]. / Combinaison thérapeutique innovante pour le diabète type 2 à risque cardiorénal.

Both glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve cardiorenal -prognosis of at-risk patients with type 2 diabetes thanks to pleiotropic effects that are either common or specific. This article discusses the clinical efficacy of a combined therapy with the two medications. Data were obtained from post hoc analyses of subgroups of participants to cardiovascular outcome trials and from real-life observational retro-spective cohort studies. The reported superiority of the combination versus either monotherapy should be confirmed in an ongoing large prospective trial (PRECIDENTD). The extra-cost of such a combined therapy as well as the common underuse of each pharmacological class in daily clinical practice deserve attention.

Les agonistes des récepteurs du glucagon-like peptide-1 (ARGLP-1) et les inhibiteurs des cotransporteurs sodium-glucose 2 (iSGLT2) améliorent le pronostic cardiorénal des patients avec un diabète de type 2 à risque grâce à des effets pléiotropes à la fois communs et spécifiques. Cet article discute l'efficacité d'une combinaison des deux classes à partir d'analyses de sous-groupes de participants aux grands essais contrôlés à visée cardiovasculaire et de données observationnelles en vie réelle provenant d'études rétrospectives de cohortes. La supériorité de la combinaison rapportée par rapport à l'une ou l'autre monothérapie devra être confirmée dans un grand essai prospectif en cours (PRECIDENTD). Le surcoût d'une telle combinaison et la sous-utilisation déjà constatée en pratique clinique pour chaque classe méritent attention.

[Continuous glucose monitoring for better glucose control in type 2 diabetes?] / Diabète de type 2 : vers un contrôle opti­mal grâce au ­suivi continu du glucose ?

This article reviews the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Study results show that continuous CGM use improves glycemic control, lowers glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and reduces hypoglycemic episodes compared with traditional monitoring methods. -Observational studies also suggest a reduction in diabetes-related emergencies and hospitalizations. In addition, sporadic use of CGM appears to be beneficial for certain groups of people with T2D. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and limitations of this technology. This article discusses -innovative perspectives on T2D management.

Cet article explore l'impact des dispositifs de mesure continue du glucose (MCG) dans la gestion du diabète de type 2 (DT2). Les ­résultats des études démontrent que l'utilisation régulière de la MCG améliore le contrôle de la glycémie, réduit les taux d'hémoglobine glyquée (HbA1c) et diminue les épisodes hypoglycémiques par rapport à la surveillance traditionnelle. Les données issues d'études observationnelles mettent également en évidence une réduction des événements aigus liée au diabète et des hospitalisations. De plus, l'emploi occasionnel de la MCG semble davantage bénéfique pour certains groupes de patients DT2. Toutefois, des recherches supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour clarifier les effets à long terme et les limites de cette technologie. Cet article discute les perspectives innovantes pour la gestion du DT2.

Lifestyle of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with peripheral neuropathy: Phenomenological study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the lifestyle-related characteristics of people having type 2 diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: The phenomenological study was conducted from July 5 to September 18, 2021, at Sadabuan Health Centre, Batunadua Health Centre and Wek 3 Health Centre, Padangsidimpuan, Indonesia, and comprised diabetic neuropathy patients who had cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression. Data was collected using in-depth interviews. Data was analysed using Collaizi's method. RESULTS: There were 8 subjects with mean age 48.38±13,606 years (range: 27-65 years), and mean duration of diabetes was 6±3.207 years. The majority of participants in this study were women 6 (75%). There were 7 themes that emerged from the collected data: level of physical activity, diet, sleep pattern, habit of consuming sweet drinks, smoking habit, social interaction, and self-care. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus patient with peripheral neuropathy had not been able to completely switch to a healthier lifestyle.

Characteristics and comorbidity of confirmed COVID-19 death cases at the Arifin Achmad Hospital in Riau province from March 2020 to September 2021.

Objectives: To investigate the characteristics and comorbidity among those who died due to coronavirus disease-2019. METHODS: The cohort retrospective study was conducted at Arifin Achmad Public Hospital, Riau, Indonesia, from January 5 to February 28, 2022, and comprised data of all coronavirus disease-2019 patients who had been treated at the hospital from March 2020 to October 2021. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression including univariate and bivariate analysis was applied. RESULTS: Of the 1,694 patients, 916(54.1%) were females and 904(53.4%) were aged >50 years. The most frequent comorbidity was type 2 diabetes mellitus 280(16.5%), followed by hypertension 254(14.9%) and chronic renal failure 194(11.4%). Mortality was significantly higher among those aged >50 years and those having diabetes mellitus and hypertension (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with comorbidities were at a greater risk of acquiring coronavirus disease-2019 infection.

Information behaviours of people with type 2 diabetes in Kuwait: a grounded theory study.

BACKGROUND: Relative to country-specific epidemiological trends, Kuwait experiences a far greater burden of type 2 diabetes among its population. Information behaviours form a significant component of self-care management for patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, however this remains an understudied aspect of disease management. This study aims to investigate the information behaviours of patients with type 2 diabetes in Kuwait, and characterise the methods employed to manage their disease. METHODS: This qualitative study employed a grounded theory method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-seven participants over three phases of data collection in primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings across Kuwait. These were complemented by in-depth interviews to detail the information behaviours of these participants. The interviews were translated where appropriate, transcripts, and analysed through qualitative coding to synthesise the information behaviour patterns. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that living with type 2 diabetes involved a range of developmental and transformative stages, including changes to the patients' emotional state, reconstruction of their lifestyle and identity, and changes in the ways they find and use information. Living with the chronic condition was viewed as a dynamic and transitional process, where patients' information behaviours continually changed throughout the process across various identifiable stages. This dynamic pattern was reflected most prominently across the participants' behavioural needs, sources and information-seeking patterns. CONCLUSION: Patients with type 2 diabetes continuously adapted their information behaviours to optimise the self-management of their condition across a relatively predictable pattern. Greater understanding of these behaviours across a wider population would improve the provision of clinical care for patients with diabetes.

Household economic burden of type-2 diabetes and hypertension comorbidity care in urban-poor Ghana: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) predispose households to exorbitant healthcare expenditures in health systems where there is no access to effective financial protection for healthcare. This study assessed the economic burden associated with the rising burden of type-2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension comorbidity management, and its implications for healthcare seeking in urban Accra. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed-methods study design was used. Quantitative sociodemographic and cost data were collected through survey from a random community-based sample of 120 adults aged 25 years and older and living with comorbid T2D and hypertension in Ga Mashie, Accra, Ghana in November and December 2022. The monthly economic cost of T2D and hypertension comorbidity care was estimated using a descriptive cost-of-illness analysis technique from the perspective of patients. Thirteen focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among community members with and without comorbid T2D and hypertension. The FGDs were analysed using deductive and inductive thematic approaches. Findings from the survey and qualitative study were integrated in the discussion. RESULTS: Out of a total of 120 respondents who self-reported comorbid T2D and hypertension, 23 (19.2%) provided complete healthcare cost data. The direct cost of managing T2D and hypertension comorbidity constituted almost 94% of the monthly economic cost of care, and the median direct cost of care was US$19.30 (IQR:10.55-118.88). Almost a quarter of the respondents pay for their healthcare through co-payment and insurance jointly, and 42.9% pay out-of-pocket (OOP). Patients with lower socioeconomic status incurred a higher direct cost burden compared to those in the higher socioeconomic bracket. The implications of the high economic burden resulting from self-funding of healthcare were found from the qualitative study to be: 1) poor access to quality healthcare; (2) poor medication adherence; (3) aggravated direct non-medical and indirect cost; and (4) psychosocial support to help cope with the cost burden. CONCLUSION: The economic burden associated with healthcare in instances of comorbid T2D and hypertension can significantly impact household budget and cause financial difficulty or impoverishment. Policies targeted at effectively managing NCDs should focus on strengthening a comprehensive and reliable National Health Insurance Scheme coverage for care of chronic conditions.