Thoracic spine fracture in the course of severe nocturnal hypoglycemia in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus--the role of low bone mineral density.

Thus far, only a few spine fracture cases related to severe nocturnal hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes patients have been reported. Due to the relatively young age of these subjects, osteoporosis was not taken into consideration and bone mineral density was not assessed. We report three type 1 diabetes cases in young patients with durations of 2, 4, and 19 years. These patients had severe hypoglycemic attacks during night sleep with subsequent compression thoracic vertebrae fractures. Laboratory parameters for diabetes control, calcium, phosphate metabolism and celiac-specific antibodies were assessed. Moreover, kidney, thyroid, and parathyroid gland functions were also measured. Bone mineral density was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Lumbar spine x-ray absorptiometry revealed very low bone mineral density in all three patients. In all subjects, metabolic control was good, no chronic diabetes complications were found and other laboratory parameters were within a normal range. For the first time, it was demonstrated that low bone mineral density in young type 1 diabetes patients may contribute to an increased compression fracture risk of the dorsal spine during severe nocturnal hypoglycemia courses. The possibility of osteoporosis in young patients with short diabetes durations suggests it might be advisable to perform bone mineral density testing during diabetes diagnoses. Spinal pain occurrences in young patients after severe nocturnal hypoglycemia should be investigated using procedures for the diagnosis of vertebral compression fracture, even if there is no evident trauma.

High-Protein or Low Glycemic Index Diet-Which Energy-Restricted Diet Is Better to Start a Weight Loss Program?

BACKGROUND: To date, no crossover studies have compared the effects of high-protein (HP) and low glycemic index (LGI) diets applied as starting energy-restricted diets. METHODS: Thirty-five overweight or obese volunteers with sedentary lifestyles aged 41.4 ± 11.0 years, with body mass index (BMI) of 33.6 ± 4.2 kg/m2, without diabetes, completed an 8-week randomized crossover study of an energy-restricted diet (reduction of 30%; approximately 600 kcal/day). The anthropometric parameters, body composition, 24 h blood pressure, and basic metabolic profile were measured at baseline and after completing the two 4-week diets; i.e., the HP (protein at 30% of the daily energy intake) or LGI diet, followed by the opposite diet. All subjects maintained food diaries and attended six counselling sessions with a clinical dietitian. RESULTS: The final weight loss was not significantly different when the HP diet was used first but was associated with a greater loss of fat mass: 4.6 kg (5.8; 3.0 kg) vs. 2.2 (4.5; 0.8); p < 0.025, preserved muscle mass, and reduced LDL-cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term HP diet applied as a jump-start diet appeared to be more beneficial than an LGI diet, as indicated by the greater fat mass loss, preservation of muscle mass, and better effects on the lipid profile.