Laser therapy for onychomycosis in patients with diabetes at risk for foot ulcers: a randomized, quadruple-blind, sham-controlled trial (LASER-1).

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes mellitus are at high risk for onychomycosis, which is related to the development of foot ulcers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment of onychomycosis with local laser therapy. METHODS: In a single-centre, randomized (1:1), quadruple-blind, sham-controlled trial, patients and microbiological confirmation with diabetes mellitus, at risk for developing diabetic foot ulcers (Sims classification score 1, 2) and a clinical suspicion on onychomycosis, were randomized to either four sessions neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd-YAG) 1064 nm laser or sham treatment. The primary outcome was clinical and microbiological cure of onychomycosis after 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: From March 2015 to July 2016, 64 patients were randomized; 63 could be analysed. Trichophyton rubrum was the most detected pathogen. There was no difference in the primary outcome between laser and sham treatment. With the exception of a subungual haematoma in the fifth toenail occurring 2 weeks after laser treatment, the results suggested that treatment with Nd-YAG 1064 nm laser is safe. CONCLUSION: At this moment, there is no evidence of any effect of laser treatment for onychomycosis in patients with diabetes at increased risk for foot ulcers, at least not within 1 year after treatment.

Active participation of patients with type 2 diabetes in consultations with their primary care practice nurses - what helps and what hinders: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving primary care regularly visit their practice nurses (PNs). By actively participating during medical consultations, patients can better manage their disease, improving clinical outcomes and their quality of life. However, many patients with T2DM do not actively participate during medical consultations. To understand the factors affecting engagement of patients with T2DM, this study aimed to identify factors that help or hinder them from actively participating in consultations with their primary care PNs. METHODS: Two semi-structured focus groups and 12 semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with patients with T2DM (n = 20) who were undergoing treatment by primary care PNs. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a two-step approach derived from the context-mapping framework. RESULTS: Four factors were found to help encourage patients to actively participate in their consultation: developing trusting relationships with their PNs, having enough time in the appointment, deliberately preparing for consultations, and allowing for the presence of a spouse. Conversely, four factors were found to hinder patients from participating during consultations: lacking the need or motivation to participate, readjusting to a new PN, forgetting to ask questions, and ineffectively expressing their thoughts. CONCLUSION: Patients lacked the skills necessary to adequately prepare for a consultation and achieve an active role. In addition, patients' keen involvement appeared to benefit from a trusting relationship with their PNs. When active participation is impeded by barriers such as a lack of patient's skills, facilitators should be introduced at an early stage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials NTR4693 (July 16, 2014).

Healthcare reimbursement costs of children with type 1 diabetes in the Netherlands, a observational nationwide study (Young Dudes-4).

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. Studies on costs related to T1DM are scarce and focused primarily on the costs directly related to diabetes. We aimed to investigate both the overall healthcare costs and the more specific costs related to the management of diabetes. METHODS: This is a retrospective and observational, nationwide cohort study of all Dutch children (aged 0-18 years) with T1DM. Data were collected from the national registry for healthcare reimbursement, in which all Dutch insurance companies combine their reimbursement data. In the Netherlands for all Dutch citizens health care is covered by law and all children are treated by hospital-based paediatricians. RESULTS: We analysed 6710 children distributed over 81 hospitals: 475 children in 6 university hospitals and 6235 children in 75 general hospitals. Total reimbursement for all children with T1DM over the period 2009 to 2011 was € 167,494,732 corresponding to an annual mean of € 55,831,577 of total costs and € 8326 euros per child. When comparing small (between 26 and 54 patients), medium (57-84 patients) and large (88-248 patients) general hospitals, costs per patient were highest in the hospitals with the highest number of T1DM patients. The costs for devices, secondary care and pharmaceutics had most impact on total expenditures. Over the study period, there was a slight decrease in per person costs. CONCLUSION: The overall health expenditure of a child with T1DM is more than € 8000 per patient per annum. Given the move towards more device-intensive multidisciplinary care for these patients, the costs of treating T1DM in children are likely to increase further in the coming years.

Association Between Orthostatic Hypotension and Handgrip Strength With Successful Rehabilitation in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between orthostatic hypotension (OH) and muscle strength versus time to successful rehabilitation within elderly patients with hip fracture. DESIGN: A prospective, observational cohort study. Handgrip strength was measured at the day of admission and OH as soon as possible after surgery. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to investigate the relationship between OH or handgrip strength (kg) and time to successful rehabilitation, expressed as hazard ratios (HRs). OH was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of ≥20mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥10mmHg after postural change (dichotomous). Handgrip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer (continuous). SETTING: General hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=116) aged ≥70 years with a hip fracture were recruited on the day of hospital admission. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was time to successful rehabilitation, which was defined as discharge to patients' own homes. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 36 days (interquartile range, 9-57d), 103 patients (89%) were successfully rehabilitated. No statistically significant relationships were found between OH and time to successful rehabilitation (HR=1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], .67-1.66). Also, handgrip strength and successful rehabilitation were not statistically significantly related (HR=1.03; 95% CI, .99-1.06). CONCLUSIONS: OH measured during the first days of hospitalization is not related to time to successful rehabilitation in patients with hip fracture who have undergone surgery. Although no significant relationship was seen in the present study, the width of the CIs does not exclude a relevant relationship between handgrip strength and time to successful rehabilitation.

Intraperitoneal insulin infusion: treatment option for type 1 diabetes resulting in beneficial endocrine effects beyond glycaemia.

Continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion (CIPII) is a treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who fail to reach adequate glycaemic control despite intensive subcutaneous (SC) insulin therapy. CIPII has clear advantages over SC insulin administration in terms of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and has been shown to improve glycaemic regulation. Due to the delivery of insulin predominantly in the portal vein, as opposed to systemically, CIPII offers a unique research model to investigate the effects of insulin on endocrine and metabolic parameters in vivo. The aim of the present article is to provide an overview of the literature with respect to the effects of CIPII on glucose management, quality of life, complications and costs, with additional focus on metabolic and endocrine aspects. Finally, future use and research objectives are discussed.

Excess mortality in mothers of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

STUDY QUESTION: Do diabetic parents of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) encounter excess mortality compared with the mortality of men and women with type 2 diabetes, recruited without selection for PCOS? SUMMARY ANSWER: Type 2 diabetes among mothers of PCOS patients results in excess mortality compared with women with diabetes from the general population. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Insulin resistance is a prominent feature of PCOS. Because of the heritable nature of PCOS, parents of these patients are also prone to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus, which might influence their life expectancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This reverse parent-offspring study included 946 mothers and 902 fathers of patients with PCOS. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The medical history of the parents was primarily obtained during the initial screening of each patient and updated via questionnaires. Mortality data of these parents were compared with the mortality rates of the general Dutch population and with mortality rates of a control population consisting of 1353 men and women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated as the ratio of the observed mortality of the parents to the expected mortality in the general Dutch population. The mortality of parents with type 2 diabetes mellitus relative to controls with diabetes but not related to anyone with PCOS was standardized for age, gender and calendar period using Poisson regression. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE: In total, 302 parents were deceased in 62 693 person-years. Mothers above age 60 had a significant excess mortality of 1.50 (95% CI 1.15-1.92) compared with the general Dutch population. Moreover, mothers with diabetes had two-times higher mortality risk compared with control women with diabetes (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.19-3.41). No excess mortality among fathers of PCOS patients was observed. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION: Although recall bias for family history was previously demonstrated to be minimal for long-term chronic diseases, the prevalence of diabetes in the parents was based on their daughter's self-report and was not clinically confirmed. Also, no other additional clinical data regarding the parent population were available. Prospective long-term follow-up studies should be conducted to confirm this excess mortality. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings justify screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus among the mothers with a daughter suffering from PCOS to ensure that timely preventive and therapeutic measures according to the appropriate guidelines can be taken. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No particular funding was received for this study. Y.V.L., M.E.R.-S., N.K., J.R.v.L., M.v.d.B., H.J.G.B. and E.J.G.S. do not have any conflict of interest. J.S.E.L. has received fees and grant support from the following companies (in alphabetic order): Ferring, Genovum, Merck-Serono, Organon, Schering Plough and Serono. B.C.J.M.F. has received fees and grant support from the following companies (in alphabetic order): Andromed, Ardana, Ferring, Genovum, Merck Serono, Organon, Pantharei Bioscience, PregLem, Schering, Schering Plough, Serono, and Wyeth. These companies had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Prognostic value of Geriatric-8 for adverse outcomes within 30 days of surgery in older adults with colorectal cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether the Geriatric-8 (G8) has the accuracy to preselect patients for complete geriatric assessment, and has the ability to predict adverse outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We therefore aimed to determine whether the G8, or other variables present in the medical record, are applicable in predicting 30-day adverse outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery for CRC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study involving patients ≥70 years who had surgery for CRC between 2018 and 2020 in a general hospital in the Netherlands. The primary outcome was adverse outcome(s), which is a composite of surgical and non-surgical complications, readmission and mortality, all within 30 days of surgery. The secondary endpoints were the individual components, such as delirium, infection and ileus. We explored potential prognostic factors using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Data were collected from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit (DRCA) and medical records. RESULTS: The study included 200 patients (mean age 78.9 years: 50% female), with 36.5% having adverse outcomes in the first 30 days of surgery. In neither univariate nor multivariable analysis were G8 scores associated with adverse outcomes. Factors with higher odds of adverse outcomes were male gender, and having cognitive decline or previous delirium. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that G8 scores have no prognostic value for adverse outcomes, complications and mortality within 30 days of surgery among older adults with CRC. Therefore, the G8 should not be the tool for short-term risk prediction of adverse outcomes in these patients.

Copeptin, a surrogate marker for arginine vasopressin, is associated with declining glomerular filtration in patients with diabetes mellitus (ZODIAC-33).

AIM/HYPOTHESIS: Arginine vasopressin (AVP), the hormone important for maintaining fluid balance, has been shown to cause kidney damage in rodent models of diabetes. We investigated the potential role of AVP in the natural course of kidney function decline in diabetes in an epidemiological study. METHODS: Plasma copeptin, a surrogate for AVP, was measured in baseline samples from patients with type 2 diabetes treated in primary care and included in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) cohort. RESULTS: Samples from 1,328 patients were available; 349 were analysed separately because they used renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition (RAASi), which influences albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated (e)GFR. In the other 979 patients (46% men, age 68 years [58-75], ACR 1.8 mg/mmol [0.9-5.7], eGFR 67 ± 14 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2)) baseline copeptin (5.3 pmol/l [3.2-9.5]) was significantly associated with log e [ACR] and eGFR, even after adjustment for sex, age and risk factors for kidney function decline (standardised [std] ß 0.13, p < 0.001, std ß -0.20, p < 0.001 respectively). Follow-up data were available for 756 patients (6.5 years [4.1-9.6]). Baseline copeptin was associated with increase in ACR (std ß 0.09, p = 0.02), but lost significance after adjustment (std ß 0.07, p = 0.08). Copeptin was associated with a decrease in eGFR after adjustment (std ß -0.09, p = 0.03). The strength of the association of copeptin with change in eGFR was stronger than that of established risk factors for kidney function decline (e.g. BMI, HbA1c). In patients who used RAASi there was a significant association between baseline copeptin and ACR and eGFR, but not with change in ACR and eGFR. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In patients with diabetes not using RAASi a higher baseline copeptin concentration is significantly associated with higher baseline ACR and lower eGFR values and with a decline in eGFR during follow-up. This last association is independent of, and stronger than, most traditional risk factors for kidney function decline.

Time for considering other blood pressure target values in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes?

Although blood pressure control has undoubtedly proven its benefits in reducing the high cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it still remains unclear whether intensive antihypertensive treatment in old age (> 75 years) is beneficial. Many of the current guidelines recommend a systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 140 mmHg or lower, unless patients are at high risk for possible adverse events such as postural hypotension (1,2). This perspective aims to get a discussion started on the appropriate target SBP value for patients with T2DM aged older than 75 years.We would like to propose the less stringent value of< 160 mmHg in this specific population.

Glycaemic control and the risk of mortality in elderly type 2 diabetic patients (ZODIAC-20).

AIMS: Studies on macrovascular consequences of glucose control in elderly patients (>75 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between HbA(1c) and mortality in this specific population. METHODS: Between 1998 and 1999, 374 primary care patients with T2DM aged older than 75 years participated in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care study, a prospective observational study. Early 2009, data on mortality were collected. Updated means for annually measured HbA(1c) values were calculated after a follow-up time of 10 years. Updated mean HbA(1c) was used as a time-dependent covariate in a Cox proportional hazard model. Main outcome measures were all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Analyses were performed in strata according to diabetes duration (<5, 5-11 and ≥11 years). RESULTS: In the group with a diabetes duration <5 years, an increase of 1% in the updated mean HbA(1c) level was associated with an increase in all-cause and CVD mortality risk of 51% (95% CI 17-95%) and 72% (95% CI 19-148%), respectively. Glycaemic control was not related to mortality for patients with a diabetes duration ≥5 years. CONCLUSION: Poor glycaemic control is related to increased all-cause and CVD mortality in patients >75 years with T2DM of short duration (<5 years). DISCUSSION: Because of the observational study design, our results should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, they are suggestive that improving glycaemic control may be beneficial in elderly patients with T2DM, especially in those with recently diagnosed T2DM. Randomised-controlled trials are necessary to investigate whether this holds true.

A polymorphism in the gene encoding carnosinase (CNDP1) as a predictor of mortality and progression from nephropathy to end-stage renal disease in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Homozygosity for a five leucine repeat (5L-5L) in the carnosinase gene (CNDP1) has been found to be cross-sectionally associated with a low frequency of diabetic nephropathy (DN), mainly in type 2 diabetes. We prospectively investigated in patients with type 1 diabetes whether: (1) 5L-5L is associated with mortality; (2) there is an interaction of 5L-5L with DN or sex for prediction of mortality; and (3) 5L-5L is associated with progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: In this prospective study in white European patients with type 1 diabetes, individuals with DN were defined by persistent albuminuria ≥ 300 mg/24 h. Controls without nephropathy were defined by persistent (>15 years) normoalbuminuria < 30 mg/24 h. Leucine repeats were assessed with a fluorescent DNA analysis system. Onset of ESRD was defined by need to start chronic dialysis or kidney transplantation. RESULTS: The study involved 916 patients with DN and 1,170 controls. During follow-up for 8.8 years, 107 patients (14%) with 5L-5L died compared with 182 patients (13.8%) with other genotypes (p = 0.99). There was no significant interaction of 5L-5L with DN for prediction of mortality (p = 0.57), but a trend towards interaction with sex (p = 0.08). In patients with DN, HR for ESRD in 5L-5L vs other genotypes was not constant over time, with increased risk for 5L-5L beyond 8 years of follow-up (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: CNDP1 polymorphism was not associated with mortality, and nor was there an interaction of this polymorphism with DN for prediction of mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes. CNDP1 polymorphism predicts progression to ESRD in patients with DN, but only late after baseline measurements.

Hypomagnesemia in persons with type 1 diabetes: associations with clinical parameters and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Among persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) low concentrations of magnesium have been reported. Previous (small) studies also suggested a relation of hypomagnesemia with (poor) glycaemic control and complications. We aimed to investigate the magnitude of hypomagnesemia and the associations between magnesium with parameters of routine T1DM care in a population of unselected outpatients. METHODS: As part of a prospective cohort study, initially designed to measure quality of life and oxidative stress, data from 207 patients with a mean age of 45 [standard deviation (SD) 12] years, 58% male, diabetes duration 22 [interquartile range (IQR) 16, 31] years and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of 60 (SD 11) mmol/mol [7.6 (SD 1.0)%] were examined. Hypomagnesemia was defined as a concentration below <0.7 mmol/l. RESULTS: Mean magnesium concentration was 0.78 (SD 0.05) mmol/l. A deficiency was present in 4.3% of participants. Among these persons, mean concentration was 0.66 (SD 0.03) mmol/l. There was no correlation between magnesium and HbA1c at baseline (r = -0.014, p = 0.843). In multivariable analysis, free thiols (reflecting the degree of oxidative stress) were significantly and negatively associated with magnesium concentrations. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of T1DM outpatients, the presence of hypomagnesemia was infrequent and, if present, relative mild. Magnesium was not associated with glycaemic control nor with presence of micro- and macrovascular complications. Although these results need confirmation, in particular the negative association of magnesium with free thiols, this suggests that hypomagnesemia is not a relevant topic in routine care for people with T1DM.

Determinants of HbA1c reduction with FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring (FLARE-NL 5).

AIMS: To identify factors predicting HbA1c reduction in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) using FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring (FSL-FGM). METHODS: Data from a 12-month prospective nation-wide FSL registry were used and analysed with multivariable regression. For the present study we included patients with hypoglycaemia unawareness or unexpected hypoglycaemias (n = 566) and persons who did not reach acceptable glycaemic control (HbA1c > 70 mmol/mol (8.5%)) (n = 294). People with other indications for use, such as sensation loss of the fingers or individuals already using FSL-FGM or rtCGM, were excluded (37%). RESULTS: Eight hundred and sixty persons (55% male with a mean age of 46.7 (±16.4) years) were included. Baseline HbA1c was 65.1 (±14.5) mmol/mol (8.1 ± 1.3%), 75% of the patients had type 1 DM and 37% had microvascular complications. Data concerning HbA1c was present for 482 (56.0%) at 6 months and 423 (49.2%) persons at 12 months. A significant reduction in HbA1c (≥5 mmol/mol (0.5%)) was present in 187 (22%) persons. For these persons, median HbA1c reduction was -9.0 [-13.0, -4.0] mmol/mol (-0.82 [-1.19, -0.37]%) at 6 months and -9.0 [-15.0, -7.0] mmol/mol (-0.82 [-1.37, -0.64]%) at 12 months. In multivariable regression analysis with age, gender and SF-12 physical and mental component scores as covariates, only baseline HbA1c was significant: -0.319 (SE 0.025; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.240 for the model). In exploratory analysis among subgroups with different indications for FSL-FGM use (hypoglycaemia unawareness or persistently high HbA1c) and persons with a significant HbA1c decrease over the study period, baseline HbA1c remained the only significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Among the variables we analysed in the present study, only high HbA1c at baseline predicts significant HbA1c reduction during FSL-CGM use.

Modification of diet in renal disease and Cockcroft-Gault formulas do not predict mortality (ZODIAC-6).

AIMS: An inverse relationship between estimates of renal function, with formulas such as the Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation or the Cockcroft-Gault formula, and mortality has been suggested. These formulas both contain the variables sex, serum creatinine and age and the latter also contains body weight. We investigated whether these formulas predict mortality better than the variables they contain together in patients with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In 1998, 1143 primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes participated in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) Study, in the Netherlands. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline. Life status was assessed after 6 years. We used Cox proportional hazard modelling to investigate the association between estimates of renal function (continuous data) and the variables they contain and mortality, adjusting for confounders. Both formulas were compared with models consisting of the variables present in the formulas. Predictability was assessed using Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and Harrell's C statistics. RESULTS: At follow-up, 335 patients had died. All variables, except sex, influenced mortality. Predictive capability, indicated by lower BIC values and higher Harrell's C values, was up to 10% better for models containing the separate variables as compared with Cockcroft-Gault or MDRD. CONCLUSIONS: Using estimates of renal function to assess mortality risk decreases predictability as compared with the combination of the risk factors they contain. These formulas, therefore, could be used to estimate renal function; however, they should not be used as a tool to predict mortality risk.

Use of FreeStyle Libre Flash Monitor Register in the Netherlands (FLARE-NL1): Patient Experiences, Satisfaction, and Cost Analysis.

In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), adequate glucose control is of major importance. When treatment schemes become more complicated, proper self-management through intermittent self-measurement of blood glucose (SMBG), among others, becomes crucial in achieving this goal. In the last decade, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been on the rise, providing not only intermittent information but also information on continuous glucose trends. The FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Flash CGM system is a CGM system mainly used for patients with DM and is designed based on the same techniques as early CGMs. Compared with earlier CGMs, the FSL is factory calibrated, has no automated readings or direct alarms, and is cheaper to use. Although less accurate compared with the gold standard for SMBG, users report high satisfaction because it is easy to use and can help users monitor glucose trends. The Flash Monitor Register in the Netherlands (FLARE-NL) study aims to assess the effects of FSL Flash CGM use in daily practice. The study has a before-after design, with each participant being his or her own control. Users will be followed for at least 1 year. The endpoints include changes in HbA1c, frequency and severity of hypoglycemias, and quality of life. In addition, the effects of its use on work absenteeism rate, diabetes-related hospital admission rate, and daily functioning (including sports performance) will be studied. Furthermore, cost-benefit analysis based on the combination of registered information within the health insurance data will be investigated. Ultimately, the data gathered in this study will help increase the knowledge and skills of the use of the Flash CGM in daily practice and assess the financial impact on the use of the Flash CGM within the Dutch healthcare system.

Increased cancer mortality in type 2 diabetes (ZODIAC-3).

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether there is a relationship between type two diabetes and cancer mortality. It also is unclear whether obesity and body mass index (BMI) are associated with cancer in type 2 diabetes patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 1998, 1,145 patients with type two diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Intergrating Available Care (ZODIAC) study. In this project, general practitioners (GPs) were assisted by hospital-based diabetes specialist nurses. Vital status was assessed in September 2004. The cancer mortality rate was evaluated using standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and its association with BMI (kg/m2) and obesity (>30 kg/m2) with the Cox proportional hazard ratio. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 5.8 years. A total of 335 patients had died, of whom 70 died from malignancy. The SMR for cancer mortality was 1.38 (95% CI 1.07-1.75). BMI and obesity were not associated with cancer death. CONCLUSION: An increased cancer mortality rate was found in type two diabetes mellitus patients but there was no significant association between BMI or obesity and cancer mortality.

Cholesterol in end-stage renal disease: the good, the bad or the ugly?

The incidence of cardiovascular disease is markedly increased in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). High serum cholesterol is widely recognised as a cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. However, in patients with ESRD high concentrations of cholesterol are associated with a better survival. This reverse epidemiology is, amongst others, caused by confounding due to malnutrition and chronic inflammation. In this population, treatment with statins to lower the serum cholesterol remains a matter of debate. In ESRD, LDL cholesterol is modified by increased oxidative stress. These altered LDL particles play a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis. Treatment with the antioxidant vitamin E has not equivocally been shown to be beneficial in this population. This review tries to put data from literature on dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in ESRD in perspective.

Glycaemic control, health status and treatment satisfaction with continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion.

BACKGROUND: Continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion(CIPI ) has been in use for over 20 years. High costs and technical problems have prevented its widespread use. In the Netherlands, the Isala Clinics in Zwolle is the centre with the most extensive experience with CIPII . Its use is aimed at improving glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemic events, and thus improving quality of life inpatients with poorly controlled diabetes despite intensified insulin treatment. Our aim was to assess glycaemic control,health status and treatment satisfaction in subjects treated with CIPII within the Isala Clinics. METHODS: Retrospective longitudinal analysis of clinical data in 48 patients started on CIPII between 1983 and 2005.HbA1c at baseline, after one year, and at present assessment or at the end of pump use were applicable. Cross-sectional assessment of health status, well-being and treatment satisfaction was carried out. RESULTS: Of 48 patients, 33 were treated with CIPII at the moment of assessment. Five patients died whilston CIPII ; four from diabetes-related causes, none from hypoglycaemia. HbA1c decreased significantly from 9.7 to 8.8% after one year, to 8.6% at long-term follow-up; p<0.01. Less hypoglycaemic events were reported. Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey (SF -12)scores were 37.4 and 47.2 (range 0-100), the Well-Being Index (WHO-5) score was 52.7 (range 0-100) and median treatment satisfaction score was 32 (range 0-36). CONCLUSION: CIPII leads to improved glycaemic control with less self-reported hypoglycaemic events in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Treatment satisfaction is high. Mental health status and well-being scores are low, however.