Effectiveness of a flash glucose monitoring systems implementation program through a group and telematic educational intervention in adults with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: Verifying the clinical effectiveness and the impact on quality-of-life parameters, fear of hypoglycaemia and satisfaction with the treatment obtained with a flash glucose monitoring (MFG) devices implantation program that includes a telematic and group educational intervention in adults with type 1 diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective quasi-experimental study, carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic period with a 9-month follow-up at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Sevilla. RESULTS: Eighty-eight participants were included (men: 46.6%; mean age (years) 38.08, SD: 9.38); years of DM1 evolution: 18.4 (SD: 10.49); treatment with multiple doses insulin (MDI) 70.5% vs 29.5% subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy (CSII)). Baseline HbA1c was 7.74% (1.08). After the intervention, the global decrease in HbA1c was -0.45% (95% CI [-0.6, -0.25], P < 0.01), increasing to -1.08% in the group that started with HbA1c ≥ 8% (P < 0.01). A mean decrease in the Fear of Hypoglycemia 15 (FH15) test score of -6.5 points was observed (P < 0.01). In the global score of the Spanish version of Diabetes Quality Of Life (DQOL-s) test, the decrease was -8.44 points (P < 0.01). In Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire test (DTQ-s), global score increased in + 4 points (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of an educational program in group and telematic format within the development of MFG devices implantation strategies is an effective option, with associated benefits in quality of life and fear of hypoglycemia in adult patients with DM1. This option can be implemented in usual clinical practice.

Efficacy and safety of biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed an observational, multicenter, prospective study in 3,054 DM2 patients from primary care and specialized settings, treated with biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (started within 15 days prior to inclusion). In all patients,the following information was available before starting insulin treatment: HbA(1c) levels, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 4-point glucose profile (before and 90 minutes after breakfast and dinner) and number of hypoglycemic episodes/week. A total of 2,887 patients completed the study (26 ± 1 week). The variables evaluated were rate of adverse events (AE), number of hypoglycemic episodes/week, HbA(1c), FPG and 4-point glucose profile. RESULTS: At least one AE occurred in 10.7% of the patients (2.3% related to the study drug and 1.4% severe). There was a significant decrease (end of study vs baseline; p < 0.0001 for all the comparisons) in HbA(1c) (7.3% and 8.9%, respectively), the mean number of minor (0.3/0.5) and major (0.02/0.07) hypoglycemic episodes/week, FPG (145/207 mg/dl) and postprandial glycemia (162/225 mg/dl). The improvement in metabolic control was achieved both in patients previously treated with oral antidiabetic drugs and in those treated with insulin. The number of hypoglycemic episodes decreased in patients previously treated with insulin. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 in patients with DM2 improves glycemic control, irrespective of previous treatment, with a low rate of AE and fewer hypoglycemic episodes in patients previously treated with insulin.

Surgical treatment of limb- and life-threatening infections in the feet of patients with diabetes and at least one palpable pedal pulse: successes and lessons learnt.

Outcomes of surgically treated limb- and life-threatening infections in patients with diabetes and a well-vascularized foot based only on the palpation of foot pulses are not well known. The authors retrospectively studied a series of 173 patients with diabetes and limb- (moderate) or life- (severe) threatening infections with at least one palpable pedal pulse who were admitted to their department for the treatment of infected diabetic foot from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2009. A total of 141 patients (81.5%) presented with limb-threatening/moderate infections and 32 (18.5%) with life-threatening/severe infections. In all, 49 patients (28.3%) presented with soft tissue infections only, 90 (52%) with osteomyelitis and 34 (19.7%) with a combined infection. Amputation was needed in 74 patients (42.7%), of whom 6 needed a major amputation (3.5% of overall). A total of 99 (57.2%) patients were treated by conservative surgery. Four patients (2.3%) died during the postoperative period (30 days). Limb salvage was achieved in 167 (96.5%) of the patients who were followed up until healing. Healing of the wounds by secondary intention was achieved in a median of 72 days. Clinical results permit the observation that a high rate of limb salvage can be achieved after the surgical treatment of limb- and life-threatening infections in patients with at least one palpable pedal pulse.