International Diabetes Federation Position Statement on the 1-hour post-load plasma glucose for the diagnosis of intermediate hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes.

Many individuals with intermediate hyperglycaemia (IH), including impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), as presently defined, will progress to type 2 diabetes (T2D). There is confirmatory evidence that T2D can be prevented by lifestyle modification and/or medications, in people with IGT diagnosed by 2-h plasma glucose (PG) during a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Over the last 40 years, a wealth of epidemiological data has confirmed the superior value of 1-h plasma glucose (PG) over fasting PG (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and 2-h PG in populations of different ethnicity, sex and age in predicting diabetes and associated complications including death. Given the relentlessly rising prevalence of diabetes, a more sensitive, practical method is needed to detect people with IH and T2D for early prevention or treatment in the often lengthy trajectory to T2D and its complications. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Position Statement reviews findings that the 1-h post-load PG ≥ 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) in people with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during an OGTT is highly predictive for detecting progression to T2D, micro- and macrovascular complications, obstructive sleep apnoea, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes mellitus, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and mortality in individuals with risk factors. The 1-h PG of 209 mg/dL (11.6 mmol/L) is also diagnostic of T2D. Importantly, the 1-h PG cut points for diagnosing IH and T2D can be detected earlier than the recommended 2-h PG thresholds. Taken together, the 1-h PG provides an opportunity to avoid misclassification of glycaemic status if FPG or HbA1c alone are used. The 1-h PG also allows early detection of high-risk people for intervention to prevent progression to T2D which will benefit the sizeable and growing population of individuals at increased risk of T2D. Using a 1-h OGTT, subsequent to screening with a non-laboratory diabetes risk tool, and intervening early will favourably impact the global diabetes epidemic. Health services should consider developing a policy for screening for IH based on local human and technical resources. People with a 1-h PG ≥ 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) are considered to have IH and should be prescribed lifestyle intervention and referred to a diabetes prevention program. People with a 1-h PG ≥ 209 mg/dL (11.6 mmol/L) are considered to have T2D and should have a repeat test to confirm the diagnosis of T2D and then referred for further evaluation and treatment. The substantive data presented in the Position Statement provides strong evidence for redefining current diagnostic criteria for IH and T2D by adding the 1-h PG.

Clinical characteristics of adult and paediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: A real-life cross-sectional study from the Turkish National Database.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common cause of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Türkiye is among the countries with the highest rate of ASCVD. However, no population-based study has been published so far on the prevalence of FH, demographic and clinical characteristics, burden of ASCVD, treatment compliance, and attainment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets. METHODS: We performed a study using the Turkish Ministry of Health's national electronic health records involving 83,063,515 citizens as of December 2021 dating back 2016. Adults fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of definite or probable FH according to the Dutch Lipid Network Criteria (DLNC), and children and adolescents fulfilling the criteria of probable FH according to the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Consensus Panel report formed the study population (n = 157,790). The primary endpoint was the prevalence of FH. RESULTS: Probable or definite FH was detected in 0.63% (1 in 158) of the adults and 0.61% (1 in 164) of the total population. The proportion of adults with LDL-C levels >4.9 mmol/L (190 mg/dL) was 4.56% (1 in 22). The prevalence of FH among children and adolescents was 0.37% (1 in 270). Less than one-third of the children and adolescents, and two-thirds of young adults (aged 18-29) with FH were already diagnosed with dyslipidaemia. The proportion of adults and children and adolescents on lipid-lowering treatment (LLT) was 32.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The overall discontinuation rate of LLT was 65.8% among adults and 77.9% among children and adolescents. Almost no subjects on LLT were found to attain the target LDL-C levels. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study showed a very high prevalence of FH in Türkiye. Patients with FH are diagnosed late and treated sub-optimally. Whether these findings may explain the high rates of premature ASCVD in Türkiye needs further investigation. These results denote the urgent need for country-wide initiatives for early diagnosis and effective management of FH patients.

Cytokine Profile in Patients With Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY).

BACKGROUND/AIM: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is used in the differential diagnosis of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)-3, but other inflammatory markers have not been investigated in MODY patients. We aimed to compare the serum levels of anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines between MODY patients and healthy subjects and show the inflammatory features in MODY subtypes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with clinically suspected MODY and 34 healthy controls were included in this study. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used for the molecular diagnosis of MODY subtypes. Serum levels of cytokines were measured using a multiplexed cytokine assay and hs-CRP concentration was determined by the immunoturbidimetric assay. RESULTS: The hs-CRP levels were higher in both NGS-confirmed (MODY, n=17) (p=0.009) and NGS-unconfirmed (non-MODY, n=13) patients (p<0.001) than those in controls. However, IL-1ß (p=0.001), IL-6 (p=0.018), IL-31 (p=0.003), TNF-α (p<0.001), and sCD40L (p=0.007) levels of MODY patients and IL-1ß (p=0.002), IL-31 (p<0.001), IL-22 (p=0.018), and sCD40L (p=0.039) levels of non-MODY patients were lower than those of controls. While hs-CRP levels were lower in MODY3 patients than non-MODY3 patients (p=0.009), IL-17A (p=0.006) and IL-23 (p=0.016) levels for the first time in this study were found to be higher in patients with MODY3 than in patients with other MODY subtypes (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: MODY patients had lower serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-31, and sCD40L compared to healthy controls. High IL-17A and IL-23 levels along with low hs-CRP levels may be potential markers to distinguish MODY3 from other MODY subtypes.

No association of Gaucher disease with COVID-19-related outcomes: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It is well documented that patients with chronic metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when the subject is rare metabolic diseases, there are not enough data in the literature. AIM: To investigate the course of COVID-19 among patients with Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disease. METHODS: Based on the National Health System data, a retrospective cohort of patients with confirmed (polymerase chain reactionpositive) COVID-19 infection (n = 149 618) was investigated. The adverse outcomes between patients with GD (n = 39) and those without GD (n = 149 579) were compared with crude and propensity score-matched (PSM) groups. The outcomes were hospitalisation, the composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or mechanical ventilation and mortality. RESULTS: The patients with GD were significantly older and had a higher frequency of hypertension (HT), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidaemia, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure and cancer. Although hospitalisation rates in Gaucher patients were found to be higher in crude analyses, the PSM models (model 1, age and gender matched; model 2, matched for age, gender, HT, T2DM and cancer) revealed no difference for the outcomes between patients with GD and the general population. According to multivariate regression analyses, having a diagnosis of GD was not a significant predictor for hospitalisation (P = 0.241), ICU admission/mechanical ventilation (P = 0.403) or mortality (P = 0.231). CONCLUSION: According to our national data, SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with GD does not have a more severe course than the normal population.

The clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with a history of thyroid cancer: A nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: There are scarce published data in differentiated thyroid cancer patients about new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease outcomes and mortality. Here, we evaluated COVID-19 infection outcomes and mortality in thyroid cancer patients with COVID-19 infection. DESIGN AND METHODS: We included a cohort of patients with thyroid cancer with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 disease from 11 March to 30 May 2020 from the Turkish Ministry of Health database in our nationwide, retrospective study. We compared the mortality and morbidity of COVID patients with or without thyroid cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the independent factors for mortality, length of hospital stay and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation. We also analysed the effect of radioiodine treatment on severity and death rate of COVID-19 disease. RESULTS: We evaluated 388 COVID-19 patients with thyroid cancer [median age: 54 years, interquartile range (IQR) 18 years, males: 23%] and age and gender-matched 388 COVID-19 patients without thyroid cancer. Patients with thyroid cancer had a similar mortality ratio compared with the non-cancer group. Among patients with thyroid cancer, age, presence of diabetes mellitus, asthma/COPD, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, prior coronary artery disease, RAS blocker usage and low lymphocyte count were associated with mortality. Radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment and cumulative radioactive iodine dosage did not negatively affect the severity and mortality of COVID-19 disease in our patient group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that history of thyroid cancer did not have an increased risk of mortality or morbidity in COVID-19 disease. Besides, RAI therapy history and doses of radioactive iodine did not affect mortality or outcome.

The Metabolic Effects of Pre-probiotic Supplementation After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Surgery: a Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), positive alterations are observed in gut microbiota and intestinal peptides. Previous studies demonstrated similar alterations observed in cases when pre-probiotics are used without surgery. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of early use of pre-probiotics after RYGB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The operation and follow-up of the patients were performed at Istanbul University Medical Faculty. Thirty-two patients who had undergone RYGB were randomized to pre-probiotic group (PreProBG, n = 16; 200 g/day yogurt plus 10 g/day inulin+oligofructose) and probiotic group (ProBG, n = 16; 200 g/day yogurt only) for 6 months. Blood samples (glucose, insulin, A1c, GLP-1, PYY), anthropometric measurements, and appetite ratings have been evaluated at baseline and 3 (m3) and 6 (m6) months after RYGB. RESULTS: Initial anthropometric measurements and appetite ratings decreased significantly after surgery and there were no significant differences between the groups. The decrease of area under the curve(insulin) was less and has a positive correlation with the changes in anthropometric measurements in PreProBG. GLP-1 and PYY which increased dramatically after surgery in all patients were higher in PreProBG. But this increase had a negative correlation with the changes in anthropometric measurements during the study. CONCLUSION: Increased insulin, GLP-1, and PYY secretion was more enhanced by pre-probiotic use in early postoperative period. But this increase not only in anthropometric measurements but also in appetite ratings affects negatively, contrary to expectations. In summary, it should be investigated with new studies that use of pre-probiotics in the late postoperative period may be more effective in patients with weak insulin and incretin response and therefore insufficient weight loss. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03517345.

Characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results from the Turkish Nationwide SurvEy of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (TEMD Hypertension Study).

BACKGROUND: The present survey aimed to find out the demographical and clinical characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Turkey. METHODS: Patients with T2DM who were followed-up in tertiary endocrine units for at least last one year were recruited. Demographic, clinical and biochemical data of the patients were collected. Hypertension was defined as taking anti-hypertensive medications or having office arterial blood pressure (ABP) ≥140/90 mmHg or home ABP ≥ 130/80 mmHg. RESULTS: A total of 4756 (58.9% women) diabetic patients were evaluated. The percentage of patients with hypertension was 67.5% (n = 3212). Although 87.4% (n = 2808) of hypertensive patients were under treatment, blood pressure was on target in 52.7% (n = 1479) of patients. Hypertension proportions were higher in woman (p = 0.001), older, more obese, and those who had longer diabetes duration, lower education levels, higher frequency of hypoglycemic events (all p < 0.001) and higher triglyceride levels (p = 0.003). LDL cholesterol level and the percentage of smokers were lower in hypertensive group than in non-hypertensive group (both p < 0.001). The percentage of macro and microvascular complications was higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive one (both p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a woman (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.51, p = 0.016), smoking (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.80, p = 0.020), regular physical activity (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.53, p = 0.039) and the presence of macrovascular complications (OR: 1.38 95% CI: 1.15-1.65, p = 0.001) were the significant predictors of good ABP regulation. The ratios of masked and white coat hypertension were 41.2% and 5.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that two-thirds (67.5%) of adult patients with T2DM have hypertension. Co-existence of hypertension increases the frequency of macro and microvascular diabetic complications in these patients. Despite the critical role of hypertension in morbidity and mortality, only half of the patients have favorable ABP levels. Masked hypertension seems to be another important issue in this population.

The Effects of Kefir on Kidney Tissues and Functions in Diabetic Rats.

This study was designed to determine the protective effect of kefir on the oxidative damage, as well as histological and biochemical changes that occur in the kidney tissues of experimental diabetic rats. Forty rats were allocated into four groups as "healthy saline" (SF), "healthy kefir" (KF), and the same groups with experimentally induced diabetes (DSF and DKF). Diabetes was induced by administering 65 mg/kg single-dose streptozotocin. Oral kefir was given 10 ml/kg/day for 35 days to the rats in the groups KF and DKF. The same amount of saline was given to the groups SF and DSF. On the 36th day of the study, blood glucose, urea, and creatinine were measured besides glucose, creatinine, microalbuminuria, and sodium in the urine. Additionally, histological examination was performed on the kidney tissues. Blood glucose, creatinine, and urea levels were significantly lower in the DKF group compared with those of the DSF group (p < 0.001). Also, the creatinine level was significantly decreased (p < 0.001), and microalbuminuria was increased (p < 0.001) in the DKF group compared with that of the DSF group. Histologically, intermittent expansion in the renal glomeruli, reduction of cast formation in the tubules, and improvement in the renal epithelial tissues of the DKF group were observed. Kefir decreased the damage caused by diabetes. These results indicate that kefir supplementation may contribute to better control of oxidative stress, which is related to the improvement of renal functions, suggesting its use to slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Turkish inappropriate medication use in the elderly (TIME) criteria to improve prescribing in older adults: TIME-to-STOP/TIME-to-START.

PURPOSE: To improve prescribing in older adults, criterion sets have been introduced from different countries. While current criterion sets are useful to some extent, they do not meet the need in some European countries. Turkish inappropriate medication use in the elderly (TIME) criteria was planned to meet this need. METHODS: In phase 1, the user friendly sets: STOPP/START version2 and CRIME criteria were combined. National experts composed of geriatricians and non-geriatricians were invited to review and comment. In phase 2, thorough literature review was performed and reference-based revisions, omissions, and additions were made. Explanatory additions were added to some criteria to improve application in practice. In phase 3, all working group members reviewed the criteria/explanations and agreed on the final content. RESULTS: Phase 1 was performed by 49 expert academicians between May and October 2016. Phase 2 was performed by 23 working group academicians between October 2016 and November 2018 and included face-to-face interviews between at least two geriatrician members and one criterion-related specialist. Phase 3 was completed between November 2018-March 2019 with review and approval of all criteria by working group academicians. As a result, 55 criteria were added, 17 criteria were removed, and 60 criteria were modified from the first draft. A total of 153 TIME criteria composed of 112 TIME-to-STOP and 41 TIME-to-START criteria were introduced. CONCLUSION: TIME criteria is an update screening tool that differs from the current useful tools by the interactive study of experts from geriatrics and non-geriatrics, inclusion of practical explanations for some criteria and by its eastern European origin. TIME study respectfully acknowledges its roots from STOPP/START and CRIME criteria. Studies are needed whether it would lead improvements in older adults' health.

Impact of Obesity on the Metabolic Control of Type 2 Diabetes: Results of the Turkish Nationwide Survey of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (TEMD Obesity Study).

BACKGROUND: Obesity is the main obstacle for metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Turkey has the highest prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Europe. The effect of obesity on the metabolic control, and the macro- and microvascular complications of patients are not apparent. OBJECTIVES: This nationwide survey aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes and to search for the impact of obesity on the metabolic control of these patients. We also investigated the independent associates of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled patients who were under follow-up for at least 1 year in 69 tertiary healthcare units in 37 cities. The demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data including medications were recorded. Patients were excluded if they were pregnant, younger than 18 years, had decompensated liver disease, psychiatric disorders interfering with cognition or compliance, had bariatric surgery, or were undergoing renal replacement therapy. RESULTS: Only 10% of patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 4,648) had normal body mass indexes (BMI), while the others were affected by overweight (31%) or obesity (59%). Women had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity (53.4 vs. 40%) and severe obesity (16.6 vs. 3.3%). Significant associations were present between high BMI levels and lower education levels, intake of insulin, antihypertensives and statins, poor metabolic control, or the presence of microvascular complications. Age, gender, level of education, smoking, and physical inactivity were the independent associates of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: The TEMD Obesity Study shows that obesity is a major determinant of the poor metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results underline the importance of prevention and management of obesity to improve health care in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, the results point out the independent sociodemographic and clinical associates of obesity, which should be the prior targets to overcome, in the national fight with obesity.

Sensitivity of FRAMINGHAM, PROCAM and SCORE models in Turkish people with Type 2 diabetes: comparison of three cardiovascular risk calculations.

PURPOSE: To determine the cardiovascular risk factors according to the Framingham, PROCAM and SCORE models, to evaluate the 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and to compare the suitability of different models in Turkish Type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS: Risk factors and the 10-year CVD risk in 265 patients were evaluated using three risk models. Measurements included blood pressure, weight, height, waist and hip circumferences. Cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose and HbA1c were measured. Low-, moderate- and high-risk groups were determined according to the three risk calculations. RESULTS: Hypertension, obesity and no exercise, dyslipidemia and high HbA1c in women, and excessive cigarette/alcohol consumption, increased weight, dyslipidemia and high HbA1c in men were crucial. Men were in the moderate-risk group according to three risk models. Women were in the medium-risk group according to the Framingham and PROCAM risks and in the low-risk group according to the SCORE. CONCLUSION: Results estimating the 10-year CVD according to the three risk models were inconsistent. More sensitive CVD risk calculators are needed. Discussion and practice implications: Our results could guide diabetes specialists in identifying gender-specific risks and designing preventive interventions.

Twelve-year trends in the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes and prediabetes in Turkish adults.

There is concern about an emerging diabetes epidemic in Turkey. We aimed to determine the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, prediabetes and their 12-year trends and to identify risk factors for diabetes in the adult Turkish population. A cross-sectional, population-based survey, 'TURDEP-II' included 26,499 randomly sampled adults aged ≥ 20 years (response rate: 87 %). Fasting glucose and biochemical parameters were measured in all; then a OGTT was performed to identify diabetes and prediabetes in eligible participants. The prevalence of diabetes was 16.5 % (new 7.5 %), translating to 6.5 million adults with diabetes in Turkey. It was higher in women than men (p = 0.008). The age-standardized prevalence to the TURDEP-I population (performed in 1997-98) was 13.7 % (if same diagnostic definition was applied diabetes prevalence is calculated 11.4 %). The prevalence of isolated-IFG and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and combined prediabetes was 14.7, 7.9, and 8.2 %, respectively; and that of obesity 36 % and hypertension 31.4 %. Compared to TURDEP-I; the rate of increase for diabetes: 90 %, IGT: 106 %, obesity: 40 % and central obesity: 35 %, but hypertension decreased by 11 % during the last 12 years. In women age, waist, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, low education, and living environment; in men age, BMI, and hypertension were independently associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes. In women current smoking, and in men being single were associated with a reduced risk. These results from one of the largest nationally representative surveys carried out so far show that diabetes has rapidly become a major public health challenge in Turkey. The figures are alarming and underscore the urgent need for national programs to prevent diabetes, to manage the illness and thus prevent complications.

Population-based study of diabetes and risk characteristics in Turkey: results of the turkish diabetes epidemiology study (TURDEP).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate for the first time the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) nationwide in Turkey; to assess regional variations and relationships between glucose intolerance and lifestyle and physical risk factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Turkish Diabetes Epidemiology Study (TURDEP) is a cross-sectional, population-based survey that included 24,788 subjects (age > or =20 years, women 55%, response 85%). Glucose tolerance was classified according to World Health Organization recommendations on the basis of 2-h blood glucose values. RESULTS: Crude prevalence of diabetes was 7.2% (previously undiagnosed, 2.3%) and of IGT, 6.7% (age-standardized to world and European populations, 7.9 and 7.0%). Both were more frequent in women than men (P < 0.0001) and in those living in urban rather than rural communities (P < 0.001). Prevalence rates of hypertension and obesity were 29 and 22%, respectively. Both were more common among women than men (P < 0.0001). Prevalence of diabetes and IGT increased with rising BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist girth (P < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, BMI, WHR, familial diabetes, and hypertension were independently associated with diabetes, age, BMI, WHR, familial diabetes, and hypertension with IGT (except for familial diabetes in women with IGT). Education was related to diabetes in men but was protective for diabetes and IGT in women. Socioeconomic status appeared to decrease the risk of IGT in men while it increased the risk in women. Smoking had a protective effect for IGT in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes and IGT are moderately common in Turkey by international standards. Associations with obesity and hypertension have been confirmed. Other lifestyle factors had a variable relationship with glucose tolerance.