Dose Comparison And Side Effect Profile Of Metformin Extended Release Versus Metformin Immediate Release.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is very common worldwide, with majority of cases in Asia Pacific region. Metformin is the first line therapy, along with lifestyle modification for all type 2 diabetics as recommended by ADA. Metformin is available as conventional Metformin Immediate Release (MIR) and Metformin Extended Release (MXR). Metformin XR has better gastrointestinal tolerability and fewer side effects as compared to Metformin IR, with similar efficacy regarding anti-hyperglycaemic effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether metformin XR is as effective as Metformin IR in maintaining glycaemic control at equivalent doses or even at reduced doses; and to compare the side effect profile of the two preparations. METHODS: This randomized control trial was conducted at Medical and Endocrinology OPD of Jinnah Hospital Lahore. A total of 90 type 2 diabetics of both genders were recruited using nonprobability purposive sampling. Patients were randomized into 3 groups; 30 in each group. Group 1 received Metformin IR 1000 mg twice daily; group 2 received metformin XR 1000 mg twice daily; and group 3 received metformin XR 500 mg twice daily, for a period of three months. HbA1c was done at baseline and after three months of therapy along with fasting blood sugars and random blood sugars weekly. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 46±9 years, with 54% being males and 46% being females. There was a 1% reduction in HbA1c in group 1, 0.7% reduction in group 2 and only 0.4% reduction in group 3. Similarly, all three therapies were equally effective in reducing blood sugar fasting and blood sugar random at three months. Side effects namely diarrhoea, dyspepsia and flatulence were greatest with Metformin IR (40%) but less than half with Metformin XR at equivalent dose and negligible at half the dose. CONCLUSIONS: All three Metformin groups were effective in reduction of HbA1C and glycaemic control clinically and there is no statistical difference in HbA1c reduction among groups at three months.

Glycaemic Control Of Type 2 Diabetic Patients During Ramazan Fasting.

BACKGROUND: Among five main pillars of Islam Fasting is one of the key elements, all healthy adult Muslims have to observe fast from dawn till dusk during the holy month of Ramadan. According to a 2009 demographic study, Islam has 1.57 billion believers, making up 23% of the world population of 6.8 billion, and is growing by 3% per year. EPIDIAR (epidemiology of diabetes and Ramadan) study showed that 43% patients with type 1 and 79% patients with type2 diabetes observe fast during the month of Ramadan. Whereas those people who are suffering from diabetes and are fasting may be at risk of adverse outcomes and the risks may rise with longer fasting periods. Ideal management of diabetic patients who wish to fast during Ramadan needs to be done to avoid the complications. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of fasting on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients during the month of Ramadan. METHODS: This was an observational cross sectional study; it was conducted at outpatient department Jinnah institute of diabetes and endocrinology Jinnah hospital Lahore during the month of Ramadan. Patients were advised to monitor blood sugar levels for two days before and after three meals (lunch, breakfast and dinner) before Ramadan and then during Ramadan blood sugar levels were monitored for four days in first Ashra before and two hours after Sehari, for four days at noon during second Ashra and then for four days pre and two hours after Iftar in last Ashra of Ramadan. Patients were educated Pre-Ramadan about glucose monitoring and drug dosage adjustments were done along with dietary counselling. RESULTS: Blood glucose levels two days before and during Ramadan fell within range of mean glucose level of 150-187 mg/dl showing no extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels only one patient reported symptomatic and biochemical hypoglycaemia severe enough to break the fast at noon. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that in Ramadan fasting, type 2 diabetic patients with proper education, dietary counselling and drug dosage adjustments glycaemic control can remain in safe acceptable range preventing any life-threatening complication.

Effect Of Non- Surgical Periodontal Treatment On Glycemic Control Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and Diabetes Mellitus are two closely, bidirectional linked disease where periodontitis is a well-known complication of diabetes it is also considered to be a cause for poor glycaemic control. The present study objective was to evaluate the glycaemic control in patients suffering from both Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis after non-surgical periodontal treatment. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with two groups of patients attending Diabetic Clinic, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, during six months from September 2013 to February 2014. Forty-six diabetes mellitus subjects who were undergoing non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease that includes mechanical removal of supra- and sub gingival bacterial plaque with scalers, antibiotics and or root canal if required while 46 subjects with diabetic mellitus having periodontal disease did not had treatment for periodontal disease. HbA1c was compared at base line and at three months. Data was compiled and analysed through SPSS version 16. Quantitative variables like HbA1c was presented as mean±SD. Qualitative variables like gender, education status, economic status, treatment for diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease were described by using frequency percentages. The t-test was applied to assess statistical significance in mean difference HbA1c between two groups. p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Forty-six subjects who received non-surgical treatment for periodontitis 43 (93.5%) received scaling only while 3 (6.5%) received scaling plus antibiotics. Fall in the level of HbA1c was observed among subjects with treatment of periodontal disease indicating a good control of diabetes while in group without treatment there was either no change or increase in HbA1c. Mean HbA1c at baseline in group with treatment of periodontitis at baseline was 7.672±.6414 and without treatment was 6.957±.3494. (t= -1.008, p<.279). Mean HbA1c after 3 months in group with treatment of periodontitis was 6.867±.6168, and in group without treatment was 6.983±.3678. (t=6.641, p<.000). CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical periodontal treatment is associated with improved glycaemic control (reduced HbA1c level) in type 2 diabetic patients.