An estimate of the need for continuous glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes with intensive insulin treatment in secondary healthcare.

AIM: To estimate the proportion of persons with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) receiving intensive insulin treatment in the secondary healthcare who could be candidates for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), based on different HbA1c criteria. For comparison, the results are also presented as proportion of persons with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in the same region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the Central Denmark Region, we identified all persons with T1DM (n = 6179) and T2DM (n = 4315) who had a minimum of one contact to a diabetes outpatient clinic from September 2021 to September 2022. Insulin regimen and HbA1c measured after a minimum of 2 months with a stable insulin regimen were retrieved from the healthcare administrative electronic platform used in the region. RESULTS: The numbers of persons with T1DM and T2DM with HbA1c meeting the criteria were 5145 and 3090, respectively. The fraction of T2DM with basal-bolus insulin was 35.3%, and the fraction with basal-bolus insulin and HbA1c >53 (7%) mmol/mol or >58 (7.5%) mmol/mol was 20.5% and 16.6%, respectively. These proportions correspond to 19.4%, 14.4% and 11.7% of the persons with T1DM in the same geographical area. CONCLUSION: The proportion of persons with T2DM in secondary healthcare undergoing intensive insulin treatment who could be candidates for CGM corresponded to only a minor fraction of persons with T1DM in the same region, irrespective of any HbA1c criteria applied.

One size does not fit all: universal cuff overestimates oscillometric blood pressure in persons with large arm circumference.

OBJECTIVE: Some brachial cuffs for oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement are claimed to cover a wide range of upper-arm circumferences; however, their validation is rarely conducted. Our aim was to compare oscillometric BP measurements obtained with a universal cuff with those obtained with an appropriately sized cuff. METHODS: We utilised the Microlife B6 Connect monitor, conducting oscillometric BP measurements in a random sequence with both a universal cuff (recommended for arm circumferences from 22 to 42 cm) and an appropriately sized cuff (medium for circumference 22-32 cm and large for 32-42 cm). We included 91 individuals with an arm circumference of 22-32 cm and 64 individuals with an arm circumference of 32-42 cm. RESULTS: For arm circumferences > 32 cm, systolic and diastolic BP measured with the universal cuff was higher than that measured with the large cuff (systolic 6.4 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI]). 3.9-8.8, diastolic 2.4 mmHg, 95%CI, 1.2-3.7, p < 0.001 for both). Overestimation of BP with the universal cuff was statistically significant after correcting for the sequence of measurements. No statistical difference was found between the universal cuff and medium cuff for circumferences in the 22-32 cm range. The bladder size in the universal cuff matched the dimensions of the medium-sized cuff; however, the cuff was larger. CONCLUSION: Overestimation of BP measured with a universal cuff in persons with large arm circumferences is clinically important. It poses the risk of unnecessary initiation or intensification of antihypertensive medication in persons using the universal cuff.

What is the context?Clinical guidelines recommend individualisation of the size of the cuff used for blood pressure measurement according to the circumference of the upper arm.Many blood pressure monitors are sold with a single "universal" cuff claimed to cover a wide range of upper arm sizes.We compared blood pressure obtained with the Microlife B6 Connect monitor and a "universal" cuff with the results obtained with individual sized cuffs (medium size for arm circumference between 22 and 32 cm and large size for arm circumference between 32 and 42 cm).What is new?In persons with large upper arm circumference is the systolic blood pressure 6.4 mmHg higher and the diastolic blood pressure 2.4 mmHg higher with the universal cuff than with the individual-sized large cuff.What is the impact?The universal cuff overestimates blood pressure in persons with large arm circumference.

The effect of renal denervation on arterial stiffness, central blood pressure and heart rate variability in treatment resistant essential hypertension: a substudy of a randomized sham-controlled double-blinded trial (the ReSET trial).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate, whether renal denervation (RDN) improves arterial stiffness, central blood pressure (C-BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with treatment resistant hypertension. METHODS: ReSET was a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded trial (NCT01459900). RDN was performed by a single experienced operator using the Medtronic unipolar Symplicity FlexTM catheter. C-BP, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and HRV were obtained at baseline and after six months with the SphygmoCor®-device. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (77% of the ReSET-cohort) were included in this substudy. The groups were similar at baseline (SHAM/RDN): n = 27/n = 26; 78/65% males; age 59 ± 9/54 ± 8 years (mean ± SD); systolic brachial BP 158 ± 18/154 ± 17 mmHg; systolic 24-hour ambulatory BP 153 ± 14/151 ± 13 mmHg. Changes in PWV (0.1 ± 1.9 (SHAM) vs. -0.6 ± 1.3 (RDN) m/s), systolic C-BP (-2 ± 17 (SHAM) vs. -8 ± 16 (RDN) mmHg), diastolic C-BP (-2 ± 9 (SHAM) vs. -5 ± 9 (RDN) mmHg), and augmentation index (0.7 ± 7.0 (SHAM) vs. 1.0 ± 7.4 (RDN) %) were not significantly different after six months. Changes in HRV-parameters were also not significantly different. Baseline HRV or PWV did not predict BP-response after RDN. CONCLUSIONS: In a sham-controlled setting, there were no significant effects of RDN on arterial stiffness, C-BP and HRV. Thus, the idea of BP-independent effects of RDN on large arteries and cardiac autonomic activity is not supported.

Time With Rapid Change of Glucose.

BACKGROUND: A variety of metrics are used to describe glycemic variation, some of which may be difficult to comprehend or require complex strategies for smoothing of the glucose curve. We aimed to describe a new metric named time with rapid change of glucose (TRC), which is presented as percentage of time, similar to time above range (TAR), time in range (TIR), and time below range (TBR). METHOD: We downloaded glucose data for 90 days from 159 persons with type 1 diabetes using the Abbott Freestyle Libre version 1. We defined TRC as the proportion of time (%) with an absolute rate of change of glucose > 1.5 mmol/L/15 minutes (1.8mg/dL/min) corresponding to a minimum rate of change for glucose in the 3.9-10.0 mmol/L (70-180 mg/dL) range within 1 hour. TRC is related to the other glucose variability metrics: CV within day (CVw) and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE). RESULTS: The more than 1.27 million glucose rates were t-location scale distributed with SD 0.91 mmol/L/15 min (1.1 mg/dL/15 min). The median TRC was 6.9% (IQR 4.5%-9.5%). The proportion of TRC with positive slope was 3.9% (2.6%-5.3%) and significantly higher than the proportion with negative slope 2.8% (1.5%-4.4%) P < .001. TRC correlated with CVw and MAGE (Spearman's correlation coefficient .56 and .65, respectively, P < .001). CONCLUSION: TRC is proposed as an easily perceived metric to compare the performance of hybrid or fully automated closed-loop insulin delivery systems to obtain glucose homeostasis.

Feasibility of Arteriograph 24 for evaluation of 24-hour pulse wave velocity and central blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic controls.

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the Arteriograph 24 device to measure 24-hour PWV and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and non-diabetic controls and compare daytime and nighttime characteristics in the two groups. Twenty-four-hour PWV and cSBP was measured in 58 patients with T2DM (mean age: 66 ±â€…9 years, 50% women, mean duration of T2DM: 7.8 ±â€…1.5 years) and 62 age- and sex-matched controls. Seventy percent of participants (71% T2DM patients and 69% controls) had sufficient readings to generate an acceptable 24-hour report (≥14 day and ≥7 night readings). Lower nocturnal than daytime PWV and cSBP were observed in both groups. Nocturnal PWV and cSBP dipping were attenuated in T2DM patients compared to controls (PWV: -0.3 ±â€…0.9 vs. -0.7 ±â€…0.9 m/s, P  = 0.04, cSBP: -8 ±â€…14 vs. -18 ±â€…18 mmHg, P  < 0.01). No group differences in PWV or cSBP were observed during daytime (T2D vs. controls, PWV: 9.2 ±â€…1.1 vs. 9.2 ±â€…1.3 m/s, P  = 0.99, cSBP: 133 ±â€…19 vs. 137 ±â€…25 mmHg, P  = 0.42) or nighttime (PWV: 8.9 ±â€…1.3 vs. 8.4 ±â€…1.3 m/s, P  = 0.14, cSBP 124 ±â€…20 vs. 118 ±â€…27 mmHg, P  = 0.26). The study findings indicate that the nocturnal dipping of PWV and cSBP is attenuated in T2DM patients. The significant number of missing measurements raises concerns regarding the clinical utility of the Arteriograph 24 device.

Plasma levels of the arterial wall protein fibulin-1 are associated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The arterial system in diabetic patients is characterized by generalized non-atherosclerotic alterations in the vascular extracellular matrix causing increased arterial stiffness compared with subjects without diabetes. The underlying pathophysiology remains elusive. The elastin-associated extracellular matrix protein, fibulin-1, was recently found in higher concentrations in the arterial wall and in plasma in patients with long duration type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, plasma fibulin-1 independently predicted total mortality and was associated with pulse pressure, an indirect measure of arterial stiffness. Whether plasma fibulin-1 is associated with arterial stiffness at earlier phases of type 2 diabetes has not been determined. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we examined 90 patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes (< 5 years) and 90 gender- and age-matched controls. Plasma fibulin-1 was measured immunochemically. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV). Differences in means were assessed by t-tests. Associations were assessed by multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Plasma fibulin-1 levels were lower in the diabetic group compared with the control group, 93 ± 28 vs 106 ± 30 µg/mL, p = 0.005. In unadjusted analysis of the total study sample, plasma fibulin-1 was not associated with PWV, p = 0.46. However, with adjustment for the confounders age, gender, mean blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, diabetes and glomerular filtration rate, a 10 µg/mL increase in plasma fibulin was associated with 0.09 ± 0.04 m/s increase in PWV, p < 0.05. In subgroup analysis, plasma fibulin-1 was associated with PWV in the diabetes group, (0.16 ± 0.07 m/s increase in PWV per 10 µg/mL increase in plasma fibulin-1, p<0.05), but not controls, ß = 0.021 ± 0.057 m/s per 10 µg/mL, p = 0.70. The association remained significant in the diabetes group after adjustment for covariates, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma fibulin-1 is independently associated with PWV. Yet, as the plasma level of fibulin-1 was lower in patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes than in healthy controls, plasma fibulin-1 levels are not a simple marker of the degree of arterial stiffening. Further studies are needed to determine the exact role of fibulin-1 in arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Adrenal incidentalomas and effectiveness of patient pathway transformation.

INTRODUCTION: A total of 10% of older individuals harbour adrenal incidentalomas and need dedicated adrenal CT to exclude malignancy and biochemical evaluation. These investigations tax medical resources, and diagnostic delay may cause anxiety for the patient. We implemented a no-need-to-see pathway (NNTS) in which low-risk patients only attend the clinic if adrenal CT or hormonal evaluation is abnormal. METHODS: We investigated the impact of a NNTS pathway on the share of patients not requiring an attendance consultation, time to malignancy and hormonal clarification, and time to end of investigation. We prospectively registered adrenal incidentaloma cases (n = 347) and compared them with historical controls (n = 103). RESULTS: All controls attended the clinic. A total of 63% of cases entered and 84% completed the NNTS pathway without seeing an endocrinologist; 53% of consultations were avoided. Time-to-event analysis revealed a shorter time to clarification of malignancy (28 days; 95% confidence interval (CI): 24-30 days versus 64 days; 95% CI: 47-117 days) and hormonal status (43 days; 95% CI: 38-48 days versus 56 days; 95% CI: 47-68 days) and a shorter time to end of pathway (47 days; 95% CI: 42-55 days versus 112 days; 95% CI: 84-131 days) in cases than controls (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that NNTS pathways may be an efficient way of handling the increased burden of incidental radiological findings, avoiding 53% of attendance consultations and achieving a shorter time to end of pathway. FUNDING: Supported by a grant from Regional Hospital Central Denmark, Denmark. The study was approved by the institutional review boards of all participating hospitals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Graves' Disease: The DAGMAR Trial.

Objective: Treatment options in Graves' disease (GD) are limited and do not target the underlying autoimmunity, and relapse rates following a course of antithyroid drug (ATD) reach 50%. Previous research has shown promising results for a role of vitamin D in GD. We aimed to investigate whether vitamin D reduces failure to enter and sustain remission in patients with GD treated with ATD. Design: A multicenter, double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial comparing vitamin D 70 mcg once daily (2800 IU) or placebo. The intervention was given first as add-on to ATD treatment, maximally 24 months, and then for 12 months after ATD cessation. Inclusion period was from 2015 to 2017 and study completion by December 2020. Patients included were adults with a first-time diagnosis of GD treated with ATD. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy and glucocorticoid treatment. The primary endpoint was failure to enter and sustain remission defined as relapse of hyperthyroidism within 12 months after ATD cessation, inability to stop ATD within 24 months, or radioiodine treatment or thyroidectomy. Two hundred seventy-eight patients were included in the study, and 4 patients withdrew consent. No adverse effects were found. Results: Participants were aged 44 ± 14 years at enrollment and 79% were female. The risk of failure to enter and sustain remission was 42% [95% confidence interval (CI) 33-50%] in the vitamin D group and 32% [CI 24-40%] in the placebo group corresponding to a relative risk of 1.30 [CI 0.95-1.78]. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation did not improve the treatment of GD in patients with normal or insufficient vitamin D status. Thus, supplementation with high-dose vitamin D cannot be recommended for GD. Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02384668.

Glycemic Metrics Derived From Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Glucose data from intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) is a combination of scanned and imported glucose values. The present knowledge of glycemic metrics originate mostly from glucose data from real-time CGM sampled every five minutes with a lack of information derived from isCGM. METHODS: Glucose data obtained with isCGM and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were obtained from 169 patients with type 1 diabetes. Sixty-one patients had two observations with an interval of more than three months. RESULTS: The best regression line of HbA1c against mean glucose was observed from 60 days prior to HbA1c measurement as compared to 14, 30, and 90 days. The difference between HbA1c and estimated HbA1c (=glucose management indicator [GMI]) first observed correlated with the second observation (R2 0.61, P < .001). Time in range (TIR, glucose between 3.9 and 10 mmol/L) was significantly related to GMI (R2 0.87, P < .001). A TIR of 70% corresponded to a GMI of 6.8% (95% confidence interval, 6.3-7.4). The fraction of patients with the optimal combination of TIR >70% and time below range (TBR) <4% was 3.6%. The fraction of patients with TBR>4% was four times higher for those with high glycemic variability (coefficient of variation [CV] >36%) than for those with lower CV. CONCLUSION: The individual difference between HbA1c and GMI was reproducible. High glycemic variability was related to increased TBR. A combination of TIR and TBR is suggested as a new composite quality indicator.

Variation of glucose time in range in type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the variation of glucose time in range (TIR) for persons with type 1 diabetes who perform intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM). METHODS: Glucose data for 8 weeks were analysed for 166 persons. TIR was calculated over four consecutive 2 weeks periods. Sixty-one of the persons had two downloads with an interval of >3 months. RESULTS: A total of 140 individuals (84%) used multiple daily injection, and 26 (16%) used continuous insulin infusion. The within-individual standard deviation (SD) for TIR was 6.3% corresponding to 95% limits of agreement for the difference between two TIR values of ±17.6%. Mean TIR calculated from the first and last 2 weeks was 52.2 ± 17.1% and 53.7 ± 16.4%, respectively (difference 1.5%, SD of the difference 10.4%, p = .07). For persons with two downloads separated by months, the SD of the difference in TIR was 12.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The 95% limit of agreement for TIR is vast for persons using isCGM. It is difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding systematic differences when individual TIR from 2 weeks are compared. This may not be valid for users of insulin pumps with closed-loop insulin delivery.

Effect of 12-week continuous positive airway pressure therapy on glucose levels assessed by continuous glucose monitoring in people with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea; a randomized controlled trial.

Aim: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is frequent in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim was to investigate the effect of a 12-week treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on glycaemic control assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), HbA1c and fasting blood glucose in patients with T2D and newly detected OSA. Methods: In a randomized controlled multicentre study, 72 participants with T2D and moderate to severe OSA (78% male, age 62 ± 7, AHI 35 ± 15) were recruited from outpatient clinics in three Danish hospitals and were randomized to CPAP intervention or control. The main outcome was glycaemic control assessed by 6 days CGM at baseline and after 12-week therapy, as well as by HbA1c and fasting blood glucose. Results: No significant changes were found in average glucose levels, time in glucose range, time with hypoglycaemia, time with hyperglycaemia or coefficient of variability. HbA1c decreased 0.7 mmol/mol (0.07%; P = .8) in the CPAP group and increased 0.8 mmol/mol (0.08%; P = .6) in the control group (intergroup difference, P = .6). Fasting blood glucose increased by 0.2 mmol/L (P = .02) in the CPAP group and by 0.4 mmol/L (P = .01) in the control group (intergroup difference, P = .7). In a prespecified subgroup analysis comparing participants with high adherence (minimum usage of four hours/night for 70% of all nights) to CPAP to the control group, no significant changes were observed either, although these participants had a tendency towards better glycaemic indices. Conclusions: CPAP treatment for 12 weeks does not significantly change glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and OSA.

Effects of unrestricted access to flash glucose monitoring in type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: We assessed adherence and long-term effects on HbA1c of unrestricted access to flash glucose monitoring (FGM) in a single diabetes centre. METHODS: In this observational study, we reviewed data files for all 411 patients with type 1 diabetes attending our clinic during a 2-year period. Adherence was reported in those who initiated FGM in our clinic (n = 321). Baseline and final HbA1c were noted for patients who continued FGM for more than 6 months without clinical conditions or interventions at baseline that could interfere with the effect of FGM on glycaemic control (n = 270). RESULTS: After 2 years, the fraction of patients using FGM increased from 3% to 72%. Adherence to FGM was 88%. Baseline and final HbA1c was median (interquartile range) 63 mmol/mol (56, 74) (7.9% (7.3, 8.9)) and 59 mmol/mol (53, 68) (7.6% (7.0, 8.4)), respectively. The estimated difference final-baseline HbA1c was -4 mmol/mol (95% CI -5, -3) (-0.4% (-0.5, -0.3)) (P < .001). No significant difference was seen for patients with baseline HbA1c ≤ 7% (53 mmol/mol). The interval from initiation of FGM to final HbA1c was median 562 days (IQR 417, 662). The number of scans/day was median 11 (IQR 8, 13) and correlated negatively with both final and baseline HbA1c but not with change in HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Following the introduction of unlimited access, nearly three quarters of the patients were FGM users. Long-term adherence was good, and HbA1c improved in all patients except in those with optimal glycaemic control at baseline.

[The no-need-to-see process for adrenal incidentalomas].

With wider application and technical improvement of imaging the discovery of adrenal incidentalomas (AI) has been skyrocketing. AI need to be investigated for evidence of hormonal hypersecretion and malignancy, and this causes a considerable use of health resources and potential medicalisation. In the "no-need-to-see" process, the clinical assessment of the citizen will only take place, if the diagnostic tests are abnormal. In this review, we examine the predictive values of imaging and paraclinical testing and argue, that normal test results in people without extra-adrenal cancer exclude disease.

Effects of Supplemental Vitamin D on Muscle Performance and Quality of Life in Graves' Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been proposed to have a role in the development and course of Graves' disease (GD). Muscle weakness and quality of life (QoL) impairments are shared features of GD and vitamin D deficiency. We aimed at investigating whether vitamin D supplementation would improve restoration of muscle performance and thyroid-related QoL in GD and at describing the effect of anti-thyroid medication (ATD) on these outcomes. Methods: In a double-blinded clinical trial, hyperthyroid patients with a first-time diagnosis of GD were randomized to vitamin D 70 µg (2800 IU)/day or matching placebo as add-on to standard ATD. At baseline and after 3 and 9 months of intervention, we assessed isometric muscle strength, muscle function tests, postural stability, body composition, and QoL-impairment by using the ThyPRO questionnaire. Linear mixed modeling was used to analyze between-group differences. (The DAGMAR study clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT02384668). Results: Nine months of vitamin D supplementation caused an attenuation of muscle strength increment in all muscle measures investigated, significant at knee extension 60° where the increase was 24% lower (p = 0.04) in the vitamin D group compared with placebo. Compared with placebo, vitamin D supplementation tended to reduce gain of lean body mass (-24%, p = 0.08). Vitamin D supplementation significantly impeded alleviation of Composite QoL and the same trend was observed for the Overall QoL-Impact and Impaired Daily Life scales. In response to ATD, all measures improved significantly. The increase in muscle strength ranged from 25% to 40% (pall < 0.001), and increment of lean body mass was 10% (p < 0.001). Large changes were observed in all QoL scales. Conclusions: Nine months of vitamin D supplementation caused unfavorable effects on restoration of muscle performance. In contrast, ATD treatment was associated with marked improvement in all measures of muscle performance and thyroid-related QoL. In patients with newly diagnosed GD, high-dose vitamin D supplementation should not be recommended to improve muscle function, but ATD is of major importance to alleviate muscle impairment.

Effect of 9 months of vitamin D supplementation on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in Graves' disease: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased in Graves' disease (GD). CVD is predicted by increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure (BP). GD and these risk factors are all associated with lower levels of vitamin D. We aimed to assess the effect of supplemental vitamin D on PWV and BP in GD. METHODS: In a double-blinded trial, newly diagnosed GD patients were randomized to vitamin D3 70 µg/day (n = 44) or placebo (n = 42) as add-on to anti-thyroid medication. At baseline, 3 and 9 months PWV, BP and wave analysis were performed in office and 24 h setting. Between-group differences in change at 9 months were analyzed using linear mixed modelling. In subanalysis, effect of intervention in regard to baseline vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) was investigated. (The DAGMAR study, clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT02384668). RESULTS: PWV was unaffected by intervention in main analysis. However in the subanalysis, comparing the response to intervention in the vitamin D insufficient (n = 28) and the vitamin D replete patients, supplemental vitamin D induced a significant decrease in office PWV of 1.2 (95% CI: -2.3; -0.1) m/s compared to placebo. Of notice, baseline PWV was non-significantly higher among the vitamin D insufficient as compared to the replete participants. In response to vitamin D, office central systolic BP (-3.9 (95% CI: -7.5; -0.3) and brachial mean BP (-3.3 (95% CI: -6.5; -0.3) declined whereas 24 h measurements were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose vitamin D supplementation did not affect PWV. We observed significant reduction in office but not 24 h BP. Subanalysis showed a clinically relevant PWV reduction among vitamin D insufficient participants, although regression towards the mean might contribute to findings. Further studies on supplemental vitamin D in GD should focus on patients with vitamin D insufficiency.

Muscle Performance and Postural Stability Are Reduced in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Graves' Disease.

Background: Reduced muscle strength is an acknowledged symptom of Graves' disease, but the knowledge on severity is sparse. This study aimed to investigate muscle strength, balance, and muscle function in patients with Graves' disease compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 55 patients newly diagnosed with Graves' disease were compared to 55 euthyroid controls, matched on sex, age, and menopausal status. Isometric muscle strength (N) and maximum force production (N/s) were measured across different muscles groups using a dynamometer chair and postural stability (balance) in different positions using a stadiometer. Muscle function was assessed using the Timed-Up-and-Go test and the Repeated Chair Stand test. Results: Patients and controls were well matched. Handgrip maximum muscle strength as well as strength at elbow and knee flexion and extension were significantly impaired in patients compared to controls. Maximum force production was only significantly reduced at elbow flexion. Patients performed the Timed-Up-and-Go and the Repeated Chair Stand test significantly slower than controls, and postural stability was significantly reduced in patients compared to controls in all positions. Free triiodothyronine correlated with reduced muscle strength and postural stability. Conclusions: At the time of diagnosis, Graves' disease is associated with impaired maximum muscle strength, performance, and balance, whereas maximum force production is overall comparable to euthyroid controls.

Optimisation of quality indicators for lipid-lowering treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: The Danish Adult Diabetes Database (DADD) annually reports a quality indicator for lipid-lowering treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This retrospective cohort study aims to A) investigate the reasons for inadequate or lacking lipid-lowering treatment and to B) assess the validity of the DADD indicator as a measure of quality of care. METHODS: A) A pop-up questionnaire enquiring about reasons for lack of treatment was added to the clinicians' data entry tool in the Central Denmark Region. B) The DADD indicator was compared on a per-clinic basis with the achieved median low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level and with an internationally widely used indicator of lipid-lowering treatment quality. RESULTS: A) A total of 3,491 patients were registered from 1 January 2013 to 28 February 2015. For 170 (62%) of 309 patients with an LDL level > 2.5 mmol/l who were not receiving lipid-lowering treatment, there was no "good" explanation for lacking treatment. Among 518 patients with an LDL level > 2.5 mmol/l despite lipid-lowering treatment, 259 (50%) did not receive high-intensity treatment. B) The DADD quality indicator was neither associated with the international quality indicator nor with the median per-clinic LDL level for T2DM patients. CONCLUSIONS: A) We found substantial potential for improvement of lipid management among T2DM patients in Denmark by initiating and/or intensifying lipid-lowering treatment. B) The current DADD indicator is not a valid measure of lipid-lowering quality of care. FUNDING: supported by the Rosa and Asta Jensen Foundation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

Prevalence and geographical distribution of insulin pump therapy in the Central Denmark Region and its association with metabolic parameters.

AIMS: Insulin treatment in type 1 diabetes encompasses multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Both population-based studies and comparative studies regarding CSII use are sparse. The aim of the current study was to describe the prevalence and distribution of CSII use among adults with type 1 diabetes in the Central Denmark Region and to compare metabolic control in CSII-treated patients to those treated with MDI. METHODS: A database was constructed using the Danish Adult Diabetes Registry in 2014/2015 in combination with an audit of the patients' medical records. RESULTS: 3909 adults with type 1 diabetes patients were included. The proportion of patients treated with CSII differed significantly between the 8 regional hospitals from 12.0% to 31.1%. CSII users had a significantly lower HbA1c compared to MDI treated patients (7.6% (60 mmol/mol) versus 8.0% (64 mmol/mol)) in unadjusted analyses. After adjustment for clinically relevant characteristics the difference between CSII and MDI-treated patients was attenuated, but remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The distribution of CSII differed markedly between hospitals and CSII users had better glycemic control, even after adjustment for sex, age, BMI, diabetes duration, smoking, use of lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medication.

Determinants for adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is an efficacious treatment for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, there are only few data on long-term adherence. The aim of this study is to quantify the extent of non-adherence and describe the clinical characteristics. METHODS: A retrospective study including 695 patients with newly diagnosed OSA and prescribed CPAP therapy within an inclusion period of 14 months. All patients were offered free of charge individually adjusted CPAP therapy. Data on comorbidity, medication, BMI and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were obtained by questionnaires and consultation with an otorhinolaryngeal specialist. RESULTS: The median follow-up time after initiating CPAP therapy was 3.0 (range 2.4-3.6) years. An adherence rate of 89% was found for severe OSA, 71% for moderate OSA and 55% for mild OSA. 18% initiated humidification. Patients adherent to CPAP had a significantly higher Body Mass Index (BMI), Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) and ESS compared to non-adherent patients. Furthermore, adherence was associated with a higher frequency of observed interrupted breathing, a less frequent use of hypnotic drugs, fewer smokers, and they were more often offered humidification. Age, gender and comorbidity were not significantly associated with adherence. In a Cox model only AHI (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.963, p < 0.001), ESS (HR 0.939, p = 0.001) and smoking (HR 1.576, p = 0.022) were independently associated with CPAP non-adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of OSA, subjective daytime sleepiness and smoking status are independently related to adherence to CPAP therapy.

Nocturnal hypertension and impaired sympathovagal tone in Turner syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Increased blood pressure (BP), night: day BP ratio, and heart rate is seen in Turner syndrome (TS), and an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as aortic dilatation and dissection. We hypothesized that altered heart rate variability is present in TS in comparison with controls, and can be influenced by hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined the impact of HRT on sympathovagal control of heart rate variability. Patients (n = 8, aged 29.5 +/- 5.3 years; no treatment or HRT) and controls (n = 8, aged 28.5 +/- 4.2 years; no treatment) were examined by short-term spectral analysis (supine-standing), bedside neuropathy tests, and 24-h ambulatory BP. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), renin, aldosterone and urinary albumin excretion was determined. The interaction between position and status (TS or control) was examined for data from spectral analysis. RESULTS: Low-frequency (LF) power, coefficient of component variation of LF (both measures of sympathetic and vagal activity), and the LF: high-frequency (HF) power ratio (a measure of sympathovagal balance) were diminished in TS compared with controls, especially during standing. Systolic and diastolic night ambulatory BP (both P = 0.03), and systolic and diastolic night: day ratio (P = 0.01; P = 0.004) was increased in TS. During HRT diastolic day (P = 0.05) and 24-h diastolic ambulatory BP (P = 0.08) decreased. N-terminal pro-BNP was elevated in TS. CONCLUSION: Decreased sympathovagal balance or tone and nocturnal hypertension is present in TS, and N-terminal pro-BNP is elevated. HRT did not modulate the sympathovagal tone, but decreased BP. These changes may be linked to the increased cardiovascular risk and possibly the increased risk of aortic dilatation in TS.