Improved prognosis with integrated care management including early rhythm control and healthy lifestyle modification in patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) [AF-DM] have a high risk of cardiovascular and diabetes-related complications, but are less engaged in a comprehensive treatment approach. We evaluated the association of early rhythm control (ERC), lifestyle modification (LSM), and a combination of ERC and LSM with cardiovascular or diabetes-related complication risk in patients with AF-DM (type 2). METHODS: From the National Health Information Database, 47,940 patients diagnosed with AF-DM in 2009-2016 were included. We defined ERC as rhythm control therapy within two years of AF diagnosis and LSM as adherence to ≥ 2 of the healthy behaviors among non-current smoking, non-drinking, and regular exercise. We compared the primary (ischemic stroke) and secondary (macro- and microvascular complications, glycemic emergency, and all-cause death) outcomes in four groups: non-ERC and non-LSM (group 1), LSM only (group 2), ERC only (group 3), and both ERC and LSM (group 4). RESULTS: Of total, 10,617 (22%), 26,730 (55.8%), 2,903 (6.1%), and 7,690 (16.0%) were classified into groups 1 to 4, in sequence. The mean duration from AF diagnosis to ERC was 25.6 ± 75.5 days. During 4.0 (interquartile range: 2.5-6.2) years' follow-up, groups 2 and 3 were associated with 23% and 33% lower risks of stroke than group 1, respectively. Group 4 was associated with the lowest risk of stroke: hazard ratio (HR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.67, p < 0.001. Regarding secondary outcomes, the lowest risks were also observed in group 4; macro- and microvascular complications, glycemic emergency, and all-cause death had HRs (95% CIs) of 0.63 (0.56-0.70), 0.88 (0.82-0.94), 0.72 (0.62-0.84), and 0.80 (0.73-0.87), respectively, all p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: For AF-DM patients, ERC and LSM exert a synergistic effect in preventing cardiovascular and diabetes-related complications with the greatest lowered risk of stroke. A comprehensive treatment approach should be pursued in AF-DM patients.

[Diabetic Dyslipidemia]. / Dyslipidämie bei Diabetes.

Diabetic dyslipidemia is a major cause of the increased cardiovascular risk in diabetes. This lipid disorder is characterized by increased plasma triglycerides, increased remnant particles of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, small dense LDL particles and reduced HDL cholesterol. The main pathogenetic triggers are obesity and insulin resistance. In addition to lifestyle measures, statins, ezetimibe and eventually PCSK9 inhibitors are available to treat diabetic dyslipidemia and to reduce the cardiovascular risk. Fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids currently do not play a significant therapeutic role. A consistent and target-oriented therapy of diabetic dyslipidemia is a prerequisite for a cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with diabetes, which has been well proven in clinical studies.

Vitamin D3 metabolite ratio as an indicator of vitamin D status and its association with diabetes complications.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed by total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and is associated with poor health and increased mortality; however, some populations have low 25(OH) D concentrations without manifestations of vitamin D deficiency. The Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio (VMR) has been suggested as a superior indicator of vitamin D status. Therefore, VMR was determined in a population with type 2 diabetes at high risk for vitamin D deficiency and correlated with diabetic complications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Four hundred sisty patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were recruited, all were vitamin D3 supplement naive. Plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and its metabolites 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) and its epimer, 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (3-epi-25(OH)D3), were measured by LC-MS/MS analysis. VMR-1 was calculated as a ratio of 24,25(OH)2D3:25(OH)D3; VMR-2 as a ratio of 1,25(OH)2D3:25(OH)D3; VMR-3 was calculated as a ratio of 3-epi-25(OH)D3: 25(OH)D3. RESULTS: An association means that there were significant differences between the ratios found for those with versus those without the various diabetic complications studied. VMR-1 was associated with diabetic retinopathy (p = 0.001) and peripheral artery disease (p = 0.012); VMR-2 associated with hypertension (p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001), diabetic retinopathy (p < 0.001), diabetic neuropathy (p < 0.001), coronary artery disease (p = 0.001) and stroke (p < 0.05). VMR-3 associated with hypertension (p < 0.05), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001) and coronary artery disease (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this cross sectional study, whilst not causal, VMR-2 was shown to be the superior predictor of diabetic and cardiovascular complications though not demonstrative of causality in this cross-sectional study population over VMR-1, VMR-3 and the individual vitamin D concentration measurements; VMR-2 associated with both microvascular and cardiovascular indices and therefore may have utility in predicting the development of diabetic complications.

Therapeutic Benefit of Dillenia indica in Diabetes and Its Associated Complications.

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated fasting blood glucose levels, affects nearly 8% of the world population and was predicted that it would be the top seven leading cause of death in the next ten years. The incidence of diabetes and its morbidity are increasing rapidly in developing countries due to lifestyle change and intake of high-calorie diet occurring with urbanization. Medicinal plants and their products have been proven to be effective, less expensive, and safe for the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Although several medicinal plants known for the antidiabetic property are reported in the ancient medical textbook, there is always a scope to identify and validate less explored medicinal plants that are still practiced regularly by local and tribal people since ancient times. Here, in the present article, we would like to review a less explored medicinal plant, Dillenia indica, which has promising effects in treating diabetes and other diabetic-associated complications. In spite of its wide use in the Northeast region of India as traditional medicine, there is only one clinical study where the antidiabetic potential of the fruit powder has been shown. Further well-designed animal and human studies are needed to confirm the role of Dillenia indica in diabetes and its associated complications.

Incipient Diabetes Treated with Long-Term Classical Prescription.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) belongs to the progressive and irreversible disease. With the development of the disease, the function of beta cells declines significantly. Current treatments cannot reverse the course of the disease. The role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the DM treatment has been recognized widely, while there are few long-term observation reports. In this study, we introduced a case of DM treated by classical prescription alone for 10 years, which would provide the reference for clinical practice. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old male complained of a 2-month history of dry mouth, frequent urination, and blurred vision and found increased blood glucose for 3 days. The patient's glycated hemoglobin was 14.2%, fasting plasma glucose fluctuated at 12-15 mmol/L, and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) was 32.9 µg/min. The male was treated with 10 years of continuous classical prescription alone. After 3 months of TCM treatment, the patient's blood glucose level decreased significantly and blurred vision symptoms improved. With continued TCM treatment, his UAER normalized. Subsequently, he continued outpatient consultation, and his TCM prescription was adjusted according to clinical symptoms. After 10 years of continuous TCM treatment, his blood glucose remained stable, urinary microalbumin quantitation showed no abnormalities, and blurred vision disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: This case provides specific treatment plans and effective references for long-term control of blood glucose, prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, delay of disease progression, and protection of impaired islet function in the treatment of diabetes with TCM. TCM may become a meaningful alternative DM treatment in the future.

Hyperkalaemia in people with diabetes: occurrence, risk factors and outcomes in a Danish population-based cohort study.

AIMS: To examine the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of hyperkalaemia in people with diabetes in a real-world setting. METHODS: Using Danish health registries, we identified a population-based cohort of people with first-time drug-treated diabetes, in the period 2000-2012. First, the cumulative incidence of hyperkalaemia, defined as first blood test with potassium level >5.0 mmol/l after diabetes treatment initiation, was ascertained. Second, in a case-control analysis, risk factors were compared in people with vs without hyperkalaemia. Third, clinical outcomes were assessed among individuals with hyperkalaemia in a before-after analysis, and among people with and without hyperkalaemia in a matched cohort analysis. RESULTS: Of 68 601 individuals with diabetes (median age 62 years, 47% women), 16% experienced hyperkalaemia (incidence rate 40 per 1000 person-years) during a mean follow-up of 4.1 years. People who developed hyperkalaemia had a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease [prevalence ratio 1.74 (95% CI 1.68-1.81)], heart failure [prevalence ratio 2.35 (95% CI 2.18-2.54)], use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [prevalence ratio 1.24 (95% CI 1.20-1.28)], use of spironolactone [prevalence ratio 2.68 (95% CI 2.48-2.88)] and potassium supplements [prevalence ratio 1.59 (95% CI 1.52-1.67)]. In people with diabetes who developed hyperkalaemia, 31% were acutely hospitalized within 6 months before hyperkalaemia, increasing to 50% 6 months after hyperkalaemia [before-after risk ratio 1.67 (95% CI 1.61-1.72)]. The 6-month mortality rate after hyperkalaemia was 20%. Compared with matched individuals without hyperkalaemia, the hazard ratio for death was 6.47 (95% CI 5.81-7.21). CONCLUSIONS: One in six newly diagnosed people with diabetes experienced a hyperkalaemic event, which was associated with severe clinical outcomes and death.

Effect of glycemic control on the Diabetes Complications Severity Index score and development of complications in people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the longitudinal accumulation of diabetes-related complications and the effect of glycemic control on the Diabetes Complications Severity Index (DCSI) score in people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic health records from a large integrated healthcare system. People with newly diagnosed T2D were identified between 2005 and 2016 and stratified by initial HbA1c category (<7%, <8%, ≥8%). The DCSI scores were determined for each study year, and the cumulative incidence of diabetes-related complications was assessed. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the effect of baseline HbA1c and worsening glycemic (HbA1c) control on longitudinal changes in DCSI scores. RESULTS: Of 32 174 people identified as having newly diagnosed T2D, 14 016 (44%), 21 657 (67%), and 9983 (31%) had an initial or baseline HbA1c <7%, <8%, and ≥8%, respectively. Ten years after diabetes diagnosis, retinopathy, chronic kidney disease, coronary heart disease, and neuropathy were diagnosed in 22%, 29%, 24%, and 36% of people. Baseline HbA1c did not affect the observed trend in longitudinal changes in DCSI scores throughout the 11-year period. For people in each of the initial HbA1c groups (<7%, <8%, ≥8%), worsening or persistently poor glycemic control was significantly associated with a 10%, 19%, or 16% increase in the risk of experiencing an increased DCSI score, respectively (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline glycemic control had no apparent effect on longitudinal changes in DCSI score. Worsening or persistently poor glycemic control was associated with an increased risk of an increase in the DCSI score.

Malignant external otitis: The shifting treatment paradigm.

IMPORTANCE: Malignant external otitis (MEO) is an aggressive infection occurring in immunocompromised hosts. Increasing antimicrobial resistance is making the disease more difficult to treat. OBJECTIVE: Determine if there has been a shift in the microbiology and outcomes of MEO. DESIGN: A retrospective case series at a tertiary care institution. SETTING: Inpatient and outpatient tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 12 cases of recent MEO were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was progression of disease. Secondary outcomes were drug resistance and complications of MEO. RESULTS: Only 4 patients were cured of MEO. Four patients expired during the study period and at least one of these deaths was a direct result of the MEO. 7 patients developed Cranial nerve palsies, and 3 patients developed abscesses. CONCLUSIONS: Select cases of MEO now require multi-drug and long-term parenteral antibiotic therapy with extended hospital stays.

Combined effect of metformin with ascorbic acid versus acetyl salicylic acid on diabetes-related cardiovascular complication; a 12-month single blind multicenter randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ascorbic acid and acetylsalicylic acid among type II diabetes mellitus patients using metformin (only) for diabetes management therapy. METHOD: A 12-month single blinded multicenter randomized control trial was designed to investigate the measured variables [Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), Renal function, Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR) etc.]. The trial was randomized into 2 experimental parallel arms (ascorbic acid vs acetylsalicylic acid) were blinded with study supplements in combination with metformin and findings were compared to control arm with metformin alone and blinded with placebo. Withdrawal criteria was defined to maintain the equity and balance in the participants in the whole trial. FINDING: Patients with metformin and ascorbic acid (parallel arm I) was twice more likely to reduce HbA1c than metformin alone (control arm) in a year (OR 2.31 (95% CI 1.87-4.42) p < 0.001). Also Parallel arm I was ten times more likely to reduced risk factors contributing to long-term diabetes complications than participants of arm II in a year (OR 10.38 (95% CI 6.91-15.77) p < 0.001). In contrast, parallel arm II patients were seven times more effective to reduce the risk of expected CVD development in 10 years than arm I (OR 7.54 (95% CI 3.76-10.32) p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The trial concluded that ascorbic acid with metformin is more effective against reducing risks for diabetes related long-term complications (including ACR). TRIAL details Registration No: NTR-6100, Registry Name: Netherlands Trial Registry, URL: http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=6100 , Date of Registration: 20th October, 2016, Date of first Enrollment: 1 November, 2015.

A cluster-randomized trial to estimate the effect of mobile screening and treatment feedback on HbA1c and diabetes-related complications in Tshwane primary health care clinics, South Africa.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Our study had two primary objectives. The first was to evaluate the effect of an expert review with an individualised patient management plan on change in HbA1c. The second was to determine whether a mobile screening unit would increase the proportion of patients screened for glycaemic and lipid control, as well as diabetic complications as compared to the standard guideline-driven clinic care. METHODS: We conducted a cluster-randomised trial and enrolled 599 diabetic patients from twelve primary health care clinics in the Tshwane district of South Africa. The study was carried out in three phases: Phase 1 was a historical twelve-month record review to determine baseline characteristics; Phase 2 was the provision of the intervention (active screening for metabolic control and diabetes-related complications and health education targeting health care workers and diabetic patients) compared to the control group (routine care with similar education given to health care workers and diabetic patients) with a follow-up which included a clinical assessment. Phase 3 was a repeat of the record review to assess post-intervention changes following the proposed individualised patient management plan in the intervention clinics, and self-initiated by the health care professionals in the control clinics, based on training and results-sharing. RESULTS: No significant changes in the HbA1c between the intervention and control clinics after one year were observed. The mean Hba1c changed from 8.68 to 8.53% (intervention) and from 8.95 to 8.76% (control) (p=0.92). Significant differences were observed in screening for diabetic complications when active screening was done by a dedicated team. The increase observed was more than 60% in all indicators monitored. Significant changes were also seen in the control clinics for two measured outcome variables (HbA1c test ordered from 15% to 25% (p=0.02) and serum-creatinine test ordered increased from 11% to 19% (p<0.001)). There was no significant difference in the proportion of actions taken, or not taken, between the control and interventions arms (p=0.83). The proposed changed patient management plans by the expert review team were implemented in only 29% of patients in the intervention arm. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive programme that integrates clinical evaluations, active screening and an individualised patient management plan did not lead to significant improvement in the HbA1c levels. However, screening for glycaemic and lipid control, as well as diabetic complications, improved dramatically with a dedicated team. The lower than expected rate of uptake of the specialists-proposed patient management, with the resulting non-significant change in glycaemic control, needs further investigation.

[Anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and reduced kidney function of diabetic and non-diabetic etiologies]. / Antikoaguliantnaia terapiia u patsientov s fibrilliatsiei predserdii i snizhennoi funktsiei pochek diabeticheskoi i nediabeticheskoi étiologii.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stages I-III chronic kidney disease (CKD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The cohort parallel-group study included 92 patients with AF and stages I-III diabetic and non-diabetic CKD, who were treated with DOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) and vitamin K antagonists (warfarin). The follow-up duration was 12 months. RESULTS: Thromboembolic events and bleeding, which required patient hospitalization or blood transfusions, were not recorded during 1-year follow-up. There was no clinically significant progression of CKD in the groups of therapy with vitamin K antagonists or DOACs. Just the same, a more intense decrease in glomerular filtration rate and a high rate of hemorrhagic complications were revealed in the subgroup of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) versus those with non-diabetic CKD. CONCLUSION: In patients with non-valvular AF and diabetic and non-diabetic CKD, the use of DOACs effectively and safely prevents thromboembolic events, irrespective of the stage of CKD. At the same time, in patients taking anticoagulants, CKD progresses more rapidly in the presence of DM than in its absence, regardless of a specific anticoagulant. Hemorrhagic complications are more common in patients with AF, DM, and CKD, which requires more frequent monitoring of their kidney function.

Effects of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Treatment on Improvement in Anemia: Results from the MBD-5D Study.

OBJECTIVES: Anemia is an important prognostic factor in hemodialysis patients. It has been reported that parathyroidectomy ameliorates anemia and reduces the requirement of postoperative erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of cinacalcet, which is considered as a pharmacological parathyroidectomy, on anemia in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: We used data from a prospective cohort of Japanese hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism; the criteria were: intact parathyroid hormone concentrations ≥ 180 pg/mL or use of an intravenous or oral vitamin D receptor activator. All patients were cinacalcet-naïve at study enrollment. The main outcome measure was achievement of the target hemoglobin level (≥10.0 g/dL), which was measured repeatedly every 6 months. Cinacalcet exposure was defined as cumulative time since initiation. Both conventional longitudinal models and marginal structural models were adjusted for confounding factors. RESULTS: Among 3,201 cinacalcet-naïve individuals at baseline, cinacalcet was initiated in 1,337 individuals during the follow up. Cinacalcet users were slightly younger; included more patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and fewer with diabetes; were more likely to have a history of parathyroidectomy; and were more often on activated vitamin D agents, phosphate binders, and iron supplements. After adjusting for both time-invariant and time-varying potential confounders, including demographics, comorbidities, comedications, and laboratory values, each additional 6-month duration on cinacalcet was associated with a 1.1-fold increase in the odds of achieving the target hemoglobin level. CONCLUSIONS: Cinacalcet may improve anemia in chronic hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, possibly through pathways both within and outside the parathyroid hormone pathways. Further investigations are warranted to delineate the roles of cinacalcet not only in the management of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder but also in anemia control.

Gastric Electric Stimulation for Refractory Gastroparesis: A Prospective Analysis of 151 Patients at a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: Gastric electric stimulation (GES) is used to treat patients with refractory gastroparesis symptoms. However, the effectiveness of GES in clinical practice and the effect of GES on specific symptoms of gastroparesis are not well delineated. AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of GES for treatment for refractory symptoms of gastroparesis, the improvement in specific symptoms of gastroparesis, and clinical factors impacting on outcome. METHODS: Enterra GES was used to treat refractory gastroparesis symptoms. Patients filled out a symptom severity questionnaire (PAGI-SYM) prior to insertion. At each follow-up visit, the patient filled out PAGI-SYM and assessed their therapeutic response using the Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale (CPGAS). RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-one patients (120 females) with refractory gastroparesis (72 diabetic, 73 idiopathic, 6 other) underwent GES. Of the 138 with follow-up (1.4 ± 1.0 years), the average CPGAS was 2.4 ± 0.3 (SEM): 104 patients (75 %) improved (CPGAS > 0) and 34 (25 %) did not (CPGAS ≤ 0). Sixty patients (43 %) were at least moderately improved (CPGAS score ≥4). Clinical improvement was seen in both diabetic and idiopathic patients with the CPGAS in diabetic patients (3.5 ± 0.3) higher in idiopathic patients (1.5 ± 0.5; p < 0.05). Symptoms significantly improving the most included nausea, loss of appetite, and early satiety. Vomiting improved in both diabetic and idiopathic patients although the diabetic subgroup experienced a significantly greater reduction in vomiting than the idiopathic subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients with refractory gastroparesis, GES improved symptoms in 75 % of patients with 43 % being at least moderately improved. Response in diabetics was better than in nondiabetic patients. Nausea, loss of appetite, and early satiety responded the best.

Antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa L. seed oil against multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from diabetic wounds.

Microbial resistance to existing antibiotics has led to an increase in the use of medicinal plants that show beneficial effects for various infectious diseases. The study evaluates the susceptibility of multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Nigella sativa oil. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 34 diabetic patient's wounds attending the Renaissance hospital, Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria. The isolates were characterized and identified using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates were cultured and a comparative In vitro antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out using the disk diffusion method. Of the 34 samples collected, 19(56%) showed multidrug resistance to the commonly used antibiotics. Nigella sativa oil was then studied for antibacterial activity against these multidrug resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in varying concentration by well diffusion method. The oil showed pronounced dose dependent antibacterial activity against the isolates. Out of 19 isolates, 8(42%) were sensitive to undiluted oil sample; 4(21%) of these showed sensitivity at 200 mg/ml, 400 mg/ml and 800 mg/ml respectively. Eleven (58%) of the isolates were completely resistant to all the oil concentrations. The present study, reports the isolation of multi-drug resistant S. aureus from diabetic wounds and that more than half of isolates were susceptible to different concentrations N. sativa oil.

[Imaging of diabetic osteopathy]. / Bildgebung der diabetischen Osteopathie.

CLINICAL ISSUE: Diabetic bone diseases are more than just osteoporosis in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM): a relatively high bone mineral density is paired with a paradoxically high risk of fragility fractures. Diabetics exhibit low bone turnover, osteocyte dysfunction, relative hypoparathyroidism and an accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the bone matrix. Besides typical insufficiency fractures, diabetics show a high risk for peripheral fractures of the lower extremities (e.g. metatarsal fractures). The correct interdisciplinary assessment of fracture risks in patients with DM is therefore a clinical challenge. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: There are two state of the art imaging methods for the quantification of fracture risks: dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Radiography, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are suitable for the detection of insufficiency fractures. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS AND PERFORMANCE: Novel research imaging techniques, such as high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provide non-invasive insights into bone microarchitecture of the peripheral skeleton. Using MR spectroscopy, bone marrow composition can be studied. Both methods have been shown to be capable of discriminating between type 2 diabetic patients with and without prevalent fragility fractures and thus bear the potential of improving the current standard of care. Currently both methods remain limited to clinical research applications. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: DXA and HR-pQCT are valid tools for the quantification of bone mineral density and assessment of fracture risk in patients with DM, especially if interpreted in the context of clinical risk factors. Radiography, CT and MRI are suitable for the detection of insufficiency fractures.

Influence of educational attainments on long term glucose control and morbid events in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving integrated care from 15 China urban communities: The Beijing Community Diabetes Study 11.

AIM: To investigate the effects of educational attainment on glucose control and morbid events in patients with type 2 diabetes in Beijing communities. METHODS: In this prospective multi-center study, 2866 type 2 diabetes patients receiving integrated care from 15 Beijing urban communities were investigated. Educational attainment was categorized into three levels: low, medium, and high. After a 42-month management, glucose control parameters and morbid events were analyzed. RESULTS: At baseline, the percentages of patients with good glucose control (HbA1c ≤ 7.0%) in the low, medium and high educational groups were 49.09%, 54.82% and 62.59%, respectively (P<0.001). After the 42-month management, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c values were the highest in the low educational group (7.51 ± 2.05 mmol/l and 7.20 ± 1.27%, respectively). Percentages of patients with good glucose control in the three groups were 49.6%, 55.83% and 67.23%, respectively, and the incidences of combined morbid events were 4.5%, 2.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that educational level was related to the incidence of combined morbid events (medium level, HR=0.572; high level, HR=0.351; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Educational level was associated with long-term glucose control, and seemed to be related to the incidence of combined morbid events in people with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes and dementia in older people: a Best Clinical Practice Statement by a multidisciplinary National Expert Working Group.

Both dementia and diabetes mellitus are long-term disabling conditions and each may be a co-morbidity of the other. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a 1.5- to 2-fold higher risk of dementia. Diabetes also may occur for the first time in many individuals with mental ill health, including cognitive impairment and dementia, and this may complicate management and lead to difficulties in self-care. Case finding is often poor for cognitive impairment in medical settings and for diabetes in mental health settings and this needs to be addressed in the development of care pathways for both conditions. Many other deficiencies in quality care (both for dementia and diabetes) currently exist, but we hope that this Best Clinical Practice Statement will provide a platform for further work in this area. We have outlined the key steps in an integrated care pathway for both elements of this clinical relationship, produced guidance on identifying each condition, dealt with the potentially hazardous issue of hypoglycaemia, and have outlined important competencies required of healthcare workers in both medical/diabetes and mental health settings to enhance clinical care.