Lipid Association of India 2023 update on cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid management in Indian patients: Consensus statement IV.

OBJECTIVE: In 2016, the Lipid Association of India (LAI) developed a cardiovascular risk assessment algorithm and defined low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in Indians. The recent refinements in the role of various risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis in prediction of ASCVD risk necessitated updating the risk algorithm and treatment goals. METHODS: The LAI core committee held twenty-one meetings and webinars from June 2022 to July 2023 with experts across India and critically reviewed the latest evidence regarding the strategies for ASCVD risk prediction and the benefits and modalities for intensive lipid lowering. Based on the expert consensus and extensive review of published data, consensus statement IV was commissioned. RESULTS: The young age of onset and a more aggressive nature of ASCVD in Indians necessitates emphasis on lifetime ASCVD risk instead of the conventional 10-year risk. It also demands early institution of aggressive preventive measures to protect the young population prior to development of ASCVD events. Wide availability and low cost of statins in India enable implementation of effective LDL-C-lowering therapy in individuals at high risk of ASCVD. Subjects with any evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis are likely to benefit the most from early aggressive interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This document presents the updated risk stratification and treatment algorithm and describes the rationale for each modification. The intent of these updated recommendations is to modernize management of dyslipidemia in Indian patients with the goal of reducing the epidemic of ASCVD among Indians in Asia and worldwide.

Prevalence of cardiac abnormalities and heart failure in unselected out-patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated clinical factors: Real-world evidence from an Indian registry.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to be associated with development of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure (HF). The study aimed to determine the prevalence of LV dysfunction and HF in unselected out-patients with T2DM with no previous cardiac history and to correlate LV dysfunction and HF with demographic and comorbid characteristics. METHODS: This cross-sectional study conducted at 27 centers in India captured demographic and clinical data through electronic case record forms. B-type natriuretic peptide of >105 pg/mL was used to diagnose HF and two-dimensional echocardiography was used to assess LV dysfunction. RESULTS: Of the 615 patients, 54.3 % (n = 334) were males; mean age was 57.4 ± 10.48 years. More than one-third of the patients had T2DM duration of >10 years (n = 238; 38.7 %), with hypertension as the most prevalent comorbidity (n = 372, 78.6 %). Approximately 61.3 % of the patients had LV hypertrophy. The mean LV mass was 135.0 ± 56.16 g (95 % CI 130.28, 139.70). The prevalence of any type of LV dysfunction, including systolic or diastolic dysfunction and HF was 55 % (95 % CI 51.0, 59.0) and 10 % (95 % CI 7.0, 12.0), respectively. A negligible but statistically significant correlation was observed between LV dysfunction and T2DM duration (p = 0.011), alongside HF and age (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Real-world data from this registry from India demonstrates a substantial burden of LV dysfunction and HF in individuals with T2DM in India. It is imperative to formulate strategies for early identification of LV dysfunction in individuals with T2DM for prevention and consequent management of HF.

Time to reposition sulfonylureas in type 2 diabetes management in Indian context: A pragmatic practical approach.

Sulfonylureas (SU) continue to be a vital therapeutic category of oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Physicians consider modern SU (gliclazide and glimepiride) as "safe and smart" choices for T2DM management. The presence of multiple international guidelines and scarcity of a national guideline may contribute to the challenges faced by few physicians in choosing the right therapeutic strategy. The role of SU in diabetes management is explicit, and the present consensus aims to emphasize the benefits and reposition SU in India. This pragmatic, practical approach aims to define expert recommendations for the physicians to improve caregivers' knowledge of the management of T2DM, leading to superior patient outcomes.

Effect of hydroxychloroquine on beta cell function, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes patients uncontrolled on glimepiride and metformin therapy.

Background: Very few studies have assessed the impact of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on insulin resistance, beta cell function, and inflammatory markers in diabetics which takes paramount importance in understanding the mechanism of its anti-diabetic effect. Objective: To assess the effect of hydroxychloroquine on beta cell function and insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes patients uncontrolled on glimepiride and metformin combination. Study design and method: 30 T2DM patients were inadequately controlled on glimepiride and metformin combination with an HbA1c between 7.5 and 10% (both inclusive) and were given hydroxychloroquine 400 mg in addition to glimepiride and metformin during the 12-week study period. Beta cell function, insulin resistance, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL6), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks after addition of 400 mg hydroxychloroquine. Results: With addition of HCQ, there was a significant improvement in both beta cell function and insulin resistance (p < 0.001). There was also significant improvement in FPG, PPG, and HbA1c along with significant improvement in IL6, hsCRP, and adiponectin levels post 12 weeks of adjunctive treatment with hydroxychloroquine. The changes in beta cell function and insulin resistance correlated significantly with the changes in IL6, hsCRP, and adiponectin levels. Conclusion: Addition of hydroxychloroquine as an add-on drug in uncontrolled diabetes significantly improves the beta cell function and the insulin resistance, along with significant improvement in adiponectin, hsCRP levels, and IL6 levels.

2021 Asia-Pacific Graves' Disease Consortium Survey of Clinical Practice Patterns in the Management of Graves' Disease.

AIM: Although Graves' disease (GD) is common in endocrine practices worldwide, global differences in diagnosis and management remain. We sought to assess the current practices for GD in countries across Asia and the Pacific (APAC), and to compare these with previously published surveys from North America and Europe. METHODS: A web-based survey on GD management was conducted on practicing clinicians. Responses from 542 clinicians were received and subsequently analysed and compared to outcomes from similar surveys from other regions. RESULTS: A total of 542 respondents participated in the survey, 515 (95%) of whom completed all sections. Of these, 86% were medical specialists, 11% surgeons, and 3% nuclear medicine physicians. In addition to serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine assays, most respondents would request TSH-receptor autoantibody (TRAb) measurement (68%) during initial work-up. Thyroid ultrasound is requested by about half of respondents (53%), while the use of nuclear medicine scans is limited. The preferred first-line treatment is anti-thyroid drug (ATD) therapy (79%) with methimazole (MMI) or carbimazole (CBZ), followed by radioiodine (RAI; 19%) and surgery (2%). In case of surgery, one-third of respondents would opt for a subtotal rather than a total thyroidectomy. In case of mild Graves orbitopathy (GO), ATDs (67%) remains the preferred treatment, but a larger proportion of clinicians prefer surgery (20%). For a patient with intention to conceive, the preferred treatment pattern remained unchanged, although propylthiouracil (PTU) became the preferred ATD-agent during the first trimester. In comparison to European and American practices, marked differences were noted in the relatively infrequent usage of nuclear medicine scans and the overall higher use of a ATDs and ß-blockers and adjunctive ATD-treatment during RAI in the APAC-group. CONCLUSION: Although regional differences regarding the diagnosis and management of GD are apparent in this first pan-Asia-Pacific survey, this study reveals the overall approach to the management of this disease in Asia-Pacific generally tends to fall between the trends appreciated in the American and European cohorts.

Bladder cancer with pioglitazone: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Varied reports suggest a contentious relationship of bladder malignancy with pioglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes. AIM: To study an association (prevalence and predictors) of bladder malignancy with pioglitazone therapy in Asian-Indian type 2 diabetes patients. METHOD: In this observational multicenter study, type 2 diabetic patients attending out-patient diabetes-clinic were evaluated. A detailed history of anti-diabetic medication, dose, duration, pioglitazone usage, time since initiation of pioglitazone, physical examination, biochemical tests and details pertaining to prevalent neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy were recorded. Details of bladder cancer or any malignancy (if present), time since diagnosis, risk factors for bladder cancer and histopathology records were noted. The study cohort was divided into two groups-pioglitazone ever users (Group A) and never users (Group B). RESULTS: A total of 8000 patients were screened out of which 1560 were excluded. Among 6440 included patients, 1056 (16.3%) patients were in group A and 5384 (83.6%) group B. Patients on pioglitazone were older (59.1 vs 57.7 years, p < 0.001), had longer duration of diabetes (12.7 vs 10.6 years, p < 0.001) with poor glycemic control (HbA1c 8.5 vs 8.3%, p < 0.01). A total of 74 patients had prevalent bladder cancer [16 (1.5%) in Group A and 58 in Group B (1.0%)]. Prevalent bladder cancer was not significantly greater in ever-users (odds ratio OR = 1.29, 95% confidence interval CI, 0.83-2.00) compared to never-users (odds ratio OR = 0.94, 95% confidence interval CI, 0.834-1.061) of pioglitazone (p = 0.207). However, history of hematuria in pioglitazone-users; while older age (>58 year), history of smoking and hematuria in the whole cohort were significant associated with bladder cancer. In the entire study cohort, 254 patients; 3.5% of males (128 out of 3575) and 4.6% of females (126 out of 2713) developed any malignancy. Age was significantly associated with prevalent malignancy in people with diabetes (odds ratio OR 1.036, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.022-1.051, p = 0.00) on multivariate forward regression. CONCLUSION: Pioglitazone use in Asian-Indians is not associated with an increased bladder cancer risk. However, pioglitazone should be restricted in individuals with history of hematuria. Age more than 58 years is a significant risk factor for development of any malignancy, particularly bladder cancer.

Comparison of triglyceride glucose index and HbA1C as a marker of prediabetes - A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HbA1C and HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment for assessing insulin resistance) are established diagnostic markers of diabetes and insulin resistance respectively, but are relatively expensive. Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is calculated based on fasting plasma glucose and fasting triglyceride levels which are available as routine laboratory parameters and is inexpensive. This is a preliminary study which aims to compare Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index with HbA1C as a marker of prediabetes and also with HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment for assessing insulin resistance) as a marker of insulin resistance. METHODS: 100 diagnosed cases of prediabetes and 100 age and sex-matched normoglycemic controls were recruited in the study. Fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour OGTT, fasting triglycerides, fasting plasma insulin and HbA1C were measured. Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment for assessing insulin resistance) were calculated. Receiver operator curve was plotted and analysed between HbA1C and Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index. RESULTS: Out of 100 subjects with prediabetes; 53 were female and 47 were male. In this study, there was higher mean Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index (4.942 ± 0.137 vs 4.661 ± 0.173) and HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment for assessing insulin resistance) (2.424 ± 1.045 vs 1.03 ± 0.594) in individuals with prediabetes compared to normoglycemic individuals. The area under curve (AUC) for HbA1C (0.942) was more than Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index (0.898) for the diagnosis of prediabetes. But the difference was not statistically significant with p = 0.06. CONCLUSIONS: Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is comparable to HbA1C as a marker for the diagnosis of prediabetes.

Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The available evidence was systematically reviewed to evaluate the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or multiple risk factors (MRF), with or without heart failure (HF), and per estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) rate at baseline. METHODS: We comprehensively searched three electronic databases to retrieve publications up to 30th November 2019, which were screened for inclusion. The data extracted for the outcomes according to baseline ASCVD, HF, and eGFR levels were meta-analyzed using fixed effects model. RESULTS: Of the 735 screened citations, 15 primary and secondary publications from five CV or renal outcome trials were included. SGLT2is reduced the risk of CV death or hospitalization for HF (HHF), HHF alone, and composite renal-specific outcome, irrespective of ASCVD and HF at baseline. The three-point major adverse cardiovascular events (3P-MACE) risk was reduced by 14% (p<0.001) in patients with ASCVD and by 10% (p = 0.018) in those without baseline HF compared with their counterparts. SGLT2is significantly reduced the risk of MACE (18%) in patients with mild kidney dysfunction (eGFR within the range of 60-<90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ). CONCLUSION: SGLT2is are effective for both secondary and primary prevention of composite CV outcomes, and secondary prevention of MACE. The upcoming evidence may strengthen the primary prevention benefits of SGLT2is.

Rising cost of insulin: A deterrent to compliance in patients with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The rapid increase in burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), poses a huge medico-economic challenge, especially when the cost of care is funded by out-of-pocket expenses. The aim of this review is to highlight various issues associated with rising cost of insulin, prevalence of cost-related insulin underuse, insulin related cost-saving behaviors, and viable solutions for the benefit of patients with T2DM receiving insulin. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from 2000 to 2020 were searched using the key terms uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy, glycemic control, direct cost, indirect cost, out-of-pocket expenses, cost-related insulin underuse, cost-saving behaviors, and biosimilar insulin in developed countries and India. RESULTS: In majority of the patients with T2DM on monotherapy, addition of another oral antidiabetic agent is required. Despite these measures, the target glycemic goals are not achieved in majority of the patients resulting in various complications. These complications can be prevented and target glycemic goals can be achieved with early initiation of insulin therapy. However, rising cost is a major deterrent to the lifelong use of insulin. This results in non-compliance and further deterioration of glycemic control. Recently, biosimilar insulins have revolutionized the management of T2DM and look promising from the economic point of view. CONCLUSIONS: Biosimilar insulins are likely to further enhance the compliance of patients and should be used whenever feasible in patients with DM. However, the patient, along with prescriber should be allowed to make shared, informed decisions regarding the insulin they wish to use.

The role of oral semaglutide in managing type 2 diabetes in Indian clinical settings: Addressing the unmet needs.

AIMS: Despite their established benefits, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) remain underutilized for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, which indicates that subcutaneous injection is an unfavorable mode of delivery from the patient's perspective. This review summarizes existing challenges related to medication adherence and the use of antihyperglycemia injectables, revisits the established safety and efficacy of oral semaglutide, and explores its features and considerations for use among the Indian T2DM population. METHODS: We performed a literature search using MEDLINE and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2021, to identify publications on oral semaglutide approval, T2DM treatment guidelines, and clinical evidence for oral drug formulation. RESULTS: Oral semaglutide is the first oral GLP-1 RA approved for T2DM patients based on phase 3, randomized PIONEER trials. The multitargeted action of this drug offers glycemic control, weight control, and cardiovascular, renal, and additional benefits, including patient convenience and enhanced medication adherence. In addition to achieving glycemic control, the cost of semaglutide is reported to be lower than other GLP-1 RA in the West, thus potentially mitigating the economic burden that appears to be high among the Indian population. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is no data available on oral semaglutide in Indian clinical settings. However, significant improvements in glycemic control, cardiac and renal benefits, as well as weight loss across clinical trials should encourage clinicians to prioritize oral semaglutide over other antidiabetic agents.

First-in-Class Oral Semaglutide: Overcoming Barriers of Incretinisation in the Indian Context.

Despite the availability of multiple therapeutic options and strategies, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the world over have inadequate glycaemic control and India is no exception. Patients with T2DM in India have benefitted from glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues similar to that of patients from other parts of the world. However, subcutaneous treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) is limited by their injectable mode of administration. The present review highlights barriers to incretinisation with GLP-1RAs and the role of first-in-class oral semaglutide in the Indian context and provides guidance to physicians on its initiation and uses.

Effect of Hydroxychloroquine on Glycemic Variability in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Uncontrolled on Glimepiride and Metformin Therapy.

Background and Aims: No study to date has assessed the effect of hydroxychloroquine on various parameters of glycaemic variability. To assess the effect of hydroxychloroquine on glycaemic variability in type 2 diabetes patients uncontrolled on glimepiride and metformin. Methods: A total of 30 T2DM patients aged 18-65 years uncontrolled on glimepiride and metformin therapy with HbA1c 7.5-10% (58-86 mmol/mol) were given adjunctive hydroxychloroquine 400 mg during the 12-week study period. The glycaemic variability parameters such as standard deviation of 24 hours of blood glucose, mean of daily differences (MODD) and mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion (MAGE) were assessed by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) data at baseline and at 12 weeks after the addition of hydroxychloroquine 400 mg. Efficacy was assessed by change in fasting, postprandial plasma glucose and HbA1c from baseline to 12 weeks of addition of 400 mg hydroxychloroquine. Results: There was a significant reduction in all parameters of glycaemic variability including MAGE, MODD, standard deviation of 24-hour blood glucose and average blood glucose as well as a significant reduction in fasting, postprandial blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin post 12 weeks of adjunctive treatment with hydroxychloroquine. At the end of 12 weeks of adjunctive treatment with hydroxychloroquine, there was a significant improvement in the percentage of time spent in the target glucose range of 3.9-8.3 mmol/L (70-150 mg/dL). Conclusion: The addition of hydroxychloroquine in uncontrolled diabetes significantly reduces all glycaemic parameters including all parameters of glycaemic variability and hence can be an effective add-on to patients uncontrolled on glimepiride and metformin therapy.

Etiological Profile of Short Stature in Children and Adolescents.

CONTEXT: The delayed growth of a child is a major cause of concern for the parents. There is a multitude of etiological factors which must be considered in relation to this common aspect of healthcare. AIM: The study was done to evaluate the etiological profile of short stature in children and adolescents. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The cross-sectional study was conducted for 12 months including 111 cases of short stature (out of the 1,058 cases screened), at the endocrinology outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care institute in Haryana. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: As per the inclusion criteria, cases with age <18 years were enrolled. The examination and anthropometric measurements were performed in the presence of parents/guardians. RESULTS: Out of the 1,058 cases screened; 111 cases of short stature were recruited as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prevalence was about 10.49% of the total population. The mean age of the sample was 12.34 ± 3.19 years. The endocrine causes were the most common followed by normal variants of growth and delay, chronic systemic illness, and nutritional and skeletal causes. Among the endocrine causes, hypothyroidism was the most common followed by growth hormone deficiency and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). CONCLUSIONS: The mean chronological age of 12.34 ± 3.19 years suggests the delayed detection of short stature in the population. This highlights the importance of educating parents so that timely therapeutic intervention can be done to achieve the potential height.

Effect of Yoga on Glucose Control and Quality of Life in Patients of Prediabetes.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate effect of yoga on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose, and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and also on quality of life (QoL). Research Design and Methods: This was a cohort study in which 100 diagnosed cases of prediabetes were recruited for doing specific yoga, and they themselves act as control for the study. The measurement and comparison of FPG, prandial plasma glucose (PPG), and HbA1C were done at three different time intervals, that is, baseline, 3 months, and at 6 months. The assessment of QoL was done using SF-36 scale. Results: One hundred prediabetic cases were selected for the study in which impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was present more in younger population compared to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and IFG plus IGT both of which are more prevalent in middle age group. The yoga therapy was found to have favorable effect on FPG, PPG, and HbA1C along with various anthropometry measures studied in this study. After adjusting correlation coefficient for various anthropometry measures, yoga was found to be effective for controlling glycemic parameters in prediabetics. Conclusions: Yoga is a type of exercise known to improve glycemic control by changing anthropometry measures, but our study aids in knowledge about the beneficial effect beyond this known fact through other mechanisms yet to be explored.

Practical aspects of usage of insulin in India: Descriptive review and key recommendations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Insulin therapy is an integral part of diabetes management. However, reliable and easily accessible information on a number of basic facts concerning insulin therapy, including storage of insulin, managing insulin therapy during travel, nuances of insulin use while driving, and dose adjustments during sick days is lacking. This document aims to make readily available, reliable, and easy to implement information on these essential but relatively less discussed aspects of insulin therapy. METHOD: Literature search was performed using PubMed and Cochrane Library from inception till 1st of July 2019. The relevant topics were reviewed by a panel of 5 specialists and 23 contributing physicians and endocrinologists, who had assembled at Bengaluru, India for the 13th National Insulin Summit. After a thorough review of the literature, and following detailed discussions, the committee arrived at these recommendations. RESULTS: Unopened vials and cartridges of insulin should be stored at 2 °C-8 °C in a refrigerator and protected from direct sunlight. For opened vials and in-use cartridges, manufacturer's instructions must be followed at all times. While traveling by air, dose adjustments are required only when flying across more than five time zones in the east or west directions. Insulin therapy should not be omitted or stopped during an acute illness; rather the doses need careful adjustments based on self-monitoring of blood glucose. CONCLUSION: Recommendations and guidelines, covering many common aspects of insulin therapy are readily available. This consensus document aims to make recommendations for those essential aspects of insulin therapy that are crucial for its success but are relatively less known and less discussed.

Body composition and handgrip strength in patients with prediabetes: A case-control study from Haryana, North India.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous studies suggest that body composition and handgrip strength are significantly altered in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Only few studies are available in prediabetic individuals. The aim is to study the change in body composition in adult individuals with prediabetes and compare it with age and sex-matched normoglycemic individuals. METHODS: 100 diagnosed cases of prediabetes and 100 age and sex-matched normoglycemic controls were recruited in the study. Body composition was assessed with Omron HBF 510w and Slim guide skinfold caliper. Handgrip strength was assessed with Camry digital dynamometer. RESULTS: Out of 100 subjects with prediabetes; 53 were female and 47 were male. In this study, there was higher mean body fat percentage (29.37 ± 5.65 vs 25.46 ± 5.27) and visceral fat (11.21 ± 1.92 vs 7.27 ± 2.82) in individuals with prediabetes compared to normoglycemic individuals. Also, there was a lower mean of skeletal muscle percentage (27.21 ± 4.32 vs 31.19 ± 4.63) and handgrip strength (29.61 ± 6.38 vs 33.75 ± 6.8) in individuals with prediabetes compared to normoglycemic individuals. In this study, body fat percentage was positively correlated (r = 0.3385) with prediabetes. The skeletal muscle percentage (r = -0.40721) and handgrip strength (r = -0.301) were negatively correlated with prediabetes. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that there is a significant change in body composition and handgrip strength in the individuals with prediabetes, and changes in body composition and handgrip strength can be included as a primary care strategy to motivate lifestyle modifications.

Addison's disease with primary hypothyroidism in a case of visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection.

A 41-year-old man presented with vomiting and loose stools. He had a history of long-term intermittent fever, generalised skin hyperpigmentation, dragging sensation in the left hypochondrium and unintentional weight loss. He was receiving combination antiretroviral therapy since 2010 for HIV infection. He also received antitubercular therapy for tuberculous spondylitis. During the hospital stay, he was found to have postural hypotension, hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, pancytopenia, hypothyroidism, hyperglobulinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia with reversal of serum albumin/globulin ratio. The morning plasma cortisol was lower than normal and could not be appropriately stimulated after the Synacthen test. The bone marrow histopathology was suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis. He was diagnosed as a case of visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection with primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) and primary hypothyroidism, as a rare and unusual presentation.

Quality of Life among Diabetics: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center of Rohtak, Haryana.

INTRODUCTION: The most severe health threats dominating the low- and middle-income countries are no longer the dreaded communicable diseases; but, they are everyday diseases due to changes in lifestyle, which are the noncommunicable diseases. Quality of life (QOL) is defined by the World Health Organization as an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. QOL assessment in health system is a multidimensional construct that can be measured by evaluating objective levels of health status filtered by the subjective perceptions and expectations of the individual. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the QOL among diabetics attending the endocrine outpatient department (OPD) in a tertiary care hospital of Haryana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at endocrinology OPD of Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS Rohtak, Haryana from May 2014 to April 2015. Five hundred diabetics (Type 1 and 2) were recruited for the study. Patients registered on the day of interview were selected using systematic random sampling. A predesigned, pretested, semi-structured schedule which included sociodemographic variables of the study participants along with information about family history of diabetes was filled by interviewing the study subjects in their vernacular language individually. Generic instrument, SF-36 v2 was used to assess the QOL. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 50.41 ± 9.1 years. The mean disease duration was 6.12 ± 5.55 years. Majority of our respondents belonged to Hindu religion (97.4%). The mean scores for the bodily pain domain (79.52 ± 28.15) and social functioning domain (76.47 ± 26.10) of QOL were the highest. CONCLUSION: The mean scores for the bodily pain domain and social functioning domain of QOL were the highest. Assess the QOL in patients with diabetes by measuring the multiple domains involving physical, psychological and social aspects.