Population Status of Vitamin B12 Values in the General Population and in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, in Southwestern Colombia.

Vitamin B12 (B12) is necessary for the proper functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although there is no exact definition for B12 levels, a value of 200 pg/mL is compatible with deficiency, 200-299 pg/mL is considered borderline, and 300 pg/mL is considered normal. In population studies, the prevalence of B12 deficiency ranges between 2.9% and 35%. Furthermore, many medications, such as metformin [for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)], can cause B12 deficiency. The objectives of this study were to determine the population status of B12 in southwestern Colombia (and the status of B12 in subjects with T2DM). In the total population (participants with and without T2DM), the prevalence of B12 deficiency was 17.8%; that of borderline was 19.3%; and that of normal levels was 62.9%. The prevalence of deficiency increased with age and was significantly higher in those aged ≥60 years (p = 0.000). In T2DM subjects, the prevalence of deficiency was significantly higher concerning those without T2DM (p = 0.002) and was significantly higher in those who received >1 gm/day of metformin (p = 0.001). Thus, the prevalence of deficiency and borderline levels of B12 in our population was high, particularly in those >60 years of age. B12 deficiency was significantly higher in individuals with T2DM than in individuals without T2DM, especially among those receiving high doses of metformin.

Fixed-ratio Combinations (basal Insulin Plus GLP-1RA) In Type 2 Diabetes. an Analytical Review Of Pivotal Clinical Trials.

In type 2 diabetes, therapeutic failure to the oral anti diabetics is frequent, the use of schemes with basal insulin or with multiple doses of insulin (basal insulin and short-acting insulins) are a widely accepted way to intensify therapy. The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists is another intensification strategy. The fixedratio combinations with molecules such as insulin degludec + liraglutide, and insulin glargine + lixisenatide have proven useful in intensifying treatment of individuals with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this review was to evaluate and analyze the results of pivotal studies with both fixed-ratio combinations in individuals with type 2 diabetes, finding that, they are capable of achieving better glycemic control when compared with each of its components separately (with a lower risk of hypoglycemia vs basal insulin and lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects vs GLP-1 receptor agonists) in various clinical scenarios, especially in individuals who do not achieve control with oral antidiabetics or who do not achieve control with basal insulin (associated with oral antidiabetics) or in those under management with GLP-1RA plus oral antidiabetics.

Prevalence of Functional Alterations and the Effects of Thyroid Autoimmunity on the Levels of TSH in an Urban Population of Colombia: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The population prevalence of functional alterations and thyroid autoimmunity is high, and numerous genetic and environmental aspects have been described as triggering factors. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of functional alterations and thyroid autoimmunity in an urban population of Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a cross-sectional, population-based study (n = 9,638) conducted on an urban population of Popayán-Cauca-Colombia between February 5th, 2018, to December 11th, 2021. The variables evaluated were thyrotropin (TSH), free T4 (FT4), and anti-thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase antibodies: TPOAb, and thyroglobulin antibodies: TgAb). RESULTS: TSH in men was significantly higher than in women. No differences were observed in the values of FT4, TPOAb, and TgAb (according to sex). The prevalence of normal thyroid function and subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher in men. The positivity of TPOAb and TgAb was 22.3% and 19.2%, respectively. TSH levels increased with age (both in men and in women). In participants with normal FT4 and negative TPOAb, the TSH was significantly higher. TSH was significantly higher in TPOAb-positive individuals and among those with TPOAb and TgAb positives, as well as in women with positive TPOAb and men with positive TPOAb and TgAb. CONCLUSION: In an urban population of Colombia, TSH was found to be higher than in populations of other geographical areas, especially in older individuals and in the presence of positive anti-thyroid antibodies, a high prevalence of functional alterations and thyroid autoimmunity was also found. These findings can be explained by excess iodine consumption and some environmental factors.