Blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol testing among adults with diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, USA, 2019 vs 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Regular blood glucose/A1c, blood pressure (BP), and cholesterol (ABC) testing is important for diabetes management. It is unknown whether pandemic-related disruptions in medical care were negatively associated with ABC testing among US adults with diagnosed diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among adults ≥18 years with diagnosed diabetes who participated in the 2019 or 2021 National Health Interview Survey (n=3355 and n=3127, respectively). Adults with diabetes self-reported sociodemographic and diabetes-related characteristics, ABC testing in the past year, and delays or not getting medical care due to the pandemic (2021 only). Descriptive statistics were used to determine differences in ABC testing in 2019 vs 2021. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between delays or not getting medical care due to the pandemic and ABC testing, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes duration, and diabetes medication use. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of having a blood glucose/A1c or a BP test in the past year was high (>90%) but it was significantly lower in 2021 compared with 2019 (A1c: 94.2% vs 96.8%, p<0.001; BP: 96.8% vs 98.4%, p=0.002, respectively). Cholesterol testing remained stable (93.0% in 2021 vs 94.5% in 2019, p=0.053). In logistic regression analysis, after full adjustment, adults who reported delaying or not getting medical care when needed due to the pandemic were 50% less likely to get an ABC test in the past year compared with those who promptly received medical care (A1c: adjusted OR (aOR)=0.44, 95% CI 0.29-0.68; BP: aOR=0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.85; cholesterol: aOR=0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Disruptions in medical care during the pandemic were associated with a decrease in ABC testing. Future research is needed to assess whether blood glucose/A1c and BP testing returns to prepandemic levels and if reductions in these tests result in excess diabetes-related complications.

Opioid prescription and diabetes among Medicare beneficiaries.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of opioid prescriptions among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries by diabetes status, and predictors of opioid prescription among those with diabetes. METHODS: This retrospective study used claims data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services among beneficiaries age ≥ 65 years who were continuously enrolled in Part A, Part B, and Part D Medicare between 2017 and 2019 (N = 709,374). Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of opioid prescription among those with vs without diabetes; and, among those with diabetes, significant predictors of opioid prescription. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of any opioid prescription was 30.8 % among persons with diabetes and 24.2 % in those without diabetes (p < 0.001); chronic use was 8.0 % and 7.4 %, respectively (p < 0.001). Those with diabetes had a 45 % higher odds of having an opioid prescription compared to those without diabetes after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics (OR = 1.45, 1.44-1.47). After adjustment for comorbidities/complications, the association reversed (OR = 0.83, 0.82-0.84). Persons with diabetes who had hypertension, obesity, CVD, neuropathy, amputation, liver disease, COPD, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, or alcohol/drug abuse had a 20 %-140 % higher odds of opioid prescription compared to those without these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities and complications accounted for the higher odds of opioid prescriptions among those with diabetes.

Association between gestational diabetes and 6-year incident diabetes: results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes (GDM) disproportionately affect those of Hispanic/Latino heritage. This study examined the association between GDM and prevalent and incident diabetes in a community-based study of Hispanic/Latina women living in the USA. METHODS: Participants were women aged 18-74 years in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos who had at least one pregnancy and had information on self-reported history of GDM at baseline (n=6389). Logistic regression was used to determine the association between GDM and prevalent (2008-2011) and incident (2014-2017) diabetes and interactions between GDM and risk factors for incident diabetes. RESULTS: At baseline, 8.7% of participants reported a history of GDM and 18.6% had prevalent diabetes. Women with Mexican heritage had the highest prevalence of GDM history (11.3%) vs women of Cuban (5.0%), Central American (4.9%), and South American (3.8%) heritage (p<0.001 for each comparison to Mexican heritage). Women with self-reported GDM were four times more likely to have prevalent diabetes compared with women without GDM, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and cardiometabolic risk factors (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.94, 95% CI 2.75 to 5.64). Overall incidence of diabetes was 14.3/100 women. Women with GDM at baseline increased their odds of incident diabetes by threefold compared with women without GDM (aOR=3.25, 95% CI 2.09 to 5.05). Women with Cuban or Puerto Rican heritage and GDM had significantly higher odds of incident diabetes compared with women with Mexican heritage (aOR=2.15, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.95; aOR=1.95, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.55, respectively). CONCLUSION: Self-reported GDM was significantly associated with a threefold higher risk of incident diabetes among Hispanic/Latino women in the USA even after adjusting for several significant predictors of diabetes.

Food insecurity, diet quality, and suboptimal diabetes management among US adults with diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: A healthy diet is recommended to support diabetes management, including HbA1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol (ABC) control, but food insecurity is a barrier to consuming a healthy diet. We determined the prevalence of food insecurity and diet quality among US adults with diabetes and the associations with ABC management. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted among 2075 adults ≥20 years with diagnosed diabetes who participated in the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Food insecurity was assessed using a standard questionnaire and diet quality was assessed using quartiles of the 2015 Healthy Eating Index. Adjusted ORs (aOR, 95% CI) were calculated from logistic regression models to determine the association between household food insecurity/diet quality and the ABCs while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare utilization, smoking, medication for diabetes, blood pressure, or cholesterol, and body mass index. RESULTS: Overall, 17.6% of adults had food insecurity/low diet quality; 14.2% had food insecurity/high diet quality; 33.1% had food security/low diet quality; and 35.2% had food security/high diet quality. Compared with adults with food security/high diet quality, those with food insecurity/low diet quality were significantly more likely to have HbA1c ≥7.0% (aOR=1.85, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.80) and HbA1c ≥8.0% (aOR=1.79, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.08); food insecurity/high diet quality was significantly associated with elevated HbA1c; and food security/low diet quality with elevated A1c. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity, regardless of diet quality, was significantly associated with elevated A1c. For people with food insecurity, providing resources to reduce food insecurity could strengthen the overall approach to optimal diabetes management.

Association of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption with Prediabetes and Glucose Metabolism Markers in Hispanic/Latino Adults in the United States: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

BACKGROUND: Both the incidence of diabetes mellitus and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages are high in the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States. The associations between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and 100% fruit juice with prediabetes and glucose metabolism markers in the diverse Hispanic/Latino population in the United States are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional associations between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and 100% fruit juice with prediabetes and glucose metabolism markers such as fasting glucose and insulin, 2-h oral-glucose-tolerance test, HOMA-IR, HOMA index for ß-cell function (HOMA-B), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among US Hispanic/Latino adults. METHODS: Using baseline data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008-2011), beverage consumption was ascertained using two 24-h dietary recalls and a food propensity questionnaire. Diabetes/prediabetes status was defined by self-report, antihyperglycemic medication use, and American Diabetes Association laboratory criteria. Among 9965 individuals without diabetes (5194 normoglycemia, 4771 prediabetes) aged 18-74 y, the associations of beverage consumption with prediabetes and glucose metabolism markers were analyzed using logistic and linear regressions, respectively, accounting for complex survey design. RESULTS: Compared with individuals who consumed <1 serving/d (<240 mL/d) of sugar-sweetened beverages, individuals who consumed >2 servings/d (>480 mL/d) had 1.3 times greater odds of having prediabetes (95% CI: 1.06, 1.61) and higher glucose metabolism markers including fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c. Consumption of artificially sweetened beverages showed an inverse association with ß-cell function (HOMA-B). Intake of 100% fruit juice was not significantly associated with prediabetes nor with glucose metabolism markers. CONCLUSIONS: Among US Hispanic/Latino adults, higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was associated with increased odds of prediabetes and higher glucose metabolism markers. Public health initiatives to decrease sugar-sweetened beverage consumption could potentially reduce the burden of diabetes among Hispanics/Latinos in the United States.

Cognitive function among older adults with diabetes and prediabetes, NHANES 2011-2014.

AIMS: To determine the association between diabetes status, glycemia, and cognitive function among a national U.S. sample of older adults in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examinations Surveys. METHODS: Among 1,552 adults age ≥ 60 years, linear and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine the association between diabetes status (diabetes, prediabetes, normoglycemia) and cognitive function [Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease-Word Learning (CERAD W-L), Animal Fluency test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)]. RESULTS: Overall, diabetes was associated with mild cognitive dysfunction. In age-adjusted models, adults with diabetes had significantly poorer performance on the delayed and total word recalls (CERAD W-L) compared to those with normoglycemia (5.8 vs. 6.8 words; p = 0.002 and 24.5 vs. 27.6 words; p < 0.001, respectively); the association was non-significant after adjusting for cardiovascular disease. Among all adults, cognitive function scores decreased with increasing HbA1c for all assessments, but remained significant in the fully adjusted model for the Animal Fluency and DSST [beta coefficient = -0.44;-1.11, p < 0.05, respectively]. As measured by the DSST, the proportion with cognitive impairment was significantly higher for older adults with HbA1c ≥ 8.0% (≥64 mmol/mol) vs. HbA1c < 7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) (14.6% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Dysglycemia, as measured by HbA1c, was associated with poorer executive function and processing speed.

Comparison of several survey-based algorithms to ascertain type 1 diabetes among US adults with self-reported diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Defining type of diabetes using survey data is challenging, although important, for determining national estimates of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to compare the percentage and characteristics of US adults classified as having type 1 diabetes as defined by several algorithms. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study included 6331 respondents aged ≥18 years who reported a physician diagnosis of diabetes in the 2016-2017 National Health Interview Survey. Seven algorithms classified type 1 diabetes using various combinations of self-reported diabetes type, age of diagnosis, current and continuous insulin use, and use of oral hypoglycemics. RESULTS: The percentage of type 1 diabetes among those with diabetes ranged from 3.4% for those defined by age of diagnosis <30 years and continuous insulin use (algorithm 2) to 10.2% for those defined only by continuous insulin use (algorithm 1) and 10.4% for those defined as self-report of type 1 (supplementary algorithm 6). Among those defined by age of diagnosis <30 years and continuous insulin use (algorithm 2), by self-reported type 1 diabetes and continuous insulin use (algorithm 4), and by self-reported type 1 diabetes and current insulin use (algorithm 5), mean body mass index (BMI) (28.6, 27.4, and 28.5 kg/m2, respectively) and percentage using oral hypoglycemics (16.1%, 11.1%, and 19.0%, respectively) were lower than for all other algorithms assessed. Among those defined by continuous insulin use alone (algorithm 1), the estimates for mean age and age of diagnosis (54.3 and 30.9 years, respectively) and BMI (30.9 kg/m2) were higher than for other algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of type 1 diabetes using commonly used algorithms in survey data result in varying degrees of prevalence, characteristic distributions, and potential misclassification.

Urinary phenols and parabens and diabetes among US adults, NHANES 2005-2014.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Phenols and parabens are ubiquitous and have been associated with markers of cardiovascular health. However, the literature lacks population-based studies examining the link between these endocrine disruptors and diabetes. We examined the association between paraben/phenol concentrations and diabetes among a nationally representative sample of US adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: We utilized data from the 2005-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (N = 8498). Total urinary concentrations of BPA, triclosan, BP-3, and propyl, butyl, ethyl, and methyl parabens were measured from urine specimens collected during the examination session. Diabetes status was based on self-report of a previous diagnosis or HbA1c≥6.5%. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with the difference in log-transformed values of the 75th and 25th percentiles for each phenol/paraben, adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) of diabetes comparing the 75th to 25th percentiles of each paraben/phenol were 1.09 (0.96-1.23) for BPA, 0.84 (0.72-0.98) for triclosan, 0.69 (0.61-0.79) for BP-3, 0.71 (0.61-0.83) for propyl paraben, 0.66 (0.54-0.80) for butyl paraben, 0.60 (0.51-0.71) for ethyl paraben, and 0.79 (0.68-0.91) for methyl paraben. CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of triclosan, BP-3, and propyl, butyl, ethyl, and methyl parabens were associated with lower odds of diabetes. These findings warrant further investigation into the potential mechanism behind the observed associations and the temporal direction of the associations, given that we cannot rule out reverse causation. Future studies of these endocrine disruptors may improve the understanding of their relationship with diabetes.

The Association Between Heart Rate and Glycemic Status in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

CONTEXT: Evidence suggests that heart rate (HR) is a prognostic factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), for which persons with diabetes are at increased risk. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to determine the association between HR and glycemic status in a nationally representative sample of US adults, and, among adults with diagnosed diabetes, the association between HR and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted. SETTING: The setting of this study is the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2011 to 2016. PARTICIPANTS: US general adult (age ≥ 20 years) population who had information on glycemic status based on self-report, HbA1c, and fasting plasma glucose (N = 8562). INTERVENTION: There was no intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure of this study was mean HR (beats per minute). RESULTS: After adjustment for examination time, age, other demographic characteristics, health insurance, health behaviors, body mass index, CVD and kidney disease, and taking antihypertensive medications, mean HR was significantly higher for those with diagnosed (75 bpm), undiagnosed diabetes (75 bpm), and prediabetes (73 bpm) compared to those with normoglycemia (71 bpm, P < .05 for all); this association was robust both for men and women. Mean HR increased with increasing HbA1c level among individuals with diagnosed diabetes independent of other risk factors (HbA1c < 7.0% [< 53 mmol/mol], 73 bpm vs A1c ≥ 11.0% [≥ 97mmol/mol], 79 bpm, P < .001); this association was most pronounced for women. CONCLUSIONS: Adjusted mean HR was higher among individuals with diabetes and increased glycemia, which may reflect underlying autonomic and/or myocardial dysfunction among those with diabetes.

Variations of dietary intake by glycemic status and Hispanic/Latino heritage in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

OBJECTIVE: A healthy diet is important for diabetes prevention and control; however, few studies have assessed dietary intake among US Hispanics/Latinos, a diverse population with a significant burden of diabetes. To address this gap in the literature, we determined intake of energy, macro/micronutrients, and vitamin supplements among Hispanics/Latinos by glycemic status and heritage. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of adults aged 18-74 years from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008-2011) with complete baseline data on glycemic status and two 24-hour dietary recalls (n=13 089). Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted measures of intake were determined by glycemic status and heritage. RESULTS: Mean age-adjusted and sex-adjusted energy intake was significantly lower among Hispanics/Latinos with diagnosed diabetes compared with those with normal glycemic status (1665 vs 1873 kcal, P<0.001). Fiber intake was higher among those with diagnosed diabetes versus normal glycemic status (P<0.01). Among those with diagnosed diabetes, energy intake was highest among those with Cuban heritage compared with most other heritage groups (P<0.01 for all, except Mexicans), but there was no difference after additional adjustment. Fiber intake was significantly lower for those of Cuban heritage (vs Dominican, Central American, and Mexican), and sodium intake was significantly higher (vs all other heritage groups) (P<0.01 for all); findings were null after additional adjustment. There was no difference in supplemental intake of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, or potassium by glycemic status. CONCLUSIONS: As part of the care of Hispanics/Latinos with diabetes, attention should be made to fiber and sodium consumption.

Changes in Health Insurance Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act: A National Sample of U.S. Adults With Diabetes, 2009 and 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To assess national changes in health insurance coverage and related costs before and after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) among U.S. adults with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were cross-sectional from the 2009 and 2016 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS). Participants were adults age ≥18 years with a previous diagnosis of diabetes who self-reported on their health insurance coverage, demographic information, diabetes-related factors, and amount spent on medical expenses and insurance premiums (N = 6,220). RESULTS: Among adults with diabetes age 18-64 years, health insurance coverage increased from 84.7% in 2009 to 90.1% in 2016 (P < 0.001). Coverage remained near universal for those age ≥65 years (99.5%). For adults age 18-64 years, coverage increased for almost all subgroups and significantly for men; non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics; those who were married; those with less than or more than a high school education, family income <$35,000, or diabetes duration <5 or >15 years; and those taking oral agents (P < 0.05 for all). Among adults age 18-64 years, Medicaid coverage significantly increased between 2009 and 2016 (19.4% vs. 24.3%, P = 0.006), and for those with private insurance, 7.8% acquired their plan through HealthCare.gov. For adults age ≥65 years, private insurance decreased and Medicare Part D increased (P < 0.007 for both). Among those age 18-64 years with an income <$35,000, the proportion of income spent on family medical costs decreased (6.3% vs. 4.8% for 2009 vs. 2016, respectively; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Health insurance coverage among adults with diabetes age 18-64 years increased significantly after implementation of the ACA, and medical costs to families decreased among those with lower incomes.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Adults Age 20-49 Years in the United States, 1971-2012: A Series of Cross-Sectional Studies.

BACKGROUND: The health of younger adults in the U.S. has important public health and economic-related implications. However, previous literature is insufficient to fully understand how the health of this group has changed over time. This study examined generational differences in cardiovascular risk factors of younger adults over the past 40 years. METHODS: Data were from 6 nationally representative cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1971-2012; N = 44,670). Participants were adults age 20-49 years who self-reported sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions, and had examination/laboratory measures for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. Prevalences of sociodemographic characteristics and health status were determined by study period. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval] of health conditions by study period: models adjusted only for age, sex, and race, and fully adjusted models additionally adjusted for socioeconomic characteristics, smoking, BMI, diabetes, and/or hypertension (depending on the outcome) were assessed. RESULTS: Participants in 2009-2012 were significantly more likely to be obese and have diabetes compared to those in 1971-1975 (OR = 4.98, 3.57-6.97; OR = 3.49, 1.59-7.65, respectively, fully adjusted). Participants in 2009-2012 vs. 1988-1994 were significantly more likely to have had hypertension but uncontrolled hypertension was significantly less likely (OR = 0.67, 0.52-0.86, fully adjusted). There was no difference over time for high cholesterol, but uncontrolled high cholesterol was significantly less likely in 2009-2012 vs. 1988-1994 (OR = 0.80, 0.68-0.94, fully adjusted). The use of hypertensive and cholesterol medications increased while chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases were relatively stable. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular risk factors of younger U.S. adults have worsened over the past 40 years, but treatment for hypertension and high cholesterol has improved. The sub-optimal and worsening health in younger adults may have a substantial impact on health care utilization and costs, and should be considered when developing health care practices.

Macronutrient Intake, Diagnosis Status, and Glycemic Control Among US Hispanics/Latinos With Diabetes.

CONTEXT: Diet modification is a mainstay of diabetes management. US Hispanics/Latinos are disproportionately affected by diabetes, but few studies have examined dietary intake among US Hispanics/Latinos with diabetes, and little is known regarding the influence of diabetes awareness on dietary intake. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated macronutrient intake and its associations with diabetes awareness and glycemic control among US Hispanics/Latinos with diabetes. PARTICIPANTS: This analysis included 3310 diabetic adults aged 18­74 years from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008­2011). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diabetes was defined as diagnosed (based on medical history or antihyperglycemic medication use) or undiagnosed diabetes (based on fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] ≥ 6.5%, or 2 h glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL in the absence of a physician diagnosis). Dietary intake was assessed using two 24-hour recalls. RESULTS: Among Hispanic/Latino adults with diabetes, 21.2%, 55.7%, and 71.2% met the American Diabetes Association recommendations for fiber (≥14 g per 1000 kcal), saturated fat (<10% of total energy), and cholesterol intake (<300 mg), respectively. Compared with those with undiagnosed diabetes, people with diagnosed diabetes consumed less carbohydrate (50.3 vs 52.4% of total energy; P = .017), total sugar (19.1 vs 21.5% of total energy; P = .002), added sugar (9.8 vs 12.1% of total energy; P < .001), and more total fat (30.7 vs 29.3% of total energy; P = .048) and monounsaturated fat (11.5 vs 10.7% of total energy; P = .021). Association between diabetes awareness and low total and added sugar intake was observed in individuals of Mexican and Puerto Rican background but not in other groups (P for interaction < .05). Among people with diagnosed diabetes, those with HbA1c of 7% or greater consumed more total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than those with HbA1c less than 7% (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Among US Hispanics/Latinos with diabetes, fiber intake is low, and diabetes awareness is associated with reduced carbohydrate and sugar intake and increased monounsaturated fat intake. Sugar intake may require special attention in certain Hispanic/Latino background groups.

The relationship of adiposity and mortality among people with diabetes in the US general population: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have found a U-shaped association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in the general population. In similar studies among people with diabetes, the shape of the association is inconsistent. We investigated the relationship of BMI and waist circumference with mortality among people with diabetes. SETTING: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and the 1999-2004 NHANES Mortality Studies were designed to be representative of the US general population. Baseline data were collected in 1988-2004. PARTICIPANTS: 2607 adults ≥20 years of age with diabetes. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Participants were followed through 31 December 2006 for mortality (n=668 deaths). RESULTS: Compared with people with a BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2), the HRs (95% CI) of mortality were 0.85 (0.60 to 1.21) for 25-29.9 kg/m(2), 0.87 (0.57 to 1.33) for 30-34.9 kg/m(2) and 1.05 (0.72 to 1.53) for ≥35 kg/m(2) after adjustment for age, sex, race-ethnicity, smoking status, education, income and diabetes duration. Compared with people in the lowest sex-specific quartile of waist circumference, the adjusted HRs (95% CI) of mortality were 1.03 (0.77 to 1.37) for the second quartile, 1.02 (0.73 to 1.42) for the third quartile and 1.12 (0.77 to 1.61) for the highest quartile of waist circumference. When modelled as a restricted quadratic spline with knots at the 10th, 50th and 90th centiles, BMI and waist circumference were not associated with mortality. Several sensitivity analyses were conducted and most found no significant association between measures of adiposity and mortality, but there were significant results suggesting a U-shaped association among people in the highest tertile of glycated haemoglobin (≥7.1%), and there was an inverse association between BMI and mortality among people 20-44 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample of the non-institutionalised US population with diabetes, BMI and waist circumference were not associated with risk of mortality.

A behavioral weight-loss intervention in persons with serious mental illness.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are epidemic among persons with serious mental illness, yet weight-loss trials systematically exclude this vulnerable population. Lifestyle interventions require adaptation in this group because psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment are highly prevalent. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of an 18-month tailored behavioral weight-loss intervention in adults with serious mental illness. METHODS: We recruited overweight or obese adults from 10 community psychiatric rehabilitation outpatient programs and randomly assigned them to an intervention or a control group. Participants in the intervention group received tailored group and individual weight-management sessions and group exercise sessions. Weight change was assessed at 6, 12, and 18 months. RESULTS: Of 291 participants who underwent randomization, 58.1% had schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder, 22.0% had bipolar disorder, and 12.0% had major depression. At baseline, the mean body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) was 36.3, and the mean weight was 102.7 kg (225.9 lb). Data on weight at 18 months were obtained from 279 participants. Weight loss in the intervention group increased progressively over the 18-month study period and differed significantly from the control group at each follow-up visit. At 18 months, the mean between-group difference in weight (change in intervention group minus change in control group) was -3.2 kg (-7.0 lb, P=0.002); 37.8% of the participants in the intervention group lost 5% or more of their initial weight, as compared with 22.7% of those in the control group (P=0.009). There were no significant between-group differences in adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: A behavioral weight-loss intervention significantly reduced weight over a period of 18 months in overweight and obese adults with serious mental illness. Given the epidemic of obesity and weight-related disease among persons with serious mental illness, our findings support implementation of targeted behavioral weight-loss interventions in this high-risk population. (Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health; ACHIEVE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00902694.).

Associations between quality indicators of internal medicine residency training programs.

BACKGROUND: Several residency program characteristics have been suggested as measures of program quality, but associations between these measures are unknown. We set out to determine associations between these potential measures of program quality. METHODS: Survey of internal medicine residency programs that shared an online ambulatory curriculum on hospital type, faculty size, number of trainees, proportion of international medical graduate (IMG) trainees, Internal Medicine In-Training Examination (IM-ITE) scores, three-year American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination (ABIM-CE) first-try pass rates, Residency Review Committee-Internal Medicine (RRC-IM) certification length, program director clinical duties, and use of pharmaceutical funding to support education. Associations assessed using Chi-square, Spearman rank correlation, univariate and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Fifty one of 67 programs responded (response rate 76.1%), including 29 (56.9%) community teaching and 17 (33.3%) university hospitals, with a mean of 68 trainees and 101 faculty. Forty four percent of trainees were IMGs. The average post-graduate year (PGY)-2 IM-ITE raw score was 63.1, which was 66.8 for PGY3s. Average 3-year ABIM-CE pass rate was 95.8%; average RRC-IM certification was 4.3 years. ABIM-CE results, IM-ITE results, and length of RRC-IM certification were strongly associated with each other (p<0.05). PGY3 IM-ITE scores were higher in programs with more IMGs and in programs that accepted pharmaceutical support (p<0.05). RRC-IM certification was shorter in programs with higher numbers of IMGs. In multivariable analysis, a higher proportion of IMGs was associated with 1.17 years shorter RRC accreditation. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between quality indicators are complex, but suggest that the presence of IMGs is associated with better performance on standardized tests but decreased duration of RRC-IM certification.

Randomized trial of achieving healthy lifestyles in psychiatric rehabilitation: the ACHIEVE trial.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent among persons with serious mental illness. These conditions likely contribute to premature cardiovascular disease and a 20 to 30 percent shortened life expectancy in this vulnerable population. Persons with serious mental illness need effective, appropriately tailored behavioral interventions to achieve and maintain weight loss. Psychiatric rehabilitation day programs provide logical intervention settings because mental health consumers often attend regularly and exercise can take place on-site. This paper describes the Randomized Trial of Achieving Healthy Lifestyles in Psychiatric Rehabilitation (ACHIEVE). The goal of the study is to determine the effectiveness of a behavioral weight loss intervention among persons with serious mental illness that attend psychiatric rehabilitation programs. Participants randomized to the intervention arm of the study are hypothesized to have greater weight loss than the control group. METHODS/DESIGN: A targeted 320 men and women with serious mental illness and overweight or obesity (body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) will be recruited from 10 psychiatric rehabilitation programs across Maryland. The core design is a randomized, two-arm, parallel, multi-site clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of an 18-month behavioral weight loss intervention to usual care. Active intervention participants receive weight management sessions and physical activity classes on-site led by study interventionists. The intervention incorporates cognitive adaptations for persons with serious mental illness attending psychiatric rehabilitation programs. The initial intensive intervention period is six months, followed by a twelve-month maintenance period in which trained rehabilitation program staff assume responsibility for delivering parts of the intervention. Primary outcomes are weight loss at six and 18 months. DISCUSSION: Evidence-based approaches to the high burden of obesity and cardiovascular disease risk in person with serious mental illness are urgently needed. The ACHIEVE Trial is tailored to persons with serious mental illness in community settings. This multi-site randomized clinical trial will provide a rigorous evaluation of a practical behavioral intervention designed to accomplish and sustain weight loss in persons with serious mental illness.

Biological basis of depression in adults with diabetes.

Diabetes and depression are common comorbid conditions. Although certain health behaviors and risk factors partially explain the association of depression and diabetes, other potential mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Certain neuroendocrine alterations such as activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) may contribute to the association. Additionally, presence of a proinflammatory state shown in recent literature in both diabetes and depression may contribute to this as well. The objectives of this review are to summarize and review the recent evidence showing alterations of these three biological systems-HPA axis, SNS, and inflammatory cascade--in depression, diabetes, and diabetes-related risk factors.