Use of electronic health records for the management of diabetes and its risk factors in the Principality of Asturias from 2014 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the implementation of electronic health records across all hospitals and primary care centres within the National Health System has significantly enhanced access to patients' clinical data. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in primary care settings and to outline its associated cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and epidemiological characteristics. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted including 89,679 patients diagnosed with T2DM who attended the primary health care system from 2014 to 2018. Data was provided by the Primary Health Care System of the Principality of Asturias (SESPA). RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of diagnosed T2DM was 8.01% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 7.96-8.06) of the total population. Additionally, it was more prevalent in males compared to females (9.90% [95% CI: 9.81-9.99] vs. 6.50% [95% CI: 6.44-6.57]) and increased with age in both sexes. People with T2DM had an average age of 74 years, 52.3% were male, and the most frequently associated CVRF were: dyslipidaemia (47.90%) and hypertension (62.20%). Glycaemic control improved during the 2014-2018 period (31.69%), as did lipid control (23.66%). However, the improvement in blood pressure control (9.34%) was less pronounced for the same period. Regarding the multifactorial control of diabetes (measured by LDL-cholesterol, HbA1C and blood pressure) the overall degree of control improved by 11.55% between 2014 and 2018. CONCLUSION: In this 5-year retrospective population-based study, the utilisation of data from electronic medical records provides insights into the prevalence of T2DM in a large population, as well as real-time CVRFs. Leveraging this data facilitates the development of targeted health policies.

Hypoglycemia during hyperosmolar hyperglycemic crises is associated with long-term mortality.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has indicated that hypoglycemia during hospitalization is a predictor of unfavorable outcomes in patients with diabetes. However, no studies have examined the long-term impact of hypoglycemia in adults admitted for hyperglycemic crises. The study was aimed to investigate the long-term implications of hypoglycemia during hyperosmolar hyperglycemic crises, particularly in terms of all-cause mortality. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 170 patients (82 men [48.2%], median age 72 years) admitted to a university hospital for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic crises, including pure hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states and hyperosmolar diabetic ketoacidoses. We separately investigated the prognostic significance of hypoglycemia on mortality during the initial intravenous insulin therapy phase and during the later subcutaneous insulin therapy phase, both during hospitalization and in the long term (median follow-up, 652 days; range 2-3460 days). RESULTS: Both hypoglycemia during the initial intravenous insulin therapy phase (observed in 26.5% of patients) and hypoglycemia during the later subcutaneous insulin therapy phase (observed in 52.7% of patients) were associated with long-term mortality. After adjusting for potential confounders, hypoglycemia during the initial intravenous insulin therapy phase remained associated with mortality (hazard ratio 2.10, 95% CI 1.27-3.46, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycemia during hyperosmolar hyperglycemic crises is a marker of long-term mortality, especially when it occurs during the initial intravenous insulin therapy phase.

Metformin and Glucose Concentration as Limiting Factors in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Viability and Proliferation.

Metformin is a well-established drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; however, the mechanism of action has not been well described and many aspects of how it truly acts are still unknown. Moreover, regarding in vitro experiments, the glycaemic status when metformin is used is generally not considered, which, added to the suprapharmacological drug concentrations that are commonly employed in research, has resulted in gaps of its mechanism of action. The aim of this study was to determine how glucose and metformin concentrations influence cell culture. Considering that diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, a retinal pigment epithelial cell line was selected, and cell viability and proliferation rates were measured at different glucose and metformin concentrations. As expected, glucose concentration by itself positively influenced cell proliferation rates. When the metformin was considered, results were conditioned, as well, by metformin concentration. This conditioning resulted in cell death when high concentrations of metformin were used under physiological concentrations of glucose, while this did not happen when clinically relevant concentrations of metformin were used independently of glucose status. Our study shows the importance of in vitro cell growth conditions when drug effects such as metformin's are being analysed.

100 Years since the Discovery of Insulin, from Its Discovery to the Insulins of the Future.

The term diabetes first emerged in the 3rd century BC, in a reference by Demetrius of Apamea, who described the disease as a dropsy in which any liquid ingested is eliminated in the form of urine. However, the great discovery that revolutionized this field came from the Canadian doctor Frederick Banting, who together with his student and assistant Charles Best, managed to isolate insulin and treat a patient with diabetes on 23 January 1922. This patient was Leonard Thompson, and the results obtained from him were surprising. His glycosuria and ketonuria disappeared and his blood glucose returned to normal. He received daily injections and lived 13 more years. Advances in the treatment of diabetes have been numerous in the 100 years since its discovery. In this review, we recapitulate the most important events that have occurred, and where research is progressing today.

Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during hospitalization: associated factors and prognostic value.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for hypoglycemia during hospital admission and its consequences in patients with diabetes are not entirely known. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors for hypoglycemia, as well as the potential implications of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted to the hospital. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 324 patients (214 [66.0%] men; median age 70 years, range 34-95 years) with type 2 diabetes admitted to a university hospital who were consulted the Endocrinology Department for glycemic control during a 12-month period. We investigated the potential role of demographic factors, metabolic factors, therapy, and comorbidities on the development of in-hospital hypoglycemia. We explored the prognostic value of hypoglycemia on mortality (both in-hospital and in the long-term), hospital readmission in the following year, and metabolic control (HbA1c value) after discharge (median follow-up, 886 days; range 19-1255 days). RESULTS: Hypoglycemia occurred in 154 (47.5%) patients during their hospitalization and was associated with advanced age, previous insulin therapy, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, lower body mass index and lower baseline HbA1c values. Hypoglycemia was associated with greater in-hospital and long-term mortality, longer hospital stays, higher readmission rates, and poorer metabolic control after discharge. These negative consequences of hypoglycemia were more frequent in patients with severe (≤ 55 mg/dL) hypoglycemia and in patients who had hypoglycemia during a greater percentage of hospitalization days. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycemia during hospital admission is a marker of a poor prognosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

[Cetoacidosis diabética al diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 en Asturias entre 2011 y 2020: influencia de la duración de los síntomas en la prevalencia de cetoacidosis y en la pérdida de peso.] / Diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in Asturias (Spain) between 2011 and 2020: influence of symptom duration on prevalence of ketoacidosis and weight loss.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication that usually occurs at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). However, the prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of T1D is heterogeneous in different regions of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of T1D in Asturias. METHODS: This study included all patients under nineteen years of age diagnosed with T1D in Asturias between 2011 and 2020. Retrospective review of medical records was performed to analyse DKA and other characteristics at diagnosis. A log binary regression model was constructed to obtain an estimate of the prevalence ratio of DKA to diagnosis in the years studied. RESULTS: A total of 267 people were diagnosed with a mean age of 9.85±4.46 years. The prevalence of DKA at diagnosis during this period was 38.63%. There was an increasing trend, with a prevalence ratio over the years studied of 1.015 (95%CI: 0.96-1.07; p=0.61). Duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 4.57±7.64 weeks. Weight loss was 7.56±7.26%, being more than 10% of previous weight in almost half of the patients who loosed weight. There was a positive relationship between symptoms duration and prevalence of DKA and between time to diagnosis and weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Asturias has a high prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of T1D, slightly higher than observed in other studies at national level and higher than in other similar countries, with a tendency to increase. Delayed diagnosis is a key factor in the prevalence of DKA and weight loss. Thus, health actions are needed for the early detection of T1D to avoid DKA at diagnosis.

OBJETIVO: La cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) es una complicación grave que puede producirse al diagnóstico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). La prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico de DM1 es desigual en las distintas regiones del mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico de DM1 en Asturias. METODOS: Se incluyeron los pacientes menores de diecinueve años diagnosticados de DM1 en Asturias entre 2011 y 2020. Mediante revisión de historia clínica se analizó la prevalencia de CAD así como otras características al diagnóstico. Se construyó un modelo de regresión log binaria para obtener una estimación de la razón de prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico en los años estudiados. RESULTADOS: Se diagnosticaron 267 personas con edad media de 9,85±4,46 años. La prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico fue del 38,63%. Se apreció una tendencia al aumento, con una razón de prevalencia en los años estudiados de 1,015 (IC95%:0,96-1,07; p=0,61). La duración de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico fue de 4,57±7,64 semanas. La pérdida de peso fue de 7,56±7,26%, siendo superior al 10% en casi la mitad de los pacientes que perdieron peso. Se apreció relación entre la duración de los síntomas y la prevalencia de CAD, y entre el tiempo de evolución y la pérdida de peso. CONCLUSIONES: Asturias presenta una alta prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico de DM1, levemente superior a otros estudios a nivel nacional y superior a otros países de nuestro entorno, con tendencia al aumento. El retraso diagnóstico es clave en la prevalencia de CAD y en la pérdida de peso. Son necesarias actuaciones sanitarias para la detección precoz de la DM1.

Cetoacidosis diabética al diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 en Asturias entre 2011 y 2020: influencia de la duración de los síntomas en la prevalencia de cetoacidosis y en la pérdida de peso / Diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in Asturias (Spain) between 2011 and 2020: influence of symptom duration on prevalence of ketoacidosis and weight loss

Fundamentos: La cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) es una complicación grave que puede producirse al diagnóstico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). La prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico de DM1 es desigual en las distintas regiones del mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico de DM1 en Asturias. Métodos: Se incluyeron los pacientes menores de diecinueve años diagnosticados de DM1 en Asturias entre 2011 y 2020. Mediante revisión de historia clínica se analizó la prevalencia de CAD así como otras características al diagnóstico. Se construyó un modelo de regresión logbinaria para obtener una estimación de la razón de prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico en los años estudiados. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 267 personas con edad media de 9,85±4,46 años. La prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico fue del 38,63%. Se apreció una tendencia al aumento, con una razón de prevalencia en los años estudiados de 1,015 (IC95%:0,96-1,07; p=0,61). La duración de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico fue de 4,57±7,64 semanas. La pérdida de peso fue de 7,56±7,26%, siendo superior al 10% en casi la mitad de los pacientes que perdieron peso. Se apreció relación entre la duración de los síntomas y la prevalencia de CAD, y entre el tiempo de evolución y la pérdida de peso. Conclusiones: Asturias presenta una alta prevalencia de CAD al diagnóstico de DM1, levemente superior a otros estudios a nivel nacional y superior a otros países de nuestro entorno, con tendencia al aumento. El retraso diagnóstico es clave en la prevalencia de CAD y en la pérdida de peso. Son necesarias actuaciones sanitarias para la detección precoz de la DM1.(AU)

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication that usually occurs at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). However, the prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of T1D is heterogeneous in different regions of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of T1D in Asturias. Methods: This study included all patients under nineteen years of age diagnosed with T1D in Asturias between 2011 and 2020. Retrospective review of medical records was performed to analyse DKA and other characteristics at diagnosis. A log binary regression model was constructed to obtain an estimate of the prevalence ratio of DKA to diagnosis in the years studied. Results: A total of 267 people were diagnosed with a mean age of 9.85±4.46 years. The prevalence of DKA at diagnosis during this period was 38.63%. There was an increasing trend, with a prevalence ratio over the years studied of 1.015 (95%CI: 0.96-1.07; p=0.61). Duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 4.57±7.64 weeks. Weight loss was 7.56±7.26%, being more than 10% of previous weight in almost half of the patients who loosed weight. There was a positive relationship between symptoms duration and prevalence of DKA and between time to diagnosis and weight loss. Conclusions: Asturias has a high prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of T1D, slightly higher than observed in other studies at national level and higher than in other similar countries, with a tendency to increase. Delayed diagnosis is a key factor in the prevalence of DKA and weight loss. Thus, health actions are needed for the early detection of T1D to avoid DKA at diagnosis.(AU)

Reclassification of type 2 diabetes to type 1 diabetes in Asturias (Spain) between 2011 and 2020.

BACKGROUND: Differentiating between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be difficult in adults. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of diagnostic reclassification from T2D to T1D, the characteristics of the patients and the impact on the management of the disease. METHODS: Observational and descriptive study including patients diagnosed with T1D in Asturias (Spain) between 2011 and 2020 who had been considered as T2D for at least 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients were included, representing 45.3% of those diagnosed with T1D over 30 years of age. Median time of evolution as T2D was 7,8 years. The age was 59.1 ± 12.9 years. BMI was > 25 kg/m2 in 46.8% of patients. HbA1c was 9.1 ± 2.1%, 77 ± 22 mmol/mol, and 56.5% were using insulin. Pancreatic antibodies were present in 95.5%, the most frequent being GAD, 82.6%. At 6 months, basal insulin use increased from 46.9 to 86.3%, and HbA1c decreased, 9.2 ± 2.0%vs7.7 ± 1.2%, 77 ± 22vs60 ± 13 mmol/mol; p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis as T2D in patients with T1D in adults is common. Age, BMI, insulin use and other clinical features are not definitely discriminatory. GAD is the antibody of choice in case of diagnostic suspect. Reclassification has important implications for metabolic control.

Circulating miRNA expression in long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease which results in inefficient regulation of glucose homeostasis and can lead to different vascular comorbidities through life. In this study we aimed to analyse the circulating miRNA expression profile of patients with type 1 diabetes, and with no other associated pathology. For this, fasting plasma was obtained from 85 subjects. Next generation sequencing analysis was firstly performed to identify miRNAs that were differentially expressed between groups (20 patients vs. 10 controls). hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-200b-3p, hsa-miR-9-5p, and hsa-miR-1200 expression was also measured by Taqman RT-PCR to validate the observed changes (34 patients vs. 21 controls). Finally, through a bioinformatic approach, the main pathways affected by the target genes of these miRNAs were studied. Among the studied miRNAs, hsa-miR-1-3p expression was found significantly increased in patients with type 1 diabetes compared to controls, and positively correlated with glycated haemoglobin levels. Additionally, by using a bioinformatic approach, we could observe that changes in hsa-miR-1-3p directly affect genes involved in vascular development and cardiovascular pathologies. Our results suggest that, circulating hsa-miR-1-3p in plasma, together with glycaemic control, could be used as prognostic biomarkers in type 1 diabetes, helping to prevent the development of vascular complications in these patients.