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1.
Psychol Health Med ; 28(6): 1411-1420, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35686310

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased anxiety among medical students due to the uncertainty of the long-term effects on the future of medical education. There are currently insufficient studies aimed at investigating the changes in the mental health and studying habits of medical students during public health emergencies such as this pandemic, as well as methods that can be incorporated to appropriately manage anxiety effectively. To investigate the psychological impact and associated factors on medical students during the pandemic. This retrospective, cross-sectional study consisted of 291 medical students of the faculty of medical sciences at the university of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, Trinidad and Tobago. The mental health and study habits of said students were assessed with the use of questionnaires via an online survey platform. Data of our study showed that 56% of the students were experiencing increased stress and anxiety. Students of 82.8% experienced irregular sleeping habits and 76.3% of participants experienced a change in eating habits brought on by the pandemic. Participants of 67.4% studied less than 4 hrs. a day, 61.5% were less productive, 62.2% showed an inability to focus and avoid distractions in their study environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need for proper supportive strategies to assist students in effectively managing anxiety and depression during public health emergencies such as COVID-19. It is suggested that all universities, colleges and education bodies alike implement a pandemic preparedness course as well as an accessible online support forum.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Students, Medical , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Mental Health , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Emergencies , Retrospective Studies , West Indies/epidemiology , Habits
2.
Psychol Health Med ; 27(4): 848-853, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33719750

ABSTRACT

Depression, anxiety and stress are the most prevalent mental health problems among health professions' students. The study was aimed to explore the socio-demographic and educational factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among health professions' students. Using non-random purposeful sampling, 366 health professions' students studied in 2018/19 were surveyed via a self-reported questionnaire that included Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and questions on sociodemographic and educational characteristics. The majority of respondents were from the School of Medicine (59.8%), with 116 males and 250 females. Sleep duration, communication problems with teaching staff, feelings of inferiority to friends and family problems were determined to be independent predictors of depression in the current study. Communication problems with teaching staff, feelings of inferiority to friends and family problems were important predictors of anxiety. Further, we found that feelings of inferiority to friends and family problems were found to be important risk factors for stress. Our results suggest that the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among health professions' students were considerably high. All students having a severe mental health issues should be supported by the student counselling centre and expert clinicians in order to confirm the diagnosis and implement subsequent treatment strategies.


Subject(s)
Depression , Students, Health Occupations , Anxiety/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/psychology , Female , Health Occupations , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Stress, Psychological/psychology
3.
J Family Med Prim Care ; 10(3): 1359-1363, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34041179

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The process of communication includes intense observation based on which opinions are formed or situations are created. A patient whose is in state of panic due to the health conditions feels neglected and becomes skeptical about the treatment hi/she is going to receive. AIMS: The aim of the study is to understand the need for being sensitive towards patient's presence while communicating. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was conducted in the outpatient wing of clinics at three different cities of Karnataka using a Sequential Observatory Study design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the results obtained from the pilot study a final schedule was prepared and sent to people using google drive during the month of Dec 2019. Out of 200 filled forms only 55 patients/relatives were qualified for analysis. SPSS version 17.0 software, Microsoft word and Excel were used in data handling and analysis. Textual analysis was used for presenting interview data. RESULTS: The qualitative analysis of the questionnaires found four emerging themes that disturbed the patients psychologically and such situations could lead to violence. The results prove that patients/relatives observe both verbal and nonverbal communication in the hospital from the time of their entry to exit. CONCLUSION: The communication intended or unintended made some impact on the perceptions of the patients about the way they are going to be treated. This indicates that the workforce should be conscious of their behaviour.

4.
BMJ Open ; 11(4): e044397, 2021 04 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33849850

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. SETTING: HCWs from four major hospitals within the Regional Health Authorities of Trinidad and Tobago. PARTICIPANTS: 395 HCWs aged ≥18 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Depression, anxiety and stress scores. RESULTS: Among the 395 HCWs, 42.28%, 56.2% and 17.97% were found to have depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. In the final stepwise regression model, contact with patients with confirmed COVID-19, p<0.001 (95% CI 3.072 to 6.781) was reported as significant predictors of depression. Further, gender, p<0.001 (95% CI 2.152 to 5.427) and marital status, p<0.001 (95% CI 1.322 to 4.270) of the HCWs were considered to be correlated with anxiety. HCWs who had contact with patients with suspected COVID-19 had lower depression, p<0.001 (95% CI -5.233 to -1.692) and stress, p<0.001 (95% CI -5.364 to -1.591). CONCLUSIONS: This study has depicted the prevalence and evidence of depression, anxiety and stress among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study will serve as supportive evidence for the timely implementation of further planning of preventative mental health services by the Ministry of Health, for frontline workers within the public and private health sectors.


Subject(s)
Anxiety/epidemiology , COVID-19/psychology , Depression/epidemiology , Health Personnel/psychology , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , Prevalence , Surveys and Questionnaires , Trinidad and Tobago/epidemiology
5.
J Adv Med Educ Prof ; 9(1): 18-25, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33521137

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Small group teaching is an educational strategy that may be used to facilitate learning. Tutorials enable an adult approach toward learning where students take responsibility for their own learning. We aimed to investigate the students' engagement and perceptions of small group tutorial classes among undergraduate medical students. METHODS: A cross­sectional, descriptive survey was conducted at the Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, where we collected the data from 300 undergraduate students using convenience sampling method. A self­administered questionnaire consisting of 22 items which was piloted on 20 students, and six experienced medical educators were consulted for face validation. The internal consistency of the questionnaire measured by Cronbach's alpha reliability test was 0.80. It was used to measure the students' perception on the effectiveness of tutorials with regard to learning experience, teamwork, confidence, communication skills, and role of the teacher. Statistical analyses included mean and standard deviation for the description of each item, t-test to compare the mean scores for gender and class year, and one­way analysis of variance between groups for age group comparisons using SPSS version 24 software. RESULTS: Students' overall perceptions of small group teaching effectiveness showed that tutorials were beneficial to their learning process (mean: 3.61±0.50). The majority of the students have positive perceptions toward small group effectiveness, particularly in learning experience (mean: 3.72±0.68) and teamwork (mean: 3.36±0.59). A significant difference was found between year 1 and year 2 students with regards to learning experience (p<0.001), teamwork (p<0.05), communication skills (p<0.05), and the role of the tutor (p<0.001). Additionally, the mean scores, measuring overall effectiveness of tutorials, for the 2nd year students were significantly higher than that for the 1st year students (3.70± .41 and 3.50 ±0.57, (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The data of this study show that tutorial is an effective small group teaching method for medical students compared to large group teaching.

6.
Arch Physiol Biochem ; 126(2): 183-186, 2020 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30450993

ABSTRACT

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a multifactorial reproductive problem and a leading cause of female infertility worldwide. Evidences have shown that Oxidative Stress and decreased antioxidant status are often linked with PCOS. Insulin Resistance in PCOS patients ranges from 50% to 70% and may encourage OS by production of reactive oxygen species.Objective: Our study determines serum MDA levels along with plasma glucose, serum insulin, and insulin resistance in obese and nonobese PCOS subjects.Materials and methods: A case control study was conducted on diagnosed 100 PCOS patients and 100 controls. Fasting plasma glucose was measured by enzymatic method. Insulin was estimated by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay using Abott Architect i 2000 SR analyser. Insulin resistance was calculated by HOMA-IR. Malonaldehyde is determined as Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.Results: CRP and serum MDA levels were increased in women with PCOS irrespective of obesity compared to their respective controls with a p value of < .001. However, though fasting glucose, serum insulin, and IR were increased in both obese and nonobese women with PCOS compared to their BMI adjusted controls with p value of < .001, the values were within reference range in nonobese women.Conclusion: Our study suggests that women with PCOS have oxidative stress and elevated CRP irrespective of obesity. However, hyperinsulinemia and Insulin resistance are seen only in obese women with PCOS, indicating that these women are at high risk for developing low grade inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.


Subject(s)
C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Hyperinsulinism/blood , Insulin Resistance , Malondialdehyde/blood , Obesity/blood , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Biomarkers/blood , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Body Mass Index , Case-Control Studies , Fasting/blood , Female , Humans , Hyperinsulinism/diagnosis , Hyperinsulinism/pathology , Insulin/blood , Obesity/diagnosis , Obesity/pathology , Ovary/metabolism , Ovary/pathology , Oxidative Stress , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/diagnosis , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/pathology , Risk Factors
7.
J Sports Med Phys Fitness ; 58(7-8): 1110-1115, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28967239

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Persistent bouts of extended exercise and heavy training are associated with depressed immune cell function. It has recently been demonstrated that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced locally in contracting skeletal muscles and acts on a wide range of tissues. Larger amounts of IL-6 are produced in response to exercise than any other cytokines. Though the majority of existing data obtained following prolonged exercise, it remains to be explained the effect of martial arts training on IL-6 and other immunological parameters and associated changes to the duration of this type of exercise. IL-1α is produced mainly by activated macrophages, as well as neutrophils, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. It possesses metabolic, physiological, hematopoietic activities, and plays one of the central roles in the regulation of the immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of martial arts training on IL-6 and other immunological parameters among Trinidadian subjects. METHODS: Sixteen healthy, non-smoker individuals who have been martial arts practitioners for the last 5-15 years, aged 25.94±7.6.20 years. Blood samples were collected to determine IL-6 and other immunological parameters at pre-exercise, immediately post exercise (0 hours), 1 hour, 2 hour and 52 hours of post exercise). IL-6 and IL-1 was measured using Human IL-6 and IL-1 ß ELISA kit, blood cell count was done using automated blood cell counter and CD4, and CD3 count was performed using the automated immunofluorescence analysis by flow cytometer. RESULTS: The mean basal IL-6 level was 71.47±4.3 and reduced to 70.1±21.6 immediately after exercise and then increased to 75.70±8.2 after one hour of exercise bout, returning to basal level after two hours and remained so after 52 hours. The CD4 count was decreased as low as 102.2, (much lower than immune-compromised subjects) after the bout of training but returned to normal range within 2 hours of exercise and increased even more after 52 hours. Similar trends have been observed for hematological parameters such as white blood cells, granulocytes and lymphocytes. The white blood cell count, granulocyte count and lymphocyte count increased immediately after exercise and returned to basal level only after 52 hours of exercise. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that the martial arts exercise increases key cytokines and other hematological parameters. The magnitude of the martial arts exercise-induced IL-6 response is dependent on intensity and especially duration of the exercise.


Subject(s)
Exercise/physiology , Interleukin-6/blood , Martial Arts/physiology , Adult , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Humans , Interleukin-1/blood , Interleukin-1/immunology , Interleukin-6/immunology , Lymphocyte Count , Male , Muscle, Skeletal/immunology , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Trinidad and Tobago , Young Adult
8.
Arch Physiol Biochem ; 124(5): 397-400, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29210290

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the awareness of HbA1c values and correlate this with educational levels, dietary intake and physical activity in type II diabetic population of Trinidad. METHODS: Total of 222 type II diabetic subjects were assessed via questionnaire evaluating their demographics, type and duration of diabetes, type and frequency of glucose testing, dietary intake and physical activity. HbA1c data was coded as patients who were aware versus patients who were not aware. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 41.9% were aware of the term HbA1c while 58.1% were unaware. Statistically, there were positive correlations (p < .05) between HbA1c awareness and level of education received by type II diabetic patients as well as between HbA1c awareness and intensity of exercise performed (p< .05). However, the relationship between dietary breakfast choices and HbA1c awareness was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation was established between HbA1c awareness, intensity of exercise and the level of education obtained.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Exercise , Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Hyperglycemia/prevention & control , Patient Compliance , Self-Management , Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring , Combined Modality Therapy , Diabetes Complications/ethnology , Diabetes Complications/prevention & control , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology , Diet, Diabetic/ethnology , Diet, Healthy/ethnology , Educational Status , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice/ethnology , Healthy Lifestyle , Humans , Male , Patient Compliance/ethnology , Physical Exertion , Self Report , Trinidad and Tobago
9.
Diabetes Metab Syndr ; 11 Suppl 2: S627-S630, 2017 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28433616

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To investigate the link between benign prostatic hypertrophy, BMI and type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was the retrospective study conducted at the urology clinic of NCRHA and SWRHA, in Trinidad. Data was obtained from 85 patients with high PSA values (>4.0ng/mL). The data collected were age, ethnicity, weight, height, lifestyle and their most recent blood sugar levels were recorded. Ultrasound reports of patients diagnosed with BPH were also analyzed to gather data on whether their hyperplasia was benign or malignant. RESULTS: The majority of the sample population was of Afro-Trinidadian descent (41) followed by East Indian descent (26) and then of mixed ethnicity (18). Individuals in the sample population with a normal BMI had a mean PSA value of 23.66ng/mL, while those with a BMI in the overweight range had a mean PSA value of 28.1ng/mL, and those with a BMI in the obese range had a mean PSA value of 18.5ng/mL. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean values of PSA levels between diabetics and non-diabetics, between the 3 major ethnic groups in our sample population and between the 3 different groupings based on BMI ranges. However it was found that the average mean age of patients of East Indian descent (62.96±2.23) was significantly lower than that of patients of African descent (70.15±2.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not show any significant differences in the mean values of PSA levels between diabetics and non-diabetics, between the 3 different groupings based on BMI ranges.


Subject(s)
Body Mass Index , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/etiology , Prostatic Hyperplasia/etiology , Aged , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Humans , Male , Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood , Prostatic Hyperplasia/blood , Retrospective Studies
10.
J Clin Diagn Res ; 9(1): BC01-3, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25737971

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Coffee though not usually thought of as healthy food but can be treated as one of the beneficial drink. Many researchers have found strong evidence that coffee reduces the risk of several serious ailments, including diabetes, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, etc. The long term beneficial effect of coffee on diabetes is now understood to be more influential and obliging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprised 220 healthy subjects of which 143 consumed coffee and 77 did not. These were matched with 90 diabetic subjects. Among the 90 diabetics, 48 consumed coffee and 42 did not consume coffee. RESULTS: The mean adiponectin value was significantly higher in coffee consumed normal and diabetic subjects than the subjects who did not consume coffee. The decrease in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c values were also observed in normal and diabetic subjects who consumed coffee than the other groups who did not consume coffee. Significant difference (p<0.05) in mean FBG, PPBS, HbA1c and adiponectin were observed between coffee consumed and no coffee consumed groups. CONCLUSION: The long term use of caffeine is more efficient on blood sugar and adiponectin levels, which needed in the prevention of complications in diabetic subjects.

11.
Nat Prod Commun ; 10(11): 1843-6, 2015 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26749811

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress is believed to be a pathogenic factor in the development of diabetic complications. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different fractions of heart wood of Pterocarpus marsupium on antioxidant enzyme like protein thiols and also check the efficacy of the extract for the protection of the renal function in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The present study also investigates the levels of liver glycogen which are considered as the best biomarker for assaying the hypoglycemic activity of any drug. Diabetes was induced by administering alloxan dissolved in saline, while the normal control group was given propylene glycol. Diabetes induced animals were randomly assigned into different groups. Blood samples were collected from all the experimental and control groups. Estimation of urea, uric acid and creatinine along with protein thiols was made on day 30 only. At the end, all the animals were sacrificed to collect liver tissue to analyze glycogen content. The 30 days treatment with various extracts (75 mg/kg body wt) significantly lowered protein thiol levels, which probably represents increased utilization for neutralizing free radicals. There was no significant increase in the levels of renal parameters in the extract treated groups which revealed that the employed dose of the extract is nontoxic to the kidney. There was also a significant decrease in the glycogen content in insulin and alcohol-extract treated groups and should be encouraging for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The extract showed a promising antioxidant effect, as well as hypoglycemic activity, and should be encouraged for the treatment of diabetes.


Subject(s)
Blood Proteins/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Liver Glycogen/metabolism , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Pterocarpus/chemistry , Alloxan/adverse effects , Animals , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism , Humans , Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage , Male , Phytotherapy , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Sulfhydryl Compounds/blood
12.
Diabetes Metab Syndr ; 8(2): 91-5, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24907173

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To assess the impact of risk factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hypertension, on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Trinidadian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional case control study comprised 146 non-diabetics and 147 type 2 diabetics ≥18 years of age, from North Central, South West and Eastern regions of Trinidad. RESULTS: Cross-tabulations revealed a significant difference between type 2-diabetes and age at p<0.01, and between type 2 diabetes and family history, ethnicity, waist circumference and hypertension at p<0.05. Logistic regression showed age to be the most influential risk factor. The systolic blood pressure specifically showed a significant difference at p<0.05, with the mean values for non-diabetics and type 2 diabetics being, 130.62 (±2.124) and 141.35 (±2.312), respectively. No significant difference was observed between type 2 diabetes and gender and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Age was the most significant risk factor of type 2 diabetes. Therefore it can be concluded that family history, ethnicity, waist circumference and hypertension are more significant risk factors of this disease than BMI and gender in the Trinidadian population.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Hypertension/epidemiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Blood Pressure , Body Mass Index , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Sex Factors , Trinidad and Tobago , Waist Circumference
13.
Diabetes Metab Syndr ; 7(4): 198-201, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24290083

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Objective of the study is to identify the predictors of plasma triglycerides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stratified random sample of university staff categories underwent measurements of anthropometry, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose, insulin, lipids, CRP and homocysteine. Dietary intakes were assessed using duplicate 24h recalls. HOMA-IR was calculated. Stepwise, multivariate regression analysis was performed with TAG as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The sample (n=251) was 55% females with a mean age of 44.9±9.7 years. African ancestry comprised 43%, followed South Asian 30% and mixed ethnicity 27%. Prevalence of obesity was 19.4%, insulin resistance 22.7% and metabolic syndrome 21.6%. Males had significantly higher (p<0.01) triglycerides and VLDL and lower HDL than females. Africans had significantly lower triglycerides and cholesterol than South Asians and Mix. Triglycerides were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with glucose, cholesterol, insulin, CRP, systolic, diastolic blood pressure, WC, BMI, age and components of MS. Glucose, cholesterol, insulin and total energy intake predicted TAG, to varying extents, in all participants (R(2)=45.1%), males (R(2)=40.3%), females (R(2)=56.0%), Africans (R(2)=35.0%), TSA (R(2)=31.5%) and mix (R(2)=51.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Africans have lower triglycerides and cholesterol than South Asians and mix. Major predictors of triglycerides were fasting glucose and cholesterol independent of gender and ethnicity.


Subject(s)
Asian People/statistics & numerical data , Black People/statistics & numerical data , Diet , Obesity/blood , Obesity/ethnology , Triglycerides/blood , Adult , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Body Mass Index , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Caribbean Region/epidemiology , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Homocysteine/blood , Humans , Insulin/blood , Lipids/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Regression Analysis , Risk Factors , Sampling Studies
14.
J Thorac Dis ; 5(3): 289-97, 2013 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23825761

ABSTRACT

Caribbean data linking inflammation, pulmonary dysfunction and diabetes is unavailable. Spirometry, acanthosis nigricans, hs-CRP were assessed in 109 type 2 diabetics (43% males) mean age=55.6 years, BMI=29.29 kg/m(2), waist circumference=103.86 cm. Residual FEV1/FVC increased with age (P=0.005), BMI (P=0.011) and waist circumference (P=0.003). Residual FVC related inversely to hs-CRP (-0.178), P<0.06) systolic (-0.028, P<0.031), diastolic (-0.247, P<0.010) pressure and weight (-0.25, P<0.009). Residual FEV1 related inversely to diastolic pressure (-0.219, P<0.023), hs-CRP (-0.234, P<0.015), acanthosis nigricans (-0.029, P<0.029). HbA1C and residual FEV1 predict high hs-CRP (P=0.011, P=0.046). Low FVC with inflammation presents in poorly controlled obese diabetics.

16.
Arch Physiol Biochem ; 118(2): 69-71, 2012 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22295973

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Our study attempted to evaluate the diagnostic value of HbA1c in predicting diabetic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). METHODS: Study comprised 229 subjects (156 males and 73 females) with diabetic dyslipidemia without any micro and macro vascular disorders. Fasting blood samples were taken to analyse biochemical parameters like HbA1c, sugar and lipid profile. RESULTS: The HbA1c levels did not differ much between males (6.96 ± 1.11) and females (7.01 ± 1.19). HbA1c demonstrated a positive significant correlation with cholesterol, LDL and a negative significant correlation with HDL. Patients with HbA1c >7.0% had significantly higher value of cholesterol, LDL when compared with <7.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study clearly suggest that HbA1c endures the ability of predicting CVD risk in the diabetic patients without any micro and macro vascular disorder. Therefore study recommends using HbA1c as a marker for predicting the risk of developing CVD.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Adult , Cardiovascular Diseases/complications , Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis , Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism , Dyslipidemias/complications , Dyslipidemias/diagnosis , Dyslipidemias/metabolism , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors
17.
Arch Physiol Biochem ; 117(5): 259-64, 2011 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21955256

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship of dyslipidemia and serum uric acid with the risk of myocardial infarction among the hypertensive type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients of Trinidad. METHODS: Data were obtained from the hospital records of 672 adults who were treated for hypertension in public health clinics in Trinidad. RESULTS: The prevalence of myocardial infarction was 25.45% in the sample. Males accounted for 52.63% while females accounted for 47.37%. Hypertensive type 2 diabetics with dyslipidemia had greater occurrence of MI (23.93%) than non-diabetic hypertensive patients (7.67%) (p=0.008). Useful predictors of MI included: diabetes mellitus, altered lipid profile, family history of any cardiac conditions. On further analysis, hypertension class (p=0.003) and serum uric acid quartile (p=0.029) were also significant predictors of MI. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is a greater prevalence of MI in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia than in non-diabetic hypertensive patients in Trinidad.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Dyslipidemias/blood , Hypertension/blood , Myocardial Infarction/blood , Uric Acid/blood , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Case-Control Studies , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology , Dyslipidemias/complications , Dyslipidemias/epidemiology , Dyslipidemias/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Hypertension/complications , Hypertension/epidemiology , Hypertension/physiopathology , Lipoproteins, HDL/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology , Myocardial Infarction/etiology , Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Trinidad and Tobago/epidemiology
18.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract ; 91(3): 342-7, 2011 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21208679

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the association of low serum creatinine, abnormal lipid profile and demographic variables with type 2 diabetic Trinidadian subjects. METHODS: Data were obtained from a cohort of 1122 diabetic and non-diabetic patients from clinics in Trinidad. Variables measured included demographics, HbA1(c), serum creatinine, lipid profile values and diabetic status. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 476 males (61.6% diabetic) and 646 females (50.3% diabetic). Most patients (59.2%) were Indo-Trinidadian, 23.4% were Afro-Trinidadian and 13.5% were of 'mixed' and 'other' categories. The majority (55.1%) of the patients were diabetic and diabetics were older than non-diabetics (p=0.000). Abnormal lipid profile OR=0.728, CI (0.532, 0.994), serum creatinine categories OR=1.520, CI (1.317, 1.754), gender OR=0.690, CI (0.533, 0.892) and age groups OR=1.305, CI (1.185, 1.437) were useful predictors of type 2 diabetes. Ethnicity was not a useful predictor: OR=1.007, CI (0.869, 1.168). Serum creatinine (mean) was found to be lower in diabetics aged 21-50 than in their non-diabetic counterparts. However, above 50 years old, the reverse was true. Serum creatinine means were higher in males than in females (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Abnormal lipid profile, gender, age and serum creatinine are associated with type 2 diabetes. While age and gender are non-modifiable risk factors, steps should be taken to monitor and control the serum creatinine and lipid profile values of diabetics and non-diabetics.


Subject(s)
Creatinine/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Lipids/blood , Adult , Age Factors , Ethnicity , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Sex Factors , Trinidad and Tobago/epidemiology , Young Adult
19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19825872

ABSTRACT

The leaves of Carapa guianensis have been used to treat ulcers, skin parasites, and skin problems. The ethanolic extract of C. guianensis leaf was evaluated for its antibacterial and wound healing activity using excision, incision and dead space wound models in rats. The animals were randomly divided into two groups (n = 6) in all the models. In the excision wound model test group animals were treated topically with the leaf extract (250 mg kg(-1) body weight) whereas, control animals were treated with petroleum jelly. In the incision and dead space wound models, the test group animals were treated with extract (250 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) orally by mixing in drinking water and the control group animals were maintained with plain drinking water. Healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialization, skin breaking strength, granulation tissue weight and hydoxyproline content. On Day 15 extract-treated animals exhibited 100% reduction in the wound area when compared to controls (95%) with significant decrease in the epithelialization period. The extract failed to demonstrate antibacterial activity. Skin breaking strength (P < .001), wet (P < .002) and dry (P < .02) granulation tissue and hydroxyproline content (P < .03) were significantly higher in extract treated animals. The increased rate of wound contraction, skin breaking strength and hydroxyproline content supports potential application of C. guianensis in wound healing.

20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20981320

ABSTRACT

Morinda citrifolia is a medicinal plant used to treat diabetes and liver diseases. The fermented fruit juice of the M. Citrifolia (optical density = 1.25) was used to study the hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective properties in diabetes-induced rats. The rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (control, diabetic experimental, diabetic standard, and diabetic untreated) of 6 each. Diabetes was induced by administering Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). Fasting blood glucose, body mass, liver tissue glycogen content, and the extent of liver degeneration were assessed. Diabetic experimental animals were treated with M. citrifolia juice (2 ml/kg, twice a day) and diabetic standard with reference hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide orally for 20 days. Both the groups exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl ±15.88 and 125 mg/dl ±3.89, respectively, as compared to diabetic untreated with FBS = 360.0 mg/dl ±15.81, (P < .003). On 10th day of experiment, diabetic experimental animals exhibited a decrease in body mass (10.2 g, 5.11%) which increased significantly by the 20th day (6 g, 3.0%, P < .022). Histological study of liver tissue obtained from untreated diabetic animals revealed significant fatty degeneration as compared to other three groups. The data of this study proved the hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity of M. citrifolia.

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