Living well with diabetes in Alaska.

Many people with diabetes mellitus experience minimal or no complications. Our objective was to determine the proportion of Alaska Native people who experienced four major complications or mortality and to identify factors that may be associated with these outcomes. We used records in a diabetes registry and clinical and demographic variables in our analyses. We used logistic regression and Cox Proportional Hazards models to evaluate associations of these parameters with death and complications that occurred prior to 2013. The study included 591 Alaska Native people with non-type 1 diabetes mellitus, diagnosed between 1986 and 1992. Over 60% of people in this study remained free of four major diabetes-related complications for the remainder of life or throughout the approximately 20-year study period. Lower BMI, higher age at diagnosis of diabetes, and use of at least one diabetes medication were associated with death and a composite of four complications. A majority of Alaska Native people with DM had none of four major complications over a 20-year period. Lower BMI and use of diabetes medications were associated with higher hazard for some deleterious outcomes. This suggests that goals in care of elders should be carefully individualised. In addition, we discuss several programme factors that we believe contributed to favourable outcomes.

Impact of Gender on Chronic Complications in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of diabetes complications between men and women with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), as well as how gender relates to these complications. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, complications of diabetes, including coronary artery disease (CAD), retinopathy, neuropathy and diabetic kidney disease (DKD), were evaluated in 1867 participants with T2D. Additionally, baseline characteristics of the individuals, including anthropometric measurements, metabolic parameters and the use of dyslipidaemia drugs and antihyperglycaemic agents, were assessed. Gender differences in complications were examined using the chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate the relationship between gender and T2D complications, with and without adjusting for the characteristics of the studied population. RESULTS: In the studied population, 62.1% had at least one complication, and complications were 33.5% for DKD, 29.6% for CAD, 22.9% for neuropathy and 19.1% for retinopathy. The prevalence of CAD and neuropathy was higher in men. However, DKD and retinopathy were more prevalent among women. Odds ratios of experiencing any complication, CAD and retinopathy in men compared with women were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.27-2.03), 2.27 (95% CI: 1.72-2.99) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.52-0.98), respectively, after adjusting for demographic factors, anthropometric measures, metabolic parameters and the consumption of dyslipidaemia drugs and antihyperglycaemic agents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of diabetes complications was significantly higher in men with diabetes, highlighting the need for better treatment adherence. CAD was associated with the male gender, whereas retinopathy was associated with the female gender. Men and women with diabetes should be monitored closely for CAD and retinopathy, respectively, regardless of their age, diabetes duration, anthropometric measures, laboratory findings and medications.

[Features of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its pharmacotherapy in outpatients].

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) remains the most common type of DM and is associat-ed with disabling complications, reduced quality of life and reduced life expectancy. Satisfactory control of carbohydrate metabolism remains the key way to manage them. AIM: To perform a retrospective analysis of carbohydrate metabolism (in terms of glycated hemoglobin - HbA1c), the prevalence of complications, and features of hypoglycemic and concomitant therapy in patients with type 2 DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis of sex and age characteristics, achieved level of HbA1c, diabetes complications, sugar-reducing and concomitant therapy according to the data of outpatient records of the patients who are on dispensary registration with an endocrinologist in the Endocrinology Department of the Consultative and Diagnostic Polyclinic of the Tomsk Regional Clinical Hospital in Tomsk was carried out. RESULTS: 546 outpatient medical records of patients with type 2 DM were analysed, among which there were 39.6% men (n=216) with a history of type 2 DM 8.0 years [3.0; 13.0] , median age 64.0 years [54.5; 71.0] and 60.4% women (n=330), history of type 2 DM 10.0 years [5.0; 15.0], median age 70.0 years [63.0; 75.0]. The achieved HbA1c level in men was 7.6% [6.3; 9.0] and in women 7.4% [6.4; 9.1]. 19.4% of men and 13.6% of women had an aggravated history of type 2 DM. According to the history, 6.5% of men (n=14) and 3% of women (n=10) with type 2 DM had a history of stroke, and myocardial infarction 12% (n=26) and 1.5% (n=5), respectively. Among the analysed outpatient records of type 2 DM patients, 18.5% of men (n=40) and 12.4% of women (n=41) were found to have diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic retinopathy was reported in 9.3% (n=20) of men and 4.2% (n=14) of women. Diabetic macroangiopathies were detected in 29.6% (n=64) of males and 9.7% (n=32) of females. Among other chronic complications of DM, diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy was recorded in 1% (n=2) of males and 3% (n=10) of females, diabetic polyneuropathy in 25% (n=54) and 21.5% (n=71), respectively. Diabetic foot was diagnosed in 1.9% (n=4) of men and 1.8% (n=6) of women. Among comorbid pathology, obesity was diagnosed in 45.4% (n=88) of men and 69.1% (n=228) of women, dyslipidaemia in 10.2% (n=22) and 10.6% (n=35) respectively, hypertension in 39.8% (n=86) and 32.6% (n=108) of cases. The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was verified in 3.7% of men (n=7) and 1.8% of women (n=6), chronic heart failure in 7.4% of men (n=16) and 2.4% of women (n=8) registered for type 2 DM. According to the analysed outpatient records, 4.1% (n=23) of patients received diet therapy, 48.3% (n=263) received monotherapy and 47.6% (n=260) received combination therapy for type 2 DM. Metformin was the most commonly used monotherapy for type 2 DM 36.1% (n=197), followed by insulin 6.9% (n=38), sulfonylurea derivatives - 2.7% (n=15). Combination of metformin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (13.9%) was the most commonly used combination therapy. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the current situation in the diabetology service will help to identify weaknesses and strengths, which is necessary to optimise existing therapeutic approaches in accordance with current clinical recommendations.

Comparison of bacterial species and clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic hand infection in tropical and nontropical regions.

Hand infection is a rare complication in patients with diabetes. Its clinical outcomes depend on the severity of hand infection caused by bacteria, but the difference in bacterial species in the regional disparity is unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of tropical and nontropical regions on bacterial species and clinical outcomes for diabetic hand. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Moreover, the bacterial species and clinical outcomes were analyzed with respect to multicenter wound care in China (nontropical regions). Both mixed bacteria (31.2% vs. 16.6%, p = 0.014) and fungi (7.5% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.017) in the nontropical region were significantly more prevalent than those in the tropical region. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. were dominant in gram-positive bacteria, and Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Proteus and Pseudomonas in gram-negative bacteria occupied the next majority in the two regions. The rate of surgical treatment in the patients was 31.2% in the nontropical region, which was significantly higher than the 11.4% in the tropical region (p = 0.001). Although the overall mortality was not significantly different, there was a tendency to be increased in tropical regions (6.3%) compared with nontropical regions (0.9%). However, amputation (32.9% vs. 31.3%, p = 0.762) and disability (6.3% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.138) were not significantly different between the two regions. Similar numbers of cases were reported, and the most common bacteria were similar in tropical and nontropical regions in patients with diabetic hand. There were more species of bacteria in the nontropical region, and their distribution was basically similar, except for fungi, which had differences between the two regions. The present study also showed that surgical treatment and mortality were inversely correlated because delays in debridement and surgery can deteriorate deep infections, eventually leading to amputation and even death.

The Relationship between All-Cause Dementia and Acute Diabetes Complications among American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples.

BACKGROUND: American Indian and Alaska Native people (AI/AN) bear a disproportionate burden of diabetes. Growing evidence shows significant associations between several acute diabetes complications and dementia among diabetes patients. However, little is known about these relationships among AI/AN adults. Here, we aim to investigate these associations among AI/AN adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study extracted data from the Indian Health Service's (IHS) National Data Warehouse and related administrative databases. A total of 29,337 IHS actual users with diabetes who were 45+ years old during fiscal year 2013 were included. All-cause dementia and diabetes complications were identified using ICD-9 diagnostic codes. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate the associations of interest. RESULTS: Nearly 3% of AI/AN diabetes patients had a dementia diagnosis. After controlling for covariates, dementia was associated with a 94% higher rate of severe hypoglycemia (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR = 1.94, 95% CI:1.50-2.51), 52% higher rate of severe hyperglycemia (IRR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.11-2.08), and 92% higher rate of any acute complication (IRR = 1.92, 95% CI:1.53-2.41). CONCLUSIONS: AI/AN diabetes patients with dementia suffered from considerably higher rates of acute diabetes complications than their counterparts without dementia. The clinical management of patients with comorbid diabetes and dementia is particularly challenging and may require individualized treatment approaches.

Enrollment in High-Deductible Health Plans and Incident Diabetes Complications.

Importance: Preventing diabetes complications requires monitoring and control of hyperglycemia and cardiovascular risk factors. Switching to high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) has been shown to hinder aspects of diabetes care; however, the association of HDHP enrollment with microvascular and macrovascular diabetes complications is unknown. Objective: To examine the association between an employer-required switch to an HDHP and incident complications of diabetes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used deidentified administrative claims data for US adults with diabetes enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. Data analysis was performed from May 26, 2022, to January 2, 2024. Exposures: Adults with a baseline year of non-HDHP enrollment who had to switch to an HDHP because their employer offered no non-HDHP alternative in that year were compared with adults who were continuously enrolled in a non-HDHP. Main Outcomes and Measures: Mixed-effects logistic regression models examined the association between switching to an HDHP and, individually, the odds of myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, lower-extremity complication, end-stage kidney disease, proliferative retinopathy, treatment for retinopathy, and blindness. Models were adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and medications, with inverse propensity score weighting used to account for potential selection bias. Results: The study included 42 326 adults who switched to an HDHP (mean [SD] age, 52 [10] years; 19 752 [46.7%] female) and 202 729 adults who did not switch (mean [SD] age, 53 [10] years; 89 828 [44.3%] female). Those who switched to an HDHP had greater odds of experiencing all diabetes complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06-1.16 for myocardial infarction; OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.21 for stroke; OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.30-1.41 for hospitalization for heart failure; OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 2.38-2.70 for end-stage kidney disease; OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 2.17-2.29 for lower-extremity complication; OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.13-1.21 for proliferative retinopathy; OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 2.18-2.54 for blindness; and OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 2.15-2.41 for retinopathy treatment). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that an employer-driven switch to an HDHP was associated with increased odds of experiencing all diabetes complications. These findings reinforce the potential harm associated with HDHPs for people with diabetes and the importance of affordable and accessible chronic disease management, which is hindered by high out-of-pocket costs incurred by HDHPs.

Efficacy of 1-hour postload plasma glucose as a suitable measurement in predicting type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications: A post hoc analysis of the 30-year follow-up of the Da Qing IGT and Diabetes Study.

AIM: To evaluate whether 1-hour plasma glucose (1hPG) can be a comparable measurement to 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG) in identifying individuals at high risk of developing diabetes. METHODS: A total of 1026 non-diabetic subjects in the Da Qing IGT and Diabetes Study were included and classified according to baseline postload 1hPG. The participants were followed up and assessed at 6-, 20- and 30year follow-up for outcomes including diabetes, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, and microvascular disease. We then conducted a proportional hazards analysis in this post hoc study to determine the risks of developing type 2 diabetes and its complications in a '1hPG-normal' group (1hPG <8.6 mmol/L) and a '1hPG-high' group (≥8.6 mmol/L). The predictive values of 1hPG and 2hPG were evaluated using a time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Compared with the 1hPG-normal group, the 1hPG-high group had increased risk of diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 4.45, 95% CI 3.43-5.79), all-cause mortality (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07-2.01), CVD mortality (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.16-2.95), CVD events (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.86) and microvascular disease (HR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.03-2.79) after adjusting for confounders. 1hPG exhibited a higher area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting diabetes than 2hPG during the long-term follow-up (AUC [1hPG vs. 2hPG]: 10 years: 0.86 vs. 0.84, p = 0.08; 20 years: 0.88 vs. 0.87, p = 0.04; 30 years: 0.85 vs. 0.82, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated 1hPG level (≥8.6 mmol/L) was associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its long-term complications, and could be considered as a suitable measurement for identifying individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes.

Genetics and epigenetics of diabetes and its complications in India.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a significant health concern with an increasing rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. India ranks second in the number of diabetes cases in the world. The increasing burden of DM can be explained by genetic predisposition of Indians to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) coupled with rapid urbanization and socio-economic development in the last 3 decades leading to drastic changes in lifestyle. Environment and lifestyle changes contribute to T2DM development by altering epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and long non-coding RNAs, all of which regulate chromatin structure and gene expression. Although the genetic predisposition of Indians to T2DM is well established, how environmental and genetic factors interact and lead to T2DM is not well understood. In this review, we discuss the prevalence of diabetes and its complications across different states in India and how various risk factors contribute to its pathogenesis. The review also highlights the role of genetic predisposition among the Indian population and epigenetic factors involved in the etiology of diabetes. Lastly, we review current treatments and emphasize the knowledge gap with respect to genetic and epigenetic factors in the Indian context. Further understanding of the genetic and epigenetic determinants will help in risk prediction and prevention as well as therapeutic interventions, which will improve the clinical management of diabetes and associated macro- and micro-vascular complications.

The Fusion Clinic: Integrating the care of people with severe mental illness and diabetes.

AIM: People with coexisting severe mental illness (SMI) and type 2 diabetes have a shorter life expectancy and poorer diabetes outcomes than those without SMI. This is partly explained by the separate treatment of diabetes and SMI, which occurs in parallel silos in many healthcare systems. The Steno Diabetes Center Sjaelland and Region Zealand established the Fusion Clinic to offer combined psychiatric and diabetes care delivered by both diabetes and mental healthcare professionals. This study describes how the clinic was established and the initial diabetes outcomes. METHODS: The Fusion Clinic was co-designed by people with diabetes and SMI and healthcare professionals to improve the care of adults with diabetes and SMI. The clinic approach utilised the F-ACT model. The 63 people referred to the Fusion Clinic between 01.02.2020 and 01.01.2022 who attended the clinic for more than 6 months were included in this study. Diabetes outcomes were recorded in the electronic medical records (Sundhedsplatformen EPIC). RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of diabetes complications at baseline. Furthermore, 70% had one or more additional concomitant diseases, as well as SMI and diabetes. Assessment of diabetes complications and measurements of HbA1c and lipid profile improved after referral to the clinic. HbA1c declined during the first 6 months of attendance at the clinic. CONCLUSIONS: This model of service delivery has the potential to improve the quality of care for people with SMI and type 2 diabetes.

Modeling multiple correlated end-organ disease trajectories: A tutorial for multistate and joint models with applications in diabetes complications.

State-of-the-art biostatistics methods allow for the simultaneous modeling of several correlated non-fatal disease processes over time, but there is no clear guidance on the optimal analysis in most settings. An example occurs in diabetes, where it is not known with certainty how microvascular complications of the eyes, kidneys, and nerves co-develop over time. In this article, we propose and contrast two general model frameworks for studying complications (sequential state and parallel trajectory frameworks) and review multivariate methods for their analysis, focusing on multistate and joint modeling. We illustrate these methods in a tutorial format using the long-term follow-up from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study public data repository. A formal comparison of prediction error and discrimination is included. Multistate models are particularly advantageous for determining the order and timing of complications, but require discretization of the longitudinal outcomes and possibly a very complex state space process. Intermittent observation of the states must be accounted for, and discretization is a probable disadvantage in this setting. In contrast, joint models can account for variations of continuous biomarkers over time and are particularly designed for modeling complex association structures between the complications and for performing dynamic predictions of an outcome of interest to inform clinical decisions (eg, a late-stage complication). We found that both models have helpful features that can better-inform our understanding of the complex trajectories that complications may take and can therefore help with decision making for patients presenting with diabetes complications.

Diabetic complications and risk of depression and anxiety among adults with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To investigate if diabetic complications increase the risk of depression and/or anxiety among adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This register-based, prospective study included 265,799 adult individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 1997 and 2017 without a recent history of depression or anxiety. Diabetic complications included cardiovascular disease, amputation of lower extremities, neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. Both diabetic complications and depression and anxiety were defined by hospital contacts and prescription-based medication. All individuals were followed from the date of type 2 diabetes diagnosis until the date of incident depression or anxiety, emigration, death or 31 December 2018, whichever occurred first. RESULTS: The total risk time was 1,915,390 person-years. The incidence rate of depression and/or anxiety was 3368 per 100,000 person-years among individuals with diabetic complications and 1929 per 100,000 person-years among those without. Having or developing any diabetic complication was associated with an increased risk of depression and/or anxiety (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.73-1.80). The risk for depression and/or anxiety was increased for all types of diabetic complications. The strongest association was found for amputation of lower extremities (HR 2.16, 95% CI 2.01-2.31) and the weakest for retinopathy (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09-1.17). CONCLUSION: Individuals with type 2 diabetes and diabetic complications are at increased risk of depression and anxiety. This points towards the importance of an increased clinical focus on mental well-being among individuals with type 2 diabetes and complications.

Prevalence of Adult Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Related Complications in Alberta, Canada: A Retrospective, Observational Study Using Administrative Data.

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic disease and a leading cause of morbidity/mortality in Canada. We evaluated the burden of T2DM in Alberta, Canada, by estimating the 5-year period prevalence of T2DM and rates of comorbidities and complications/conditions after T2DM. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, retrospective study linking administrative health databases. Individuals with T2DM (≥18 years of age) were identified between 2008-2009 and 2018-2019 using a published algorithm, with follow-up data to March 2020. The 5-year period prevalence was estimated for 2014-2015 to 2018-2019. Individuals with newly identified T2DM, ascertained between 2010-2011 and 2017-2018 with a lookback period between 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 and a minimum 1 year of follow-up data, were evaluated for subsequent cardiovascular, diabetic, renal, and other complication/condition frequencies (%) and rates (per 100 person-years). Complications/conditions were stratified by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) status at index and age. RESULTS: The 5-year period prevalence of T2DM was 11,051 per 100,000 persons, with the highest prevalence in men 65 to <75 years of age. There were 195,102 individuals included in the cohort (mean age 56.7±14.7 years). The most frequently reported complications/conditions (rates per 100 person-years) were acute infection (23.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 23.00 to 23.30), hypertension (17.30, 95% CI 16.80 to 17.70), and dyslipidemia (12.20, 95% CI 11.90 to 12.40). Individuals who had an ASCVD event/procedure and those ≥75 years of age had higher rates of complications/conditions. CONCLUSIONS: We found that over half of the individuals had hypertension or infection after T2DM. Also, those with ASCVD had higher rates of complications/conditions. Strategies to mitigate complications/conditions after T2DM are required to reduce the burden of this disease on individuals and health-care systems.

Investigation of predictors of severity of diabetes complications among hospitalized patients with diabetes in Florida, 2016-2019.

BACKGROUND: Severe diabetes complications impact the quality of life of patients and may lead to premature deaths. However, these complications are preventable through proper glycemic control and management of risk factors. Understanding the risk factors of complications is important in guiding efforts to manage diabetes and reduce risks of its complications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify risk factors of severe diabetes complications among adult hospitalized patients with diabetes in Florida. METHODS: Hospital discharge data from 2016 to 2019 were obtained from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration through a Data Use Agreement with the Florida Department of Health. Adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index (aDCSI) scores were computed for 1,061,140 unique adult patients with a diagnosis of diabetes. Severe complications were defined as those with an aDCSI ≥ 4. Population average models, estimated using generalized estimating equations, were used to identify individual- and area-level predictors of severe diabetes complications. RESULTS: Non-Hispanic Black patients had the highest odds of severe diabetes complications compared to non-Hispanic White patients among both males (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.17, 1.23) and females (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.31). Comorbidities associated with higher odds of severe complications included hypertension (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 2.23, 2.37), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.31), obesity (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.26) and depression (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.11), while the odds were lower for patients with a diagnosis of arthritis (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.82). Type of health insurance coverage was associated with the severity of diabetes complications, with significantly higher odds of severe complications among Medicare (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.80, 1.90) and Medicaid (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.77, 1.90) patients compared to those with private insurance. Residing within the least socioeconomically deprived ZIP code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in the state had a protective effect compared to residing outside of these areas. CONCLUSIONS: Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in the severity of diabetes complications exist among hospitalized patients in Florida. The observed disparities likely reflect challenges to maintaining glycemic control and managing cardiovascular risk factors, particularly for patients with multiple chronic conditions. Interventions to improve diabetes management should focus on populations with disproportionately high burdens of severe complications to improve quality of life and decrease premature mortality among adult patients with diabetes in Florida.

[Vascular complications of diabetes mellitus worldwide and in Russia: The path of 100 years. A review].

With the discovery and introduction of insulin, the "palette" of life-threatening conditions for patients with diabetes mellitus has changed dramatically: from diabetic coma of the "pre-insulin era" to severe vascular complications in the modern period. The key risk factors for diabetic angiopathies in diabetes mellitus are poor glycemic control in combination with a long course of the disease. Over the past 30 years, there has been a downward trend in the incidence of late vascular complications of diabetes both worldwide and in Russia. In particular, the frequency of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarctions, strokes, amputations) decreased, and the incidence of several other complications, such as diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, stabilized. However, the incidence of chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure is still increasing. The Joslin Medal, awarded to patients over 50, 75 and even 80 years of life with diabetes, reflects success in the fight against this disease.

Hypoglycemia unawareness among insulin-treated diabetic patients in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: prevalence and risk factors.

Background: Hypoglycemia unawareness (HU) is associated with significant risks. Screening for impaired awareness of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes is important to minimize those risks. There are limited data on the prevalence of HU in patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia (KSA). In the current study, we investigated the frequency of HU and its risk factors among insulin treated diabetic patients in Madinah, KSA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a diabetes center and four primary healthcare centers at Madinha, KSA. Patients ≥14 years old with type 1 or type 2 diabetes treated with insulin for more than a year were included. HU was assessed by Clarke's and modified Pedersen-Bjergaard's scores. The risk factors for HU were determined. Results: Of the 413 included patients, 60.3% were women, and 60.8% were on insulin alone. One-third of the participants had T1DM, while 68.5% had T2DM, with median ages of 25 and 56 years, diabetes durations of 10 and 15 years, and durations of insulin use of 10 and 5 years, respectively. The prevalence of HU was 25.2% by Clarke's survey. The risk factors for HU were poor knowledge of the patient's latest HbA1c, type of insulin, and dose of insulin. Poor medical follow-up, previous stroke, and ischemic heart disease were the other risk factors for HU. When the modified Pedersen-Bjergaard method was used, the prevalence of HU was 48.9%. Conclusion: Despite the advances in diabetes management, HU continues to be prevalent among diabetic patients on insulin, and poor diabetes knowledge is a major risk factor. Diabetes education on self-management is of utmost importance to reduce hypoglycemia and HU.

[Complications due to diabetes mellitus in Brazil: 2019 nationwide study]. / Complicações por diabetes mellitus no Brasil: estudo de base nacional, 2019.

Inadequate management of diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to complications that affect quality of life. The prevalence of DM and its complications is increasing, presenting an uneven distribution in the population. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of complications due to DM and to assess inequalities in the Brazilian population. It involved a cross-sectional study, with data from the 2019 National Health Survey (NHS). The complications evaluated were: diabetic coma, heart attack/cerebrovascular accident/stroke; kidney problem; vision problem and foot ulcer or amputation. The related factors were schooling and income. The prevalence of complications was calculated separately, combination in pairs, presence of any complications and number of complications. Inequality was estimated through adjusted analysis and the slope index (SII) and concentration index (CIX) indices. The sample consisted of 6,317 people with DM. More than a third (37.8%) reported having some complication. Vision problems (30.6%) and kidney problems (9.7%) were the most prevalent. The prevalence of having "one" and "two or more" complications were 25.4% and 12.4%, respectively. Inequalities were found with a higher prevalence of complications among the least educated and the poorest.

O manejo inadequado da diabetes mellitus (DM) pode levar a complicações que afetam a qualidade de vida. A prevalência da DM e suas complicações está aumentando, apresentando distribuição desigual na população. O objetivo foi estimar a prevalência de complicações devido à DM e avaliar as desigualdades na população brasileira. Estudo transversal, com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), de 2019. As complicações avaliadas foram: coma diabético, infarto/Acidente Vascular Cerebral/derrame, problema nos rins, problema na visão e úlcera nos pés ou amputação. As exposições foram a escolaridade e renda. Foram calculadas as prevalências das complicações separadamente, combinação em duplas, presença de alguma complicação e número de complicações. A desigualdade foi estimada por meio de análise ajustada e dos índices: slope index (SII) e o concentration index (CIX). A amostra foi composta por 6.317 pessoas com DM. Mais de um terço (37,8%) referiu ter alguma complicação. O problema na visão (30,6%) e nos rins (9,7%) foram os mais prevalentes. As prevalências de ter "uma" e "duas ou mais" complicações foram 25,4% e 12,4%. Foram evidenciadas desigualdades com maior prevalência de complicações entre os menos escolarizados e mais pobres.

Prediction of clinical events by liver stiffness and chronic kidney disease by NAFLD in patients with type-2 diabetes / Predicción de eventos clínicos por elasticidad hepática y enfermedad renal crónica por EHMet en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2

Background & Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with poorer glycemic control and a higher risk of type-2 diabetes (T2D) complications, extrahepatic and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our study aim was to evaluate the association between NAFLD, T2D complications, and the development of overall clinical events (OCE) (CV, liver-related, and mortality) in patients with T2D. Methods: Prospective single-center study comprising T2D subjects with no history of CVD and non-T2D matched controls. Patients were selected from the Outpatient Diabetes Clinic of Vall d’Hebron Hospital and related primary care centers. Results: 186 diabetics and 57 controls were included. Amongst T2D, 124/186 subjects had NAFLD (66.6%). T2D-NAFLD subjects showed a heavier metabolic burden and higher median liver stiffness (5.6kPa [4.5–7.3] vs 4.8 [4.2–5.8]; p=0.004) compared to non-NAFLD diabetics. During a median follow-up of 5.6 years, 33 (17.7%) T2D patients developed OCE vs 4 (7.0%) controls (p=0.049). No differences were found for OCE between NAFLD and non-NAFLD diabetics (16.9% vs 19.4%; p=0.68). CV was the most reported outcome and only one liver event occurred. NAFLD diabetics showed more often chronic kidney disease (CKD), whereas T2D complications and subclinical CVD rates were similar. A higher liver stiffness, older age, and male gender were independently associated with OCE amongst the entire T2D population and NAFLD diabetics. Conclusions: NAFLD and liver stiffness were associated with CKD and clinical outcomes in diabetics, respectively. A hepatic evaluation is recommended to identify high-risk T2D patients that would benefit from early referral to specialized care. (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: La esteatosis hepática metabólica (EHMet) se asocia con un peor control glucémico y un mayor riesgo de complicaciones de la diabetes tipo 2 (DM2), enfermedad extrahepática y cardiovascular (CV). El objetivo fue evaluar la asociación entre EHMet, complicaciones microvasculares y el desarrollo de eventos clínicos globales (ECG) (CV, hepáticos y mortalidad) en diabéticos. Métodos: Estudio unicéntrico prospectivo que incluye diabéticos sin historia de CV y controles sin DM2. Se seleccionaron pacientes de la consulta de Diabetes del Hospital Vall d’Hebron y centros de atención primaria asociados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 186 diabéticos y 57 controles. Entre los diabéticos, 124/186 presentaron EHMet (66,6%). Los pacientes DM2 con EHMet presentaron mayor carga metabólica y una elasticidad hepática superior (5,6kPa [4,5-7,3] vs. 4,8 [4,2-5,8]; p=0,004) a los diabéticos sin EHMet. Durante una mediana de seguimiento de 5,6 años, 33 (17,7%) diabéticos desarrollaron ECG vs. 4 (7,0%) controles (p=0,049). No hubo diferencias en ECG entre diabéticos con y sin EHMet (16,9% vs. 19,4%; p=0,68). El evento más reportado fue CV y solamente se produjo un evento hepático. La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) fue más frecuente en diabéticos con EHMet, mientras que los ratios de complicaciones microvasculares y enfermedad CV silente fueron similares. El género masculino, una mayor edad y elasticidad hepática se asociaron de forma independiente a ECG para el total de diabéticos y para aquellos con EHMet. Conclusiones: La EHMet y la elasticidad hepática se asociaron a ERC y eventos clínicos en diabéticos. Se recomienda una evaluación hepática para identificar pacientes diabéticos de riesgo que se beneficiarían de una derivación precoz al especialista. (AU)

Distribution and Economic Burden of Diabetes-Related Microvascular Complications in Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to map microvascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus from personal health records and to guide chronic disease management by revealing the economic burden of the disease. METHOD: The data of patients with diabetes who developed microvascular complications were obtained from the e-Pulse database of the Ministry of Health, with the definitions of the disease. First, the distribution of patients by province and gender was determined and then patients with multiple complications were identified. Only direct costs and their distribution on the basis of complications were determined from the database according to the cost of illness methodology from the payer's perspective. Then, average annual per-patient costs were determined using a top-down costing approach. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2020, a total of 7 656 700 patients with diabetes were reached. The number of patients with microvascular complications between 2016 and 2020 obtained from the e-Pulse database with the above definitions was 1 466 387. Regarding the complications, a total of 66 838 people developed nephropathy, 314 706 people developed retinopathy, and 1 084 843 people developed neuropathy. The total cost of patients with microvascular complications was $1 482 278 950.76 and the average annual cost per patient was $1010.84. The average annual cost of neuropathy is $659 862 971.96, retinopathy is $356 594 282.51 and nephropathy is $465 821 696.29, with per-patient costs of $701.82, $1495.24, and $10 516.11, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus, with its microvascular complications, causes significant disease and economic burden. Türkiye's national health database system, e-Pulse, is an important database that provides patient follow-up at both individual and population levels and helps with the management of the disease and taking preventive measures before the development of the complications.

Factors associated with glycemic control and diabetes complications in a group of Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes.

Poor glycemic control is a risk factor for micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors related to suboptimal glycemic control and diabetes complications in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Two hundred patients with T2DM were enrolled. Demographic, social, and self-care behavior data were collected. A thorough clinical evaluation was done. Glycated hemoglobin, lipid, and kidney profile results were recorded. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare different groups. For comparing categorical data, Chi-square (χ2) test was performed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses used to detect predictors of poor glycemic control and macrovascular and microvascular complications. The median age of patients was 58 years, and 62% of them were males. Only 22.5% of patients had glycated hemoglobin <7%. Forty-four patients (22%) had evidence of macrovascular complications. Retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy were found in 42.5%, 32.5%, and 12%, respectively. Longer diabetes duration was significantly associated with poor glycemic control (OR = 1.006, P < .005). The age of the patients was independently associated with macrovascular complications (OR = 1.050, P = .029). Hyperlipidemia was significantly associated with neuropathy (OR = 0.229, P = .043) and retinopathy (OR = 12.887, P = .003). Although physical activity was lower in patients with suboptimal glycemic levels (P = .024), cardiovascular disease (P = .030), neuropathy (P < .001), retinopathy (P < .001), and nephropathy (P = .019), multivariate analysis showed that it was only independently associated with neuropathy (OR = 0.614, P = .001). The prevalence of suboptimal glycemic control is high in the studied population. Effective health measures are urgently needed to stop diabetes complications, especially retinopathy and neuropathy. Elderly people with long durations of diabetes, and lower physical activity should be the focus of the interventions. Tailored exercise programs are particularly needed for better diabetes control and for the prevention of complications in patients with T2DM.