Hypercalcemia in a Patient Diagnosed with a Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Tumor.

Hypercalcemia is a clinical problem that is commonly seen in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Overall, most common causes of hypercalcemia include hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. Our case report is the presentation of hypercalcemia in a patient eventually diagnosed with a vasoactive intestinal peptide tumor, a type of neuroendocrine tumor, without associated hyperparathyroidism.

Coronary Vasospasm-Induced Myocardial Infarction: An Uncommon Presentation of Unrecognized Hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism can present with cardiac issues, such as tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and high output congestive heart failure. Rare case reports of coronary vasospasm leading to myocardial infarction (MI) are published. Of these cases, many are known to be hyperthyroid prior to cardiac presentation. We report a female patient with unrecognized thyrotoxicosis who presents with acute MI secondary to coronary vasospasm.

Circulating Levels of Bone and Inflammatory Markers in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can cause short- and long-term complications to the mother and fetus. While the precise mechanisms in preserving glucose balance in a healthy pregnancy are unknown, various growth factors and hormones have been implicated or associated with GDM risk in humans or rodents, including prolactin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), osteoprotegerin (OPG), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). We aimed to evaluate the relationship of these and other protein markers in women with GDM. In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from pregnant women with GDM and with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) at the 24- to 32-week obstetrical visit, during the 1-h oral glucose challenge test or 3-h oral glucose tolerance test. Blood plasma was analyzed for RANKL, OPG, prolactin, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HGF, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), and TNFα. Forty-six women with NGT and 47 women with GDM were included (mean ± standard deviation maternal age 31.6 ± 5.7, mean ± standard deviation gestational age 28.1 ± 2.2 weeks). Groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, gestational age, and race/ethnicity. Serum levels of OPG, prolactin, TRAIL, HGF, PAI-1, and TNFα were similar in both groups. RANKL was lower in GDM subjects (p = 0.019). Contrary to previous reports in the literature, we found a lower serum RANKL level in women with GDM. Further investigation is needed to determine whether there are suitable serum markers for diagnosing GDM or determining prognosis or severity.

Fully Closed-Loop Multiple Model Probabilistic Predictive Controller Artificial Pancreas Performance in Adolescents and Adults in a Supervised Hotel Setting.

BACKGROUND: Initial Food and Drug Administration-approved artificial pancreas (AP) systems will be hybrid closed-loop systems that require prandial meal announcements and will not eliminate the burden of premeal insulin dosing. Multiple model probabilistic predictive control (MMPPC) is a fully closed-loop system that uses probabilistic estimation of meals to allow for automated meal detection. In this study, we describe the safety and performance of the MMPPC system with announced and unannounced meals in a supervised hotel setting. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Android phone-based AP system with remote monitoring was tested for 72 h in six adults and four adolescents across three clinical sites with daily exercise and meal challenges involving both three announced (manual bolus by patient) and six unannounced (no bolus by patient) meals. Safety criteria were predefined. Controller aggressiveness was adapted daily based on prior hypoglycemic events. RESULTS: Mean 24-h continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was 157.4 ± 14.4 mg/dL, with 63.6 ± 9.2% of readings between 70 and 180 mg/dL, 2.9 ± 2.3% of readings <70 mg/dL, and 9.0 ± 3.9% of readings >250 mg/dL. Moderate hyperglycemia was relatively common with 24.6 ± 6.2% of readings between 180 and 250 mg/dL, primarily within 3 h after a meal. Overnight mean CGM was 139.6 ± 27.6 mg/dL, with 77.9 ± 16.4% between 70 and 180 mg/dL, 3.0 ± 4.5% <70 mg/dL, 17.1 ± 14.9% between 180 and 250 mg/dL, and 2.0 ± 4.5%> 250 mg/dL. Postprandial hyperglycemia was more common for unannounced meals compared with announced meals (4-h postmeal CGM 197.8 ± 44.1 vs. 140.6 ± 35.0 mg/dL; P < 0.001). No participants met safety stopping criteria. CONCLUSIONS: MMPPC was safe in a supervised setting despite meal and exercise challenges. Further studies are needed in a less supervised environment.

THE ROLE OF GLUCAGON IN THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES.

OBJECTIVE: There is general recognition that insulin and glucagon are the main hormones involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes, but the role of glucagon in diabetes is complex and in some circumstances controversial. The increasing appreciation of the role of glucagon in currently used hypoglycemic agents and the ongoing development of glucagon-targeted therapies underscores glucagon's important contribution in optimizing diabetes management. The current review provides a background on glucagon physiology and pathophysiology and an update for investigators, endocrinologists, and other healthcare providers on glucagon-modulating therapies. METHODS: A literature review was conducted utilizing published literature in PubMed and AccessMedicine including the years 1922-2015 using the following key words: glucagon, bihormonal, diabetes mellitus, glucagon antagonists, glucagon-targeted therapies. RESULTS: Glucagon is a counterregulatory hormone that promotes hepatic glucose production, thus preventing hypoglycemia in normal physiology. In patients with diabetes mellitus, glucagon secretion may be unregulated, which contributes to problems with glucose homeostasis. Several of the most effective therapies for diabetes have been found to suppress glucagon secretion or action, which may contribute to their success. Additionally, glucagon-specific targeted therapies, such as glucagon receptor antagonists, are being studied at a basic and clinical level. CONCLUSION: Glucagon plays an important role in contributing to hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes. Utilizing hypoglycemic agents that decrease glucagon secretion or inhibit glucagon action can help improve glycemic control, making these agents a valuable resource in diabetes therapy.