Impact of a single blood donation on hemoglobin mass, iron stores, and maximum oxygen uptake in pre-menopausal women-A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: During whole blood donation (BD), 500 mL of blood is drawn. The time interval between two BDs is at least 8-12 weeks. This period might be insufficient for restoring hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and iron especially in women, who generally have lower Hbmass and iron availability. Since both variables influence physical performance, this pilot study aimed to monitor Hbmass, iron status, and maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) recovery in women after a single BD. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In 10 women (24.7 ± 1.7 years), Hbmass, hemoglobin concentration [Hb], iron status, and V̇O2max were assessed before and up to 12 weeks after a single BD. RESULTS: BD reduced Hbmass from 562 ± 70 g to 499 ± 64 g (p < .001). Although after 8 weeks no significant mean difference was detected, 7 women had not returned to baseline after 12 weeks. [Hb] did not return to initial values (13.4 ± 0.7 g/dL) after 12 weeks (12.9 ± 0.7 g/dL, p < .01). Ferritin decreased from baseline until week 6 (40.9 ± 34.2 ng/mL vs. 12.1 ± 6.9 ng/mL, p < .05) and was not restored after 12 weeks (18.4 ± 12.7 ng/mL, p < .05), with 6 out of 10 women exhibiting iron deficiency (ferritin <15 ng/mL). V̇O2max was reduced by 213 ± 47 mL/min (7.2 ± 1.2%; p < .001) and remained below baseline after 12 weeks (3.2 ± 1.4%, p < .01). DISCUSSION: For most pre-menopausal women, 12 weeks were not sufficient to recover from BD and achieve baseline Hbmass and iron stores resulting in prolonged reduction of aerobic capacity. A subsequent BD might lead to a severe anemia.

Effects of Different Types of Intermittent Fasting Interventions on Metabolic Health in Healthy Individuals (EDIF): A Randomised Trial with a Controlled-Run in Phase.

The effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on health promotion in the healthy population remain controversial. Therefore, our study aimed to analyse the efficacy and feasibility of different IF protocols and evaluated the effects within a cohort with a controlled-run in phase on the body mass index (BMI) as the primary outcome, the body composition, and metabolic and haematological markers in healthy participants. A total of 25 individuals were randomised into three fasting groups: 16/8 fasting (n = 11), 20/4 fasting (n = 6), and alternate-day fasting (ADF, n = 8). Assessments were conducted at baseline (visit 1), after a four-week controlled-run in phase (visit 2), and after eight weeks of fasting (visit 3). Both the BMI (p = 0.01) and bodyweight (p = 0.01) were significantly reduced in the ADF group, which was not seen in the 16/8 and 20/4 groups (p > 0.05). Adherence was different but not statistically among the groups (16/8: 84.5 ± 23.0%; 20/4: 92.7 ± 9.5%; and ADF: 78.1 ± 33.5%, p = 0.57). Based on our obtained results, the data suggest that some fasting interventions might be promising for metabolic health. However, adherence to the specific fasting protocols remains challenging even for the healthy population.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring with a Predictive Hypoglycemia Alert Function on Hypoglycemia in Physical Activity for People with Type 1 Diabetes (PACE).

Background: Uptake of exercise in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is low despite significant health benefits. Fear of hypoglycemia is the main barrier to exercise. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with predictive alarms warning of impending hypoglycemia may improve self-management of diabetes around exercise. Aim: To assess the impact of Dexcom G6 real-time CGM system with a predictive hypoglycemia alert function on the frequency, duration, and severity of hypoglycemia occurring during and after regular (≥150 min/week) physical activity in people with T1D. Methods: After 10 days of blinded run-in (Baseline), CGM was unblinded and participants randomized 1:1 to have the "urgent low soon" (ULS) alert switched "on" or "off" for 40 days. Participants then switched alerts "off" or "on," respectively, for a further 40 days. Physical activity, and carbohydrate and insulin doses were recorded. Results: Twenty-four participants (8 men, 16 women) were randomized. There was no difference in change from baseline of hypoglycemia <3.0 and <3.9 mmol/L with the ULS on or off during the 24 h after exercise. With ULS alert "on" time spent below 2.8 mmol/L compared with baseline was significantly (P = 0.04) lower than with ULS "off" in the 24 h after exercise. In mixed effects regression, timing of the exercise and baseline HbA1c independently affected risk of hypoglycemia during exercise; exercise timing also affected hypoglycemia risk after exercise. Conclusion: A CGM device with an ULS alert reduces exposure to hypoglycemia below 2.8 mmol/L overall and in the 24 h after exercise compared with a threshold alert.

SGLT2 Inhibitors in Long COVID Syndrome: Is There a Potential Role?

The coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 has turned into a pandemic causing a global public health crisis. While acute COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system and can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, an association with persistent inflammatory stress affecting different organ systems has been elucidated in long COVID syndrome (LCS). Increased severity and mortality rates have been reported due to cardiophysiological and metabolic systemic disorders as well as multiorgan failure in COVID-19, additionally accompanied by chronic dyspnea and fatigue in LCS. Hence, novel therapies have been tested to improve the outcomes of LCS of which one potential candidate might be sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The aim of this narrative review was to discuss rationales for investigating SGLT2 inhibitor therapy in people suffering from LCS. In this regard, we discuss their potential positive effects-next to the well described "cardio-renal-metabolic" conditions-with a focus on potential anti-inflammatory and beneficial systemic effects in LCS. However, potential beneficial as well as potential disadvantageous effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the prevalence and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 will need to be established in ongoing research.

Efficacy of Fasting in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review.

Over the last decade, studies suggested that dietary behavior modification, including fasting, can improve metabolic and cardiovascular markers as well as body composition. Given the increasing prevalence of people with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the increasing obesity (also in combination with diabetes), nutritional therapies are gaining importance, besides pharmaceutical interventions. Fasting has demonstrated beneficial effects for both healthy individuals and those with metabolic diseases, leading to increased research interest in its impact on glycemia and associated short- and long-term complications. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate whether fasting can be used safely and effectively in addition to medications to support the therapy in T1DM and T2DM. A literature search on fasting and its interaction with diabetes was conducted via PubMed in September 2022. Fasting has the potential to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia in T1DM, lower glycaemic variability, and improve fat metabolism in T1DM and T2DM. It also increases insulin sensitivity, reduces endogenous glucose production in diabetes, lowers body weight, and improves body composition. To conclude, fasting is efficient for therapy management for both people with T1DM and T2DM and can be safely performed, when necessary, with the support of health care professionals.

Nutritional support for a person with type 1 diabetes undertaking endurance swimming.

Long distance and open water swimming have increased in popularity over recent years. Swimming a long distance in lakes, rivers and the sea present numerous challenges, including cold water exposure and maintaining adequate nutritional intake to fuel exercising muscles. Guidelines exist outlining issues to consider and potential solutions to overcome the difficulties in feeding athletes. Exercising with type 1 diabetes adds further complexity, mostly around matching insulin to the recommended high carbohydrate intake, but also because of the way in which higher circulating insulin levels affect glucose utilisation and fat oxidation. This paper describes the nutritional considerations for people with type 1 diabetes intending to undertake long distance open water events, and insulin management suggestions to trial alongside. In addition, we include personal testimony from a swimmer with type 1 diabetes describing the challenges and considerations he faced when undertaking marathon swimming.

Improved glycaemia during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown is sustained post-lockdown and during the "Eat Out to Help Out" Government Scheme, in adults with Type 1 diabetes in the United Kingdom.

AIMS: The majority of studies report that the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown did not have a detrimental effect on glycaemia. We sought to explore the impact of lockdown on glycaemia and whether this is sustained following easing of restrictions. METHODS: Retrospective, observational analysis in adults and children with type 1 diabetes attending a UK specialist centre, using real-time or intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring. Data from the following 28-day time periods were collected: (i) pre-lockdown; (ii) during lockdown; (iii) immediately after lockdown; and (iv) a month following relaxation of restrictions (coinciding with Government-subsidised restaurant food). Data were analysed for times in glycaemic ranges and are expressed as median (IQR). RESULTS: 145 adults aged 35.5 (25.8-51.3) years with diabetes duration of 19.0 (7.0-29.0) years on multiple daily injections of insulin (60%) and continuous insulin infusion (40%) were included. In adults, % time in range (70-180mg/dL) increased during lockdown (60.2 (45.2-69.3)%) compared to pre-lockdown (56.7 (43.5-65.3)%; p<0.001). This was maintained in the post-lockdown time periods. Similarly, % time above range (>180mg/dL) reduced in lockdown compared to pre-lockdown (p = 0.01), which was sustained thereafter. In children, no significant changes to glycaemia were observed during lockdown. In multivariable analysis, a greater increase in %TIR 3.9-10mmol/L (70-180mg/dL) during lockdown was associated with higher levels of deprivation (coefficient: 4.208, 95% CI 0.588 to 7.828; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Glycaemia in adults improved during lockdown, with people from more deprived areas most likely to benefit. This effect was sustained after easing of restrictions, with government-subsidised restaurant eating having no adverse impact on glycaemia.

A Pilot Study of Flat and Circadian Insulin Infusion Rates in Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes (FIRST1D).

BACKGROUND: Initiation of continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy (CSII) in type 1 diabetes requires conversion of a basal insulin dose into a continuous infusion regimen. There are limited data to guide the optimal insulin profile to rapidly achieve target glucose and minimize healthcare professional input. The aim of this pilot study was to compare circadian and flat insulin infusion rates in CSII naïve adults with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Adults with type 1 diabetes commencing CSII were recruited. Participants were randomized to circadian or flat basal profile calculated from the total daily dose. Basal rate testing was undertaken on days 7, 14 and 28 and basal rates were adjusted. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in absolute change in insulin basal rate over 24 hours following three rounds of basal testing. Secondary outcomes included the number of basal rate changes and the time blocks. RESULTS: Seventeen participants (mean age 33.3 (SD 8.6) years) were recruited. There was no significant difference in absolute change in insulin basal rates between groups (P = .85). The circadian group experienced significant variation in the number of changes made with the most changes in the morning and evening (P = .005). The circadian group received a greater reduction in total insulin (-14.1 (interquartile range (IQR) -22.5-12.95) units) than the flat group (-7.48 (IQR -11.90-1.23) units) (P = .021). CONCLUSION: The initial insulin profile does not impact on the magnitude of basal rate changes during optimization. The circadian profile requires changes at specific time points. Further development of the circadian profile may be the optimal strategy.

Glycemic Index, Extended Bolusing, and Diabetes Education in Insulin Pump Therapy (GLIDE: A Pilot Study).

Background: There is no published evidence on whether advanced bolus education affects outcomes in insulin pump-treated type 1 diabetes. We assess the feasibility of delivering a clinical education program on rates of digestion and bolusing, and to assess its preliminary impact. Methods: An interactive education session on glycemic index (GI), extended bolusing, and superbolusing was developed and assessed in a nonrandomized single-arm study for 12 weeks. Insulin pump-treated participants with type 1 diabetes were recruited. Glucose outcomes were assessed by blinded continuous glucose monitoring after the consumption of high-fat and high-GI test meal. The primary outcome measure was 8-h glucose area under the curve (AUC) after high-fat meals, before and after intervention. Secondary outcomes included time spent in hypoglycemia, quality of life, treatment satisfaction, HbA1c, frequency of use of extended boluses, and postprandial AUC. Results: Eleven participants completed the study [mean (SD) age 42.3 (12.8) years, baseline HbA1c 57.3 (10.0) mmol/mol, duration of diabetes 19.5 (9.9) years]. AUC for glucose after test meals did not differ significantly after education except for in the first 2 h after the high-GI meal [precourse 83.1 (0.23-88.9), postcourse 5.38 (-16.2 to 50.8)]. Percentage time spent in hypoglycemia (<3.9 and <3.3 mmol/L) fell at week 12 compared with baseline [5.8 (IQR 2.1-8.3) % to 4.3 (IQR 2.1-5.4) %, P = 0.013, and 2.9 (IQR 1.2-3.9) % to 1.6 (IQR 0.7-2.4) %, P = 0.029, respectively]. Conclusion: Delivering an education program to support advanced boluses is feasible and may reduce exposure to hypoglycemia. A further trial is required to confirm the findings.

Changes in northern hemisphere male international rugby union players' body mass and height between 1955 and 2015.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to establish the effects of professionalism, which officially began in 1995, on the body mass and height of northern hemisphere male international rugby union (RU) players. We hypothesised that mass would significantly increase following professionalism. We also investigated the changes in size of players according to their playing position, and we compared changes to rugby league (RL) players and the public. METHODS: The body mass and height of players representing their international team for that country's first game of the Five Nations in 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985 and 1995 and, for 2005 and 2015, the Six Nations, were collected from matchday programmes. RL players' data were collected from the Challenge Cup final games played in the same years. RESULTS: International RU player body mass has significantly increased since 1995. In 1955 mean (±SD) player body mass was 84.8 kg (±8.2); in 2015, it was 105.4 kg (±12.1), an increase of 24.3%. Between 1955 and 2015, the body mass of forwards increased steadily, whereas that of backs has mostly gone up since 1995. RU player body mass gain has exceeded that of RL, but the age-matched difference between RU players and the public has remained relatively constant. CONCLUSIONS: The factors influencing the gain in body mass of rugby players are legion; however, we believe that the interpretation of the law relating to the scrum put-in and changes allowing substitutions have, at least in part, contributed to the observed changes. Injury severity is increasing, and this may be linked to greater forces (caused by greater body mass) occurring in contact. RU law makers should adjust the rules to encourage speed and skill at the expense of mass.

Managing diabetes at high altitude: personal experience with support from a Multidisciplinary Physical Activity and Diabetes Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: Physical activity is important for well-being but can be challenging for people with diabetes. Data informing support of specialist activities such as climbing and high-altitude trekking are limited. A 42-year-old man with type 1 diabetes (duration 30 years) attended a Multidisciplinary Physical Activity and Diabetes Clinic planning to climb Mont Blanc during the summer and trek to Everest Base Camp in the autumn. His aims were to complete these adventures without his diabetes impacting on their success. METHODS: We report the information provided that enabled him to safely facilitate his objectives, in particular, the requirement for frequent checking of blood glucose levels, the effects of altitude on insulin dose requirements, and recognition that acute mountain sickness may mimic the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and vice versa. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring was made available for his treks. RESULTS: The effects of high altitude on blood glucose results and glycaemic variability while treated on multiple daily injections of insulin are reported. In addition, we present a first-person account of his experience and lessons learnt from managing diabetes at high altitude. CONCLUSIONS: A dedicated Multidisciplinary Physical Activity and Diabetes Clinic delivering individualised, evidence-based, patient-focused advice on the effects of altitude on blood glucose levels, and provision of real-time continuous glucose monitoring enabled uneventful completion of a trek to Everest Base Camp in a person with type 1 diabetes.