Identification of Silent Myocardial Ischemia in Patients with Long-Term Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

(1) Background: This study aimed to analyze epidemiological data to identify risk factors for silent myocardial ischemia in patients with long-term type 1 and type 2 diabetes. (2) Methods: An analysis was performed on 104 patients with long-term type 1 and type 2 diabetes who had not previously been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. During hospitalization, patients were subjected to a standard ECG exercise test on a treadmill. If the test could not be performed or the result was uncertain, a pharmacological exercise test with dobutamine was performed. In the case of a positive exercise ECG test or a positive dobutamine test, the patient underwent coronary angiography. (3) Results: Atherosclerotic lesions were found in 24 patients. Patients with silent ischemia were significantly older and had a lower mean left ventricular ejection fraction and a higher incidence of carotid atherosclerosis. The presence of microvascular complications did not increase the risk of silent ischemia. (4) Conclusions: Silent heart ischemia is more common in type 2 than type 1 diabetes. Predisposing factors include older age, coexistence of carotid atherosclerosis, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and smoking in patients with type 1 diabetes. Concomitant microvascular complications are not a risk factor.

Hypoglycaemia in endocrine, diabetic, and internal diseases [Hipoglikemia w schorzeniach endokrynologicznych, diabetologicznych i internistycznych].

Hypoglycemia is a decrease in blood glucose concentration below the physiological level. It occurs in healthy people and in people with various diseases with inadequate secretion of insulin by ß cells, or deficiency of counterregulatory hormones secreted at the moment of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is also associated with diabetes therapy, regardless of whether behavioral therapy, oral hypoglycemic agents, or insulin are used. Distinguishing the causes of hypoglycemia is the basis for taking appropriate therapeutic actions that protect patients against subsequent episodes of lowering blood glucose and complications caused by hypoglycemia.

Aerobic as well as resistance exercises are good for patients with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: To assess whether aerobic or resistance training has greater benefits in non-physically active men with a long lasting type 1 diabetes. The effects of exercise were evaluated in terms of diabetes control and risk factors for cardiovascular complications. METHODS: 21 male participants (mean age: 37 yrs, diabetes duration: 23 yrs, mean HbA1c: 7.4%) randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1-aerobic training (n = 10) and 2-resistance training (n = 11). All subjects participated in 60-min training sessions, either aerobic or resistance, twice a week for three months. At baseline and after 3 months: echocardiography, ECG and incremental exercise test, ECG and blood pressure monitoring, lipid profile, lactate and diabetes control parameters were assessed in all patients. RESULTS: Baseline HbA1c was 7.44% in aerobic group and 7.36% in resistance group (p = 0.84). After 3 months there was no significant change in HbA1c value in any exercise group but a non-statistically significant downward trend was seen particularly in aerobic exercise group (p = 0.07) vs the resistance group (p = 0.15). There was no significant difference in body mass, risk of hypoglycemia and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Both forms of exercise are safe in terms of glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with quite well-controlled type 1 diabetes without advanced late complications.

Metformin - a new old drug.

For many years metformin has been the gold standard in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. According to recommendations of the most important diabetes associations, this is the first-choice drug for use as monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also recommended in combined treatment when monotherapy is no longer effective. It is then combined with a sulfony-lurea, an incretin, flozin, or insulin, irrespective of the number of insulin injections per day. Besides its properties used in the treatment of diabetes, metformin has been treated for some time as a drug of a so-called pleiotropic activity, as each year brings new reports about its favourable effect in different conditions. At present, the scope of reimbursed indications of this drug has been expanded to include prediabetes, insulin resistance syndromes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Metformin does not stimulate insulin secretion by the beta cells of the pancreas, and thus it is a drug that does not cause hypoglycaemia. The blood glucose-lowering effect of the drug is a consequence of hepatic glucose production inhibition, and of peripheral tissue (muscle tissue, fatty tissue) sensitisation to the effect of insulin of both endogenous and exogenous origin. The exact mechanism of metformin action at the cellular level remained unknown for a long time. Studies performed in recent years have provided a great deal of information that enables better understanding of the mechanism of action of the drug as well as the clinical effects resulting from its use. Metformin, besides improvement of glycaemia, is neutral to body weight, is cardioprotective, improves lipid profile, and has a probable anti-cancer effect. Metformin accumulation in the intestinal mucosa may interfere with FDG (18F-deoxyglucose) PET-CT image assessment. The aim of this article is a detailed discussion of metformin properties, its mechanisms of action, and clinical effects.

Determination of the value of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c and fructosamine in assessing the risk of perioperative complications after cardiac surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with diabetes have a worse postoperative course and longer length of hospital stay after surgery. A good indicator of proper long-term (3 months) glycemic control is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fructosamine in the short term (2-3 weeks). AIM: To determine the degree of glycemic control evaluated preoperatively by HbA1c and/or fructosamine influence on the postoperative course of patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 2014-2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Before the operation HbA1c (N < 7.0) and fructosamine (N < 280 µmol/l) were measured and depending on the results the respondents were divided into 4 groups: group I (n = 46) - normal both parameters; group II (n = 22) - high both values; group III (n = 4) - normal fructosamine/HbA1c high; group IV (n = 33) - high HbA1c/fructosamine normal. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test assuming p < 0.05 to be statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients were treated by CABG/OPCAB (39 female, 66 males). The mean age was 65.7 ±7.3, HbA1c: 7.23 ±1.2%, fructosamine: 261.8 ±43.8. There was no difference in the incidence of other postoperative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine levels to a similar extent define the risk of perioperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In patients in whom there is a need to quickly compensate for elevated blood glucose consider enabling determination of fructosamine.

Effect of intravenous versus subcutaneous insulin delivery on the intensity of neuropathic pain in diabetic subjects.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of treatment of painful diabetic polyneuropathy remains unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to compare effects of intravenous vs. subcutaneous insulin delivery in patients with diabetic symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy on pain relief, the quality of life, sleep disturbance, and the nerve conduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (mean age 62 ± 10 years, duration 17 ± 10 years), who reached a pain score over 40 mm on the VAS scale, HbA(1c) 7.5-10%, were randomly assigned to continuous intravenous insulin infusion (examined group) and multiple injections (control subjects). Before and after five days of the insulin treatment the effects on pain relief (SFMPQ-VAS), the quality of life improvement (EuroQol EQ-5D), and sleep disturbances (AIS) were assessed. RESULTS: Both groups experienced significant pain reduction, improvement of the quality of life, and reduction of sleep disturbances, i.e. a VAS in the study group of 69 ± 14 mm before treatment vs. 40 ± 19 mm after treatment (p < 0.001), and in control subjects 66 ± 16 mm vs. 47 ± 17 mm (p < 0.001). No difference in level of pain intensity reduction between the groups studied was found. CONCLUSIONS: Intensification of insulin treatment applied for five days results in improvement of the physical condition of patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy, through pain relief, and improvement of the quality of life and sleep quality. The efficacy of insulin intravenous infusion and multiple injections is comparable.

Is there an impact of treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors on lymphocyte subpopulations in type 2 diabetic patients?

INTRODUCTION: Dipeptidil peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4) are a group of antihyperglycemic agents. DPP-4 is an enzyme expressed on lymphocyte surface as co-stimulatory molecule in activation processes. The aim was to assess lymphocyte subpopulations initially and after 14 days of treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors sitagliptin, saxagliptin and vildagliptin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in three groups 10 subjects each, of type 2 diabetic patients. In subjects studied an initial tests followed by repeated ones after 14 days of treatment with sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and vildagliptin in therapeutic doses were performed. Baseline test as well as lymphocyte subpopulations (total T cells, and T-cell subsets CD4+, CD8+, CD26+, CD45RA+, CD45RO+, CD4+/CD25+) using 7-colour flow cytometry method were performed. RESULTS: In patients receiving sitagliptin no significant increase in lymphocyte subpopulations were observed. In patients who received vildagliptin significant increase of total T-cells (p < 0.05); in patients treated with saxagliptin significant (p < 0.05) though mild increased percentage of total T-cells and CD4+, CD26+, CD45RO+ subsets were found. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed mild but significant increase of several T-cell subsets after treatment with saxagliptin and vildagliptin with non significant elevation after treatment with sitagliptin. It seems that changes are not expressed enough to have a clinical impact.

Association between hypoglycemia and the type of insulin in diabetic patients treated with multiple injections: an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoglycemia may have serious health consequences; therefore, it is important to expand knowledge on the factors that increase its prevalence. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the type of insulin-human vs. analogue-on the incidence of mild and severe hypoglycemia, body weight, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 203 diabetic patients treated with intensive insulin therapy completed the questionnaire on hypoglycemia at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of the follow­up. Body weight and HbA1c levels were measured at baseline and at 6 months. Incidence of mild and severe hypoglycemia, body weight, and HbA1c levels were compared between patients treated with short­acting analogue and those treated with short­acting human insulin (regardless of the type of long­acting insulin used) and between patients receiving short- and long­acting analogue insulin and those receiving short- and long­acting human insulin. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to find independent risk factors of severe hypoglycemia. RESULTS: At baseline, mild hypoglycemia was more common in patients receiving insulin analogue. There were no differences between the subgroups in the incidence of severe hypoglycemia, HbA1c levels, and body weight. Male sex, older age, and the dose of long­acting insulin were independently associated with a higher incidence of severe hypoglycemia. Type 2 diabetes and higher body weight were associated with a lower risk of severe hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that use of insulin analogues may predispose to more frequent episodes of mild hypoglycemia, but it does not increase the incidence of severe hypoglycemia in patients on intensive insulin therapy. Insulin analogues are not different from human insulin in terms of the effects on HbA1c levels and body mass.

Impact of low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on defensin and CRP concentrations in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy and in healthy subjects.

AIM: The aim was to assess whether magnetic field influences defensin and CRP concentrations in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and in healthy subjects. METHODS: 61 diabetic patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: study group-32 patients exposed to low-frequency magnetic field; and control group-29 patients with sham exposure. Additionally, 20 healthy subjects exposed to low-frequency magnetic field. Exposures were performed during 3 weeks, 5 days in a week. Defensin and CRP concentrations were measured at baseline, after 3 weeks and at the end of the study. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in defensin concentration in patients with diabetes in both the real and sham exposure group. We observed increased concentration of defensin in healthy subjects in week 5 vs. baseline value (P<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic field has no impact on defensin concentration in diabetic patients but has positive influence on this parameter in healthy subjects.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose in treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Blood glucose measurements are important components of a effective diabetes management. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) provides the possibility for collecting information on glucose levels at different timepoints and facilitates patient empowerment. However, the efficacy of SMBG in particular groups of patients is controversial. Self-monitoring is postulated to have a beneficial effect on metabolic control in type 1 diabetes as it is essential to adjust insulin doses. In type 2 diabetes the efficacy of frequent glucose measurements remains uncertain. The purpose of this paper is to overview recent data in the field of self-control to evaluate the influence of SMBG on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. The results of studies suggest that SMBG can have an important role in improving metabolic control if it is an integral part of a wider educational strategy. SMBG can be especially recommended for type 2 diabetic patients with suboptimal metabolic control in order to promote dietary and lifestyle changes as well as treatment correction as a response to feedback provided by blood glucose results.

[Inhaled insulin--the breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes?]. / Insulina wziewna--kolejny milowy krok w leczeniu cukrzycy?

Diabetes as a global epidemic is the fourth cause of death in the world currently. Ninety percent of all cases of diabetes represent patients with type 2 diabetes, in whom worsening of glycaemic control is observed with progression of the disease. A number of trials which have been conducted so far showed that lack of sufficient glycaemic control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients accelerates progression of late complications of the disease. Although targets how to treat diabetes have been clearly defined few patients achieve them and maintain optimal metabolic control. Administration of insulin in type 1 diabetes is crucial for survival of the patients. Because of progressive course of the disease insulin is not rarely the only tool to achieve full normalization of glycaemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Chronic hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients is the main reason to start insulin therapy. Decision about insulin administration is usually associated with patient's confusion and fear, mainly because of multiple subcutanoeus injections and risk of hypoglycaemia or secondary weight gain. Studies on inhaled insulin have been successfully completed recently. In the spring of 2005 Exubera, the first insulin inhaler, has been registered. The aim of this overview is to present the current clinical data on Exubera in treatment of patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.