Recommendations for management of diabetes and its complications during Hajj (Muslim Pilgrimage) - 2024 update.

Hajj is an obligatory duty for all healthy adult Muslims once in the lifetime subjected to the ability. Considering the 10.5 % global prevalence of diabetes coupled with the numbers of Muslims performing the Hajj, ∼ 1.8 million in 2023, it is estimated that Muslims with diabetes performing Hajj may exceed 340,000 this year. During Hajj the pattern and amount of their meal, fluid intake and physical activity are markedly altered. Many people with diabetes insist on doing the Hajj duty, thereby creating a medical challenge for themselves and their health care providers. It is therefore important that medical professionals be aware of the potential risks that may be associated with Hajj. People with diabetes may face many health hazards during Hajj including but not limited to the killer triad which might occur during Hajj: Hypoglycemia, Foot injury and Infections. Many precautions should be taken to prevent and treat these potentially serious complications. Risk stratification, medication adjustments, proper clinical assessment, and education before doing Hajj are crucial.

Heterozygous missense variant in GLI2 impairs human endocrine pancreas development.

Missense variants are the most common type of coding genetic variants. Their functional assessment is fundamental for defining any implication in human diseases and may also uncover genes that are essential for human organ development. Here, we apply CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing on human iPSCs to study a heterozygous missense variant in GLI2 identified in two siblings with early-onset and insulin-dependent diabetes of unknown cause. GLI2 is a primary mediator of the Hedgehog pathway, which regulates pancreatic ß-cell development in mice. However, neither mutations in GLI2 nor Hedgehog dysregulation have been reported as cause or predisposition to diabetes. We establish and study a set of isogenic iPSC lines harbouring the missense variant for their ability to differentiate into pancreatic ß-like cells. Interestingly, iPSCs carrying the missense variant show altered GLI2 transcriptional activity and impaired differentiation of pancreatic progenitors into endocrine cells. RNASeq and network analyses unveil a crosstalk between Hedgehog and WNT pathways, with the dysregulation of non-canonical WNT signaling in pancreatic progenitors carrying the GLI2 missense variant. Collectively, our findings underscore an essential role for GLI2 in human endocrine development and identify a gene variant that may lead to diabetes.

Pigmented hypertrichosis with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus syndrome: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Pigmented hypertrichosis with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (PHID) syndrome is a rare disease, and part of the cluster Histiocytosis-lymphadenopathy plus syndrome (H syndrome), which is associated with mutations in the SLC29A3 gene. Patients with PHID show clinical features of H syndrome, but also have insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The PHID associated diabetes has previously been described as predominantly in absence of pancreatic autoantibodies. Case Series Presentation: Through an open call in two international diabetes registers, clinical and genetic characteristics of 7 PHID patients in 6 treatment centres were collected after informed consent. All of them had consanguinity in their families, and their origins were located in North-African and Middle Eastern regions. 4 out of 7 patients had at least one positive pancreatic autoantibody. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our case series reveals that PHID exhibits a wide range of clinical symptoms and signs. When consanguinity is present in a patient with newly diagnosed diabetes, and/or if other atypical symptoms such as dysmorphic features, skin lesions, haematological abnormalities and developmental delay are present; threshold for genetic analysis should be low. Moreover, the presence of autoantibodies should not withhold genetic testing, as our case series contradicts the previous observation of predominant auto-antibody absence in PHID.

Mitigating iftar-related glycemic excursions in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes on MiniMed™ 780G advanced hybrid closed loop system: a randomized clinical trial for adjunctive oral vildagliptin therapy during Ramadan fasting.

BACKGROUND: Ramadan Iftar meal typically causes glucose excursions. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors increase glucagon-like peptide-1 and thus, decrease blood glucose levels with low risk of hypoglycemia. AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin as an add-on therapy on glucose excursions of Iftar Ramadan meals among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) treatment. METHODS: Fifty T1DM patients on MiniMed™ 780G AHCL were randomly assigned either to receive vildagliptin (50 mg tablet) with iftar meal during Ramadan month or not. All participants received pre-meal insulin bolus based on insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio (ICR) for each meal constitution. RESULTS: Vildagliptin offered blunting of post-meal glucose surges (mean difference - 30.3 mg/dL [- 1.7 mmol/L] versus - 2.9 mg/dL [- 0.2 mmol/L] in control group; p < 0.001) together with concomitant exceptional euglycemia with time in range (TIR) significantly increased at end of Ramadan in intervention group from 77.8 ± 9.6% to 84.7 ± 8.3% (p = 0.016) and time above range (180-250 mg/dL) decreased from 13.6 ± 5.1% to 9.7 ± 3.6% (p = 0.003) without increasing hypoglycemia. A significant reduction was observed in automated daily correction boluses and total bolus dose by 23.9% and 16.3% (p = 0.015 and p < 0.023, respectively) with less aggressive ICR settings within intervention group at end of Ramadan. Coefficient of variation was improved from 37.0 ± 9.4% to 31.8 ± 7.1%; p = 0.035). No severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis were reported. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive vildagliptin treatment mitigated postprandial hyperglycemia compared with pre-meal bolus alone. Vildagliptin significantly increased TIR while reducing glycemic variability without compromising safety. Trial registration This trial was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT06021119.

MiniMed 780G™ advanced hybrid closed-loop system performance in Egyptian patients with type 1 diabetes across different age groups: evidence from real-world users.

BACKGROUND: Advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) system provides both automated basal rate and correction boluses to keep glycemic values in a target range. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the real-world performance of the MiniMed™ 780G system among different age groups of Egyptian patients with type 1diabetes. METHODS: One-hundred seven AHCL system users aged from 3 to 71 years were enrolled. Data uploaded by patients were aggregated and analyzed. The mean glucose management indicator (GMI), percentage of time spent within glycemic ranges (TIR), time below range (TBR) and time above range (TAR) were determined. RESULTS: Six months after initiating Auto Mode, patients spent a mean of 85.31 ± 22.04% of the time in Auto Mode (SmartGuard) and achieved a mean GMI of 6.95 ± 0.58% compared with 7.9 ± 2.1% before AHCL initiation (p < 0.001). TIR 70-180 mg/dL was increased post-AHCL initiation from 63.48 ± 10.14% to 81.54 ± 8.43% (p < 0.001) while TAR 180-250 mg/dL, TAR > 250 mg/dL, TBR < 70 mg/dL and TBR < 54 mg/dL were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). After initiating AHCL, TIR was greater in children and adults compared with adolescents (82.29 ± 7.22% and 83.86 ± 9.24% versus 78.4 ± 7.34%, respectively; p < 0.05). The total daily dose of insulin was increased in all age groups primarily due to increased system-initiated insulin delivery including auto correction boluses and basal insulin. CONCLUSIONS: MiniMed™ 780G system users across different age groups achieved international consensus-recommended glycemic control with no serious adverse effects even in challenging age group as children and adolescents.

Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Lockdown: An ASPED/MENA Study on Lifestyle Changes and Quality of Life During Ramadan Fasting in Children and Adolescents Living With Type 1 Diabetes.

Background: Lockdown was a unique experience that affected many aspects of life, particularly during the challenge of Ramadan fasting (RF). Studying this can increase understanding of the effects of lifestyle changes on quality of life (QoL) for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during RF. Methods: A cross-sectional study that assessed the effect of lockdown on lifestyle and QoL on fasting children living with T1D during Ramadan in the Middle East and North Africa region (2020-2021). We compared the child (self) and parent (proxy) reports using PEDQoL v3.0 disease specific questionnaire during lockdown and non-lockdown periods, and assessed correlations with lifestyle changes using regression and gap analyses. Results: A total of 998 reports from 499 children with T1D aged 8 to 18 years (study = 276, control = 223), and their parents during RF in lockdown and non-lockdown periods. Fathers were more involved in their children's care during lockdown (P = .019). Patients had better compliance with treatment (P = .002), a reversed sleep pattern (P = .033), increased food intake (P ⩽ .001), and less exercise (P < .001). Children and parents perceived better QoL during lockdown (P ⩽.001) with no differences between their reports in "Diabetes Symptoms", "Treatment Adherence," and "Communication" domains. Self and proxy reports were different in all domains during non-lockdown (P = <.001-.009). In gap analysis, although not statistically significant, the gap was approximated between children's and parents' perceptions in all domains during lockdown. Conclusion: COVID-19 lockdown had a positive impact on QoL of children living with T1D during RF, possibly due to lifestyle changes and superior psychosocial family dynamics.

Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation improves early-stage diabetic nephropathy and subclinical atherosclerosis in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have evaluated the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory, autoimmune and renal diseases. However, data about the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on diabetic kidney disease in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are lacking. OBJECTIVES: This randomized-controlled trial assessed the effect of oral omega-3 supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile, albuminuria level, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in pediatric patients with T1DM and diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Seventy T1DM patients and diabetic nephropathy were enrolled with a mean age 15.2 ± 1.96 years and median disease duration 7 years. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups; intervention group which received oral omega-3 fatty acids capsules (1 g daily). The other group received a matching placebo and served as a control group. Both groups were followed-up for 6 months with assessment of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, fasting lipids, urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), KIM-1 and CIMT. RESULTS: After 6 months, omega-3 fatty acids adjuvant therapy for the intervention group resulted in a significant decrease in FBG, HbA1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, UACR, KIM-1 and CIMT, whereas, HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher post-therapy compared with baseline levels and compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Baseline KIM-1 levels were positively correlated to HbA1c, UACR and CIMT. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids was safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 fatty acids as an adjuvant therapy in pediatric T1DM patients with diabetic nephropathy improved glycemic control, dyslipidemia and delayed disease progression and subclinical atherosclerosis among those patients. This trial was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT05980026.

Fasting Ramadan in patients with T1DM - Saudi Arabia versus other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To compare Saudi Arabia with other countries regarding patient attitudes towards fasting Ramadan and complications related to fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Data collected from Saudi Arabia and 12 other mostly Muslim majority countries, via physician administered questionnaire within post Ramadan 2020. RESULTS: 1485 Type1 diabetes (T1DM) patients analyzed; 705 (47.5%) from Saudi Arabia vs. 780 (52.5%) from other countries. 1056 (71.1%) fasted Ramadan; 636 (90.2%) of Saudi patients vs. 420 (53.8%) of other countries. Experiencing Ramadan during the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the Saudi T1DM patients' decision to fast while it significantly influenced their decision in other countries (1.4 vs 9.9%, P < 0.001). More Saudi patients needed to break the fast due to a diabetes related complication compared to other countries (67.4% vs. 46.8%, p=<0.001). The mean number of days fasted in Saudi and other countries was 24 ± 7 and 23 ± 8 days respectively. Hypoglycemic events were more common among Saudi patients during Ramadan compared to other countries 72% and 43.6% (p < 0.001) respectively. There was a significant difference in timing; the largest peak for Saudi Arabia patients was after dawn (35% vs 7%, p < 0.001), while it was pre-sunset for the other countries (23 vs 54%, p = 0.595). Day time-hyperglycemia was also more common among Saudi patients (48.6% vs. 39%, p < 0.001), however it was a less likely cause to break the fast (25.6% vs 38.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Observing the fast of Ramadan is extremely common among Saudi T1DM patients compared to other Muslim countries and was not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it was associated with higher frequency of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes.

Insulin delivery patterns required to maintain postprandial euglycemia in type 1 diabetes following consumption of traditional Egyptian Ramadan Iftar meal using insulin pump therapy: A randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: During Ramadan, traditional Egyptian Iftar meals have large amounts of high-glycemic index carbohydrate and fat. The efficacy of different bolus regimens on optimizing post prandial glucose (PPG) excursion following this Iftar meal was assessed. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial evaluating 4-h PPG measured by continuous glucose-monitoring was conducted. A total of 25 youth with T1DM using insulin pumps were given the same Iftar meal (fat [45 g], protein [28 g], CHO [95 g]) on seven consecutive days. Insulin to carbohydrate ratio (ICR) was individualized, and all boluses were given upfront 20 min before Iftar. Participants were randomized to receive a standard bolus and six different split boluses delivered over 4 h in the following splits: dual wave (DW) 50/50; DW 50/50 with 20% increment (120% ICR); DW60/40; DW 60/40 with 20% increment; DW 70/30 and DW 70/30 with 20% increment. RESULTS: Standard bolus and split 70/30 with 20% increment resulted in significantly lower early glucose excursions (120 min) with mean excursions of less than 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) compared to other conditions (p < 0.01). The split 70/30 with 20% increment significantly optimized late PPG excursion (240 min) in comparison to standard bolus (p < 0.01), as well as resulting in a significantly lower post meal glucose area under the curve compared with all other conditions (p < 0.01), with no late hypoglycemia. CONCLUSION: To achieve physiologic PPG profile in traditional Iftar meal, a DW bolus with 20% increment given 20 min preprandial as split bolus 70/30 over 4 h, optimized both early and delayed PPG excursions.

Glycemic control during Ramadan fasting in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes on MiniMed™ 780G advanced hybrid closed­loop system: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: MiniMedTM 780G is the most advanced insulin pump system approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Hypoglycemic events are a serious complication associated with T1DM management during Ramadan fasting. AIM: This prospective study assessed the safety, effectiveness and optimization of advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) system on glycemic metrics and the level of hypoglycemia in T1DM patients who wished to fast Ramadan. METHODS: Forty-two T1DM patients (mean age 15.2 ± 3.4 years) using AHCL system were divided into two groups (each n = 21): intervention group who adjusted AHCL settings and control group who kept the same settings as before Ramadan. RESULTS: The most aggressive system settings among control group consisting of a 100 mg/dL glucose target, active insulin time of 2 h and bolus increment,maintained exceptional glycemia withtime in range reaching82.0 ± 10.2%, time above range >180 mg/dL of 12.1 ± 3.5% without an increase in hypoglycemia (time below range 3.0 ± 0.3%). All of which were non-significant in comparison to the intervention group. Overall time spent in closed loop (SmartGuard) by users averaged 98.7 ± 2.1% in Auto Mode and involved only 1.0 ± 0.7 exits per week indicating confidence in the system's performance. There were no severe hypoglycemic or diabetic ketoacidosis events during the study. CONCLUSIONS: MiniMed™ 780G AHCL system assist in safe fasting with minimal user input and allows for achievement of recommended glycemic targets in people with T1DM during Ramadan fasting. The system demonstrated reduction in hypoglycemia exposure without compromising safety.

Effect of metformin as an add-on therapy on neuregulin-4 levels and vascular-related complications in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is closely associated with atherosclerosis and plays a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Metformin sensitizes body cells to insulin, which may cause a reduction of atherogenic lipid fractions. Low neuregulin-4 (Nrg-4) levels, an adipokine, are linked to obesity, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the effect of oral supplementation with metformin on glycemic control, neuregulin-4 levels and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) as a marker for subclinical atherosclerosis in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and microvascular complications. METHODS: This randomized placebo-controlled trial included 80 type 1 diabetic patients with microvascular complications who were randomly divided to receive either 24 weeks of metformin 500 mg/day or matching placebo. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), lipid profile, Nrg-4 and CIMT were assessed at baseline and study end. RESULTS: Both groups were well-matched as regards baseline clinical and laboratory data (p greater than 0.05). After 24-weeks, metformin therapy for the intervention group resulted in a significant decrease of HbA1c, CRP, UACR, total cholesterol and CIMT while Nrg-4 levels were increased compared with baseline levels (p < 0.001) and with placebo group(p < 0.001). Baseline Nrg-4 levels were negatively correlated to FBG, HbA1c, total cholesterol, CRP and CIMT. Metformin was well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Oral metformin supplementation once daily for 24 weeks as an adjuvant therapy to intensive insulin in pediatric T1DM was safe and effective in improving glycemic control, dyslipidemia and Nrg-4 levels; hence, it decreased inflammation, microvascular complications and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Diabetes and Ramadan: Practical guidelines 2021.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy Muslims from the age of puberty. Though individuals with some illness and serious medical conditions, including some people with diabetes, can be exempted from fasting, many will fast anyway. It is of paramount importance that people with diabetes that fast are given the appropriate guidance and receive proper care. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Diabetes and Ramadan (DaR) International Alliance have come together to provide a substantial update to the previous guidelines. This update includes key information on fasting during Ramadan with type 1 diabetes, the management of diabetes in people of elderly ages and pregnant women, the effects of Ramadan on one's mental wellbeing, changes to the risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications, and areas of future research. The IDF-DAR Diabetes and Ramadan Practical Guidelines 2021 seek to improve upon the awareness, knowledge and management of diabetes during Ramadan, and to provide real-world recommendations to health professionals and the people with diabetes who choose to fast.

Use of continuous glucose monitoring trend arrows in the younger population with type 1 diabetes.

Early control of glycaemia is key to reduce vascular complications in individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Therefore, encouraging children and adolescents with T1DM to take responsibility for controlling glucose levels is an important yet a challenging task. The rapid expansion of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems has allowed for more comprehensive analysis of glycaemia in T1D. Moreover, CGM devices have the ability to calculate rate of change in glucose levels and display the information as trend arrows. In turn, this can help to take evasive actions to return glucose levels to near physiological glycaemia, which can be highly motivating for young people with T1DM. In the absence of standardised, evidence-based guidance, this consensus document, generated by experts from the Arab Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and international advisors, summarises recent literature on the use of trend arrows in young people with T1DM. The use of trend arrows in different CGM systems is reviewed and their clinical significance is highlighted. Adjusting insulin doses according to trend arrows is discussed while also addressing special situations, such as exercise, fasting, nocturnal hypoglycaemia and menstruation. Adequate understanding of trend arrows should facilitate optimisation of glycaemic control in the T1D population.

The Challenges of Managing Pediatric Diabetes and Other Endocrine Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From an International Cross-Sectional Electronic Survey.

Background: Frequency, dimensions, management, and outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic in children with endocrine disorders and diabetes were assessed. Methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to the global network of endocrine societies. Respondents' professional and practice profiles, clinic sizes, their country of practice, and the impact of COVID-19 on endocrine diseases were investigated. Results: Respondents from 131 pediatric endocrine centers in 51 countries across all continents completed the survey. Routine check-ups and education were altered in most pediatric endocrine clinics. Over 20% of clinics experienced a shortage of critical medications or essential supplies. ICU treatment was required for patients with diabetes and COVID-19 in 21.2% of centers. In diabetes, 44% of respondents reported increased diabetic ketoacidosis episodes in newly diagnosed cases and 30% in established cases. Biopsychosocial and behavioral changes were explicitly reported to be occurring among pediatric patients with endocrine disorders. Conclusions: This large global survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights that diabetes is more challenging to manage than any other pediatric endocrine disorder, with an increased risk of morbidity. Psychological distress due to COVID-19 needs to be recognized and addressed. The importance of close contact with healthcare professionals should be emphasized, and medical supplies should be readily available to all patients.

Use of ambulatory glucose monitoring and analysis of ambulatory glucose profile in clinical practice for diabetes management; a position statement of the Arab Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetes mellitus imposes a significant burden around the world generally and in the Middle East and North Africa specifically. Glucose monitoring is a cornerstone of diabetes management. METHODS: Glycated haemoglobin has always been the main metric for assessing glycaemic control, but its use is linked with multiple pitfalls. As an alternative, continuous glucose monitoring is becoming a standard of care in many countries. Intermittent scanning glucose monitoring (isCGM) has acquired a worldwide popularity and has been proven to improve glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia detection and prevention, and quality of life. RESULTS: The most recent International Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes practice. guidelines recommended its use in young people with diabetes observing Ramadan to ensure safe fasting. At a meeting in Abu Dhabi in November 2019, the Arab Society for Paediatric. Endocrinology and Diabetes brought together a number of regional diabetes experts, patient. representatives and international expert advisors to review the evidence for isCGM and propose. guidelines for its use in the Middle East and North Africa region. CONCLUSION: In this paper, the authors strongly recommend the use of isCGM for patients in MENA and present general recommendations and compressive specific guidance for physicians and patients, which they believe will also have wider resonance.

Ramadan fasting in people with type 1 diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic: The DaR Global survey.

OBJECTIVES: The DaR Global survey was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the intentions to fast and the outcomes of fasting in <18 years versus ≥18 years age groups with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: Muslim people with T1DM were surveyed in 13 countries between June and August 2020, shortly after the end of Ramadan (23rd April-23rd May 2020) using a simple questionnaire. RESULTS: 71.1% of muslims with T1DM fasted during Ramadan. Concerns about COVID-19 were higher in individuals ≥18 years (p = 0.002). The number of participants who decided not to fast plus those who received Ramadan-focused education were significantly higher in the ≥18-year group (p < 0.05). Hypoglycemia (60.7%) as well as hyperglycemia (44.8%) was major complications of fasting during Ramadan in both groups irrespective of age. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic had minor impact on the decision to fast Ramadan in T1DM cohort. This was higher in the age group of ≥18 years compared to those <18 years group. Only regional differences were noted for fasting attitude and behavior among T1DM groups. This survey highlights the need for Ramadan focused diabetes education to improve glucose control and prevent complications during fasting.

COVID-19 outbreak and pediatric diabetes: Perceptions of health care professionals worldwide.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus diasease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that started in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and later spread around the world. Diabetes has been recognized as a possible risk factor for COVID-19 complications. OBJECTIVE: International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) investigated perceptions, challenges and experience of health care professionals (HCP) taking care of children and young people with diabetes worldwide during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: From 21st April to 17th May 2020, during COVID-19 pandemic, a web-based survey was sent to ISPAD members and former participants of ISPAD conferences by email. RESULTS: Responders from 215 diabetes centers from 75 countries completed the survey. Majority were from UK (35; 16.3%), USA (20; 9.3%), and India (15; 7%). HCP were mostly pediatric endocrinologists (64%). During COVID-19 pandemic, 16.5% of responders continued face-to-face consultation while most changed to telephone (32%) or video (18%) consultations. 19% reported a shortage of medical supplies. 22% reported a delay in diagnosis of patients with new-onset diabetes, while 15% reported a higher incidence of DKA. 12% reported having one or more patients with COVID-19. Most of the 86 children and adolescents with diabetes and COVID-19 had only mild/moderate symptoms, while 5 required admission to an intensive care unit. No deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This large global survey during COVID-19 pandemic showed that many HCP adapted to the pandemic by resorting to telemedicine. One fourth of HCP reported delays in diagnosis and an increased rate of DKA. The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic had an important impact on family's behavior that might have led to increase in diabetic ketoacidosis presentation.

Zinc supplementation improves glucose homeostasis in patients with ß-thalassemia major complicated with diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The development of abnormal glucose tolerance in ß-thalassemia major (ß-TM) is associated with alterations in the oxidant-antioxidant status. Zinc is an antioxidant and an essential element for insulin synthesis, storage, and secretion. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effect of oral zinc supplementation on glucose homeostasis in pediatric ß-TM patients complicated with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Eighty patients were randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group that received oral zinc in a dose of 40 mg/d for 12 wk and a placebo group. Hemolysis markers, serum ferritin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fructosamine, fasting C-peptide, urinary albumin excretion (UAE), and serum zinc levels were assessed. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. RESULTS: Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were consistent among both groups. Baseline zinc levels were decreased in both groups compared with control values. After 12 wk, supplementation with zinc for the intervention group resulted in a significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin, FBG, fructosamine, HOMA-IR, and UAE, whereas fasting C-peptide was higher compared with baseline levels and with the placebo group (P < 0.05). Baseline serum zinc was negatively correlated to FBG (r = -0.534, P < 0.001) and fructosamine (r = -0.555, P < 0.001) but positively correlated to fasting C-peptide (r = 0.777, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Zinc supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in ß-TM patients with DM reduced iron burden, decreased hyperglycemia, increased insulin secretion, and improved glycemic control without any adverse effects.