Type 2 diabetes in latin America: recommendations on the flash glucose monitoring system.

OBJECTIVE: To establish recommendations through the consensus of a Latin American experts panel on the use of the flash glucose monitoring system (fCGM) in people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regarding the benefits and challenges of using the fCGM. METHODS: An executive committee of experts was created, comprised by a panel of fifteen physicians, including endocrinologists and internal medicine physicians, with expertise in management of adult patients with T2DM. The experts were from various countries: Colombia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. The modified Delphi method was used, considering a consensus level of at least 80% of the participants. A seventeen-item instrument was developed to establish recommendations on the use of fCGM in patients with T2DM in Latin American. RESULTS: The number of glucose scans recommended per day with the fCGM for patients managed with oral antidiabetic drugs or basal insulin was a median of 6 scans per day, and for those managed with multiple insulin doses, a median of 10 scans per day was recommended. Additionally, a holistic and individualized management approach was recommended, taking into account new treatment directions and identifying patients who would benefit from the use of the fCGM. CONCLUSION: Continuous use of the fCGM is recommended for people living with T2DM, regardless of their type of treatment. These metrics must be evaluated individually for each patient profile.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and atherosclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To update information about the relationship between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atherosclerosis. This review emphasizes the potential mechanisms linking MASLD with atherosclerosis and the possible causal relationships between these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: An increased risk of cardiovascular disease is related to MASLD. Several molecular, cellular, and metabolic mechanisms have been described to explain the development of atherothrombosis in MASLD patients. These include atherogenic dyslipidemia, low-grade vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, insulin resistance, gut microbiota dysbiosis, activation of renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems, hypercoagulability, and decreased fibrinolysis. Also, there is recent evidence suggesting an association between genetically driven liver fat and coronary heart disease mediated by the causal effect of apoB-containing lipoproteins. Several meta-analyses and systematic reviews have reported a strong association between MASLD and cardiovascular outcomes. MASLD is an important and independent risk factor for atherosclerosis development. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in this association. Further research is required to establish a causal association between MASLD and atherosclerosis.

Time matters: an insight into the relationship between chrononutrition and diabetes.

Chrononutrition is a branch of chronobiology that evaluates nutrients and the pathways implicated in their regulation in accordance with circadian rhythms. Sleep deprivation and disturbances have been strongly associated with the progression of different metabolic alterations, and the time of food intake plays a fundamental role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. It has been demonstrated that not only the components of food are important, but quantity and quality are also crucial elements of a healthy eating pattern. Chrononutrition is an emerging tool that could help improve dietary interventions beyond those derived from consuming an adequate amount of each nutrient. Diabetes is a complex endocrine pathology characterized by sustained hyperglycemia. Dietary changes are a key component in obtaining adequate control and preventing long-term complications. Recent studies emphasize the use of chrononutrition and its components as a novel dietary intervention that could improve metabolic control. The use of chrononutrition as a dietary intervention is faced with challenges such as the presence of gaps in the literature that limit its implementation. This emphasizes the imperative need for additional research that can lead to an evidence-based use of this intervention.

External validation of a minimal-resource model to predict reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate in people with type 2 diabetes without diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in Mexico: a comparison between country-level and regional performance.

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) hence it is recommended that they receive annual CKD screening. The huge burden of diabetes in Mexico and limited screening resource mean that CKD screening is underperformed. Consequently, patients often have a late diagnosis of CKD. A regional minimal-resource model to support risk-tailored CKD screening in patients with type 2 diabetes has been developed and globally validated. However, population heath and care services between countries within a region are expected to differ. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the model within Mexico and compare this with the performance demonstrated within the Americas in the global validation. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study with data from primary care (Clinic Specialized in Diabetes Management in Mexico City), tertiary care (Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán) and the Mexican national survey of health and nutrition (ENSANUT-MC 2016). We applied the minimal-resource model across the datasets and evaluated model performance metrics, with the primary interest in the sensitivity and increase in the positive predictive value (PPV) compared to a screen-everyone approach. Results: The model was evaluated on 2510 patients from Mexico (primary care: 1358, tertiary care: 735, ENSANUT-MC: 417). Across the Mexico data, the sensitivity was 0.730 (95% CI: 0.689 - 0.779) and the relative increase in PPV was 61.0% (95% CI: 52.1% - 70.8%). These were not statistically different to the regional performance metrics for the Americas (sensitivity: p=0.964; relative improvement: p=0.132), however considerable variability was observed across the data sources. Conclusion: The minimal-resource model performs consistently in a representative Mexican population sample compared with the Americas regional performance. In primary care settings where screening is underperformed and access to laboratory testing is limited, the model can act as a risk-tailored CKD screening solution, directing screening resources to patients who are at highest risk.

Coping and risk perception during the COVID-19 pandemic in type 2 diabetes: Does it influence metabolic control?

Diabetes and poor glycemic control are significant predictors of severity and death in the COVID-19 disease. The perception of this risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) could modify coping styles, leading to behaviors associated with better self-care and metabolic control. Theoretically, active coping is associated with better glycemic control in patients with T2D. Nonetheless, information during extreme risk like the COVID-19 pandemic is still limited. Our objective was to evaluate the association between coping styles and risk perception in the COVID-19 pandemic and the change in metabolic parameters. This is a prospective study that included individuals with T2D treated in a tertiary care center during the COVID-19 outbreak who returned to follow-up one year later. We assessed coping styles and risk perception with the Extreme Risk Coping Scale and the risk perception questionnaire. Clinical characteristics and metabolic parameters were registered in both visits. Groups were compared using Kruskal Wallis tests, and changes in metabolic parameters were assessed with Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Our sample included 177 participants at baseline, and 118 concluded the study. Passive coping was more frequent in women. Low-risk perception was associated with higher age, lower psychiatric comorbidities, and lower frequency of psychiatric treatment compared with other risk perception groups. Patients with active coping plus high-risk perception did not have a change in metabolic parameters at follow-up, whereas patients with other coping styles and lower risk perception had an increase in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. There were no differences by coping group or by risk perception in glycemic control.

Associated factors to the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners in the Mexican adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the associated factors to the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in the Mexican adult population since its consumption has increased exponentially worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was applied to 5 038 Mexican adults to evaluate the frequency of NNS consumption and classify the population in tertiles. The sociodemographic, lifestyle and health status characteristics of the participants were compared by gradient of NNS consumption, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the associated factors to the NNS consumption. RESULTS: The variables that showed a positive association (p≤0.01) with the consumption of NNS were economic income, BMI, smoking, physical activity, diet quality, the presence of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemias), and the consumption of fruit. The age and the consumption of confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages were negatively associated (p<0.01) with the consumption of NNS. CONCLUSION: The results of this study help to characterize the target population that is a consumer of NNS since it is recommended not encourage the preference for sweet taste and to promote a decrease in the consumption of both caloric and NNS, preferring the natural flavor of food.

Visual impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy and macular edema: a hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: Data on visual impairment (VI) in patients with diabetes are necessary in order to guide economic and human resources for reducing its prevalence. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy-related VI in patients with type 2 diabetes in a hospital-based setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out from 2014 to 2019 in an ophthalmology outpatient clinic. Any VI was defined as corrected pin-hole visual acuity in the better eye of ≥ 0.24 logMAR. The presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME) and cataract was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 840 patients were included; median diabetes duration was 15 years. The prevalence of VI was 30%. DR was found in 62% of patients (30% had sight-threatening DR [STDR]), 17% had referable DME, and 3%, cataracts. The odds ratio for moderate or worse VI was 9.02 for STDR (p < 0.001), 5.89 for referable DME (p = 0.001), and 2.51 for cataract (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Thirty percent of participants had some degree of VI. Moderate or worse VI showed a strong association with STDR and referable DME.

ANTECEDENTES: Los datos sobre discapacidad visual (DV) en pacientes con diabetes son necesarios para orientar los recursos económicos y humanos que disminuyan su prevalencia. OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de DV relacionada con retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en un entorno hospitalario. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado de 2014 a 2019 en una consulta externa de oftalmología. Cualquier DV se definió como agudeza visual corregida con agujero estenopeico en el ojo con mejor visión (≥ 0.24 logMAR). Se evaluó la presencia de retinopatía diabética, edema macular diabético (EMD) y cataratas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 840 pacientes; la mediana de duración de la diabetes fue de 15 años. La prevalencia de DV fue de 30 %. Se encontró retinopatía diabética en 62 % (30 % tenía retinopatía diabética que amenazaba la visión [RDAV]); 17 %, EMD y 3 %, cataratas. La razón de momios para DV moderada o de mayor gravedad fue de 9.02 para RDAV (p < 0.001), 5.89 para EMD referible (p = 0.001) y 2.51 para catarata (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIÓN: Treinta por ciento de los participantes tenía algún grado de DV. La DV moderada o de mayor gravedad mostró una fuerte asociación con RDAV y EMD referible.

Multifactorial causes of chronic itch in diabetes: More than just neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pruritus is common in patients with diabetes though its pathophysiology is unknown and difficult to pinpoint given the multi-system manifestations of diabetes. Herein, we aim to evaluate the severity of chronic itch in patients with diabetes and its association with glycaemic control, microvascular complications and quality of life. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 105 adults with diabetes evaluated by a dermatologist at a tertiary care centre in Mexico City. Degree of chronic pruritus and its impact on quality of life as well as laboratory, clinical and demographic data were collected. Patients without chronic pruritus (n = 62) were compared to those with chronic pruritus (n = 43). The latter cohort was further stratified by itch severity, and characteristics of their itch were quantified. RESULTS: Neuropathy and loss of protective sensation were more common in patients with chronic pruritus, compared to those without chronic pruritus (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively). Anxiety and depression were more common in individuals with chronic pruritus (p = 0.009), and these group reported higher effect of pruritus on their quality of life (p < 0.0001). The most common sites of itch were the head, back and arms. Among patients with chronic itch, increasing itch severity was associated with decreasing eGFR (p = 0.080). CONCLUSIONS: The underlying cause of chronic itch in patients with diabetes is likely multifactorial and owing to microvascular complications such as neuropathy and nephropathy. Better understanding of the causes of itch in these patients can allow for more targeted treatment, leading to improved quality of life.

Discapacidad visual asociada a retinopatía diabética y edema macular: un estudio de base hospitalaria / Visual impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy and macular edema: a hospital-based study

Resumen Antecedentes: Los datos sobre discapacidad visual (DV) en pacientes con diabetes son necesarios para orientar los recursos económicos y humanos que disminuyan su prevalencia. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de DV relacionada con retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en un entorno hospitalario. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado de 2014 a 2019 en una consulta externa de oftalmología. Cualquier DV se definió como agudeza visual corregida con agujero estenopeico en el ojo con mejor visión (≥ 0.24 logMAR). Se evaluó la presencia de retinopatía diabética, edema macular diabético (EMD) y cataratas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 840 pacientes; la mediana de duración de la diabetes fue de 15 años. La prevalencia de DV fue de 30 %. Se encontró retinopatía diabética en 62 % (30 % tenía retinopatía diabética que amenazaba la visión [RDAV]); 17 %, EMD y 3 %, cataratas. La razón de momios para DV moderada o de mayor gravedad fue de 9.02 para RDAV (p < 0.001), 5.89 para EMD referible (p = 0.001) y 2.51 para catarata (p = 0.006). Conclusión: Treinta por ciento de los participantes tenía algún grado de DV. La DV moderada o de mayor gravedad mostró una fuerte asociación con RDAV y EMD referible.

Abstract Background: Data on visual impairment (VI) in patients with diabetes are necessary in order to guide economic and human resources for reducing its prevalence. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy-related VI in patients with type 2 diabetes in a hospital-based setting. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study carried out from 2014 to 2019 in an ophthalmology outpatient clinic. Any VI was defined as corrected pin-hole visual acuity in the better eye of ≥ 0.24 logMAR. The presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME) and cataract was evaluated. Results: A total of 840 patients were included; median diabetes duration was 15 years. The prevalence of VI was 30 %. DR was found in 62 % of patients (30 % had sight-threatening DR [STDR]), 17 % had referable DME, and 3 %, cataracts. The odds ratio for moderate or worse VI was 9.02 for STDR (p < 0.001), 5.89 for referable DME (p = 0.001), and 2.51 for cataract (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Thirty percent of participants had some degree of VI. Moderate or worse VI showed a strong association with STDR and referable DME.

A novel nonsense mutation in the insulin receptor gene in a patient with HAIR-AN syndrome and endometrial cancer.

Severe insulin resistance can be caused by rare genetic defects in the insulin receptor known as insulin receptoropathies. These genetic defects cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild syndromes to lethal disorders. Among those is the HAIR-AN an extreme subtype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We present a case of a 29-year-old woman with amenorrhea, severe insulin resistance, hirsutism, and acanthosis nigricans who also developed endometrial cancer. She was found to carry a novel heterozygous nonsense mutation insulin receptor gene (INSR). The mutation was inherited from the mother. Levels of insulin receptor and AKT were measured using Western-Blot from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and were both decreased. Thus, we conclude that the identified mutation in the insulin receptor gene and lead to decreased activity of the downstream signaling of the insulin pathway.

Albuminuria, Disease Duration, and Glycated Hemoglobin Are Related With Bone Mineral Density in Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have found a significant decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to healthy controls. Factors associated with this phenomenon have yet to be defined; therefore, this study aimed to explore the association of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), disease duration, albuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate with BMD in adults with T1D. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in tertiary care center. BMD analysis was performed by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Linear models were constructed considering variables associated with BMD. Approval from the ethics committees and informed consent were obtained. RESULTS: We included 128 participants, of whom 59% were women, and 16% had menopause. The median age was 33 (26-42) years. The average age of diabetes diagnosis was 15.3 ± 6.3 years, and the median disease duration was 19.5 (12-27) years. In the adjusted analysis, higher albuminuria (P < .01) and disease duration (P < .05) were associated with a lower BMD in the femoral neck and total hip, independently of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Higher HbA1c (P < .01) was associated with a lower spine BMD after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI. CONCLUSION: Studied factors specific to T1D, including albuminuria, disease duration, and HbA1c have an association with BMD regardless of BMI, age, and sex.

Correlation Between Hemoglobin Glycation Index Measured by Continuous Glucose Monitoring With Complications in Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: HbA1C is the "gold standard" parameter to evaluate glycemic control in diabetes; however, its correlation with mean glucose is not always perfect. The objective of this study was to correlate continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) with microvascular complications. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including permanent users of CGM with type 1 diabetes mellitus or latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult. HGI was estimated, and presence of microvascular complications was compared in subgroups with high or low HGI. A logistic regression analysis to assess the contribution of high HGI to chronic kidney disease (CKD) was performed. RESULTS: In total, 52 participants who were aged 39.7 ± 14.7 years, with 73.1% women and 15.5 years (IQR, 7.5-29 years) since diagnosis, were included; 32.7% recorded diabetic retinopathy, 25% CKD, and 19.2% neuropathy. The median HbA1C was 7.6% (60 mmol/mol) and glucose management indicator (GMI) 7.0% (53 mmol/mol). The average HGI was 0.55% ± 0.66%. The measured HbA1C was higher in the group with high HGI (8.1% [65 mmol/mol] vs 6.9% [52 mmol/mol]; P < .001), whereas GMI (7.0% [53 mmol/mol] vs 7.0% [53 mmol/mol]; P = .495) and mean glucose were similar in both groups (153 mg/dL vs 153 mg/dL; P = .564). In the high HGI group, higher occurrence of CKD (P = .016) and neuropathy were observed (P = .025). High HGI was associated with increased risk of CKD (odds ratio [OR]: 5.05; 95% CI: 1.02-24.8; P = .04) after adjusting for time since diagnosis (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02-1.16; P = .008). CONCLUSION: High HGI measured by CGM may be a useful marker for increased risk of microvascular diabetic complications.

Diagnostic performance of questionnaires to identify individuals with impaired fasting glucose in Mexican adult population.

AIMS: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of five questionnaires to identify impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in Mexican adult population. METHODS: The study included 23,311 subjects from five cohorts, three composed of individuals who sought medical advice in their first level clinics or participated in research studies and two representative surveys of the Mexican population. The reference standard was IFG which was defined as a fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL. Diagnostic performance was evaluated with specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, area under the curve, and the proportion of correctly classified individuals. RESULTS: The prevalence of IFG ranged from 14.4 to 48.1 % across the cohorts. Diagnostic performance of the questionnaires varied in each cohort depending on IFG prevalence. The questionnaires designed by Rojas, American Diabetes Association and International Diabetes Federation had the best performance considering the correct classification (>66.0 %) of subjects in all cohorts. However, Rojas' questionnaire had the best balance between sensitivity and specificity across the cohorts. CONCLUSION: In the Mexican population, considering different scenarios, the Rojas' questionnaire had the best diagnostic performance. The implementation of questionnaires for the identification of prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes requires further study in specific populations.

Detection of sudomotor alterations evaluated by Sudoscan in patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) causes morbidity and affects the quality of life. Before diabetes diagnosis, neuropathic damage may be present. Sudoscan provides accurate measurement of the sudomotor function. This study aimed to assess the abnormalities detected by Sudoscan, offered estimates of DPN prevalence, and investigated the relationship between metabolic and clinical parameters. Additionally, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Sudoscan compared with monofilament and tuning fork tests for detecting DPN. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study including patients with type 2 diabetes for <5 years since diagnosis. We investigated the presence of DPN using a 128 Hz tuning fork test, the 10 g monofilament, and the sudomotor dysfunction in feet using Sudoscan. We compared patients with and without alterations in the Sudoscan. A logistic regression model analyzed variables independently associated with sudomotor dysfunction. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2020, 2243 patients were included, 55.1% women, age 51.8 years, and 17.1% with normal weight. Monofilament tests and/or tuning fork examination were abnormal in 29% (95% CI 0.23% to 0.27%) and 619 patients (27.6%, 0.25% to 0.29%) had sudomotor alterations. In logistic regression analysis, age (ß=1.01, 0.005-1.02), diastolic blood pressure (ß=0.98, 0.96-0.99), heart rate (ß=1.01, 1.00-1.02), glucose (ß=1.00, 1.00-1.03), albuminuria (ß=1.001, 1.000-1.001), beta-blockers=1.98, 1.21-3.24) and fibrate use=0.61, 0.43-0.87) were associated with sudomotor dysfunction. The AUC (area under the curve) for Sudoscan was 0.495 (0.469-0.522), with sensitivity and specificity of 24% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Sudoscan identified an important proportion of patients with dysfunction, allowing prompt intervention to decrease the risk for complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02836808.

Validity and reliability of simple surrogate indexes to evaluate beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity

BACKGROUND: Simple surrogate indexes (SSI) to assess beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity (IS) and insulin resistance (IR) are an easy and economic tool used in clinical practice to identify glucose metabolism disturbances. AIM: To evaluate the validity and reliability of SSI that estimate beta-cell function, IS and IR using as a reference the parameters obtained from the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 62 subjects aged 20-45 years, with a normal body mass index and without diabetes or prediabetes. SSI were compared with the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), insulin sensitivity index (Si) and disposition index (DI) obtained from the FSIVGTT using the minimal model approach. Half of the participants (n = 31) were randomly selected for a second visit two weeks later to evaluate the reliability of all the variables. RESULTS: HOMA1-%B and HOMA2-%B had a significant correlation with AIRg (Spearman Rho (rs) = 0.33 and 0.37 respectively, p 0.50) with Si were fasting insulin, HOMA1-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, QUICKI, and the McAuley index. The parameters that showed good reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.75 were AIRg, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, and QUICKI. Conclusions: Our results suggest that most of the SSI are useful and reliable.

ANTECEDENTES: Los índices simples subrogados (ISS) que evalúan la función de célula beta, sensibilidad a la insulina (SI) y resistencia a la insulina (RI) son herramientas sencillas y económicas que se usan en la práctica clínica para identificar alteraciones del metabolismo de la glucosa. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la validez y confiabilidad de ISS para estimar la función de célula beta, SI y RI usando como referencia los parámetros de la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa intravenosa con muestreo frecuente (FSIVGTT). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 62 sujetos de 20-45 años, con índice de masa corporal normal y sin diabetes mellitus o prediabetes. Los ISS se compararon con la respuesta aguda de la insulina a la glucosa (AIRg), índice de sensibilidad a la insulina (Si) e índice de disposición (DI) obtenidos de la FSIVGTT en base al modelo mínimo. La mitad de los participantes (n = 31) se seleccionaron aleatoriamente para acudir dos semanas después y evaluar la confiabilidad de todas las variables. RESULTADOS: HOMA1-%B y HOMA2-%B presentaron una correlación significativa con AIRg (Rho de Spearman (rs) = 0,33 and 0,37, respectivamente, p 0,50) con Si fueron insulina en ayuno, HOMA1-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S, QUICKI y el índice de McAuley. Los parámetros que tuvieron buena confiabilidad (coeficiente de correlación intraclase > 0,75) fueron AIRg, HOMA1-%S, HOMA2-%S y QUICKI. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los ISS son instrumentos útiles y confiables.

The beneficial effect of a comprehensive diabetes care model on high-risk relatives accompanying patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: Assess the effect of a diabetes program on lifestyle, metabolic, and mental health parameters in relatives of patients with T2D, and correlate changes between relatives and patients. METHODS: Relatives were included in a structured program for patients with T2D. They received individualized interventions or were asked to follow lifestyle modifications indicated to their patient with diabetes. Outcomes were change in BMI, fat loss, patients achieving LDL-c and triglycerides goals, exercise, and mental health indicators at three and twelve months. RESULTS: We included 200 relatives. Obesity was present in 42 %, hypertension in 8.5 %, hypercholesterolemia in 29.5 %, and hypertriglyceridemia in 46 % of relatives. Relatives lost - 3.7 kg and - 3.0 kg of body fat at three months and one-year evaluations. At least 60 % achieved normal triglycerides and LDL-c, and 40 % exercised at least 150 min/week. Anxiety symptoms dropped from 37 % to 22 % (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms from 22 % to 12.9 % (p = 0.01) at three months. Correlations were found between the changes in relatives and patients in weight at three months (r = 0.22, p = 0.001), one year (r = 0.3, p < 0.001), and the number of goals achieved at one year. CONCLUSION: Relatives of patients with diabetes attending a multidisciplinary program for T2D benefit in metabolic, lifestyle, and mental health indicators.

Arterial Stiffness and HbA1c: Association Mediated by Insulin Resistance in Hispanic Adults.

Arterial stiffness may be associated with glucose metabolism parameters, such as HbA1c, mainly via insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the association between arterial stiffness and HbA1c and explore the mediator effect of insulin resistance. In this cross-sectional study, arterial stiffness (pulse-wave velocity; PWV), HbA1c, and insulin resistance (METS-IR) were determined in Hispanic adults. In addition to sex and age, various biochemical measurements (glucose, lipid profile, etc.) and adipose tissue (fat mass and visceral fat mass) were considered as potential confounding variables. A multivariate regression analysis shows that HbA1c is associated with PWV, even after adjusting for several confounding variables. Importantly, the results show that insulin resistance mediated 17.9% of the effect of HbA1c over PWV. In conclusion, HbA1c may be a potential resource for predicting arterial stiffness due to the influence of insulin resistance in Hispanic subjects.

Beliefs concerning non-nutritive sweeteners consumption in consumers, non-consumers, and health professionals: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Introduction: the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) has increased. Recent studies have reported possible metabolic effects of NNS, and this may influence the perception regarding their consumption in the general population and health professionals. Objective: to describe and compare the beliefs about NNS in consumers, non-consumers, and health professionals; and to explore the reasons and opinions of health professionals for recommending or not their consumption. Methods: surveys were applied to 100 consumers, 100 non-consumers and 100 health professionals (dietitians and physicians) to evaluate a positive, negative, or neutral attitude towards certain beliefs regarding NNS, including the information they have, safety, price, side effects and taste. In addition, the opinion of health professionals for recommending or not the consumption of NNS and the related reasons was evaluated. Results: statistically significant differences regarding the safety, side effects and taste of NNS were found between the three groups (p < 0.01). The most frequent opinion of health professionals (48 %) is that NNS should be limited, used as a transition and in certain patients. Consumers tend to have a more positive opinion about NNS except for the price, non-consumers have a more neutral position except for taste, and health professionals have a more negative perception of NNS in all aspects. Conclusions: the beliefs regarding NNS differed among the studied groups, which might influence their consumption or recommendation of its use.

Introducción: Introducción: el consumo de edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN) se ha incrementado. Estudios recientes han reportado posibles efectos metabólicos de los ENN, por lo que la percepción de su consumo podría haber cambiado en población general y profesionales de la salud. Objetivo: describir y comparar las creencias sobre los ENN en consumidores, no consumidores y profesionales de la salud, así como conocer las principales opiniones de los profesionales de la salud para recomendar o no el consumo de ENN. Métodos: se aplicaron encuestas a 100 consumidores, 100 no consumidores y 100 profesionales de la salud (nutriólogos y médicos) para evaluar actitudes positivas, negativas o neutras en torno a ciertas creencias de los ENN, la información que creen tener, seguridad, precio, efectos secundarios y sabor. Además, se evaluó la opinión de los profesionales de la salud para recomendar o no su consumo y las razones asociadas. Resultados: se encontraron diferencias entre los tres grupos en torno a la seguridad, los efectos secundarios y el sabor de los ENN (p < 0.01). La postura más frecuente de los profesionales de la salud (48 %) es que los ENN deben limitarse, utilizarse transitoriamente y en ciertos pacientes. Se observó una postura más positiva con respecto a los ENN en los consumidores excepto por su precio, más neutral en los no consumidores excepto por su sabor y más negativa en los profesionales de la salud en todos los aspectos. Conclusiones: las creencias sobre los ENN difieren entre los grupos estudiados, lo cual puede influir en su consumo o en la recomendación de su uso.