Quarterly individual outpatients lifestyle counseling after initial inpatients education on type 2 diabetes: the REDIA Prev-2 randomized controlled trial in Reunion Island.

AIMS: This study aimed to describe the 1-year evolution of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients who attended inpatients education, and to assess whether quarterly outpatients counseling visits by nurses and dietitians can improve metabolic control and health-related behaviours. METHODS: Following in-hospital educational sessions, 398 adult T2D patients were randomized to either attend quarterly individual lifestyle counseling visits by a nurse and a dietitian (intervention group), or receive the usual care (control group). Primary (HbA(1c)) and secondary endpoints (fasting blood glucose, lipids, body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass, blood pressure, diet, physical activity) were assessed at baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: HbA(1c) changes from baseline to 12 months were -1.74±2.64% (P<0.0001) for the intervention group and -2.02±2.57% (P<0.0001) for the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention group (n=153) and the controls (n=166) for any of the clinical and biological outcomes. In both groups, total energy and fat intakes decreased significantly from baseline levels. Also, no difference was found between the groups for any dietary outcome. A slight enhancement in sports activity was observed in the intervention group, but the difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance, and no difference was found concerning any other physical activity scores. CONCLUSION: In this study of adults with T2D, patients significantly improved their metabolic control, and dietary and exercise habits, 1 year after receiving intensive inpatients education, whereas subsequent quarterly outpatients counseling visits with nurses and dietitians have not demonstrated any superiority compared with the usual care.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation in patients with diabetes.

PURPOSE: The cardiovascular disease risk profile and exercise capacity of coronary heart disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were measured and compared with those of nondiabetic (NDM) patients before and after a 6-week multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program. METHODS: Subjects included 413 patients with DM (56.9 +/- 7.9 years) and 614 patients with NDM (56.8 +/- 10.3 years). RESULTS: At program entry, DM patients had a higher prevalence of risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, excess abdominal fat, and depression), had a lower peak oxygen uptake (14.3 +/- 4.4 vs 16.6 +/- 5.4 mL . kg . min; P < .001), and covered a shorter distance in the 6-minute walk test (404 +/- 117 m vs 445 +/- 116 m; P < .001) than NDM patients. At the end of the exercise program, all patients achieved significant improvements in physical capacity, which were similar in DM and NDM patients (+27.6 +/- 28.2% vs +30.5 +/- 27.7% for peak oxygen uptake and +21.0 +/- 31.5% vs +21.3 +/- 53.2% for the 6-minute distance test). CONCLUSION: DM patients with coronary heart disease had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors as well as lower physical capacity than NDM patients at the beginning of rehabilitation. All patients demonstrated improvement in exercise capacity after rehabilitation. More importantly, the extent of the improvement was similar in DM and NDM patients. This study, which involved a large population, emphasizes the capacity of DM patients to fully benefit from a multidisciplinary risk factor management program, including exercise training and educational programs.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation increase arterial compliance in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease.

AIMS: The effect of a cardiovascular rehabilitation program on arterial compliance in type 2 diabetes mellitus with coronary disease was studied. METHODS: Hemodynamic data and arterial compliance were measured with a tonometer (HDI/Pulse wave CR-2000) in coronary artery disease patients with (n=32) and without (n=24) type 2 diabetes before and after a 6-week multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program. RESULTS: A decrease in heart rate and an increase in stroke volume without significant change in resting cardiac output were obtained in diabetic patients. Arterial compliance of both small and large arteries was significantly increased. In 10 diabetic patients, this increase could be related to an increase in the anti-hypertensive treatment and to the decreased blood pressure. In the 22 remainders, the small artery compliance was significantly increased independently of blood pressure change. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training as well as optimization of diabetes and dyslipidemia treatment could explain the improvement of arterial compliance. If these changes are long-lasting and if they improve prognosis remains to be evaluated.

Type 2 diabetes patient education in Reunion Island: perceptions and needs of professionals in advance of the initiation of a primary care management network.

AIM: This study focused on issues in the education of type 2 diabetes patients in primary care on Reunion Island which, in a medical context, is broadly similar to metropolitan France, but with a much greater prevalence of diabetes. The aim was to assess the perceptions, training, reported practices and needs of health care providers in the field of patient education in advance of the initiation of a health care management network for diabetic patients. METHODS: A total of 74 physicians and 63 nurses completed a detailed questionnaire comprising 52 items divided into six parts: professional activity, initial and postgraduate training, educational practices, objectives of patient education, perceived barriers and prospects for optimization. RESULTS: Educational activities for patients are almost nonexistent. Information and explanations given during a face-to-face encounter with the physician or nurse that combine technical and caring approaches are the main reasons reported for patient education. The obstacles reported by professionals that need to be overcome are limited available time, patient passivity and inadequate staff training. Practitioners and nurses are poorly taught as regards patient education and self-management of chronic diseases. The suggested improvements include professional acknowledgement, more convenient and available tools and improved postgraduate training. CONCLUSION: Patient education in primary care is still mostly an illusion, with many gaps that hinder education for both patients and professionals. The training of health professionals needs to meet the challenge of chronic diseases by integrating aspects from the fields of education and the social sciences.

Health perceptions of diabetic patients in the REDIA study.

AIM: To explore the beliefs and perceptions of type 2 diabetic patients in La Réunion where the disease is highly prevalent (17.5% among 30-69 yr old subjects) with a strong link to the metabolic syndrome and nutritional habits. METHODS: Two sets of data were analysed. An 80-item questionnaire explored the perceptions of causal factors, knowledge of complications and therapeutic issues in 331 known diabetic patients included in the REDIA study. The data were completed by semi-structured interviews of 40 diabetic patients in a hospital setting. RESULTS: Perceived causal factors of diabetes are mainly sugar excess, heredity and stress or life events. Weight excess and lack of physical activity are virtually never mentioned as causes. Diabetes is predominantly perceived as potentially acute, with risk of coma and death. Its chronic and progressive nature is not appreciated, and chronic complications are not well understood, especially in poorly educated people. Only 33% of males and 42% of females are willing to change their nutritional habits and the role of fats is largely underestimated (30.2%) although 90% consider physical activity as an effective course of action. Most patients are tardy in the way that they adopt medical recommendations and treatment in the course of the disease. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the discrepancy between medical knowledge and patients' perceptions, especially concerning etiological issues and complications. Lifestyle and therapeutic recommendations are not well understood. Educational activities need to consider the knowledge issues and understanding by patients early in the course of chronic diseases like diabetes.

Course of pancreatic beta cell destruction in prediabetic NOD mice: a histomorphometric evaluation.

The course of pancreatic beta cell destruction during the prediabetic period of autoimmune diabetic syndromes is not precisely known. We have analyzed the course of insulitis (n = 140) and the beta cell and lymphocytic volume densities by morphometric methods (n = 80) in NOD mice aged 6 to 45 weeks. In the absence of diabetes the mean beta cell density was only slightly reduced with age: 0.64 +/- 0.04% glandular tissue (mean SEM; n = 12) in 6 wk-old mice, 0.52 +/- 0.06% in 45 wk-old mice (n = 12; ns). However, a minority of pancreases were free of insulitis or showed isolated periinsulitis at the end of the 45-wk follow-up period. Invasive insulitis (i.e. mononuclear cells invading the islet area) was detected in 60-85% of mice from the 12th week on. In non overtly diabetic mice, beta cell density was reduced only when insulitis was invasive in more than 40% of islets: 0.30 +/- 0.03%, (n = 11) vs 0.59 +/- 0.04% (n = 34) in moderately invasive insulitis (p < 0.05). These mice had significant metabolic abnormalities. In diabetic mice, the beta cell density was markedly decreased: 0.02 +/- 0.01% (n = 7; p < 0.001). On the whole, a lymphocytic infiltrate affecting less than 50% of the islet volume was compatible with a normal beta cell density. Beyond this 50% lymphocytic infiltration threshold, beta cell density was tightly and negatively related to the lymphocytic volume density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metformin effects on peripheral sensitivity to insulin in non diabetic obese subjects.

Using the euglycaemic insulin-clamp technique we examined the effects of one-month metformin treatment on peripheral glucose utilization in non diabetic obese subjects. Two groups of obese subjects were studied in comparison with untreated lean women. Group 1 (n = 6) experienced weight loss (BMI: 32.6 +/- 1.7 vs 34.8 +/- 1.6 kg/m2, p < 0.05) but not group 2 (n = 7; BMI before and after treatment: 34.6 +/- 3.2 and 34.8 +/- 3.1 kg/m2). After a continuous insulin infusion of 40, 100, and 350 mU/m2/min we estimated the tissue sensitivity to insulin by the determination of Km, the glucose disposal (M), and the amount of glucose metabolized per U insulin (M/I ratio). After the metformin treatment the mean Km decreased by 31% in group 1 (p < 0.05) but not significantly in group 2; M and M/I were not modified in the two study groups. In conclusion, in non diabetic obese subjects, metformin seems not to affect peripheral insulin-mediated glucose metabolism unless there is weight loss.

Pentamidine-induced dysglycaemia: experimental models in the rat.

In order to analyse further the pathophysiology of pentamidine effects on blood glucose regulation, the following experimental models were established in rats: impairment of the renal function, bile duct ligation, inhibition of the P450 cytochrome enzyme system. In otherwise intact rats, 7.5 mg/day pentamidine was well tolerated whereas doses of 15 mg/day induced severe, relapsing and eventually lethal hypoglycaemia within a few days. Induction of a renal insufficiency of graded severity by treatment with gentamycin, subtotal nephrectomy and total bilateral nephrectomy resulted in repetitive, severe (sometimes lethal) hypoglycaemia, alternating with hyperglycaemia, glucosuria and ketonuria in pentamidine-treated rats (7.5 mg/d). No long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes was observed. In the dysglycemic animals, plasma insulin levels were inappropriate to the concomitant glycaemia; no stimulation was obtained by i.v. glucose. Glucagon levels were higher than normal, suppressible by i.v. glucose, responsive to IV arginine and to hypoglycaemia. Dysglycemic events were more frequent and marked in the rats with the most severe renal functional derangement. They were more frequent in the rats treated with pentamidine mesylate than in those treated with the isethionate salt. Control uremic rats (free of pentamidine) remained euglycaemic. The islets of Langerhans displayed severe vascular congestion and degranulation and necrosis of the B cells, while the non B cells (and particularly the A cells) were intact. Exocrine pancreatitis was occasionally observed in the most severely uremic rats. In contrast with uremic rats, neither surgical ligation of choledocus, nor treatment by P450 cytochrome inhibitors (particularly ketoconazole) precipitated dysglycaemia in the pentamidine-treated rats. These experimental data: 1) strengthen the concept of inappropriate insulin release from pentamidine-lesioned islet B cells due to pentamidine accumulation; 2) indicate a predominant role for renal insufficiency in determining the accumulation of this drug; 3) emphasize the clinical importance of renal insufficiency as a risk factor for pentamidine-induced dysglycaemia. Association with ketoconazole does not appear to be a risk factor.

[Female obesity: testosteronemia is positively correlated with peripheral insulin resistance]. / Obésité féminine: la testostéronémie est postivement corrélée à l'insulinorésistance périphérique.

Hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenemia are frequent in obese women. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the degree of insulin resistance and plasma androgens, and the role of android obesity. We studied 16 obese (BMI = 39.3 +/- 1.6 kg/m2) premenopausal non diabetic women (age = 28.2 +/- 1.4 years). The peripheral insulin sensitivity was determined during an euglycemic insulin clamp study. Serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), androstenedione (A) were measured in each women. We compared these results to those of 5 control subjects (BMI = 20 +/- 1 kg/m2). Insulin resistance was more severe in the obese women than in the control subjects: Vmax = 9.1 +/- 0.5 mg/kg/mm vs 19.1 +/- 1.0 mg/kg/mn (p < 0.01) and Km = 152.2 +/- 13.9 microU/ml vs 42.6 +/- 5.8 microU/ml (p < 0.01). Significant positive correlations were demonstrated in the obese women between Km and both total testosterone (r = 0.74; p < 0.01) and free testosterone (r = 0.52; p < 0.05). There was no correlation between Km and Androstenedione. The waist to hip ratio (WHR) differentiated two groups of age--and weight-matched obese women; Gr 1:10 upper body obese women (WHR = 0.90 +/- 0.10; BMI = 39.0 +/- 1.9 kg/m2); Gr 2: 6 lower body obese (WHR = 0.77 +/- 0.02; BMI = 40.0 +/- 3.1 kg/m2. Insulin resistance was more severe in the Gr I: Km = 174 +/- 17 microU/ml, than in the Gr 2: Km = 101 +/- 8 microU/ml (p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Natriuretic and vasoactive hormones and glomerular hyperfiltration in hyperglycaemic type 2 diabetic patients: effect of insulin treatment.

Evidence that an increase in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations mediates, at least in part, glomerular hyperfiltration in diabetic rats prompted us to study the relationship between ANP and renal haemodynamics in hyperfiltering type 2 diabetic patients in association with other hormones implicated in the control of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (catecholamines, vasopressin, renin) and in sodium tubular transport (aldosterone, ouabain-displacing factor, ODF). Since hyperglycaemia is also associated to hyperfiltration, diabetic patients who presented with secondary drug failure were studied both in hyperglycaemic and in normoglycaemic condition. For this purpose, 11 normotensive non-macroproteinuric hyperfiltering patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with an 8-day continuous insulin infusion (days 0-7). Dehydration was prevented or corrected and natriuresis was on day 0 above 100 mmol/day. The following parameters were determined on days 0 and 7: GFR and renal plasma flow (RPF) by 99mTc-DTPA and 131I-hippuran clearances; the extracellular volume, assimilated to the DTPA diffusion volume; urinary ODF by receptor-binding assay and urinary as well as plasma catecholamines by HPLC after extraction on alumin. Plasma ANP and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) were measured by radioimmunoassay after extraction on phenyl-silylsilica (ANP) and with ether (ADH). Unextracted plasma was used for radioimmunological measurement of plasma renin activity and aldosterone. When correcting hyperglycaemia to normoglycaemia GFR decreased from high to normal mean value (138 +/- 27 and 115 +/- 6 ml/min, p < 0.001), RPF followed the same trend, and the DTPA diffusion volume did not change.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Thyroid hormone extraction by plasma exchange: a study of extraction rate.

How to obtain an optimal efficiency of plasma exchanges in the treatment of severe hyperthyroidism has not been defined. In order to evaluate how long the exchanges must be continued to be fully effective in extracting thyroid hormones, we evaluated the extraction rate by repeated plasma sampling in two hyperthyroid patients and three euthyroid subjects who underwent a total of seven exchanges. Plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones were also determined just before, just after, and 24 hours following the exchange. The hormonal removal rate did not fall dramatically during the exchange, so that its efficiency--in terms of hormone extraction--depends closely on its duration. The determination of plasma thyroid hormone concentrations after the exchange does not appear to be useful in evaluating the thyroid hormone loss since these concentrations may not change in spite of the hormonal extraction.

Myxoedema coma: response of thyroid hormones with oral and intravenous high-dose L-thyroxine treatment.

Myxoedema coma is a medical emergency with high mortality. In this study, clinical response and plasma variations of thyroid hormones were analysed in 7 patients, 6 presenting with myxoedema coma and one with myxoedema ileus. These patients were treated with intravenous or oral l-thyroxine (l-T4). 1000 mu l-T4 iv were administered in two patients. Within 3 h, plasma T4 and triiodothyronine (T3) reached a peak upper normal range, then diminished slowly during 5-9 days. The 5 remaining patients were treated with 500 micrograms l-T4 po on the first day, then 100 micrograms l-T4 daily by mouth. Plasma T4 and T3 increased slowly, remaining in hypothyroid range but clinical response (assessed on mental status, pulse rate and body temperature) occurred within 24-72 h. Cortisone therapy was used in 3 patients. Two patients died of myocardial infarction, or septicemia, one while receiving cortisone therapy and i.v. l-T4, another one treated only by oral l-T4. This study suggests: 1) oral absorption of l-T4 is variable, but clinical response occurs quickly even in myxoedema ileus; 2) the intravenous route involves high peaks of plasma T4 and T3; 3) peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 allows gradually T3 delivery to organ systems, even if only l-T4 is used and 4) initial and daily dosage determinations need further studies.

Hemodialysis in the treatment of lactic acidosis in diabetics treated by metformin: a study of metformin elimination.

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of metformin elimination by dialysis. For this purpose we report the kinetic parameters during dialysis and the metformin clearance (i.e. dialysance) in four patients presenting with lactic acidosis which occurred on metformin therapy. We also studied metformin elimination in two chronically hemodialyzed diabetic patients inadvertently maintained on metformin therapy and in two chronically hemodialyzed non-diabetic patients who took a single dose of metformin before a dialysis session. Analysis of plasma concentration-time curves showed a biphasic pattern of metformin - elimination, according to a two-compartment model. We demonstrate that metformin may be removed even after reaching an equilibrium between blood and dialysate levels in a recirculating system, suggesting a storage of metformin in a deep compartment with a gradient of concentration between this compartment and the blood. Lastly, metformin dialysance appears satisfactory (68 ml/min) even in the case of relatively low blood flow; this value reached 170 ml/min under good hemodynamic conditions. In conclusion, hemodialysis efficiently removes metformin and corrects metabolic acidosis in patients with metformin-induced lactic acidosis.

Overwhelming strongyloidiasis in a diabetic patient following ACTH treatment and keto-acidosis.

A non insulin-dependent Zairian patient developed ketoacidosis and then overwhelming strongyloidiasis following ACTH treatment. Severe cardiovascular and respiratory failure, associated with severe acute hypoprotidemia, preceded death, which occurred within three days. Pathologic examination revealed a massive parasitic infiltration of the gastro-enteric mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes, and the pulmonary tissue and vessels. We suggest that ACTH treatment and keto-acidosis induced immune deficiency and triggered the acute parasitic episode, in a patient originating from an endemic area. Badly controlled diabetes should be known as a risk factor of hyperinfection by Strongyloides stercoralis in latent carriers.