Prevalence and Predictors of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

AIM: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of DPN in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. BACKGROUND: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is the most common and debilitating complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Newly diagnosed T2DM patients visiting the outpatient department were recruited. Detailed demographic parameters, histories, physical examinations, and biochemical investigations were carried out. Patients were screened for DPN using the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) score, the revised Disability Neuropathy Score (NDS), Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT) using a biosthesiometer, and the 10g SW Monofilament Test (MFT). RESULTS: A total of 350 newly diagnosed T2DM patients (mean age 46.4±13.6 years) were included. The prevalence of DPN was found to be 34% using the combined DNS and NDS scores. VPT was moderately impaired in 18.3% and severely impaired in 12% patients, while MFT revealed a loss of protective sensation in 35.4% patients. After logistic regression analysis, DPN was significantly associated with increasing age (OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.06-1.11), increasing HbA1C levels (OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.05-1.42), increasing TSH levels (OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.05-1.44), presence of hypertension (OR 2.78, 95%CI 1.51-5.11), and reduced BMI (OR 0.9, 95%CI 0.84- 0.99). The sensitivity and specificity of detecting DPN by combining VPT and MFT were 91.6% and 84.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DPN was high even in newly diagnosed T2DM and associated significantly with increasing age, HbA1C levels, TSH levels, hypertension, and reduced BMI. Earlier screening for DPN, along with aggressive control of glycemia, blood pressure, and hypothyroidism, may be beneficial.

Limited Joint Mobility in Type 1 Diabetes: Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy, a Neglected Entity.

Musculoskeletal disorders are common in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Among them, diabetic cheiroarthropathy (DCA), more commonly seen in type 1 diabetes, is a late complication that often causes physical and emotional disturbance. DCA, characterized by movement restrictions in the small joints of hands, is usually a clinical diagnosis and bears significance owing to the functional hand disabilities that it causes and its association with various microvascular complications, most importantly retinopathy. A 24-year-old male patient, with type 1 diabetes of 20 years duration, presented to us with difficulties in performing fine motor tasks such as buttoning his shirt and with positive "Namaste" sign and "Table Top" sign. He had reduced sensation on monofilament testing, decreased vibration perception threshold, and a nerve conduction study suggested distal sensory demyelinating and axonal polyneuropathy. He had a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests, normal lung parenchyma on high-resolution computed tomography of his thorax, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proteinuria, vitamin D deficiency, and subclinical hypothyroidism. He was followed closely with tight glycemic control and physiotherapy. In rural setups, DCA can act as a mirror to screen for macrovascular and microvascular complications if not already done routinely or previously. Management includes physiotherapy, glycemic control, patient education, and regular follow-up, with surgical procedures being only the last option.

A Review on Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is a well-recognised microvascular complication of diabetes and is among the leading cause of blindness all over the world. Over the last decade, there have been advances in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. At the same time, newer therapies for the management of diabetic retinopathy have evolved. As a result of these advances, a decline in severe vision loss due to diabetes has been witnessed in some developing countries. However, there is a steady increase in the number of people affected with diabetes, and is expected to rise further in the coming years. Therefore, it is prudent to identify diabetic retinopathy, and timely intervention is needed to decrease the burden of severe vision loss. An effort has been made to review all the existing knowledge regarding diabetic retinopathy in this article and summarize the present treatment options for diabetic retinopathy.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Imeglimin: A New Ray of Hope for the Treatment of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes is a rapidly growing health challenge and epidemic in many developing countries, including India. India, being the diabetes capital of the world, has the dubious dual distinction of being the leading nations for both undernutrition and overnutrition. Diabetes prevalence has increased in both rural and urban areas, affected the younger population and increased the risk of complications and economic burden. These alarming statistics ring an alarm bell to achieve glycemic targets in the affected population in order to decrease diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. In the recent years, diabetes pathophysiology has been extended from an ominous triad through octet and dirty dozen etc. There is a new scope to target multiple pathways at the molecular level to achieve a better glycemic target and further prevent micro- and macrovascular complications. Mitochondrial dysfunction has a pivotal role in both ß-cell failure and insulin resistance. Hence, targeting this molecular pathway may help with both insulin secretion and peripheral tissue sensitization to insulin. Imeglimin is the latest addition to our anti-diabetic armamentarium. As imeglimin targets, this root cause of defective energy metabolism and insulin resistance makes it a new add-on therapy in different diabetic regimes to achieve the proper glycemic targets. Its good tolerability and efficacy profiles in recent studies shows a new ray of hope in the journey to curtail diabetes-related morbidity.

Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Study of the Modifiable Risk Factors Involved.

(1) Background: Sarcopenia has gained much interest in recent years due to an increase in morbidity. Sarcopenia is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vice versa. There is a paucity of information regarding the prevalence and predictors of sarcopenia among T2DM individuals. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of sarcopenia among T2DM individuals. (2) Methods: This study included 159 diabetics (cases) and 79 non-diabetics (controls) aged >50 years. The subjects were assessed for demographic and anthropometric parameters. Sarcopenia (according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria) was assessed using Jammer's hydraulic dynamometer for handgrip strength, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for muscle mass, and 6m gait speed. The biochemical investigations included glycated hemoglobin; fasting and prandial glucose; fasting insulin; lipid, renal, liver, and thyroid profiles; serum calcium; phosphorous; vitamin D; and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Appropriate statistical methods were used to determine the significance of each parameter, and a multivariate regression analysis was applied to determine the predictors. (3) Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was significantly higher among the cases than the controls (22.5% vs. 8.86%, p-0.012). Body mass index (BMI) (OR-0.019, CI-0.001-0.248), physical activity (OR-0.45, CI-0.004-0.475), serum calcium levels (OR-0.155, CI-0.035-0.687), hypertension (OR-8.739, CI-1.913-39.922), and neuropathy (OR-5.57, CI-1.258-24.661) were significantly associated with sarcopenia following multivariate regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: T2DM individuals are prone to sarcopenia, especially those with a low BMI, low physical activity, hypertension, neuropathy, and low serum calcium levels. Hence, by modifying these risk factors among the elderly T2DM, sarcopenia can be prevented.

Pituitary Stalk Duplication: A Radiological Surprise in a Child With Short Stature.

Objective: Pituitary stalk abnormalities are one of the causes of hypopituitarism. Isolated pituitary stalk duplication with a single pituitary gland is extremely rare with only a few cases reported to date. The present case has a different clinical picture as compared to the cases that were previously reported in the literature. Case Report: A 2 years 6-month-old male child, a product of nonconsanguineous marriage, presented with short stature, micropenis with unilateral undescended testis, and delayed motor milestones. His bone age was delayed by 6 months. On further evaluation, he was found to be euthyroid, with stimulated growth hormone (GH) and stimulated gonadotropin levels were suboptimal, whereas the cortisol and the prolactin were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary revealed pituitary stalk duplication with a single pituitary gland of normal dimensions and fused tuber cinereum and mammillary body. Discussion: To our knowledge, only 7 cases with isolated pituitary stalk duplication were reported. The presenting complaint could be primarily of hypopituitarism like short stature or a neurologic complaint or ocular abnormality. The pituitary hormone deficiencies are variable with GH deficiency being the most common as seen in our case. Other associated features could be the morning glory disc anomaly, moyamoya disease, pituitary adenoma or hypoplasia, split hypothalamus, and sellar dermoid. Conclusion: Pituitary stalk duplication is a developmental disorder that is diagnosed only by imaging. Patients should be evaluated for hypopituitarism, particularly the GH and gonadotrophins deficiency, and also screened for associated neurologic and ocular abnormalities.

An Intriguing Case of Gynecomastia in an Elderly Male as the Initial Presentation of Graves' Disease: A Case Report.

Gynecomastia is the proliferation of fibroglandular tissue in the male breast due to an altered hormonal milieu between the inhibitory effect of androgens and the stimulatory effect of estrogens on the breast tissue causing feminization of the male breast. Physiological causes are more common along with a few pathological conditions leading to gynecomastia in the male population. Of these varied etiologies, thyrotoxicosis is one of the notable causes, though it is very rare in the elderly population. Gynecomastia as the initial presentation of Graves' disease that too in an elderly age group is very rare with very few cases reported in the literature. Here, we present a case of a 62-year-old male presenting with gynecomastia, who after a detailed evaluation, was diagnosed to have Graves' disease.

Addressing the Inertia: A Holistic Approach to Diabetic Foot Evaluation.

Diabetic foot is a well-known complication with considerable morbidity and mortality related to the diabetic population. Neuropathy, deformity, infection and ischemia are important contributors to the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcers. A multidisciplinary team approach by physicians, nursing staff, diabetic educators and the caregiver as well as close monitoring of feet by the patient himself can prevent foot-related complications. Proper foot care, foot hygiene, annual foot examination and the correct choice of footwear are the main elements in preventing foot problems like deformity, ulceration and amputations. Physicians play a key role in the early detection and prevention of foot problems. Foot evaluation is the most neglected part of physical examination in diabetic patients. This inertia is evident in both physicians and patients. Emphasis on visual inspection and physical foot examination at every visit may address the morbidity and mortality due to diabetic neuropathy and vasculopathy. This article will highlight extensively history taking and foot examination in the diabetic foot clinic. Optimal glycemic control, simple foot care practices, knowledge and appropriate footwear use play an important role to reduce the disease burden.

Assessment of hypogonadism and its determinants among adult men with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of utilizing both symptoms as well as biochemically confirmed androgen deficiency in diagnosis of hypogonadism among type 2 diabetic men is relatively less studied. Furthermore, various determinants of hypogonadism in these men especially the role of insulin resistance and hypogonadism were studied. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study of 353 T2DM men aged 20-70 years of age. Hypogonadism was defined by taking both symptoms as well as calculated testosterone levels. Symptoms were defined using androgen deficiency in ageing male (ADAM) criteria. Various metabolic and clinical parameters were assessed and evaluated with regards to presence or absence of hypogonadism. RESULTS: Among 353 patients, 60 had both symptoms as well as biochemical evidence of hypogonadism. Assessment of calculated free testosterone but not total testosterone identified all such patients. Body mass index, HbA1c, fasting triglyceride level and HOMA IR inversely correlated with calculated free testosterone. We found that insulin resistance (HOMA IR) was independently associated with hypogonadism (odds ratio=1.108). CONCLUSION: Assessment of both symptoms of hypogonadism and calculated free testosterone represents a better way for correct identification of hypogonadal diabetic men. Insulin resistance has a strong association with hypogonadism independent of obesity and complication status of diabetes.

In the Spotlight: Role of Gla-100 in the Glycemic Management of Hospitalized people with diabetes.

Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients represent a major concern as they are associated with adverse outcomes-including increased rates of infection, longer hospital stay, and even death. Insulin therapy is the mainstay in the management of inpatient hyperglycemia. The traditional approach of sliding scale insulin (SSI) therapy for the temporary management of blood glucose levels in hospitalized patients, has now given way to basal-bolus insulin (BBI) therapy. This is owing to the BBI affording a better glycemic control in non-critical hospital settings as observed in multiple clinical studies using insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) as the basal component. Furthermore, a string of clinical studies has also attested to Gla-100 being used effectively even in patients on corticosteroids, enteral or parenteral nutrition, and in perioperative settings. Hence, overall, the existing evidence would point to the growing role of BBI regimens centering around basal insulin like Gla-100 as an effective option with low safety concerns for insulin therapy in both hospitalized and out-patient settings in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Steroid cell tumor: a rare cause of hirsutism in a female.

UNLABELLED: Ovarian steroid cell tumors are very rare functioning sex-cord stromal tumors. They comprise <0.1% of all ovarian tumors. Previously designated as lipoid cell tumors, one-third of these tumors are considered malignant with the mean age of presentation at around 40 years. We present a case of a 28-year-old female with 2-year history of hirsutism, virilization, and amenorrhea. She was diagnosed with left ovarian tumor, for which she underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathology revealed not otherwise specified subtype of steroid cell tumors. The patient resumed menses 2 months after the features of masculinization regressed. Within 1 year of surgery, the patient successfully conceived a full-term baby without any complications. In a young female, the neoplastic etiology of a rapid virilization or menses changing should always be kept in mind. Though commonly observed in adult females, steroid cell tumors have very good surgical outcomes if age at presentation is less and tumor is unilateral, and there are no evidences of bilateral malignancy. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is not required. LEARNING POINTS: In a case of severe rapid hirsutism and virilization with serum testosterone level more than 200 ng/dl or more than threefold of the normal range, neoplastic conditions should always be suspected.Steroid cell tumor in young women without evidence of malignancy on histopathology has excellent surgical outcomes.Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the surgery of choice.As the frequency of bilateralism is only 6%, prophylactic unaffected side oophorectomy need not be done.

Vascular calcification in diabetic foot and its association with calcium homeostasis.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular calcification (VC), long thought to result from passive degeneration, involves a complex process of biomineralization resembling osteogenesis, frequently observed in diabetes and is an indicator of diabetic peripheral vascular disease with variable implications. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To study the association between vascular calcification and calcium homeostasis in diabetic patients with foot ulcers without stage 4, 5 chronic kidney disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 patients with diabetic foot ulcer were enrolled, and VC was detected by X-ray and Doppler methods. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), fasting and post-prandial glucose levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) were recorded. Serum iPTH and 25 (OH) vitamin D were estimated by immune radiometric assay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: Vascular calcification was present in 42% of patients. Significant difference in the mean (±SD) of vitamin D, HbA1C, and eGFR was observed in VC +ve compared to VC -ve. There was no significant association of age, duration, BMI, PTH, Ca, PO4, ALKP with that of VC incidence. Severe vitamin D deficiency was more common in VC +ve (51.6%) compared to in VC -ve (18.6%). Sub-group analysis showed that the risk of VC was significantly higher (RR = 2.4, P < 0.05, 95% C.I. = 0.058-2.88) in patients with vitamin D < 10 ng/ml compared to others. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency could be a risk for vascular calcification, which possibly act through receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells or modulates osteoprotegerin/RANKL system like other factors responsible for VC in diabetic foot patients.