Functional assessment and mortality in underweight critically ill patients one year after hospital discharge: A prospective cohort study.

BACKCGROUND & AIMS: There in no data regarding outcomes after hospital discharge for underweight critically ill patients. This study aimed to assess long-term survival and functional capacity in underweight critically ill patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Prospective observational study that included underweight critically ill patients (BMI <20 kg/cm2) followed-up one year after hospital discharge. To assess functional capacity, we interviewed patients or caregivers and performed Katz index (KI) and Lawton scale. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) poor functional capacity, if the patient had less points than the median of the Katz and IADL score, and (2) good functional capacity, if at least one score was above the median. Extremely low weight defined as less than 45 kg. RESULTS: We assessed the vital status of 103 patients. Mortality was 38.8% (median 362 [136, 422] days of follow-up). We interviewed 62 patients or proxies. No difference was observed between survivors and non-survivors regarding weight and BMI at intensive care unit admission and nutritional therapy received in the first days of intensive care admission. Patients with poor functional capacity had lower admission weight (43.9 vs 52 ± 7.9 kg, p < 0.001) and BMI (17 ± 2.1 vs 18.2 ± 1.8 kg/cm2, p = 0.028). In a multivariate logistic regression, weight under 45 kg was independently associated with poor functional capacity (OR = 13.6, 95%CI, 3.7 to 66.5) CONCLUSION: Underweight critically ill patients have high mortality and a persistent functional impairment, the last being more important in extremely low weight. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03398343.

Difference in sarcopenia prevalence and associated factors according to 2010 and 2018 European consensus (EWGSOP) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of sarcopenia and associated factors in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) according to 2010 (EWGSOP1) and 2018 (EWGSOP2) European consensus. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Elderly outpatients ≥60 years with type 2 DM and able to walk were recruited at the DM ambulatory care center of a public hospital in Porto Alegre from 2017 to 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diagnosis of sarcopenia was performed according to EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2. Muscle mass (MM) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Muscle strength (MS) was assessed using the handgrip strength (HS) test and physical performance (PP) by timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. RESULTS: We included 242 patients with 68.3 ± 5.6 years, 54% women, 78% white, DM duration 14(8-22) years, BMI 29.5 ± 4.5 kg/m2, and HbA1c 7.8 ± 1.5%. Overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 21%. In EWGSOP1 it was 16.9%. The GLM Poisson model was used to assess sarcopenia. Male sex increased the prevalence of sarcopenia by 33% (3.330 [1.747-6.350]; p < .001), and walking >5401 steps/day had a protective effect of 70% for the prevalence of sarcopenia (0.306 [0.127-0.739]; p = .029). Finally, age had an impact of 6% on prevalence of sarcopenia (1.06 [1.015-1.108]; p = .009) according to EWGSOP1. On the other hand, the prevalence was 7%, women had more sarcopenia (88%), and BMI was lower in the sarcopenic group when defined according to EWGSOP2. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was more than double when comparing EWGSOP1 (16.9%) and EWGSOP2 (7%). We believe that the difference in prevalence is due to modifications in MM and MS criteria. According to EWGSOP1, walking may have protective role in the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly type 2 DM individuals.

Nutritional therapy and outcomes in underweight critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Critically ill patients with body mass index (BMI) < 20 kg/m2 have worse outcomes than normal/overweight patients possibly because underweight is a marker of malnutrition. To assess the effects of nutrition therapy in this population during the first week of an ICU stay. METHODS: Prospective, 2-centre, observational study. Nutritional evaluations were performed between days 2 and 3 (first) and between days 5 and 7 (second) of ICU admission. In the first evaluation, patients were divided into non-fed (without nutritional support) and early-fed (those already receiving nutritional support) groups. In the second evaluation, patients were divided according to caloric intake (≥or<20 kcal/kg) and protein intake (≥or<1.3 g of protein/kg). RESULTS: Of the 4236 patients screened and 342 were included in the cohort. Mortality was 58.5% (median 21 [11-38.25] days of follow-up). Unadjusted patient survival was worse in the non-fed group than in the early-fed group (HR 1.66; 95%CI, 1.18 to 2.32). There was no difference in mortality between groups after adjusting for the SOFA score on the day of the evaluation. At the second evaluation, unadjusted analysis showed better in-hospital survival in patients with higher caloric (HR0.58; 95%CI, 0.40 to 0.86) and protein intake (HR0.59; 95%CI, 0.42 to 0.82); there was no association between mortality and caloric or protein intake after adjusting for the SOFA score on the day of the evaluation. CONCLUSION: Nutritional therapy in the first week of ICU stay did not affect vital outcome after adjusting for the SOFA score on the day of the evaluation in underweight critically ill patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03398343.

Plasma glucose and insulin responses after consumption of breakfasts with different sources of soluble fiber in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized crossover clinical trial.

Background: The amount and quality of carbohydrates are important determinants of plasma glucose after meals. Regarding fiber content, it is unclear whether the intake of soluble fibers from foods or supplements has an equally beneficial effect on lowering postprandial glucose.Objective: The aim of our study was to compare the acute effect of soluble fiber intake from foods or supplements after a common meal on postprandial plasma glucose and plasma insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Design: A randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted in patients with T2D. Patients consumed isocaloric breakfasts (mean ± SD: 369.8 ± 9.4 kcal) with high amounts of fiber from diet food sources (total fiber: 9.7 g; soluble fiber: 5.4 g), high amounts of soluble fiber from guar gum supplement (total fiber: 9.1 g; soluble fiber: 5.4 g), and normal amounts of fiber (total fiber: 2.4 g; soluble fiber: 0.8 g). Primary outcomes were postprandial plasma glucose and insulin (0-180 min). Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test.Results: A total of 19 patients [aged 65.8 ± 7.3 y; median (IQR), 10 (5-9) y of T2D duration; glycated hemoglobin 7.0% ± 0.8%; body mass index (in kg/m2) 28.2 ± 2.9] completed 57 meal tests. After breakfast, the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for plasma glucose [mg/dL · min; mean (95% CI)] did not differ between high fiber from diet (HFD) [7861 (6257, 9465)] and high fiber from supplement (HFS) [7847 (5605, 10,090)] (P = 1.00) and both were lower than usual fiber (UF) [9527 (7549, 11,504)] (P = 0.014 and P = 0.037, respectively). iAUCs [µIU/mL · min; mean (95% CI)] did not differ (P = 0.877): HFD [3781 (2513, 5050)], HFS [4006 (2711, 5302), and UF [4315 (3027, 5603)].Conclusions: Higher fiber intake was associated with lower postprandial glucose at breakfast, and the intake of soluble fiber from food and supplement had a similar effect in patients with T2D. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02204384.

Effects of individual micronutrients on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

To investigate the effects of micronutrients on blood pressure (BP) in patients with type 2 diabetes through a systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of the effects of individual micronutrients on BP in patients with type 2 diabetes were searched in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinical Trials.gov databases through April 2016. From the 28,164 studies, 11 RCTs (13 interventions, 723 patients, 54% males) with 3 to 52 weeks of follow-up were classified according to the type of micronutrient intervention: sodium (n = 1), vitamin C (n = 2), vitamin D (n = 7), and magnesium (n = 1). The available data enabled us to perform meta-analyses of vitamins C and D. Vitamin C reduced diastolic BP [WMD -2.88 mmHg (95%CI -5.31, -0.46; P = 0.020)] but not systolic BP [WMD -3.93 mmHg (95%CI -14.78, 6.92; P = 0.478)]. Vitamin D caused a reduction of 4.56 mmHg (WMD; 95%CI -7.65, -1.47; P = 0.004) for systolic BP and 2.44 mm Hg (WMD; 95%CI -3.49, -1.39; P < 0.001) for diastolic BP. In conclusion, vitamin D and possibly vitamin C have beneficial effects on BP in patients with type 2 diabetes. These interventions might represent a novel approach to the treatment of hypertension in these patients.

Effects of the DASH Diet and Walking on Blood Pressure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Data on the potential beneficial effects of combining diet and exercise on blood pressure (BP) are still scarce. A 4-week randomized controlled clinical trial was undertaken in 40 hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) in office and daytime ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Patients were assigned to follow a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet associated with advice to increase walking using a pedometer (intervention group) or a diet based on the American Diabetes Association recommendations (control group). The lifestyle intervention caused a greater ABPM (mm Hg) reduction in systolic 24-hour, diastolic 24-hour, nighttime systolic, daytime systolic, and daytime diastolic measurements than observed in the control group. In the intervention group there was a decrease in urinary sodium and an increase in urinary potassium, plasma aldosterone, and the number of steps per day (P<.05). The DASH diet and increased walking were associated with clinically significant reductions in ABPM values in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.

Human pancreatic islet transplantation: an update and description of the establishment of a pancreatic islet isolation laboratory.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with chronic complications that lead to high morbidity and mortality rates in young adults of productive age. Intensive insulin therapy has been able to reduce the likelihood of the development of chronic diabetes complications. However, this treatment is still associated with an increased incidence of hypoglycemia. In patients with "brittle T1DM", who have severe hypoglycemia without adrenergic symptoms (hypoglycemia unawareness), islet transplantation may be a therapeutic option to restore both insulin secretion and hypoglycemic perception. The Edmonton group demonstrated that most patients who received islet infusions from more than one donor and were treated with steroid-free immunosuppressive drugs displayed a considerable decline in the initial insulin independence rates at eight years following the transplantation, but showed permanent C-peptide secretion, which facilitated glycemic control and protected patients against hypoglycemic episodes. Recently, data published by the Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry (CITR) has revealed that approximately 50% of the patients who undergo islet transplantation are insulin independent after a 3-year follow-up. Therefore, islet transplantation is able to successfully decrease plasma glucose and HbA1c levels, the occurrence of severe hypoglycemia, and improve patient quality of life. The goal of this paper was to review the human islet isolation and transplantation processes, and to describe the establishment of a human islet isolation laboratory at the Endocrine Division of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre - Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Linkage disequilibrium with HLA-DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes explains the association of TNF-308G>A variant with type 1 diabetes in a Brazilian cohort.

BACKGROUND: A functional variant in the promoter region of the gene encoding tumor necrosis factor (TNF; rs1800629, -308G>A) showed to confer susceptibility to T1D. However, TNF rs1800629 was found, in several populations, to be in linkage disequilibrium with HLA susceptibility haplotypes to T1D. We evaluated the association of TNF rs1800629 with T1D in a cohort of Brazilian subjects, and assessed the impact of HLA susceptibility haplotypes in this association. METHODS: 659 subjects with T1D and 539 control subjects were genotyped for TNF-308G>A variant. HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 genes were genotyped in a subset of 313 subjects with T1D and 139 control subjects. RESULTS: Associations with T1D were observed for the A-allele of rs1800629 (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.33-2.15, p<0.0001, in a codominant model) and for 3 HLA haplotypes: DRB1*03:01-DQB1*02:01 (OR 5.37, 95% CI 3.23-8.59, p<0.0001), DRB1*04:01-DQB1*03:02 (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.21-7.21, p=0.01) and DRB1*04:02-DQB1*03:02 (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.02-4.50, p=0.04). Linkage disequilibrium was observed between TNF rs1800629 and HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles. In a stepwise regression analysis HLA haplotypes, but not TNF rs1800629, remained independently associated with T1D. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support an independent effect of allelic variations of TNF in the genetic susceptibility to T1D.

A high-glycemic index, low-fiber breakfast affects the postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, and ghrelin responses of patients with type 2 diabetes in a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Meals with a low glycemic index (GI) and rich in fiber could be beneficial with regard to postprandial metabolic profile and satiety. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 breakfasts with a different GI and amount of fiber on postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, and appetite in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This randomized 4-intervention crossover trial included 14 patients [7 men; ages 65.8 ± 5.2 y; glycated hemoglobin: 6.6 ± 0.9%; BMI (in kg/m(2)): 27.2 ± 3.1]. Dietary interventions were as follows: breakfasts with a high GI (60.4 ± 0.1%) and high fiber (6.0 ± 0.3 g) (HGI-HF), a high GI (60.9 ± 1.7%) and low fiber (2.5 ± 0.4 g) (HGI-LF), a low GI (37.7 ± 0.1%) and high fiber (6.2 ± 0.3 g) (LGI-HF), and a low GI (39.8 ± 1.3%) and low fiber (2.0 ± 0.1 g) (LGI-LF). Plasma glucose, insulin, and total ghrelin were evaluated postprandially (0-180 min). A visual analog scale was used to assess appetite. Data were analyzed by generalized estimating equations and post hoc least significant difference (LSD) tests. Data are reported as means ± SDs. RESULTS: The area under the curve (AUC) [mean (95% CI); P for LSD tests] for plasma glucose (mmol/L × min) was higher after patients consumed the HGI-LF breakfast [9.62 (8.39, 10.84)] than after the LGI-HF breakfast [8.95 (7.71, 10.18)] (P ≤ 0.05). Insulin AUC (µIU/mL × min) after patients consumed the HGI-LF meal [65.72 (38.24, 93.19)] was higher than after the HGI-HF meal [57.24 (32.44, 82.04)] (P ≤ 0.05). The other observed difference was higher insulin AUC after the consumption of the LGI-LF breakfast [61.54 (36.61, 86.48)] compared with the AUC after the LGI-HF breakfast [54.16 (31.43, 76.88)] (P ≤ 0.05). Plasma ghrelin decreased in comparison with baseline only after patients consumed the LGI-HF and LGI-LF breakfasts (P ≤ 0.05). Subjective satiety did not differ between breakfasts. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma glucose, insulin, and ghrelin responses were least favorable when patients with type 2 diabetes consumed a breakfast with a high GI and low fiber, which suggests that reducing the GI or increasing the fiber content or both of breakfasts may be a useful strategy to improve the postprandial metabolic profile of these patients. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01410292.

Human pancreatic islet transplantation: an update and description of the establishment of a pancreatic islet isolation laboratory

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with chronic complications that lead to high morbidity and mortality rates in young adults of productive age. Intensive insulin therapy has been able to reduce the likelihood of the development of chronic diabetes complications. However, this treatment is still associated with an increased incidence of hypoglycemia. In patients with “brittle T1DM”, who have severe hypoglycemia without adrenergic symptoms (hypoglycemia unawareness), islet transplantation may be a therapeutic option to restore both insulin secretion and hypoglycemic perception. The Edmonton group demonstrated that most patients who received islet infusions from more than one donor and were treated with steroid-free immunosuppressive drugs displayed a considerable decline in the initial insulin independence rates at eight years following the transplantation, but showed permanent C-peptide secretion, which facilitated glycemic control and protected patients against hypoglycemic episodes. Recently, data published by the Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry (CITR) has revealed that approximately 50% of the patients who undergo islet transplantation are insulin independent after a 3-year follow-up. Therefore, islet transplantation is able to successfully decrease plasma glucose and HbA1c levels, the occurrence of severe hypoglycemia, and improve patient quality of life. The goal of this paper was to review the human islet isolation and transplantation processes, and to describe the establishment of a human islet isolation laboratory at the Endocrine Division of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Increased protein intake is associated with uncontrolled blood pressure by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze possible associations of dietary components, especially protein intake, with blood pressure (BP) during ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, BP of outpatients with type 2 diabetes was evaluated by 24-hour ABPM (Spacelabs 90207) and usual diet by 3-day weighed diet records. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their daytime ABPM: uncontrolled BP (systolic BP ≥ 135 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 85 mmHg) and controlled BP (systolic BP < 135 mmHg and diastolic BP < 85 mmHg). Logistic regression models unadjusted and adjusted for possible confounders (covariates) were used to analyze the association of protein and uncontrolled BP. RESULTS: A total of 121 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 62.3 years, 54.5% of whom were women, were studied. The uncontrolled BP group had higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values (8.4 ± 2.0 vs 7.6 ± 1.3%; p = 0.04) and consumed more protein (20.0 ± 3.8 vs 18.2 ± 3.6% of energy; p = 0.01) and meat, (2.6 [1.45, 2.95] vs 2.0 [1.49, 2.90] g/kg weight; p = 0.04) than the controlled BP group. In a multivariate analysis, protein intake (% of energy) increased the chance for uncontrolled BP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02, 1.30; p = 0.02), adjusted for body mass index (BMI), HbA1C, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, number of antihypertensive medications, and ethnicity. Meat consumption higher than 3.08 g/kg weight/day more than doubled the chance for uncontrolled BP (OR = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.01, 7.60; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: High protein intake and meat consumption were associated with high daytime ABPM values in patients with type 2 diabetes. Reducing meat intake might represent an additional dietary intervention in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.

Adiposity markers and risk of coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluating the association between body adiposity markers and high-risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Recent adiposity markers [waist-to-height ratio, conicity index (C-index) and body adiposity index] and traditional markers [BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)] were measured. The 10-year risk of fatal CHD was estimated according to UKPDS risk engine scores. Patients were divided into high (CHD risk ≥20%; n = 99) or low-moderate (CHD risk <20%; n = 321) risk groups. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to analyze associations between CHD risk (outcome) and adiposity markers. RESULTS: A total of 420 patients with type 2 diabetes (61.9 ± 9.5 years; 53.5% females; HbA1c 7.6 ± 1.6%) were evaluated. The high risk group had greater proportions of elevated C-index and BMI values than patients with low-moderate risk. No between-group differences in other adiposity markers were observed. In multiple logistic regression models, only C-index values ≥1.35 were associated with CHD risk >20% (OR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.03-2.78; P = 0.039) after adjusting for confounders (sedentary lifestyle, diabetic nephropathy, serum creatinine, and diabetes duration). The association between WHR and CHD risk did not hold in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: The C-index was the body adiposity marker best associated with high risk of fatal CHD in these patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effect of dietary lipids on circulating adiponectin: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Different dietary interventions have been identified as potential modifiers of adiponectin concentrations, and they may be influenced by lipid intake. We identified studies investigating the effect of dietary lipids (type/amount) on adiponectin concentrations in a systematic review with meta-analysis. A literature search was conducted until July 2013 using databases such as Medline, Embase and Scopus (MeSH terms: 'adiponectin', 'dietary lipid', 'randomized controlled trials (RCT)'). Inclusion criteria were RCT in adults analysing adiponectin concentrations with modification of dietary lipids. Among the 4930 studies retrieved, fifty-three fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were grouped as follows: (1) total dietary lipid intake; (2) dietary/supplementary n-3 PUFA; (3) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation; (4) other dietary lipid interventions. Diets with a low fat content in comparison to diets with a high-fat content were not associated with positive changes in adiponectin concentrations (twelve studies; pooled estimate of the difference in means: -0·04 (95% CI -0·82, 0·74) µg/ml). A modest increase in adiponectin concentrations with n-3 PUFA supplementation was observed (thirteen studies; 0·27 (95% CI 0·07, 0·47) µg/ml). Publication bias was found by using Egger's test (P= 0·01) and funnel plot asymmetry. In contrast, CLA supplementation reduced the circulating concentrations of adiponectin compared with unsaturated fat supplementation (seven studies; -0·74 (95% CI -1·38, -0·10) µg/ml). However, important sources of heterogeneity were found as revealed by the meta-regression analyses of both n-3 PUFA and CLA supplementation. Results of new RCT would be necessary to confirm these findings.

Fiber intake and inflammation in type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Higher intake of dietary fiber is associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of mortality among people with type 1 diabetes. The protective effect includes the anti-inflammatory properties of some foods. Population-based studies have shown an inverse association between some nutritional habits and high sensitive -C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This study aimed to ascertain the association between fiber intake and hs-CPR levels in patients with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 outpatients with type 1 diabetes; age 40 ± 11 years; diabetes duration of 18 ± 8.8 years. Dietary intake was evaluated by 3-day weighed-diet records. Patients were categorized in 2 groups, according to fiber intake (>20 g/day and <20 g/day). RESULTS: The group with fiber intake > 20 g/day had lower hs-CRP levels [median (25(th-)75(th)) 0.7 mg/dl (0.4-2.4) vs. 1.9 mg/dl (1.0-4.4); P = 0.002], than the other group. Controlled for HbA1c and energy intake, an inverse relation was observed between hs-CRP levels and total fiber [ß = - 0.030 (SE: 0.0120), P = 0.02], soluble fiber [ß = - 0.078 (SE: 0.0421), P = 0.06] and insoluble fiber [ß = - 0.039 (SE: 0.01761), P = 0.026]. Even, after additional adjustment fibers remained associated with lower hs-CRP levels. Total fibers were stratified in 4 groups: < 10 g/day, from 10 to < 20 g/day, from 20 to 30 g/day and > 30 g/day. Compared to the group who ingested < 10 g/day of total fiber (referent group), the group who consumed > 30 g/d had significantly lower hs-CRP levels [-2.45 mg/L, P = 0.012] independent of the HbA1c values. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that an increased consumption of dietary fiber > 30 g/day may play a role in reducing inflammation in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Fiber intake and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) aimed to analyze the effect of fiber intake on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Databases were searched up to November 2012 using the following medical subject headings: diabetes, fiber, and randomized controlled trial. Absolute changes in glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose were reported as differences between baseline and end-of-study measures. Pooled estimates were obtained using random-effects models. Of the 22,046 articles initially identified, 11 (13 comparisons; range of duration, 8-24 weeks) fulfilled the inclusion criteria, providing data from 605 patients. High-fiber diets, including diets with foods rich in fiber (up to 42.5 g/day; four studies) or supplements containing soluble fiber (up to 15.0 g/day; nine studies), reduced absolute values of glycated hemoglobin by 0.55% (95% CI -0.96 to -0.13) and fasting plasma glucose by 9.97 mg/dL (95% CI -18.16 to -1.78). In conclusion, increased fiber intake improved glycemic control, indicating it should be considered as an adjunctive tool in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Catalase activity, allelic variations in the catalase gene and risk of kidney complications in patients with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The antioxidant enzyme catalase plays a key role in redox regulation in the kidney. We investigated associations of catalase gene (CAT) polymorphisms and plasma catalase activity with diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetic patients. METHODS: We genotyped nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CAT region in participants from the Survival Genetic Nephropathy (SURGENE) (340 French participants, 10 year follow-up) and the Génétique de la Néphropathie Diabétique (GENEDIAB) (444 Belgian and French participants, 8 year follow-up) study cohorts. Replication was performed in a Brazilian cross-sectional cohort (n = 451). Baseline plasma catalase activity was measured in SURGENE (n = 120) and GENEDIAB (n = 391) participants. RESULTS: The A allele of rs7947841 was associated with the prevalence of incipient (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.21, 6.24, p = 0.01) and established or advanced nephropathy (OR 5.72, 95% CI 1.62, 22.03, p = 0.007), and with the incidence of renal events, which were defined as new cases of microalbuminuria or progression to a more severe stage of nephropathy during follow-up (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.13, 2.81, p = 0.01) in SURGENE participants. The same risk allele was associated with incipient nephropathy (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.42, 7.24, p = 0.004) and with the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.23, 3.60, p = 0.008) in GENEDIAB participants. In both cohorts, the risk allele was associated with lower catalase activity. Associations with incipient and established or advanced nephropathy were confirmed in the replication cohort. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: CAT variants were associated with the prevalence and incidence of diabetic nephropathy and ESRD in type 1 diabetic patients. Our results confirm the protective role of catalase against oxidative stress in the kidney.

Poor glycaemic control in Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes attending the public healthcare system: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical profile of Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes attending the public healthcare system and identify factors associated with poor glycaemic control. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: 14 centres in five regions of Brazil, including primary care units and outpatient clinics of University Hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with type 2 diabetes attending outpatient clinics of public healthcare system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), centrally measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program certified). RESULTS: A total of 5750 patients aged 61±10 years, with 11±8 years of diabetes duration (66% women, 56% non-white, body mass index: 28.0±5.3 kg/m(2)) were analysed. Mean HbA1c was 8.6±2.2%, and median HbA1c was 8.1% (6.9% to 9.9%). HbA1c <7% was observed in only 26% of patients. Mean HbA1c was higher (p < 0.01) in the North (9.0±2.6%) and Northeast (8.9±2.4%) than in the Midwest (8.1±2%), Southeast (8.4±2.1%) and South regions (8.3±1.9%). Using the cut-off value of HbA1c above the median, age (0.986 (0.983 to 0.989)), white ethnicity (0.931 (0.883 to 0.981)) and being from Midwest region (0.858 (0.745 to 0.989)) were protective factors, while diabetes duration (1.015 (1.012 to 1.018)), use of insulin (1.710 (1.624 to 1.802)) and living in the Northeast region (1.197 (1.085 to 1.321)) were associated with HbA1c >8%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes attending the public healthcare system had HbA1c levels above recommended targets. The recognition of Northeast residents and non-white patients as vulnerable populations should guide future policies and actions to prevent and control diabetes.

The rs9939609 polymorphism in the FTO gene is associated with fat and fiber intakes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The common polymorphism in the FTO gene (rs9939609) has been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and appetite regulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible associations of FTO rs9939609 with dietary factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 236 patients with type 2 diabetes (age 60.0 ± 10.3 years; diabetes duration 12.7 ± 8.2 years; 53.4% females) who were genotyped for FTO rs9939609. Patients underwent clinical and laboratory evaluations and 3-day weighed diet records. Data on dietary intake were categorized as high or low, based on median values. RESULTS: The AA genotype in the FTO gene was positively associated with high fat (>34% energy; OR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.02-4.63) and low fiber intakes (<16 g/day; OR = 2.42; 95% CI 1.05-5.57), adjusted for gender, BMI, total energy intake, systolic blood pressure, and HbA1c. When gender was taken into account, AA females had higher fat (37.4 ± 5.3 vs. 32.6 ± 7.5 and 32.2 ± 6.2% energy; p = 0.005) and lower fiber intakes (12.4 ± 4.4 vs. 15.1 ± 6.3 and 16.7 ± 5.6 g/day; p = 0.023) than patients with TT and AT genotypes. Multiple logistic regression models confirmed female associations for high fat (OR = 9.73; 95% CI 2.12-44.66) and low fiber intakes (OR = 4.28; 95% CI 1.14-16.06; p < 0.05 for all models). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 2 diabetes, who were carriers of the AA genotype of the FTO rs9939609, had increased fat and decreased fiber consumption, independently of BMI.

Coronary artery calcium score prediction of all cause mortality and cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of coronary artery calcium score with all cause mortality and cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified from Embase, PubMed, and abstracts from the 2011 and 2012 annual meetings of the American Diabetes Association, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, American College of Cardiology, and American Heart Association (2011). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Prospective studies that evaluated baseline coronary artery calcium score in people with type 2 diabetes and subsequent all cause mortality or cardiovascular events (fatal and non-fatal). DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted the data. The predictive value of the coronary artery calcium score was assessed by random effects model. RESULTS: Eight studies were included (n=6521; 802 events; mean follow-up 5.18 years). The relative risk for all cause mortality or cardiovascular events, or both comparing a total coronary artery calcium score of ≥ 10 with a score of <10 was 5.47 (95% confidence interval 2.59 to 11.53; I(2)=82.4%, P<0.001). The overall sensitivity of a total coronary artery calcium score of ≥ 10 for this composite outcome was 94% (95% confidence interval 89% to 96%), with a specificity of 34% (24% to 44%). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.41 (95% confidence interval 1.20 to 1.66) and 0.18 (0.10 to 0.30), respectively. For people with a coronary artery calcium score of <10, the post-test probability of the composite outcome was about 1.8%, representing a 6.8-fold reduction from the pretest probability. Four studies evaluated cardiovascular events as the outcome (n=1805; 351 events). The relative risk for cardiovascular events comparing a total coronary artery calcium score of ≥ 10 with a score of <10 was 9.22 (2.73 to 31.07; I(2)=76.7%, P=0.005). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.67 (1.30 to 2.17) and 0.11 (0.04 to 0.29), respectively. CONCLUSION: In people with type 2 diabetes, a coronary artery calcium score of ≥ 10 predicts all cause mortality or cardiovascular events, or both, and cardiovascular events alone, with high sensitivity but low specificity. Clinically, the finding of a coronary artery calcium score of <10 may facilitate risk stratification by enabling the identification of people at low risk within this high risk population.

Regional differences in clinical care among patients with type 1 diabetes in Brazil: Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group.

BACKGROUND: To determine the characteristics of clinical care offered to type 1 diabetic patients across the four distinct regions of Brazil, with geographic and contrasting socioeconomic differences. Glycemic control, prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, screening for chronic complications and the frequency that the recommended treatment goals were met using the American Diabetes Association guidelines were evaluated. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted from December 2008 to December 2010 in 28 secondary and tertiary care public clinics in 20 Brazilian cities in north/northeast, mid-west, southeast and south regions. The data were obtained from 3,591 patients (56.0% females and 57.1% Caucasians) aged 21.2 ± 11.7 years with a disease duration of 9.6 ± 8.1 years (<1 to 50 years). RESULTS: Overall, 18.4% patients had HbA1c levels <7.0%, and 47.5% patients had HbA1c levels ≥ 9%. HbA1c levels were associated with lower economic status, female gender, age and the daily frequency of self-blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) but not with insulin regimen and geographic region. Hypertension was more frequent in the mid-west (32%) and north/northeast (25%) than in the southeast (19%) and south (17%) regions (p<0.001). More patients from the southeast region achieved LDL cholesterol goals and were treated with statins (p<0.001). Fewer patients from the north/northeast and mid-west regions were screened for retinopathy and nephropathy, compared with patients from the south and southeast. Patients from the south/southeast regions had more intensive insulin regimens than patients from the north/northeast and mid-west regions (p<0.001). The most common insulin therapy combination was intermediate-acting with regular human insulin, mainly in the north/northeast region (p<0.001). The combination of insulin glargine with lispro and glulisine was more frequently used in the mid-west region (p<0.001). Patients from the north/northeast region were younger, non-Caucasian, from lower economic status, used less continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, performed less SBGM and were less overweight/obese (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients, mainly in the north/northeast and mid-west regions, did not meet metabolic control goals and were not screened for diabetes-related chronic complications. These results should guide governmental health policy decisions, specific to each geographic region, to improve diabetes care and decrease the negative impact diabetes has on the public health system.