Autonomic neuropathic symptoms in patients with diabetes: practical tools for screening in daily routine.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is a frequent complication in people with diabetes whose screening is often neglected. This study aimed to evaluate DAN through practical tools in people with diabetes in a referral center for diabetes treatment. METHODS: DAN symptoms and severity were assessed using the Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS) via digital application (app) in patients attended from June 1, 2021, to November 12, 2021. SAS scoring for DAN was performed using established validated cutoffs. The adhesive with cobalt salt color indicator (Neuropad™) was used as a measure of sudomotor dysfunction. Demographical and clinical data were also collected. RESULTS: Data from 109 participants, 66.9% T2DM, 73.4% female, with a median age of 54.00 (± 20.00) years, were analyzed. Symptomatic DAN was present in 69.7% of participants and was associated with older age (p = 0.002), higher HbA1c (p = 0.043), higher abdominal circumference (p = 0.019), higher BMI (p = 0.013), more likely to have metabolic syndrome (MS) with a 10-fold increased risk, and more frequent association with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.005). Sudomotor dysfunction was found in 65 participants with positive Neuropad™ detected in 63.1% of them. CONCLUSION: The use of SAS through an app proved to be a practical and easy-to-use instrument to document symptoms of DAN in busy clinical practice. The high frequency of symptoms draws attention to the importance of screening this underdiagnosed diabetes complication. The risk factors and comorbidities associated with symptomatic DAN highlight the patients' phenotypes linked to MS that should be targeted for DAN evaluations in larger samples in the community.

Vitamin D prescribing practices among clinical practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background and Aims: COVID-19 has caused devastation globally. Low vitamin D status, particularly during the winter months, remains commonplace around the world, and it is thought to be one of the contributing factors toward causation and severity of COVID-19. Many guidelines do not recommend vitamin D for the treatment or prevention of the disease. Hence, we set out to conduct a global survey to understand the use and prescribing habits of vitamin D among clinicians for COVID-19. Methods: An online anonymous questionnaire was sent to clinicians enquiring about their prescribing habits of vitamin D and personal use of vitamin D. Data of the survey were collected between January 15, 2021, and February 13, 2021. Results: Four thousand four hundred forty practicing clinicians were included in the analysis, with the majority of those responding from Asia, followed by Europe. 82.9% prescribed vitamin D before COVID-19, more commonly among general practitioners (GPs) in comparison with medical specialists, and Asian clinicians were more likely to prescribe vitamin D in comparison with Caucasian physicians (p < 0.01). GPs were also more likely to prescribe vitamin D prophylactically to prevent COVID-19 in comparison with medical specialists (OR 1.47, p < 0.01). Most GPs (72.8%) would also prescribe vitamin D to treat COVID-19 in comparison with medical specialists (OR 1.81, p < 0.01), as well as more Asian in comparison with Caucasian physicians (OR 4.57, p < 0.01). 80.4% of respondents were taking vitamin D, more so in the 45-54 and 65-74 age groups in comparison with the 18-24 years category (OR 2.15 and 2.40, respectively, both p < 0.05), many of whom did so before COVID-19 (72.1%). Conclusion: This survey has shown that many clinicians would prescribe vitamin D for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The majority would also recommend measuring vitamin D levels, but not so in patients with COVID-19.

A new Brazilian regional scenario of Type 2 diabetes risk in the next ten years.

AIMS: According to a recent national diabetes screening performed by our group in 2018, 18.4% of the Brazilians were found to have high blood glucose. The objective of the present study was to estimate the risk of developing type 2 DM (T2DM) in the next ten years in Brazilian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in community pharmacies across Brazil, in 2018, where pharmacists applied the FINDRISC questionnaire to estimate the population's risk of developing T2DM within a ten-year period. RESULTS: The study included 977 pharmacists from 345 municipalities distributed across the five geographical regions of Brazil. Of the 17,580 people evaluated, the South region was found to have the highest frequency (59.6%) among people at very low and/or low risk of developing T2DM, while the North region, the most underserved, presented the highest and/or very highest T2DM risk (24.1%). The factors that mostly and importantly impacted these regional differences were body mass index; the highest daily consumption of vegetables and fruits; history of high blood glucose and family history of T1DM/T2DM. CONCLUSION: These results showed an impressive change of direction concerning diabetes numbers between the most underserved region in public health care and one of the most developed and best organized regions concerning health assistance, the North and the South, respectively.

Development and validation of a pocket guide for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic foot ulcers can have serious consequences, including amputation. This project aimed to develop and validate a diabetes care management model-a pocket guide on the prevention of foot ulceration to assist health professionals and scientific societies. METHODS: An adaptation of the Iowa method of evidence-based practice to promote high-quality care was employed. After problems are identified, the Iowa method supports the development of an action plan for addressing them. An evidence-based protocol based on the five cornerstones of the 2015 guidance on the diabetic foot by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot was developed in two phases and validated using the Delphi technique. RESULTS: A model was developed to promote these five cornerstones, which are the main recommendations for managing the diabetic foot. These are: foot examination; risk assessment for ulceration; education in diabetes; appropriate footwear; and treatment of pre-ulcerative lesions. To adapt this into a health information document, the management model was synthesised and designed as a pocket guide. The model's individual and global content validity indices surpass 0.78 and 0.90 respectively. CONCLUSION: A management model was created and validated, and produced as a pocket guide to deliver instructions on the care and prevention of diabetic foot problems in people with diabetes.

Gestational diabetes and overt diabetes first diagnosed in pregnancy: characteristics, therapeutic approach and perinatal outcomes in a public healthcare referral center in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics, management, and fetal outcomes of patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or overt diabetes (OD) during pregnancy who followed up at a public healthcare referral center in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study based on the medical records of women diagnosed with dysglycemia during pregnancy between January 2015 and July 2017 was conducted. RESULTS: Out of 224 pregnant women evaluated, 70% were overweight/obese. GDM was observed in 78.6% of pregnant women, while 21.4% presented with OD. Approximately 59% of patients could be diagnosed with GDM or OD by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) alterations alone. Exclusive diet therapy was used in 50.9% of patients. The need for insulin therapy was higher in OD patients (60.4%) than in GDM patients (38.1%) (p = 0.006). Women who needed insulin (n = 96) had a mean initial dose of 0.33 IU/kg (±0.27) and a final value of 0.39 IU/kg (±0.34). The cesarean rate was 74.3%. The fetal outcomes evaluated were macrosomia (2.15%), large for gestational age (LGA) fetus (15.83%), intensive care unit (ICU) need (4.32%), Apgar score ≤7 (6.47%), hypoglycemia (14.39%) and jaundice (16.55%). CONCLUSION: Patients with GDM and OD presented with several similar clinical features. Approximately half of the patients presented with adequate glycemic control only with diet management. Patients with OD presented a higher need for insulin therapy. Although overweight and obesity were frequent within both groups, they could possibly explain many of our findings.

COVID-19 associated with diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases led to a global health crisis.

COVID-19 has gravely threatened high-risk populations, such as people with diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases, leading to disproportionate hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. It is well documented from previous outbreaks that diabetes increases the risk for poor outcomes due to SARS infection. In the present review, we bring evidence that the country and global level health crisis caused by COVID-19 could have been avoided or extremely minimized if measures to protect high-risk populations were implemented timely. In addition to general lockdowns, testing, tracing, isolation and hygiene measures, other specific interventions for diabetes and comorbidities management were shown crucial to allow the continuation of care services during the pandemic. These interventions included: teleconsultation, digital remote education andmonitoring, e-prescriptions, medicine delivery options, mobile clinics, and home point-of-care tests. In conclusion, we recommend prompt actions to protect the most vulnerable groups, valuing knowledge and experiences from previous outbreaks and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to shield communities, health systems and the global economy.

Decentralized COVID-19 measures in Brazil were ineffective to protect people with diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: COVID-19 severity and mortality are elevated in individuals with diabetes. During the pandemic, interventions recommended globally for people with diabetes were to keep blood glucose on target whilst staying at home to curb the spread of the virus. In Brazil, similar measures were proposed. The aim of our observational study was to assess whether these measures achieved their objectives. METHODS: An anonymous and untraceable survey was shared from April 22nd to May 4th. States with more than 30 respondents were included in the analysis and Fisher's exact test was performed to identify associations, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Type 1 diabetes and female participants were prevalent, 60.76% and 76.12% respectively. 10 out of 26 states were included, in addition to the Federal District (1562 responses). Only in three states (Bahia, Goiás and Pernambuco) less than 50% of the respondents experienced higher glycemia or higher variability during the pandemic. Goiás state, where almost half of the respondents (49.12%) have private insurance, presented the highest percentage of individuals receiving medicines for three months (35.48%) and one of the lowest percentages of blood glucose deterioration (47.17%). In the large states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, consultations and/or lab exams were postponed by 37.14%, 34.33% and 40.88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The decentralized measures implemented by states in Brazil left most people with diabetes unprotected. Many were forced to venture outside to collect or to purchase their medical supplies monthly and reported increased glycemic levels and/or variability.

Prevalence of people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and the involvement of community pharmacies in a national screening campaign: a pioneer action in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is one of top 10 countries with the highest number of people with diabetes mellitus (DM), affecting 16.8 million peoples. It is estimated that 7.7 million people (20-79 years) in the country have not yet been diagnosed, representing an under-diagnosis rate of 46.0%. Herein we aimed to screen people for high blood glucose or risk for developing type 2 DM (T2DM) through community pharmacies in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in November 2018, involving 977 pharmacists from 345 municipalities in Brazil. The study evaluated people between 20 and 79 years old without a previous diagnosis of DM. Glycemia was considered high when its value was ≥ 100 mg/dL fasting and ≥ 140 mg/dL in a casual feeding state. The FINDRISC (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score) was used to estimate the risk for developing T2DM. The prevalence of high blood glucose was estimated and the associated factors were obtained using Poisson's multivariate analysis with robust variance. RESULTS: During the national screening campaign, 17,580 people were tested with the majority of the consultations (78.2%) being carried out in private pharmacies. The population was composed mainly of women (59.5%) and people aged between 20 and 45 years (47.9%). The frequency of participants with high blood glucose was 18.4% (95% CI 17.9-19.0). Considering the FINDRISC, 22.7% of people had a high or very high risk for T2DM. The risk factors associated with high blood glucose were: Body Mass Index > 25 kg/m2, abdominal circumference > 94 cm for men and > 80 cm for women; education level below 15 years of study, no daily intake of vegetables and fruits; previous diagnosis of arterial hypertension; history of high blood glucose and family history of DM. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest screening study that evaluated the frequency of high blood glucose and its associated factors in a population without a previous diagnosis ever performed in community pharmacies in Brazil. These results may help to improve public health policies and reinforce the role of pharmacists in screening and education actions aimed at this undiagnosed population in a continent-size country such as Brazil.

The impact of COVID-19 on people with diabetes in Brazil.

The present study aims at identifying main barriers faced by people living with diabetes in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In a convenience sampling study, data were collected from 1701 individuals, aged 18 or above; 75.54% female participants; 60.73% T1D and 30.75% T2D, between April 22nd and May 4th, using an anonymous and untraceable survey containing 20 multiple choice questions (socio-demographic; health status and habits of life during COVID-19 pandemic). Relationship between variables was established using the multiple correspondence analysis technique. RESULTS: 95.1% of respondents reduced their frequency of going outside of their homes; among those who monitored blood glucose at home during the pandemic (91.5%), the majority (59.4%) experienced an increase, a decrease or a higher variability in glucose levels; 38.4% postponed their medical appointments and/or routine examinations; and 59.5% reduced their physical activity. T1D, the youngest group, was more susceptible to presenting COVID-19 symptoms despite not being testing; whilst the T2D group had higher frequency of comorbidities that are additional risk factors for COVID-19 severity. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a first hand revelation of the severity of COVID-19 on individuals with diabetes in Brazil. Their habits were altered, which impacted their glycemia, potentially increasing the risk of poor outcomes and mortality if infected by SARS-CoV-2, and of acute and chronic diabetes complications.

Portuguese-Brazilian evidence-based guideline on the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: In current management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular and renal prevention have become important targets to be achieved. In this context, a joint panel of four endocrinology societies from Brazil and Portugal was established to develop an evidence-based guideline for treatment of hyperglycemia in T2DM. METHODS: MEDLINE (via PubMed) was searched for randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies related to diabetes treatment. When there was insufficient high-quality evidence, expert opinion was sought. Updated positions on treatment of T2DM patients with heart failure (HF), atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and patients with no vascular complications were developed. The degree of recommendation and the level of evidence were determined using predefined criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In non-pregnant adults, the recommended HbA1c target is below 7%. Higher levels are recommended in frail older adults and patients at higher risk of hypoglycemia. Lifestyle modification is recommended at all phases of treatment. Metformin is the first choice when HbA1c is 6.5-7.5%. When HbA1c is 7.5-9.0%, dual therapy with metformin plus an SGLT2i and/or GLP-1RA (first-line antidiabetic agents, AD1) is recommended due to cardiovascular and renal benefits. If an AD1 is unaffordable, other antidiabetic drugs (AD) may be used. Triple or quadruple therapy should be considered when HbA1c remains above target. In patients with clinical or subclinical atherosclerosis, the combination of one AD1 plus metformin is the recommended first-line therapy to reduce cardiovascular events and improve blood glucose control. In stable heart failure with low ejection fraction (< 40%) and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, metformin plus an SGLT-2i is recommended to reduce cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalizations and improve blood glucose control. In patients with diabetes-associated chronic kidney disease (CKD) (eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or eGFR 30-90 mL/min/1.73 m2 with albuminuria > 30 mg/g), the combination of metformin and an SGLT2i is recommended to attenuate loss of renal function, reduce albuminuria and improve blood glucose control. In patients with severe renal failure, insulin-based therapy is recommended to improve blood glucose control. Alternatively, GLP-1RA, DPP4i, gliclazide MR and pioglitazone may be considered to reduce albuminuria. In conclusion, the current evidence supports individualizing anti-hyperglycemic treatment for T2DM.

Time in range: a new parameter to evaluate blood glucose control in patients with diabetes.

The International Consensus in Time in Range (TIR) was recently released and defined the concept of the time spent in the target range between 70 and 180 mg/dL while reducing time in hypoglycemia, for patients using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). TIR was validated as an outcome measures for clinical Trials complementing other components of glycemic control like Blood glucose and HbA1c. The challenge is to implement this practice more widely in countries with a limited health public and private budget as it occurs in Brazil. Could CGM be used intermittently? Could self-monitoring blood glucose obtained at different times of the day, with the amount of data high enough be used? More studies should be done, especially cost-effective studies to help understand the possibility of having sensors and include TIR evaluation in clinical practice nationwide.

Rastreamento e diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus gestacional no Brasil / Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in Brazil

Em primeiro de agosto de 2016, considerando-se a relevância do Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional (DMG), tanto por sua prevalência como pelas consequências para o binômio materno-fetal em curto e em longo prazo, foi realizado, em São Paulo, um fórum de discussão sobre o tema, com o objetivo de definir uma proposta para o diagnóstico de DMG para o Brasil. Nesse contexto, participaram da reunião médicos especializados na assistência a mulheres com DMG: obstetras da Federação Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (Febrasgo), endocrinologistas da Sociedade Brasileira de Diabetes (SBD) e consultores da Organização Panamericana de Saúde (Opas/OMS Brasil) e assessores técnicos do Ministério da Saúde. Apresentamos neste documento os principais pontos debatidos visando à análise cuidadosa das possibilidades para diagnóstico de DMG, considerando-se as diferenças de acesso aos serviços de saúde existentes no Brasil.(AU)

Short-acting insulin analogues versus regular human insulin on postprandial glucose and hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Strict glucose control using multiple doses of insulin is the standard treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but increased risk of hypoglycemia is a frequent drawback. Regular insulin in multiple doses is important for achieving strict glycemic control for T1DM, but short-acting insulin analogues may be better in reducing hypoglycemia and postprandial glucose levels. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of short-acting insulin analogues vs regular human insulin on hypoglycemia and postprandial glucose in patients with T1DM. METHODS: Searches were run on the electronic databases MEDLINE, Cochrane-CENTRAL, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, LILACS, and DARE for RCTs published until August 2017. To be included in the study, the RCTs had to cover a minimum period of 4 weeks and had to assess the effects of short-acting insulin analogues vs regular human insulin on hypoglycemia and postprandial glucose levels in patients with T1DM. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the quality of the selected studies. The primary outcomes analyzed were hypoglycemia (total episodes, nocturnal hypoglycemia, and severe hypoglycemia) and postprandial glucose (at all times, after breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and quality of life were considered secondary outcomes. The risk of bias of each RCT was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias table, while the quality of evidence for each outcome was assessed using the GRADEpro software. The pooled mean difference in the number of hypoglycemic episodes and postprandial glucose between short-acting insulin analogues vs. regular human insulin was calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Of the 2897 articles retrieved, 22 (6235 patients) were included. Short-acting insulin analogues were associated with a decrease in total hypoglycemic episodes (risk rate 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99; 6235 patients; I2 = 81%), nocturnal hypoglycemia (risk rate 0.55, 95% CI 0.40-0.76, 1995 patients, I2 = 84%), and severe hypoglycemia (risk rate 0.68, 95% CI 0.60-0.77; 5945 patients, I2 = 0%); and with lower postprandial glucose levels (mean difference/MD - 19.44 mg/dL; 95% CI - 21.49 to - 17.39; 5031 patients, I2 = 69%) and lower HbA1c (MD - 0,13%; IC 95% - 0.16 to - 0.10; 5204 patients; I2 = 73%) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Short-acting insulin analogues are superior to regular human insulin in T1DM patients for the following outcomes: total hypoglycemic episodes, nocturnal hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia, postprandial glucose, and HbA1c.

Correlation of body composition parameters using different methods among Brazilian obese adults / Correlação de parâmetros de composição corporal utilizando diferentes métodos entre adultos obesos brasileiros

Abstract Data comparing anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absortiometry (DXA) parameters are somehow limited and conflicting. The objective of this study was to correlate anthropometric, BIA and DXA parameters among obese Brazilian adults with focus on the comparison with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) obtained from DXA and in the value of antropometric measurements. Fifty voluntary participants were enrolled. The Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation of VAT with anthropometric measurements, BIA and other DXA parameters. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate concordance between lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), %body fat (%BF) and %upper body fat (%UBF) obtained from BIA and DXA. Most were female (80%) and had an average body index mass (BMI) of 39.0 (± 6.4) kg/m2. The only anthropometric measurements showing a strong correlation with VAT were abdominal circumference (AC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), but just in females. There was a very good correlation for LM [ICC = 0.951 (CI = 0.913 - 0.972)], FM [ICC = 0.987 (CI = 0.977 - 0.993)], %BF [ICC = 0.961 (CI = 0.931-0.978)], and %UBF [ICC = 0.873 (CI = 0.776 - 0.928)], between data collected through BIA and DXA. Among the anthropometric measurements assessed, only AC and WHtR seems to estimate patients with abdominal fat distribution and higher VAT in females. DXA and BIA proved similar for the evaluation of LM, FM, %BF and %UBF, although DXA has the advantage of estimating VAT.

Resumo Dados comparando medidas antropométricas, análise de impedância bioelétrica (BIA) e parâmetros de absorciometria de raios-X de dupla energia (DXA) são de alguma forma limitados e conflitantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi correlacionar parâmetros antropométricos de BIA e de DXA entre adultos obesos brasileiros, com foco na comparação com tecido adiposo visceral (TAV) obtido na DXA e no valor das medidas antropométricas. Cinquenta participantes voluntários foram inscritos. O teste de correlação de Spearman foi utilizado para avaliar a correlação do TAV com medidas antropométricas, da BIA e de outros parâmetros da DXA. O coeficiente de correlação intra-classe (ICC) foi usado para avaliar a concordância entre massa magra (MM), massa gorda (MG), % de gordura corporal (%GC) e % de gordura corporal na parte superior do corpo (%GSC) obtidos por BIA e DXA. A maioria era do sexo feminino (80%) e apresentava índice de massa corporal médio (IMC) de 39,0 (± 6,4) kg / m2. As únicas medidas antropométricas que mostraram uma forte correlação com o TAV foram a circunferência abdominal (CA) e a relação cintura / estatura (RCE), mas apenas no sexo feminino. Houve uma correlação muito boa para MM [ICC = 0,951 (IC = 0,913 - 0,972)], MG [ICC = 0,987 (IC = 0,977 - 0,993)], % GC [ICC = 0,961 (IC = 0,931-0,978)], e % GSC [ICC = 0,873 (IC = 0,776 - 0,928)], entre os dados coletados através de BIA e DXA. Dentre as medidas antropométricas avaliadas, apenas a CA e a RCE parecem estimar pacientes com distribuição de gordura abdominal e maior TAV no sexo feminino. A DXA e a BIA mostraram-se semelhantes para a avaliação de MM, MG,% GC e % GSC, embora a DXA tenha a vantagem de estimar o VAT.

Insulin Injection Technique Questionnaire: results of an international study comparing Brazil, Latin America and World data.

BACKGROUND: In 2014-2015, the largest international survey of insulin injection technique in patients with diabetes taking insulin was conducted in 42 countries, totaling 13,289 participants. In Brazil, patients from five public health centers were included. This study aims to evaluate insulin injection technique in Brazilian patients and compare results with Latin America (LatAm) and World data. METHODS: The insulin Injection Technique Questionnaire (ITQ) survey consisted of an initial patient section (questions applied by an experienced nurse), followed by observation of injection technique and examination of the injection sites by the health care professional. RESULTS: In Brazil, 255 patients were evaluated: 25% had type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and 75% had T2DM. In this study, 79% of patients injected less than 4 times a day, and 17.3% used insulin pens, compared to 28% in LatAm and 86% worldwide. Syringes were used by 78% of patients in Brazil, compared to 65% in LatAm and 10% globally. Differences in needle length were substantial-nearly 64% in Brazil inject with 8 mm length needle compared to 48% in LatAm and 27% worldwide. Additionally, 48% of patients in Brazil skip doses, 80% reuse pen needles and 57% reuse syringes with 27% having lipohypertrophy by exam. CONCLUSION: Brazilian patients use syringes more and pens less, inject with larger needles and have more lipohypertrophy when compared to Latin America and World data. Their re-use of needles and syringes is also high. This study showed that in Brazil, teaching of proper injection technique has to be more widespread, and more intensive during diabetes educational sessions, and the type of delivered supplies must be updated to smaller, shorter needles preferred by patients, in order to facilitate adherence to treatment. From the ITQ, we conclude that there are many aspects of insulin injection technique that may be improved in Brazil.

Annual Direct Medical Costs of Diabetic Foot Disease in Brazil: A Cost of Illness Study.

The aim of this study was to estimate the annual costs for the treatment of diabetic foot disease (DFD) in Brazil. We conducted a cost-of-illness study of DFD in 2014, while considering the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (SUS) perspective. Direct medical costs of outpatient management and inpatient care were considered. For outpatient costs, a panel of experts was convened from which utilization of healthcare services for the management of DFD was obtained. When considering the range of syndromes included in the DFD spectrum, we developed four well-defined hypothetical DFD cases: (1) peripheral neuropathy without ulcer, (2) non-infected foot ulcer, (3) infected foot ulcer, and (4) clinical management of amputated patients. Quantities of each healthcare service was then multiplied by their respective unit costs obtained from national price listings. We then developed a decision analytic tree to estimate nationwide costs of DFD in Brazil, while taking into the account the estimated cost per case and considering epidemiologic parameters obtained from a national survey, secondary data, and the literature. For inpatient care, ICD10 codes related to DFD were identified and costs of hospitalizations due to osteomyelitis, amputations, and other selected DFD related conditions were obtained from a nationwide hospitalization database. Direct medical costs of DFD in Brazil was estimated considering the 2014 purchasing power parity (PPP) (1 Int$ = 1.748 BRL). We estimated that the annual direct medical costs of DFD in 2014 was Int$ 361 million, which denotes 0.31% of public health expenses for this period. Of the total, Int$ 27.7 million (13%) was for inpatient, and Int$ 333.5 million (87%) for outpatient care. Despite using different methodologies to estimate outpatient and inpatient costs related to DFD, this is the first study to assess the overall economic burden of DFD in Brazil, while considering all of its syndromes and both outpatients and inpatients. Although we have various reasons to believe that the hospital costs are underestimated, the estimated DFD burden is significant. As such, public health preventive strategies to reduce DFD related morbidity and mortality and costs are of utmost importance.

Barriers to insulin initiation in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazil.

AIMS: We aimed to explore insulin initiation barriers in the Brazilian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) elderly population, according to the physician's perspective, and suggest strategies to overcome them. METHODS: A 45-questions survey addressing issues as clinical characteristics, barriers to insulinization, and treatment strategies in elderly patients with T2DM, was sent to six endocrinologists from different Brazilian locations. Thereafter, all the respondents participated in a panel discussion to validate their responses and collect additional relevant data. RESULTS: Endocrinologists had at least 15 years of experience, with a mean of 63 elderly patients per month. Nearly 25% of the elderly patients were treated in the Brazilian public healthcare system (SUS, Unified Health System); only a quarter presented proper glycemic control. In contrast, 55% of the patients from private healthcare system presented adequate glycemic control. The main barriers for insulin initiation for patients, according to physicians' perspective, are side effects and negative perception over treatment (100%). For endocrinologists, main barriers were lack of time to guide patients and concern over side effects (83%). Therefore, specialists considered education for both healthcare professionals and patients as one of the most important strategies to circumvent the current scenario related insulin therapy among elderly patients in the country. CONCLUSION: Insulin therapy remains underused due to several barriers, such as concern over side effects and negative perception. Educational measures for patients and HCPs could improve the current scenario.

Análise da força de preensão manual e risco cardiovascular de adolescentes com Diabetes Melitos tipo 1 / Analysis of handgrip muscle strength and cardiovascular risk in adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 1

Comparar a força de preensão manual de adolescentes com e sem diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) e correlacionar as variáveis hemodinâmicas com o controle da glicemia pela hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) nos adolescentes diabéticos. Método: Foram avaliados 49 adolescentes com DM1 (12,73 ± 1,23 anos; índice de massa corporal 19,52 ± 2,62 kg/m2 ) e 75 adolescentes sem DM1 (13,31 ± 1,16 anos; índice de massa corporal 20,79 ± 3,64 kg/m2 ). A HbA1c foi determinada por cromatografia líquida de alta ficiência (HPLC) e a força de preensão foi obtida com o dinamômetro Jamar®. As variáveis hemodinâmicas registradas foram à frequência cardíaca e a pressão arterial (PA) na posição sentada. Resultados: Os adolescentes do gênero masculino com DM1 apresentaram menores valores de força de preensão manual absoluta da mão direita (26,48 ± 6,24 vs 32,59 ± 9,59 kg; p = 0,004), da mão esquerda (25,45 ± 6,52 vs 30,76 ± 8,19 kg; p = 0,006) e maior PA diastólica (66,43 ± 8,62 vs 72,40 ± 10,01 mmHg; p = 0,019) do que os adolescentes sem DM1. As adolescentes do gênero feminino com DM1 apresentaram menores valores de força de preensão manual absoluta da mão direita (26,20 ± 4,09 vs 29,53 ± 5,27 kg; p = 0,017) e da mão esquerda (24,50 ± 4,29 vs 27,79 ± 5,11 kg; p = 0,017). Houve correlação positiva da frequência cardíaca (0,44; p = 0,01) e da PA diastólica (0,37; p = 0,01) com a HbA1c. Conclusão: Adolescentes com DM1 devem receber atenção quanto a menor força muscular e risco cardiovascular com o aumento da HbA1c...(AU)

To compare the handgrip muscle strength of adolescents with and without diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) and to correlate the hemodynamic variables with the glycemic control by glycated hemoglobin (A1c) in the diabetic adolescents. Method: 49 adolescents with DM1 (12.73 ± 1.23 years; body mass index 19.52 ± 2.62 kg/m2 ) and 75 adolescents without DM1 (13.31 ± 1.16 years; body mass index 20.79 ± 3.64 kg/m2 ) were evaluated. The A1c was determined by high performance liquide chromatography (HPLC) and handgrip muscle strength was obtained by the Jamar® dynamometer. The hemodynamic variable measured were heart rate and blood pressure (BP) in the seated position. Results: The male adolescents with DM1 presented lower values of handgrip muscle strength in the right hand (26.48 ± 6.24 vs 32.59 ± 9.59 kg; p = 0.004), and left hand (25.45 ± 6.52 vs 30.76 ± 8.19 kg; p = 0.006) and higher diastolic BP (66.43 ± 8.62 vs 72.40 ± 10.01 mmHg; p = 0.019) as compared with the male adolescents without DM1. The female adolescents with DM1 presented lower values of handgrip strength in the right hand (26.20 ± 4.09 vs 29.53 ± 5.27 kg; p = 0.017), and left hand (24.50 ± 4.29 vs 27.79 ± 5.11 kg; p = 0.017). There was a positive correlation of heart rate (0.44; p = 0.01) and diastolic BP (0.37; p = 0.01) with A1c. Conclusion: Adolescents with DM1 should receive attention regarding their reduced muscle strength and cardiovascular risk with the increase in A1c...(AU)

Baseline characteristics and risk factors for ulcer, amputation and severe neuropathy in diabetic foot at risk: the BRAZUPA study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on diabetic foot and its complications involving a significant and representative sample of patients in South American countries are scarce. The main objective of this study was to acquire clinical and epidemiological data on a large cohort of diabetic patients from 19 centers from Brazil and focus on factors that could be associated with the risk of ulcer and amputation. METHODS: This study presents cross sectional, baseline results of the BRAZUPA Study. A total of 1455 patients were included. Parameters recorded included age, gender, ethnicity, diabetes and comorbidity-related records, previous ulcer or amputation, clinical symptomatic score, foot classification and microvascular complications. RESULTS: Patients with ulcer had longer disease duration (17.2 ± 9.9 vs. 13.2 ± 9.4 years; p < 0.001), and poorer glycemic control (HbA1c 9.23 ± 2.03 vs. 8.35 ± 1.99; p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for ulcer were male gender (OR 1.71; 95 % CI 1.2-3.7), smoking (OR 1.78; 95 % CI 1.09-2.89), neuroischemic foot (OR 20.34; 95 % CI 9.31-44.38), region of origin (higher risk for those from developed regions, OR 2.39; 95 % CI 1.47-3.87), presence of retinopathy (OR 1.68; 95 % CI 1.08-2.62) and absence of vibratory sensation (OR 7.95; 95 % CI 4.65-13.59). Risk factors for amputation were male gender (OR 2.12; 95 % CI 1.2-3.73), type 2 diabetes (OR 3.33; 95 % CI 1.01-11.1), foot at risk classification (higher risk for ischemic foot, OR 19.63; 95 % CI 3.43-112.5), hypertension (lower risk, OR 0.3; 95 % CI 0.14-0.63), region of origin (South/Southeast, OR 2.2; 95 % CI 1.1-4.42), previous history of ulcer (OR 9.66; 95 % CI 4.67-19.98) and altered vibratory sensation (OR 3.46; 95 % CI 1.64-7.33). There was no association between either outcome and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Ulcer and amputation rates were high. Age at presentation was low and patients with ulcer presented a higher prevalence of neuropathy compared to ischemic foot at risk. Ischemic disease was more associated with amputations. Ethnical differences were not of great importance in a miscegenated population.

Elevated glycated hemoglobin levels impair blood pressure in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Deregulation of glycemic and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1) levels accelerate the progression of cardiovascular complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between HbA1 and changes in blood pressure of children and adolescents with T1DM. METHODS: A total of 60 children and adolescents were recruited and allocated into two groups (prehypertension and control group). Blood pressure and HbA1 were measured by the oscillometric method and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. RESULTS: The prehypertensive group had (P < 0.05) higher disease duration, body weight, Z score for body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and a higher HbA1 when compared with the control children and adolescents. Multiple regression to predict alterations in DBP from HbA1 adjusted for age, disease duration, and body mass index demonstrated a positive relationship with DBP (P < 0.05). A 1 % increase in HbA1 was associated with 1.73 mmHg increase in DBP. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of HbA1 may be associated with increased blood pressure in T1DM. A tight control of HbA1 levels may provide long-term cardiovascular protection in children and adolescents with T1DM.