Physiological Characteristics of Type 1 Diabetes Patients during High Mountain Trekking.

In this study, the aim was to provide observational data from an ascent to the summit of Mount Damavand (5670 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l), Iran) by a group of people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), with a focus on their physiological characteristics. After a 3-day expedition, 18 T1DM patients, all treated with personal insulin pumps, successfully climbed Mount Damavand. Information was collected on their physiological and dietary behaviors, as well as medical parameters, such as carbohydrate consumption, glucose patterns, insulin dosing, and the number of hypo- and hyperglycemic episodes during this time frame. The participants consumed significantly less carbohydrates on day 3 compared to day 1 (16.4 vs. 23.1 carbohydrate units; p = 0.037). Despite this, a gradual rise in the mean daily glucose concentration as measured with a glucometer was observed. Interestingly, the patients did not fully respond to higher insulin delivery as there was no significant difference in mean daily insulin dose during the expedition. There were more hyperglycemic episodes (≥180 mg/dL) per patient on day 3 vs. day 1 (p < 0.05) and more severe hyperglycemic episodes (>250 mg/dL) per patient on days 2 (p < 0.05) and 3 (p < 0.05) vs. day 1. In summary, high mountain trekking is feasible for T1DM patients with good glycemic control and no chronic complications. However, some changes in dietary preferences and an observable rise in glucose levels may occur. This requires an adequate therapeutic response.

Type 1 Diabetes at High Altitude: Performance of Personal Insulin Pumps and Patient Metabolic Control.

High-altitude trekking can expose people to extreme environmental conditions, like low temperatures and hypobaric hypoxia. Such extreme conditions make it more difficult for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) to maintain glycemic control. Intensive blood glucose monitoring using either glucose meters or continuous systems is imperative in these cases. In this observational study, we report metabolic control of T1DM patients and the performance of various insulin pumps at high altitude. All 19 patients with T1DM included in this study participated in the final step of the "5000 meters above sugar level" initiative, which involved trekking Damavand Mountain to an altitude of 5670 meters above sea level. We found that all pump models worked well without any disruption and no cases of diabetes decompensation or severe hypoglycemia occurred. Therefore, healthy, physically fit, and experienced individuals with T1DM should not be discouraged from participating in mountain trekking activities, as modern personal insulin pumps work well at high altitudes.

[Education of the patient for therapy with personal insulin pump]. / Edukacja pacjenta przygotowywanego do terapii z zastowaniem osobistej pompy insulinowej.

Insulin pump therapy is a diabetes management tool that can significantly aid in achieving treatment goals in children, adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus. These goals include optimal glycaemic control, lifestyle flexibility, quality-of-life improvement, and independence. Successful implementation of CSII requires a motivated, conscientious patient with a range of technical skills and self-management capabilities. Patients develop this knowledge through the program of education provided by a healthcare team including diabetologists, diabetes educator, dietietian, pump manufacturer representative, and in some cases, mental health professionals. Training of the patient to use a pump includes three basic steps: 1 - pre-pump education, 2 - pump start-up, 3 - evaluation, independence assessment and re-education. It is a relatively long process that can range from a few weeks to several months. Insulin pump therapy checklist, included in this paper, is a useful tool in planning and providing education for insulin pump users.

Metabolic control in type 1 diabetes patients practicing combat sports: at least two-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: It is well recognized that physical activity should be an integral part of the management of diabetes. It remains controversial, however, whether combat sports, often preferred by young individuals type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), may be performed without high risk of metabolic decompensation. The aim of this observational study was to summarize a two-year follow-up period of five young male patients with T1DM practicing combat sports under the care of a physical-activity oriented specialist diabetes outpatient clinic. Of the five patients, three mixed martial arts and two kick-boxing competitors were included in the study. To control glucose in each patient, an individual approach was used that took into consideration the type of training, the sequence of the exercises, and the relative proportion of different forms of exercise. FINDINGS: During the follow-up, glycemic control was improved and maintained in all individuals. Neither an episode of hospitalization-requiring diabetic ketoacidosis nor severe hypoglycemia occurred in these patients during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, an individual approach for T1DM patients practicing combat sports may result in achieving and maintaining satisfactory glycemic control without increased risk of metabolic decompensation.

The impact of a pure protein load on the glucose levels in type 1 diabetes patients treated with insulin pumps.

We aimed to estimate the impact of ingestion of a pure protein load on the glucose levels in T1DM patients treated with insulin pumps. We examined 10 T1DM patients (6 females, mean age-32.3 years, mean HbA1c-6.8%) treated with insulin pumps equipped with a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). In Phase I, baseline insulin infusion was optimized to minimize the differences in fasting glucose levels to less than 30 mg/dL between any two time points between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. In Phase II, the patients were exposed to single pure protein load. CGMS record was performed and the glucose pattern was defined for 6 hours of each phase. The maximal glucose level increment was similar for the entire duration of the fasting and the protein load test (26.6 versus 27.6 mg/dL, resp., P < 0.78). There was only a borderline difference in change between baseline versus 6th hour glucose (12.5 and 19.0 mg/dL, P = 0.04). Glucose variability, assessed by standard deviation of mean glucose levels, was 36.4 and 37.9 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.01). The administration of a pure protein load does not seem to have a clinically significant impact on glucose levels in T1DM patients treated with insulin pumps.