Higher HbA1c Measurement Quality Standards are Needed for Follow-Up and Diagnosis: Experience and Analyses from Germany.

Measurement of HbA1c is an essential laboratory measure for the follow-up and therapy decision-making in patients with diabetes. HbA1c is one of the measurands in laboratory medicine that have to be successfully checked according to the criteria of the guidelines of the German Medical Association (Rili-BAEK) in external quality assurance using the reference method value concept, when applied in patient care. The allowed deviation of ±18% in external quality assessment (EQA) and ± 10% in internal quality control has been ultimately met by virtually all the different manufacturers and methods. However, such broad limits for permissible deviations are not suitable in view of medical requirements in patient care. The low-level acceptance criteria also depends on the previously used EQA materials used in Germany. In fact, HbA1c measurement results that are imprecisely measured or come from incorrectly calibrated devices are difficult to identify. With implementation of unprocessed fresh EDTA blood, the situation has changed. Until now systems with unit use reagents for point-of-care testing (POCT) of HbA1c are not mandatory to participate in EQA schemes in Germany. This paper outlines why there was a need to narrow the acceptance limits listed within the Rili-BAEK for HbA1c's internal (to ± 3%) and external (to ± 8%) quality controls in EQA schemes for Germany, which will take place after a transition period in the next years. Higher quality in HbA1c measurements will help to avoid misdiagnosis of diabetes as well as potential over- or undertreatment of patients at risk for diabetes.

A randomised, controlled trial of self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving conventional insulin treatment.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We evaluated whether self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) leads to better glycaemic control (HbA(1c)) in patients with type 2 diabetes on conventional insulin regimens. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes on a conventional insulin regimen (basal or premixed insulin with or without additional oral glucose-lowering agents) were recruited at study centres led by members of the German Diabetes Association. In a randomised, prospective, open 2 × 2 factorial design, the once-weekly performance of four-point glucose profiles (SMBG +; n = 151 patients) was compared with no SMBG (SMBG -; n = 149), and the measuring and transmitting of HbA1c results to the study centres (HbA(1c) +; n = 158, of these 82 SMBG - and 76 SMBG +) was compared with HbA1c measurement without disclosure of results (HbA(1c) -; n = 142, of these 67 SMBG - and 75 SMBG +). Randomised allocation was carried out by a central office, using sequentially numbered, sealed envelopes. The primary endpoint was the reduction of HbA(1c) compared with baseline after 12 months. Secondary analyses were of therapy intensification in response to higher blood or urinary glucose or HbA(1c). Participants and caregivers were not blinded as to the allocation of interventions, whereas the laboratory determining HbA(1c) remained blinded. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were balanced across groups. A total of 56 patients dropped out. In completers, HbA(1c) was reduced in the SMBG + group from 7.3% to 7.0%, i.e. by 0.3% (0.1%, 0.5%) vs SMBG - from 7.3% to 7.0% and 0.3% (0.2%, 0.5%), respectively, the difference being 0.0% (-0.2%, 0.2%) (p = 0.93). The disclosure of HbA(1c) results had no significant influence, with a difference of 0.1% (-0.1%, 0.4%) (p = 0.28). Values above are mean (95% CI). The ORs for therapy intensification significantly rose as the following increased: proportions of urine samples testing positive for glucose, HbA1c concentrations, and fasting or postprandial glucose concentrations. No important adverse events were associated with the interventions. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: SMBG profiles once weekly or the disclosure of HbA(1c) results did not improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes on conventional insulin treatment, although indicators of hyperglycaemia increased the likelihood of therapy intensification. Greater intensification may be necessary to impact on glycaemic control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration code NCT00688363) FUNDING: Deutsche Diabetes-Gesellschaft, Deutsche Diabetes-Stiftung, Bayer Vital GmbH.

Clinical and endocrine correlates of circulating sclerostin levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) increases fragility fractures due to low bone mass, micro-architectural alterations and decreased bone formation. Sclerostin is expressed by osteocytes and inhibits osteoblastic bone formation. We evaluated serum sclerostin levels in T1DM and their association with bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover, glycaemic control and physical activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 128 men and premenopausal women with long-standing T1DM (mean age 43·4 ± 8·8 years, diabetes duration 22·4 ± 9·5 years) and 77 age-, BMI (Body Mass Index) and gender-matched healthy individuals were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum sclerostin levels were higher in T1DM compared with controls, irrespective of gender (male 0·55 ± 0·17 vs 0·49 ± 0·12 ng/ml, P = 0·046; female 0·52 ± 0·19 ng/ml vs 0·43 ± 0·12 ng/ml, P = 0·012). Partial correlation analysis adjusted for age and gender revealed a positive correlation between serum sclerostin levels and BMD at lumbar spine and femoral neck in T1DM and between BMD at lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip in controls. Bone turnover markers, parathyroid hormone, calcium and vitamin D did not correlate with serum sclerostin levels in T1DM or controls. Physical activity was not associated with serum sclerostin levels. A multivariate analysis revealed that only the interaction of T1DM and age affects serum sclerostin levels but not T1DM alone. The influence of age on serum sclerostin levels was more pronounced in T1DM compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerostin serum levels were increased in patients with T1DM, and the positive correlation of age with serum sclerostin levels was stronger in T1DM. There was no effect of serum sclerostin levels on markers of bone metabolism and they do not explain the detrimental effects of T1DM on BMD.

A retrospective study on the incidence and risk factors of severe hypoglycemia in primary care.

AIMS: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of severe hypoglycemia (SH) in primary care. SH was defined as hypoglycemia with coma, or the need of glucose or glucagon injection. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study in patients with diabetes treated in primary care in Germany. We analyzed an unselected sample of participants with type 1 (n = 373) and type 2 diabetes (n = 4481) who participated in an insurance plan from the health care insurer Deutsche BKK. Data of participants with type 1 diabetes are as follows: women, n = 155 (42%); age, 49±16 years; diabetes duration, 20+13 years; BMI, 28±6 kg/m2; GHb, 7.1+1.5%; GHb≤7%, n = 263 (71%); GHb≥8.5%, n = 48 (13%). Data of participants with type 2 diabetes: women, n = 1979 (44%); age, 66±10 years; diabetes duration, 8±7 years; BMI, 30±5 kg/m2; GHb, 6.6±1.3%; GHb≤7%, n = 3747 (84%); GHb≥8.5%, n = 360 (8%); insulin therapy, n = 1175 (26%). RESULTS: The incidence of SH in type 1 diabetes: 1.3% (CI: 0.4%, 3.1%) per year; type 2 diabetes with insulin therapy: 0.9% (CI: 0.5%, 1.7%); without insulin therapy: 0.3% (CI: 0.1%, 0.6%). The event rate was 0.02 SH per patient/year in type 1 diabetes and 0.01 in type 2 diabetes, respectively. Low BMI, GHb, insulin therapy and female gender were associated with an increased risk of SH. CONCLUSIONS: In primary care, patients with diabetes can achieve good glycemic control with very rare events of SH. Due to low incidence, SH would have been an inappropriate parameter to evaluate the outcome quality of diabetes therapy in primary care.

Synchronous Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Paraesophageal Parathyroid Adenoma Detected on 18 F-Ethylcholine PET/US Fusion Imaging.

ABSTRACT: An 80-year-old woman with osteoporosis without fractures was referred with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism and elevated calcitonin level. Ultrasound, 99m Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy, 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy, and CT revealed a suspicious thyroid nodule and enlarged submandibular lymph nodes. However, no parathyroid adenoma was depictable. 18 F-choline PET/CT showed increased uptake of the proximal esophagus, but neither CT nor US revealed a parathyroid lesion, and only 18 F-choline PET/US fusion imaging confirmed a paraesophageal parathyroid adenoma. Resection of both medullary thyroid carcinoma and ectopic parathyroid adenoma through a single cervicotomy was conducted (thyroidectomy, neck dissection, extirpation of parathyroid adenoma); parathyroid hormone and calcitonin dropped to normal. Multiple endocrine neoplasia IIa syndrome was suspected.

Prevalence of Impairment of Visual Acuity and Severity of Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

AIMS: No information exists on the frequency of visual impairment in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Germany. In this study, the prevalence of vision impairment in those individuals was investigated. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 295 people (14221 consultations) at a university outpatient clinic with any type of DM and an available ETDRS-Score and visual acuity. The primary outcome was the prevalence of visual impairment, the secondary outcome was the correlation of the ETDRS-Score and limitations of visual acuity and the prevalence of higher ETDRS-Score with a visual impairment defined as a decimal-visus

Association between socioeconomic status and renal function in a population of German patients with diabetic nephropathy treated at a tertiary centre.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is the most common disease leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in many countries including Germany. Some previous studies, mainly from the US, suggest that low socioeconomic status (SES) may increase the risk of ESRD. No data are available whether the SES influences the development of diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus in Germany. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on patients treated at a large university outpatient department for endocrinology and metabolic diseases. A total of 174 patients with type 1 and 651 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic preterminal diabetic nephropathy were studied [mainly chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stages 2 and 3]. Only very few CKD Stage 5 patients were included. Patients with acute kidney injury or abnormal urinary sediment were excluded. Patients were asked about their social status using a questionnaire. Social status was determined by three components: education, highest professional position achieved and household net income. Each component was assessed by a score with 1 to 7 points to generate a total score with a minimum of 3 up to maximum of 21 points. Smoking habits were also assessed by questionnaire. HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index from the last observation were recorded. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated according to the modified equation 7 MDRD formula. Patients were grouped into the CKD stages according to eGFR and presence of albuminuria. Multivariate analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Patients were grouped in tertiles according to their social status (Tertile 1: 307, Tertile 2: 269, Tertile 3: 269 patients). The majority of type 1 (50.9%) and type 2 (64.9%) patients were in CKD Stages 2 and 3. Multivariate analysis revealed that SES is an independent predictor of renal function in all patients as well as in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. This relationship was independent of smoking behaviour, duration of diabetes and HbA1c values. There was no association between renal function and SES in type 1 diabetic patients, but a type 2 error caused by low patient number cannot be excluded. Furthermore, no significant association between SES and albuminuria (defined ≥20 mg/L) existed. There was no significant difference in the number of visits to the clinic in regard to SES excluding referral bias. CONCLUSIONS: A lower SES was associated with the presence of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes in a German population. The causes for this association are likely multiple.

Metabolic control and hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes: insulin pump therapy vs. intensified insulin therapy in an unselected cohort in routine care.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare individuals with type 1 diabetes with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and intensified insulin therapy (ICT) in routine care regarding metabolic control and treatment satisfaction. METHODS: Individuals with type 1 diabetes (CSII n = 74; ICT n = 163) were analysed regarding metabolic control, frequency of hypoglycaemia and treatment satisfaction (DTSQs range 0-36). RESULTS: Individuals with CSII (duration of CSII: 14.1 ± 7.2 years) were younger (51.1 ± 15.8 vs. 56.2 ± 16.2 years, p = 0.023), had longer diabetes duration (28.7 ± 12.4 vs. 24.6 ± 14.3 years, p = 0.033), lower insulin dosage (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.4 IU/kg, p = 0.004), used more frequently short-acting analogue insulin (90.5% vs. 48.5%, p < 0.001) and flash/continuous glucose monitoring (50.0% vs. 31.9%, p = 0.009) than people with ICT. HbA1c was similar between CSII and ICT (7.1 ± 0.8%/54.4 ± 9.1 mmol/mol vs. 7.2 ± 1.0%/55.7 ± 10.9 mmol/mol, p = 0.353). Individuals with CSII had higher frequency of non-severe hypoglycaemia per week (in people with blood glucose monitoring: 1.9 ± 1.7 vs. 1.2 ± 1.6, p = 0.014; in people with flash/continuous glucose monitoring: 3.3 ± 2.2 vs. 2.1 ± 2.0, p = 0.006). Prevalence of polyneuropathy (18.9% vs. 38.0%, p = 0.004) and systolic blood pressure (138.0 ± 16.4 vs. 143.9 ± 17.1 mmHg, p = 0.014) was lower in CSII. Satisfaction with diabetes treatment (26.7 ± 7.3 vs. 26.0 ± 6.8, p = 0.600) did not differ between CSII and ICT. CONCLUSIONS: CSII and ICT yielded comparable metabolic control and treatment satisfaction but CSII was associated with higher incidence of non-severe hypoglycaemia and lower insulin dosage.

Diabetes related distress is high in inpatients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess diabetes-related distress in inpatients and its association with metabolic control in people with diabetes type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 107 inpatients with DM1 (age 45.9 years, diabetes duration 18.7 years, HbA1c 8.4%/67.8 mmol/mol) and 109 with DM2 (age 62.0 years, diabetes duration 16.2 years, HbA1c 8.9%/74.3 mmol/mol) from a University department for endocrinology and metabolic diseases (Germany) were included over 2 years. Diabetes-related distress was assessed with the PAID questionnaire (range 0-100, higher scores imply higher diabetes-related distress, cut-off ≥ 40). The PAID questionnaire was completed by 214 of 216 participants. RESULTS: Fifty-one of 214 individuals (23.8%) showed high distress (PAID score ≥ 40). The mean PAID score was 28.1 ± 17.5 in all participants with no difference between DM1 and DM2 (28.1 ± 17.4 vs. 26.2 ± 16.9, p = 0.532). Individuals with DM2 on insulin scored higher than patients without insulin (27.8 ± 17.6 vs. 18.7 ± 8.5, p = 0.004). Additionally, people with DM1 treated with a system for continuous glucose monitoring (n = 50, 33.1 ± 18.8) scored higher than participants without such system (n = 32, 20.6 ± 13.3, p = 0.001). HbA1c was not correlated with the PAID score in both, DM1 (r = 0.040, p = 0.684) and DM2 (r = - 0.024, p = 0.804). Participants with DM2 and severe hypoglycaemia/last 12 months scored higher than people without (PAID score 43.0 ± 20.4 vs. 25.1 ± 16.5, p = 0.026). Frequency of non-severe hypoglycaemia was not associated with the PAID score in DM1 and DM2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes treated in hospital for problems with diabetes suffer frequently from diabetes-related distress (~ 24%) regardless of diabetes type.

Blood Sugar Targets in Surgical Intensive Care­Management and Special Considerations in Patients With Diabetes

BACKGROUND: 30-80% of patients being treated in intensive care units in the perioperative period develop hyperglycemia. This stress hyperglycemia is induced and maintained by inflammatory-endocrine and iatrogenic stimuli and generally requires treatment. There is uncertainty regarding the optimal blood glucose targets for patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Patients in intensive care with pre-existing diabetes do not benefit from blood sugar reduction to the same extent as metabolically healthy individuals, but they, too, are exposed to a clinically relevant risk of hypoglycemia. A therapeutic range from 4.4 to 6.1 mmol/L (79-110 mg/dL) cannot be justified for patients with diabetes mellitus. The primary therapeutic strategy in the perioperative setting should be to strictly avoid hypoglycemia. Neurotoxic effects and the promotion of wound-healing disturbances are among the adverse consequences of hyperglycemia. Meta-analyses have shown that an upper blood sugar limit of 10 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) is associated with better outcomes for diabetic patients than an upper limit of less than this value. The target range of 7.8-10 mmol/L (140-180 mg/dL) proposed by specialty societies for hospitalized patients with diabetes seems to be the best compromise at present for optimizing clinical outcomes while avoiding hypoglycemia. The method of choice for achieving this goal in intensive care medicine is the continuous intravenous administration of insulin, requirng standardized, high-quality monitoring conditions. CONCLUSION: Optimal blood sugar control for diabetic patients in intensive care meets the dual objectives of avoiding hypoglycemia while keeping the blood glucose concentration under 10 mmol/L (180 mg/dL). Nutrition therapy in accordance with the relevant guidelines is an indispensable pre - requisite.

Diabetic foot syndrome and renal function in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus show close association.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy and diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) are two major complications of diabetes. Surprisingly, little is known of a potential relationship between renal function and the development of DFS in patients with preterminal renal insufficiency. A retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary university centre caring for a large collective of patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes was performed. Patients and methods. All patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes from 1989 to 2007 on the electronic patient sheet who had standardized food examination, albuminuria and serum creatinine were analysed. A total number of 899 patients with type 1 and 4007 individuals with type 2 diabetes were studied. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated according to the modified equation 7 MDRD formula. Patients were grouped into the chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages according to the eGFR and presence of albuminuria. DFS was classified according to Wagner as well as Armstrong stages. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (5.1%) of 899 patients with type 1 diabetes have active or a history of DFS. Patients with type 1 diabetes and DSF had significantly higher serum creatinine levels, lower eGFR, higher systolic blood pressure and higher HbA1c levels compared to those without DFS. There was a significant negative correlation between eGFR and the presence of DFS in patients with type 1 diabetes (r = -0.155, P < 0.01). In type 1 diabetes patients, there was a significant negative correlation (Spearman test) between eGFR and Wagner stages (r = -0.218, P = 0.01) as well as Armstrong stages (r = -0.255, P = 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the presence of DFS and eGFR (odds ratio 0.696 per 10 ml/min increase, 95% confidence interval 0.627-0.773, P < 0.001). A total of 532 type 2 patients from 4007 patients had DFS (13.7%). Compared with type 2 patients without DFS, those with DFS were significantly older (P < 0.005), exhibited a higher HbA1c, had a longer duration of diabetes (P < 0.005), higher serum creatinine levels (P < 0.005) and a lower eGFR (P < 0.005). There was a significant negative correlation between the Wagner stages and eGFR (r = -0.104, P < 0.01) as well as Armstrong stages and eGFR (r = -0.125, P < 0.01) in all patients with type 2 diabetes (Spearman test). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the presence of DFS and eGFR (odds ratio 0.873 per 10 ml/min increase, 95% confidence interval 0.842-0.904, P < 0.001). There were also significant associations between DFS and duration of diabetes as well as diastolic blood pressure. In addition, the Jonckheere-Terpstra test confirmed the decrease of eGFR with increasing Wagner and Armstrong stages in patients with type 2 diabetes. Smoking was not associated with a higher prevalence of DFS in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: There was a strong association between the degree of renal function impairment and DFS in this observational study. Data show that diabetics with DFS undergo a higher incidence of amputation; thus, it should be recommended that diabetic patients with renal insufficiency should be regularly screened for the presence of DFS.

SGS: a structured treatment and teaching programme for older patients with diabetes mellitus--a prospective randomised controlled multi-centre trial.

OBJECTIVES: evaluation of the effectiveness of a new structured diabetes teaching and treatment programme (DTTP) with specific didactical approaches and topics for geriatric patients with diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: a prospective randomised controlled multi-centre trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: a total of 155 geriatric patients were randomly admitted to either the new DTTP SGS (n = 83) or the standard DTTP (n = 72) for insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (HbA1c 8.0 +/- 1.4%, age 76.2 +/- 6.3 years). MEASUREMENTS: biometrical data, metabolic control, acute complications, diabetes knowledge, self-management. RESULTS: SGS participants showed improved levels of HbA1c 6 months after the DTTP, and less acute complications than the standard group (P<0.009). Both groups demonstrated a good capacity for diabetes self-management and improvement in diabetes knowledge after the DTTP (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: the new SGS diabetes education programme, focusing on the learning capabilities and the particular needs of older persons, is effective in improving metabolic control and in maintaining auto-sufficiency in geriatric patients with diabetes mellitus.

Overestimation of Risk and Increased Fear of Long-term Complications of Diabetes in People with Type 1 and 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The quality report of the disease management programmes of North Rhine Westphalia 2016 showed prevalences for long-term complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy) of less than 30% for people with diabetes type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2). The aim of this study was to assess risk expectations and fear regarding long-term complications of diabetes in people with DM1 and DM2. METHODS: We assessed risk expectations and fear regarding diabetes complications in people with DM1 (n=110) and DM2 (n=143 without insulin, n=249 with insulin) visiting an University outpatient department of metabolic diseases. Fear of long-term complications was measured with the "Fear of Complications Questionnaire (FCQ)" (range 0-45 points, scores ≥30 suggest elevated fear). Participants were asked to estimate general and personal risks of long-term complications 10 years after developing diabetes in %. RESULTS: Elevated fear of complications (FCQ scores ≥30) was observed in 34.5, 25.9, and 43.0% of those with DM1, DM2 without insulin and DM2 with insulin, respectively. Participants estimated a mean general risk of diabetes-related complications after 10 years amounting to 45.9±15.8% (DM1), 49.7±15.4% (DM2 without insulin), and 52.5±16.4% (DM2 with insulin) and personal risk with 52.5±24.4% (DM1), 45.8±22.7% (DM2 without insulin), and 54.1±23.4% (DM2 with insulin), respectively. Higher risk expectations were associated with higher fear of complications (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Risk estimations regarding long-term complications were exaggerated in people with DM1 and DM2. About one third of the participants reported elevated fear of complications. Participants' risk expectations and fear regarding diabetes complications appear excessive compared to population-based prevalence rates.

Expectations and fear of diabetes-related long-term complications in people with type 2 diabetes at primary care level.

AIMS: The quality report of patients enrolled in the disease management programmes of North Rhine Westphalia 2016 showed prevalence of long-term complications in diabetes type 2: neuropathy 24.2%, nephropathy 12.5%, retinopathy 8.2%. The aim of this study was to assess expectations and fear of diabetes-related long-term complications in people with diabetes type 2. METHODS: We assessed expectations and fear of diabetes-related complications in 104 people with diabetes type 2 (age 67.0J, diabetes duration 6.6J, HbA1c 6.6%/48.6 mmol/mol, neuropathy 20.2%, nephropathy 11.5%, retinopathy 1.9%) in an outpatient healthcare centre at primary care level. Fear of diabetes-related complications was assessed using the "Fear of Complications Questionnaire" (FCQ) with a range of 0-45 points (≥ 30 means clinically meaningful fear, higher scores imply higher level of fear). Furthermore, study participants estimated general and personal risk of suffering from diabetes-related long-term complications after 10 years of diabetes duration on a scale of 0-100%. RESULTS: Mean FCQ score was 22.9 ± 11.5. 34/104 participants (32.7%) scored ≥ 30 points and thus had great fear. Participants estimated general risk of suffering from diabetes-related complications after 10 years of diabetes duration on 55.1% and personal risk on 46.0%. Risk of diabetes-related complications scoring highest was impaired circulation of lower limb (62.1%), eye complications (57.3%) and kidney complications (54.7%). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of diabetes-related long-term complications was overestimated in people with diabetes type 2. Approximately one third of the participants showed even great fear. Patient expectation and fear about diabetes-associated complications did not correspondent with data on clinical reality.

Snacking is Common in People with Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 with Insulin Therapy and Is Not Associated With Metabolic Control or Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this observational study was to analyse snacking pattern and satisfaction with snacking, and to associate snacking patterns with metabolic control and quality of life in people with diabetes type 1 and 2 on insulin therapy. METHODS: In 2017, 390 people with diabetes were interviewed in a university outpatient department: 132 diabetes type 1 (56.1y, diabetes duration 24.2y, HbA1c 7.0%), 89 diabetes type 2/biphasic insulin (72.8y, diabetes duration 22.0y, HbA1c 7.1%) and 169 diabetes type 2/prandial insulin (66.7y, diabetes duration 20.5y, HbA1c 7.0%). Standardised questionnaires were used to assess eating patterns, satisfaction with snacking, treatment satisfaction and quality of life. RESULTS: The far majority snacked regardless of diabetes type and type of insulin therapy (70.5% type 1, 80.9% type 2/biphasic insulin, 74.6% type 2/prandial insulin) and liked to do so or did not mind (type 1 diabetes 79.5%, type 2 diabetes/biphasic insulin 84.8%, type 2 diabetes/prandial insulin 83.5%). Snacking because of recommendations of healthcare professionals was rare (10.8% type 1 diabetes, 8.2% type 2 diabetes/biphasic insulin, 9.4% type 2 diabetes/prandial insulin). Snacking and not snacking participants did not differ in respect to HbA1c, quality of life or treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Snacking seems to be a common habit in individuals with diabetes and most of them like to snack. Snacking is not associated with better or worse metabolic control or quality of life. The decision to snack or not to snack can be left to the individual and integrated into the therapy without danger for the glycaemic control.

Hemoglobin concentrations are closely linked to renal function in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It has been reported that anemia is more common in patients with diabetes mellitus, and that it occurs early in the disease process. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated hemoglobin (Hb) values of patients with diabetes type 1 or 2 from a large collective receiving care from a tertiary center. A total of 751 patients with type 1 diabetes and 3,306 patients with type 2 were studied. Correlations were calculated for Hb with the following parameters: metabolic control (HbA(1c) and blood glucose), renal function [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, albuminuria, proteinuria], blood leukocytes, duration of diabetes and use of ACE inhibitors/AT1-receptor antagonists. RESULTS: 17% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 14% of those with type 2 had anemia [defined as an Hb <8.5 mmol/l (<13.68 g/dl) in men and <7.5 mmol/l (<12.07 g/dl) in women). There was a close positive correlation between Hb and eGFR, and a negative correlation with albuminuria and proteinuria. These close associations were also confirmed with linear regression analysis. A significant negative correlation was observed between serum creatinine levels and Hb. There was no negative correlation between actual Hb and mean HbA(1c) in the individual follow-up periods. No correlation was found between blood glucose (morning and postprandial blood glucose) and Hb. Blood leukocyte numbers, as a parameter of systemic inflammation, were not correlated with Hb. The use of ACE inhibitors/AT1-receptor antagonists had no adverse effect on Hb in our study cohort. CONCLUSION: No negative effects of metabolic control on Hb could be demonstrated in this study.