Evaluating the Implementation and Impact of a Motivational Interviewing Workshop on Medical Student Knowledge and Social Cognitions Towards Counseling Patients on Lifestyle Behaviors.

Problem: Although motivational interviewing is an effective patient-centered counseling method that healthcare providers can adopt to promote positive behavior change among patients, motivational interviewing is not routinely taught in medical schools. Intervention: A 3.5-hour motivational interviewing workshop was delivered to second year students at a Canadian medical school. Students were first introduced to the concept of motivational interviewing, and then given an opportunity to apply this knowledge in smaller seminar groups to increase their competency within the context of lifestyle behaviors. Context: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study sought to evaluate the impact of the workshop on medical students' motivational interviewing knowledge and social cognitions. Questionnaires were distributed to students pre- and immediately post-workshop to gather student demographics, previous motivational interviewing experience, current motivational interviewing knowledge and Theory of Planned Behavior social cognitions for using motivational interviewing. Repeated-measures ANOVAs assessed changes in motivational interviewing knowledge and social cognitions. During the workshop, a process evaluation assessing fidelity to and quality of motivational interviewing instruction was conducted. Outcome: The process evaluation indicated high fidelity and high quality of delivery of the workshop by all facilitators. Students (N = 27; Mage = 24 ± 2 years) reported significant increases in motivational interviewing knowledge from pre- to post-workshop (p = 0.001). Although not significant, small-to-moderate effect sizes in changes in social cognitions were reported from pre- to post-workshop. Lesson Learned: Medical students hold motivational interviewing in a high regard, as evidenced by the relatively high social cognitions observed prior to the commencement of the workshop. We learned that while a shorter, workshop-style approach is successful in increasing motivational interviewing knowledge, future workshops should allocate more time to skill acquisition to ensure proficiency in clinical use. Practice PointsMotivational interviewing (MI), an effective patient-centred counseling method that promotes positive patient behavior change, is not routinely taught in medical schools.The theory-based evaluation of the implementation and impact of an MI workshop for second year medical students revealed high quality of delivery and significant improvements in self-reported MI knowledge.While the workshop was implemented as intended and based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, no significant changes in students' social cognitions for using MI with future patients was seen from pre- to post-workshop.The fulsome workshop description and suggestions for future workshop modifications may be adopted by others interested in incorporating MI-specific training into the medical school curriculum.

Screening and Management Recommendations for Type 2 Diabetes in Women With Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer increases the risk of type 2 diabetes 1.07- to 4.27-fold, depending on patient and treatment characteristics, such as postmenopausal status, hormone therapy, and treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy. We evaluated the current evidence and considered the role of increased screening for type 2 diabetes in this at-risk population. This narrative review was conducted using Embase and MEDLINE databases. Keywords including diabetes and breast cancer were used. Articles were limited to those published in English between 2000 and 2022. It appears that the increased risk of diabetes begins at or just after breast cancer diagnosis, and remains elevated for at least 10 to 15 years, with greatest risk in the first 2 years after diagnosis. Subsets of patients with breast cancer appear to be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including those who were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Further investigation is needed to develop specific screening recommendations for this population. If screening is performed with a glycated hemoglobin test during breast cancer treatment, then hemoglobin should be measured at the same time given the association of breast cancer therapy with anemia. Presence of breast cancer should not be a major factor when choosing among available antihyperglycemic agents. Overall, patients with breast cancer appear to be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This increased risk suggests the need for further investigation to develop specific screening recommendations for this at-risk population.

Identifying Ontarians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Administrative Data: A Comparison of Two Case Definitions.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared two previously validated sensitive and specific diabetes case definitions to explore the impact of different classification methods in Ontario ICES administrative data. METHODS: This study included patients captured by the Ontario Diabetes Database with type 2 diabetes using either the sensitive cohort definition (≥ 2 physician visits for diabetes within 1 year or ≥ 1 drug claim for diabetes or ≥ 1 hospitalization with diabetes), or the specific cohort definition (≥ 3 physician visits for diabetes within 1 year), between October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2015. Each cohort's demographic and clinical features were described using descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Using sensitive and specific definitions, 1,093,812 and 783,228 patients with type 2 diabetes were identified, respectively. Overall, the demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between cohorts. Patients in the sensitive cohort had mean age of 64.1 years and were 52.4% male, compared to 64.8 years and 53.6% male in the specific cohort. In the sensitive and specific cohorts respectively, 64.4% and 55.7% of patients reported one-year mean HbA1c of < 7% (53 mmol/mol) and 25.3% and 31.5% reported levels between 7.0-8.5% (53-69 mmol/mol). CONCLUSIONS: Although sample sizes were different between sensitive and specific cohorts, demographic and clinical characteristics were similar.

Determining the Associations Between Glucocorticoid Use During Hematologic Chemotherapy Treatment and New-onset Diabetes and Hyperglycemia and Mortality: A Population-based Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the associations between glucocorticoid administration during chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy and hyperglycemia, new-onset diabetes, and mortality in Ontario, Canada. Hospitalization and emergency room utilization during the chemotherapy treatment period were also described. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using health administrative data from ICES, Ontario, to assess risk of new-onset diabetes, new-onset hyperglycemia, and hyperglycemia for individuals with leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) receiving glucocorticoids during chemotherapy between 2006 and 2016. Using multivariable regression models, we determined the associations between glucocorticoid exposure and our outcomes of interest, controlling for age, sex, marginalization, and comorbidities. RESULTS: Our cohort included 19,530 individuals; 71.1% (n=13,893) received a glucocorticoid. The highest proportion of hyperglycemia occurred with leukemia (25.4%, n=1,301). Of the 15,580 individuals with no history of diabetes, those with leukemia had the highest rate of new-onset diabetes (7.1%, n=279) and new-onset hyperglycemia (18.1%, n=641), and glucocorticoid exposure increased the risk of new-onset diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.64, p=0.04) and new-onset hyperglycemia (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.5, p=0.003). Hyperglycemia during chemotherapy increased the risk of all-cause mortality for the combined (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.27, p<0.0001) and NHL (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.28, p=0.007) cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemia is common during hematologic chemotherapy treatment and is associated with a modest increased risk of all-cause mortality. Routine screening, monitoring, and management of hyperglycemia should be an integral part of treatment plans for leukemia, NHL, or HL, with or without glucocorticoid administration.

Suggested Canadian Standards for Perioperative/Periprocedure Glycemic Management in Patients With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this quality initiative was to develop consensus standards for glycemic management of patients with diabetes who undergo surgical procedures in Canada. METHODS: A modified Delphi method was used to gather broad stakeholder input and arrive at a consensus for perioperative/periprocedure diabetes management. RESULTS: Glycemic management standards were developed for the following categories: Organization of Care; Preoperative Assessment; Immediate Preoperative and Intraoperative; Postanesthesia Care Unit or Recovery Room; Postoperative Period; and Transition to Outpatient Care. CONCLUSIONS: It is anticipated these standards will serve as a basis to develop clinical tools to support the recommendations.

Sparsely Granulated Corticotroph Pituitary Macroadenoma Presenting With Pituitary Apoplexy Resulting in Remission of Hypercortisolism.

Objective: Pituitary corticotroph macroadenomas, which account for 7% to 23% of corticotroph adenomas, rarely present with apoplexy. This report aimed to describe a patient with a sparsely granulated corticotroph tumor (SGCT) presenting with apoplexy and remission of hypercortisolism. Case Report: A 33-year-old male patient presented via ambulance with sudden onset of severe headache and nausea/vomiting. Physical examination revealed bitemporal hemianopsia, diplopia from right-sided third cranial nerve palsy, abdominal striae, facial plethora, and dorsal and supraclavicular fat pads. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 3.2-cm mass arising from the sella turcica with hemorrhage compressing the optic chiasm, extension into the sphenoid sinus and cavernous sinus. Initial investigations revealed a plasma cortisol level of 64.08 (reference range [RR], 2.36-17.05) mcg/dL. He underwent emergent transsphenoidal surgery. Pathology was diagnostic of SGCT. Postoperatively, the following laboratory findings were found: (1) cortisol level, <1.8 ug/dL (RR, 2.4-17); (2) adrenocorticotropic hormone level, 36 pg/mL (RR, 0-81); (3) thyroid-stimulating hormone level, 0.07 uIU/mL (RR, 0.36-3.74); (4) free thyroxine level, 1 ng/dL (RR, 0.8-1.5); (5) luteinizing hormone level, <1 mIU/mL (RR, 1-12); (6) follicle-stimulating hormone level, 1 mIU/mL (RR, 1-12); and (7) testosterone level, 28.8 ng/dL (RR, 219.2-905.6), with ongoing requirement for hydrocortisone, levothyroxine, testosterone replacement, and continued follow-up. Discussion: Corticotroph adenomas are divided into densely granulated, sparsely granulated, and Crooke cell tumors. Sparsely granulated pattern is associated with a larger tumor size and decreased remission rate after surgery. Conclusion: This report illustrates a rare case of hypercortisolism remission due to apoplexy of an SGCT with subsequent central adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadism.

KIT Mutation in Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in a Patient With Familial Paraganglioma Syndrome Type 4.

OBJECTIVE: Familial paraganglioma syndrome type 4 is associated with mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit B (SDHB) gene. We report the case of a patient with familial paraganglioma syndrome type 4 with the mutation c.600G>T; p.Trp200Cys who developed a gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with a KIT mutation. METHODS: Clinical, radiographic, and genetic data have been presented. RESULTS: A 40-year-old man with familial paraganglioma syndrome type 4 and recurrent paraganglioma presented with epigastric pain. He had undergone resection of a paraganglioma superior to the right adrenal gland at 19 years of age, resection of two para-aortic paragangliomas at 39 years, and resection of a paraganglioma in the interatrial septum at 40 years. Computed tomography scan showed a 3.2 × 3.8-cm gastric body intraluminal polypoid mass. A partial gastrectomy was performed, which revealed a GIST with a KIT mutation (NM_000222.2[KIT]:c.2466T>A[p.Asn822Lys]). CONCLUSION: This case provides further evidence that mutations in SDHB and KIT are not mutually exclusive with GISTs. It also identifies the need for endoscopic evaluation for GIST in patients with familial paraganglioma syndrome type 4 with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.

Variability of Clinical Practice Management of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes During Surgery Across Canada.

OBJECTIVE: As part of a larger project to develop quality standards in perioperative diabetes management, the goal of this project was to assess self-reported management of surgical patients with diabetes across healthcare institutions and specialties in Canada. METHODS: Current practice of perioperative management of patients with diabetes was assessed using multiple-choice questions based on commonly encountered clinical scenarios involving patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The survey was sent to a broad stakeholder group of individuals involved in perioperative medicine in academic and community settings across Canada. RESULTS: Responses to clinical case scenarios demonstrated more consistent approaches for patients with type 1 diabetes undergoing cardiac surgery, possibly reflecting more robust evidence. There was more variability in the management of noninsulin antihyperglycemic agents and hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing noncardiac surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Given the variability in clinical practice, standards and clinical tools are required for perioperative and periprocedural glycemic management in Canada to inform practice, improve the experience and outcomes for people with diabetes and provide a foundation for quality improvement initiatives and benchmarking.

Integrating Exercise Counseling Into the Medical School Curriculum: A Workshop-Based Approach Using Behavior Change Techniques.

Objective. Physician physical activity (PA) counseling remains low due partly to lack of knowledge, emphasizing the importance of providing learning opportunities to develop competency, given the strong associations between PA and health. This study aimed to describe the behavior change techniques (BCTs) used in an "Exercise Expo" workshop and examine the workshop's effectiveness for improving social cognitions to discuss exercise with patients. Methods. Second-year medical students (N = 54; Mage ± SD = 25.4 ± 2.95 years) completed questionnaires assessing attitudes, perceived behavior control (PBC), subjective norms, and intentions to provide PA counseling pre- and postworkshop. Repeated-measures analyses of variance evaluated changes in these theory of planned behavior constructs. Results. The most used BCTs included presenting information from credible sources, with opportunities for practicing the behavior and receiving feedback. Significant increases in attitudes, PBC and intentions to discuss PA were observed from pre-post Exercise Expo (P ≤ .01). No statistically significant differences in subjective norms were observed (P = .06). Conclusions. The Exercise Expo significantly improved social cognitions for PA counseling among medical students. Future interventions should target improvements in subjective norms to increase the likelihood the workshop improves PA counseling behavior. The evidence supports the usefulness of a workshop-based educational strategy to enhance medical students' social cognitions for PA counseling.

Nortriptyline and gabapentin, alone and in combination for neuropathic pain: a double-blind, randomised controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Drugs for neuropathic pain have incomplete efficacy and dose-limiting side-effects when given as monotherapy. We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of combined nortriptyline and gabapentin compared with each drug given alone. METHODS: In this double-blind, double-dummy, crossover trial, patients with diabetic polyneuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and who had a daily pain score of at least 4 (scale 0-10), were enrolled and treated at one study site in Canada between Nov 5, 2004, and Dec 13, 2007. 56 patients were randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio with a balanced Latin square design to receive one of three sequences of daily oral gabapentin, nortriptyline, and their combination. In sequence, a different drug was given to each randomised group in three treatment periods. During each 6-week treatment period, drug doses were titrated towards maximum tolerated dose. The primary outcome was mean daily pain at maximum tolerated dose. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN73178636. FINDINGS: 45 patients completed all three treatment periods; 47 patients completed at least two treatment periods and were analysed for the primary outcome. Mean daily pain (0-10; numerical rating scale) was 5.4 (95% CI 5.0 to 5.8) at baseline, and at maximum tolerated dose, pain was 3.2 (2.5 to 3.8) for gabapentin, 2.9 (2.4 to 3.4) for nortriptyline, and 2.3 (1.8 to 2.8) for combination treatment. Pain with combination treatment was significantly lower than with gabapentin (-0.9, 95% CI -1.4 to -0.3, p=0.001) or nortriptyline alone (-0.6, 95% CI -1.1 to -0.1, p=0.02). At maximum tolerated dose, the most common adverse event was dry mouth, which was significantly less frequent in patients on gabapentin than on nortriptyline (p<0.0001) or combination treatment (p<0.0001). No serious adverse events were recorded for any patients during the trial. INTERPRETATION: Combined gabapentin and nortriptyline seems to be more efficacious than either drug given alone for neuropathic pain, therefore we recommend use of this combination in patients who show a partial response to either drug given alone and seek additional pain relief. Future trials should compare other combinations to their respective monotherapies for treatment of such pain. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP OF ONE OF THE FIRST PATIENTS TO RECEIVE HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE THERAPY.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of growth hormone (GH) deficiency with GH extracts from human pituitary glands was introduced by Dr. Maurice Raben at Tufts New England Medical Center in 1956. We report long term follow-up of one of the first patients treated with GH. METHODS: Clinical, radiographic, and genetic data are presented. RESULTS: A 78-year-old man presented for follow-up. He was one of the first patients to receive GH therapy from Raben in 1958. Growth was reported as normal until age 3 and then decelerated. At age 17 years, he was 129.5 cm with absent sexual development and bone age of 7 years. Treatment was initiated with desiccated thyroid and cortisone acetate for 8 months. Human GH extract was then initiated with 2 mg 3 times/week for 2 years, then 3 mg 3 times/week for 6 months, resulting in a final height of 168.9 cm. Testosterone intramuscularly every 2 weeks was added with sexual maturation over 2 years. He remained on testosterone injections until the age of 40 years, and on transdermal testosterone until the age of 50 years. At age 27 years, he was treated by Raben with human chorionic gonadotropin and menotropins for spermatogenesis restoration with successful conception by his wife. At age 78 years, pituitary MRI revealed a tiny amount of pituitary tissue within normal-sized sella turcica with absent pituitary infundibulum. A combined pituitary hormone deficiency genetic panel did not reveal any mutations. CONCLUSION: Sixty-two years later, the patient remains in good health and grateful to a pioneer in Endocrinology for groundbreaking therapy of short stature. The cause of his hypopituitarism remains unknown.

BILATERAL ADRENAL HEMORRHAGE WITH ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY AFTER DALTEPARIN USE POST HIP ATHROPLASTIES.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple case reports have implicated the use of heparin for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis with bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. Only 1 previous report has described this with the low molecular weight product, dalteparin. We report a case following bilateral hip arthroplasties. METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data are presented. RESULTS: A 69-year-old woman underwent bilateral total hip arthroplasties with dalteparin 5,000 international units subcutaneously daily for 30 days postoperatively. The patient's past medical history was unremarkable. She was discharged 5 days post-surgery and required readmission 1 day later for epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Her platelet count was 91 × 109/L (normal, 150 to 400 × 109/L). She was discharged after 4 days with pain resolution. She presented 4 weeks later with nausea and vomiting for several days. Serum sodium was 123 mmol/L (normal, 133 to 145 mmol/L), potassium was 6.0 mmol/L (normal, 3.7 to 5.3 mmol/L), total calcium was 3.37 mmol/L (normal, 2.25 to 2.80 mmol/L), creatinine was 404 µmol/L (normal, 0 to 85 µmol/L), and her platelet count was normal. On short adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test, baseline plasma cortisol was 123 nmol/L and the peak was 129 nmol/L. She was treated with hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone, and 0.9% saline with resolution of symptoms and normalization of electrolytes, calcium, and renal function. Computed tomography showed bilateral adrenal masses. Core needle biopsy was consistent with necrosis. There were no bleeding disorders on hematologic work 3 months later. The most likely etiology of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage was heparin-induced thrombocytopenia from dalteparin. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of vigilance for the complication of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage with adrenal insufficiency in patients receiving dalteparin for DVT prophylaxis.

RAPID DESENSITIZATION WITH INTRAVENOUS INSULIN IN A PATIENT WITH DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS AND INSULIN ALLERGY.

OBJECTIVE: We report a case of insulin desensitization in a patient with known allergy to multiple insulin preparations who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data, and desensitization protocols are presented. RESULTS: A 65-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes and a documented insulin allergy presented with severe DKA. She was managed initially with intravenous (IV) fluids, sodium bicarbonate, and hemodialysis. An intradermal skin test was positive for 0.01 units/mL of human regular insulin. A rapid desensitization protocol for IV human regular insulin was initiated after pretreatment with methylprednisolone, ranitidine, montelukast, and cetirizine. An initial dilution of 1 unit of insulin in 100,000 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride was started at 5 mL/hour IV. The dilution was increased at 60-minute intervals to 1 unit/10,000 mL, 1 unit/1,000 mL, 1 unit/100 mL, 1 unit/10 mL, then 1 unit/1 mL. The dose was then increased from 1 to 7 units/hour (0.1 units/kg body weight/hour). The anion gap closed after 24 hours, and overlapping desensitization was started for subcutaneous (SC) human regular insulin starting with 0.00001 units with a gradual increase to 7 units before meals and 6 units at bedtime over 5 days. There were no anaphylactic reactions to IV or SC insulin. She was discharged with human regular insulin SC 4 times daily, oral montelukast, cetirizine, diphenhydramine as needed, and an epinephrine pen. No allergic reactions were reported at follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Rapid insulin desensitization is possible to allow treatment of DKA with human regular insulin IV in patients with known insulin allergy.

Screening and Treatment Outcomes in Adults and Children With Type 1 Diabetes and Asymptomatic Celiac Disease: The CD-DIET Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe celiac disease (CD) screening rates and glycemic outcomes of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in patients with type 1 diabetes who are asymptomatic for CD. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Asymptomatic patients (8-45 years) were screened for CD. Biopsy-confirmed CD participants were randomized to GFD or gluten-containing diet (GCD) to assess changes in HbA1c and continuous glucose monitoring over 12 months. RESULTS: Adults had higher CD-seropositivity rates than children (6.8% [95% CI 4.9-8.2%, N = 1,298] vs. 4.7% [95% CI 3.4-5.9%, N = 1,089], P = 0.035) with lower rates of prior CD screening (6.9% vs. 44.2%, P < 0.0001). Fifty-one participants were randomized to a GFD (N = 27) or GCD (N = 24). No HbA1c differences were seen between the groups (+0.14%, 1.5 mmol/mol; 95% CI -0.79 to 1.08; P = 0.76), although greater postprandial glucose increases (4-h +1.5 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.4-2.7; P = 0.014) emerged with a GFD. CONCLUSIONS: CD is frequently observed in asymptomatic patients with type 1 diabetes, and clinical vigilance is warranted with initiation of a GFD.

Evaluation of a Diabetic Ketoacidosis Order Set in Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes at a Tertiary Academic Medical Centre: A Retrospective Chart Audit.

OBJECTIVE: To assess safety and efficacy compared to a historical cohort. Clinical practice guidelines recommend that patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) be treated with a standardized protocol. We created a multifaceted order set to promote best-practice management of DKA. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of admissions to internal medicine for DKA in adults during a 4.5-year period; 2.25 years before and after order-set initiation. Groups were compared using independent samples t tests and Pearson chi-square or Fisher exact test (categorical data). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for continuous data not normally distributed. RESULTS: The order-set cohort consisted of 47 admissions, 72.3% with type 1 and 27.7% with type 2 diabetes. The historical cohort consisted of 59 admissions, 69.5% with type 1 and 30.5% with type 2 diabetes. There were no significant differences in initial laboratory values between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in both cohorts. The median length of hospital stay approached significance in the order-set cohort: 3.53 days (2.5 to 5.1); in the historical cohort, the median length of stay was 4.6 days (2.44 to 8.99) (p=0.102). CONCLUSION: A standardized DKA order set was as effective and safe in type 1 and type 2 diabetes as individual physician management in an academic care setting. Further study is needed to assess its value in community hospital settings with less expertise and fewer diabetes specialty services.

Diabetes Canada Position Statement for People With Types 1 and 2 Diabetes Who Fast During Ramadan.

OBJECTIVE: Fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, including abstaining from water and food, is 1 of the pillars of Islam and is observed by the majority of Muslims. Most research concerning diabetes and fasting during Ramadan originates from Middle Eastern or South Asian countries; however, differences exist in hours of work and fasting, pharmacotherapy and blood glucose monitoring between these countries and Canada. METHODS: An expert forum of 7 Canadian experts and 1 international expert collaborated to develop Canadian guidelines using the same evidence-based principles, with the exception of an independent methods review used for the Diabetes Canada clinical practice guidelines. Diabetes Canada scientific leadership and Canadian health-care providers performed independent external reviews. Religious leaders endorsed the position statement and provided letters of support. An informed patient participated in the position-statement development. Each recommendation was approved with 100% consensus of the expert forum. RESULTS: Recommendations for risk stratification, education, pharmacotherapy and blood glucose monitoring for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who intend to fast during Ramadan have been developed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Canadian position statement on the topic of Ramadan fasting and diabetes. It was developed by an expert faculty and endorsed by Diabetes Canada, and provides guidance about pharmacotherapy and glucose monitoring for health-care providers so that they can assist Canadian Muslims living with diabetes to observe fasting during Ramadan safely.

Morphine, gabapentin, or their combination for neuropathic pain.

BACKGROUND: The available drugs to treat neuropathic pain have incomplete efficacy and dose-limiting adverse effects. We compared the efficacy of a combination of gabapentin and morphine with that of each as a single agent in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, active placebo-controlled, four-period crossover trial, patients received daily active placebo (lorazepam), sustained-release morphine, gabapentin, and a combination of gabapentin and morphine--each given orally for five weeks. The primary outcome measure was mean daily pain intensity in patients receiving a maximal tolerated dose; secondary outcomes included pain (rated according to the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire), adverse effects, maximal tolerated doses, mood, and quality of life. RESULTS: Of 57 patients who underwent randomization (35 with diabetic neuropathy and 22 with postherpetic neuralgia), 41 completed the trial. Mean daily pain (on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more severe pain) at a maximal tolerated dose of the study drug was as follows: 5.72 at baseline, 4.49 with placebo, 4.15 with gabapentin, 3.70 with morphine, and 3.06 with the gabapentin-morphine combination (P<0.05 for the combination vs. placebo, gabapentin, and morphine). Total scores on the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (on a scale from 0 to 45, with higher numbers indicating more severe pain) at a maximal tolerated dose were 14.4 with placebo, 10.7 with gabapentin, 10.7 with morphine, and 7.5 with the gabapentin-morphine combination (P<0.05 for the combination vs. placebo, gabapentin, and morphine). The maximal tolerated doses of morphine and gabapentin were lower (P<0.05) with the combination than for each drug as single agent. At the maximal tolerated dose, the gabapentin-morphine combination resulted in a higher frequency of constipation than gabapentin alone (P<0.05) and a higher frequency of dry mouth than morphine alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin and morphine combined achieved better analgesia at lower doses of each drug than either as a single agent, with constipation, sedation, and dry mouth as the most frequent adverse effects.

Effectiveness of an Interprofessional Glycemic Optimization Clinic on Preoperative Glycated Hemoglobin Levels for Adult Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes and refractory obesity; however, many patients have nonoptimal glycemic control preoperatively. We created an interprofessional bariatric glycemic optimization clinic. Patients were seen monthly and received weekly phone calls. We analyzed the effectiveness in assisting patients reach a preoperative glycated hemoglobin (A1C) level of <7.5%. METHODS: Data were analyzed for the first 75 patients. The primary outcome measure was percentage of patients reaching target A1C levels. RESULTS: Mean age was 51±8.3 years; 64% were women. Mean baseline weight was 134.4±29.2 kg. Baseline body mass index was 48.2±8.3 kg/m2. Duration of diabetes was 9±7.9 years. Baseline A1C level was 9.0±1.2%. Number of antihyperglycemic agents at baseline was 2.7±0.96. Seventy-five percent reached a target A1C level of ≤7.5%, 92% reached a target of ≤8.0% and 95% reached a target of ≤8.5%; 32% had achieved A1C levels ≤7.5% at 1 month, 59% at 2 months, 70% at 3 months, 73% at 4 months and 75% at 5 months. Mean number of antihyperglycemic agents at target A1C levels was 3.6±1.1. Mean absolute decrease in A1C levels from baseline to target A1C levels was 1.7±1.2. Mean absolute change in weight was -1.9±8.0 kg. Percent change in body weight from baseline to target A1C level was -1.3±4.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic optimization for candidates with diabetes for bariatric surgery is possible in a short time by an interprofessional diabetes team and without weight gain. Further research is needed to determine whether better preoperative glycemic control improves bariatric surgery outcomes.

The Lifestyle History: A Neglected But Essential Component of the Medical History.

There is increased recognition that lifestyle factors, including nutrition, physical activity, emotional well-being and stress management, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and sleep habits, are major determinants of health. There is a need to teach practicing physicians, medical trainees, and other health care providers how to perform a "lifestyle history." This article proposes 13 screening questions physicians should consider exploring with patients. It provides the rationale and scientific evidence supporting each question and includes key lifestyle counseling points for clinicians to consider.

Increased incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and detection of subclinical disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports from North America and Europe have documented an annual increase in the incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. We sought to investigate the relation between rates of detection, tumour size, age and sex. METHODS: Using the Ontario Cancer Registry, we identified 7422 cases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma diagnosed from Jan. 1, 1990, to Dec. 31, 2001. We obtained pathology reports for a random 10% of the 7422 patients for each year of the study period. The sample represented all Cancer Care Ontario regions. We compared the size of the patients' tumours by year, sex and age. RESULTS: As expected, the incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma increased over the 12-year period. A significantly higher number of small (< or = 2 cm), nonpalpable tumours were resected in 2001 than in 1990 (p = 0.001). The incidence of tumours 2-4 cm in diameter remained stable. When we examined differences in tumour detection rates by age and sex, we observed a disproportionate increase in the number of small tumours detected among women and among patients older than 45 years. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that more frequent use of medical imaging has led to an increased detection rate of small, subclinical tumours, which in turn accounts for the higher incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. This suggests that we need to re-evaluate our understanding of the trends in thyroid cancer incidence.