Blood Glucose Levels In Women Research Articles

Selenium Supplementation and Gestational Diabetes: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

To assess the effects of selenium supplementation on blood glucose levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Randomised controlled trial. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye, from February to July 2023. In the first phase of this study, the selenium levels of the pregnant women who routinely had an oral glucose tolerance test were measured, and in the second phase of the study, the pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were randomly divided into two groups that received 4-week interventions: Diet alone and diet plus selenium supplementation (200 µg/day). Selenium level in pregnant women with GDM was significantly lower than in healthy pregnant women, and a selenium level less than 80 ng/ml predicted GDM diagnosis with a sensitivity of 58.59% and a specificity of 67.11%. Pregnant women with low selenium (<80 ng/ml) had a 2.709-fold higher risk for GDM compared to those with higher values. Fasting blood glucose levels decreased significantly in both groups after the respective interventions, but the decrease was greater in selenium recipients. Furthermore, fasting, 1st and 2nd hour blood glucose levels were lower in selenium recipients compared to those who only received diet. Selenium level in pregnant women with GDM was low compared to healthy pregnant women. Selenium supplementation had a beneficial impact (compared to diet only) on blood glucose levels in pregnant women with GDM. Pregnancy, Pregnancy outcome, Diabetes, Gestational, Dietary supplements, Selenium.

The impact of diabetes, anemia, and renal function in the relationship between osteoporosis and fasting blood glucose among Taiwanese women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between fasting blood glucose and osteoporosis in women with diabetes, anemia, and renal function.MethodsThe medical records of women who underwent a general health examination at a regional hospital in southern Taiwan were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between osteoporosis and fasting blood glucose separately for the eight subgroups (diabetes or non-diabetes, anemia or non-anemia, normal or decreased renal function), adjusting for other clinical characteristics and laboratory findings.ResultsA total of 11,872 women were included in the study. Among women with diabetes, anemia, and decreased renal function, an increment of 10 mg/dL in fasting blood glucose was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.57, p = 0.004). Among women without diabetes, fasting blood glucose was significantly associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis in those with anemia and normal renal function (OR = 1.14, p = 0.023) and those without anemia and normal renal function (OR = 1.04, p = 0.015), but these associations were not significant after adjusting for other covariates.ConclusionsHigher fasting blood glucose levels in women with diabetes, anemia, and decreased renal function were associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Clinicians should be vigilant about glucose control in patients with diabetes to reduce the risk of fracture.

Impacts of Tocolytics on Maternal and Neonatal Glucose Levels in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

We investigated the impacts of tocolytic agents on maternal and neonatal blood glucose levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who used tocolytics for preterm labor. This multi-center, retrospective cohort study included women with GDM who were admitted for preterm labor from twelve hospitals in South Korea. We excluded women with multiple pregnancies, anomalies, overt DM diagnosed before pregnancy or 23 weeks of gestation, and women who received multiple tocolytics. The patients were divided according to the types of tocolytics; atosiban, ritodrine, and nifedipine group. We collected baseline maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, maternal glucose levels during hospitalization, and neonatal glucose levels. We compared the frequency of maternal hyperglycemia and neonatal hypoglycemia among three groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the contributing factors to the occurrence of maternal hyperglycemia and neonatal hypoglycemia. A total of 128 women were included: 44 (34.4%), 51 (39.8%), and 33 (25.8%) women received atosiban, ritodrine, and nifedipine, respectively. Mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) (112.3, 109.6, and 89.5 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (PPG2) levels (145.4, 148.3, and 116.5 mg/dL, P = 0.004) were significantly higher in atosiban and ritodrine group than those in nifedipine group. Even after adjusting for covariates including antenatal steroid use, gestational age at admission, and pre-pregnancy body mass index, there was an increased risk of high maternal mean FBG (≥ 95 mg/dL) and PPG2 (≥ 120 mg/dL) levels in the atosiban and ritodrine group than in nifedipine group. The atosiban and ritodrine groups are also at increased risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (< 47 mg/dL) compared to the nifedipine group with the odds ratio of 4.58 and 4.67, respectively (P < 0.05). There is an increased risk of maternal hyperglycemia and neonatal hypoglycemia in women with GDM using atosiban and ritodrine tocolytics for preterm labor compared to those using nifedipine.

Psychosocial and sociodemographic factors associated with gestational blood glucose levels in women attending public hospitals: Results from baseline of MAASTHI cohort.

Understanding psychosocial environment is important for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes during pregnancy. We aimed to identify the association between gestational blood glucose levels and psychosocial and demographic factors in pregnant women. In the MAASTHI pregnancy cohort in Bengaluru, we assessed depressive symptoms, and social support using validated scales at baseline in first trimester. A 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered between 24-36 weeks of gestation. We examined the relation between psychosocial factors assessed at baseline and gestational blood glucose levels in second/third trimester using multivariate linear regression and explored association between serum cortisol and gestational blood glucose levels in subgroup samples. We found that 9% of pregnant women had depressive symptoms and 14.3% had Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Psychosocial factors, including depressive symptoms, have a significant correlation with gestational fasting(β = 0.12, p-value<0.05) and postprandial blood sugar level(β = 0.23, p-value<0.05) and poor social support were found to have a significant association with gestational fasting blood glucose levels(β = 1.45, p-value <0.05) and postprandial blood sugar levels(β = 2.60, p-value <0.05). The sociodemographic factors such as respondent education, occupation, social and economic status were associated with gestational blood sugar after adjusting for potential confounder variables. Depressive symptoms and poor social support earlier in pregnancy were significantly associated with increased gestational blood glucose levels. Early detection and recognition of modifiable psychosocial risk factors can reduce glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Evaluating the benefits of screening for psychosocial factors and timely management of gestational diabetes mellitus can be helpful in India.

Characteristics of the oral glucose tolerance test in women with different pre-pregnancy body mass index and the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on twin pregnancy outcomes

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the mid-pregnancy blood glucose levels of women with singleton or twin pregnancies. MethodThe relationship between blood glucose levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) was studied in women with different pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI), and the effect of GDM on twin pregnancy outcomes was analyzed. Women with twin (n = 1,985) and singleton (n = 1,985) pregnancies were categorized into underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, n = 597), normal weight (BMI: 18.5–23.9 kg/m2, n = 2,575), and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, n = 798) groups. ResultsThe incidence of GDM was 21.01% in women with twin pregnancies. Among the women with GDM in twin pregnancies, 38.37% had at least two abnormal blood glucose levels. The incidence of these parameters increased with preconception BMI, and the incidence of twin pregnancies was higher than that of singleton pregnancies (p < 0.001). In the normal weight and overweight/obese group, the oral glucose tolerance test glucose level and incidence of GDM were higher in women with twin than singleton pregnancies (p < 0.05). For twin pregnancies, the prevalence of selective fetal growth restriction was higher and anemia was lower in the GDM group than in the non-GDM group (all p < 0.05). ConclusionTherefore, a greater emphasis should be placed on BMI before conception, and well-controlled GDM does not increase adverse pregnancy outcomes for twin pregnancies.

Hubungan Aktivitas Fisik Dengan Kadar Glukosa Darah Puasa Pada Wanita Dengan Lingkar Pinggang Di Atas 80 cm

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Lack of physical activity can cause a person to suffer from obesity, this condition if maintained will result in a high risk of heart and blood vessel disease and the outbreak of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and fasting blood sugar levels in women who have a waist circumference of more than 80 cm. This study uses a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. A total of 30 female respondents were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to analyze subject data. Based on data analysis using SPSS, the majority of subjects (77%) had normal blood glucose levels, and 50% of subjects were in the obese category. Bivariate analysis showed no significant relationship between physical activity and fasting blood glucose levels p-value = &amp;gt;.05. In this study, it was found that physical activity did not have a significant effect on fasting blood glucose levels in women with a waist circumference above 80 cm. It is expected that women with a waist circumference above 80 cm can better maintain their lifestyle so that fasting blood glucose can be controlled and avoid diabetes.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Increased Protein with Decreased Carbohydrate Intake Reduces Postprandial Blood Glucose Levels in Women with Gestational Diabetes: The iPRO Study.

Introduction:There is an urgent need to establish an evidence base for recommendations regarding proportions of macronutrients for optimized nutritional management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our study compared isocaloric diets in women with GDM that differed in protein and carbohydrate content with fats held constant. We hypothesized that the glucose area under the curve (AUC) would be lower with the higher protein/lower carbohydrate diet.Research Design and Methods:This study used a random order crossover design within a controlled research unit environment. Nineteen women were randomized to treatment, with 12 participants completing both arms of the study. Blood sampling occurred preprandially and at t = 30, 60, 120, and 180" relative to meals. Inclusion criteria were confirmed diet-controlled GDMA1, singleton gestation, and with no pre-existing medical comorbidities. Mean gestational age at entrance to study = 32 (±1.76) weeks. Mean prepregnant body mass index of participants = 28.7 (±5.3) kg/m2 Participants were randomly assigned initially to either an increased protein/low carbohydrate (iPRO30%/CHO35%) diet or a lower protein/higher carbohydrate (LPRO15%/CHO50%) diet for a 36 hour inpatient stay on the research unit. All meals and snacks were prepared in a metabolic kitchen. After a 3–7 day washout period, participants were randomized to the opposite treatment.Results:On day 2 (with confirmed overnight fasting), the average 3-hour pre- through postprandial glucose AUC was lower in iPRO30%/CHO35% treatment arm (17395.20 ± 2493.47 vs. 19172.47 ± 3484.31, p = 0.01).Conclusion:This study is the first to demonstrate that a higher protein, lower carbohydrate meal, especially at breakfast, can result in lower postprandial blood glucose values in women with gestational diabetes. A lack of statistically significant differences at other collection time points could have been due to several factors, but most likely due to small sample size. Longer term outcomes of a higher protein diet, including maternal glycemic control, nitrogen balance, and impact on fetal growth outcomes, are needed.

Acute effects of dance therapy on blood glucose levels in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Case report

Introducción: El riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2-DM2 aumenta con la edad, la obesidad y los bajos niveles de actividad física. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de cuatro sesiones con rumbaterapia sobre los niveles de glucosa en sangre, en mujeres adultas con DM2. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de caso, con enfoque cuantitativo. La muestra total de este estudio estuvo conformada por 2 mujeres mayores de 45 años, diagnosticadas con DM2. Los datos obtenidos al inicio y al final de la intervención y durante cada sesión, se presentaron de forma descriptiva. Resultados y discusión: Después de cuatro sesiones con rumbaterapia, se evidenciaron reducciones considerables sobre los niveles de glucosa inicial y final. Conclusión: Se estableció una asociación entre la realización de rumbaterapia, como recurso no farmacológico y la reducción de los niveles de glucosa en sangre, en las dos mujeres con DM2. Son necesarios más estudios que corroboren la aplicación de la rumbaterapia en pacientes con DM2.

Acute Effect of Height-Adjustable Workstations on Blood Glucose Levels in Women With Impaired Fasting Glucose Levels While Working: A Pilot Study.

To examine the effect on continuously monitored blood glucose (CGM) among participants with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) who used a height-adjustable desk while working. The study was a repeated measures pilot study in overweight or obese women who had IFG (blood glucose [BG] >100 mg/dL) and a sedentary job. Blood glucose was monitored with CGM devices during two 1-week periods at work; 1 week in the seated position and 1 week using alternate bouts of sitting and standing (by adjusting their desks) throughout the workday. Ten women completed the study. Sedentary time significantly predicted BG independently of diet and overall physical activity (P=.02). Dietary carbohydrates, protein, and fat were significant predictors of BG (P<.001). Sedentary time is a strong predictor of increased BG in women with IFG and a sedentary job.

THE RELATION BETWEEN QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF SLEEP WITH BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS IN WOMEN CHILDBEARING AGE

Abstract Background: The quality and quantity of sleep can affect blood glucose levels, so it is at risk of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia in women childbearing age can affect the cycle of menstruation and fertility. Based on previous research shows that more than half of students have poor sleep quality and found an increase in blood glucose levels in students who sleep less than 7 hours. This study aims to analyze the relationship between quality and quantity of sleep with blood glucose levels in women of childbearing age. Methods: This research method was observational analytic with cross sectional design. The number of samples was 43 students with a purposive sampling technique. The independent variable is the quality and quantity of sleep measured using the PSQI questionnaire, while the dependent variable is the blood glucose level which is checked during fasting for at least 8 hours. Analysis using the spearman rho statistical test. Results: The results showed that 27.9% of students had good sleep quality, including 4.6% with low blood glucose levels and 23.3% with normal blood glucose levels. 72.1% of students have poor sleep quality, including 65.1% with normal blood glucose levels and 7% with high blood glucose levels. The results of the analysis between sleep quality with blood glucose levels obtained rs = 0.345 and p value = 0.023, while the quantity of sleep with blood glucose levels obtained rs = 0.359 and p value = 0.018. Conclusions: The quality and quantity of sleep is significantly associated with blood glucose levels. Women childbearing age should maintain quality and quantity of sleep to prevent increased blood glucose levels. Health workers need to pay attention to the quality and quantity of patient’s sleep especially in women childbearing age.

Effect of ginger on the blood glucose level of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with impaired glucose tolerance test (GTT): a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one the most common complications of pregnancy. The present work aimed at investigating the effect of ginger on the blood glucose level of GDM women with impaired glucose tolerance test (GTT).MethodsThis randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on the total of 70 women with GDM, who were in 24–28 weeks of pregnancy with impaired GTT from 2015 to 2016. For this purpose, the women were assigned to two groups of ginger or placebo. The ginger group received 126 tablets of ginger, and the placebo group received 126 tablets of placebo for six weeks. The serum Blood Sugar 2 h post-prandial (BS2hpp), Fast Blood Sugar (FBS) and insulin, as well as Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index were analyzed before and six weeks after intervention.ResultsThe mean of FBS (P = 0.04), fasting insulin (P = 0.01), and HOMA index (P = 0.05) was reduced significantly in the ginger group six weeks after intervention in comparison to the placebo group. But the mean of BS2hpp did not show any significant reduction in the two groups (P > 0.05(.ConclusionsOral administration of ginger tablet improved FBS, serum insulin and HOMA index in the women with GDM; however, it could not reduce their BS2hpp level.The trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT2015090523897N1).

Lack of association between particulate air pollution and blood glucose levels and diabetic status in peri-urban India

BackgroundLimited evidence exists on the effect of particulate air pollution on blood glucose levels. We evaluated the associations of residential and personal levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) with blood glucose and diabetic status among residents of 28 peri-urban villages in South India. MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from 5065 adults (≥18 years, 54% men) included in the Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study. Fasting plasma glucose was measured once in 2010–2012 and prevalent prediabetes and diabetes were defined following the American Diabetes Association criteria. We estimated annual ambient PM2.5 and BC levels at residence using land-use regression models and annual personal exposure to PM2.5 and BC using prediction models based on direct measurements from a subsample of 402 participants. We used linear and logistic nested mixed-effect models to assess the association between exposure metrics and health outcomes. For personal exposures, we stratified analyses by sex. ResultsMean (SD) residential PM2.5 and BC were 32.9 (2.6) μg/m3 and 2.5 (2.6) μg/m3, respectively; personal exposures to PM2.5 and BC were 54.5 (11.5) μg/m3 and 5.8 (2.5) μg/m3, respectively. Average (SD) fasting blood glucose was 5.3 (1.3) mmol/l, 16% of participants had prediabetes, and 5.5% had diabetes. Residential PM2.5 and BC were not associated with higher blood glucose levels. Personal PM2.5 (20 μg/m3 increase) and BC (1 μg/m3 increase) were negatively associated with blood glucose levels in women (PM2.5: −1.93, 95%CI: −3.12, −0.73; BC: −0.63, 95%CI: −0.90, −0.37). In men, associations were negative for personal PM2.5 (−1.99, 95%CI: −3.56, −0.39) and positive for personal BC (0.49, 95%CI: −0.44, 1.43). We observed no evidence of associations between any exposure and prevalence of prediabetes/diabetes. ConclusionsOur results do not provide evidence that residential exposures to PM2.5 or BC are associated with blood glucose or prevalence of prediabetes/diabetes in this population. Associations with personal exposure may have been affected by unmeasured confounding, highlighting a challenge in using personal exposure estimates in air pollution epidemiology. These associations should be further examined in longitudinal studies.

Longevity-Associated Forkhead Box O3 (FOXO3) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms are Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Elderly Women.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).Material/MethodsA total of 843 elderly residents from east China were enrolled in this study, which included 426 patients with type 2 diabetes and 417 controls. Four SNPs were analyzed by qPCR. Genotype frequencies of the 4 SNPs in FOXO3 of the patients and controls were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The association between each SNP and clinical indicators was analyzed by linear regression analysis.ResultsNone of the 4 FOXO3 variants, rs13217795, rs2764264, rs2802292, and rs13220810, were associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes compared to controls. However, rs13217795, rs2764264, and rs2802292 were associated with lower blood glucose levels. Notably, further subgroup analysis indicated that the longevity-associated alleles of FOXO3 SNP (rs13217795, rs2764264, and rs2802292) were associated with lower blood glucose levels in women (TC versus TT, −0.724 mmol/L, P=0.005; CC versus TT, −1.093 mmol/L, P=0.03; TC versus TT, −0.801 mmol/L, P=0.002; CC versus TT, −1.212 mmol/L, P=0.001; TG versus TT, −0.754 mmol/L, P=0.004; and GG versus TT, −1.150 mmol/L, P=0.001) but not in men.ConclusionsThe results indicated that longevity-associated FOXO3 variants were correlated with lower blood glucose levels in elderly women with type 2 diabetes in east China.

Effect of Probiotics on the Glucose Levels of Pregnant Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition, in which women develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy without having diabetes. Evidence on the effects of probiotics on the blood glucose levels of women with GDM is inconsistent. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics on the blood glucose levels of pregnant women. Methods: Online databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before July 2018. Trials had to meet the inclusion criteria of our study. Methodological quality and risk bias were independently assessed by two reviewers. Data were pooled using a random effects model and were expressed as the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was evaluated and quantified as I2. Results: In total, 12 RCTs were included in this study. Studies have shown that the use of probiotics significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level (MD: −0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.19, −0.02), insulin concentration (MD: −2.24 μIU/mL; 95% CI: −3.69, −0.79), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) score (MD: −0.47; 95% CI: −0.74, −0.21), and Homeostasis model of assessment-estimated β cell function (HOMA-B) score (MD: −20.23; 95% CI: −31.98, −8.49) of pregnant women. In a subgroup analysis, whether the blood glucose-lowering effect of probiotics influenced the diagnosis of pregnant women with GDM was assessed. The results showed that probiotics had significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level (MD: −0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.17, −0.04) and HOMA-IR score (MD: −0.37; 95% CI: −0.72, −0.02) of pregnant women who were not diagnosed with GDM. Conclusion: Probiotics reduce the blood glucose level of pregnant women, especially without GDM diagnosis. However, further research using RCTs must be conducted to validate the results of the present study.

Effects of a Web-Based Self-Management Program on the Behavior and Blood Glucose Levels of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Background:Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus suffer from anxiety and depression, which make controlling blood glucose levels difficult.Introduction:This quasi-experimental study uses a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design to investigate the effects of a web-based self-care program on self-care behaviors, anxiety, depression, and blood glucose in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.Methods:The subjects of the study were outpatients being treated in the Department of Endocrinology at Hospital G, located in Seoul near University C, from July 15, 2015, to December 31, 2016. The experimental and control groups contained 22 participants each. The experimental group received a 12-week web-based program and one session of nutrition education; the control group received nutrition education. Using the SPSS program, pre-post changes in blood glucose, anxiety, depression, and self-care behaviors were examined between the two groups by a repeated-measures ANOVA.Results:After the 12 weeks intervention, self-care behaviors increased in both groups, and blood glucose monitoring increased in the experimental group (p = 0.001). Anxiety in the experimental group decreased by 5.1 points but increased by 1.0 point in the control group (p = 0.048). Depression increased in both groups. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels decreased in the experimental group but increased in the control group (p = 0.001).Discussion:In addition to reducing HbA1C and anxiety, the web-based self-care program was effective in increasing the frequency of daily blood glucose monitoring in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.Conclusions:This study will be helpful in informing an anxiety intervention program, blood glucose control, and healthy self-care behaviors in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

The relationship of health literacy to diabetes status differs by sex in older adults

ObjectiveLower health literacy is associated with higher rates of mortality and chronic disease. It remains unclear whether health literacy is associated with diabetes and/or hyperglycemia in older adults, and if this relationship differs by sex. Research design and methodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2510 older adults in the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study who had both a Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) measurement and diabetes status available. Sex-stratified logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship of health literacy categories (low, medium, and high) to diabetes status, adjusting for key covariates. Secondary analyses examined the relationship of health literacy to glycemic markers (A1C, fasting blood glucose). ResultsAmong participants in the Health ABC cohort, 429 had diabetes. Mean age was 76years old and 45% were female. Men with diabetes more commonly had low health literacy levels than men without diabetes (10.1% versus 9.3%, p=0.02). Similar results were seen among women (14.7% versus 6.1%, p<0.01). In a model adjusting for age, race, income, education, BMI, smoking, and alcohol use, women with low versus high health literacy had a two-fold higher likelihood of diabetes (OR=2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.3). No significant relationship was observed in men. Progressively lower categories of health literacy were associated with higher age-adjusted mean A1C and fasting blood glucose levels in women (both p for trend <0.01) but not men. ConclusionsIn this large, ethnically diverse sample of community-dwelling older adults, lower health literacy level is related to a greater likelihood of diabetes and higher A1C and fasting blood glucose levels in women–but not in men–after adjusting for age, race, and other demographic and lifestyle factors. Future studies are needed to assess mechanisms underlying this relationship and if interventions to improve health literacy are effective in reducing the burden of diabetes, particularly in women.

The duration of intrapartum maternal hyperglycaemia predicts neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with pre-existing diabetes.

There is a high incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia in neonates born to mothers with pre-existing diabetes. This often necessitates admission to the neonatal intensive care. Guidelines suggest maintaining intrapartum blood glucose levels (BGLs) of 4-7 mmol/l in women with diabetes to reduce the risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia. This study assessed whether intrapartum BGLs in women with pre-gestational Type 1 and 2 diabetes were predictive of neonatal hypoglycaemia. A retrospective analysis of 261 births delivered at a tertiary hospital in Australia from 2009 to 2014. There were 122 cases of neonatal hypoglycaemia (glucose ≤ 2.6 mmol/l) in 261 births (47%). The mothers in the neonatal hypoglycaemia group spent less time with BGL in the range 4-7 mmol/l [55 ± 37% vs. 65 ± 35%, P = 0.02; odds ratio (OR) 0.992, P = 0.03] and more time with BGL in the 7-10 mmol/l range (31 ± 34% vs. 18 ± 27%, P = 0.003; OR 1.013, P = 0.003) compared with those without neonatal hypoglycaemia. Although statistically significant, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that time spent with maternal BGLs in the range 4-7 mmol/l [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.58] or 7-10 mmol (AUC = 0.60) was not strong enough to be a useful clinical predictor of neonatal hypoglycaemia. HbA1c in the second trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.02, OR 1.42) and percentage time spent in BGL range of 7-10 mmol/l (P = 0.001, OR 1.02) were both associated with a risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia in a logistic regression model. HbA1c in the third trimester (P = 0.07, OR 1.28) approached, but did not reach, significance. These data support a BGL range of 4-7 mmol/l as an intrapartum target. Glycaemic control in the second trimester is associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia. Improvement in ante- and intrapartum glycaemic control may reduce neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with pre-existing diabetes.

Effect of antenatal betamethasone on blood glucose levels in women with and without diabetes

ObjectiveTo characterize the maternal glycemic response to betamethasone in subjects without diabetes compared to subjects with diabetes. Study designBlood glucose levels in 22 gravidae without diabetes and 11 gravidae with diabetes were recorded for 48h following betamethasone administration for threatened preterm delivery. Maximum blood glucose value and time to maximum value were compared. Area under the curve calculations were used to express the duration and degree of significant hyperglycemia for individual subjects. These summary measures were then correlated to subject characteristics and laboratory values to determine a risk profile of those subjects without diabetes at risk for significant hyperglycemia. ResultsAll subjects with diabetes and the majority of those without diabetes had significant hyperglycemia during the study period. Mean maximum blood glucose was higher for those with diabetes (205mg/dL vs. 173mg/dL, p⩽0.01). Mean time to reach the maximum glucose level was similar for both groups. Result of a glucose tolerance test given immediately prior to betamethasone correlated strongly with amount of time spent with hyperglycemia for subjects without diabetes (rho=0.59, p⩽0.01). Morbidly obese subjects spent less time with hyperglycemia than those with lower body mass indices (p=0.03). ConclusionBoth subjects with and without diabetes demonstrate significant hyperglycemia after receipt of antenatal betamethasone.

Insulin resistance and lipid profile during an oral glucose tolerance test in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus

We aimed to compare changes in insulin levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during pregnancy and those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Overall, 105 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks’ gestation, 50 with NGT and 55 with GDM according to NDDG standard, were enrolled into the study. The levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) and the insulin levels, blood glucose levels at 1, 2 and 3 hours post oral glucose administration during an OGTT (5.8, 10.6, 9.2 and 8.1 mmol/L, respectively) were measured. Then, insulin resistance (IR) index was calculated. There was no significant difference in fasting, 3-h insulin levels and 3-h blood glucose levels between those with NGT and those with GDM (P > 0.05). However, 1-h and 2-h insulin levels, fasting and 1-h and 2-h blood glucose levels in women with GDM were significantly higher than those in the NGT group (P < 0.05). Fasting TC and TG levels in the GDM group were significantly higher than those with NGT (P = 0.031 and P = 0.025, respectively). Correlation analysis showed that TG and TC levels were positively correlated with homoeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) (r = 0.67 and r = 0.78, respectively; P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that insulin sensitivity in women with GDM was significantly lower than that observed in those with NGT. Reducing IR and blood lipids in women with GDM could potentially improve maternal and foetal outcomes.

Glycaemic index of stevia product and its efficacy on blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes

Stevia, a fantastic zero calorie sweetener, an incredible internal medicine, also products made from whole leaf concentrate have extra ordinary health benefits. The GI of foods has potential implications for the prevention and treatment of major chronic diseases, including diabetes, CHD and obesity. The objectives of the study were to determine the glycaemic index of chappathi with stevia leaf powder and to find out the therapeutic efficacy of chappathi with stevia extract on blood glucose level of women with type 2 diabetes. Six women with diabetes were selected for determining glycaemic index of chappathi with stevia extract. The reference food (glucose), control food ( chappathi) and test food (2 g% stevia incorporated chappathi) were given to each of the women on first ,second and third day respectively. Blood glucose levels were read by Glucometre for every 30 min. until a period of 2 hours. Glycaemic index was calculated by incremental area under curve method. Six type 2 diabetic women were selected randomly from thirty newly diagnosed diabetic women and the selected women consumed chappathi prepared with stevia leaf powder (2 g%) daily for breakfast. Supplementation period was 30 days (31-60 d). The effect of stevia was tested at pre test (1-30 d) and post test design (61-90 d). The glycaemic index of control and test food was 71 and 62 respectively. Mean significant reduction was found in fasting (104 to 87.5 mg/dl) and post prandial (250 to 183 mg/dl) blood glucose concentration of type 2 diabetic women after 30 d of supplementation of 2 g stevia, moreover significant (P