Blood Glucose Testing Research Articles

Using hormonotherapy in breast cancer and its relationship with metabolic syndrome

Aims: This study aims to investigate whether the use of hormonotherapy pharmaceuticals causes metabolic syndrome-like symptoms in patients diagnosed with breast cancer and to compare the long-term effects of the drugs. Methods: This retrospective file analysis was conducted on breast cancer patients who presented to the Radiation Oncology clinic between January 2019 and April 2022. Files of 75 patients diagnosed with breast cancer, postmenopausal, and without any previous chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension were included in the study. Patients who were started on medications with different active ingredients (tamoxifen citrate, letrozole or anastrazole) in the adjuvant period were examined in 3 groups. Waist circumference thickness, body weight, blood pressure, and blood biochemical tests (blood glucose, lipid levels) were measured before and 6 months after the start of the drugs, and the values were compared retrospectively. Results: Of the 75 patients included in the study, the average age of patients using tamoxifen was 59.6; The average age of patients using letrozole was 59.12 years and the average age of patients using anastrozole was 63.56 years. There was an increase in fasting blood sugar (p:0.014) and waist circumference (p:0.009) in the tamoxifen group. There was an increase in fasting blood sugar, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and lipid levels in the letrozole and anastrazole arms (p<0.0001 for all). Furthermore, comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension that developed after using drugs were ascertained. Conclusion: We think that there is a significant association between hormonotherapy medicines used in breast cancer and metabolic syndrome. While we found increases in blood lipids, FBG, body weight, and waist circumference in most of the patients, we observed that these increases were significantly higher in the groups using aromatase inhibitors. These patients should be examined in detail before starting hormone therapy. Diet, active lifestyle, and sports should be recommended.

The Sukaribit Smartphone App for Better Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study.

A new app, Sukaribit, was designed to enable contact between the caregiver and the patient with the intent to improve self-care and glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]). This study investigated the feasibility of the study methodology and the intervention in preparation for a larger effectiveness study. Adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited in this randomized controlled feasibility study with a mixed methods design. The intervention group (n=28) tried Sukaribit for 2 months. They were encouraged to report blood glucose levels and medications, and they received feedback from a physician. The control group (n=31) received standard care. Both groups were evaluated with pre and postmeasurements of glycemic control (HbA1c), diabetes distress, physical activity, and self-care. Feasibility was evaluated against 5 progression criteria regarding recruitment, study methods, and active participation. Of the 5 progression criteria, only 2 were met or partially met. The recruitment process exceeded expectations, and data collection worked well for self-reported data but not for HbA1c measured with a home testing kit. The participants were less active than anticipated, and the effect sizes were small. Only the number of blood glucose tests per day was positively affected by the intervention, with 0.6 more tests per day in the intervention group. Recruitment of participants to a future fully powered study may work with minor adjustments. The collection of HbA1c using home testing constituted a major problem, and an alternative strategy is warranted. Finally, the app was not used as intended. In order to proceed with a larger study, the app and study procedures need improvement.

Emerging biomarkers in gestational diabetes: perspectives for improving diagnosis and prognoses

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a pathology suffered by one in seven pregnant women worldwide, in which carbohydrate metabolism is altered, that is, glucose intolerance occurs. It is recognized for the first time in pregnancy since these adaptations occur with the objective of providing an adequate amount of glucose to the fetus for its development. They are related to risk factors such as age, diet, lack of physical activity, among others, and can cause fetal macrosomia, neonatal jaundice, and cardiorespiratory complications. In the mother, it is diagnosed through different blood glucose tests such as the oral glucose tolerance test, O'Sullivan test, however currently new biomarkers have been implemented for an early prognosis such as IL-27, a protein retinol transporter 4, maternal fetuin A, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and molecular biomarkers, but more studies are required so that these biochemical markers can be standardized by an organization

Blood glucose control in acute stroke patients under total energy restriction with different carbohydrate intake and SGLT2 inhibitors availability: a retrospective cohort study

Hyperglycemia in acute stroke patients worsens neurological outcomes. However, effective and safe management during the acute stage has not been established. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effect of medications and nutrition therapy on blood glucose control in three cohorts with different carbohydrate content and availability of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) to identify the current optimal treatment for acute-stage hyperglycemia. We retrospectively studied patients with acute stroke admitted to our hospital between 2011 and 2019. We divided the study period into three periods as follows: traditional (Td, 2011–2013), transition (Ts, 2013–2014), and novel (N, 2014–2019). To evaluate glucose-lowering efficacy and safety, we included conscious patients with glycated hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5%, blood glucose levels ≥11.1 mmol/L, normal renal function at admission, oral diet and medications, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) test on day 7. We performed total energy restriction (TER) in each period with different carbohydrate contents: 60% in Td, 40% in Ts, and N. The attending physicians chose glucose-lowering medications. SGLT2is were available in the N period only. Our target FBG was <7 mmol/L by day 7. The 26, 22 and 36 patients were enrolled in the Td, Ts and N periods. The blood glucose levels significantly decreased by day 7 in all periods. The target FBG was achieved in 30.8% of Td patients, 31.8% of Ts patients, and 72.2% of N patients. The N period had the highest population of achieving the target FBG. The 40%-carbohydrate diet based on TER plus SGLT2is was the most effective way to lower blood glucose levels. The N period had the highest population of positive urine ketones. However, no symptomatic ketoacidosis occurred. A 40%-carbohydrate diet based on TER combined with SGLT2is might be a potentially effective and safe treatment for hyperglycemia in acute stroke-conscious patients.

Therapeutic Effects of Nigella sativa Oil and Whole Seeds on STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats: A Biochemical and Immunohistochemical Study.

Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is an increasing health problem that has negative impacts on patients and healthcare systems, worldwide. The development of new therapies with better efficacy, fewer side effects, and lower prices are urgently needed to treat this disease. To evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed and oil on the biochemical parameters and regeneration of pancreatic islets (or islets of Langerhans) of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The diabetic rat model was prepared by administering a single dose of STZ (35 mg/kg body weight). The whole seed or the oil of N. sativa was administered to the diabetic and control groups for a period of 28 days, but not to the negative and STZ controls. Serum blood glucose, liver enzymes, lipid profile, and renal function tests (uric acid, albumin, total protein, urea, and creatinine) were measured in all groups. After the rats were euthanized, their pancreases were extracted, and then sectioned and fixed on slides in preparation before staining with H&E stain and immunohistochemical study. Treatment of STZ-diabetic rats with N. sativa seeds or oil significantly improved their serum glucose levels, lipid profiles, and liver and renal functions as well as preserved the integrity of pancreatic β cells. N. sativa seeds and oil demonstrate significant therapeutic improvement effects on DM and its related complications including effective protection of islets of Langerhans. The therapeutic benefits of N. sativa seeds and oil on DM and its related complications are comparable.

To Compare Blood Glucose Estimation Using the GOD-PAP Technique with the Hexokinase Method

Glucose is the major source of energy for all the processes working within the human body and hence it's the major carbohydrate required. During starvation or fasting, its concentration in blood is maintained by glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis otherwise, a routine diet is sufficient for this task. Routine methods like glucose-oxidase coupled dehydrogenase are most commonly used on semiautomatic instruments with mono reagent. Hexokinase is the definite method to measure glucose concentration during different fed and fasting states but it requires an automated instrument and specific reagent which comparatively affects its cost. Objective: To compare the GOD-PAP and Hexokinase methods for blood glucose estimation. Methodology: This study was conducted in the Chemical pathology lab and Diabetic clinic of Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from June to December 2023. 110 samples were obtained. Both genders with hyperglycemia and normoglycemia were selected. Hemolyzed, lipemic, icteric specimens and blood samples with low glucose <50 mg/dl were excluded. Results: 110 patient specimens were analyzed on both fully automated and semi-automatic instruments for method comparison. Precision determined by replication study in which Random Error was (RE) < Total Allowable Error (TAE). The mean value determined by the Hexokinase method was 106.34 while by GODAP it gave 100.29. There was a negative bias of -6.14. The linear regression analysis was performed for comparison of methods. The line of best fit was obtained. Linear correlation between the two methods was documented by calculating the correlation coefficient. The accuracy of the test method was measured by conducting a "Recovery study" on the specimen sera. The proportional error was less than the total allowable error. The P-value was found to be 0.000. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the estimation of glucose using the GOD-PAP (glucose oxidase-peroxidase) technique gave acceptable results when compared with the Hexokinase reference method. So, the validated method can be used in small and medium workload laboratories for cost-effective reliable blood glucose test results.

Self-Care Practices and the Associated Socio-Demographic Variables of Persons With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2dm) in Southeast, Nigeria.

The study was aimed at assessing the self-care practices and the associated socio-demographic variables of persons with T2DM in South East, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 382 persons with T2DM proportionately selected from 4 tertiary health institutions in South Eastern, Nigeria. Data was collected using the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) and a researcher-developed questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to persons with T2DM who attended a diabetic outpatient clinic. Data collected was analyzed in frequency percentage. Responses on SDSCA were ranked and rated as poor, moderate, and good self-care behavior. The level of significance was placed at P < .05. The majority of the participants were within the age groups of 40 to 59 (46.9%) and 60 and above (46.9%); the majority (74.6%) were married while a good proportion were traders (59.7%). Also, the majority of participants (81.2%) were on oral hypoglycemic agents. Findings further showed that a good proportion (51.3% and 89.8%) of study participants had good self-care behavior in diet and medication domains respectively. Whereas the proportion of participants with poor self-care behavior was very high in foot care (75.1%) and fairly high in both self-blood sugar testing (37.7%) and exercise (37.2%) domains. Only 7.9% practiced 3-monthly laboratory blood glucose testing while 16.5% went for eye checks every 6 months. Individuals with diabetes mellitus have poor self-management behavior in most domains of the self-management practice. Age, gender, marital status, educational level, and occupation significantly influenced self-management practices. Hence nurses and health educators should take diabetes self-management education very seriously to help diabetes sufferers improve their self-management behavior.

Current Screening and Management Practices for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Public Hospitals of South India

Background Gestational Diabetes Mellitus GDM leads to adverse maternal and foetal health outcomes. There are several benefits of screening pregnant women for GDM including reducing the impact and timing of GDM-associated complications. However there is limited evidence regarding GDM screening and management in public hospitals in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore we aimed to understand the current GDM screening and management practice in public hospitals in South India through the study of pregnant women in Bangalore.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in all the six tertiary-level public hospitals of Bengaluru which were providing antenatal services during September 2017. We compared the results of GDM screening in five of these hospitals with a tertiary public hospital wherein a cohort of women were studied during the same time wherein voluntarily consented women were subjected to GDM screening and were followed up through their pregnancy and post-partum.Results Among the 186 pregnant women included in the cross-sectional study 41.4 n77186 had undergone random blood sugar test and 22 n39186 underwent a confirmatory test in the form of either a Glucose Challenge Test GCT or Oral Glucose Tolerance Test OGTT for diagnosis. Similarly pregnant women underwent capillary blood glucose testing 5.1 n9186 fasting blood sugar 1.7 n3186 urine glucose and albumin level 1.7 n3186 testing. The prevalence of GDM in this cross-sectional study obtained via routine screening in public hospitals was 4.3 n8186 while in comparison the prevalence of GDM was 15.4 n1571019 in the ongoing cohort. Furthermore only 22.9 of cohort women diagnosed with GDM received any follow-up treatment in public hospitals. We also found that 12.1 and 7 of women achieved glucose control in the antenatal and postnatal period respectively.Conclusion Our results suggest that most women with GDM attending public hospitals may be ldquomissedrdquo from GDM diagnosis and treatment even in the major public hospitals in Bangalore. Therefore strengthening the GDM screening and management in public hospitals is imperative to avert the adverse risks of GDM among women and their children in urban areas.

Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients with Hyperglycemia: Retrospective Cohort Study from a COVID-19 Referral Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia

Background: COVID-19 often causes severe complications in patients with metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, inflammation caused by infection may also trigger insulin resistance resulting in hyperglycemia and related to disease severity. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients with hyperglycemia at one of the COVID-19 referral hospital in Bandung, Indonesia.Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study using secondary data from medical records of COVID-19 patients admitted to Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital from March 2020 to March 2021. This study included all patients with confirmed COVID-19, aged &gt;18 years, and had at least one blood glucose test at admission. Patients were grouped based on three possible types of hyperglycemia namely diabetes mellitus, reactive hyperglycemia, and steroid-induced hyperglycemia, and then compared their characteristics and disease outcomes.Results: This study identified 1,114 patients’ medical records and included 1,013 data in the analysis. Hyperglycemia occurred in 45.1% of COVID-19 patients. The most common hyperglycemia types were diabetes mellitus (55.7%), reactive hyperglycemia (37.4%), and steroid-induced hyperglycemia (7%). The steroid-induced hyperglycemia group had similar characteristics as the diabetes group. The reactive hyperglycemia group exhibited a metabolic syndrome pattern resembling pre-diabetic conditions. The highest rates of severe disease and mortality were seen in the steroid-induced hyperglycemia group, followed by the diabetes group.Conclusion: There is an elevated prevalence of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients with diabetes. The steroid-induced hyperglycemia group has the most unfavorable outcomes. These observations emphasize the importance of identifying hyperglycemic conditions to improve management and outcomes.

Pengaruh Jalan Kaki Terhadap Kadar Gula Darah Sewaktu Pada Penderita Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 di Kelurahan Tuminting Kota Manado

Sugar levels that accumulate in the blood due to not being absorbed well by body cells can cause various organ disorders. If not controlled properly, it can lead to various complications that can be life-threatening. Risk factors that can affect blood sugar levels are food, activity, and weight gain. Therefore, one way to keep blood sugar levels under control is by doing walking therapy activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of walking on the fasting blood sugar levels when in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tuminting Village, Manado City. This research is a quantitative research with a method used pre-experimental method using a with a pre-test-post test one group design approach. The sample was taken based on the number of respondents obtained as many as 19 people using Purposive sampling. Data collection was done by using blood glucose test tools and observation sheets. The results of data analysis using the Paired sample t-test showed P value of 0.001 or smaller than ≤0.05 which means that the alternative hypothesis Ha is accepted or through walking activities can reduce the fasting blood sugar levels when in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Association between dietary carbohydrates intake, diabetes, obesity and breast cancer incidence among Sudanese women at the national cancer institute, Gezira State, Sudan (2021-2022)

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer and the main cause of death among women in Sudan. BC incidence rates is increasing in Sudan as estimate by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Wad Madani. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between high carbohydrate intake, diabetes obesity and risk of breast cancer. It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the NCI in Wad Madani, Gezira state in Sudan, during the period of 2021-2022, among 100 Sudanese women (ages: 20-75 years) who were confirmed to have BC. Data was collected by questionnaire consisted of questions about food intake and questions about BC risk factors. Physical measurements (height, weight and waist circumference) were taken. Laboratory tests (blood glucose) were done. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 22. The results showed that carbohydrate intake was positively associated with the risk of BC (p&lt;0.05), and this association was higher in premenopausal women. Among carbohydrate components, the highest association were observed with sucrose and starch. BMI, waist circumference and diabetes mellitus were positively associated with the risk of BC. There was no association between age and BC (p&gt;0.05). There was a very well correlation between consuming more than 30 grams per day of sugar (sucrose) and BC (r&gt;0.50) while total sugar intake and carbohydrate intake had the lower correlation (0.433, 0.269), respectively (r&lt;0.50). It was concluded that increased intake of foods rich in carbohydrates, especially sucrose and starch was directly associated with the risk of BC and its advanced stage in premenopausal Sudanese women. On the other hand, an increase in both waist circumference, body mass index and diabetes were positively associated with increased risk of BC.

Direct Online Monitoring of Mouse Exhaled Breath for Diabetes Assessment Using Corona Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Since certain types of diabetes are reversible and curable in the early stages, early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Exhaled breath analysis, a noninvasive technique, is increasingly recognized for its potential in health monitoring, providing insights into an organism’s metabolic state more directly than blood glucose tests. This work developed an in situ method utilizing corona ion source mass spectrometry for real-time direct monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in mouse exhaled breath. The method was used to track breath changes in two mouse models with streptozotocin-induced diabetes throughout disease progression. Notably, variations in certain VOCs in exhaled breath correlated with blood glucose levels (BGLs) during diabetes development. For instance, in the type 1 diabetes model, acetone levels remained stable within 8 days after hyperglycemia (not significant, n.s.) compared to those in controls but showed a significant increase after 10 days (p < 0.001). In the type 2 diabetes model, isopropanol levels decreased (p < 0.001) during the prediabetes phase, when BGL changes were not significant (n.s.) compared to those in the healthy state. These results indicate that specific substances in exhaled breath change prior to noticeable BGL alterations. This study thus established the viability of direct online mass spectrometry for breath analysis in early diabetes detection and showed that this technique has potential for identifying clear clinical markers for early diabetes screening.

Prevalence of Testing for Diabetes Among US Adults With Overweight or Obesity, 2016-2019.

Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes may allow earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every 3 years for abnormal blood glucose among adults aged 40 to 70 years with overweight or obesity. Using IQVIA Ambulatory Electronic Medical Records, we estimated the proportion of adults aged 40 to 70 years with overweight or obesity who received blood glucose testing within 3 years from baseline in 2016. We identified 1,338,509 adults aged 40 to 70 years with overweight or obesity in 2016 and without pre-existing diabetes. We included adults whose records were present in the data set for at least 2 years before their index body mass index (BMI) in 2016 and 3 years after the index BMI (2017-2019), during which we examined the occurrence of blood glucose testing. We calculated the unadjusted and adjusted prevalence of receiving blood glucose testing. The unadjusted prevalence of receiving blood glucose testing was 33.4% when it was defined as having a hemoglobin A1c or fasting plasma glucose measure. The unadjusted prevalence was 74.3% when we expanded the definition of testing to include random plasma glucose and unspecified glucose measures. Adults with obesity were more likely to receive the test than those with overweight. Men (vs women) and adults aged 50 to 59 years (vs other age groups) had higher testing rates. Our findings could inform clinical and public health promotion efforts to improve screening for blood glucose levels among adults with overweight or obesity.

Point-of-Care Blood Glucose Testing: Post-Market Performance Assessment of the Accu-Chek Inform II Hospital-Use Glucose Meter

A point-of-care glucose testing (POCT) is an essential component of care in patients with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in inpatient and outpatient settings. In Russian medical facilities (MFs), conventional glucose meters designed for self-monitoring by patients with diabetes are commonly used for POCT. These home-use meters have two serious disadvantages: the first is large measurement bias and the second - they can't be integrated into laboratory information systems, so measurement data have to be recorded into patient charts manually. Both factors may lead to medical errors. It is reasonable to use in the MFs specialized POCT glucose meters, as they are superior to conventional ones in accuracy and may be easily connected to laboratory information systems. With this in mind, physicians at the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital decided to substitute conventional meters with the Accu-Chek Inform II POCT meter, however, after preliminary performance assessment of the model. To test the Accu-Chek Inform II performance characteristics: accuracy, linearity, repeatability, and mean absolute relative difference (MARD). Performance of the Accu-Chek Inform II was tested by comparing the results of parallel CGL measurements with the meter and reference laboratory analyzer in capillary blood samples. Overall, 99 parallel CGL measurements were made in 45 samples. Accuracy was evaluated according to the ISO 15197-2013 and POCT12-A3 criteria. The Accu-Chek Inform II meter met the requirements of ISO 15197-2013 and POCT12-A3 and demonstrated high linearity (correlation coefficient, r=1,0), good repeatability (mean coefficient of variation, CV=1,38%) and acceptable MARD (4,9%). The Accu-Chek Inform II POCT glucose meter may be efficiently and safely used in inpatient and outpatient MFs and particularly in pediatric clinics.

Impaired health-related quality of life due to elevated risk of developing diabetes: A cross-sectional study in Indonesia.

This study investigated the association between elevated risk of developing diabetes and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the Indonesian population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,336 Indonesians from the general population who had no previous diagnosis of diabetes. Utility score to represent HRQoL was measured using the EuroQol 5-dimension, while the risk for developing diabetes was determined using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) instrument. All participants underwent a blood glucose test after fasting for 8 hours. The association between FINDRISC score and HRQoL adjusted for covariates was analysed using multivariate Tobit regression models. Minimal clinically important differences were used to facilitate interpretation of minimal changes in utility score that could be observed. The median (interquartile range) of the overall FINDRISC score was 6 (7), while the mean (95% confidence intervals) of the EQ-5D utility score was 0.93 (0.93-0.94). Once adjusted for clinical parameters and socio-demographic characteristics, participants with a higher FINDRISC score showed a significantly lower HRQoL. No significant association was detected between fasting blood glucose level categories and HRQoL. A difference of 4-5 points in the FINDRISC score was considered to reflect meaningful change in HRQoL in clinical practice. An elevated risk of developing diabetes is associated with a lower HRQoL. Therefore, attention should be paid not only to patients who have already been diagnosed with diabetes, but also to members of the general population who demonstrate an elevated risk of developing diabetes. This approach will assist in preventing the onset of diabetes and any further deterioration of HRQoL in this segment of the Indonesian population.

Linagliptin improves diabetic kidney disease in rats by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis through the AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM pathway

To investigate whether linagliptin improves diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis via activating adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α/mitochondrial transcription factor A (AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM) pathway. With 6 male SD rats feeding normal chow as the control group, 16 SD rat models of DKD induced by intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg STZ and high-fat and high-glucose feeding for 4 weeks were randomized into DKD model group and linagliptin treatment group. The rats in the latter two groups were subjected to daily intragastric administration of vehicle or 5 mg/kg linagliptin (dissolved in 5 g/L sodium carboxymethylcellulose, final concentration of 2 mg/mL) for 12 weeks with further high-fat and high-glucose feeding. After the treatments, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples from the abdominal aorta and kidney tissues were collected for testing blood glucose, liver function and lipid metabolism; HE, PAS, Masson, Sirius red staining and electron microscopy were used to observe renal tissue damage. Renal expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), fibronectin (FN) and collagen I (Col I) were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the changes in membrane potential (ΔψM) and ATP enzyme content were analyzed to assess mitochondrial damage; The expressions of AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM pathway proteins were detected using Western blotting. Compared with DKD model rats, the rats receiving linagliptin treatment showed significantly decreased blood glucose level (P < 0.01) and improved proteinuria (P < 0.05) with obviously alleviated renal ultrastructural damage and fibrosis, increased ATPase content and ΔψM (P < 0.0001), and enhanced renal expressions of P-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α and TFAM (P < 0.05). Linagliptin improves proteinuria and renal fibrosis in rat models of DKD possibly by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM pathway to promote mitochondrial biosynthesis.

Undiagnosed status and associated factors of diabetes mellitus among adults living in eastern Ethiopia: Unmasking a silent killer of prevalence of diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing rapidly, with special concern for the entity silent or undiagnosed diabetes; those unaware of their condition. It is important to uncover the hidden extent of diabetes in order to identify diabetes-related problems early. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed DM and associated factors in Eastern Ethiopia. MethodsA quantitative, community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 609 adults not known to be diabetic from January 03 to February 23, 2023. A multi-stage sampling technique and a validated standardized instrument were used. Each participant was interviewed to collect socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics data. Anthropometric measurements were recorded. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) test was assessed by samples taken early in the morning, 8 h after night fasting. Undiagnosed DM was defined as not being diagnosed with Diabetes mellitus and an FBG level of ≥126 mg/dl. To identify factors associated with undiagnosed DM, logistics regression was used. The level of statistical significance was set at a value of p < 0.05. ResultsThe prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus was 8.64 % (95 % CI: 6.7–11.2). The multivariable analysis showed that sedentary behavior, family history of diabetes mellitus, current hypertension, and fruit consumption of fewer than three servings per week were independently associated with undiagnosed DM in studied participants. ConclusionAlmost one in eleven adults living in the study area had undiagnosed DM, and various associated factors identified were modifiable risk factors that could be useful in planning intervention measures for lifestyle modification.

Relationships of multidimensional factors to self-management in patients with diabetes: A Cross-sectional, correlational study

Poor self-management in patients with diabetes is a consistent issue, leading to diabetes complications. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of demographic, cognitive, psychological, social, and physiological factors to self-management in patients with diabetes. In this cross-sectional, correlational study, data were collected from 98 patients through REDCap in 2023. Multiple regression analysis was used to address the study purpose. In the sample, adherence to adequate self-management was poor. Knowledge, self-efficacy, and body mass index (BMI) were associated with overall diabetes self-management. Self-efficacy and BMI were associated with diet and exercise. Knowledge and self-efficacy were associated with blood glucose testing. No factors were associated with smoking and foot care. In conclusion, different factors were associated with different types of self-management, but BMI and self-efficacy were associated with most types of self-management. Clinicians and researchers can target BMI, self-efficacy, and knowledge to improve self-management in patients with diabetes.

Barriers, enablers, benefits, and drawbacks to point-of-care testing: a survey of the general practice out-of-hours service in Scotland.

The general practice out-of-hours (GPOOH) service is under pressure to treat more patients in less time, while reducing referrals and minimising diagnostic errors. Point-of-care (POC) testing involves rapid clinical tests that can be used to generate results during the consultation, and has the potential to facilitate managing these competing demands safely. To describe current availability of POC tests in GPOOH in Scotland, and identify barriers, enablers, benefits, and drawbacks to its use. Cross-sectional mixed-methods study, which surveyed opinions of clinicians working in the GPOOH service in NHS Scotland. An electronic questionnaire was developed, designed, piloted, and distributed to clinicians, which had closed questions and areas for free text. In total, 142 responses were received. Urine dipstick testing (99.2%), pregnancy tests (98.5%), oxygen saturation (97.7%), and blood glucose testing (93.9%), were the only POC tests commonly available in GPOOH in NHS Scotland. There was strongest support for the provision of POC tests, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP; 79.4%), strep A (76.0%), and D-dimer (75.2%). Responders felt that POC tests would improve confidence (92.3%) and safety (89.8%) surrounding clinical decision making, improve patient satisfaction (80.6%), and reduce hospital and secondary care referrals (77.5%). Barriers to POC test use were availability of the test kits and machines (94.5%), training requirements on how to use the machine (71.1%) and interpret results (56.3%), and time to do the test (62.0%). Few POC tests are in regular use in GPOOH in Scotland. GPOOH clinicians are supportive of using POC testing. They identified a number of benefits to its use, with very few drawbacks. Increased provision of POC testing in GPOOH in NHS Scotland should be considered urgently.

Geraniol reverses obesity by improving conversion of WAT to BAT in high fat diet induced obese rats by inhibiting HMGCoA reductase

ObjectivesPresent report evaluates the protective effect of geraniol on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in rats and also determines the molecular mechanism of it.MethodsRats were induced with obesity with administration of HFD for four weeks and geraniol 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. was administered for the next four week in the respective groups. Blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile was estimated in the geraniol treated HFD induced obesity in rats. Moreover, docking study was performed to determine the specific mechanism of geraniol by targeting HMG-CoE A reductase (in silico).ResultsThere was significant increase in body weight and amelioration in altered serum glucose and lipid profile were observed in the geraniol treated group than negative control group. Weight of organs and adipose tissue isolated from different regions of the body was reduced in geraniol treated group than negative control. Moreover, geraniol interact with HMG-CoA reductase having binding energy −5.13.ConclusionsIn conclusion, data of the report reveals that geraniol reduces obesity by promoting the conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) to brown adipose tissue (BAT), as it interacts with HMG-CoA reductase in HFD induced obesity in rats.