Blood Sugar Test Research Articles

Multimodal Identification of Molecular Factors Linked to Severe Diabetic Foot Ulcers Using Artificial Intelligence.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which often lead to hospitalization and non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Diabetes prevalence estimates in South Texas exceed the national estimate and the number of diagnosed cases is higher among Hispanic adults compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. San Antonio, a predominantly Hispanic city, reports significantly higher annual rates of diabetic amputations compared to Texas. The late identification of severe foot ulcers minimizes the likelihood of reducing amputation risk. The aim of this study was to identify molecular factors related to the severity of DFUs by leveraging a multimodal approach. We first utilized electronic health records (EHRs) from two large demographic groups, encompassing thousands of patients, to identify blood tests such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and specific protein tests that are significantly associated with severe DFUs. Next, we translated the protein components from these blood tests into their ribonucleic acid (RNA) counterparts and analyzed them using public bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing datasets. Using these data, we applied a machine learning pipeline to uncover cell-type-specific and molecular factors associated with varying degrees of DFU severity. Our results showed that several blood test results, such as the Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (ACR) and cholesterol and coagulation tissue factor levels, correlated with DFU severity across key demographic groups. These tests exhibited varying degrees of significance based on demographic differences. Using bulk RNA-Sequenced (RNA-Seq) data, we found that apolipoprotein E (APOE) protein, a component of lipoproteins that are responsible for cholesterol transport and metabolism, is linked to DFU severity. Furthermore, the single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed a cluster of cells identified as keratinocytes that showed overexpression of APOE in severe DFU cases. Overall, this study demonstrates how integrating extensive EHRs data with single-cell transcriptomics can refine the search for molecular markers and identify cell-type-specific and molecular factors associated with DFU severity while considering key demographic differences.

Prevalence and Determinants of Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus: A Community-Based Study from Karnataka, India

Background: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is a significant health challenge, especially in developing countries. Factors contributing to it vary by region, making it crucial to understand them for effective blood sugar control. The study’s objectives were to estimate the prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and its determinants among residents of selected areas of Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka. Methodology: This study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2023 among adult diabetics residing in the Jokatte and Madani Nagar areas of Dakshina Kannada. The required sample size was estimated at 180 and 90 diabetic patients were randomly selected from each study area. Data were collected by field workers using a pre-tested questionnaire, and a lab technician obtained blood samples for HbA1c. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Ver 27. Results: The study enrolled 180 diabetics with a mean (± S.D) age of 56.9 (±10.3) years. Uncontrolled diabetes was noted in 75.6% of diabetics. Significant determinants for uncontrolled diabetes were longer duration of diabetes, poor knowledge of blood sugar tests, irregular testing and insufficient physical activity. Conclusion: The study observed an alarming prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes and identified its key determinants. Healthcare providers must implement targeted interventions addressing these factors to achieve effective diabetes control.

COMPARISON OF DIABETES DISEASE CLASSIFICATION MODELS USING LOGISTIC REGRESSION AND RANDOM FOREST ALGORITHMS

Diabetes is a lifelong chronic disease that disrupts blood sugar regulation. Diabetes is a life-threatening condition that, if left untreated, can lead to death and other health problems. Several medical tests, including the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test, blood sugar test, oral glucose tolerance test, and fasting blood sugar test, can be used to detect diabetes. According to statistics, high glucose levels are one of the problems associated with diabetes. This study aims to categorize patients into diabetic and non-diabetic groups using specific diagnostic metrics included in the dataset. 1500 patient records with 9 attributes and 2 classes were used by the researchers. The study used machine learning techniques, including Logistic Regression and Random Forest, along with Confusion Matrix and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) assessment. The Random Forest method produced results of 97% accuracy, 97% precision, 100% recall, and 98% f1-score, indicating that the accuracy level seems good but can still be improved. Based on the accuracy findings, Random Forest is the most effective strategy of Logistic Regression.

The changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors after the implementation of the package of essential non-communicable disease control.

The Package of Essential Non-Communicable (PEN) Disease Control was implemented in the primary healthcare system to manage cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the status of CVD risk factor control following the implementation of the PEN. This historical cohort study was conducted among 60-65-year-old residents to compare hypertension (HTN) control via mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), diabetes mellitus (DM) control via fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1C tests, hyperlipidemia control via serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and overweight and obesity via body mass index (BMI) measurement in 2016 (before the implementation of the PEN project) and 2021 (after 5 years). A total of 1,583 residents with a mean age of 62.32±1.70 years were included in the study. In 2021, compared to 2016, there was a significant decrease in the relative frequency of residents with high SBP from 13.7% to 9.3%, high DBP from 11.3% to 3.4%, FBS≥126 mg/dL from 25.6% to 19.7%, and BMI≥30 from 25.7% to 23.4%. Additionally, the mean DBP and the mean serum levels of FBS among all participants decreased significantly. However, the relative frequency of residents with total cholesterol≥200 mg/dL increased significantly from 11.5% to 14.2%. Following the implementation of the PEN, the control of HTN, DM, and obesity improved among 60-65-year-old residents. However, the control of hypercholesterolemia did not improve.

Diabetes screening among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a descriptive study of commercial claims, 2011–2019

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 6–12% of United States women of reproductive age. Because women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, clinical practice guidelines from a number of organizations (e.g. American Diabetes Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, US Preventive Services Task Force) recommend that individuals with PCOS are routinely screened for diabetes. Guidelines further indicate that an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be used for diabetes screening in women with PCOS as opposed to an A1C or fasting plasma glucose test. The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) to estimate rates of diabetes screening among a nationwide sample of commercially insured women with PCOS and 2) to report the percentage of women screened using each test (OGTT, A1C, fasting plasma glucose) among those who were screened.MethodsWe used the MarketScan Commercial Claims database (2011–2019) to identify a sample of women aged 18–64 years with PCOS who were free from diabetes at baseline and had ≥ 5 years of continuous enrollment in their insurance plan. PCOS was ascertained using International Classification of Disease diagnosis codes (ICD-9: 256.4; ICD-10: E28.2). Diabetes screening was ascertained using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes (A1C: 8303683037; Fasting blood sugar: 82947; OGTT: 82950). Diabetes screening rates were calculated for the overall study sample as well as across subgroups defined by age, overweight/obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and vascular disease.ResultsIn our sample of 191,110 commercially insured women with PCOS, 73.40% were screened at least once for diabetes during a five-year period. Among the women screened, 19.24% were screened using the Androgen Excess Society (AES)-recommended OGTT, 61.58% were screened using A1C, and 23.37% were screened using fasting blood sugar.ConclusionsIn a sample of commercially insured individuals spanning the timeframe 2011–2019, nearly 75% of women with PCOS complied with the ACOG screening guidelines for diabetes. Although OGTT is recommended as the preferred screening tool for women with PCOS it was less commonly used than A1C and fasting blood sugar tests.

Comparison of Fasting Blood Glucose Levels Based on Light Exposure on Glucose Strips Using Point Of Care Testing (POCT)

A blood sugar test is an examination procedure performed to determine blood sugar levels in the body. This study entitled "Comparison of Blood Glucose Levels Based on Light Exposure to Glucose Strips Using Point Of Care Testing (POCT)". The research method used is pre-experimental. This study aims to determine the comparison of glucose levels based on exposure to light on glucose strips using POCT. This sample collection was carried out using the Federer formula with a total sample of 16 respondents. The data collection technique in this study was carried out using the Shapiro Wilk normality test and the t-test. Glucose levels examined using glucose strips that were not exposed to sunlight obtained an average value of 87.31 mg/dL. Meanwhile, glucose levels were examined using glucose strips which were exposed to light for 15 minutes and obtained an average value of 108.68 mg/dL. Based on the statistical tests that have been carried out, increased results were obtained on strips that were exposed to sunlight for 15 minutes.

Pruritus: An Overlooked Symptom of Spinal Tumors

Background Chronic itch is often associated with pain due to its complex nature. Neuropathic pruritus is defined as a debilitating form of chronic itching, about which not much is known to date. This condition may develop as a result of various neurological events and is associated with damage to the somatosensory nervous system, accounting for approximately 10% of chronic itching cases. Syringomyelia, transverse myelitis, radiculopathies, thoracic spine masses, brain tumors, strokes, and abscesses are among the conditions associated with neuropathic itching to date. Case presentation A 65-year-old female patient, with no known diseases and no regular medication usage, presented with a complaint of itching that had been ongoing for the past two years. Itching initially started in approximately five cm areas on the bilateral below-knee flexor surfaces. The patient, whose complaints persisted, was referred to the internal medicine outpatient clinic by dermatology. On physical examination, erythematous excoriated papules were observed in the areas affected by itching. The patient's blood sugar, liver and kidney function tests, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, thyroid function tests, urinalysis, stool parasitology were all normal or negative. The patient reported a sensation of coldness in the same area, was referred to neurosurgery to investigate the etiology of possible neuropathic itching. The patient's spinal imaging, revealed a spinal mass. She underwent surgery performed by a neurosurgeon, during which the spinal mass was completely removed. She reported that her itching had completely disappeared post-operatively. Conclusions The concept of itching as a variant of pain is not very new. Any damage occurring in the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system that affects the neurons responsible for transmitting and processing itch can lead to neuropathic itching. Focusing on spinal cord pathologies, any condition that damages the spinal cord may cause itching, depending on the level of damage. In cases of itching with dermatomal localization, where pain, hot or cold sensations, and paroxysmal itching are present, additional imaging methods or investigations for etiology should be performed.

HEALTH EXAMINATION AND EDUCATION ON THE USE OF CHOLESTEROL, URIC ACID, AND BLOOD SUGAR MEDICINE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF SUNGAI BAWANG VILLAGE, MUARA BADAK DISTRICT, KUTAI KARTANEGARA

Degenerative diseases that many people suffer from, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and chronic kidney failure, have increased. In demographic data referring to the 2018 Riskesdas, for example, strokes increased to 10,9% from the previous 7%, and diabetes mellitus increased from 6.9% to 8.5% in 2018. Hypertension experienced the highest increase among diseases, from 25.8% to 34.1%. Management of degenerative diseases is through implementing community service activities carried out by lectures from the Study Program of Pharmacy undergraduate at STIKES Dirgahayu Samarinda to implement the tridharma obligations of higher education. The activity was held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Lamin Adat Sungai Bawang Village, Muara Badak District, Kutai Kartanegara. This activity aimed to conduct health checks for the community, from children to adults, and health education, especially controlling non-communicable diseases. The method used was education, free examination, and treatment for the community which consists of laboratory examinations, health consultations, pharmaceutical services, and health education, as well as evaluation when the activites have been completed. Based on the activities that have been carried out, it was known that one hundred and five residents came for an examination, then from screening for blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid tests, forty-seven people exceeded normal parameters, while ninety-eight received drug therapy.

Effect of the Theory-driven Educational Intervention on Self-Care Behavior and Glycosylated Hemoglobin Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

The diabetics' lack of knowledge about self-care and incorrect beliefs in this care are the reasons for their admission to hospitals. The present study aimed to examine the impact of education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on intention, self-care behavior, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The present study was conducted on 60 diabetic patients who were randomly classified into intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, self-care education based on TPB was held, but the control group only received routine care. The data were collected using a fourpart questionnaire including characteristics, items of patients' knowledge, items of TPB constructs, and items of diabetes self-care. Data were analyzed in SPSS software. In intervention group, mean score of self-care behavior and its domains significantly changed from (total: 52.26±14.75, diabetic diet: 22.20±6.05, exercise: 5.17±4.04, blood sugar testing: 5.03 ± 4.15, medication: 5.40±2.28, foot care: 13.47±8.42) into 76.66±8.87, 29.43±5.48, 7.60±2.60, 8.73±2.31, 6.48±1.09, 23.53±3.09, respectively three months after intervention (p<0.01). In this case, these changes were not seen in the control group. The mean level of HbA1c in the intervention group (6.38±0.16) was significantly lower than before the intervention (7.56±1.08) and the control group (8.02±0.25) three months after intervention (p<0.01). Education based on the TPB was effective in improving the patients' self-care behavior and HbA1c index. Therefore, we suggest all medical centers to use the TPB as an effective and low-cost educational approach to improve diabetics' self-care behavior and health.

“Diabetes among tuberculosis patients in Bengaluru is alarming: Time to tackle it efficiently!”

ContextTuberculosis (TB) remains a major health challenge in India, with the country bearing the highest global burden. Co-existing with this epidemic is the surge in diabetes mellitus (DM) cases, earning India the title of "Diabetes Capital." AimThis study investigates the association between TB and DM, focusing on the feasibility and outcomes of screening TB patients for diabetes. It also explores the challenges and opportunities for integrated care of TB-DM comorbidities. Settingsand Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 32 tuberculosis units in the BBMP district of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Materials and methodsData were collected from TB laboratory registers and through interviews with National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) healthcare providers. The study assessed the implementation of diabetes screening, challenges in the process, and suggestions for improvement. ResultsAs part of the Quantitative data, of the 17,052 presumptive TB cases examined, 41% were aware of their diabetes status. Diabetics constituted 14.61% of the presumptive cases. Of the diagnosed TB patients, 25.2% were found to be positive for DM as well. Qualitatively, healthcare providers highlighted operational challenges, mainly concerning the timing of blood sugar testing and the need for referral to higher-level facilities. They also emphasized the importance of generating awareness among communities and training healthcare workers for on-the-spot diabetes screening. ConclusionThe findings highlight the urgent need for improved screening of TB patients for diabetes, timely initiation of anti-diabetic treatment, and comprehensive healthcare services under one roof. Advocacy, communication, and social mobilization strategies should be intensified to create awareness of TB-DM comorbidities in the general population.

Evaluation of 40 Cases of Sub-Fertile Couples in OPD of Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka

Background: Subfertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, affects about 80 million couples worldwide, male factors contribute to 40-50% of these cases. The condition has a multifactorial pathogenesis affecting sperm function, highlighting the need for comprehensive diagnostic and treatment strategies. Objective: The study aimed to understand subfertility causes better through thorough history taking, clinical examination, and necessary investigations, thereby informing improved treatment strategies. Method and Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 couples seeking treatment at the OPD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka from 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023. Couples with infertility for over one year who agreed to participate were included via convenience sampling. Data were collected on socio- demographic factors and certain relevant questions where asked to find the causes of infertility. Female participants underwent pelvic ultrasound, thyroid function tests, serum prolactin, and random blood sugar tests for Male. Semen analysis was performed following WHO 2010 guidelines. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 23. Results: Among the 40 subfertility patients, the majority (25%) were aged between 26-30 years, with a mean age of 24.21 ± 2.04 years and a mean BMI of 23.08 ± 1.54. The duration of marriage was 5-10 years for 40%, under 5 years for 32.5%, and over 10 years for 27.5%. Subfertility lasted less than 6 years for 60% and 6-10 years for 40%. Female factors alone were responsible for 30% of cases, male factors and unexplained causes each accounted for 25%, and combined factors were 20%. Semen analysis showed normal results in 60% of cases, with abnormalities in 40%. Endometriosis and PCOS each affected 25%, tubal factors 20%, and hyperprolactinemia and uterine factors 15%. ........

Identification of Blood Sugar Based on Non-invasive Measurements UsingPhotoplethysmography Method Signal Decoding in Diabetics in Tasikmalaya

Non-invasive blood sugar testing tools are now in great demand among the public. This research aims to develop a non-invasive blood sugar examination tool with a Photopletysmograph signal decoding system based on data acquisition from a wearable sensor device on the wrist. The tool used for data acquisition uses Near Infra Red Light-emitting Diode NIR LED 880 nm, 660 nm and 537 nm. This acquisition transfers signals from the body via a photodiode to a PC Personal Computer for processing using Matlab. The method used in this research is to look for the height of the systolic and diastolic amplitude of the Photopletysmograph PPG signal and use the peak-to-peak voltage Vpp to implement Beer Lambert's law. This method was tested on 54 people, randomly aged 26-89 years, with normal blood sugar to high blood sugar. The results show an error of 18.37% from the gold standard. In conclusion, the use of the PPG signal decoding method has proven to be significant in producing blood sugar values. Furthermore, this method was developed for real-time remote measurements via wearable sensor devices.

Pemeriksaan Gula Darah Sewaktu Bagi Kader Asadana Semesta Tabanan

A person is more at risk of developing blood sugar disease (type 2 DM) due to the following factors. someone who is over 45 years old, has a family history of type 2 diabetes, rarely does physical activity or exercise, is overweight or obese, suffers from prediabetes, suffers from high cholesterol, and suffers from high blood pressure (hypertension). A blood sugar test is an examination that is absolutely necessary to diagnose type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The results of blood sugar measurements will show whether a person has diabetes or not. Patients must control their blood sugar in a disciplined manner through a healthy diet so that blood sugar does not increase above normal. The aim of this service to society is to determine current blood sugar levels and provide knowledge to Asadana Semesta Tabanan cadres. The solution given is to check blood sugar levels and provide information about DM disease. The results were that most were at normal values ​​and only six people had blood sugar above 200 mg/dl. It was concluded that it is important to carry out examinations and provide information about DM disease so that they carry out routine examinations

Comparison of Binary Logistic Regression and SVM to Classify Diabetes Sufferers

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to disruption of the insulin hormone which functions as a regulator of the balance of blood sugar levels. This disease continues to increase in prevalence in various countries, making it a global health problem. Diabetes has trigger factors that contribute to the incidence of the disease, such as age, gender, smoking habits, healthy eating patterns, high blood pressure, and others. Diagnosis of diabetes can be done by carrying out a fasting blood sugar test, a 2-hour postprandial (PP) blood sugar test, and a random blood sugar test. However, it is very possible for diagnoses made by health workers to have errors due to subjectivity and different experiences, so a fast and precise classification method is needed to classify patients undergoing diabetes examination based on variables related to diabetes. The classification method used in this research is binary logistic regression and Support Vector Machine (SVM). A similar study carried out classification of diabetes sufferers using the Naive Bayes and KNN methods by comparing the results with SVM, so in this study the binary logistic regression method and SVM will be used to determine the performance of the classification method. The data used is secondary data. Next, the data is divided into training and testing data. The analysis results show that the SVM method is slightly superior in classification accuracy of testing data, namely 97.75%. With this research, it is hoped that decisions on patients undergoing diabetes examination will be faster, more precise and effective, and classification methods with better performance can be applied

Education and Early Detection of Diabetes Mellitus Risk in North Jakarta Office Environment

A low level of knowledge related to the causative factors, signs and symptoms, dangers, prevention, and treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) causes an increasing number of DM sufferers worldwide, including in Indonesia. This community service activity aims to increase public knowledge, especially in the office environment, about DM disease and conduct early detection of DM. Participants in the community service activities consisted of 90 employees of an Accountant's office in North Jakarta. The community service activities included education about DM disease, tests of blood sugar, and question-and-answer discussions about DM. The results showed an increase in knowledge by 20.3% based on the score obtained from the pretest compared to the posttest. Based on the blood sugar test results, 98.9% of participants had blood sugar levels within normal limits, 1.1% were below average (hypoglycemia), and 1.1% were at risk of DM. This activity concludes that educational activities can increase participants' knowledge about DM disease, so it is hoped that the community can implement a healthy lifestyle to prevent DM disease and reduce the number of DM sufferers.

Place of residence and blood sugar testing practices among men: insights from the 2021 Madagascar demographic and health survey

BackgroundIn 2021, Madagascar had approximately 13,919 people living with diabetes, with 66.1% of cases being undiagnosed. The implication is that this population are at high risk of developing diabetes complications which will affect their quality of life. However, promoting the uptake of screening practices such as the blood glucose test among the asymptomatic population would offer a chance to reduce the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in the country. This study examined the association between place of residence and blood sugar testing practices among men in Madagascar.MethodsSecondary data from the men recode file of the 2021 Madagascar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) was used. A sample of 9,035 were used for the analysis. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed in STATA version 14. The results are presented in adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval.ResultsOnly 5.83% reported to have ever had their blood glucose/sugar tested by a health professional. Residing in rural areas was associated in lower likelihood of undergoing a test to check one’s blood sugar level [AOR = 0.23; 95%CI = 0.19–0.28] compared to those in urban areas. This association remained consistent even after adjusting for the effects of covariates [AOR = 0.67; 95%CI = 0.52–0.86].ConclusionWe conclude that place of residence plays a significant role in influencing men’s decision to test their blood glucose level. It is, therefore, imperative for the Madagascar Public Health Department to liaise with the government to bridge the rural-urban disparities in terms of accessibility to blood glucose testing services. Practically, this can be achieved by instituting community-based health services centers in the rural areas of Madagascar to mitigate the rural-urban disparities. Also, health education campaigns to raise men’s awareness about the need to test their blood glucose level must necessarily target older men, those without formal education, those without health insurance, and men who have been diagnosed with hypertension.

Implementation of Scrum in the manufacture of non-invasive blood sugar detection devices using PPG signals

This study presents the effective integration of Scrum methodology in the production process of non-invasive blood sugar testing devices using Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals. During three months, a team consisting of a Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developer Team successfully utilized Scrum's agile structure to manage the challenges of PPG signal processing, hardware integration, and software development. The repeated sprint cycles enabled swift adjustment to new obstacles and stakeholder input, guaranteeing both effectiveness and agility in the development process. The dynamic approach facilitated both the punctual delivery of complex medical equipment and the cultivation of a culture focused on ongoing enhancement, establishing a model for the future use of agile approaches in healthcare technology. The successful implementation highlights the effectiveness of Scrum in managing the complexities of medical device development. It provides a model for improving non-invasive blood sugar detection devices and establishes agile methodologies as a key driver of innovation in healthcare technology.

Effects of Acute Exposure to Methylglyoxal or/and A Diet Rich in Advanced Glycation End Products on Sperm Parameters in Mice.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that accompany many metabolic disorders including diabetes, obesity, and a wide range of dyslipidemia conditions, are strongly associated with adverse effects on cell and tissue homeostasis. Accordingly, our objective was to investigate the impact of AGE-promoting diets on mouse models, considering both scenarios with and without methylglyoxal (MGO) as a primary precursor of AGEs. In this experimental study, 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice were split into four groups as a control group (n=5), AGE (n=5), MGO (n=8), and AGE-MGO-diets (n=8). After five weeks the level of fasting blood sugar (FBS), body weight, food intake, sperm parameters, and functional tests were evaluated. Furthermore, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. After five weeks, AGE, AGE-MGO, and MGO groups showed the highest level of body weight and FBS in comparison to the control group. Mean sperm concentration, sperm malondialdehyde, testicular lipid peroxidation, and TAC did not differ significantly among the study groups. While, AGE, MGO, and AGE-MGO groups showed a significant reduction in sperm motility and progressive motility compared to the control group (P<0.05). The greatest increases in abnormal sperm morphology and intracytoplasmic reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in the MGO and AGE-MGO groups than in the control group (P<0.05). Sperm protamine deficiency and residual histone were significantly increased in the three treatment groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the DNA damage, the AGE and AGE-MGO groups showed the most severe damage. The lowest amount of testicular superoxide dismutases (SOD, P<0.001) was observed in the AGE-MGO group. AGEs and MGO have a negative influence on sperm function and reproductive potential. These effects could be possibly attributed to both increased oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation.

Predictors of Diabetes Self-Management Behaviour Among Type 2 Diabetics in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) requires effective self-care behaviors and social support to manage the condition and prevent complications. This study aimed to examine the influence of demographic characteristics and perceived social support on diabetes self-management behaviors in individuals with T2DM. An analytical cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 300 T2DM patients using validated questionnaires from April to May 2023. Self-care behaviors were assessed using a Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities-Arabic (SDSCA-Arabic), while perceived social support was measured using a Diabetes Care Profile (DCP) using an Arabic Social Support subscale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were performed to examine the relationships and predictors of self-care behaviors. Patients exhibited varying levels of self-care behaviors, with exercise and blood sugar testing being the most frequently reported activities. Additionally, the findings revealed that health education on self-examining regarding the feet, exercising, comorbidities, perceived social support, medical insurance, and gender were significant predictors of diabetes self-management behaviors. These factors collectively accounted for 21.2% of the variance in self-management behavior levels. Specifically, health education on self-examining regarding the feet (β = -0.286, p = 0.001) and exercising (β = -0.175, p = 0.001) showed a negative association, while perceived social support (β = 0.235, p = 0.001) demonstrated a positive association with self-management behaviors. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive health education programs that address multiple aspects of diabetes management and the role of social support in fostering better self-management behaviors. It also emphasizes the influence of demographic factors on self-management, with individuals with higher comorbidities exhibiting better self-management behaviors and those with medical insurance showing poorer self-management behaviors. These findings have implications for nursing practice, suggesting the need for tailored interventions, effective education, and support networks to enhance self-management behaviors in T2DM patients.

Prevalence of and factors related to diabetes among aquaculture workers in Hai Phong, Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

Diabetes is one of the non-communicable diseases that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. The disease can lead to dangerous complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and limb amputation. A cross-sectional study was conducted through fasting blood sugar measurements and face-to-face interviews with 1,220 aquaculture workers to assess the prevalence and factors related to diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes in aquaculture workers was 7.1%, with pre-diabetes accounting for 21.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the following results: male gender (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05 - 2.51), age ≥ 40 years old (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.43 - 3.89), family history of diabetes (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.01 - 3.09), overweight and obese (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.15 - 2.94), hypertension (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.04 - 2.62), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.53), abdominal obesity (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.91 – 4.72), irregular exercise (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.02 - 2.48), smoking more than 20 cigarettes/day compared to non-smokers, working at night (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.22 - 3.15), depressive symptoms (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.17 - 2.87) were related factors. Aquaculture workers need to take appropriate actions such as raising their awareness, changing lifestyles, having regular health check-ups and regular blood sugar testing to prevent diabetes, especially the progression of pre-diabetes into diabetes.