Outpatient Diabetes Research Articles

The effect of diet-induced weight loss on circulating homocysteine levels in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes

Background/aimsHaving type 2 diabetes (T2D) in combination with being overweight results in an additional increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In addition, T2D and obesity are associated with increased levels of total homocysteine (tHcy), possibly contributing to the CVD risk. Weight loss dieting has positive effects on several CVD risk factors, but whether it affects tHcy remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of a calorie restricted diet on tHcy in overweight people with T2D.MethodsIn this post-hoc analysis of the POWER study, adults with T2D and a BMI greater than 27 kg/m² were included from the outpatient diabetes clinic of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam. The patients were subjected to a very low-calorie diet with fortified meal replacements for 20 weeks. Before and after this intervention, blood samples were collected to measure tHcy and other CVD risk factors like glycaemic and lipid parameters.Results161 overweight participants with T2D were included, with a mean age of 54 years (range 26–74), mean weight of 104.6 ± 19.9 kg and mean HbA1c of 62.7 ± 14.3 mmol/mol. At baseline, men displayed higher tHcy than women, and tHcy level was positively correlated with body weight and triglyceride levels, while it was negatively correlated with renal function and HDL cholesterol. During the intervention, bodyweight was reduced by a mean of 9.7% (from 104.6 ± 19.9 to 94.5 ± 18.1 kg p < 0.001), and all measured glycaemic and lipid blood parameters improved significantly. However, tHcy remained unchanged (from 12.1 ± 4.1 to 12.1 ± 4.2 umol/L, p = 0.880). The change in tHcy during the intervention was negatively associated with the change in weight and BMI (p = 0.01 and p = 0.008, respectively). People who lost < 10 kg (n = 92) had a mean tHcy change of -0.47 umol/L, while people who lost more than ≥ 10 kg (n = 69) had a mean tHcy change of 0.60 umol/L (p = 0.021).ConclusionIn conclusion, our data show that a calorie restricted diet does not affect tHcy in people with T2D and obesity, despite the use of meal replacements fortified with folic acid and vitamin B12. Our data showed a negative correlation between change in tHcy levels and weight loss, suggesting that people who lost more weight (> 10 kg) showed an increase in tHcy. Future studies should explore the potential increase in tHcy induced by weight loss dieting and target the question if tHcy reduction strategies during weight loss could be clinically beneficial.

Rational Drug Use in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Who Applied To The Family Medicine Diabetes Outpatient Clinic

Rational Drug Use in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Who Applied To The Family Medicine Diabetes Outpatient Clinic

Prevalence and predictors of hypoglycemia in older outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (DM) has been increasing globally, particularly among older adults who are more susceptible to DM-related complications. Elderly individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of developing hypoglycemia compared with younger diabetes patients. Hypoglycemia in elderly patients can result in serious consequences such as cognitive changes, increased risk of falls, heart and other vascular problems, and even high mortality rate. To assess prevalence, and factors associated with hypoglycemia events among geriatric outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) at the outpatient diabetes clinic from October 1st, 2022 to August 1st, 2023. Variables such as socio-demographics, medication history, and comorbidities were obtained using electronic medical records. The prevalence of hypoglycemia was determined through patient interviews during their clinic visit. Patients were prospectively monitored for hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and mortality using electronic medical records over a three-month follow-up period. Logistic regression models were conducted to identify factors associated with hypoglycemia and hospital admissions/ emergency visits. Ethical Approval (Reference # 53/151/2022) was obtained on 19/9/2022. Electronic medical charts of 640 patients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus and age ≥ 60 years were evaluated. The mean age ± SD was 67.19 (± 5.69) years. Hypoglycemia incidents with different severity levels were prevalent in 21.7% (n = 139) of the patients. Insulin administration was significantly associated with more hypoglycemic events compared to other antidiabetic medication. Patients with liver diseases had a significantly higher risk of hypoglycemia, with odds 7.43 times higher than patients without liver diseases. Patients with dyslipidemia also had a higher risk of hypoglycemia (odd ratio = 1.87). Regression analysis revealed that hypoglycemia and educational level were significant predictors for hospital admission and emergency department (ER) visits. Hypoglycemia was a positive predictor, meaning it increased the odds of these outcomes, while having a college degree or higher was associated with reduced odds of hospital admission and ER visits. Current study identified a considerable prevalence of hypoglycemia among older patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly, among those with concurrent liver diseases and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, hypoglycemia was associated with an increased rate of emergency department visits and hospital admissions by 2 folds in this population.

Screening of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes on Anti-Diabetic Agents for Probable Hypoglycaemia Using the Stanford Hypoglycemia Questionnaire (SHQ) in Outpatient Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study from Outpatient Diabetes Care Centres in North India.

The study was aimed at identifying the incidence of unreported probable hypoglycaemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on anti-diabetic medications, using the screening Stanford Hypoglycemia Questionnaire (SHQ) in real-world situations. It was a multicentre cross-sectional study on consecutive individuals attending 10 diabetes care centres in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The inclusion criteria were as follows: known individuals with T2DM, literate, age greater than or equal to 18 years, on at least one anti-diabetic agent for more than a month and not engaged in regular self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). This study was conducted from August 2017 to April 2018, involving 1198 participants. The mean age of the individuals enrolled was 53.45 years (±10.83), with males comprising 55.3% of the population. It was found that 63.6% of patients were on sulphonylurea (SU), 14.5% were on pioglitazone, 92.2% on metformin, 62.3% on Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP4i) and 12.8% on Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2i). The mean SHQ score was 1.81 (±1.59). Probable hypoglycaemia was mild in 57.59%, moderate in 14.69% and severe in 1.41%. Those with diabetic neuropathy (P = <0.001), retinopathy (P = <0.001) and nephropathy (P = <0.001) had significantly higher SHQ scores. Insulin or SU use was associated with a significantly higher SHQ score. Concomitant statin use was associated with a lower incidence of mild, moderate and severe hypoglycaemia (P = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, we found that age, sex, systolic blood pressure (SBP), insulin use and fasting blood sugar were the most important factors associated with an increased risk of hypoglycaemia with an R2 cut-off of 0.7. SHQ was discovered to be a simple and cost-effective screening tool for outpatient detection of hypoglycaemia in an Indian setting, and it can add value to management.

Prevalence and determinants of poor glycaemic control in individuals aged between 18-60 years, at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa- a cross sectional study.

Achieving optimal blood glucose control is imperative for preventing diabetes related complications and negative socio-economic consequences associated with them. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of poor glycaemic control amongst type II diabetic outpatients presenting at a regional semi-rural hospital in eThekwini district, Kwa-Zulu Natal. An observational, analytic cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 384 systematically sampled type 2 diabetes patients. Data were collected by an interviewer administered questionnaire, clinical record review and anthropometric measurements. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Ninety one percent of the study population (349/384) had poorly controlled diabetes. Amongst uncontrolled diabetics, 80% (n=281) were older than 35 years' age group; 58% (n= 203) were male; 85% (n=295) completed primary school education and 93% (n=324) were overweight. Patients that were 35 years and older, female, employed, had a high body mass index, were on oral hypoglycaemic and/or insulin in combination, and receiving treatment longer than 3 years, had an increased odd of uncontrolled diabetes. Being female and receiving oral hypoglycaemic and/or insulin were significantly associated with poor blood glucose control. Patient that were female overweight, having a lower level of education, and greater than three-year duration of medication and on oral hypoglycaemic agent and/or insulin were more likely to have poor blood glucose control. These factors should serve as early identifiers of potential poor control and an alert clinician to adopt a more active approach to optimize treatment.

Serum peroxiredoxin-4, a biomarker of oxidative stress, is associated with the development of nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes (Zodiac-65)

Oxidative stress is implicated in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Peroxiredoxin-4 is an antioxidant protein, which may serve as biomarker of oxidative stress, and has previously been associated with new-onset T2D. In this study, we investigated associations between circulating peroxiredoxin-4 and the risk of developing new-onset microvascular complications in T2D patients. Serum peroxiredoxin-4 was measured in 536 patients with T2D with (n = 257) and without (n = 279) baseline microvascular complications who participated in a primary-care based cohort study (Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care [ZODIAC] study). Over a median follow-up of 3.4 years, 38 (13.6%) developed nephropathy, defined as albuminuria in two consecutive urine samples. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, peroxiredoxin-4 was associated with new-onset nephropathy (hazard ratio [HR] per doubling 1.78 [95% CI: 1.27–2.49], P < 0.001) after adjustment for potential confounding factors, including age, sex, disease duration, HbA1c levels, macrovascular complications, systolic blood pressure, and even high-sensitive C-reactive protein. There was no interaction of peroxiredoxin-4 with hs-CRP impacting on new-onset nephropathy. No significant associations were found with new-onset retinopathy or neuropathy. In conclusion, circulating peroxiredoxin-4 associates positively with an increased risk of developing nephropathy in T2D independent and irrespective of low-grade inflammation.

Adolescents, parents, and providers' experiences of triadic encounters in paediatric diabetes clinics: A qualitative study.

Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes are a cohort whose self-management of their diabetes care often declines during adolescence which can lead to adverse health outcomes. Research indicates that providers find it challenging to engage adolescents in communication exchanges during triadic encounters in diabetes clinics. Our study aimed to explore adolescents, parents, and providers' experiences of clinic encounters. A qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of 13 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (aged 11-17), 14 parents, and seven providers. Participants were recruited from two outpatient diabetes clinics in two urban children's hospitals, Ireland. Data were obtained using a combination of interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed thematically. Adolescents and their parents appeared to hold both positive and negative experiences of diabetes clinic encounters. Providers reported challenges associated with engaging adolescents in communication exchanges. The structure, focus and style of clinic encounters created barriers that potentially led to suboptimal adolescent participation and impaired provider-adolescent communication during clinic visits. The findings provide insights into the challenges associated with adolescents' engagement in communication encounters in diabetes clinics. Healthcare providers could encourage adolescents to be more actively involved in their diabetes management, by taking an adolescent-centred approach and creating a nonjudgemental milieu. Focusing on adolescent's agenda could lead to more meaningful and relevant discussions between providers and adolescents and ensure more tailored education in the time available. Adolescence is a risky period for nonadherence and adverse health complications; therefore, it is critical that providers make every contact count in diabetes clinic encounters. The study's design and delivery were guided by two advisory groups, comprising (1) five adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D)and (2) five parents of an adolescent with T1D.

Associations of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Stable Type 2 Diabetes Subjects: Experience from a Tertiary Health Facility in South Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: Cardiovascular abnormalities are prevalent in the setting of diabetes mellitus, even among stable subjects, necessitating the need for a regular cardiovascular disease screening for this group of patients. Electrocardiogram is a simple and reliable screening test for cardiovascular abnormalities that could be easily accessible even in resource poor and rural settings. This study was carried out to determine the association between cardiovascular risk factors and electrocardiographic abnormalities in stable type 2 diabetes subjects in South Eastern Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty-six stable adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited consecutively from the out-patient diabetes clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in South Eastern Nigeria. They were assessed for the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases that included smoking, obesity, dyslipidaemia, poor glycaemic control, hypertension, lack of exercise, presence of chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome. They also had a 12 lead electrocardiogram done. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 25. P value of ˂ 0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Result: A total of 128 subjects had complete results and were analyzed. There were 63 males and 65 females with a mean age of 58.43 ± 12.85 years and mean diabetes duration of 9.03 ± 7.36 years. A total of 45.3% of the subjects had electrocardiographic abnormalities. Hypertension was present in 54.9%, dyslipidaemia in 91.4%, central obesity in 74.3%, metabolic syndrome in 76.6% and chronic kidney disease in 57.9% of the subjects. Significant association was found between smoking and occurrence of AV block (p = 0.008), central obesity and QRS axis abnormality (p = 0.002), dyslipidaemia and ST segment abnormality (p = 0.001) and lack of exercise and ST segment abnormality (p = 0.000). No significant association was found between age, sex of the subjects, duration of DM, treatment modality for DM, level of glycaemic control, hypertension, presence of CKD and metabolic syndrome and any of the electrocardiographic abnormalities.&#x0D; Conclusion: Electrocardiographic abnormalities are common in stable type 2 diabetic subjects. There was significant association between smoking habit, central obesity, dyslipidaemia, lack of exercise and ECG abnormalities that included AV block, QRS axis and ST segment abnormalities.

Medication Adherence and Its Associated Determinants in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Comorbidities.

To evaluate medication adherence level and identify predictors of poor medication adherence in elderly patients with Cardiovascular (CVS) diseases and type 2 diabetes in Jordan. This cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly patients who attended King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) outpatient diabetes and cardiology clinics from March 6, 2023, to July 6, 2023. Data on age, sex, socio-demographics, biological variables, medication characteristics, and chronic comorbidities were obtained from electronic patients' medical records and a validated questionnaire. Medication adherence levels (low, moderate, and high) were assessed using the Arabic version of the 4-item Morisky, Green, and Levine Medication Adherence Scale-Medication Assessment Questionnaire. Data from 506 elderly patients were analyzed. The average age of the participants was 67.93 years (SD = 6.22). 7.9% of patients showed low adherence levels, 33.6% showed moderate adherence level, and 58.5% of patients showed a high level of adherence toward their prescribed medications. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that single/currently unmarried patients and patients who were living with others were more likely to have a higher adherence level; Odd Ratios (ORs) were 4.75 and 4.10, respectively. Patients who took their medications ≥ 3 and 2 times a day showed higher adherence to their medications than those who only took them once a day.; ORs were 2.15 and 2.36, respectively. This study indicated an inadequate level of adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular comorbidities. This study revealed the necessity of implementing programs to help in raising the awareness among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and CVDs of the importance of adherence to prescribed long-term medication regimens.

The association between serum ferritin and bilirubin with glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Previous evidence has shown an association between serum ferritin and bilirubin levels in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and glycemic control. However, the evidence is scarce in Saudi Arabia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between serum ferritin and bilirubin levels with glycemic control in patients with T2DM. This was a cross-sectional study that involved 153 patients with T2DM recruited from outpatient diabetes clinics. Participants were categorized into two groups: well-controlled and uncontrolled T2DM, based on their glycemic status. We focused on comparing the iron profile and bilirubin levels between these two groups and examining the influence of antidiabetic medications on these parameters. A total of 153 patients with T2DM were included (58.2% women and 41.8% men). In both univariate and multivariate analyses, ferritin levels did not have a statistically significant association with glycemic control. However, patients with well-controlled T2DM had a significantly higher median level of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin than those with uncontrolled T2DM. Only direct bilirubin showed a statistically significant association with FBG less than 130 mg/dl and HbA1c level less than 7.0%. Ferritin level was not associated with glycemic control in patients with T2DM. On the other hand, direct bilirubin level was an independent predictor of better glycemic control. Monitoring direct bilirubin levels could aid in predicting glycemic control in T2DM and could be a potential target for developing antidiabetic medications.

Điều trị đái tháo đường bằng Metformin: Thực trạng tuân thủ ở người bệnh ngoại trú tại phòng khám đái tháo đường bệnh viện Trung ương Quân đội 108

Objective: This study is to describe status of treatment adherence of patients with type 2 diabetes outpatients using Metformin at 108 Military Central Hospital in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 460 outpatients has diabetes type 2 treatment with Metformin using the tool set with four scales: 1) For medication adherence, use the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). 2) Scale to assess physical activity compliance: IPAQ-SF (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Version); 3) Scale to assess nutritional compliance: SDSCA; 4) Scale to assess compliance with periodic examination and blood sugar control with Ministry of Health guidance. The research was conducted at the 108 Military Central Hospital Diabetes Clinic from August 2022 to November 2022. Results: The patient's medicine adherence rate was 61.8%; compliance with physical activity was 26.7%; compliance with diet was 70.9%; and compliance with blood sugar management and periodic health checks was 12.8%. For all four criteria, 11.7% of patients adhere to therapy. Therefore, the study has offered a number of approaches to improving patient treatment adherence. Key word: Type 2 diabetes, adherence to treatment, patient, hospital

DESCRIPTION OF EATING PATTERN IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AT IBNU SINA GRESIK HOSPITAL

Introduction: Poor dietary management is still commonly found in diabetes mellitus patients. Diet can be observed from the amount of food, type of food, and food schedule. The purpose of this research is to find out the diet of people with diabetes mellitus at the Ibnu Sina Gresik Hospital. Methods: This study was used a descriptive research design. The sample population in this study study were outpatient diabetes mellitus at Internal Medicine Polyclinic Ibnu Sina Gresik Hospital with the number 96 respondents. Sampling was taken using consecutive sampling who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Researchers collected data using dietary questionnaires. Univariate data analysis used is editing, coding, scoring, tabulation, and descriptive analysis. Results: This study was used a descriptive research design. The sample population in this study study were outpatient diabetes mellitus at Internal Medicine Polyclinic Ibnu Sina Gresik Hospital with the number 96 respondents. Sampling was taken using consecutive sampling who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Researchers collected data using dietary questionnaires. Univariate data analysis used is editing, coding, scoring, tabulation, and descriptive analysis. Conclusions: The diet off patients diabetes mellitus based on the amount of food is categorized as sufficient, based on the type of food categorized as bad, and based on the eating schedule is categorized as sufficient.

The relationship between spiritual intelligence and self-management in patients with diabetes type 1

BackgroundDiabetes is widely recognized as one of the most pressing public health concerns globally. To manage blood glucose levels and reduce subsequent complications and mortality rates, self-management mechanisms have been found to be effective in controlling diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between spiritual intelligence and diabetes self-management in patients with type 1 diabetes in Qazvin, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 220 adults with type 1 diabetes aged 18–35 years who referred to an outpatient diabetes clinic of a tertiary hospital in Qazvin province, and were selected through a convenience sampling method in 2022. Two valid and reliable questionnaires were used for data collection, including the 24-item questionnaire of spiritual intelligence and self-management of type 1 diabetes for adolescents (SMOD-A). To analyze the data, correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analysis were used.ResultsThe total score of spiritual intelligence was 57.24 ± 10.77, and self-management was 77.14 ± 8.92. Among different subscales of spiritual intelligence, critical thinking obtained the highest score. In self-management, the highest score was achieved for communication.Findings also revealed that spiritual intelligence could predict 7.2% of changes in self-management among diabetes patients, and its relationship with diabetes self-management was estimated at 0.27.ConclusionThe growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide underscores the significance of self-management of the disease in the well-being of patients. This study demonstrated that spiritual intelligence played a crucial role among young adults with diabetes and assisted them in coping with stressful situations. As such, placing greater emphasis on the spiritual aspects of care is necessary, especially in the healthcare of young adults who are dealing with diabetes and its complex conditions.

Plasma Citrate Levels Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (Zodiac-64).

Circulating citrate may represent a proxy of mitochondrial dysfunction which plays a role in the development of vascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we determined the associations between plasma citrate levels and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in T2D patients. In this prospective cohort study, 601 patients were included who participated in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC). Plasma citrate levels were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the associations between plasma citrate and the risk of CV mortality. Over a median follow-up of 11.4 years, 119 (19.8%) of the 601 patients died from a CV cause. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusting for conventional risk factors, plasma citrate was associated with an increased risk of CV mortality (the hazard ratio (HR) per 1-SD increment was 1.19 (95%CI: 1.00-1.40), p = 0.048). This association was prominent in males (n = 49 with CV mortality) (HR 1.52 (95%CI: 1.14-2.03), p = 0.005), but not in females (n = 70 with CV mortality) (HR 1.11 (95%CI: 0.90-1.37), p = 0.319) (age-adjusted Pinteraction = 0.044). In conclusion, higher plasma citrate levels are associated with an increased risk of CV mortality in patients with established T2D. Future studies are warranted to unravel the potential role of citrate-related pathways in the pathogenesis of T2D-related vascular complications.

Effects of COVID-19 on diabetes care among dutch diabetes outpatients

AimsThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted diabetes care by reducing diabetes outpatient visits and diabetes-related screening due to allocation of healthcare resources. Yet the impact of COVID-19 on diabetes outpatients has not been extensively evaluated. This study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnostics and intermediate outcomes of outpatient diabetes care pre- and during COVID.MethodsThis observational cohort study included 8,442 diabetes patients in the Dutch Pediatric and Adult Registry of Diabetes (DPARD) visiting diabetes outpatient clinics in 2019 and 2021. A mixed-effects regression analysis was used to examine differences in target achievement of HbA1c, BMI, blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, eGFR, and the difference in mean HbA1c between 2019 and 2020 among n = 1,426 outpatients who visited in both years. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and BMI.ResultsA 22.7% (21.6–23.8%, p < 0.001) decline in outpatient volume was observed during the pandemic (2020). BMI, lipid spectrum, kidney function, and HbA1c were assessed less frequently in 2020 than in 2019. In 2020, compared to 2019, the median HbA1c level increased by 2.2% (1.0 mmol/mol, p = 0.035) and the percentages of patients with known HbA1C meeting targets below 10, 8, 7% (86, 64, and 53 mmol/mol) decreased by 0.5%, 1.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Target blood pressure ≤ 130/80 mmHg was achieved more often in 2020 (15.0% versus 18.3%, p = 0.018), while HbA1c ≤ 86 mmol/mol was achieved less (89.3% versus 87.1%, p = 0.001), among diabetes outpatients seen in both 2019 and 2020. In patients visiting both years, HbA1c was 2.3% (1.9 mmol/l, 95% CI 1.2–2.5, p < 0.001) lower during the pandemic than in the prepandemic (2019).ConclusionsThe COVID pandemic was associated with a marked reduction in patient volume in diabetes outpatient care among five hospitals. Among patients who received outpatient care both before and during the pandemic period, HbA1c control and blood pressure control enhanced during the pandemic. Re-evaluation of current diabetes outpatient care organization is warranted to ensure optimal diabetes care in future times.

Glycemic control and its associated factors among diabetic heart failure outpatients at two major hospitals in Jordan.

Patients with heart failure (HF) are generally at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and having uncontrolled blood glucose. Furthermore, the prevalence of uncontrolled blood glucose in patients with HF is largely unknown. Identifying the factors associated with poor blood glucose control is a preliminary step in the development of effective intervention programs. The current cross-sectional study was conducted at two major hospitals to explore the factors associated with blood glucose control among patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes. In addition to sociodemographic, medical records were used to collect medical information and a validated questionnaire was used to evaluate medication adherence. Regression analysis showed that poor medication adherence (OR = 0.432; 95%CI 0.204-0.912; P<0.05) and increased white blood cells count (OR = 1.12; 95%CI 1.033-1.213; P<0.01) were associated with poor glycemic control. For enhancing blood glucose control among patients with HF and diabetes, future intervention programs should specifically target patients who have high WBC counts and poor medication.

Clinical impact of an integrated e-health system for diabetes self-management support and shared decision making (POWER2DM): a randomised controlled trial

Aims/hypothesisThere is a lack of e-health systems that integrate the complex variety of aspects relevant for diabetes self-management. We developed and field-tested an e-health system (POWER2DM) that integrates medical, psychological and behavioural aspects and connected wearables to support patients and healthcare professionals in shared decision making and diabetes self-management.MethodsParticipants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (aged >18 years) from hospital outpatient diabetes clinics in the Netherlands and Spain were randomised using randomisation software to POWER2DM or usual care for 37 weeks. This RCT assessed the change in HbA1c between the POWER2DM and usual care groups at the end of the study (37 weeks) as a primary outcome measure. Participants and clinicians were not blinded to the intervention. Changes in quality of life (QoL) (WHO-5 Well-Being Index [WHO-5]), diabetes self-management (Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire – Revised [DSMQ-R]), glycaemic profiles from continuous glucose monitoring devices, awareness of hypoglycaemia (Clarke hypoglycaemia unawareness instrument), incidence of hypoglycaemic episodes and technology acceptance were secondary outcome measures. Additionally, sub-analyses were performed for participants with type 1 and type 2 diabetes separately.ResultsA total of 226 participants participated in the trial (108 with type 1 diabetes; 118 with type 2 diabetes). In the POWER2DM group (n=111), HbA1c decreased from 60.6±14.7 mmol/mol (7.7±1.3%) to 56.7±12.1 mmol/mol (7.3±1.1%) (means ± SD, p<0.001), compared with no change in the usual care group (n=115) (baseline: 61.7±13.7 mmol/mol, 7.8±1.3%; end of study: 61.0±12.4 mmol/mol, 7.7±1.1%; p=0.19) (between-group difference 0.24%, p=0.008). In the sub-analyses in the POWER2DM group, HbA1c in participants with type 2 diabetes decreased from 62.3±17.3 mmol/mol (7.9±1.6%) to 54.3±11.1 mmol/mol (7.1±1.0%) (p<0.001) compared with no change in HbA1c in participants with type 1 diabetes (baseline: 58.8±11.2 mmol/mol [7.5±1.0%]; end of study: 59.2±12.7 mmol/mol [7.6±1.2%]; p=0.84). There was an increase in the time during which interstitial glucose levels were between 3.0 and 3.9 mmol/l in the POWER2DM group, but no increase in clinically relevant hypoglycaemia (interstitial glucose level below 3.0 mmol/l). QoL improved in participants with type 1 diabetes in the POWER2DM group compared with the usual care group (baseline: 15.7±3.8; end of study: 16.3±3.5; p=0.047 for between-group difference). Diabetes self-management improved in both participants with type 1 diabetes (from 7.3±1.2 to 7.7±1.2; p=0.002) and those with type 2 diabetes (from 6.5±1.3 to 6.7±1.3; p=0.003) within the POWER2DM group. The POWER2DM integrated e-health support was well accepted in daily life and no important adverse (or unexpected) effects or side effects were observed.Conclusions/interpretationPOWER2DM improves HbA1c levels compared with usual care in those with type 2 diabetes, improves QoL in those with type 1 diabetes, improves diabetes self-management in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and is well accepted in daily life.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03588104.FundingThis study was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (grant agreement number 689444).Graphical

Experiences of young people living with type 1 diabetes in transition to adulthood: The importance of care provider familiarity and support.

During the developmental transition from childhood to adulthood, young people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are more likely to take less care of their chronic disease. Alongside the developmental transition, young people with T1D also experience an organisational transition in which the care responsibility changes from a family-based approach in paediatric care to an individualised approach in adult care. Little is known from the perspective of the young people about what their interactions with the healthcare providers mean during these transitions. The aim of this study is to explore how young people living with T1D experience interactions with their care providers, and what it means for their developmental transition. Semi-structured interviews with 10 respondents aged 18-20 living with T1D who were recruited from a youth outpatient diabetes clinic in Denmark. Recorded audio data were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Young people experience continuity in the relationship with the diabetes nurse from the paediatric clinic and a personal patient-provider relationship with their well-known and new care providers. This creates a feeling of familiarity and contributes to a seamless transition. The young people express that becoming more involved in diabetes treatment increases their willingness to take more responsibility for their own health. They also express that care providers should support them in managing their diabetes and talk about sensitive topics. Continuity in the relationship with the diabetes nurse makes the transition from paediatric to adult care more satisfying and seamless. To support the developmental transition, care providers should gradually involve young people more in diabetes management and be supportive as they become more independent during the developmental transition.

A real-life comparison of hypoglycaemia symptomatology between insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants with and without impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.

We aim to compare and correlate Gold and Clarke questionnaire scores with hypoglycaemic symptomatic responses between insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants with and without IAH in a real-life study. Insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants attending an outpatient diabetes clinic in Singapore were asked to complete the Gold and Clarke questionnaires, record capillary blood glucose (CBG) and hypoglycaemic symptoms for 4 weeks. Data were collected from 153 participants (M:F = 98:55) with mean age 61.0 ± 9.4 years, duration of diabetes 19.5 ± 8.8 years and HbA1c 68 ± 17 mmol/mol (8.4 ± 1.5%). Gold and Clarke methods classified 19.6% and 26.8% of participants with IAH, respectively. Using CBG threshold of <3 mmol/L, significantly greater proportion of participants with intact awareness were experiencing autonomic symptoms than those with IAH with either method (Gold: 69% vs. 18%, p = 0.006; Clarke: 85% vs. 46%, p = 0.010). Significantly greater proportion of participants with IAH experienced no hypoglycaemia symptoms than those with intact awareness (Gold: 3.4% vs. 36%, p = 0.015; Clarke: 3.7% vs. 31%, p = 0.031). Participants with IAH had significantly higher rates of severe hypoglycaemia in the preceding year compared to those without (Gold: 17% vs. 3.3%; Clarke: 15% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.012). Gold and Clarke questionnaires are appropriate tools in ascertaining IAH status in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants. This is the first time whereby the hypoglycaemia symptomology has robustly validated the Gold and Clarke questionnaire in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants.

Quality of life of type 2 diabetes outpatients and the associated factors: A cross-sectional study at Ha Dong General Hospital in 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the quality of life (QOL) of type 2 diabetes outpatients receiving treatment and the associated factors at Ha Dong General Hospital in 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 327 type 2 diabetes outpatients treated at Ha Dong General Hospital in 2020 by using the Asian Diabetic Quality of Life (Asian DQOL) questionnaire into Vietnamese. Results: The mean score of overall QOL of type 2 diabetes outpatients is 68.5 ± 9.9 points. 83.2% of outpatients have good overall QOL; there were no outpatients with poor QOL. Married patients have a higher quality of life than other groups; the lowest is in the divorced or widowed group. The family economy at the non-poor level has higher quality than the poor and near-poor groups. Female patients had a higher QOL than male patients. Patients with a disease detection time of 5–10 years had the highest QOL. The group of patients with an overweight BMI had higher quality than other patients The group of patients who did not receive insulin had a higher QOL than the patients who received insulin. Patients without comorbidities had a higher QOL than the group with comorbidities. (p&lt;0,05) Conclusions: Research results show that the majority of people with type 2 diabetes at Ha Dong General Hospital have a good QOL. Marital status, family economic status, gender, time of disease diagnosis, BMI, treatment methods, and comorbidities are factors related to patients' QOL. Key words: Quality of life, diabetes, hospital, Ha Dong