Fall In Blood Glucose Levels Research Articles

Comparison of sodium fluoride and serum separator tubes for blood glucose estimation – What’s the best option?

The efficacy of sodium fluoride tubes in preserving glucose was compared against a serum separator tube with a gel barrier. We compared the fall in blood glucose levels in a fluoride - oxalate tube against levels in a serum separator tube. A heparinized tube was used as a standard.45 samples were drawn from healthy patient volunteers and distributed into the different tubes. Patients on medications or with chronic kidney disease were excluded. Glucose estimation was done by glucose oxidase-peroxidase method using a semi-automated colorimetric analyser. Samples were immediately centrifuged and stored at room temperature. The fall in glucose levels in each tube was measured at predefined time intervals of 1, 2, 4, 12 and 24 hours.There was no statistically significant difference in the glucose values measured in the fluoride and serum separator tubes at all time intervals from 1 to 24 hours. There was no statistically significant difference in the glucose values measured in all three tubes until 4 hours. However, there was an error beyond acceptable limits (for medical decision making as per CLIA criteria) in the difference in values between the fluoride and heparin tubes at 2 and 4 hours.Thus, there is no difference between use of a fluoride tube or a serum separator tube for up to 24 hours. A serum separator tube can be used when many analytes are to be measured in the same sample and a fluoride tube can be used when only glucose is to be estimated. A heparinized tube will suffice if glucose estimation will be done within one hour of collection.

Effects of Simulated High Altitude on Blood Glucose Levels During Exercise in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes.

Current exercise guidelines for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) do not consider the impact that high altitude may have on blood glucose levels (BGL) during exercise. To investigate the effect of acute hypoxia (simulated high altitude) on BGL and carbohydrate oxidation rates during moderate intensity exercise in individuals with T1D. Using a counterbalanced, repeated measures study design, 7 individuals with T1D completed 2 exercise sessions; normoxia and hypoxia (~4200 m simulated altitude). Participants cycled for 60 min on an ergometer at 45% of their sea-level V̇O2peak, and then recovered for 60 min. Before, during, and after exercise, blood samples were taken to measure glucose, lactate, and insulin levels. Respiratory gases were collected to measure carbohydrate oxidation rates. Early during exercise (<30 min), there was no fall in BGL in either condition. After 1 h of exercise and during recovery, BGL were significantly lower under the hypoxic condition compared to both pre-exercise levels (P = 0.008) and the normoxic condition (P = 0.027). Exercise in both conditions resulted in a significant rise in carbohydrate oxidation rates, which returned to baseline levels postexercise. Before, during, and after exercise, carbohydrate oxidation rates were higher under the hypoxic compared with the normoxic condition (P < 0.001). The greater decline in BGL during and after exercise performed under acute hypoxia suggests that exercise during acute exposure to high altitude may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in individuals with T1D. Future guidelines may have to consider the impact altitude has on exercise-mediated hypoglycemia.

Clinical approaches to treat impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.

Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) affects between 25% and 30% of all people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and markedly increases risk of severe hypoglycaemia. This greatly feared complication of T1D impairs quality of life and has a recognised morbidity. People with T1D have an increased propensity to hypoglycaemia as a result of fundamental physiological defects in their ability to respond appropriately to a fall in blood glucose levels. With repeated exposure to low glucose, many then develop a condition referred to as IAH, where there is a reduced ability to perceive the onset of hypoglycaemia and take appropriate corrective action. The management of individuals with IAH relies initially on its identification in the clinic through a detailed exploration of the frequency of hypoglycaemia and an assessment of the individual’s ability to recognise these episodes. In this review article, we will address the clinical strategies that may help in the management of the patient with IAH once identified, who may or may not also suffer from problematic hypoglycaemia. The initial focus is on how to identify such patients and then on the variety of approaches involving educational programmes and technological approaches that may be taken to minimise hypoglycaemia risk. No single approach can be advocated for all patients, and it is the role of the health care professional to identify the clinical strategy that best enables their patient to achieve this goal.

Effect of telmisartan on blood glucose levels in euglycemic albino rats

Introduction: Diabetes is considered primary risk factor for heart disease and comorbidities in older people and in children. Due to escalating epidemic, diabetes is concerned high profile public health problem. Materials and Methods: Swiss albino rats weighing around 150-200gms of either sex were randomly selected from the central animal facility. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups, six animals in each group. A group of 3 rats were kept in individual cages. The control was given 0.5 ml 1% Gum acacia, test group was given Telmisartan at the dose of 7.2mg/kg/day. All the drugs were given orally and for the period of 5 days. All rats were fasted overnight before the 5th day. On the 5th day glucose (0.6gm/kg body weight) was given orally using oral feeding tube and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Blood was collected by tail snipping method and capillary blood glucose was assessed at 0, 60, and 150 minutes using a glucometer. Results: Fall in capillary blood glucose level was seen in Telmisartan group at all-time intervals when compared to control group. Conclusion:Telmisartan when given orally for 5 days showed fall in blood glucose level in swiss albino rats. Keywords: Adipokines, Capillary blood glucose, Diabetes, Euglycemic

Effect of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. seeds on serum glucose and other metabolic parameters of normal and alloxan - induced diabetic rats

Oral administration of the ethanol extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds (CP - 250 and 500 mg/kg) caused significant fall in blood glucose levels even at 2½ h after a single dose of treatment in normal fasted and glucose loaded Wistar rats. At 250 mg/kg dose level, CP completely prevented the elevation of blood glucose caused by oral glucose feeding. In alloxan diabetic rats, CP was able to lower the blood glucose level to around 132 mg / 100 ml from 10th day and thereafter. The biochemical findings were supported by histopathological studies of liver, kidney and pancreas of control and treated rats. CP was able to increase catalase levels of diabetic rats. Reduced levels of serum protein and elevated levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase(SGPT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine and uric acid were almost normalised in CP treated diabetic rats. CP was also able to reduce in vitro lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and inhibit 1- diphenyl – 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) induced free radicals significantly.

A Case Report on Cilostazol Induced Loss of Diabetic Control

<p style="text-align: justify;">A 69-year-old male with known case of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was admitted with wet gangrene of right greater toe. He received cilostazol 100mg twice a day for 3 days. During this period, there was a marked elevation of blood sugar requiring higher dosage of insulin. Upon withholding the suspected drug there was a marked fall in blood glucose levels indicating a positive dechallenge. Cilostazol might have loss of diabetic control by favouring intestinal glucose absorption through increased cAMP levels and GLUT2 expression necessitating management with higher dosage of insulin. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words:</strong> Cilostazol, Wet gangrene, Hyperglycemia, Diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of the oral hypoglycemic activity of methanolic extract of Garcinia indica seeds in streptozotocin induced diabetic Albino rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disorder with several microvascular and macrovascular complications. Several plants have been used as dietary adjuvants to conventional drug therapy. Garcinia indica exhibits significant hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of methanolic extract of seeds of Garcinia indica on blood glucose levels in Streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats.Methods: Five groups of wistar albino rats (n=6) weighing 150-200g of either sex aged 3-4 months were obtained for the study. After overnight fasting, streptozotocin (50mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. Five groups are: Group-1: Non diabetic control group, Group-2: diabetic control, Group-3: diabetic standard, Group-4: test group, Group-5: half of test + half of standard. Fasting blood sugar was estimated on 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28th day by capillary blood glucose method. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.Results: In this study, following Streptozotocin administration the blood glucose levels increased in all groups on day 0. In group 2, blood glucose level gradually increased to 445.6±1.75mg/dl over a period of 4 weeks. Following glibenclamide administration in Group 3 - there was a gradual reduction in blood glucose levels: 269.8mg/dl - day 7 to 101.8mg/dl - week 4. Group 4 - persistent and significant (p&lt;0.05) fall in blood glucose levels reaching upto 107mg/dl at the end of 4 weeks. Group 5 - 330mg/dl on day 1 which significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced to 101mg/dl on day 28. There was improvement in weight in group 4 and group 5 diabetic rats.Conclusions: The extract alone and in combination with glibenclamide showed significant hypoglycemic activity in comparison to diabetic control group.

Metabolic Burden of Erythropoietin Stimulated Erythropoiesis in Mice

Erythropoietin (EPO) promotes erythroid differentiation and increases glucose uptake in erythroid progenitor cells in culture. The metabolic burden associated with EPO treatment in adult mice is suggested by a decrease in body weight concomitant with increased hematocrit. Wild type male mice (C57Bl/6, age 8 months) treated with EPO showed the expected increase in hematocrit accompanied by a fall in blood glucose level and a decrease in body weight and fat mass. However, the decrease in body weight is even more evident in obese mice on a high fat diet and has also been linked to non-hematopoietic response, particularly with EPO receptor (EpoR) expression in white adipose tissue. We examined the metabolic burden of EPO treatment (3000U/kg for 3 weeks) in young, lean male mice (3 months) placed on high fat diet at the time of EPO administration. The increase in hematocrit was accompanied by decreased blood glucose level and improved glucose tolerance. However, no difference in body weight was observed between mice treated with EPO and the saline treated group, suggesting that the EPO stimulated decrease in body weight is evident primarily in older animals with greater fat mass. To determine the contribution of EpoR expression in non-hematopoietic tissue to the metabolic EPO response, young male mice with EpoR restricted to erythroid tissue (TgEpoR) were placed on high fat diet and treated with EPO. The expected increased hematocrit was also accompanied by decreased blood glucose level and improved glucose tolerance, and no change in body weight between EPO and saline treatment. The similar responses observed in young wild type and TgEpoR mice suggest that the EPO stimulated increase in glucose metabolism is associated with increased erythropoiesis rather than a direct EPO response in non-hematopoietic tissue. TgEpoR mice exhibit an age dependent increase in fat mass even greater than that observed in wild type mice, and by 8 months TgEpoR mice are obese, glucose intolerant and insulin resistant compared with wild type mice. At 8 months, TgEpoR mice treated with EPO show the increase in hematocrit and, despite the increase in fat mass, there is only a minimal decrease in body weight compared with wild type mice. These data provide evidence that in addition to the age dependent association of EPO stimulated decrease in body weight and fat mass, this decrease in body weight is due largely to EPO response related to EpoR expression in non-hematopoietic tissue. Interestingly, young male mice with targeted deletion of EpoR in adipose tissue placed on a high fat diet and treated with EPO show the increase in hematocrit and improvement in glucose tolerance, and at 8 months, the increase in hematocrit with EPO treatment is accompanied by minimal change in body weight. The similar metabolic response of these mice with targeted deletion of EpoR in adipose tissue to TgEpoR mice indicate the contribution of EpoR expression in adipose tissue to the loss of body weight and fat mass. Therefore, the metabolic burden associated with EPO stimulated erythropoiesis appears to be reflected in improved glucose metabolism and glucose tolerance with minimal or no effect on body weight, is evident in young, lean mice, and is independent of EpoR expression in non-hematopoietic tissue. In older mice, non-hematopoietic metabolic EPO response is more readily apparent as reflected in loss of body weight/fat mass, which overshadows the erythropoietic metabolic response. In combination, the metabolic response to EPO treatment results from EPO stimulated increased erythropoiesis, improved glucose metabolism and glucose tolerance, and an age dependent decrease in body weight and fat mass associated with EpoR expression in non-hematopoietic tissue, particularly in white adipose tissue. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A study on antidiabetic activity of the leaf and stem of Alocasia indica L. in steptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Medical and clinical investigations of plants have been making tremendous contributions of life sciences, health and medicine. Medicinal plants play an important role in the management of diabetes mellitus especially in developing countries where resources are meager. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of Alocasia indica L on blood glucose level in normal and Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with stress on evaluation of probable mechanism of antidiabetic action. In vivo, antiheperglycemic activity of Alocasia indica leaves and stem extract showed activity against Steptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and doses of test extracts 200 and 400mg/kg were studied in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats for the period of 21 days. Glibenclamide 10 mg/kg was used as standard drug. There was a significant increase in blood glucose level in diabetic rats when compared with normal control due to streptozotocin injection. In this study, daily oral administration of the leaves and stem extracts for the period of 21 days led to a dose dependent fall in blood glucose levels and showed significant (P<0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels compared to diabetic control group at dose 200 and 400 mg/kg. The test extracts also showed significant (P<0.05) weight gain of diabetic rats compaired with the control group at the same dose. The present study reported that Alocasia indica L. may be very useful for the improvement of the complications of diabetes.

Phytochemical screening, physicochemical properties, acute toxicity testing and screening of hypoglycaemic activity of extracts of Eremurus himalaicus baker in normoglycaemic Wistar strain albino rats.

In the present study EtOAc, MeOH, and aqueous extracts of Eremurus himalaicus were evaluated for hypoglycaemic effect in normal rats using both oral glucose tolerance test and 14-day oral administration study. Phytochemical and physicochemical screening was also done. In oral glucose tolerance test the aqueous and MeOH extracts of Eremurus himalaicus at a dose level of 500 mg/kg body weight prior to glucose load resulted in a significant fall in blood glucose level within 150 min. of glucose administration. The aqueous extract at a dose level of 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight also showed good hypoglycaemic response (P < 0.001); this was followed by MeOH extract at a dose level of 500 mg/kg body weight (P < 0.05), while MeOH extract at dose level of 250 mg/kg body weight and ethyl acetate extract at dose level of 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight exhibited insignificant effect. Phytochemical screening of extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids. The results indicate that aqueous extract possess significant hypoglycaemic activity in normoglycaemic rats which may be attributed to the above-mentioned chemical constituents.

LIBS based spectroscopic analysis and antidiabetic evaluation of a polyherbal formulation

Although plants have long been a major source of medicine, there is renewed interest in studying the phytochemistry and use of herbal formulations. This paper reports spectroscopic analysis using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) of a polyherbal formulation, whose antidiabetic activity has also been demonstrated on rat models. LIBS analysis revealed the presence of elements such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, H, O and N. The antidiabetic study showed that amongst the four doses studied (50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg bw), the dose of 150 mg/kg bw registered the maximum fall in Blood Glucose Level (BGL) in both normal and diabetic (sub and mild) rats in the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) study—normal rats (22 %), sub-diabetic (36.6 %) and mild-diabetic (39 %). The dose of 150 mg/kg also showed the maximum fall of 23.7 % and 22 % in BGL during fasting BGL and GTT studies of normal rats, respectively. The formulation also showed significant antioxidant activity assessed using in vitro assays. The study validates for the first time the therapeutic use of an antidiabetic polyherbal formulation.

A Scientific Validation of Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Attributes of Trichosanthes dioica

The present study was undertaken to scientifically validate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous fruit extract of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) which has been traditionally used for managing diabetes mellitus. This plant commonly known as “Sespadula” in English has not been explored scientifically so far for its glycemic potential except by our research group. The study was conducted with variable doses on normal, mild, and severe diabetics models, and several biochemical parameters including blood glucose level (BGL) were assessed. Maximum fall in BGL of 23.8% in normal rats and of 31.3% in mild diabetic rats was observed during their fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glucose tolerance test (GTT) with the dose of 1000 mg kg−1. In severely diabetic animals after 4 weeks treatment with FBG, postprandial glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were reduced by 28.7, 30.7, 57.2, and 18.5%, whereas high density lipoprotein, total protein, hemoglobin, and body weight were increased by 33.0, 36.7, 15.7 and 16.7%, respectively. Moreover, urine sugar was reduced from +4 to +1. Thus, the study scientifically validates the traditional use of T. diocia in diabetes management and could be developed as an effective oral agent for treating diabetes mellitus and complications associated with it.

HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF PANCREATIC Β-CELLS OF STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS TREATED WITH METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SPHENOCENTRUM JOLLYANUM

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycaemia and destruction in the microarchitecture of the β - cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. The search for drugs with low cost, more potential and with less adverse effects is continuous. This study investigated the effects of methanolic extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on hyperglycemia and the morphological changes on pancreatic β - cells in streptozotocin - induced diabetic rats and compared the extract efficacy with glibenclamide, a known antidiabetic drug. Twenty four adult Wistar rats randomly divided into four groups were used. Gro up A was the control, diabetes mellitus was induced in groups B, C and D by a singl e intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (80mg/kg body weight) dissolved in 0.1 M citrate buffer. Group B diabetic rats were untreated while groups C and D received extracts of S. jollyanum (200mg/kg) and glibenclamide (5mg/kg) once daily for two week s respectively. The result showed a significant fall in blood glucose level with the extract and glibenclamide administration . Histological examination showed recovery of β - cells of the S. jollyanum and glibenclamide treated rats when compared with the dia betic group. There was no significant difference between the effects of the crude extract and the reference drug, glibenclamide.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of ethyl acetate fraction of Rhododendron arboreum Smith flowers in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism

ObjectiveTo explore and identify the most potent antihyperglycemic fraction from the ethanol extract of Rhododendron arboreum (R. arboreum) flowers. MethodsNormal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were treated with all four fractions of R. arboreum flowers for short term and with fraction 3 for long term study. On completion of the treatment, a range of indicators were tested including fasting blood glucose, plasma protein, haemoglobin A1C, insulin secretion, body weight, blood lipid profile and carbohydrate metabolism regulating enzymes of liver. ResultsIn short term study, the fraction 3 (Active fraction) produced a significant (P < 0.000 1) reduction (73.6%) in blood glucose level at a dose of 200 mg/kg after the treatment in the diabetic rats. Administration of active fraction (200 and 400 mg/kg) once daily for 30 d in streptozotocin diabetic rats resulted in a significant (P < 0.001 to P < 0.000 1) fall in blood glucose level, hemoglobin A1C, serum urea and creatinine with significant but a increase in insulin level similar to standard drug glybenclamide. Further, the active fraction showed antihyperlipidemic activity as evidenced by significant (P < 0.001 to P < 0.000 1) decreases in serum serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density cholesterol levels coupled together with elevation of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the diabetic rats. ConclusionsThe active fraction of R. arboreum flowers decreases streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia by promoting insulin secretion and glycolysis and by decreasing gluconeogenesis.

Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of low GI and medium GL Indian diets in type 2 diabetics for a period of 4 weeks: A prospective study

This prospective study reports significant hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects in type 2 diabetic subjects who were provided the complete diet plan to be on low glycaemic index (GI) and low-medium glycaemic load (GL) Indian vegetarian snacks and mixed meals for 4 continuous weeks. Five millilitres of fasting blood sample drawn at weekly intervals for 4 weeks were analysed for blood glucose, HbA1c and lipid profile. Four weeks later mean blood glucose level of 173.6 mg% decreased to 137.8 mg%, HbA1c of 8% also decreased to 7.1% which reflected the blood glucose level during the study period and hence correlated well with the fall in blood glucose level. Triglyceride level of 244.5 mg% decreased to 164.7 mg% (p < 0.0001) and total cholesterol of 173.5 mg% decreased to 134.6 mg% (p < 0.0001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 33 mg% increased to 39.8 mg% (p < 0.003), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol of 48.9 mg% decreased to 32.9 mg% (p < 0.0001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 90.1 mg% decreased to 64.3 (p < 0.009). This significant outcome can be improved further if compliance to low GI and low-to-medium GL diet is continued. This may achieve desired glycaemic control and that's limit oxidative stress.

Hyperglycemia in apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse strains with different atherosclerosis susceptibility

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease, but it is unknown whether the other way around is true too. C57BL/6 (B6) and BALB/cJ (BALB) are two mouse strains that differ markedly in their susceptibility to atherosclerosis. In this study we investigated the development of diet-induced T2DM in these two strains.Methods and ResultsWhen deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE-/-) and fed a Western diet for 12 weeks, atherosclerosis-susceptible B6 mice developed significant hyperglycemia. In contrast, atherosclerosis-resistant BALB apoE-/- mice had much lower plasma glucose levels than B6.apoE-/- mice on either chow or Western diet and during an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. In response to glucose BALB.apoE-/- mice displayed both the first and second phases of insulin secretion but the second phase of insulin secretion was absent in B6.apoE-/- mice. In response to insulin B6.apoE-/- mice showed a deeper and longer-lasting fall in blood glucose levels while BALB.apoE-/- mice showed little reduction in glucose levels. Pancreatic islet area of BALB.apoE-/- mice on light microscopy nearly doubled the area of B6.apoE-/- mice. Most circulating proinflammatory cytokines were lower in BALB.apoE-/- than in B6.apoE-/- mice on the Western diet, as determined by protein arrays. Increased macrophage infiltration in islets was observed in B6.apoE-/- mice by immunostaining for Mac2 and also by flow cytometry.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that defects in insulin secretion rather than defects in insulin resistance explain the marketed difference in susceptibility to T2DM in the B6.apoE-/- and BALB.apoE-/- mouse model. A smaller islet mass and more prominent islet inflammation may explain the vulnerability of B6.apoE-/- mice to diet-induced diabetes.

Antidiabetic Effects and Gene Expression Profiling in Obese Mice Treated With Isaria sinclairii Over a 6-Month Period

The molecular mechanisms underlying the glucose-lowering effects of Isaria sinclairii (Cicada Dongchunghacho), a fungus cultured on silkworm, are not fully elucidated. Thus the glucose-lowering effects of I. sinclairii as potential an antidiabetic agent were investigated in C57BL/6 obese (ob/ob) mice over a 6-mo period. For a period of 26 wk, ob mice were administered either 5 or 10% (w/w) I. sinclairii powder (IS), 10% dry mulberry leaf powder (ML), or 10% silkworm (SW) powder in the standard diet while a control group received only standard diet. The ML and SW preparations served as positive controls. Isaria sinclairii at 10% in the diet was more effective in reducing body weight compared to 10% ML, 10% SW, or 5% I. sinclairii. The fall in blood glucose levels in the groups treated for 26 wk was greater in both IS groups at 1 mo compared to ML or SW but equal in all groups at 6 mo. Microarray analyses were performed with a mouse 7.4K cDNA clone set array to identify the gene-expression profiles for the IS-, ML-, and SW-exposed ob mouse liver. The 10% IS group, compared to control, showed that 15 genes including glucokinase (Gk-rs1) and LDL receptor relating protein 1 were upregulated and 12 genes including cell translocation gene2 (antiproliferative) and hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (Hpgd 15) were downregulated. Upregulation of Gk-rs 1 and downregulation of Hpgd 15 were previously shown to occur in drug-induced suppression of diabetes. With ML, Lepr (leptin receptor), Pik3cb (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase), and Prodh (proline dehydrogenase), related to suppression of diabetes, were upregulated. In the case of SW, the enzymes (G2an, alpha glucosidase 2) and Mmp9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9) involved in elevation of blood glucose levels were both downregulated. Data suggest that I. sinclarii is effective in lowering blood glucose due to the upregulation of glucokinase (Gk-rs1) and downregulation of hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (Hpgd 15), both associated with suppression of diabetes, indicating that microarray analysis is a useful tool to assess pharmacological potency of therapeutic compounds.

Low dose (0.05 units/kg/h) is comparable with standard dose (0.1 units/kg/h) intravenous insulin infusion for the initial treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in children with type 1 diabetes-an observational study

To compare low dose (0.05 units/kg/h) with standard dose (0.1 units/kg/h) intravenous insulin infusion for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with type 1 diabetes. Data from five paediatric centres were compared in children who received 0.05 (41 episodes) or 0.1 units/kg/h (52 episodes). In the low vs. standard dose group, at 6 h following admission, the fall in blood glucose levels [11.3 (95% confidence interval 8.6 to 13.9) vs. 11.8 (8.4 to 15.2) mmol/L, p = 0.86] and rise in pH [0.13 (0.09 to 0.18) vs. 0.11 (0.07 to 0.15), p = 0.78] were similar. These changes were comparable between doses in relation to: severity of initial acidosis, children newly diagnosed with diabetes or aged less than 5 years. After adjustment for other clinical and biochemical covariates, insulin dose was unrelated to the change in pH and blood glucose levels at 6 h following admission. Comparisons of safety data, particularly in relation to abnormal Glasgow Coma Score, were inconclusive. In this observational study, low dose was as effective as standard dose intravenous insulin infusion in the initial treatment (less than 6 h) of DKA in children with type 1 diabetes. A randomised controlled trial is required to show true equivalence between doses and to evaluate potential safety benefits.

Antidiabetic effect of Ficus bengalensis aerial roots in experimental animals

Ethnopharmacological relevance Herbal preparations of Ficus bengalensis had been considered as effective, economical and safe ethnomedicines for various ailments in Indian traditional system of medicine. Aim of study The present study was aimed to explore scientifically the antidiabetic potential of Ficus bengalensis aerial roots as its bark had already been reported to possess antidiabetic efficacy. Materials and methods Effect of variable doses of aqueous extract of Ficus bengalensis aerial roots on blood glucose level (BGL) of normal-, sub- and mild-diabetic models have been studied and the results were compared with the reference drug Glipizide and elemental Mg and Ca intake as glycemic elements. Results The dose of 300 mg kg −1 showed the maximum fall of 43.8 and 40.7% in BGL during FBG and glucose tolerance test (GTT) studies of normal rats, respectively. The same dose showed a marked reduction in BGL of 54.3% in sub- and 51.7% in mild-diabetic rats during GTT. The concentration of Mg (1.02%) and Ca (0.85%) identified through laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in the most effective dose could be responsible for this high percentage fall in BGL as they take part in glucose metabolism. Conclusion The hypoglycemic effect in normoglycemic and antidiabetic effect in sub- and mild-diabetic models of aqueous extract of aerial roots of Ficus bengalensis are due to the presence of these glycemic elements in high concentration with respect to other elements.

Effect of atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine combination on blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objective:To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine combination in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Materials and Methods:Alloxan induced diabetic Wistar male rats were randomized into six groups of 6 rats each. (Normal rats, diabetic control, atorvastatin (ATV), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), ATV 5 mg /kg + HCQ 100 mg/kg, and ATV 10 mg/kg + HCQ 200 mg/kg). The rats were treated for 9 days and blood samples were collected at baseline and end of therapy. These samples were analyzed for plasma glucose by autoanalyzer. Changes in body weight, water, food intakes and total protein content were also recorded.Results:Atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine alone and in combination reported significant fall in blood glucose level from baseline. Fall in glucose level was significantly more in high dose combination of atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine (ATV: 10 mg/kg + HCQ: 200 mg/kg) as compared to other study treatment groups (ATV: 17% Vs HCQ: 7% Vs ATV 5mg/kg + HCQ 100mg /kg: 14% Vs ATV 10mg/kg + HCQ 200mg /kg: 21%; p<0.01). ATV and HCQ individually and in combination also improved the body weight loss. The weight gain was significantly more in combination treated rats as compared to positive control group and greater than those who received atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine alone. Rats treated with the combination also reported significant decrease in food intake and significant increase in total protein.Conclusion:Increased hypoglycemic effect in combination may be due to potentiation or synergism between HCQ and ATV. Further studies are required to demonstrate clinically significant antidiabetic effect.