Initial Mean HbA1c Research Articles

Clinical characteristics, management and psychological outcomes of patients with diabetes secondary to chronic pancreatitis

Abstract Aims: To determine the clinical characteristics, management, rates of complications and psychological outcomes of patients with diabetes mellitus secondary to chronic pancreatitis (DMsCP) referred to the Belfast Pancreatic Diabetes Clinic.Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from online health care records (NIECR). Psychological outcomes and a service‐based questionnaire were performed.Results: Baseline characteristics (n=63 patients [male: 41, female: 22]) at initial referral included: mean age 56.2 years (range 19–84); mean duration of chronic pancreatitis 10.7 years (range 1–40); mean duration of diabetes 7.2 years (range 1–40). Previous pancreatic surgery was performed in 19% (12/63) of patients. Initial mean HbA1c was 82mmol/mol (range 41–189); mean HbA1c at six and 12 months follow‐up was 69.9mmol/mol and 70.6mmol/mol, respectively. Rates of microvascular complications included: retinopathy (background and pre‐proliferative) 16%; microalbuminuria 17%; peripheral neuropathy 14%, with no foot ulceration/amputation occurring. Macrovascular disease occurred in 24% of patients. Sixteen (25%) had missed at least one outpatient diabetes appointment over the preceding year. Quality of life (QoL) as measured by the PANQOLI was low with a mean total score of 64.9/103; 59% (16/27) of the service cohort also breached clinical cut‐offs for the presence of both anxiety (GAD‐7) and depression (PHQ‐9).Summary: DMsCP in our cohort was characterised by significant micro‐ and macrovascular complications, sub‐optimal glycaemic control, reduced clinic attendance and impaired QoL as well as a significant component of anxiety and depression. The optimal care for these patients should consist of a collaborative approach that best meets their complex and multifaceted needs. Copyright © 2024 John Wiley & Sons.

Correlation between HbA1C and CCT in T2DM

Abstract An observational cohort study of central corneal thickness (CCT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in hyperglycemic and euglycemic states. Context: To assess the significance of glycemic control in CCT measurement. Aims: The main aim was to assess the change in CCT with the change in glycemic state by following them after 3 months. Settings and Design: This study was carried out in the department of ophthalmology, SMVMCH, Pondicherry. Materials and Methods: This is an observational cohort study carried out at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital after obtaining ethics committee clearance. Fifty-six T2DM patients with HbA1C >7 were included in this study with informed consent. Clinical history with complete ophthalmic examination done, CCT was measured using ultrasonic pachymetry (UP) along with blood samples to measure their blood sugars and HbA1C values. They were advised to follow up on the treatment given by the medical department. Patients were reviewed after 3 months to measure the CCT and blood sugar values. Statistical Analysis: Done using STATA software 16.0. Continuous data and categorical data were assessed using paired t-test and Chi-square test, respectively. Normality of data using Shapiro–Wilk normality test. Statistical significance was adopted with P < 0.05. Results: In our study, the initial mean HbA1C was 9.4 ± 1.9 and mean CCT was 552.6 ± 40.6 μm, whereas follow-up mean HbA1C was 7.1 ± 1.2 and mean CCT was 548.5 ± 38 μm which shows statistical significance. Conclusion: Diabetics present with thicker corneas and there is a decrease in thickness once glycemic control has been achieved. Keeping this in mind, we suggest assessment of CCT in all diabetic patients during clinical work-up.

Initial Glycemic Control and Care Among Younger Adults Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing among adults under age 45. Onset of type 2 diabetes at a younger age increases an individual's risk for diabetes-related complications. Given the lasting benefits conferred by early glycemic control, we compared glycemic control and initial care between adults with younger onset (21-44 years) and mid-age onset (45-64 years) of type 2 diabetes. Using data from a large, integrated health care system, we identified 32,137 adults (aged 21-64 years) with incident diabetes (first HbA1c ≥6.5% [≥48 mmol/mol]). We excluded anyone with evidence of prior type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus, or type 1 diabetes. We used generalized linear mixed models, adjusting for demographic and clinical variables, to examine differences in glycemic control and care at 1 year. Of identified individuals, 26.4% had younger-onset and 73.6% had mid-age-onset type 2 diabetes. Adults with younger onset had higher initial mean HbA1c values (8.9% [74 mmol/mol]) than adults with onset in mid-age (8.4% [68 mmol/mol]) (P < 0.0001) and lower odds of achieving an HbA1c <7% (<53 mmol/mol) 1 year after the diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.70 [95% CI 0.66-0.74]), even after accounting for HbA1c at diagnosis. Adults with younger onset had lower odds of in-person primary care contact (aOR 0.82 [95% CI 0.76-0.89]) than those with onset during mid-age, but they did not differ in telephone contact (1.05 [0.99-1.10]). Adults with younger onset had higher odds of starting metformin (aOR 1.20 [95% CI 1.12-1.29]) but lower odds of adhering to that medication (0.74 [0.69-0.80]). Adults with onset of type 2 diabetes at a younger age were less likely to achieve glycemic control at 1 year following diagnosis, suggesting the need for tailored care approaches to improve outcomes for this high-risk patient population.

Phenotypical characteristics of diabetes mellitus in Hungarian children.

The incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM, T2DM) paralel with the increasing rate of obesity reported to be increased among children over the past decade. It is known that there are diabetic patients who show overlapping diabetes phenotype typical of both forms. The aim of the present study was to analyze, retrospectively, the phenotypical characteristics of patients followed-up at the Diabetic Clinic of our Department in the last thirty years. Altogether 274 children (boys 126) were examined (mean age ± SD, 7.8 ± 4.2 years; initial mean HbA1c level ± SD: 11.5 ± 2.6%). Antropometric measurements and laboratory tests were performed, Statistical analyses were done by SPSS Windows 15.00 programme. At the diagnosis 96 children (35%) were presented by diabetic ketoacidosis. These children were significantly younger compared to the other patients (mean ± SD: 6.9 ± 4.4 vs 8.6 ± 3.9 years; p < 0.01). Nine children (3.2%) were found to have Maturity Onset Diabetes in the Young (MODY). At the diagnosis these children were significantly older compared to the T1DM patients (mean ± SD: 8.7 ± 5.2 vs 7.9 ± 4.1 years; p < 0.05), and the initial HbA1c level was significantly decreased (mean ± SD: 6.5 ± 0.4 vs 11.4 ± 2.7 %; p < 0.001) while C-peptid levels were significantly increased (mean ± SD: 1.6 ± 1.0 vs 0.6 ± 0.4 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Autoimmun thyroiditis were found in 24 patients (8.7%), while celiac disease was diagnosed in 27 children (9.8%). At the time of diagnosis sometimes it’s difficult to be certain of diabetes types, although it would be very important because of the treatment strategies and associated disorders.

Effects of Pioglitazone Add-On to Gliclazide and Metformin on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding pioglitazone to treatment with metformin (MF) and gliclazide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) who had inadequate glycemic control. Methods. This study is a retrospective cohort study based on King Abdullah University Hospital records concerning type 2 diabetic adult patients for year 2008. Patients included were assessed according to changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, albuminuria and liver enzymes before and after the addition of pioglitazone. Results. The patients included in the study had an initial mean HbA1c of 9.44%, which decreased to 7.56% after the addition of pioglitazone (P-value < 0.005).

Efficacy of Sitagliptin When Added to Ongoing Therapy in Korean Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of sitagliptin for reducing plasma glucose levels in Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus during a 14-week treatment period.MethodsOur study design involved the addition of 100 mg sitagliptin once-daily to three ongoing combination therapy regimens and changing from glimepiride and metformin to sitagliptin and metformin.ResultsThe addition of sitagliptin 100 mg/day produced a statistically significant reduction in mean HbA1c level (mean HbA1c reduction of 0.99±0.85%, P<0.01). In the group taking a combination of sitagliptin and metformin (n=143, initial mean HbA1c level=7.48%), the reductions in HbA1c, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and fasting glucose levels were 0.72±0.76% (P<0.01), 47±65 mg/dL (P<0.01), and 15±44 mg/dL (P<0.01), respectively. In the group taking a combination of sitagliptin, glimepiride, and metformin (n=125, initial mean HbA1c level=8.42%), the reductions in HbA1c, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and fasting glucose levels were 1.09±0.86% (P<0.01), 62±64 mg/dL (P<0.01), and 31±45 mg/dL (P<0.01), respectively. In the group taking a combination of sitagliptin, glimepiride, metformin, and α-glucosidase inhibitor (n=63, initial mean HbA1c level=9.19%), the reductions in HbA1c, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and fasting glucose levels were 1.27±0.70% (P<0.01), 72±65 mg/dL (P<0.01), and 35±51 mg/dL (P<0.01), respectively. In the group that had previous hypoglycemic events and that changed from glimepiride to sitagliptin, HbA1c level did not change but fasting glucose increased significantly (14±29 mg/dL, P<0.01).ConclusionSitagliptin combination therapy for 14 weeks significantly improved glycemic control and was well-tolerated in Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Low-carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes: stable improvement of bodyweight and glycemic control during 44 months follow-up

BackgroundLow-carbohydrate diets, due to their potent antihyperglycemic effect, are an intuitively attractive approach to the management of obese patients with type 2 diabetes. We previously reported that a 20% carbohydrate diet was significantly superior to a 55–60% carbohydrate diet with regard to bodyweight and glycemic control in 2 groups of obese diabetes patients observed closely over 6 months (intervention group, n = 16; controls, n = 15) and we reported maintenance of these gains after 22 months. The present study documents the degree to which these changes were preserved in the low-carbohydrate group after 44 months observation time, without close follow-up. In addition, we assessed the performance of the two thirds of control patients from the high-carbohydrate diet group that had changed to a low-carbohydrate diet after the initial 6 month observation period. We report cardiovascular outcome for the low-carbohydrate group as well as the control patients who did not change to a low-carbohydrate diet.MethodRetrospective follow-up of previously studied subjects on a low carbohydrate diet.ResultsThe mean bodyweight at the start of the initial study was 100.6 ± 14.7 kg. At six months it was 89.2 ± 14.3 kg. From 6 to 22 months, mean bodyweight had increased by 2.7 ± 4.2 kg to an average of 92.0 ± 14.0 kg. At 44 months average weight has increased from baseline g to 93.1 ± 14.5 kg. Of the sixteen patients, five have retained or reduced bodyweight since the 22 month point and all but one have lower weight at 44 months than at start. The initial mean HbA1c was 8.0 ± 1.5%. After 6, 12 and 22 months, HbA1c was 6.1 ± 1.0%, 7.0 ± 1.3% and 6.9 ± 1.1% respectively. After 44 months mean HbA1c is 6.8 ± 1.3%.Of the 23 patients who have used a low-carbohydrate diet and for whom we have long-term data, two have suffered a cardiovascular event while four of the six controls who never changed diet have suffered several cardiovascular events.ConclusionAdvice to obese patients with type 2 diabetes to follow a 20% carbohydrate diet with some caloric restriction has lasting effects on bodyweight and glycemic control.

Low-carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes. Stable improvement of bodyweight and glycemic control during 22 months follow-up

BackgroundLow-carbohydrate diets in the management of obese patients with type 2 diabetes seem intuitively attractive due to their potent antihyperglycemic effect.We previously reported that a 20 % carbohydrate diet was significantly superior to a 55–60 % carbohydrate diet with regard to bodyweight and glycemic control in 2 non-randomised groups of obese diabetes patients observed closely over 6 months. The effect beyond 6 months of reduced carbohydrate has not been previously reported. The objective of the present study, therefore, was to determine to what degree the changes among the 16 patients in the low-carbohydrate diet group at 6-months were preserved or changed 22 months after start, even without close follow-up. In addition, we report that, after the 6 month observation period, two thirds of the patients in the high-carbohydrate changed their diet. This group also showed improvement in bodyweight and glycemic control.MethodRetrospective follow-up of previously studied subjects on a low carbohydrate diet.ResultsThe mean bodyweight at the start of the initial study was 100.6 ± 14.7 kg. At six months it was 89.2 ± 14.3 kg. From 6 to 22 months, mean bodyweight had increased by 2.7 ± 4.2 kg to an average of 92.0 ± 14.0 kg. Seven of the 16 patients (44%) retained the same bodyweight from 6 to 22 months or reduced it further; all but one had lower weight at 22 months than at the beginning. Initial mean HbA1c was 8.0 ± 1.5 %. After 6 and 12 months it was 6.6 ± 1.0 % and 7.0 ± 1.3 %, respectively. At 22 months, it was still 6.9 ± 1.1 %.ConclusionAdvice on a 20 % carbohydrate diet with some caloric restriction to obese patients with type 2 diabetes has lasting effect on bodyweight and glycemic control.

Extension of a paediatric diabetes home care service

AbstractAt the end of 1994 a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN) was appointed to extend the paediatric diabetes home care service between the Birmingham Children's Hospital and a district general hospital (City Hospital) in Birmingham. As a result 24‐hour home care can now be offered to newly diagnosed and existing paediatric patients with diabetes at City Hospital. The initial mean HbA1c for the clinic was 9.8%, which since then has fallen to a mean of 8.95% (range 7.9–9.4%); a mean reduction of 0.85%. As a result of home care there has been a sustained reduction in bed‐days for newly diagnosed patients (median five patients per year) and for re‐admissions of existing patients. In addition to any long‐term benefits arising from improvement in diabetic control, the cost savings of reduction in bed‐days alone at £235 per day (Total £15110 per year) outweigh the cost of the PDSN post (£14800 per year). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Home Testing of Fructosamine Improves Glycemic Control in Patients with Diabetes

To determine whether weekly fructosamine testing at home by patients with type 2 diabetes, combined with therapeutic intervention when necessary on the basis of the results, would lead to improved glycemic control in comparison with usual care during a 3-month period. In a prospective study, 25 patients with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values above 8.0% were randomized into 2 groups. Both groups, a glucose-only testing group (14 patients with an initial mean HbA1c of 9.4 +/- 0.9%) and a combined glucose plus fructosamine testing group (11 patients with an initial mean HbA1c of 9.2 +/- 0.7%), received therapeutic intervention at the time of randomization. Both groups were instructed to perform blood glucose testing up to four times per day. The combined glucose plus fructosamine testing group was also instructed to perform weekly fructosamine testing in addition to the glucose testing and to telephone the investigator if their home-testing fructosamine value exceeded 350 mmol/L (approximately equivalent to HbA1c of 7.8%), whereupon the investigator implemented further interventions. Both groups returned in 3 months, at which time HbA1c testing was repeated in order to determine whether glycemic control had changed. The study results after 3 months showed that the HbA1c values in the combined glucose plus fructosamine testing group decreased from 9.2 +/- 0.7% to 8.0 +/- 0.5% (P<0.0001). In contrast, the HbA1c values in the glucose-only testing group declined from 9.4 +/- 0.9% to 9.1 +/- 1.3%, a difference that was not significant. In the 3 months after a change in therapy for type 2 diabetes, weekly home testing of fructosamine, combined with therapeutic interventions based on the results, led to a more rapid and significant improvement in glycemic control than did the usual regimen of glucose-only testing.

Oral glucose tolerance testing in cystic fibrosis: Correlations with clinical parameters and glycosylated haemoglobin determinations

In 48 patients (age 2-28 years) with documented cystic fibrosis, glucose tolerance was evaluated by means of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and repeated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) measurements. An impaired OGTT was found in 15 patients. Their degree of undernutrition and severity of lung and liver involvement were no different from those with normal glucose tolerance. The mean peak insulin concentration as well as the integrated insulin concentration during the OGTT were comparable with patients with normal glucose tolerance (GT) and those with an impaired tolerance (GI). The mean time to attain peak insulin levels was significantly delayed in the GI group. (117 min vs 86 min P less than 0.01). On initial testing, elevated HbA1C levels were found in 22 patients. Mean HbA1C levels in the GI group were higher than in the GT group (8.2% vs 7.5% P less than 0.01). The HbA1C levels at the moment of OGT testing were positively correlated with the glycaemic response during the OGTT. The repeated HbA1C measurements 1 year later were no different from the initial mean HbA1C values in both groups. Two GI patients with initial HbA1C levels of 7.5% and 11% respectively developed diabetes mellitus several months after testing. The need for serial HbA1C determinations in cystic fibrosis is questioned.