Mean Fasting Blood Glucose Concentration Research Articles

Нарушения углеводного обмена у пациентов с боевыми травмами

Aim. To investigate the prevalence and some aspects of the carbohydrate metabolism pathology in patients with combat limb injuries. Materials and methods. 210 patients who suffered from combat injuries of the lower and/or upper extremities from 4 to 58 days (mean 15.9±8.7 days) before admission to the hospital were enrolled in the study. All study participants were men. The mean age of the patients was 36.0±8.4 years (19–59 years). Fasting venous blood glucose concentrations were determined in all patients. Patients with hyperglycemia underwent a study of the glycemic profile and HbA1c. Stress-induced hyperglycemia, estimated mean glucose level over the past 3 months (ADAG), and glycemic gap were calculated. Insulin in fasting blood plasma was determined and the HOMA-IR insulin resistance index was calculated. Results. The incidence of hyperglycemia was 23.3%. In the general group of patients, the mean glucose concentration was 5.5±1.0 mmol/l (3.1–9.73 mmol/l). In the group of patients with hyperglycemia, the mean blood glucose level reached 6.7±0.9 mmol/l, in patients with normal glucose concentration – 5.1±0.5 mmol/l (p<0.000001). The mean fasting blood glucose concentration in patients aged 40 years and older reached 5.7±1.1 mmol/l, those under 40 years old – 5.2±0.8 mmol/l (p=0.005). A significant direct correlation was registered between the fasting glucose level upon admission to the hospital and the age of the patients (r=0.26; p=0.00003). The relative risk of hyperglycemia in patients aged 40 years and older was 1.84 (confidence interval 1.005–3.37; p=0.01). The mean time elapsed since injury in patients with hyperglycemia reached 13.2±5.7 days, with normal glucose concentration – 16.7±9.2 days (p=0.02). Patients with hyperglycemia had lower levels of total protein (58.3±10.2 and 62.1±6.9 g/l, respectively; p=0.004), albumin (31.2±4.6 and 33.2±4.9 g/l; p=0.04), hemoglobin (97.7±18.9 and 105.9±16.9 g/l; p=0.004), but higher levels of C-reactive protein (61.0±55.4 and 32.9±38.1 mg/l; p=0.0001), leukocytes (10.6±4.4 and 9.3±3.4×109/l; p=0.02), count of neutrophils (7.8±4.3 and 6.4±2.9×109/l; p=0.01), proportion of neutrophils (71.6±9.6% and 67.7±7.7%; p=0.004), as well as fibrinogen concentration (5.7±1.4 and 4.8±1.2 g/l; p=0.0002) than patients with normal blood glucose levels. In patients with hyperglycemia, the mean HbA1c level was 5.3±0.6%, stress-induced hyperglycemia – 1.4±0.2 mmol/l. The median glycemic gap reached 1.51 mmol/l (Q1–Q3: 0.88–2.1 mmol/l). The median insulin concentration was 12.9 µIU/ml (Q1–Q3: 9.2–27.0 µIU/ml), the insulin resistance index was 3.3 (Q1–Q3: 2.1–8.8). The mean fasting blood glucose concentration at the last determination in patients with initial hyperglycemia reached 5.8±1.3 mmol/l. During observation, in 64.6% of the patients with hyperglycemia upon admission, glucose levels returned to normal, while in 35.4% mild hyperglycemia remained. The median time to normalization of fasting blood glucose concentration or to the last determination of this indicator was 17.5 days (Q1–Q3: 8–30 days). Conclusions. The study results indicate a frequent detection of hyperglycemia in patients with combat limb injuries. In most cases the increase in fasting glucose levels is small and in most patients this indicator returns to normal within a relatively short time. It is necessary to continue research of stress-induced hyperglycemia in the patients with combat injuries and to elucidate the pathogenetic basis of this pathology.

Levels of leptin, irisin, oxytocin and insulin in obese and normal weight Iraqi young men

Introduction and Aim: Obesity is a serious, life-threatening health condition that is prevalent in Iraq and the world as a whole. Since Leptin, irisin, oxytocin and insulin are proposed to play main roles in energy expenditure, glucose homeostasis, regulating body weight, reducing obesity and improving life expectancy so the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of these anti-obesity hormones plus insulin resistance Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 obese young men with a mean age of 29.95 years and fifty normal weight young men with a mean age of 28.44. Results: In obese men, the mean leptin concentration was 24.08±9.91 ng/ml which was significantly higher than in normal weight men 5.48 ng/ml. Serum irisin levels in obese men and normal weight were 8.9 ng/ml, 2.4 ng/ml respectively, and it was significantly higher in obese group in comparison to the normal weight group. The mean serum oxytocin concentration was significantly lower in obese group 6.41pg/ml in comparison to normal weight 29.55 pg/ml. Serum insulin levels in obese and normal weight were 19.55±5.56 and 3.64 micro lU/ml respectively and it was significantly higher in obese men. The mean fasting blood glucose concentration in obese men was 98.67mg/dl and it was significantly higher than in normal weight 84±9.85 mg/ml. Insulin resistance (HOMA IR) was significantly higher in obese men 6.6 than in normal weight 0.68. Conclusion: Serum levels of leptin, irisin, insulin, and insulin resistance are higher in obese young men, while oxytocin levels were noticeably low. Our study also shows that obesity increases the likelihood of insulin resistance.

Effects of Calcium and Vitamin D-Fortified Diet on Glycemic Profile, Biochemical Parameters and Selected Haemostatic and Haematological Indices in Diabetic Rats

Results obtained from studies on the effect of vitamin D supplementation with or without calcium on glucose homeostasis and hematological parameters have been inconsistent. This experimentally-controlled designed study investigated the combined effects of Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet on body weight, glycemic profile, biochemical, haemostatic and haematological parameters in 2 groups (n=8, each) of experimental male diabetic and healthy albino rats following treatment with Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet for 6 weeks. 2 similar groups of rats (n=8, each) on normal diets served as normal and diabetic controls respectively to allow comparison between groups. Induction of diabetes (100mg/dL, intraperitoneally) was achieved with freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate solution after 15 hours overnight fast while oral glucose tolerance test, biochemical and hematological analysis were performed on blood samples. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was taken at study baseline and 6 weeks after feeding. Mean weights were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in calcium/vitamin D-fortifed diet-fed diabetic and normal rats compared with their respective controls. Actual percentage numerical weight gain at 6 weeks of study includes: diabetic rats on treatment diet (15.50%); diabetic controlled rats (18.70%); normal rats on treatment diet (20.40%); normal controlled rats (25.10%). At 6 weeks of study, experimental diabetic rats showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction (22.83%) in mean FBG concentration compared with the diabetic control rats. Experimental rats fed on calcium and vitamin D-fortified diet displayed improved glycemic tolerance over their respective controls. Hematological analysis revealed insignificant (p > 0.05) difference in hematological and hemostatic indices between the experimental and controlled rats. In diabetic rats, Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet reduced body weight with beneficial hypoglycemic and remarkable glycemic tolerant effects on glycemic profile without significant impact on hemostatic and hematological indices.

Does vitamin D3 supplementation improve glucose homeostasis in overweight or obese women? A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Vitamin D deficiency is considered as a risk factor in cardiometabolic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have investigated the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on glucose homeostasis in healthy overweight and obese women. In a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 77 healthy overweight or obese women (mean age 38 ± 8 years; BMI 29.9 ± 4.2 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to the vitamin D3 group (25 μg/day as cholecalciferol tablets) or the placebo group. Selected anthropometric indices, glucose, insulin, HbA(1c) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance at baseline and after 12 weeks were measured. Dietary intakes using 24-h food recall and food frequency questionnaires were assessed. Physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Adjusted mean differences were calculated using analysis of covariance. Correlation coefficients were calculated by Pearson's analysis. Mean fasting blood glucose concentrations declined in the vitamin D3 and placebo groups (-0.28 ± 0.4 vs. -0.65 ± 0.4 mmol/l, P < 0.001) and the mean percentage of HbA(1c) was decreased (-13 ± 18 vs. -19 ± 17 mmol/l, P = 0.06) in both groups, respectively. Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations increased in the vitamin D3 and placebo groups (38.2 ± 32 vs. 4.6 ± 14 nmol/l, P < 0.001), respectively. There was a significant correlation between HbA(1c) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (r = -0.271; P = 0.018). The results indicate that the vitamin D3 supplement of 25 μg/day had no beneficial effect on glycaemic indices in healthy overweight or obese women.

A Retrospective Study Comparing Neutral Protamine Hagedorn Insulin With Glargine As Basal Therapy In Prednisone-Associated Diabetes Mellitus In Hospitalized Patients

To compare glycemic outcomes in hospitalized patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin (NPH) vs glargine as basal insulin for management of glucocorticoid-associated hyperglycemia. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records in prednisone-treated adult patients with hyperglycemia in a university hospital. Consecutive patients were selected in both the NPH and glargine cohorts using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline characteristics were assessed in each cohort. Glycemic outcomes were analyzed by comparing fasting blood glucose, mean daily blood glucose concentration, median daily blood glucose concentration, and the number of hypoglycemic episodes on a prespecified index day. One hundred twenty patients were included: 60 patients in the NPH cohort and 60 patients in the glargine cohort. The weight-based insulin requirement was lower in the NPH cohort than in the glargine cohort (0.27 ± 0.2 units/kg vs 0.34 ± 0.2 units/kg [P = .04] for basal insulin and 0.26 ± 0.2 units/kg vs 0.36 ± 0.2 units/kg [P = .03] for bolus insulin). NPH and glargine cohorts were similar regarding age, sex, race, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, serum creatinine, and prednisone dosage. Glycemic outcomes in the NPH cohort compared with outcomes in the glargine cohort were similar regarding mean fasting blood glucose concentration (134 ± 49 mg/dL vs 139 ± 54 mg/dL [P = .63]), mean daily blood glucose (167 ± 46 mg/dL vs 165 ± 52 mg/dL [P = .79]), median blood glucose (160 ± 49 mg/dL vs 159 ± 57 mg/dL [P = .90]), and number of hypoglycemic episodes per day (0.12 ± 0.3 vs 0.10 ± 0.3 [P = .77]). NPH and glargine appear to be equally effective as basal insulin in the management of hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients receiving prednisone. However, the total daily insulin doses used were lower in the NPH cohort.

Repeated Application of Low-Frequency Electroacupuncture Improves High-Fructose Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats

Insulin resistance is frequently present in obesity and during the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on high-fructose diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance. Male Wistar rats were fed HFD for 4 weeks and developed insulin resistance. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by clamp. The number of animals was seven, eight and seven in the control, HFD and HFD+EA groups, respectively. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle were measured by Western blotting analysis (n=7 in each group). EA stimulation was carried out 12 times over 4 weeks at an intensity of 1-3 mA and a frequency of 2/15 Hz in a conscious state without restraint. There was no significant difference in mean body weight and fasting blood glucose concentration between groups at the end of the experiment. The mean glucose infusion rate during the clamp was significantly lower in the HFD group than in controls (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in expression of GLUT4 in skeletal muscle in the control and each group. Phosphorylated AMPKα (Thr172) in skeletal muscle showed a significant increase immediately after the final EA stimulation when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Repeated application of EA is capable of improving diet-induced insulin resistance, probably through activation of AMPK signalling pathways in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that repeated application of EA may have beneficial effects on diet-induced insulin resistance.

Abnormal expression of uncoupling protein-2 correlates with CYP11A1 expression in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may result from hypersensitivity to insulin, which is negatively regulated by uncoupling protein (UCP)-2. Because cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) is closely linked to PCOS, the expression of UCP-2 and CYP11A1 in ovarian tissues from PCOS patients was examined in the present study. Twelve PCOS patients with hyperandrogenaemia who underwent laparoscopic ovarian wedge resection and 12 age-matched control patients who underwent contralateral ovarian biopsy were enrolled in the study. UCP-2 expression in early stage (primordial, primary and secondary) and late stage (sinus and mature) follicles was examined using immunohistochemistry, whereas UCP-2 and CYP11A1 mRNA and protein levels in ovarian tissue were determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses, respectively. UCP-2 expression increased significantly with follicular development in both control and PCOS tissue, with expression in early stage follicles from PCOS patients significantly greater than that in controls. In addition, both UCP-2 and CYP11A1mRNA and protein levels, mean fasting blood glucose concentrations and fasting serum insulin levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients compared with the control group. Finally, a significant correlation between UCP-2 and CYP11A1 expression was found in PCOS but not control patients. In conclusion, in PCOS patients, there was a correlation between UCP-2 and CYP11A1 expression, which was significantly higher than in the control group. These changes in UCP-2 and CYP11A1 expression may mediate follicle development in PCOS.

Treatment of high fat diet induced type 2 diabetes in C57BL/6J mice by two medicinal plants used in traditional treatment of diabetes in the east of Algeria

Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Centaurium erythraea Rafn (CE), Gentianaceae and Artemisia herba-alba Asso (AHA), Asteraceae, medicinal plants used in traditional treatment of diabetes in north-eastern Algeria, were tested in established type 2 diabetes induced with a standardized high fat diet (HFD) in mice. After confirmation of diabetes (17th week), plant extracts were administered orally by gavage at a dose of 2 g/kg daily for 18 weeks to male C57BL/6J mice fed HFD. Animals were weighed, food intake and plasma glucose measured weekly, insulin and lipid profile at study end. At 35 weeks, groups treated with AHA or CE vs. HFD control had a significant reduction in mean (±SD) fasting blood glucose concentrations (143.8±23.9 and 139.5±14.2 vs. 229.0±20.8 mg/dL, p<0.05, respectively), triglyceride (18.9±11.1 and 16.0±6.5 vs. 62.8±18.3 mg/dL, p<0.05), total cholesterol (1.2±0.1 and 1.2±0.3 vs. 1.8±1.1 g/L, p<0.05) and serum insulin concentrations (1.7±0.7 and 0.9±0.7 vs. 3.3±14.3 ng/mL, p<0.05). Plant extracts also markedly reduced insulin resistance as compared to HFD controls (AHA: 15.6±9.1, CE: 9.0±7.7 vs. HFD control 38.5±30.3, p<0.05). The plant extracts decreased calorie intake and had little effect on body weight or HDL-cholesterol. AHA has already been shown to have a antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidemic effect but this is the first demonstration of an effect of AHA and CE on established HFD-induced diabetes.

Early Age-Related Maculopathy and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Middle-Aged Lithuanian Urban Population

To assess the prevalence of age-related maculopathy (ARM) in a middle-aged urban population and the relationship between ARM and the main risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The survey according to the WHO MONICA study protocol was carried out in Kaunas city, Lithuania, from 2001 to 2002. A total of 1403 persons aged 35 to 64 years were screened (626 men and 777 women: response rate 62.4%). Ophthalmologic investigation was performed for 1337 respondents (594 men and 743 women). Analysis of the relationship between ARM and risk factors of CVD was performed in case-control subdivision matching for sex, age, and education level. Early ARM was diagnosed in 7.4% of men and 5.4% of women. Rate of current smoking in case and control groups did not differ in men but in case group of women it was greater than in control group. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) in male case group and mean fasting blood glucose concentration in female case group were higher than in corresponding control groups. Frequency of diastolic hypertension (diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mmHg) and obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) in male case group was higher than in control group. ARM was not associated with cholesterol and triglyceride levels in men and women. Early ARM in middle-aged Lithuanian urban population was associated with current smoking in women but not in men; it was associated with diastolic blood pressure and BMI in men and with fasting glucose level in women.

The effect of an energy drink containing glucose and caffeine on human corticospinal excitability

Glucose- and caffeine-containing energy drinks are said to influence the cognitive and cellular function within the brain. In this study, we have used the size of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) produced in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex as an index of corticospinal excitability after ingestion of Lucozade and control drinks of glucose-containing or caffeine-containing carbonated water or carbonated water alone. With local ethical approval and informed consent, 10 healthy volunteers took part; surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings were taken from the thenar muscles of the dominant hand. In each assessment, 15 TMS stimuli were delivered over the motor cortex at an intensity of 1.1 T. Six subjects ingested a 380-ml bottle of carbonated Lucozade drink containing 68 g of glucose and 46 mg caffeine. Four subjects took part in three control trials drinking: (A) carbonated water with caffeine, (B) carbonated water with glucose and (C) carbonated water alone. Assessments were made before and at 30-min intervals after each drink. Mean fasting blood glucose concentrations and mean areas of MEPs rose after the Lucozade, remaining elevated for 90 min. Similar rises in MEP areas were seen in trials after drinking carbonated water with caffeine or with glucose, but not after drinking carbonated water alone. No change was seen in the M-wave evoked by electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve. We conclude that Lucozade can affect the size of MEPs to activation of the motor cortex with fixed-intensity TMS. The underlying mechanism is likely to relate to the combined effects of caffeine and glucose on the brain.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Fasting Blood Glucose Concentration among Helicobacter pylori Carriers

Background/Aims: Despite the fact that Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is regarded as a major gastroduodenal pathogen, it has recently been suggested to be an important factor for non-gastroenterologic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Accordingly, it seems that Hp infection may have implications in glycemic control and in fasting plasma glucose concentrations. As overnutrition and obesity are directly related to impaired glucose tolerance, the aim of the present study was to determine whether Hp infection leads to alterations in fasting plasma glucose concentrations of Hp carriers and especially in relation to their body mass index. Methods: Serum was obtained from 224 young, male navy recruits. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect Hp-specific IgG serum antibodies as well as gastroscopy along with biopsy was used to identify the infected individuals. Serum levels of glucose, urea, creatinine and uric acid were also determined. Non-fasting subjects and persons with abnormal oral glucose tolerance curve test were excluded. Results: Among Hp-positive individuals, obese persons presented with a significantly lower mean blood glucose level than non-obese persons. Obese Hp-contaminated participants had significantly lower mean fasting blood glucose concentrations as well as a significantly smaller percentage of participants with abnormal elevated blood glucose levels than obese participants negative to Hp infection. Conclusions: Our data suggest that obesity in combination with Hp infection may induce an enhanced response to insulin leading to reduced fasting blood glucose levels, among Hp-positive obese persons in comparison to Hp-positive lean persons.

Correlation between amniotic fluid glucose concentration and amniotic fluid volume in pregnancy complicated by diabetes

Objective: Pregnancies complicated by diabetes are frequently characterized by an increased volume of amniotic fluid, and the pathophysiologic mechanism of this increase is not known. Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between amniotic fluid glucose concentration and the amniotic fluid index in pregnancies complicated by insulin-treated diabetes and to compare it with that seen in normal pregnancies. Study Design: Amniotic fluid index and amniotic fluid glucose levels were measured before elective repeated cesarean delivery in 41 women with insulin-treated diabetes and in 35 women without diabetes. Only singleton gestations without anomalous fetuses were included. Women with diabetes were hospitalized for approximately 4 weeks before delivery, during which time glycemic control was optimized. Amniotic fluid index and amniotic fluid glucose concentration were correlated with each other and were compared between the groups with and without diabetes. Results: The mean amniotic fluid index was significantly increased in the diabetes group (16.6 ± 5.0 cm in the diabetes group vs 13.4 ± 3.5 cm in the control group; P = .002). The amniotic fluid glucose concentration was also significantly greater in the diabetes group than in the control group (39 ± 17 mg/dL in the diabetes group vs 24 ± 11 mg/dL in the control group; P < .001). Among women with diabetes the amniotic fluid glucose concentration was significantly correlated with the amniotic fluid index ( r = 0.32; P = .04), a correlation not found among the control women. The mean fasting blood glucose concentration among the women with diabetes for the week before amniocentesis was 82 ± 11 mg/dL. Conclusion: The amniotic fluid index parallels the amniotic fluid glucose level among women with diabetes. This finding raises the possibility that the hydramnios associated with diabetes is a result of increased amniotic fluid glucose concentration. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:901-4.)

Transient Clinical Diabetes Mellitus in Cats: 10 Cases (1989–1991)

Medical records of 10 cats with transient clinical diabetes mellitus were reviewed. At the time diabetes was diagnosed, clinical signs included polyuria and polydipsia (10 cats), weight loss (8 cats), polyphagia (3 cats), lethargy (2 cats), and inappetence (1 cat). Mean (+/- SD) fasting blood glucose concentration was 454 +/- 121 mg/dL, mean blood glucose concentration during an 8-hour period (MBG/8 hours) was 378 +/- 72 mg/dL, and glycosuria and trace ketonuria were identified in 10 and 5 cats, respectively. Baseline serum insulin concentration was undetectable (6 cats) or within the reference range (4 cats) and serum insulin concentration did not increase after i.v. glucagon administration in any cat. Insulin-antagonistic drugs were being administered to 5 cats and concurrent disorders were identified in all cats. Management of diabetes included administration of glipizide (6 cats), insulin (3 cats), or both (1 cat), discontinuation of insulin-antagonistic drugs, and treatment of concurrent disorders. Insulin and glipizide treatment was discontinued 4-16 weeks (mean, 7 weeks) after the initial diagnosis of diabetes was confirmed. At the time treatment for diabetes was discontinued, clinical signs had resolved, mean fasting blood glucose concentration was 102 +/- 48 mg/dL, MBG/ 8 hours was 96 +/- 32 mg/dL, glycosuria and ketonuria were not identified in any cat, and concurrent disorders (except mild renal insufficiency in 1 cat) had resolved. Significant (P < .05) increases occurred in postglucagon serum insulin concentrations, insulin peak response, and total insulin secretion, compared with values obtained when clinical diabetes was diagnosed. Histologic abnormalities were identified in pancreatic islets of 5 cats in which pancreatic biopsies were obtained and included decreased number of islets (4 cats), islet amyloidosis (3 cats), and vacuolar degeneration of islet cells (3 cats). Mean beta cell density was significantly (P < .001) decreased in diabetic cats compared with control cats (1.4 +/- 0.7 versus 2.6 +/- 0.5%, respectively). Cells within islets stained positive for insulin, however, the number of insulin-staining cells per islet and the intensity of insulin staining were decreased in 5 and 2 cats, respectively. Clinical diabetes had not recurred in 1 cat after 6 years, in 4 cats lost to follow-up after 1.5, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 years, and in 2 cats that died 6 months and 5.5 years after clinical diabetes resolved. Clinical diabetes recurred in 3 cats after 6 months, 14 months, and 3.4 years, respectively. These findings suggest that cats with transient clinical diabetes have pancreatic islet pathology, including decreased beta cell density, and that treatment of diabetes and concurrent disorders results in improved beta cell function, reestablishment of euglycemia, and a transition from a clinical to subclinical diabetic state.

Glycosylated hemoglobin concentration for assessment of glycemic control in diabetic cats.

Blood glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) concentration was quantified in 84 healthy cats, 9 cats with stress-induced hyperglycemia, 37 cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, and 122 diabetic cats treated with insulin or glipizide. Diabetic control was classified as good or poor in insulin-treated or glipizide-treated cats based on review of history, physical examination findings, changes in body weight, and measurement of blood glucose concentrations. Blood GHb concentration was determined using an affinity chromatography assay. Mean blood GHb concentration was similar for healthy normoglycemic cats and cats with transient, stress-induced hyperglycemia, but was significantly (P < .001) higher in untreated diabetic cats when compared with healthy normoglycemic cats. Mean blood GHb concentration was significantly (P < .001) higher in 84 cats with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus when compared with 38 cats in which the disease was well controlled. Mean blood GHb concentration decreased significantly (P < .01) in 6 cats with untreated diabetes mellitus after insulin and dietary treatment. A similar significant (P < .01) decrease in mean blood GHb concentration occurred in 7 cats with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus after diabetic control was improved by an increase in insulin dosage from 1.1 +/- 0.9 to 1.4 +/- 0.6 U/kg/ 24 h and by feeding a diet containing increased fiber content and in 6 cats with transient diabetes mellitus 8.2 +/- 0.6 weeks after discontinuing insulin treatment. There was a significant (P < .01) stress-induced increase in mean fasting blood glucose concentration and mean blood glucose concentration for 12 hours after administration of insulin or glipizide but no change in mean blood GHb concentration in 5 docile diabetic cats 12.2 +/- 0.4 weeks after the cats became fractious as a result of frequent hospitalizations and blood samplings. Results of this study suggest that evaluation of blood GHb concentration may be a clinically useful tool for monitoring glycemic control of diabetes in cats.

Cholesterol concentrations in diabetic patients in Nnewi, Nigeria.

Twenty out-patient and twenty in-patient adult Nigerian type II diabetics and twenty healthy subjects matched for sex, age and weight, were studied at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. Mean total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose concentrations were higher in the diabetics. The out-patients had significantly higher total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose values than their in-patient counterparts. The possible cardiovascular risk of the raised cholesterol level in the diabetics was discussed. We recommend that for effective management of diabetic patients, periodic measurement of cholesterol level is necessary. An integrated enlightenment programme to acquaint the out-patients with the health benefits of dietary and drug compliance and occasional hospitalisation for better monitoring would be desirable.

Genetic susceptibility to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and glucose intolerance are located in HLA region.

To test the hypothesis that the genetic susceptibility to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is the same as that to insulin dependent disease and to see whether glucose intolerance is associated with specific HLA haplotypes. Population based study of men in 1989 first tested for glucose tolerance in 1984. HLA haplotypes, including HLA-A, C, B, DR, and DQ, were defined serologically. HLA haplotype data from a population based Finnish study of childhood diabetes were used for predicting non-insulin dependent diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. Two communities in Finland. Representative cohort of Finnish men aged 70-89, comprising 98 men with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and a randomly selected group of 74 men, who served as controls, who were tested for glucose tolerance twice within five years. Non-insulin dependent diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, blood glucose concentration. Diabetes associated HLA haplotypes were present in 94% (85/90) of diabetic subjects, 79% (27/34) of subjects with impaired glucose tolerance, and only 13% (3/23) of non-diabetic subjects. In this group of elderly men sensitivity of the diabetes associated HLA haplotypes for non-insulin dependent diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance was 90%, specificity 87%, and predictive power 97%. Mean fasting blood glucose concentration was only just significantly higher in men with diabetes associated haplotypes than in men with no such haplotypes, but there was a substantial difference in blood glucose values two hours after glucose loading (10.4 and 6.4 mmol/l in men with diabetes associated HLA haplotypes and men with no such haplotypes, respectively (p < 0.0001)). These findings support the hypothesis that specific HLA haplotypes exhibit a common genetic determinant for insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes. Furthermore, HLA is a major genetic determinant of glucose intolerance in elderly Finnish men. The belief that the HLA predisposition to diabetes is specific for insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is largely incorrect.

Improved blood glucose control by insulin therapy in type 2 diabetic patients has no effect on lipoprotein(a) levels.

The effects of improved blood glucose control by insulin therapy on lipoprotein(a) and other lipoproteins were studied in 54 patients with Type 2 diabetes (mean +/- SD: age 67 +/- 9 years, body mass index 26.1 +/- 4.4 kg m-2, median duration of diabetes 10 (range 1-37) years, 23 males, 31 females), who were poorly controlled despite diet and maximal doses of oral hypoglycaemic agents. After 6 months of insulin treatment, mean fasting blood glucose concentrations had decreased from 14.1 +/- 2.2 mmol l-1 to 8.4 +/- 1.8 mmol l-1 (p < 0.001), and HbA1c had fallen from 11.1 +/- 1.4% to 8.2 +/- 1.1% (p < 0.001). Significant decreases of total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and free fatty acids were observed, while HDL-cholesterol and apoA1 increased by 10%. Baseline serum Lp(a) levels were elevated compared to non-diabetic subjects of similar age (median 283, range 8-3050 mg l-1, vs 101, range 8-1747 mg l-1, p < 0.05), but did not change with insulin, and there was no correlation with the degree of metabolic improvement and changes in Lp(a) levels. It is concluded that improved blood glucose control by insulin therapy does not alter elevated Lp(a) levels in Type 2 diabetic patients, but has favourable effects on the other lipoproteins.

Impairment of glucose tolerance in hyperthyroid cats.

Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed in eight adult cats before and after a 4-week treatment with thyroxine. The untreated cats had a mean fasting blood glucose concentration of 7.7 +/- 0.3 mmol/l and a mean fasting insulin concentration of 88 +/- 31 pmol/l which were not significantly different from mean fasting glucose and insulin concentrations after 4 weeks of thyroxine administration (6.9 +/- 0.2 mmol/l and 101 +/- 28 pmol/l respectively). At 120 min after glucose injection, the glucose concentration in untreated cats returned to baseline concentrations as did the insulin concentration. However, in the hyperthyroid cats both glucose and insulin concentrations were significantly (P less than 0.001) higher (13.6 +/- 0.8 mmol/l and 245 +/- 17 pmol/l respectively) in comparison with the baseline and untreated cats. The t1/2 for glucose disappearance was significantly higher in the cats rendered hyperthyroid, and the glucose disposal rate constant (K) was significantly lower in this group. It is concluded that hyperthyroidism in cats leads to impairment of glucose tolerance possibly due to peripheral insulin resistance.

The role of glucosylated serum albumin in monitoring glycemic control in stable insulin-requiring diabetic out-patients.

To determine the value of glucosylated serum albumin (GSA) in assessing blood glucose control in stabilized diabetic out-patients, 15 insulin-requiring subjects were studied for 8-12 weeks. GSA was determined every 14 days, and glucosylated hemoglobin (GHb) was measured once or twice. Capillary blood glucose records were used to determine mean fasted and mean daily blood sugar concentrations (mean of fasted, preprandial, and bedtime values) during serial 7-day intervals preceding each GSA and GHb determination and also for 28-, 56-, and 84-day intervals preceding each GSA determination. GSA positively correlated with preceding weekly mean fasting and mean daily blood glucose concentrations for 1-11 weeks (r ranges, 0.40-0.64 and 0.46-0.64, respectively) without a temporal pattern. GSA positively correlated with mean fasted and daily blood sugar levels determined over the preceding 28, 56, and 84 days (r range, 0.54-0.74). In addition, GSA correlated with GHb when drawn within 14 days (r = 0.72) or 28 days (r = 0.65) of each other. When monitoring the glycemic control of stable insulin-requiring diabetic patients, GSA offers similar information to GHb, and the two tests may be used interchangeably.

Increased incidence of true type I diabetes acquired during pregnancy.

A longitudinal study was carried out of all patients with newly acquired insulin dependent diabetes during pregnancy (as distinct from non-insulin-dependent gestational diabetes) seen at the Copenhagen Centre for Diabetes and Pregnancy during 1966 to 1980. The series comprised 63 patients with a mean age of 27 (SEM 1) years. At diagnosis the mean fasting blood glucose concentration was 15.6 (1.3) mmol/l and mean maximal insulin dose 49 (3) IU/day. At a prospective follow up examination a mean of 8 (SEM 1) years after diagnosis 46 of 60 patients (77%) were being treated with insulin (35 (2) IU/day) and had a very low mean stimulated plasma C peptide value (0.12 (0.02) nmol/l) suggesting absent or nearly absent beta cell function. The remaining 14 patients (23%), not currently receiving insulin, appeared to be severely glucose intolerant, having a mean fasting blood glucose concentration of 13.4 (1.2) mmol/l. Thus most of these patients developing insulin dependent diabetes during pregnancy had true type I disease. Compared with the age specific incidence of type I diabetes in the background population of women the incidence was at least 70% higher in pregnant than non-pregnant women (p less than 0.001; chi 2 = 11.6; f = 1). This increased incidence occurred in the third trimester when the risk of developing type I diabetes was 3.8 times that of non-pregnant women (p less than 0.000001; chi 2 = 35.6; f = 1). Finally, the risk of developing insulin dependent diabetes during pregnancy was lower when conception occurred in the winter (p less than 0.05; chi 2 = 4.18; f = 1).