Tertiary Care Diabetes Center Research Articles

Once Weekly Dulaglutide Therapy in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects, Real-world Evidence from a Tertiary Care Diabetes Center in India.

Aims:To evaluate the real-world efficacy, durability, and side-effect profile of once weekly GLP1RA: dulaglutide in Indian type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.Materials and Methods:A retrospective observational study. Data for efficacy (HbA1c and weight), adherence/discontinuation and patient reported side-effects, of 117 patients who were prescribed dulaglutide were analyzed.Results:Final analysis was done on complete data of 74 patients (6 months follow-up), this indicated that dulaglutide is effective (mean-reduction at 6 months of: HbA1c; 0.87% and weight; 3.8 kg). Subjects with a poorer glycemic control (greater HbA1c) or greater weight at initiation had a better fall in HbA1c and weight reduction at the end of the study. The most common side-effects were gastrointestinal (15% nausea and 6% loose motions). Also, 25% (n = 19) of our study subjects discontinued dulaglutide because of gastrointestinal side-effects.Conclusion:Our real-world experience is well aligned to systematic data of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of dulaglutide in the treatment of T2DM (our study vs. RCTs; HbA1c reduction: 0.87% vs. 0.78% to 1.64%, weight reduction: 3.8 vs. 0.3 to 3 kg). The most common side-effects and reason for discontinuation were gastrointestinal side-effects. Finally, by virtue of their observed benefit, we expect a superior cardiovascular risk-reduction with dulaglutide use in our population.

Protein requirement and its intake in subjects with diabetic foot ulcers at a tertiary care hospital.

Objective:To assess the protein intake and requirement among subject with type 2 diabetes having foot ulcers.Methods:This study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology (BIDE), a tertiary care diabetes centre of Karachi, Pakistan among people with type 2 diabetic foot ulcer attending foot clinic from January 2012 to March 2015. The baseline characteristics, dietary intake and laboratory investigations of the study participants were obtained through electronic hospital database “Health Management System” (HMS) based on the 24 hours dietary recall interview. Total grams of protein were calculated from each food group consumed by the subject. Protein intake of the subjects was recorded in mean grams and the protein requirement was calculated according to their body weight. The comparison of intake and requirement of protein choices was done through comparing the mean of both variables. SPSS version 13 was used for analysing the results.Results:A total of 542 subjects were included in the study, 365 (67.2%) were males and 178 (32.8%) were females. Mena age of the subject was 54.61±10.51 (yrs) with the duration of diabetes and mean body mass index were 14.22±7.98 (yrs) and 26.65±5.38 (kg/m2), respectively. The dietary records showed the protein intake of subjects with diabetic foot ulcer is not appropriate when compared to daily requirement. Mean grams of protein intake is 76.87gms in males and 56.84gms in females. On the other-hand protein requirement is much higher than the intake, which is 219.5gms in males and 130.2gms in females.Conclusion:Dietary counselling should be a part of the treatment among subjects with diabetic foot ulcer to identify their nutritional needs and suggesting them better option to fulfil their protein requirement essential for wound healing process.

Periodontal therapy as an adjunctive modality for HbA1c reduction in type-2 diabetic patients

OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to evaluate the role of nonsurgical periodontal therapy in improving glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Adult T2DM patients with mild-to-moderate periodontal disease, reporting to a tertiary care diabetes center in South India, from January to June 2014, were enrolled in the study. Medical management of T2DM along with diet and physical exercise was an inclusion criterion. Patients with factors affecting periodontal health and an inability to follow-up were excluded from the study. All patients underwent nonsurgical periodontal therapy (scaling, root planing, and irrigation of chlorhexidine [0.12%]). Periodontal status and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were assessed preoperatively and 6 months posttreatment. Dental status, diabetic history, and demographic characteristics were recorded to evaluate confounding roles.RESULTS:A total of 266 T2DM patients (91 females/175 males; mean age 47.65 ± 5.93 years/range 25–55 years), fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were enrolled. The mean pre- and post-treatment HbA1c levels were respectively, 8.44 ± 1.87 and 7.98 ± 1.81, with a mean reduction of 0.46 ± 0.26 (P < 0.001). Significant HbA1c reduction (P < 0.001) was observed in patients with good pretreatment glycemic control (0.54 ± 0.26; 7.9%), regular follow-up (0.51 ± 0.28; 6.2%), and good oral hygiene (0.60 ± 0.49; 8.0%).CONCLUSION:Nonsurgical periodontal therapy is associated with significant HbA1c reduction among T2DM patients with mild-to-moderate periodontitis after a 6-month follow-up period.

Younger-onset versus older-onset type 2 diabetes: Clinical profile and complications

AimsTo compare the clinical profile and complications between younger and older onset type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients at a tertiary care diabetes center in south India. MethodsWe compared individuals with T2DM detected at age ≤25years (n=267) and at age≥50years (n=267), matched for gender and duration of diabetes. We reviewed electronic patient charts and extracted data on biochemical parameters (plasma glucose, serum lipids and glycated hemoglobin). We estimated prevalence of complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease). We examined odds of having each complication, after adjusting for clinical differences between younger- and older-onset T2DM. ResultsIndividuals with younger-onset T2DM had significantly greater glycated hemoglobin (8.7 vs. 7.5%), serum cholesterol (160 vs. 148mg/dl), serum triglycerides (147 vs. 128mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (92 vs. 82mg/dl) and lower HDL cholesterol levels (39 vs. 42mg/dl). However, waist circumference (90.4 vs. 92.6cm) and systolic blood pressure (125 vs. 133mmHg) were significantly higher in older onset T2DM. Prevalence of retinopathy (47.6 vs. 31.0%) was higher in younger onset T2DM while neuropathy (41.8 vs. 9.2%) and peripheral vascular disease (6.2 vs. 1.2%) were higher in older onset T2DM. In multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for glycated hemoglobin, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, younger onset T2DM had a higher odds of developing retinopathy [Odds Ratio: 2.19; Confidence Intervals: 1.42–3.38] when compared to older onset T2DM. ConclusionsYounger onset T2DM patients have worse glycemic and lipid control, and higher prevalence of retinopathy compared to older onset T2DM patients. This underscores the need for more aggressive metabolic control in young-onset T2DM.

Factors associated with high stress levels in adults with diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary diabetes care center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Objective:We aimed to determine perceived stress levels among adults aged >20 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in a tertiary care diabetes center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, assess their association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and assess the possible risk factors for stress and coping strategies.Methods:A mixed-methods (triangulation design) study with quantitative methodology (survey) and qualitative methodology (interviews) was carried out. Stress levels were assessed among type 2 DM patients attending a diabetes clinic using a 5-point perceived stress scale-10. One-on-one interviews were carried out with 376 participants with DM having high/very high stress levels to understand the reasons for perceived stress and explore their coping mechanisms.Results:The prevalence of high/very high stress was 35% among DM patients. Age 30–40 years, working in professional jobs, and lack of physical activity were factors significantly associated with stress. The perceived major stress inducers were related to family, work, financial issues, and the disease itself.Conclusions:This study showed high levels of stress in more than one-third of DM patients. Potential solutions include regular, formal assessment of stress levels in the clinic, providing integrated counseling and psychological care for DM patients, and promoting physical activity.

Evaluation of Diabetes Conversation Map™ Education Tools for Diabetes Self-Management Education.

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of Diabetes Conversation Maps™ education tools for people with type 2 diabetes attending a diabetes self-management education program.Design and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted with patients with type 2 diabetes who were recruited from Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology, a tertiary care diabetes center of Karachi, Pakistan, from May 2010 to June 2011. Groups of 10–12 participants were given a pre-session questionnaire. Four sessions using Diabetes Conversation Maps™ education tools were conducted, and the same questionnaire was then completed again.Results. A total of 172 people (82 males, 90 females, mean age 60 years, average duration of diabetes 15 ± 4 years) participated in the study. Confidence in diabetes self-management: before the sessions, 52.3% of participants believed that the doctor is the most influential person in the management of their type 2 diabetes, whereas after the sessions, 97.1% acknowledged that they were responsible for diabetes self-management. Before, 15% said they knew what to do to manage their diabetes, whereas 75% indicated this after the sessions. Empowerment: before the sessions, 32% said they understood those aspects of their diabetes self-management that were in need of improvement, whereas 75.6% indicated this after the sessions. Willingness, ability, and preparedness for diabetes self-management: before the sessions, 22% said they understood the importance of diabetes self-management; this increased to 63.4% afterward. Before, 20.3% agreed that they will start making changes in their lives, whereas 65.7% agreed with this after the sessions. Satisfaction: 61% found the map sessions very effective, 72.1% found this format to be better than individual education, and 52.8% agreed that map tools helped in goal-setting.Conclusion. Diabetes Conversation Maps™ education tools are effective for diabetes self-management education and facilitating behavior change in people with type 2 diabetes. This, in turn, may improve patients’ chances of attaining desirable diabetes control.

Validation of Smartphone Based Retinal Photography for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening.

AimTo evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of “fundus on phone’ (FOP) camera, a smartphone based retinal imaging system, as a screening tool for diabetic retinopathy (DR) detection and DR severity in comparison with 7-standard field digital retinal photography.DesignSingle-site, prospective, comparative, instrument validation study.Methods301 patients (602 eyes) with type 2 diabetes underwent standard seven-field digital fundus photography with both Carl Zeiss fundus camera and indigenous FOP at a tertiary care diabetes centre in South India. Grading of DR was performed by two independent retina specialists using modified Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study grading system. Sight threatening DR (STDR) was defined by the presence of proliferative DR(PDR) or diabetic macular edema. The sensitivity, specificity and image quality were assessed.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 53.5 ±9.6 years and mean duration of diabetes 12.5±7.3 years. The Zeiss camera showed that 43.9% had non-proliferative DR(NPDR) and 15.3% had PDR while the FOP camera showed that 40.2% had NPDR and 15.3% had PDR. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting any DR by FOP was 92.7% (95%CI 87.8–96.1) and 98.4% (95%CI 94.3–99.8) respectively and the kappa (ĸ) agreement was 0.90 (95%CI-0.85–0.95 p<0.001) while for STDR, the sensitivity was 87.9% (95%CI 83.2–92.9), specificity 94.9% (95%CI 89.7–98.2) and ĸ agreement was 0.80 (95%CI 0.71–0.89 p<0.001), compared to conventional photography.ConclusionRetinal photography using FOP camera is effective for screening and diagnosis of DR and STDR with high sensitivity and specificity and has substantial agreement with conventional retinal photography.

Risk indicators of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes screened by fundus photographs: a study from Pakistan

This study aims to evaluate the risk indicators of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes screened by fundus photographs at a tertiary care diabetes centre in Karachi, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient department of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology from October 2009 to March 2010. Patients ≥30 years of age were recruited randomly. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data were collected, and ophthalmic screening was done by two field fundus photography. Fundus photographs of 366 patients were graded according to the modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale (ETDRS) criteria. Retinopathy was present in 27.3 % patients. Fifteen percent of patients had non-sight-threatening retinopathy while 12 % had sight-threatening retinopathy. Patients with retinopathy had significantly increased mean duration of diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and HbA1c (p < 0.001). Patients with sight-threatening retinopathy also had increased serum cholesterol (p < 0.05) and serum creatinine (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed male gender (3.5 times, 95 % confidence interval (CI); 1.73–7.12), increased duration of diabetes (≥10 years, 5.46 times, 95 % CI; 2.15–13.85), hypertension (≥130/85, 1.96 times, 95 % CI; 0.95–4.03) and poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7 %, 1.39 times, CI; 1.23–1.56) as significant factors for developing retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy was present in every fourth subject, while sight-threatening retinopathy was present in every eighth subject with type 2 diabetes. The results of the present study highlight the importance of screening for retinopathy. The identification of risk indicators associated with retinopathy in our population may lead to measures of prevention of sight-threatening complication of diabetes. Fundus photographs revealed increased frequency of retinopathy among patients with type II diabetes. Male gender, increased mean duration of diabetes, hypertension and poor glycemic control related with the presence of retinopathy, while increased serum cholesterol and creatinine related with severity of retinopathy. The present study highlights the importance of screening for retinopathy. The presence and severity of retinopathy in this population was attributed to the factors identified in earlier studies. The present study thus validated the findings of studies conducted on diverse populations across the world.

Clinical Profile of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Young Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Seen at a Diabetes Speciality Center in India

To estimate the prevalence and clinical profile of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among young type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients at a tertiary care diabetes center in India. Electronic medical records of T1DM patients (age at first diagnosis of T1DM ≤25 years) registered between January 1992 and May 2013 who had undergone ultrasonography and denied history of any alcohol intake (n = 736) were reviewed. NAFLD was diagnosed if there was any degree of fatty liver. Retinopathy was initially assessed by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and later by retinal photography. Nephropathy was diagnosed if urine protein excretion was >500 mg/day, and neuropathy was diagnosed if a patient's vibration perception threshold on biothesiometry was ≥20 V. A total of 204/736 (27.7%) T1DM patients had NAFLD. Compared to T1DM subjects without NAFLD those with NAFLD had higher body mass index (BMI) (18.9 ± 4.2 vs. 20.2 ± 4.7 kg/m2, P<.001), waist circumference (67.9 ± 13.2 vs. 71.9 ± 13.3 cm, P<.05), systolic blood pressure (110 ± 15 vs. 116 ± 18 mm Hg, P<.001) and diastolic blood pressure (72 ± 9 vs. 74 ± 10 mm Hg, P<.05), while fasting blood glucose (201 ± 101 vs. 183 ± 101 mg/dL, P<.05) and alkaline phosphatase (419 [12.5] vs. 315 [15.8], P<.001) levels were lower in patients with T1DM with NAFLD. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between NAFLD and retinopathy (odds ratio [OR]: 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-3.43; P = .017, after adjusting for sex, duration of diabetes, overweight/obesity, hypertension, fasting plasma glucose, nephropathy, and nephropathy (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.02-3.50; P = .042), after adjusting for sex and fasting plasma glucose. This study suggests that NAFLD is also seen among T1DM patients and that it has an independent and significant association with retinopathy and nephropathy.

Diagnostic accuracy of direct ophthalmoscopy for detection of diabetic retinopathy using fundus photographs as a reference standard

AimsTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of direct ophthalmoscopy for the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) using fundus photographs as a reference standard. MethodsPatients with type 2 diabetes attending the outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care diabetes center, from October 2009 to March 2010 were recruited in the study after obtaining signed informed consent. Patients with type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes or having eye problems were excluded. After checking visual acuity, direct ophthalmoscopy of each eye was done by diabetologist, followed by photography of two fields of retina by fundus camera. DR was graded by a retinal specialist, according to International Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. According to severity, patients with DR were grouped into non-sight threatening diabetic retinopathy (NSTDR) and sight threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR). Sensitivity and specificity of direct ophthalmoscopy for detection of any retinopathy, NSTDR and STDR was calculated. ResultsA total of 728 eyes were examined by direct ophthalmoscopy as well as fundus photography. Sensitivity (95% CI) of direct ophthalmoscopy for any retinopathy, NSTDR and STDR was found to be 55.67% (50.58–60.78), 37.63% (32.67–42.59) and 68.25% (63.48–73.02) respectively. Whereas, specificity of direct ophthalmoscopy was found to be 76.78% (72.45–81.11), 71.27% (CI: 66.63–75.91) and 90.0% (86.93–93.07) for any retinopathy, NSTDR and STDR respectively. ConclusionThe sensitivity and specificity of direct ophthalmoscopy performed by the diabetologist for the presence and severity of DR was lower compared to the recommended level of sensitivity and specificity of a screening test of DR.

Adherence to insulin therapy at a tertiary care diabetes center in South India

Adherence to insulin therapy at a tertiary care diabetes center in South India

Clinical profile, outcomes, and progression to type 2 diabetes among Indian women with gestational diabetes mellitus seen at a diabetes center in south India.

Aim:To describe the clinical profile, maternal and fetal outcomes, and the conversion rates to diabetes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) seen at a tertiary care diabetes center in urban south India.Materials and Methods:Clinical case records of 898 women with GDM seen between 1991 and 2011 were extracted from the Diabetes Electronic Medical Records (DEMR) of a tertiary care diabetes center in Chennai, south India and their clinical profile was analyzed. Follow-up data of 174 GDM women was available. To determine the conversion rates to diabetes, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done in these women. Glucose tolerance status postpartum was classified based on World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 criteria.Results:The mean maternal age of the women was 29 ± 4 years and mean age of gestation at first visit were 24 ± 8.4 weeks. Seventy percent of the women had a family history of diabetes. Seventy-eight percent of the women delivered full-term babies and 65% underwent a cesarean section. The average weight gain during pregnancy was 10.0 ± 4.2 kg. Macrosomia was present in 17.9% of the babies, hypoglycemia in 10.4%, congenital anomalies in 4.3%, and the neonatal mortality rate was 1.9%. Mean follow-up duration of the 174 women of whom outcome data was available was 4.5 years. Out of the 174, 101 women who were followed-up developed diabetes, of whom half developed diabetes within 5 years and over 90%, within 10 years of the delivery.Conclusions:Progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indian women with GDM is rapid. There is an urgent need to develop standardized protocols for GDM care in India that can improve the maternal and fetal outcomes and help prevent future diabetes in women with GDM.

Which aspects of executive dysfunction influence ability to manage diabetes in older adults?

To examine whether different aspects of executive function as measured by different assessment tools are associated with glycaemic control and other clinical characteristics in older adults with Type 2 diabetes. We performed a cross-sectional study of older adults aged ≥ 70 years with Type 2 diabetes at a tertiary care diabetes centre. The Dysexecutive Questionnaire was used to measure self-reported executive dysfunction. Objective tests of executive functions included a modified clock drawing test (Clock-in-a-Box), Trail Making Tests (parts A and B) and verbal fluency. Demographic and clinical information was collected using questionnaires and surveys. Glycaemic control was measured by HbA(1c). We evaluated 145 patients [average age 77 ± 5 years, diabetes duration 15 ± 11 years, mean HbA(1c) 56 ± 11 mmol/mol (7.3 ± 1.1%)]. Poor performances on objective tests (low scores on Clock-in-a-Box and verbal fluency; and high scores on Trail Making Tests A and B) but not on the subjective test (the Dysexecutive Questionnaire), were associated with poor glycaemic control (r = -0.23, P < 0.005; r = -0.17, P < 0.04; r = 0.20, P < 0.01, r = 0.22, P < 0.008, r = -0.07, P < 0.42, respectively). In a multiple regression model (r(2) = 0.39), high Dysexecutive Questionnaire scores were associated with higher diabetes-related distress (P < 0.0004), depressive symptoms (P < 0.004), number of falls (P < 0.009), fear of falling (P < 0.01), less years of education (P < 0.0007) and fewer medications (P < 0.001). On the one hand, in older adults, executive dysfunction detected by objective tests is associated with poor glycaemic control and may be considered before prescribing complex treatment regimens. On the other hand, self-reported executive dysfunction is associated with risk and fear of falls, and more affective symptoms, which may indicate higher awareness of subtle deficits.

Prevalence and clinical profile of autosomal dominant type 2 diabetes from a diabetes centre in India

Aims To study the prevalence, and clinical profile of autosomal dominant (AD) inherited forms of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods Detailed pedigree charts were drawn on 510 consecutive T2DM subjects attending a tertiary care diabetes centre in South India. Clinical and biochemical features of T2DM subjects with and without AD inheritance were compared. Results Overall, 36.1% of T2DM had one parent with diabetes, in 10.6%, both parents had diabetes and 10.2% had features of AD. Age at diagnosis of diabetes was the lowest among AD group compared to other groups ( p for trend <0.001). Only 22.6% of T2DM with AD inheritance had age at diagnosis of diabetes below 25 years and in 26.4%, it was diagnosed above 45 years. There were no significant differences in the clinical features, including prevalence of diabetic complications, between T2DM with and without AD inheritance. Conclusions In this clinic-based study, 10.2% of T2DM subjects had evidence of AD inheritance. While the AD cases occurred at younger age, older age at diagnosis was not uncommon. Clinical features, including complications, did not differ between the T2DM patients with or without AD.