Dietary fructose in pregnancy induces hyperglycemia,hypertension, and pathologic kidney and liver changes in a rodent model

PurposeThe incidence of pregnancies complicated by hyperglycemia and hypertension is increasing along with associated morbidities to mother and offspring. The high fructose diet is a well-studied model that induces hyperglycemia and hypertension in male rodents, but may not affect females. We hypothesized that the physiologic stress of pregnancy may alter metabolic responses to dietary fructose.Materials and methodsIn this study female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two gestational dietary groups: (1) 60% carbohydrate standard rat chow (Pregnant-S—controls) and (2) 60% fructose enriched chow (Pregnant-F). Body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, and insulin were measured in pregnancy and during the post-partum period. Maternal organ weight and histological changes were also assessed after delivery.ResultsBy midpregnancy Pregnant-F rats had increased weight, elevated blood pressure, higher fasting glucose, and elevated triglycerides compared with Pregnant-S rats. Both groups demonstrated elevated gestational insulin levels with signs of insulin resistance (increased HOMA-IR). Pregnant-F rats showed significant histopathologic hepatic steatosis and renal tubular changes characterized by tubular dilation and glomerulosclerosis.ConclusionOur study provides a model in which dietary change during pregnancy can be examined. We demonstrate, moreover, that high dietary fructose ingestion in pregnant rats may result in profound systemic and pathologic changes not appreciated during routine pregnancy.     

Maternal dietary pattern in early pregnancy is associated with gestational weight gain and hyperglycemia: A cohort study in South West of Iran

Background and aimsMaternal dietary pattern could influence on fetal health outcome. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between maternal dietary pattern and Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) in each trimester and hyperglycemia amongst Arab pregnant women in south-west of Iran.MethodsThis longitudinally study was performed in urban healthcare centers of south-west of Iran. Among 610 candidates, 488 pregnant women were included in the final analysis. Consequently, two diet patterns were determined by principal component analysis and the association between GWG and blood glucose level was determined using quartile regression. Using generalized linear model, a model was adjusted for pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal age, income, and education levels.ResultsTwo dietary patterns were identified as follows: “high fat –fast food” and “vegetable-fruits & protein” pattern. High adherence to “high fat –fast food” pattern was associated with higher GWG and hyperglycemia in 3rd trimester (adjusted β: 0.029 95%CI 0.012; 0.049 P = 0.001) (adjusted β: 0.029 95%CI 0.012; 0.049 P = 0.001) respectively. High tendency to “vegetable-fruits & protein” pattern was inversely associated with development of hyperglycemia in 3rd trimester. Higher SES level was associated with low adherence to “high fat-fast food” pattern.ConclusionFindings of the study revealed that, higher adherence to high -fat diet is related to excessive GWG and hyperglycemia in late pregnancy.     

Infections and diabetes: Risks and mitigation with reference to India

Background and aimsThe link between diabetes and increased risk of infectious disease has long been recognized, but has re-entered sharp focus following the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA literature search was conducted in PubMed for articles in English on diabetes and infection.ResultsDiabetes predisposes to infections through alterations in innate and acquired immune defenses. Outcomes of infection are worse in people with uncontrolled diabetes, and infection can worsen hyperglycemia in hitherto well controlled diabetes (bidirectional relationship). Diabetes does not increase the risk of infection with COVID-19 per se, but predisposes to severe disease and poor outcomes. COVID-19 has also been linked to deterioration of glycemic control as well as new-onset diabetes.ConclusionsClinicians caring for people with diabetes should be aware of the increased risk of infections in this population, as well as the possibility of worsening hyperglycemia. A holistic approach with frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels and appropriate titration of medications, along with close attention to nutritional status, is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes.     

Postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectivesPostprandial hyperglycemia is common in type 2 diabetes even in those with acceptable glycemic control and conveys an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with altered glucose metabolism, data regarding its association with postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes are limited. Thus, the current study sought to characterize the association between OSA and postprandial hyperglycemia in adults with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA cross-sectional study of adults with type 2 diabetes was conducted. Home sleep testing was used to assess OSA severity as determined by the oxygen desaturation index (ODI). Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was performed before and 2-h after breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days. The association between OSA and glucose levels before and after each meal was examined using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 195 adults with 52% being men. OSA severity, as assessed by ODI quartiles, was associated with higher postprandial glucose values after dinner but not after breakfast or lunch. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for a higher post-dinner glucose level for four ODI quartiles were 1.00 (Reference), 2.16 (0.96, 4.87), 2.23 (1.03, 4.83), and 2.58 (1.18, 5.94). Stratified analyses showed that this association was present in men but not women.ConclusionsIncreasing OSA severity is associated with postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and may contribute to impaired glycemic control. Future studies examining the impact of OSA treatment on glucose metabolism should consider meal-related glycemic excursions as a potential outcome.     

Steroid hyperglycemia: Prevalence,early detection and therapeutic recommendations: A narrative review

Steroids are drugs that have been used extensively in a variety of conditions. Although widely prescribed for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, glucocorticoids have several side effects, being hyperglycemia one of the most common and representative. In the present review, we discuss the main epidemiologic characteristics associated with steroid use, with emphasis on the identification of high risk populations. Additionally we present the pathophysiology of corticosteroid induced hyperglycemia as well as the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics associated with steroid use. We propose a treatment strategy based on previous reports and the understanding of the mechanism of action of both, the different types of glucocorticoids and the treatment options, in both the ambulatory and the hospital setting. Finally, we present some of the recent scientific advances as well as some options for future use of glucocorticoids.     

短期胰岛素强化治疗对围手术期高血糖患者胰岛β细胞功能的影响

【摘要】 目的 探讨短期胰岛素强化治疗对围手术期高血糖患者β细胞功能的影响。方法回顾性分析2011年1月~2013年7月我院短期胰岛素强化治疗围手术期高血糖的患者临床资料,其中采用持续性皮下胰岛素输注治疗患者25例(CSII组),采用多次皮下胰岛素注射治疗患者20例(MSII组)。治疗2周后,比较两组的血糖控制(FBG、2hPG、GSP)、β细胞功能、胰岛素敏感性指标以及TNF-α、IL-1β、CRP、APN的变化情况。结果〓CSII组与MSII组的FBG、2hPG、GSP水平均较治疗前显著降低,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后CSII组的FBG、2hPG、GSP水平与MSII组比较,差异不显著(P>0.05)。CSII组与MSII组的GSP、Homa-IR水平均较治疗前显著降低,Homa-β较治疗前显著升高,且与MSII组比较改善更显著(P<0.05);同样CSII组TNF-α、IL-1β、CRP水平与MSII组比较也改善更显著(P<0.05)。结论〓持续性皮下胰岛素输注治疗可有效控制血糖,显著改善胰岛β功能及提高胰岛素敏感性,其机制可能与下调炎性因子有关。