Dry eye and its correlation to diabetes microvascular complications in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AimsThis study was performed to investigate the correlation between dry eye disease and diabetes microvascular complications.MethodsIn this study 243 people with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Tear osmolarity was measured using tear lab osmolarity system. All of the participants were evaluated for diabetes microvascular complications. The Michigan neuropathy screening instrument was used for detection of peripheral neuropathy, and the albumin/creatinine ratio in a spot urine sample was considered to diagnose diabetic nephropathy.ResultsThe prevalence of dry eye disease was 27.7%. The mean value for tear osmolarity was 301.97 ± 13.52 mOsm/L. We found a significant correlation between dry eye disease and diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.01). However no significant correlation was found between dry eye disease, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy.Dry eye disease was more prevalent in people with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and/or clinically significant macular edema (0.006). In a binary logistic regression analysis model, there was a significant correlation between dry eye disease and retinopathy (OR = 2.29, CI = 1.16–4.52, P = 0.016). In addition, both dry eye and retinopathy had significant correlation with HbA1C.ConclusionsDry eye disease is common in people with type 2 diabetes, especially in those with diabetic retinopathy. In addition, it is more prevalent in people who suffer from advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy.     

Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic microvascular complications in newly diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus. Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetic Study (SN-DREAMS, report 27)

PurposeThe aims of this study were to report the prevalence of various microvascular complications and to identify the various clinical and biochemical characteristics related to these complications in subjects with newly diagnosed type II diabetes.MethodsOf the 5999 subjects enumerated, 1414 subjects with diabetes (both known and newly diagnosed) were analyzed for the study. Among the diabetic subjects, 248 (17.5%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes and the remaining had history of diabetes. All subjects underwent a detailed standard evaluation to detect diabetic retinopathy (fundus photography), neuropathy (vibration pressure threshold), and nephropathy (microalbuminuria).ResultsThe prevalence of any form of microvascular complication was 30.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 24.5–35.9). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 4.8%, and that of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy was 10.5%. The risk factors for developing any form of microvascular complication were increasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.04–1.11, P < .0001), increasing systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01–1.06, P = .001), and increasing hemoglobin (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.09–1.79, P = .011). The risk factors for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy were increasing systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.06 [P = .001] for retinopathy and OR = 1.04 [P = .012] for nephropathy) and increasing hemoglobin (OR = 2.20 [P = .007] for retinopathy and OR = 1.57 [P = .023] for nephropathy). The risk factor for diabetic neuropathy was increasing age (OR = 1.12, P < .0001).ConclusionsNearly one third of the newly diagnosed type II diabetes subjects had some form of microvascular complication; nephropathy, and neuropathy being commoner than retinopathy.     

Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 concentrations in type 2 diabetic retinopathy patients

Aims/purposeFibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a major metabolic regulator in the body that has been shown to be elevated in a number of metabolic disturbances including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the metabolic syndrome. However, little is known regarding the circulating levels of FGF21 in type 2 diabetic retinopathy (T2DR) and its association with the severity of the condition.MethodsIn a cross-sectional setting, 142 individuals, consisting of (1) T2DM patients without T2DR, (2) T2DM patients with T2DR, and (3) healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. Various clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed and entered for analysis.ResultsSerum FGF21 levels were significantly elevated in T2DM subjects without retinopathy (103.50 [75.75] pg/mL) compared with healthy controls (99.00 [126.75] pg/mL). Circulating FGF21 levels were comparable across different stages of T2DR (233.00 [109.00] for nonproliferative type 2 diabetic retinopathy [NPT2DR] vs. 215.00 [122.00] for proliferative type 2 diabetic retinopathy [PT2DR] groups, P = 361). FGF21, triglycerides, and duration of diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with T2DM in baseline models. However, after adjustment for potential confounders, in the final multivariate model, FGF21 emerged as the only significant factor associated with T2DM (OR = 13.772, 95% CI = 3.062–61.948, P = 001).ConclusionsSerum FGF21 concentrations are markedly elevated in patients with T2RN. The association between FGF21 and T2DR appears to be independent of the effects of potential confounding variables. These findings may suggest FGF21 as a novel surrogate diagnostic biomarker in initial stages of T2DR (particularly with FGF21 values above 135.5 pg/mL).     

Red blood cell distribution width and diabetes-associated complications

AimRed blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a marker of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, there is little data on the relationship between RDW and diabetes-associated complications. The aim was to investigate whether there is any association between RDW, nephropathy, neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a type 2 diabetic population.MethodsThis study included 196 diabetic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. All subjects were investigated for diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy and PAD. Participants underwent 24-h blood pressure monitoring and were analysed for markers of the metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and insulin resistance.Results57% of the participants had diabetic nephropathy, 46% had diabetic neuropathy while 26% had PAD. No significant association was found between RDW, diabetic neuropathy and PAD (p = NS). However, RDW was strongly associated with diabetic nephropathy (p = 0.006), even following adjustment for potential confounding variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed RDW (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–2.35, p = 0.006), estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–0.99, p < 0.001), night-time diastolic blood pressure (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11, p = 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.004–1.05, p = 0.019) to be independently associated with diabetic nephropathy.ConclusionsThis is the first study to report lack of association between RDW, neuropathy and PAD in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. More importantly, RDW was shown to be significantly associated with diabetic nephropathy in a type 2 diabetic population with advanced proliferative retinopathy independent of traditional risk factors, including diabetes duration and glycaemic control.     

Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in Asian Indians with young onset Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

AimTo assess the prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in people with young onset type 1 (T1DM-Y) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM-Y).MethodsT1DM-Y(n = 150) and T2DM-Y(n = 150) participants, age between 10 and 25 years at diagnosis, had a complete clinical evaluation, biochemical assessment, and four field digital retinal colour photography. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grading system was used to grade DR. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) were considered as sight threatening DR.ResultsThe prevalence of any DR was 53.3% [95% CI 45.3–61.3] in T1DM-Y (duration of diabetes: 12.4 ±7.4years) and 52.7% [44.7–60.7] in T2DM-Y (11.8 ± 8.3 years). The age and gender adjusted prevalence of DR, DME and PDR was 62.5%, 10% and 7.3% in T1DM-Y, whereas it was 65.8%,12.7% and 9.3% in T2DM-Y respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, diabetes duration [Odds ratio (OR) 1.99 per 5 years; CI 1.42–2.79], waist circumference [1.28 per 5 cm;1.05–1.56] and microalbuminuria [2.39 per 50 μg;1.07–5.31] were associated with DR in T1DM-Y, and diabetes duration [2.21 per 5 years; 1.61–3.02], diastolic blood pressure [1.54 per 5 mmHg;1.18–2.02], Glycated hemoglobin [1.37 per %;1.07–1.75] and lower stimulated C-peptide [1.54 per 0.5 pmol/ml;1.15–2.05;] were associated with DR in T2DM-Y.ConclusionOver half of the people with young-onset diabetes, regardless of type, have retinopathy within 10–12 years of diabetes duration, emphasizing the need for regular eye screening and aggressive control of glucose and blood pressure to prevent DR.     

How to improve screening for diabetic retinopathy: The Burgundy experience

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a mobile diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening programme on the overall ophthalmological follow-up of diabetics in Burgundy.MethodsThe primary objective was to compare the rate of eye examinations, according to the information personnalisée aux professionnels de santé (IPPS; personalized information sent to health professionals) database, in diabetics before and after the screening campaign in selected zones. The secondary objectives were to compare the rate of eye examinations in diabetics before and after the screening programme in two different situations: with a mobile site; and with general practitioners (GPs) who teach in medical school. The impact of the different kinds of information on improving DR screening participation was also assessed.ResultsThe overall rate of ophthalmological visits did not change significantly before vs after the screening campaign (42.2% vs 41.8%; P = 0.73), nor did the rate of ophthalmological visits in screened areas (44% vs 43%; P = 0.58), compared with non-screened areas (41% vs 41%; P = 0.99) and the sectors with GPs as teachers (47% vs 49%). Patients referred to the screening programme were mainly informed of the screening by flyers provided by the National Health System.ConclusionThe DR screening campaign represents a major improvement in diabetic management, as around 80% of the screened patients with DR consulted an ophthalmologist after the screening campaign. However, the overall rate of diabetics having the recommended annual ophthalmological visit in the region of Burgundy remained unchanged.     

Ferroportin Q248H mutation,hyperferritinemia and atypical type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Kivu

BackgroundThe ferroportin Q248H mutation is relatively common in sub-Saharan Africa. No previous study examined its relationship with atypical diabetes mellitus (DM) in this area.ObjectiveTo determine the potential interactions between ferroportin Q248H mutation, hyperferritinemia and DM in South Kivu (RDC).MethodologyPresence of ferroportin Q248H mutation and iron status were investigated in diabetic patients (n = 179, age (mean) 57.7 years, CRP (median) 0.16 mg/L) and non-diabetic subjects (n = 86, age 44.5 years, CRP 0.07 mg/L) living in the city of Bukavu. Hyperferritinemia was considered for values greater than 200 and 300 μg/L in women and in men, respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of ferroportin Q248H mutation [12.1%] was non-significantly higher in diabetics than non-diabetics [14.0% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.17]. Similarly, hyperferritinemia frequency was higher in diabetic patients with Q248H mutation [44.0% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.16] and in mutation carriers [37.0% vs 16.5%, p = 0.001] than in the control groups, respectively. The association between Q248H mutation and DM was nevertheless not significant [adjusted OR 1.70 (95% CI: 0.52–5.58), p = 0.37], whereas hyperferritinemia [OR 2.72 (1.24–5.98), p = 0.01] showed an independent effect after adjustment for age and metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsThe present work suggests a potential association between abnormal iron metabolism, ferroportin Q248H mutation and atypical DM in Africans, which may be modulated by environmental factors.     

Influence of flavonoid-rich fruit and vegetable intake on diabetic retinopathy and diabetes-related biomarkers

Objective(1) Determine the relationship between dietary flavonoid-rich fruit and vegetable consumption on diabetes-related biomarkers (e.g., HgbA1c) and diabetic retinopathy.MethodsData from 381 participants with diabetes from the NHANES 2003–2006 were analyzed. Blood samples were taken to measure C-reactive protein (CRP), HgbA1C, and fasting glucose and insulin. Diabetic retinopathy was assessed from a retinal imaging exam. A high-flavonoid fruit and vegetable consumption (HFVC) index variable was created from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).ResultsAfter adjustments, greater HFVC was associated (p < 0.05) with lower levels of CRP (β = − 0.005), HgbA1C (β = − 0.005) and glucose (β = − 0.59), with greater HFVC reducing the odds of having diabetic retinopathy by 30%.ConclusionAdults with diabetes consuming more flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables had lower degrees of inflammation, better glycemic control, and reduced odds of diabetic retinopathy.     

Assessment of awareness of diabetic retinopathy and utilization of eye care services among Turkish diabetic patients

AimsRaising awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was shown to be a key element for early diagnosis and treatment of this blinding disease. There is very limited data about the knowledge level, attitude, and behavior of diabetic patients regarding DR in Turkey. This study was planned to assess the awareness of DR and the utilization of eye care services among Turkish diabetic patients.MethodsDiabetic patients who were under the care of ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, and/or primary care physicians were administered a questionnaire in order to assess their awareness of diabetes and its ocular complications.ResultsA total of 437 patients (51.8% female and 48.2% male) with a mean age of 55.2 ± 11.9 were included in the study. Of the 437 patients, 31.8% had not been educated about diabetes, 88.1% were aware that diabetes can affect the eyes, and 39.8% thought that diabetics with good glycaemic control might suffer from DR. While 86.7% thought that early diagnosis was possible in DR, 77.3% previously had eye examinations, and 41.9% stated that annual eye examinations were necessary for diabetics. An educational level of middle school or higher, duration of DM longer than 5 years, previous DM education, and recruitment from the university (ophthalmology department and endocrinology department) were associated with better awareness of DR. The independent factors associated with visiting an ophthalmologist on a regular basis were DM education, DM duration, and site of recruitment.ConclusionAlthough most of the patients know that DM affects the eye, there is a lack of appropriate knowledge and behavior about the management of DR. The importance of better control of DM and regular eye examination in the prevention of DR should be emphasized.     

A study of diabetes complications in an endogamous population: An emerging public health burden

AimThe aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of diabetic complications namely neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy among Qatari's DM patients; and to find associations between these complications and socio-demographic and clinical characteristics in a highly consanguineous population.DesignIt is an observational cohort study.SettingThe survey was carried out at the Hamad General Hospital and Primary Health Care (PHC) centers in the State of Qatar.SubjectsThe study was conducted from May 2011 to January 2013 among Qatari nationals above 20 years of age. Of the 2346 registered with diagnosed diabetes attending Hamad General Hospital and PHC centers, 1633 (69.3%) agreed and gave their consent to take part in this study.MethodsQuestionnaire included socio-demographic variables, body mass index (BMI), consanguinity, lifestyle habits, family history of diabetes, blood pressure and development of diabetes complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy were collected at regular intervals throughout the follow-up. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed.ResultsOut of 1633 diabetic patients, 842 (51.6%) were males. The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy 12.4% and retinopathy was 12.5% followed by neuropathy 9.5% among diabetic population. The proportion of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy were significantly higher among diabetic patients with age 60 years and above as compared to younger age groups (p = 0.010). Nephropathy was significantly higher among male diabetic (p = 0.014) and smokers (p < 0.001) while diabetic neuropathy was more common among diabetic hypertensive patients (p = 0.028). Multivariate logistic regression showed that Age (p = 0.025), being male (p = 0.045), and having high blood pressure (p = 0.006) were significant predictors of diabetic neuropathy. For diabetic retinopathy, family history of DM (p < 0.001), consanguinity (p = 0.010), having high blood pressure (p = 0.042) and physical activity (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of diabetic retinopathy. Meanwhile, for diabetic nephropathy, age (p < 0.001), smoking (p = 0.045), physical activity (p < 0.001) hypertension (p < 0.001) and gender (p = 0.012) were the significant predictors.ConclusionDiabetes exerts a significant burden in Qatar, and this is expected to increase. Many diabetic patients face significant challenges accessing diagnosis and treatment, which contributes to the high morbidity and mortality and prevalence of complications observed. The significant interactions between diabetes and associated complications highlight the need and opportunity for health planners to develop integrated responses to communicable and non-communicable diseases.     

The relationships between type 2 diabetic retinopathy and VEGF-634G/C and VEGF-460C/T polymorphisms in Han Chinese subjects

ObjectiveTo investigate how VEGF-634G/C and VEGF-460C/T SNPs are related to diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Han Chinese subjects from the Shijiazhuang region of China.MethodsTotally 376 DM cases were divided into non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group (n = 124), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) group (n = 108), and diabetes without retinopathy (DWR) group (n = 144). PCR/LDRwas utilised to detect and assess the genotypes and allele distribution frequencies at the VEGF-634G/C and VEGF-460C/T loci in each group.ResultsThe differences between NPDR, PDR and DWR groups were not significant in genotypes and allele distribution frequencies at VEGF-634G/C locus (P > 0.05). But there were significant differences between NPDR and DWR groups in genotypes (P = 0.013) and allele distribution frequencies (P = 0.002) at VEGF-460C/T locus, at which CT + CC genotypes were associated with a reduced risk of developing NPDR. There were no significant differences in genotypes (P = 0.759) or allele distribution frequencies (P = 0.433) at VEGF-460C/T locus between PDR and DWR groups.ConclusionsAmong Chinese Han individuals with type-2 DM, polymorphism − 634G/C of the VEGF gene was not correlated with NPDR or PDR; however, polymorphism-460C/T of the VEGF gene was correlated with NPDR, and C allele was associated with lower NPDR risk than T allele.     

Prévalence de l’artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs et facteurs associés chez les diabétiques suivis en milieu hospitalier à Parakou en 2013

We aimed to determine the prevalence of peripheral artery disease and its associated factors among diabetics. The cross-sectional study was conducted and included all diabetics admitted to the diabetic clinic at the Parakou University hospital during the period of 1st February and 31st July 2013. The diagnosis of peripheral artery disease was based on the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) < 0.9. The socio-demographics data, the data concerning the diabetes and its complications were recorded in each patient. They were 401 diabetics and 59.5 % were females. The mean age was 53.7 ± 11.5 years. Among the diabetics, 168 fulfilled the criteria of PAD, the overall prevalence was 41.9 %. In total, 31.5 % were symptomatics according to Leriche and Fontaine classification. The main associated factors were the increase of age (P = 0.01), the absence of activity with high income (P = 0.004), the absence of physical activity (P = 0.023), the duration of diabetes (P = 0.007), the presence of peripheral neuropathy (P = 0.003), the glycosylated hemoglobin ≥ 7 % (P < 0.001). After a multivariate analysis, only diabetes control was independently associated with arteriopathy (P = 0,004). The PAD was more frequent among diabetics in Parakou. The associated factors must be taken into account in order to improve the management of the disease and to reduce the burden of the PAD.     

Diabetes acts on mortality in hemodialysis patients predicted by asymmetric dimethylarginine and inflammation

BackgroundThe mortality rate of diabetic patients on dialysis is higher than that of non-diabetic patients. Asymmetric dimethylarginine and inflammation are strong predictors of death in hemodialysis. This study aimed to evaluate asymmetric dimethylarginine and C-reactive protein interaction in predicting mortality in hemodialysis according to the presence or absence of diabetes.MethodsAsymmetric dimethylarginine and C-reactive protein were measured in 202 patients in maintenance hemodialysis assembled from 2011 to 2012 and followed for four years. Effect modification of C-reactive protein on the relationship between asymmetric dimethylarginine and all-cause mortality was investigated dividing the population into four categories according to the median of asymmetric dimethylarginine and C-reactive protein.ResultsAsymmetric dimethylarginine and C-reactive protein levels were similar between diabetics and non-diabetics. Asymmetric dimethylarginine – median IQR μM – (1.95 1.75–2.54 versus 1.03 0.81–1.55 P = 0.000) differed in non-diabetics with or without evolution to death (HR 2379 CI 1.36–3.68 P = 0.000) and was similar in diabetics without or with evolution to death. Among non-diabetics, the category with higher asymmetric dimethylarginine and C-reactive protein levels exhibited the highest mortality (69.0% P = 0.000). No differences in mortality were seen in diabetics. A joint effect was found between asymmetric dimethylarginine and C-reactive protein, explaining all-cause mortality (HR 15.21 CI 3.50–66.12 P = 0.000).ConclusionsAsymmetric dimethylarginine is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in non-diabetic patients in hemodialysis. Other risk factors may overlap asymmetric dimethylarginine in people with diabetes. Inflammation dramatically increases the risk of death associated with high plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine in hemodialysis.     

Nocturnal activity of 11β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1 is increased in type 1 diabetic children

AimThe objective of this study was to investigate low-grade inflammation in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its association with cortisol levels as well as its bioavailability through 11β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) activity.MethodsChildren with T1D (n = 45) and their non-diabetic siblings (n = 28) participated in the study. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRPhs) were measured between 1400 and 1800 h. Glucocorticoid metabolites were measured in the first morning urine on clinic day and 11β-HSD1 activity was estimated by tetrahydrocortisol/tetrahydrocortisone (THF/THE) ratio.ResultsDiabetic patients presented with an increased THF/THE ratio compared with controls (median: 0.68 [range: 0.45–1.18] vs 0.45 [0.27–0.98], respectively; P < 10^–3). There was no difference between diabetic patients and controls for IL-6 (0.6 ng/mL [0.6–6.8] vs 0.6 [0.6–2.2], respectively; P = 0.43) and CRPhs (0.4 mg/L [0–7.4] vs 0.3 [0–8.2]; P = 0.26, respectively). When adjusted for age, gender and BMI, the THF/THE ratio was significantly associated with CRPhs (β = 0.32, P = 0.02) in diabetic patients, but not in controls.ConclusionLow-grade inflammation assessed by plasma CRPhs and IL-6 concentrations was not detectable in our cohort of T1D children. Nocturnal 11β-HSD1 activity was increased and associated with plasma CRPhs concentration in diabetic patients. These results may be explained by either a direct or inflammation-mediated effect of the relative hepatic lack of insulin due to subcutaneous insulin therapy.     

The diabetic foot infections: Biofilms and antimicrobial resistance

AimTo study the difference in antimicrobial resistance profile among biofilm producing and non-producing microorganisms isolated from diabetic foot ulcer in a tertiary care hospital in North India.MethodologyWe performed a prospective study on 162 DFU in patients treated in a multidisciplinary based diabetes and endocrinology center of JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh, India during the period of December 2008–March 2011. Detailed history and physical examination was carried out for every subject. Patient's profile, grade of DFU, co-morbidities and complications, laboratory data and final outcome were collected. Standard methods of sample collection and identification of microorganism were adopted. Risk factors for biofilm producing infections were determined by univariate analysis with 95% of CI. P value <0.05 were considered as significant.ResultsThe overall biofilm producing infection rate among DFU was 67.9%. On univariate analysis, significant risk factors for biofilm producing infection were male sex [P = 0.015, OR 2.35, RR 1.71], duration of diabetes [P < 0.006, OR 4.0, RR 2.7], duration of ulcer >1 month [P < 0.02, OR 2.26, RR 1.72], size of ulcer >4 cm² [P < 0.05, OR 2.03, RR 1.54], Grade II ulcer [P < 0.06, OR 1.87, RR 1.63], necrotic ulcer [P < 0.002, OR 5.79, RR 3.59], previous antibiotic use [P < 0.007, OR 4.24, RR 2.74], subcutaneous infection [P < 0.06, OR 1.87, RR 1.63], HbA1c >7% [P < 0.04, OR 3.19, RR1.87] and polymicrobial infection [P < 0.001, OR 6.64, RR 3.21] were significant risk factors.ConclusionsTreating the DFU by shifting from the planktonic model of microbiology to the biofilm model was recommended. With this new scientific approaches along with coordination of clinical and laboratory efforts, education, and research, it is possible to imagine overcoming much of biofilm disease.     

Assessment of risk factors in diabetic foot ulceration and their impact on the outcome of the disease

AimsThe current study aims to identify risk factors for diabetic foot ulcer and their impact on the outcome of the disease.MethodsThree hundred diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. One hundred eighty subjects with diabetic foot ulcer and 120 diabetic controls without foot lesions. All expected risk factors were studied in all patients and after a follow up period, patients with diabetic foot ulcer were classified into group A (patients with healed ulcers) and group B (patients with persistent ulcer or ended by amputation). The risk factors were reanalyzed in both groups to find out their impact on the outcome of the disease.ResultsThe following variables were significant factors for foot ulceration: Male gender (P = 0.009), previous foot ulcer (P = 0.003), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.004), and peripheral neuropathy (P = 0.006). Also lack of frequent foot self-examination was independently related to foot ulcer risk. The outcome was related to longer diabetes duration (P = 0.004), poor glycaemic control (P = 0.006) and anaemia (P = 0.003) and presence of infection (P < 0.001).ConclusionsPeripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy together with lack of foot self-examination, poor glycaemic control and anaemia are main significant risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration.     

Five-year mortality in patients with diabetic foot ulcer during 2009–2010 was lower than expected

AimMortality rates are decreasing in patients with diabetes. However, as this observation also concerns patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), additional data are needed. For this reason, our study evaluated the 5-year mortality rate in patients with DFU during 2009–2010 and identified risk factors associated with mortality.MethodsConsecutive patients who attended a clinic for new DFU during 2009–2010 were followed until healing and at 1 year. Data on mortality were collected at year 5. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify mortality risk factors.ResultsA total of 347 patients were included: mean age was 65 ± 12 years, diabetes duration was 16 [10; 27] years; 13% were on dialysis; and 7% had an organ transplant. At 5 years, 49 patients (14%) were considered lost to follow-up. Total mortality rate at 5 years was 35%, and 16% in patients with neuropathy. On multivariate analyses, mortality was positively associated with: age [hazard ratio (HR): 1.05 (1.03–1.07), P < 0.0001]; duration of diabetes [HR: 1.02 (1.001–1.03], P = 0.03]; PEDIS perfusion grade 2 vs. 1 [HR: 2.35 (1.28–4.29), P = 0.006)]; PEDIS perfusion grade 3 vs. 1 [HR: 3.14 (1.58–6.24), P = 0.001); and ulcer duration at year 1 [HR 2.09 (1.35–3.22), P = 0.0009].ConclusionMortality rates were not as high as expected despite the large number of comorbidities, suggesting that progress has been made in the health management of these patients. In particular, patients with neuropathic foot ulcer had a survival rate of 84% at 5 years.     

Diabetic retinopathy in well-controlled type 2 diabetes: Role of glycaemic memory

AimsAs diabetic retinopathy (DR) can occur even in well-controlled patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), our study sought to determine whether it might be related to ‘glucose memory’ by evaluating patients’ HbA1c over previous years and their skin autofluorescence (SAF).MethodsIn 334 patients with T2D and HbA1c levels ≤ 8%, their available values of HbA1c from previous years were collected, and their SAF measured by an advanced glycation end-product (AGE) reader. Binary logistic regression analysis was then used to correlate DR with previously recorded HbA1c levels and to SAF, with adjustment for DR risk factors [age, gender, BMI, duration of diabetes, arterial hypertension, diabetic kidney disease (DKD), blood lipid levels and statin treatment].ResultsOur patients were mostly men (58.4%) aged 63 ± 10 years, with a duration of diabetes of 13 ± 10 years and HbA1c = 7.1 ± 0.7%. Of these patients, 84 (25.1%) had DR, which was associated with longer duration of diabetes and greater prevalence of DKD. A total of 605 HbA1c values from previous years were collected for time periods ?4 ± 3 months (n = 255), ?16 ± 4 months (n = 152), ?30 ± 4 months (n = 93) and ?62 ± 26 months (n = 105). After adjustment, the association between DR and having an HbA1c higher than the median was significant only for the oldest previous HbA1c values: OR = 6.75, 95% CI: 1.90–23.90. Moreover, SAF values were higher in those with DR [2.95 ± 0.67 arbitrary units (AU)] vs 2.65 ± 0.65 AU with no DR (P < 0.01) and were also associated with the oldest previous HbA1c values (P < 0.01).ConclusionOur study found that 25.1% of our well-controlled T2D patients had DR, which was related to both their HbA1c levels from 5 years prior to study admission and their SAF values, a marker of glucose memory.     

Advanced glycation end products assessed by skin autofluorescence in type 1 diabetics are associated with nephropathy,but not retinopathy

AimsAdvanced glycation end products (AGEs) are thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications. For this reason, a non-invasive tool using skin autofluorescence (AF) quantification that correlates with levels of tissue AGEs has been developed. The present study aimed to assess whether or not skin AF is associated with microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).MethodsAll consecutive patients with T1D (n = 133) had three AF measures taken on the forearm, using illumination with a fluorescent tube, all on the same day after breakfast or lunch. Potential associations between skin AF levels and microvascular complications, age, diabetes duration and health status were then assessed using a multivariate linear-regression model.ResultsOn age-adjusted analyses, diabetes duration, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy were significantly associated with skin AF levels (all P < 0.001). AF levels increased significantly with severity in both retinopathy and nephropathy (P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, diabetes duration, HbA_1c, smoking, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy, the association of AF levels remained significant with nephropathy and neuropathy, but not with retinopathy and diabetes duration.ConclusionThis study suggests an independent association between skin AF levels and diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy, but not retinopathy, in T1D patients. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the ability of skin AF levels to predict microangiopathy.     

Recurrencia y mortalidad a largo plazo de los pacientes con síncope no cardiogénico

Introduction and objectivesThere are no in-depth studies of the long-term outcome of patients with syncope after exclusion of cardiac etiology. We therefore analyzed the long-term outcome of this population.MethodsFor 147 months, we included all patients with syncope referred to our syncope unit after exclusion of a cardiac cause.ResultsWe included 589 consecutive patients. There were 313 (53.1%) women, and the median age was 52 [34-66] years. Of these, 405 (68.8%) were diagnosed with vasovagal syncope (VVS), 65 (11%) with orthostatic hypotension syncope (OHS), and 119 (20.2%) with syncope of unknown etiology (SUE). During a median follow-up of 52 [28-89] months, 220 (37.4%) had recurrences (21.7% ≥ 2 recurrences), and 39 died (6.6%). Syncope recurred in 41% of patients with VVS, 35.4% with OHS, and 25.2% with SUE (P = .006). In the Cox multivariate analysis, recurrence was correlated with age (P = .002), female sex (P < .0001), and the number of previous episodes (< 5 vs ≥ 5; P < .0001). Death occurred in 15 (3.5%) patients with VVS, 11 (16.9%) with OHS, and 13 (10.9%) with SUE (P = .001). In the multivariate analysis, death was associated with age (P = .0001), diabetes (P = .007), and diagnosis of OHS (P = .026) and SUE (P = .020).ConclusionsIn patients with noncardiac syncope, the recurrence rate after 52 months of follow-up was 37.4% and mortality was 6.6% per year. Recurrence was higher in patients with a neuromedial profile and mortality was higher in patients with a nonneuromedial profile.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en