Celiac disease in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Tunisia

OBJECTIVE: Type1 diabetes mellitus may be associated with celiac disease. The prevalence of celiac disease as determined by screening among adult patients with type 1 diabetes is high with rates of 1.07.8% in Europe and U.S.A. The aims of the study are to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in adults with type 1 diabetes in Tunisia. METHODS: 348 consecutive adult patients with type1 diabetes were investigated prospectively and screened for celiac disease. The mean age was 28.45+/-10.74 years old. There were 176 females and 172 males. For the screening of celiac disease, we used immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-endomysium (EMA) antibodies determined by an indirect immunofluorescence method. Anti-transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies were determined by an ELISA method. Those patients with positive results for anti EMA and or tTG were proposed for duodenal biopsy. RESULTS: 14 patients were positive for anti EMA and had high or a weak positive level of tTG antibodies. One patient from this group was already known to have celiac disease. Only 8 patients consented to biopsy and morphological changes were consistent with celiac disease in all cases. Prevalence of biopsy-proven celiac disease was 2.3% (95% CI=1.0-4.5%). CONCLUSION: The present study confirms that celiac disease of adults is prevalent in type 1 diabetic patients in Tunisia. Serological screening for celiac disease in type 1 diabetes is important because many patients are asymptomatic and most are detected by the screening.     

Microvascular autoregulation in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Aims/hypothesis

Deterioration of microvascular function may have an early onset in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. We hypothesised that microvascular autoregulation is impaired in children with type 1 diabetes and can be detected non-invasively by postocclusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH).

Methods

Microvascular autoregulation was assessed in 58 children with type 1 diabetes and 58 age- and sex-matched healthy controls by PORH using laser Doppler fluxmetry. Baseline perfusion, biological zero (defined as a ‘no flow’ laser Doppler signal during suprasystolic occlusion), peak perfusion following occlusion, time to peak and recovery time (time until baseline perfusion is resumed) were recorded and compared between the groups.

Results

Peak perfusion was higher in children with type 1 diabetes than in healthy controls (1.7?±?0.93?AU [arbitrary units] vs 1.29?±?0.46?AU; p?=?0.004), and biological zero was lower in children with type 1 diabetes vs controls (0.14?±?0.04?AU vs 0.19?±?0.04?AU; p?Conclusions/interpretation PORH reveals impaired microvascular autoregulation in children with type 1 diabetes. The higher peak perfusion might reflect a decline in the vasoconstrictive ability of arteriolar smooth muscle cells upstream of capillary beds in children with type 1 diabetes.     

Cerebral vasoreactivity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

It is well established in clinical and experimental settings that diabetes mellitus, especially if long lasting, impairs autoregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, the onset and the course of development of this dysfunction remain unknown. We hypothesized that assessment of autoregulatory functions of cerebral arteries in children with relatively short duration of type 1 diabetes mellitus may provide an insight into the pathophysiology of the development of impaired autoregulation of CBF. Such a dysfunction of vasodilation of cerebral arteries can be assessed by transcranial Doppler. Therefore, to examine whether and when autoregulation of CBF becomes affected by diabetes, we used transcranial Doppler and a pCO2 challenge in 17 males between the ages of 12-20 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus of 0.2-16 years duration and with varying degrees of glucose control. The results were compared with age-matched, healthy, nondiabetic controls. The CO2 challenge increased cerebral blood-flow velocities and decreased the pulsatility index. These changes were not influenced by the presence or duration of diabetes, insulin dose, or degree of diabetic control.     

Prevalence, presentation and clinical evolution of Graves' disease in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIMS: To ascertain the prevalence of Graves' disease (GD) in 1,323 Caucasian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and to compare the course of GD in T1DM patients with the one observed in 109 Caucasian peer patients with GD but without T1DM (group B). Results: Only 7 patients (0.53%) of the T1DM series also presented with GD (group A)which was diagnosed many years after diabetes presentation. At GD diagnosis, the prevalence of preclinical hyperthyroidism was higher in group A (p = 0.0001), whereas serum TSH receptor antibodies (TRABs) were higher in group B (p = 0.04). The subsequent course with methimazole therapy and after its withdrawal was very similar in both groups. Conclusions: GD prevalence in T1DM patients was 0.53%, i.e. almost identical to the one reported in the general population. GD was diagnosed many years after T1DM presentation. At GD diagnosis, the clinical picture was milder and TRAB serum levels were lower in diabetic patients. Preclinical diagnosis and early treatment of GD were not associated with better responsiveness to therapy. Screening programs based on periodical TRAB assessments are not useful in T1DM.     

Physical activity and sports participation in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background and aimRegular physical activity is of great importance in the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We investigate here the levels of moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and participation in sporting activity in a sample of children and adolescents with T1DM and analyse whether they differed from healthy subjects. The family variables associated with MVPA or sports participation and the influence of exercise on metabolic parameters are also explored.Methods and resultsIn this cross-sectional case control study, 138 children and adolescents with T1DM (of which 67 were boys, age 13.6 ± 4.1 years; duration of diabetes 6.1 ± 3.8 years) and 269 (of which 120 were boys) healthy controls were studied. Weekly levels of MVPA and sports participation were investigated using a questionnaire. Body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) values, plasma total cholesterol, serum triglycerides and the mean glycated haemoglobin (A1c) levels over the past year were assessed in T1DM subjects. MVPA scores in T1DM patients were lower than in controls (p = 0.0004). MVPA was higher in boys than in girls, both in diabetic and control subjects; T1DM girls were less frequently engaged in MVPA than control girls. MVPA scores were significantly and independently correlated with sex, age and diabetic status. Lower triglyceride levels and fewer subjects with poor metabolic control were found more among physically active patients (MVPA > 5 days/week) than in inactive patients (weekly MVPA = 0). Sports participation was lower in T1DM patients than in controls (p = 0.002) and was significantly and independently correlated with sex, father's education level and diabetic status. Triglyceride levels and the percentage of subjects with poor metabolic control were significantly lower in sports participants than in non-participants.ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with T1DM appeared to spend less time in physical activity than their non-diabetic peers. Regular physical activity was associated with better metabolic control and lipid profile. Adolescents, particularly the girls, tended to be less active. Further efforts should be made to motivate patients with type 1 diabetes.     

Short-term metabolic control and sleep in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine sleep in T1D children and in healthy controls by polysomnographic (PSG) examination and to determine the influence of short-term metabolic compensation on sleep quality and sleep disordered breathing (SDB).

Bone mass and dietary intake in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

ObjectivesTo evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) in children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its association with the nutritional intake, metabolic control, and physical activity level of this population.MethodsStudy including 34 patients with T1DM and 17 controls. Assessments included the participants disease history, intake of macronutrient, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, physical activity level, total body and lumbar spine BMD and serum levels of glycated hemoglobin, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide.ResultsTotal body and lumbar spine BMD z-scores were normal in all but two participants in the T1DM group. The T1DM group had significantly lower total body BMD z-score values (p < 0.001) and levels of osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Intake of macronutrients and calcium was inadequate in both groups. Participants in the T1DM group were more sedentary (88%) and had inadequate metabolic control (91%) and low vitamin D levels (82%). Bone mass in the T1DM group was influenced by body mass index (BMI), pubertal stage, disease duration, calcium intake, and physical activity level.ConclusionsBone mass in patients with T1DM was adequate but lower than controls and was influenced by BMI, pubertal stage, disease duration, calcium consumption, and physical activity level.     

Celiac disease and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

We screened for celiac disease, by means of IgA class anti-endomysium antibodies (EmA), 383 consecutive adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Two control populations entered the study as well: 151 adults with biopsy proven celiac disease, as true positives; and 520 controls (healthy and diseased) as true negatives. IgA-EmA positivity was found in 145 of 151 (96%) celiac disease patients but in none of the controls (100% specificity). EmA were positive in 12 of 383 (3.13%) IDDM patients: 10 of these positives underwent intestinal biopsy, which showed either partial or total villous atrophy. Only one patient presented with gastrointestinal complaints, but severe iron deficiency was found in all. The IDDM celiac patients were started on a gluten-free diet: four refused both the diet and the follow-up protocol. Approximately one year after gluten withdrawal no significant change in the degree of diabetes control was observed, while an increased requirement for insulin was observed in three of four patients who strictly complied with the diet. The prevalence of biopsy-proven celiac disease among adult IDDM patients (1:38), eight times higher than that recently estimated for the general Italian population and the absence, except in one case, of gastrointestinal symptoms emphasizes the benefit of screening programs on populations at risk.     

Psychosocial problems in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Adolescents with diabetes are at increased risk of developing psychiatric (10–20%) or eating disorders (8–30%), as well as substance abuse (25–50%), leading to non-compliance with treatment and deterioration of diabetic control. At high risk are female adolescents with family problems and other comorbid disorders. Impaired cognitive function has also been reported among children with diabetes, mainly in boys, and especially in those with early diabetes diagnosis (< 5 years), or with episodes of severe hypoglycaemia or prolonged hyperglycaemia. Type 1 diabetes mellitus contributes to the development of problems in parent–child relationships and employment difficulties, and negatively affects the quality of life. However, insulin pumps appear to improve patients’ metabolic control and lifestyle. The contributions of family and friends to the quality of metabolic control and emotional support are also crucial. In addition, the role of the primary-care provider is important in identifying patients at high risk of developing psychosocial disorders and referring them on to health specialists. At high risk are patients in mid-adolescence with comorbid disorders, low socioeconomic status or parental health problems. Multisystem therapy, involving the medical team, school personnel, family and peer group, is also essential. The present review focuses on the prevalence of nutritional and psychosocial problems among adolescents with diabetes, and the risk factors for its development, and emphasizes specific goals in their management and prevention.     

Eating disorders in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Although the causes of eating disorders remain unclear, epidemiological evidence suggests that peripubertal changes in body shape and weight predispose young women to develop unhealthy eating attitudes. A psychiatric diagnosis of an eating disorder can be made in up to 10% of young women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes). Eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, pose a particularly serious risk to health in young diabetic people. Several features associated with type 1 diabetes and its treatment, such as weight gain, dietary restraint and food preoccupation, may predispose young diabetic women to develop a clinical or subclinical eating disorder. The coexistance of these conditions could lead to poor metabolic control and an increased risk of microvascular complications. Received: 25 May 1998 / Accepted in revised form: 23 April 1999     

Beneficial effects of flexible insulin therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a flexible multiple daily insulin (FMDI) regimen in routine pediatric diabetes care by comparing HbA_1c, body mass index (BMI), and episodes of severe hypoglycemia (SH) before and after initiation of FMDI therapy. Data from 44 patients (2–16 years old), on a conventional insulin (CI) regimen, were collected during quarterly diabetes clinic visits. These patients were transitioned from CI to FMDI regimen: pre-meal lispro (bolus) and once or twice daily Humulin Ultralente with or without bedtime Humulin NPH as the basal insulin. There was a significant improvement in HbA_1c in prepubertal (9.3%±1.3% vs. 8.0%±1.1%, p<0.002) and pubertal subjects (9.2%±1.0% vs. 8.2%±0.9%, p<0.001). Pubertal subgroup demonstrated an increase in BMI (21.3±3.1 vs. 22.7±3.2 kg/m², p<0.0001) after one year. The rate of SH was decreased in both prepubertal (p<0.01) and pubertal (p<0.05) groups of patients on FMDI therapy. The use of FMDI in a general pediatric diabetic population is a feasible therapeutic option for maintenance and possible improvement of glycemic control. It may effectively decrease the HbA_1c, and reduce hypoglycemic episodes, without producing an abnormal increase in BMI.     

Infections in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

To identify the incidence, type, severity and risk factors of common infections in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). In this prospective observational study design, 125 children with type 1 DM (group1) and age and sex matched 125 non-diabetic children (group2) were followed up for 12 months from a tertiary care children hospital in Chennai. Infections encountered were documented in both the groups throughout the study period. Risk factors were analyzed. Among the diabetic children 46.2% had infections and the total episodes of infections were significantly high (p?=?0.006). Skin and soft tissue infections (p?=?0.03) and urinary tract infections (UTI) (p?=?0.002) were significantly higher in diabetic children and they were more prone to recurrent infections. Mean HbA1c was significantly higher among the diabetic children with skin infections. Children with type 1 DM are more prone to skin and soft tissue infections and UTI. Skin infections are more severe and these children have higher HbA1c levels.     

Increased serum soluble leptin receptor levels in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether or not serum levels of the soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) and leptin are related to anthropometric and metabolic changes during pubertal development of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood levels of sOB-R, leptin and HbA1C, as well as body-mass index (BMI), diabetes duration and daily insulin doses, were determined in 212 (97 girls; 115 boys) children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and compared with the sOB-R serum levels in 526 healthy children and adolescents. RESULTS: OB-R serum levels and parallel values of the molar ratio between sOB-R and leptin were significantly higher in children with diabetes than in normal children (P<0.05) in almost all investigated Tanner stages. Furthermore, in the entire group of patients, we demonstrated statistically significant correlations (P<0.02) between sOB-R and the duration of diabetes (r=0.30), HbA1c levels (r=0.32) and the insulin dose (r=0.18). Multiple-regression analysis revealed that HbA1c (12.4%), height (7.9%) and duration of diabetes (8.7%) contributed to 29% variance of sOB-R in diabetic children. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that poor glycemic control in diabetes may lead to increased serum levels of sOB-R. This regulation of sOB-R appears to be independent of leptin, but may have an impact on leptin action. The consequently developing molar excess of sOB-R related to leptin could reduce leptin sensitivity and may, therefore, influence leptin-related anthropometric and metabolic abnormalities.     

Validation of a diabetes knowledge test for Indian children,adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionDiabetes knowledge has a large impact on glycemic control. There is a pressing need for creation of validated tests of knowledge for different ethnic groups.ObjectiveTo create and validate a diabetes knowledge test (DKT) for young Indians with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsWe created a 34 item Hindi language DKT, with basic (19-questions) and advanced (15-questions) components. It was administered to 77 consecutive patients who had previously received in-hospital diabetes education. We hypothesized that the test scores would be higher for patients residing in urban regions, for patients with higher maternal education, and those with lower HbA1c. Cronbach’s alpha (α) was used to calculate the test reliability.ResultsThe DKT score was significantly higher in families with higher (>class 12th) maternal formal education compared with lower [70.0 (95% C.I. 67.2–73.5) vs 54.2 (95% C.I. 44.0–57.3), p < 0.001] and urban residence compared with rural [68.5 (95% C.I. 63.4–70.6) vs 54.5 (95% C.I. 42.5–61.7), p < 0.001]. It had negative correlation with HbA1c (r = ?0.268, p = 0.019). The Cronbach’s α was 0.87 for the entire test, and for the basic and advanced components was 0.78 and 0.74 respectively.ConclusionThe DKT India is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate diabetes knowledge in Hindi speaking Indian children, adolescents and young adults with T1DM.     

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 may be a marker of microangiopathy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are responsible for extracellular matrix breakdown and their abnormal circulating levels may pre-date clinical evidence of diabetic angiopathy. We detected by ELISA, plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and associated activity in 25 children and adolescents with T1DM. Thirteen male and 12 female patients were evaluated at the clinical diagnosis and onset of T1DM and again at a 5-year follow-up. Twelve patients had developed microangiopathic complications at the follow-up evaluation. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and activity were detected in samples obtained at T1DM diagnosis and at the 5-year follow-up. As controls, 19 healthy subjects who were the same age as the patients were also evaluated at baseline and again after 5 years. MMP-2 levels and activity were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls at disease onset. This was particularly evident when patients who developed microangiopathic complications were compared to controls and patients without complications. At the 5-year follow-up, a significant increase in MMP-2 levels and a significant decrease in MMP-2 activity were found only in the control group compared to the baseline levels. MMP-2 levels and activity were higher in patients with microangiopathy. MMP-9 levels and activity were increased in all groups compared to baseline levels. MMP-9 levels were lower in patients with microangiopathy compared to controls, but no difference was found between the two patient groups. It is well known that MMP-9 is an index of the severity and stability of macroangiopathy while our results allow us to postulate that MMP-2 may be a marker of microangiopathy.