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.     

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.     

Determinants of previous dilated eye examination among type II diabetics in Southwestern Nigeria

PurposeTo assess the prevalence and factors influencing previous dilated eye examination in screening for retinopathy among type II diabetics.MethodologyCross-sectional study of type II diabetic patients receiving treatment at a tertiary hospital in southwestern Nigeria was conducted with information on gender, age, duration of diabetes, current medication and previous dilated eye examination recorded. Eye examination included visual acuity, pen torch examination, applanation tonometry and direct ophthalmoscopy of the dilated eye in a dark room. Visual acuity was presented as classified by WHO while data was analyzed using SPSS version 11 and statistical significance inferred at P < 0.05.ResultsEighty three type II diabetics with mean age 57.5 ± 10.8 years and mean duration of diabetes of 6.6 years were studied. Visual impairment (< 6/18 in the better eye) and blindness (< 3/60 in the better eye) were recorded in 3.6% and 12% of the patients respectively while diabetic retinopathy was present in 21.6%. Only 24 [28.9%] diabetics had previous dilated eye examination; absence of eye symptoms [50.8%] and lack of referral [45.8%] were the main barriers to having previous dilated eye examination. Previous dilated eye examination was significantly influenced by the presence of visual impairment/blindness [P = 0.002], longer duration diabetes mellitus [P = 0.006], current insulin treatment [P = 0.040] and presence of non-diabetic vision threatening eye diseases [P = 0.016].ConclusionDilated eye examination rate is low; inadequate knowledge about diabetic retinopathy as well as low referral rates is contributory. Massive health education on diabetic retinopathy as well as development of sustainable retinopathy screening protocol would be helpful.     

Change in tear protein profile in diabetic retinopathy with duration of diabetes

AimsTo study change in tear protein profile with duration of diabetes and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetes patients.Materials and methodsTear protein profile was ascertained by SDS PAGE method in 30 patients with DR (group A) and 37 patients without DR (group B).ResultsSix distinct bands of proteins were identified; these proteins are as follows: 91 kDa (P1), 66 kDa (P2), 60 kDa (P3), 30 kDa (P4), 18.4 kDa (P5) and 14.4 kDa (P6). Prevalence of P3 was significant (p = 0.036) in group A, especially in cases with diabetes ≤8 years compared with diabetes >8 years (p = 0.0107). In group B, P2 was significantly prevalent (p < 0.0013) in cases with diabetes ≤8 years compared to diabetes >8 years. Considering the changes in terms of duration of diabetes in general, patients with diabetes of ≤8 years, P3 was significantly prevalent in group A compared to group B (p = 0.004); and when the duration of diabetes is >8 years, P2 was found significantly more in group A compared to group B (p = 0.01). No significant difference in P3 (p = 0.025), P4 (p = 0.2877), P5 (p = 0.4801), P6 (p = 0.0985) was observed in mild to moderate NPDR group compared to severe NPDR to PDR group. P1 and P2 were present only in severe NPDR and PDR.ConclusionVariable protein expression was observed with duration of diabetes and severity of diabetic retinopathy.     

Cross sectional study to evaluate the effect of duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the nerve conduction velocity in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

ObjectiveTo study the nerve conduction velocity in clinically undetectable and detectable peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus with variable duration.Material and methodsThis cross sectional study was conducted in diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. They were divided in groups: Group I (n = 37) with clinically detectable diabetic peripheral neuropathy of shorter duration and Group II (n = 27) with clinically detectable diabetic peripheral neuropathy of longer duration. They were compared with T2DM patients (n = 22) without clinical neuropathy. Clinical diagnosis was based on neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy disability score (NDS) for signs. Nerve conduction velocity was measured in both upper and lower limbs. Median, ulnar, common peroneal and posterior tibial nerves were selected for motor nerve conduction study and median and sural nerves were selected for sensory nerve conduction study.ResultsThe comparisons were done between nerve conduction velocities of motor and sensory nerves in patients of clinically detectable neuropathy and patients without neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus population. This study showed significant electrophysiological changes with duration of disease. Nerve conduction velocities in lower limbs were significantly reduced even in patients of shorter duration with normal upper limb nerve conduction velocities.ConclusionDiabetic neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy disability score (NDS) can help in evaluation of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy though nerve conduction study is more powerful test and can help in diagnosing cases of neuropathy.     

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.     

Serum levels of TNF-α in peripheral neuropathy patients and its correlation with nerve conduction velocity in type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveTo compare serum levels of TNF-α in patients of peripheral neuropathy and patients without neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus.Material and methodsThis cross sectional study was conducted in diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. They were divided in groups, Group I (n = 37) with clinically detectable diabetic peripheral neuropathy of shorter duration and Group II (n = 27) with clinically detectable diabetic peripheral neuropathy of longer duration. They were compared with patients without clinical neuropathy (n = 22), clinical diagnosis was based on neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy disability score (NDS) for signs. Blood samples were collected for baseline investigations and estimation of serum TNF-α. Nerve conduction velocity was measured in both upper and lower limbs. Median, Ulnar, Common Peroneal and Posterior Tibial nerves were selected for motor nerve conduction study and Median and Sural nerves were selected for sensory nerve conduction study.ResultsThe comparisons were done between various clinical and biochemical parameters in clinically detectable and undetectable peripheral neuropathy groups of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study showed raised serum levels of TNF-α in peripheral neuropathy patients and significant correlation with nerve conduction velocity.ConclusionHigh level of TNF-α in serum of T2DM patients with neuropathy shows possible contribution in development of neuropathy. Due to its independent association this cytokine might be used as biomarker for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.     

Prevalence and risk factors of neuropathy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in primary care practices: A retrospective database analysis in Germany and UK

AimsTo estimate the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic neuropathy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in general practices.MethodsLongitudinal data from nationwide general practices in Germany (n = 630) and UK (n = 100) (Disease Analyzer) were analyzed. Patients with newly diagnosed (<1 year) type 2 diabetes (2008–2012) were identified including 45,633 patients (age: 66, SD: 12 years) in Germany and 14,205 patients (age: 63, SD: 13 years) in UK. Neuropathy was identified by ICD code (E11.4) or the original diagnosis. Associations of potential risk factors with neuropathy were investigated using logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of diagnosed neuropathy was 5.7% (95% CI: 5.5–5.9%) in Germany and 2.4% (1.9–2.9%) in UK. In Germany, factors independently associated with neuropathy in stepwise logistic regression were age (>70 years: OR; 95% CI 2.1; 1.6–2.8), retinopathy (3.0; 2.1–4.2), peripheral artery disease (PAD: 1.9; 1.4–2.5), insulin treatment (4.6; 3.5–6.2) and oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD: 1.6; 1.2–2.0). In UK, male sex (1.4; 1.01–1.9), nephropathy (1.7; 1.2–2.5), PAD (1.5; 1.1–2.1), antihypertensives (1.7; 1.1–2.5), insulin (2.1; 1.1–3.8) and OAD (1.4; 1.01–1.8) were identified.ConclusionsThe prevalence of diabetic neuropathy at time of type 2 diabetes diagnosis was low in primary care (Germany, UK). Neuropathy was associated with age, PAD and microvacular complications.     

Common polymorphism in the cannabinoid type 1 receptor gene (CNR1) is associated with microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes

Endocannabinoids exert their biological effects via interaction with G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Polymorphisms in the CNR1 gene (encoding CB1 receptor) were previously found to be associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. We investigated a role of the polymorphism in CNR1 gene in type 2 diabetes and its complications. The study involved 667 T2DM patients and 450 healthy individuals. All subjects were genotyped for G1359A polymorphism by PCR-RFLP procedure. Genotype frequencies did not differ significantly between patients and controls. The statistically significant differences were seen between T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and those without it (OR for risk allele 2.84, 95% CI 2.04–3.94, p < 0.0001). There were also differences between patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and those without DR (OR for risk allele 1.81, 95% CI 1.30–2.53, p = 0.0005). No differences were observed in diabetic neuropathy. The A allele was more frequent in patients with coexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to patients without CVD (p = 0.0044). The novel finding of our study is the association of the G1359A polymorphism with diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy in patients with T2DM. This polymorphism was also associated with cardiovascular disease in the patient group.     

Evaluation of trace elements and Malondialdehyde levels in type II diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThere are so many factors contributing to the pathophysiology of type II DM, some of these factors are trace elements and Malondialdehyde (MDA). Their increase or decrease may affect control of diabetes and delay the complications.AimZinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se) and MDA were studied in this work to clarify their role in the pathogenesis and complications of type II DM aiming at preventing or delaying its complications.Materials and methodsThe present study was conducted on 50 patients with type II DM divided into 2 groups: group I (controlled diabetic patients), n = 20 and group II which comprised 30 uncontrolled diabetic patients complicated with diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. Their results were compared to 15 age and sex matched healthy group. Patients and controls were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination and laboratory investigations which included measuring fasting serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c. HbA1c was measured by column chromatography. MDA was assayed using colorimetric technique. The trace elements were measured in blood by means of atomic absorption spectrometer.ResultsThe mean levels of Zn, Mg, Se were significantly lower in the diabetic groups than the control group (P < 0.001), while MDA was significantly higher in the diabetic groups (P < 0.001). MDA showed significant positive correlation with HbA1c (r = 0.301), cholesterol (r = 0.394), triglycerides (0.315) and LDL-c (r = 0.354) and negative correlation with HDL-c (r = ?0.315). Significant negative correlation was found between each of Zn, Mg and Se and each of HbA1c and cholesterol. Copper positively correlated with HbA1c, cholesterol and LDL-c. MDA positively correlated with copper (r = 0.307) and negatively correlated with Zn, Mg and Se (r = ?0.356, ?0.282, ?0.513, respectively).ConclusionTrace elements and MDA could have a role as cofactors in the pathogenesis of type II DM. They could be used as markers to evaluate the glycemic control as well as showing the lipid status of diabetic patients. Trace elements supplementations as zinc, magnesium and selenium might have utility in the treatment of the complex disorder in type II DM and may help in control of blood glucose and lipid levels, thus preventing or delaying serious clinical events in these patients.     

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.     

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.     

Prevalence and risk factors of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients at University Sains Malaysia Hospital

Background and objectiveMicroalbuminuria is early stage of diabetic nephropathy as well as a marker of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria and associated risk factors among type 2 diabetic outpatients, attending a diabetic clinic in University Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM).Patients and methodsProspective study design was used in the data collection process.The study sample consists of 1066 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients who fit the inclusion criteria. All the patients were recruited from the diabetic outpatient clinics from HUSM. The study period was from January till December 2008. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed if the urinary albumin excretion more than 30 mg/g of creatinine.ResultsA total of 1661 patients were included in this study. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed in 273 (25.4%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that microalbuminuria was positively associated with duration of hypertension (P = 0.044), HbA1c (P = 0.004), systolic blood pressure (<0.001), creatinine clearance (P = 0.007) and the presence of neuropathy (P = 0.004).ConclusionHigh prevalence of microalbuminuria was in type 2 diabetic outpatients. Predictive factors for microalbuminuria were duration of hypertension, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, creatinine clearance and the presence of neuropathy. The study suggests the need to screen for microalbuminuria early and the active management of modifiable risk factors in particular, hyperglycemia, hypertension and creatinine clearance, to reduce the burden of end-stage renal disease in the future.     

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.     

Periodontal disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus: Associations with glycemic control and complications: An Indian perspective

AimTo evaluate the frequency of periodontal disease in a group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with diabetic metabolic control, duration and complications.Materials and methodsA comparison was made of periodontal parameters (plaque index, bleeding index, pocket depth and attachment loss) in a group of diabetic patients versus a group of non-diabetics (n = 20). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between periodontal parameters and degree of metabolic control, the duration of the disease and the appearance of complications.ResultsDiabetics had greater bleeding index (p < 0.001), probing pocket depth (p < 0.001) and clinical attachment level (p = 0.001). Patients diagnosed for diabetes for shorter duration of time (4–7 years) showed bleeding index-disease severity correlation to be 1.760 ± 0.434.ConclusionPatients with type 1 diabetes have increased periodontal disease susceptibility. Periodontal inflammation is greatly increased in subjects with longer disease course, poor metabolic control and diabetic complications.     

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.     

Association between visceral,cardiac and sensorimotor polyneuropathies in diabetes mellitus

AimsGastrointestinal complaints are common in diabetes mellitus. However, its association to peripheral sensorimotor and autonomic neuropathies is not well investigated. The aim was to assess skin, muscle, bone and visceral sensitivity in diabetes patients with sensorimotor neuropathy, and correlate these with gastrointestinal symptoms and degree of cardiac autonomic neuropathy.MethodsTwenty patients with sensorimotor neuropathy (65% type 2 diabetes, aged 58.3 ± 12.0 years, diabetes duration 15.8 ± 10.0 years) and 16 healthy controls were recruited. Cutaneous sensitivity to von Frey filaments, mechanical allodynia, muscle/bone/rectosigmoid sensitivities, and heart rate variability were examined. Gastrointestinal symptom scores (PAGI-SYM) and health-related quality of life (SF-36) were also recorded.ResultsPatients displayed hypesthesia to von Frey filaments (p = 0.028), but no difference to muscle and bone pain sensitivities. Also, patients were hyposensitive to multimodal rectal stimulations (all p < 0.05), although they suffered more gastrointestinal complaints. Heart rate variability was reduced in the patient cohort. Rectal mechanical and cutaneous sensitivities correlated (p < 0.001), and both were associated with heart rate variability as well as PAGI-SYM and SF-36 scores (p < 0.01).ConclusionsIn diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy there is substantial evidence of concomitant cutaneous, cardiac and visceral autonomic neuropathies. The neuropathy may reduce quality of life and explain the higher prevalence of gastrointestinal complaints.     

In-hospital mortality and length of stay in patients with diabetes having foot disease

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine whether in-patient mortality and length of stay were greater in diabetes patients with foot disease compared to those without foot disease.MethodsRetrospective data analysis of admissions over four years (2007–2010) to University Hospital Birmingham. Based on discharge diagnostic codes we grouped admissions into those 1) with amputation, 2) with foot disease and 3) without foot disease. Inpatient mortality and length of stay were compared between the three groups, adjusting for confounders.ResultsWe identified 25,118 admissions with diabetes of which 1149 admissions (4.6%) had foot disease and another 195 (0.8%) had a code for lower limb amputation. When compared to those without foot disease the adjusted odds ratio for inpatient mortality was 1.31 (95% CI 1.04–1.65 P = 0.02) in the foot disease group, and 1.02 (95% CI 0.56–1.85 P = 0.95) in the amputation group; and the adjusted relative ratio for length of stay was 2.01 (95 CI 1.86–2.16 P < 0.001) in the foot disease group and 3.08 (95% CI 2.60–3.65 P < 0.001) in the amputation group.ConclusionFoot disease in hospitalised patients with diabetes is associated with increased length of stay and inpatient mortality. Our study adds to evidence on excess mortality associated with diabetic foot disease and to evidence on excess mortality observed in people with diabetes admitted to hospitals.     

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.     

Clinical significance of UbA52 level in the urine of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic kidney disease

BackgroundUbiquitin-52 amino acid fusion protein (UbA52) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and has been suggested a potential marker in the disease. However, whether upregulation of UbA52 marks early kidney injury in T2DM mellitus (T2DM) patients remains unclear. In this study, we examine the diagnostic value of UbA52 as a biomarker in predicting early diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in T2DM patients.MethodsWe used two-step ELISA to test UbA52 level in urine of 3 defined patient groups. Samples from T2DM patients without albuminuria or diabetic retinopathy (DM-WNP; n = 30), T2DM patients with albuminuria and diabetic retinopathy, excluding other renal diseases clinically (DM-NP; n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30) were analyzed. Spearman's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the correlation of urinary UbA52 level with laboratory results regarding kidney function. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of UbA52 in predicting T2DM and early DKD.ResultsUrinary UbA52 level in DM-NP group was 1.75 times and 2.71 times higher than in DN-WNP (p = 0.004) and normal control group (p < 0.001), respectively. The level of urinary UbA52 correlated significantly with serum creatinine (r = 0.468, p < 0.001), GFR (r = −0.300, p = 0.004) and proteinuria (r = 0.484, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that proteinuria level was independently associated with urinary UbA52 level (β = 0.833, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC of urinary UbA52 in diagnosing T2DM and DKD was 0.751 and 0.755, respectively.ConclusionThe level of urinary UbA52 increased significantly in T2DM patients with DKD. The level of proteinuria is independently associated with urinary UbA52 level. Urinary UbA52 could serve as an early marker in the diagnosis of DKD.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02204280.