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Biomedical subjects

D C Ziemer

Publications and source records attributed to D C Ziemer.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Relief of sleep apnea in acromegaly by bromocriptine.

A patient with longstanding acromegaly complicated by sleep apnea was treated with bromocriptine prior to surgery. In addition to a significant reduction of the plasma growth hormone concentration and measurable decrease in acral overgrowth, a dramatic improvement of the sleep apnea was observed. After three months of therapy, the amount of sleep time occupied by apneic episodes fell from 48 to 12%. The response indicates: (a) that the sequelae sleep apnea in acromegaly can be improved even when ablative therapy of the pituitary is impossible and (b) bromocriptine may prevent perioperative complications caused by clinically significant airway obstruction in patients with acromegaly.

Acromegaly↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diabetes in urban African Americans. V. Use of discussion groups to identify barriers to dietary therapy among low-income individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Dietary therapy remains an integral part of diabetes management. The study objective was to identify potential barriers to dietary adherence among low-income, urban black patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Forty-five patients participated in discussion group interviews that consisted of open-ended questions. Four problem areas were identified: habitual, economic, social, and conceptual. Most patients felt that the recommended meal plans were lacking in taste, and the cost of low-fat and sugar-free items was perceived as a major drawback. Lack of family support and family pressure to use fat-containing food seasoning were frequent problems. Participants had trouble following the food exchange system and analyzing food labels. Feedback suggested that dietary strategies may need to be revised to provide appropriate menus, identify low-cost foods, involve patients' families, and teach patients how to make healthy food choices. The discussion group approach was quick, simple, and could be easily translated to other settings.

Black or African American↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diabetes in urban African Americans. Body image, satisfaction with size, and weight change attempts.

We developed two gender specific sets of body-size silhouettes for evaluating body image in African Americans; 370 clinic-based adult participants with diabetes were queried on body image, perceptions, current efforts to change weight, and psychosocial variables. Comparisons were made by weight group and sex after classification as overweight or not overweight according to body mass index (BMI). Regardless of sex or weight category, perceived current body size was significantly related to BMI. Both men and women who were classified as overweight selected a desired body size that was significantly smaller than their perceived current size. Men, however, were more likely than women to select a larger desired size relative to their current size. Both men and women expected the dietician to favor a body size smaller than their own desired size and felt their designated important adult would choose the same desired size that they selected. Given the importance of cognitive perspectives in understanding weight management, it may be useful to incorporate body image measures into both observational and interventional studies.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diabetes in urban African Americans: functional health literacy of municipal hospital outpatients with diabetes.

Functional health literacy was assessed in 63 patients from the diabetes outpatient clinic, 20 from the general medicine clinic, and a total of 48 from two satellite medical clinics. All patients received a demographic questionnaire, visual screening, and the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, an instrument with good validity and internal consistency used to measure the ability to read and understand medical instructions. Functional health literacy was adequate in only 47% of new patients at the diabetes clinic and only 25% of established patients at all sites. There were no significant differences in functional health literacy among established patients across all sites. Overall, patients' mean functional health literacy level was inadequate to marginal. Of the patients with inadequate functional health literacy, 43% denied difficulty in reading. Patient education strategies and materials are needed to address this important barrier to healthcare delivery.

Adult↗