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The effect of high- and low-glycemic index energy restricted diets on plasma lipid and glucose profiles in type 2 diabetic subjects with varying glycemic control.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether glycemic index (GI) differentially affects improved glucose and lipid profiles observed during weight loss in overweight subjects previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with variable glucose tolerance. METHODS: Twenty-three female and twenty-two male overweight subjects participated in 12 weeks of energy restriction (average BMI 33.2 kg/m2, age 56.7 years, glycated hemoglobin (GHb) 6.7%). After a four-week run-in on a high saturated fat (SFA) diet (1540 kcal/day, 17% SFA), the free-living subjects were randomly assigned to either a high- (75 GI units) or low- (43 GI units) GI diet (1440 kcal/day, 60% carbohydrate, 5% SFA) for eight weeks. Weight, serum lipids, plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin were measured every four weeks. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed at baseline, weeks 4 and 12. From the baseline OGTT results subjects were divided into three groups of low, median and high glucose tolerance. RESULTS: At baseline, BMI, age and glycated hemoglobin concentrations were not different between subjects allocated to the high- or low-GI diets. After four weeks, weight loss was 3.6+/-0.3 kg. Fasting glucose (-5.6%), glycated hemoglobin (-2.8%), area under the glucose curve (-13.0%) and triglyceride (-13.8%) concentrations were reduced (p < 0.02). Between weeks 4 and 12 reductions were observed in weight (-4.9%), fasting glucose (-4.6%), area under glucose curve (-10.1%), glycated hemoglobin (-7.2%), triglyceride (-7.5%) and LDL-C (-13.2%) concentrations. Weight loss was not different between low and high-GI diets. However, glycated hemoglobin was reduced twofold more in subjects consuming a low-GI diet as compared to subjects consuming a high-GI diet, but this was not statistically significant. LDL concentrations were also reduced more in subjects with low glucose tolerance on the low-GI diet (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Weight loss produces substantial improvements in glycemic control and lipoprotein metabolism. Lowering the glycemic index of high carbohydrate, low fat diets increases the fall in LDL cholesterol in subjects with type 2 diabetes with low glucose tolerance, but has little effect on glycemic control.

Blood Glucose↗

Abdominal obesity and ethnic differences in diabetes awareness, treatment, and glycemic control.

OBJECTIVE: To compare racial/ethnic differences in diabetes awareness, treatment, and glycemic control between non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic Americans. We also determined the impact of abdominal obesity on racial/ethnic differences in diabetes awareness, treatment, and glycemic control between these population groups. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) data were utilized for this study. Diabetes awareness was defined as acknowledging diabetic status. Diabetes treatment was defined as current use of anti-diabetic medications, good glycemic control as HbA(1c) < 8%, and abdominal obesity as waist circumference larger than expected. The impacts of abdominal obesity on racial/ethnic differences in diabetes awareness, treatment, and glycemic control were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Adjustments were made for age, education, smoking, alcohol intake, and health insurance. RESULTS: Rates of diabetes awareness in whites, blacks, and Hispanics suffering from abdominal obesity were approximately 74%, 30%, and 21% in men and 77%, 32%, and 19% in women, respectively. Rates of diabetes treatment were 70%, 23%, and 14% in men and 57%, 45%, and 23% in women, respectively. In men, rates of glycemic control were 64%, 40%, and 30%, and in women, they were 62%, 51%, and 27%, respectively. Abdominal obesity was associated with decreased diabetes awareness and glycemic control in women. DISCUSSION: Subjects with abdominal obesity were found to have poorer glycemic controls compared to those without abdominal obesity. Because diabetes prevalences were partially explained by racial/ethnic differences in diabetes awareness, treatment, and glycemic control, there is a need to craft diabetes awareness, treatment, and control programs along racial/ethnic origins.

Abdomen↗

Transient improvement in glycemic control. The impact of pregnancy in women with IDDM.

OBJECTIVE: Good glycemic control throughout pregnancy in patients with diabetes is of paramount importance but often appears to deteriorate in the postpartum period. The aim of this study was to ascertain the timing of the improvement in glycemic control associated with pregnancy in women with IDDM and to examine changes in glycemic control after delivery. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Peripartum glycemic control was assessed in a retrospective study of 30 women with IDDM whose age was 28 +/- 6 years (means +/- SD) and whose diabetes duration was 14 +/- 6 years. RESULTS: Mean total HbA1 fell incrementally from a peak at 2-3 years preconception to a nadir between 24 weeks and term, only to return to preconception levels within a year after delivery. Of the 30 women, 15 (50%) attained an HbA1 in the nondiabetic range for pregnancy at some point during their pregnancy, and 7 (23%) women achieved this by 24 weeks gestation. Women with an HbA1 > 9% at booking had a significantly higher HbA1 at 0-6 and 6-12 months preconception, and throughout pregnancy their HbA1 was significantly higher. After delivery, attendance rates at routine diabetes review clinics were low, with 11% of women not attending for longer than 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all women with IDDM can achieve near normoglycemia during pregnancy, irrespective of previous glycemic control, although those with high HbA1 levels at booking are less likely to achieve this. After delivery, glycemic control deteriorates. Efforts to improve glycemic control should be intensified in the preconception period and maintained after delivery. The poor postpartum attendance at diabetes clinics requires specific action.

Adult↗

Polypharmacy with oral antidiabetic agents: an indicator of poor glycemic control.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antidiabetic drug treatment patterns and glycemic control among patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study using the automated databases of a 200 000-member HMO. METHODS: The study population consisted of patients > or =18 years of age with documented type 2 diabetes mellitus from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002. We determined the proportion of patients who had optimal glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin <7%) during the 6 months after the initial documentation of diabetes during calendar year 2002 (index date). RESULTS: Of the 4282 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 1050 (25%) received 1 oral agent, 486 (11%) received 2 oral agents, 56 (1%) received > or =3 oral agents, 84 (2%) received insulin and an oral agent, and 107 (2%) received insulin exclusively within 90 days after the index date. Among the 1075 patients receiving antidiabetic drug therapy who had a laboratory test result documented, 414 (39%) had optimal glycemic control. Optimal control was most frequent among patients receiving 1 oral agent (47%) and least frequent among patients receiving > or =3 oral agents (13%) (P <.01). Patients with a prior history of suboptimal glycemic control were less likely to have optimal glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple oral antidiabetic agents may serve as a marker for more severe, uncontrolled diabetes. The vast majority of patients treated with multiple oral antidiabetic agents had suboptimal glycemic control, suggesting a need for intensified efforts to treat this particular group of patients to recommended goal levels.

Administration, Oral↗

Estimated benefits of glycemic control in microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of intensive glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes are not well quantified. It is therefore not clear which patients will benefit most from aggressive glycemic control. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Markov decision model. PATIENTS: Diabetic patients at a health maintenance organization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risks for developing blindness and end-stage renal disease; number of patients and patient-years needed to treat to prevent complications. RESULTS: For a patient in whom diabetes developed before 50 years of age, reducing hemoglobin A1c levels from 9% to 7% results in an estimated 2.3-percentage point decrease (from 2.6% to 0.3%) in lifetime risk for blindness due to retinopathy. The same change in a patient with diabetes onset at 65 years of age would be expected to decrease the risk for blindness by 0.5 percentage points (from 0.5% to < 0.1%). However, the Markov model predicts substantially greater benefit when moving from poor to moderate glycemic control than when moving from moderate to almost-normal glycemic control. Targeting less than 20% of the patients at one health maintenance organization for intensified therapy may prevent more than 80% of the preventable patient-time spent blind. The risks for end-stage renal disease and the risk reduction provided by improved glycemic control are lower than those for blindness. CONCLUSIONS: This probability model, based on extrapolation from the experience with type 1 diabetes, suggests that patients with early onset of type 2 diabetes will accrue substantial benefit from almost-normal glycemic control. In patients with later onset, moderate glycemic control prevents most end-stage complications caused by microvascular disease. These results have important implications for informing patients and allocating health care resources.

Adult↗

Periodontal treatment and its effects on glycemic control: a review of the evidence.

Persisting poor glycemic control has been shown to be associated with the incidence and progression of diabetes-related complications. The bulk of oral health-related research has focused on the impact of diabetes on periodontal health, yet there are several lines of evidence to support the plausibility of the notion that periodontal infections contribute to problems with glycemic control. This article reviews the body of English-language literature containing reports of clinical research that has considered the relationship between treatment of periodontal diseases and improvement in glycemic control in humans. Although there is supportive clinical and epidemiologic evidence, equivocal and contrary evidence also exists. It is concluded from this review that the quantity, breadth, and strength of evidence-based knowledge are currently insufficient to establish periodontal therapy as influential in improving glycemic control in either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Further rigorous, systematic study of the effects of treating periodontal infection on glycemic control is warranted.

Blood Glucose↗

Dexfenfluramine in obese Chinese NIDDM patients. A placebo-controlled investigation of the effects on body weight, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety, efficacy, and metabolic effects of dexfenfluramine in obese Chinese NIDDM patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients, mean (+/- SD) body weight 76.2 +/- 8.5 kg with corresponding BMI 31.1 +/- 2.1 kg/m2, were randomized into a two-phase study, after a 2-week single-blind run-in period on placebo. Phase 1 was a randomized 3-month double-blind placebo-controlled trial during which either dexfenfluramine or placebo was added to the existing treatment regimens of diet plus or minus sulfonylureas without metformin. Phase 2 was a further 3-month single-blind trial during which the placebo group was given dexfenfluramine without patients' knowledge of changing to active medication, while the active group continued with dexfenfluramine. Body weight, glycemic control, blood pressure, lipids, and quality of life were assessed before and at 3 and 6 months after randomization. A total of 27 patients were also followed for an additional period of 6-12 months (215 +/- 53 days) after dexfenfluramine treatment was withdrawn. RESULTS: During the run-in period, both groups were comparable for all parameters measured. At 3 months, mean changes in BMI were -1.2 +/- 1.0 kg/m2 (dexfenfluramine) vs. -0.1 +/- 0.5 kg/m2 (placebo) (P < 0.001). The mean changes in fasting plasma glucose were -1.14 +/- 0.99 vs. 0.51 +/- 1.34 mmol/l (dexfenfluramine vs. placebo, P = 0.004). HbA(1c) also significantly improved in the dexfenfluramine group (-0.80 +/- 0.53 vs. 0.25 +/- 0.64%, P < 0.001). During the 3-month single-blind dexfenfluramine treatment in the ex-placebo group, there were similar improvements in body weight and glycemic indexes. After cessation of dexfenfluramine therapy at 6 months, significant increases in body weight and glycemic indexes, almost back to the baseline, were observed for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dexfenfluramine aids weight loss and improves glycemic control in obese Chinese NIDDM patients over a 3- to 6-month period. These effects are emphasized after withdrawal of treatment and further support the longer-term use of dexfenfluramine for chronic complicated obesity.

Adult↗

[Relations of glycemic control to diabetic nephropathy in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)--a pair-matched case-control study].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relations between glycemic control and development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on two groups of NIDDM patients, one group without proteinuria (< 300 mg/day, n = 106) and the other group with proteinuria (> or = 500 mg/day, n = 106). The two groups were matched by age <or= +/- 3yrs, sex, race and resident place. Information of these subjects including demographic, history of diseases, family history of diseases, life-style and behavior style was obtained by self-administered questionnaire. Variables including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), quantity of protein in 24-h urine were measured. Successful glycemic control denoted that the mean value of FBG's surveillance was less than 140 mg/dl after the occurrence of DM (the duration to the development of DN for the patients with DN.). Conditional logistic regression analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Results from univariate analysis showed that development of proteinuria was associated with glycemic control, the FBG level at diagnosis of NIDDM and the highest FBG level in the past. The corresponding odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 0.43 (0.25 - 0.75); 1.34 (1.05 - 1.72) and 1.35 (1.07 - 1.70) respectively. When data were adjusted by possible confounding factors, the relation of glycemic control to DN still existed, but the other two relations disappeared. CONCLUSION: Successful glycemic control decreased the occurrence risk of DN, independent of other risk factors including diabetic duration.

Adult↗

The role of socioeconomic status, depression, quality of life, and glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that poor glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with depression and poor quality of life (QOL), with a higher prevalence in persons of lower socioeconomic status (SES). STUDY DESIGN: Subjects with T1DM age 8 to 17 years (n = 222) were evaluated using the Childrens Depression Inventory, the Hollingshead Four-Factor Index to determine SES, and PedsQL questionnaires to ascertain QOL. HbAlC > 8% was considered indicative of poor glycemic control. RESULTS: A total of 110 well-controlled subjects and 112 poorly controlled subjects (HbA1C 7.1% +/- 0.7% vs 9.9% +/- 1.6%) were recruited. It was found that 9.5% of poorly controlled subjects were depressed, compared with 3% of well-controlled subjects. Logistic regression revealed a 27% increase in probability of depression per unit rise in HbA1C (P < .03). Higher SES was associated with better glycemic control (P < .0005) and QOL (P < .0005); longer duration of illness was not associated with poorer glycemic control. Diabetes QOL deteriorated with poorer glycemic control (P < .002). CONCLUSIONS: Poor glycemic control in peridatric T1DM is associated with lower SES and depression. The probability of depression increases as glycemic control worsens. Screening for depression should be routinely carried out in patients with T1DM, targeting patients with deteriorating glycemic control.

Adolescent↗

Glycemic control reverses increases in urinary excretions of immunoglobulin G and ceruloplasmin in type 2 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria.

To examine whether urinary excretions of plasma proteins with molecular radii of 45-55 A and different isoelectric points such as IgG (pI = 7.4) and ceruloplasmin (pI = 4.4) increase selectively in normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients, urinary albumin excretion rate (AER), renal clearances of IgG, ceruloplasmin and alpha2-macroglobulin, and creatinine clearance (Ccr) were studied in timed overnight urine samples of 36 diabetic outpatients and 16 control subjects. Furthermore, to examine effect of glycemic control on these urinary protein excretions, the same analysis was performed before and after glycemic control in 17 diabetic inpatients admitted for glycemic control. Renal clearances of IgG and ceruloplasmin were significantly higher in diabetic outpatients than in the control group, whereas AER and renal clearance of alpha2-macroglobulin did not differ. Glycemic control caused significant decreases in renal clearances of IgG and ceruloplasmin, accompanied with tendency for Ccr to decrease (p = 0.055). The present results, together with our previous finding of selectively increased urinary excretions of 45-55 A sized plasma proteins in parallel with enhanced glomerular filtration rate after acute protein loading, led us to conclude that enhanced intraglomerular hydraulic pressure may cause increases in clearances of IgG and ceruloplasmin, and that this change can be reversed by strict glycemic control in normoalbuminuric diabetic patients.

Adult↗

Improved glycemic control induces regression of left ventricular mass in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus has been associated with abnormalities of cardiac function and left ventricular hypertrophy. We sought to determine whether improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus will induce reversal of those abnormalities. METHODS: We prospectively studied 19 patients (mean age 40+/-9 years) with longstanding type 1 diabetes mellitus (28+/-4 years), who participated in a program of stringent glycemic control. Glycemic control was monitored with hemoglobin A1c levels, and improvement was defined as >1% (absolute) decrease of hemoglobin A1c. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiograms and ambulatory 24-h blood pressures were obtained at baseline and after 1 year. Left ventricular mass was determined using the area-length method. RESULTS: In the patients with improved glycemic control (n=12), hemoglobin A1c decreased from 9.8% to 7.8% (p< or =0.0001), interventricular septal thickness decreased from 10.3 to 9.4 mm (p< or =0.05), and left ventricular mass regressed from 205 to 182 g (p< or =0.05). Septal thickness and left ventricular mass remained unchanged in the patients who did not achieve improvement of glycemic control. Left ventricular internal diameters, posterior wall thickness, fractional shortening, E/A ratio of mitral inflow, E-wave deceleration time (DT), and ambulatory 24-h blood pressures did not change significantly after 1 year in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with regression of septal thickness and left ventricular mass without significant effect on systolic or diastolic function, in the absence of significant alterations in ambulatory 24-h blood pressures.

Adult↗

Potential short-term economic benefits of improved glycemic control: a managed care perspective.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data relating glycemic control to medical costs among patients with diabetes. The goal of this study was to examine the potential impact of improved glycemic control on selected short-term complications of diabetes and associated costs in a managed care setting. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort design and automated databases from January 1994 to 30 June 1998, adult members of the Fallon Clinic who were diagnosed with diabetes were identified and assigned to one of three study groups based on each patient's mean HbA1c level: good control (<8%), fair control (8-10%), and poor control (> 10%) groups. Inpatient (hospital or skilled nursing facility) admissions for selected acute (short-term) complications, represented by selected infections, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and electrolyte disturbances, and the associated medical charges were evaluated across the three HbA1c groups. Multivariate analyses were used to control for differences in several potential confounding factors among the study groups. All findings were expressed on a 3-year basis. RESULTS: Of 2,394 patients with diabetes, approximately 10% (251) had at least one inpatient stay for a short-term complication, accounting for 447 admissions. Over 3 years, the adjusted rate of inpatient treatment ranged from 13 per 100 patients with good glycemic control to 16 per 100 patients with fair glycemic control and 31 per 100 patients with poor glycemic control (P < 0.05). The corresponding mean adjusted charges were approximately $970, $1,380, and $3,040, respectively Among the 30% of the study population with long-term diabetic complications, the results were more marked; the adjusted admissions per 100 patients (mean charges) were estimated to be 30 ($2,610), 38 ($3,810), and 74 ($8,320) over 3 years for patients with an HbA1c of <8, 8-10, and > 10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In typical practice, better glycemic control is associated with a reduced rate of admission for selected short-term complications and, therefore, reduced medical charges for these complications over a 3-year period. The potential short-term economic benefits are important to consider when making decisions regarding the adoption and use of new interventions for the management of diabetes.

Adult↗

Glycemic control predicts diabetic extrarenal microvascular complications but not renal survival in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Control of blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose can slow the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, BP control may be of relatively more importance than glycemic control on the progression of DN. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of glycemic control on renal survival in a predominantly African American diabetic population with moderate-to-severe renal disease. DESIGN: This was a retrospective chart review of all diabetic patients seen in an academic nephrology clinic in 2001 and 2002 for renal survival and its predictors and micro/macrovascular disease. The weighted mean glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) over followup was determined. Mean GHb < or = 9 was defined as low, and GHb >9 was high. The effect of glycemic control on endpoints was determined by Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five diabetic patients (87.7% African American, mean creatinine =2.2 mg/dL) had sufficient GHb measurements. Compared to the high group (n=81), the low group (n=74) was significantly younger, had a shorter duration of diabetes, and worse renal function. No significant association of glycemic control with renal survival (ESRD) was seen. Glycemic control and the presence of DN were significantly related to extrarenal microvascular complications, independent of other factors. CONCLUSION: Glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) is not a significant predictor of renal survival in patients with diabetes and moderate renal disease. However, glycemic control does predict extrarenal microvascular complications in this population. Therefore, good metabolic control remains important in patients with diabetes and renal disease.

Black or African American↗

Pre-dialysis glycemic control is an independent predictor of mortality in type II diabetic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of pre-dialysis glycemic control on clinical outcomes for type II diabetic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and one type II diabetic patients receiving CAPD for at least 3 months were enrolled in a single institute. The patients were classified into two groups according to status of glycemic control. In the good glycemic control group, more than 50% of blood glucose determinations were within 3.3-11.0 mmol/L and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels were within 5%-10% at all times. In the poor glycemic control group, less than 50% of blood glucose determinations were within 3.3-11.0 mmol/L, or HbA1C levels were above 10% at least 6 months before peritoneal dialysis was started. In addition to glycemic control status, pre-dialysis serum albumin, cholesterol levels, residual renal function, peritoneal membrane function, and modes of glycemic control were also recorded. RESULTS: The patients with good glycemic control had significantly better survival than those with poor glycemic control (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in pre-dialysis morbidity between two groups. No significant differences were observed in patient survival between patients with serum albumin above 30 g/L and those with serum albumin under 30 g/L; between those with cholesterol levels above or below 5.2 mmol/L; and between those with different peritoneal membrane solute transport characteristics as evaluated by a peritoneal equilibration test (PET). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in survival between patients who controlled blood sugar by diet and those who controlled it by insulin. Cardiovascular disease and infection are the major causes of death in both groups. Although good glycemic control predicts better survival, it does not change the pattern of mortality in diabetic patients maintained on CAPD. CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic control before starting dialysis is a predictor of survival for type II diabetic patients on CAPD. Patients with poor glycemic control predialysis are associated with increased morbidity and shortened survival.

Blood Glucose↗

Predialysis glycemic control is an independent predictor of clinical outcome in type II diabetics on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between predialysis glycemic control and clinical outcomes for type II diabetic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). DESIGN: Sixty type II diabetic patients on CAPD were classified into 2 groups according to the status of glycemic control. In group G (good glycemic control), more than 50% of blood glucose determinations were within 3.3-11 mmol/L and the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) level was within 5-10% at all times. In group P (poor glycemic control), fewer than 50% of blood glucose determinations were within 3.3-11 mmol/L or HbA1C level was above 10% at least once during the follow-up duration. In addition to glycemic control status, predialysis serum albumin, cholesterol levels, residual renal function, peritoneal membrane function, and the modes of glycemic control were also recorded. SETTING: Dialysis Unit, Department of Nephrology of a single university hospital. PATIENTS: From February 1988 to October 1995, 60 type II diabetic patients receiving CAPD for at least 3 months were enrolled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidities before and during the dialysis period, patient survival, and causes of mortality. RESULTS: The patients with good glycemic control had significantly better survival than patients with poor glycemic control (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in predialysis morbidity between the two groups. No significant differences were observed in patient survival between the patients with serum albumin greater than 30 g/L and those with less than 30 g/L (p = 0.77), with cholesterol levels greater or less than 5.18 mmol/L (p = 0.73), and with different peritoneal membrane solute transport characteristics evaluated by peritoneal equilibration test (p = 0.12). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in survival whether the patients controlled blood sugar by diet or with insulin (p = 0.33). Cardiovascular disease and infection were the major causes of death in both groups. Although good glycemic control predicts better survival, it does not change the pattern of mortality in diabetics maintained on CAPD. CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic control before starting dialysis is a predictor of survival for type II diabetics on CAPD. Patients with poor glycemic control predialysis are associated with increased morbidity and shortened survival.

Aged↗

Relation between sense of coherence and glycemic control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

In this study, the authors examined the relation between glycemic control and sense of coherence (SOC) and the mediating role of psychological distress and of adherence to self-care behaviors in 67 people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In addition, 29 individuals without any chronic disease composed a control group. The authors determined glycemic control by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measures. The participants answered a questionnaire that included questions about medical data, an adherence to self-care behaviors inventory, Derogatis' Brief Symptoms Inventory, and Antonovsky's SOC scale. People with diabetes showed higher levels of psychological distress than matched controls, but similar SOC scores. A path analysis revealed that SOC was indirectly related to glycemic control, through adherence to self-care behaviors and psychological distress. Adherence did not mediate the effect of psychological distress on glycemic control In addition, the type of diabetes of the subject was directly related to glycemic control. The model explained 38% of the variance of glycemic control. The results suggest a possible role of SOC in the psychological and physical wellbeing of people with diabetes. SOC should constitute a focus of further research, particularly studies of possible psychological intervention to enhance SOC in people with diabetes.

Adult↗

Racial and ethnic differences in glycemic control of adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate glycemic control in a representative sample of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included national samples of non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans aged > or = 20 years. Information on medical history and treatment of diabetes was obtained to determine those who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by a physician before the survey (n = 1,480). Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c were measured, and the frequencies of sociodemographic and clinical variables related to glycemic control were determined. RESULTS: A higher proportion of non-Hispanic blacks were treated with insulin and a higher proportion of Mexican Americans were treated with oral agents compared with non-Hispanic whites, but the majority of adults in each racial or ethnic group (71-83%) used pharmacologic treatment for diabetes. Use of multiple daily insulin injections was more common in whites. Blood glucose self-monitoring was less common in Mexican Americans, but most patients had never self-monitored. HbA1c values in the nondiabetic range were found in 26% of non-Hispanic whites, 17% of non-Hispanic blacks, and 20% of Mexican Americans. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%) was more common in non-Hispanic black women (50%) and Mexican-American men (45%) compared with the other groups (35-38%), but HbA1c for both sexes and for all racial and ethnic groups was substantially higher than normal levels. Those with HbA1c > 8% included 52% of insulin-treated patients and 42% of those taking oral agents. There was no relationship of glycemic control to socioeconomic status or access to medical care in any racial or ethnic group. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that many patients with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. have poor glycemic control, placing them at high risk of diabetic complications. Non-Hispanic black women, Mexican-American men, and patients treated with insulin and oral agents were disproportionately represented among those in poor glycemic control. Clinical, public health, and research efforts should focus on more effective methods to control blood glucose in patients with diabetes.

Adult↗

Driving distance as a barrier to glycemic control in diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in treatment of diabetes, many barriers to good glycemic control remain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between glycemic control and the driving distance from home to the site of primary care. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Vermont Diabetes Information System. PARTICIPANTS: Nine-hundred and seventy-three adults with diabetes in primary care. The mean age was 64.9 years, 57% were female, and 18.4% used insulin. MEASUREMENTS: Hemoglobin A1c, shortest driving distance from a patient's home to the site of primary care calculated by geographic software, self-reported gender, age, education, income, marital status, race, insurance coverage, diabetic complications, and use of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. RESULTS: Controlling for social, demographic, seasonal, and treatment variables, there was a positive, significant relationship between glycemic control and driving distance (beta=+0.07%/10 km, P<.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]=+0.03, +0.11). Driving distance had a stronger association with glycemic control among insulin users (beta=+0.22%/10 km, P=.016, 95% CI=+0.04, +0.40) than among noninsulin users (beta=+0.06%/10 km, P=.006, 95% CI=+0.02, +0.10). CONCLUSION: Longer driving distances from home to the site of primary care were associated with poorer glycemic control in this population of older, rural subjects. While the mechanism for this effect is not known, providers should be aware of this potential barrier to good glycemic control.

Adult↗