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Background: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare inherited condition due to lipoprotein lipase deficiency, characterized by hyperchylomicronemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Diagnosis is often delayed, thus increasing the risk of acute pancreatitis and hospitalization. Hypertriglyceridemia is a common finding in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), who may harbor FCS among the most severe forms. Aim of the Study: We investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia in a range indicative of FCS, in a large population of subjects with T2D. Methods: Within the large population of the AMD Annals Initiative, patients with T2D with a lipid profile suggestive of FCS [triglycerides >880 mg/dL and/or high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol <22 mg/dL or non-HDL-cholesterol ≤70 mg/dL] and their clinical features have been identified. Results: Overall, 8592 patients had triglyceride values >880 mg/dL in a single examination, 613 in two examinations, and 34 in three or more measurements. Patients with high triglyceride levels were mostly male (80%), with a relatively young age (54 years), short duration of diabetes (6.3 years), and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (9.4%). By stratifying this group of patients according to the severity of hypertriglyceridemia, more severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride levels ≥2000 mg/dL) was associated with an even younger age (52 vs. 54 years), even higher mean HbA1c values (10.0% vs. 9.4%), and significantly higher HDL-cholesterol levels (37.9 vs. 32.4 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Patients with persistently elevated triglyceride levels (n = 34), on three measurements, had a younger age; lower body mass index, HbA1c, and HDL-cholesterol levels; more frequent use of fibrates and insulin; and a higher prevalence of major cardiovascular events. Conclusions: Severe hypertriglyceridemia is a frequent condition in outpatients with T2D participating in the AMD Annals Initiative, and it is associated with male sex, young age, short disease duration, and a worse glycemic profile. Among patients with persistent severe hypertriglyceridemia, hidden FCS may be present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) impacts glycemic control and complications. This study examines the influence of depression on compliance with recommended annual diabetes assessments in patients within the Local Healthcare Authority of Romagna. From a clinical health psychology perspective, understanding how depression influences patients' engagement in managing their conditions is crucial. This insight can help improve healthcare services by ensuring they address mental health needs and thereby enhance treatment effectiveness and overall patient outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included residents of Romagna with incident T2DM from 2015 to 2017, followed from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. Depression was identified via hospital discharge records or antidepressant prescriptions. Adherence to diabetes care guidelines was measured using the Guideline Composite Indicator (GCI). Results: The study included 13,285 patients, with a mean age of 61.1 years. Prevalence of post-diabetes depression increased from 3.0% in 2018 to 8.9% in 2022. Initial analyses showed higher GCI rates among patients with depression. However, propensity-score adjustment revealed that by 2021–2022, patients with pre-diabetes depression had 5% lower compliance rates (p-value ≤ 0.05). Older adults with depression had reduced adherence, while younger adults with post-diabetes depression had higher adherence rates. Conclusions: Depression significantly affects adherence to diabetes care guidelines in T2DM patients, particularly among older adults. Integrated care models addressing both diabetes and depression are crucial for improving health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess the effectiveness of the intermittent-scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) system in preventing severe hypoglycemic episodes and in improving glucose parameters and quality of life. Methods: Four hundred T1D individuals were enrolled in a prospective real-word study with an intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring device during the 12-months follow-up. The primary endpoint was the incidence of severe hypoglycemic events. Results: 82% of subjects were naïve to the use of the device (group A) and 18% were already wearing the system (group B). The cumulative incidence of severe hypoglycemia (SH) at 12 months was 12.06 per 100 person-year (95% CI: 8.35–16.85) in group A and 10.14 (95% CI: 4.08–20.90) in group B without inter-group differences. In group A there was a significant decrease in SH at 12 months compared to 3 months period (p = 0.005). Time in glucose range significantly increased in both groups accompanied with a significant decrease in glucose variability. HbA1c showed a progressive significant time-dependent decrease in group A. The use of the device significantly improved the perceived quality of life. Conclusion: This study confirmed the effectiveness of the isCGM in reducing hypoglycemic risk without glucose deterioration, with potential benefits on adverse outcomes in T1D individuals. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT04060732. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The present study assessed the transitioning process of young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) in Italy. Materials and methods: We asked Pediatric Diabetes Centers (PDC) and Adult Diabetes Centers (CAD) to fill in a web-based survey on the current state of services, the number of transitioning adolescents with T1D within the last year, observations on limitations, and future directions. Results: 93 centers (46 PDCs, 47 CADs) joined the study. The total number of subjects with T1D being followed by a PDC was 16,261 (13,779 minors and 2483 young adults), while CADs had 25,500 patients. The survey showed an uneven situation. Only some services had a dedicated diabetes team (78% of PDCs, 64% of CADs). 72% of PDCs and 58% of CADs reported a protocol dedicated to transition. The median age for transition was 19 (range 16–25 years); the time required for preparing transition, indicated by both PDCs and CADs, was 5.5 months. A high percentage of CADs (80%) confirmed receiving sufficient clinical information, mainly through paper or computerized reports. The transition process is hampered by a lack of resources, logistical facilities, and communication between services. While some services have a protocol, monitoring of results is only carried out in a few cases. Most specialists expressed the need to enhance integration and continuity of treatment. Conclusions: The current situation could be improved. Applying standard guidelines, taking into consideration both clinicians' and patients' necessities, would lead to a more successful transition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity is a growing emergency in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Sex differences in obesity prevalence and its clinical consequences in adult T1D subjects have been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of obesity and severe obesity, clinical correlates, and potential sex differences in a large cohort of T1D subjects participating to the AMD (Associazione Medici Diabetologi) Annals Initiative in Italy. Research Design and Methods: The prevalence of obesity [body mass index(BMI) =30 kg/m2] and severe obesity (BMI = 35 kg/m2) according to sex and age, as well as obesity-associated clinical variables, long-term diabetes complications, pharmacological treatment, process indicators and outcomes, and overall quality of care (Q-score) were evaluated in 37 436 T1D subjects (45.3% women) attending 282 Italian diabetes clinics during 2019. Results: Overall, the prevalence of obesity was similar in the 2 sexes (13.0% in men and 13.9% in women; mean age 50 years), and it increased with age, affecting 1 out of 6 subjects ages >65 years. Only severe obesity (BMI >35 kg/m2) was more prevalent among women, who showed a 45% higher risk of severe obesity, compared with men at multivariate analysis. Cardiovascular disease risk factors (lipid profile, glucose, and blood pressure control), and the overall quality of diabetes care were worse in obese subjects, with no major sex-related differences. Also, micro- and macrovascular complications were more frequent among obese than nonobese T1D men and women. Conclusions: Obesity is a frequent finding in T1D adult subjects, and it is associated with a higher burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors, micro- and macrovascular complications, and a lower quality of care, with no major sex differences. T1D women are at higher risk of severe obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Depression in type 2 diabetes may heavily affect the course of the disease. In this study, we investigated, among new cases with type 2 diabetes, the incidence and clinical predictors of depression and determined the extent to which depression constitutes a risk factor for acute and long-term diabetes complications and mortality. Methods: In this population-based retrospective cohort study, incident cases of type 2 diabetes without a prior history of depression were identified from the administrative databases of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, between 2008 and 2017 and followed up until 2020. Logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors of depression. Cox regression models were used to estimate the risk of acute complications over three years, and the risk of long-term complications and mortality over ten years. Results: Incident cases with type 2 diabetes were 30,815, of whom 5146 (16.7%) developed depression. The predictors of depression onset were as follows: female sex, age > 65 years, living in rural areas and comorbid diseases. Depression in type 2 diabetes was associated with a 2.3-fold risk of developing acute complications, 1.6-fold risk of developing long-term complications and 2.8-fold mortality risk. Conclusions: Our findings highlight that depression is associated with an increased risk for complications in type 2 diabetes and mortality and should not be neglected. Therefore, it is important to promote screening activities and introduce targeted and personalized treatment for depression in order to reduce the risk of poor short- and long-term outcomes of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim is to evaluate whether depression in people with type 2 diabetes increases the number of Emergency Department (ED) accesses for acute and long-term diabetes-related complications during COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes; Emergency access; COVID-19; Acute complications; Long-term complications EN Type 2 diabetes Emergency access COVID-19 Acute complications Long-term complications 1247 1249 3 07/29/22 20220901 NES 220901 Introduction Mental disorders are leading causes of the global health-related burden [[1]]. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recently defined cardiovascular risk classes for subjects with diabetes. Aim of this study was to explore the distribution of subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) by cardiovascular risk groups according to the ESC classification and to describe the quality indicators of care, with particular regard to cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: The study is based on data extracted from electronic medical records of patients treated at the 258 Italian diabetes centers participating in the AMD Annals initiative. Patients with T2D were stratified by cardiovascular risk. General descriptive indicators, measures of intermediate outcomes, intensity/appropriateness of pharmacological treatment for diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, presence of other complications and overall quality of care were evaluated. Results: Overall, 473,740 subjects with type 2 diabetes (78.5% at very high cardiovascular risk, 20.9% at high risk and 0.6% at moderate risk) were evaluated. Among people with T2D at very high risk: 26.4% had retinopathy, 39.5% had albuminuria, 18.7% had a previous major cardiovascular event, 39.0% had organ damage, 89.1% had three or more risk factors. The use of DPP4-i markedly increased as cardiovascular risk increased. The prescription of secretagogues also increased and that of GLP1-RAs tended to increase. The use of SGLT2-i was still limited, and only slightly higher in subjects with very high cardiovascular risk. The overall quality of care, as summarized by the Q score, tended to be lower as the level of cardiovascular risk increased. Conclusions: A large proportion of subjects with T2D is at high or very high risk. Glucose-lowering drug therapies seem not to be adequately used with respect to their potential advantages in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction. Several actions are necessary to improve the quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to elaborate a consensus on treatment intensification strategies in patients with type 2 diabetes failing basal insulin supported oral therapy (BOT). The panel focused on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and basal insulin (BI) combinations. Methods: The authors developed a Delphi questionnaire organized into ten statements and 77 items that focused on: the definition of BOT and BOT failure, intensification strategies, fixed-dose combinations in general and the BI/GLP-1RA fixed combination. The survey was administered in two rounds to a panel of 80 Italian diabetes specialists, who rated their level of agreement with each item on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was predefined as > 66% of the panel agreeing/disagreeing on any given item. Results: Consensus was achieved for 71 of the 77 items. The panel agreed that the use of sulfonylureas in the BOT regimen is inappropriate. BOT failure was defined as individualized targets not being met for glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and/or postprandial plasma glucose. There was agreement that postprandial hyperglycaemia and/or presence of nocturnal hypoglycaemia or weight gain define BOT failure. Addition of a GLP-1RA to BI therapy was considered to be the best option for BOT intensification. There was consensus for the use of BI/GLP-1RA fixed combinations as valuable options to increase compliance and safely improve glycaemic control. The panel agreed in considering the fixed-ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) to be preferable to the fixed-ratio combination insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) in the control of glycaemia, body weight and cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: According to this Delphi consensus, the addition of a GLP-1RA may be the best option to intensify BOT. The BI/GLP-1RA fixed combinations may increase compliance and optimize the advantages of each of these molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of rapid-acting insulin analogues (RAIAs) and regular human insulin (RHI) on glycemic control, including long- and short-term glycemic variability as measured by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and pre- and postprandial glucose (PPG). Methods: PubMed was searched for studies published between 1999 and 29 June 2016. Randomised controlled trials of patients with diabetes that assessed the effects of RAIAs or RHI on glycemic control, focusing on preprandial glucose, PPG and HbA1c, were included. Only studies that reported both means and standard deviations for those outcomes were analysed; from these data, weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were generated to yield overall point estimates. The primary outcomes of the meta-analysis were the mean differences between RAIAs and RHI at the end of the study in PPG, preprandial glucose, and HbA1c. Results: Twenty-seven studies (n = 7452) were included. The difference in PPG between RAIA- and RHI-treated patients was significant—in favour of RAIAs—in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) [− 22.2 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 27.4, − 17.0 mg/dL; P < 0.0001] but not in those with type 2 diabetes (T2D). For preprandial glucose, there was a non-significant trend favouring RHIs in T1D; no data were available for patients with T2D. In patients with T1D, the between-group difference in end-of-treatment (EOT) HbA1c favoured RAIAs (− 0.13%; 95% CI − 0.18, − 0.08%; P < 0.0001), but was not significant in patients with T2D. The main study limitations were the small number and heterogeneity of the included studies. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that RAIAs are more effective at reducing PPG and improving HbA1c than RHIs in T1D. More data are required to assess the effect of these agents on glucose control in T2D. Plain Language Summary: In patients with diabetes, the risk of complications is increased by poor control of blood glucose levels and high blood glucose variability. Complications may include cardiovascular disease, eye problems and amputation. Control and variability of blood glucose levels can be evaluated using a range of measures, including (i) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level at the end of the treatment period; (ii) change in HbA1c level during the treatment period; (iii) fasting plasma glucose level; (iv) postprandial glucose (PPG) level; (v) change in blood glucose level after a meal. PPG levels following a meal are an important measure of overall metabolic control in diabetes, and reduction of glycemic variability (GV) can be achieved via reductions in PPG. Both rapid-acting insulin analogues (RAIAs; aspart, glulisine and lispro) and regular human insulin (RHI) are widely used in the management of diabetes. Using data from 27 randomised controlled trials involving more than 7000 patients, we investigated the impact of RAIAs and RHI on measures of glycemic control and variability in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our results show that, in patients with T1D, RAIAs are more effective than RHI at reducing PPG excursions and HbA1c. This indicates that glycemic control is better with RAIAs than with RHI. More data are required to assess the effects of RAIAs and RHI on glycemic control and variability in patients with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialists who practiced in Northern Italy or cared for >= 50 T1D patients were more likely to prescribe SGLT-2 inhibitors to their T1D patients. Only 50% of the specialists who prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitors to T1D patients asked patients to sign an informed consent for the off-label use of these drugs. Ninety-six percent of the specialists who prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitors to T1D patients reported that their patients were satisfied with use of these drugs adjunct to insulin. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: To assess use of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the context of a continuous quality improvement initiative (AMD Annals).Methods: 14 quality-of-care indicators were developed, including frequency of SMBG, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and post-prandial glucose (PPG) levels, and hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia episodes. Clinical data and SMBG values downloaded from any glucose meter were obtained from electronic medical records. The most frequently used glucose-lowering treatment regimens were identified and the indicators were assessed separately by regimen.Results: Overall, 21 Italian centers and 13,331 patients (accounting for 35,657 HbA1c tests and 8.44 million SMBG values collected during 2014 and 2015) were included in the analysis; 11 therapeutic regimens were selected. Patients in regimens not including insulin performed 15-23 measurements per patient-month, those treated with basal insulin 32.1 tests/patient-month, and those treated with basal and short-acting insulin 53-58 tests/patient-month. In all treatment regimens, PPG measurements represented a minority of all tests; pre-breakfast measurements accounted for about 50% of all FBG values. Mean FBG levels exceeded 130 mg/dl in 49.3-88.3% of the cases in the different treatment regimens, while PPG levels were over 140 mg/dl in 46.7-81.0%. From 5.7 to 32.7%, patients in the different regimens had at least one episode of hypoglycemia (< 70 mg/dl), while from 3.7 to 47.7% had at least one episode of hyperglycemia (> 300 mg/dl).Conclusions: SMBG is underutilized in patients with T2DM treated or not with insulin. In all treatment groups, PPG is seldom investigated. Poor metabolic control and rates of hyper- and hypoglycemia deserve consideration in all treatment groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe characteristics relevant in case of an unplanned pregnancy for T1D or T2D women of childbearing age.Methods: We analyzed the 2011 AMD-Annals dataset, compiling information from 300 clinics (28,840 T1D patients and 532,651 T2D patients). A risk score of unfavorable conditions for pregnancy included HbA1c > 8.0%; BMI ≥ 35; systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg; microalbuminuria/proteinuria; use of statins, ACE inhibitors, ARB; use of diabetes drugs other than metformin/insulin.Results: The proportion of T2D cases increased from 30.8% (95% CI 29.9–32.4) at age 18–30 years to 67.5% (66.6–68.5) at age 36–45 years. The proportion of women with HbA1c < 7.0% was 20.4% (20.0–20.8) in T1D and 43.4% (42.8–43.9) in T2D women. Furthermore, 47.6% (47.0–48.3) of T1D women and 34.5% (33.9–35.0) of T2D women had HbA1c ≥ 8.0%. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was sevenfold higher among T2D than T1D women [49.9% (49.4–50.5) and 7.4% (7.2–7.5), respectively]. T2D women were more likely to have hypertension or microalbuminuria than T1D women. Almost half of the T2D women were taking drugs not approved during pregnancy. At least one unfavorable condition for starting a pregnancy was present in 51% of T1D women of childbearing age and in 66.7% of T2D women.Conclusions: Women with either T1D or T2D of childbearing age in Italy were far from the ideal medical condition for conception. Our data strongly support the need for counseling all women with diabetes about pregnancy planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This analysis was aimed to assess the incidence, regression, and correlated factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in type 2 diabetes, which are poorly known.Methods: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (defined as fatty liver index [FLI] score ≥ 60) in patients with type 2 diabetes, and related factors was investigated in a nationwide database containing information from the Italian network of diabetes clinics. A 10% variation of FLI was the cut-off considered in the analyses of a cohort of 5030 patients, which was separately conducted for those who developed, maintained, or recovered from FLI-assessed NAFLD (FLI-NAFLD) over a 3-year period.Results: At baseline, FLI-NAFLD was diagnosed in 61.3% of patients. Within the 3-year study period, FLI-NAFLD occurred in 313 patients and remitted in 410. The FLI score remained unchanged in 4307. Body-mass index (odds ratio, 1.45 95%; confidence interval, 1.35-1.55), abdominal obesity (2.11; 1.64-2.72), low HDL cholesterol levels (1.38; 1.02-1.87), and triglycerides (1.20; 1.12-1.28) all emerged as notable negative prognostic factors for the development or maintenance of FLI-NAFLD. The regression rate of FLI-NAFLD was higher among patients who managed to partially control these factors. Male sex and established organ damage, especially kidney function (1.64; 1.12-2.42), were independent risk predictors. Unlike other diabetes complications, FLI-NAFLD was more frequent among younger patients or those with a shorter duration of diabetes.Conclusions: FLI-assessed NAFLD is a dynamic condition, with about 5% of diabetic patients entering or leaving the status every year. Younger male patients with insulin resistance or organ damage have a higher risk of presenting with FLI-NAFLD at baseline, developing FLI-NAFLD within 3 years, and a lower probability of regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We studied the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its clinical correlates in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. Clinical data of 94,577 T2DM patients were retrieved from 160 diabetes clinics in Italy in a standardized format and centrally analyzed anonymously. After exclusion of 5967 cases (high or uncertain alcohol intake), in 38,880 the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) was used as a proxy for the diagnosis of NAFLD. Factors associated with FLI assessed NAFLD (FLI-NAFLD) were evaluated through multivariate analysis. Results. FLI-NAFLD was present in 59.6% of patients. Compared to non-NAFLD, FLI-NAFLD was associated with impairment in renal function, higher albumin excretion, HbA1c and blood pressure, lower HDL cholesterol, and poorer quality of care. ALT was within normal limits in 73.6% of FLI-NAFLD patients (45.6% if the updated reference values were used). The prevalence of FLI-NAFLD did not differ if the whole sample (94,577 cases) was examined, irrespective of alcohol intake. Conclusions. FLI-NAFLD was present in the majority of T2DM patients of our sample and metabolic derangement, not alcohol consumption, was mainly associated with the disease. FLI-NAFLD patients have a worse metabolic profile. ALT levels are not predictive of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) entails a worse cardiovascular outcome. The aim of our work was to study the relationship between CKD and the achievement of recommended targets for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and blood pressure (BP) in a real-life sample of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. We analysed a sample of 116 777 outpatients from the Network of the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists; all patients had T2DM and at least one measurement of HbA1c, LDL-c, BP, serum creatinine and albuminuria in the year 2010. The outcome was the achievement of HbA1c, LDL-c and BP values as recommended by International Guidelines. Results. In the entire sample, themean value of HbA1c was 7.2 ± 1.2%, of LDL-c was 102 ± 33 mg/dL and of BP was 138/78 ± 19/9 mmHg. CKD and its components were associated with poor glycaemic and BP control, notwithstanding greater use of glucose and BP-lowering drugs, while no association was found with LDL-c values. Factors independently related to unsatisfactory glycaemic control included female gender, body mass index, duration of disease and high albuminuria. Men, older people and those taking statins were more likely to reach LDL-c target levels. Male gender, age and high albuminuria strongly affected the achievement of BP targets. Conclusions. CKD or its components, mainly high albuminuria, are associated with failure to reach therapeutic targets, especially for HbA1c and BP, despite a greater use of drugs in patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Widespread use of carbohydrate counting is limited by its complex education. In this study we compared a Diabetes Interactive Diary (DID) with standard carbohydrate counting in terms of metabolic and weight control, time required for education, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction.Research Design and Methods: Adults with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to DID (group A, n = 67) or standard education (group B, n = 63) and followed for 6 months. A subgroup also completed the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and World Health Organization-Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (WHO-DTSQ) at each visit.Results: Of 130 patients (aged 35.7 +/- 9.4 years; diabetes duration 16.5 +/- 10.5 years), 11 dropped out. Time for education was 6 h (range 2-15 h) in group A and 12 h (2.5-25 h) in group B (P = 0.07). A1C reduction was similar in both groups (group A from 8.2 +/- 0.8 to 7.8 +/- 0.8% and group B from 8.4 +/- 0.7 to 7.9 +/- 1.1%; P = 0.68). Nonsignificant differences in favor of group A were documented for fasting blood glucose and body weight. No severe hypoglycemic episode occurred. WHO-DTSQ scores increased significantly more in group A (from 26.7 +/- 4.4 to 30.3 +/- 4.5) than in group B (from 27.5 +/- 4.8 to 28.6 +/- 5.1) (P = 0.04). Role Physical, General Health, Vitality, and Role Emotional SF-36 scores improved significantly more in group A than in group B.Conclusions: DID is at least as effective as traditional carbohydrate counting education, allowing dietary freedom for a larger proportion of type 1 diabetic patients. DID is safe, requires less time for education, and is associated with lower weight gain. DID significantly improved treatment satisfaction and several quality-of-life dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE -- Widespread use of carbohydrate counting is limited by its complex education. In this study we compared a Diabetes Interactive Diary (DID) with standard carbohydrate counting in terms of metabolic and weight control, time required for education, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-- Adults with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to DID (group A, n = 67) or standard education (group B, n = 63) and followed for 6 months. A subgroup also completed the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and World Health Organization-Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (WHO-DTSQ) at each visit. RESULTS -- Of 130 patients (aged 35.7 ± 9.4 years; diabetes duration 16.5 ± 10.5 years), 11 dropped out. Time for education was 6 h (range 2-15 h) in group A and 12 h (2.5-25 h) in group B (P = 0.07). A1C reduction was similar in both groups (group A from 8.2 ± 0.8 to 7.8 ± 0.8% and group B from 8.4 ± 0.7 to 7.9 ± 1.1%; P = 0.68). Nonsignificant differences in favor of group A were documented for fasting blood glucose and body weight. No severe hypoglycemic episode occurred. WHO-DTSQ scores increased significantly more in group A (from 26.7 ± 4.4 to 30.3 ± 4.5) than in group B (from 27.5 ± 4.8 to 28.6 ± 5.1) (P = 0.04). Role Physical, General Health, Vitality, and Role Emotional SF-36 scores improved significantly more in group A than in group B. CONCLUSIONS-- DID is at least as effective as traditional carbohydrate counting education, allowing dietary freedom for a larger proportion of type 1 diabetic patients. DID is safe, requires less time for education, and is associated with lower weight gain. DID significantly improved treatment satisfaction and several quality-of-life dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) on lipid pattern is controversial. To evaluate the long-term effect of semistarvation on lipid patterns, a group of severely obese patients [aged 37 ± 12 y, body mass index (BMI) 40.0 ± 0.9] underwent a VLCD for 8 wk. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), apolipoproteins Al (apo Al) and B (apo B) were analyzed every week. TC (6.07 ± 0.23 vs 5.53 ± 0.25 mmol/ L, P < 0.0008), HDL-C (mmol//L 1.26 ± 0.06 vs 1.04 ± 0.05 mmol/L, P < 0.0001), TGs (1.46 ± 0.19 vs 1.06 ± 0.10 mmol/ L, P < 0.0008), and apo A1 (1.57 ± 0.06 vs 1.32 ± 0.06 g/L, P < 0.0002) decreased, whereas LDL-C and apo B showed a bi-phasic behavior: they significantly fell during the first 3 wk, but during the last weeks returned to their initial values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical characteristics of 40 patients seen in an accident and emergency department after contact with jellyfish while bathing in the sea are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trials comparing Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Injection (CSII) with Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have been mainly focused on easily measurable outcomes such as glycated haemoglobin. Nevertheless, their relative benefits in terms of flexibility of lifestyle and quality of life (QoL) have been seldom investigated. Aim of this ease-control study was to compare QoL and treatment satisfaction in a large sample of patients treated with either CSII or MDI. On the occasion of a routine visit, patients completed the Diabetes-Specific Quality-of-Life Scale (DSQOLS), the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the SF-36 Health Survey. All the scores ranged between 0 and 100, with higher scores indicating better QoL/higher satisfaction. Overall, 62 diabetes clinics enrolled 1341 patients, of whom 481 treated with CSII (cases) and 860 treated with MDI (controls). The prevalence of females was higher among cases than controls (57% vs. 46%; p<0.0001). The former also had a longer diabetes duration (18±10 years vs. 15±10 years; p<0.0001) and suffered more often from eye complications (32% vs. 22%; p<0.0001) and renal complications (11% vs. 6%; p=0.0007). No difference emerged in terms of age, school education, occupation, and HbA1c levels. At multivariate analysis, after adjusting for socioeconomic and clinical characteristics, cases showed significantly higher scores than controls in the following areas of the DSQOLS: diet restrictions (β=9.96; p<0.0001), daily hassles (β=3.57; p=0.01), fears about hypoglicemia (β=3.88; p=0.006), and preference-weighted treatment satisfaction score (β=0.87; p=0.0025). Treatment with CSII was also associated with a markedly higher DTSQ score (β=11.5; p<0.0001) as compared with MDI. Finally, the DTSQ score of patients treated with CSII was significantly higher than that of patients treated with MDI including insuline glargine or NPH (p<0.0001 for both comparisons). In conclusion, patients treated with CSII have a lower perception of burdens and restrictions and a substantially higher treatment satisfaction than patients treated with MDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]