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Studies indicate, that the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level underestimates the mean blood glucose level in patients with Type 1- and Type 2 diabetes on haemodialysis. In patients receiving peritoneal dialysis the validity of HbA1c level is undetermined. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) could be an option for patients with diabetes receiving dialysis to assess the mean blood glucose level independently of the HbA1c level. In addition, CGM makes it possible to investigate periodic hypo- and hyperglycaemia and glucose variability. The evidence for the use of CGM in the dialysis population is limited but could represent an improved approach to glycaemic control.

Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues including liraglutide is a new treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes. Treatment with liraglutide decreases HbA1c by 1-2%, and additionally liraglutide has a reducing effect on weight, lipids and blood pressure. Most adverse events are related to the gastrointestinal system and most often they disappear within a few weeks. The risk of major hypoglycaemic episodes is minimal. Long term data on treatment and adverse events with liraglutide are still lacking.

The resolution of diabetes after gastric bypass is already observed during the first days after the operation, while the control of diabetes after gastric banding occurs after weight loss. Other mechanisms than weight loss must therefore explain the improved glucose tolerance. Focus has been on appetite-regulating gut hormone, particularly peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide-1. Nevertheless, other unknown hormones or mechanisms may be involved in the dramatic changes in the glucose metabolism. Development of new drugs and treatments based on the endocrine changes observed after bariatric surgery with the aim of curing type 2-diabetes are warranted.

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubidecarenone) is marketed as a dietary supplement. Drug interaction between coenzyme Q10 and warfarin has previously been reported. In the present case, a 72-year-old female treated with warfarin showed less responsiveness to warfarin than previously. It appeared she had taken coenzyme Q10, and when this was stopped, her responsiveness to warfarin was the same as before. Coenzyme Q10 is chemically similar to K-vitamins, which may explain the interaction with warfarin. Patients in treatment with warfarin should be aware of the possible risk of treatment failure when taking coenzyme Q10. The need for questioning patients concerning not only medications but also use of dietary supplements and alternative medications is emphasised.

This report describes three cases of hyponatraemia/syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. The cases are most likely caused by treatment/intoxication with three different selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Fluoxetine, paroxetine and citalopram. All three patients were elderly women (75-83 years). Serum sodium values returned to normal or near normal after discontinuation of the drug and concomitant fluid restriction. Hyponatraemia has previously been described as an adverse effect to fluoxetine and paroxetine, but not to citalopram.

The purpose of this study was to assess the results of group treatment in obesity. Patients referred to a department of endocrinology were on referral given individual diet counselling, and the patients were then seen every second week for control weighing and supplemental counselling either in groups of 10-12, or individually. One hundred and twenty-three (97 female and 26 male) patients who during a two year period, 1991-1993, were referred to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Endocrinology were identified. Ninety-five percent of the patients were markedly obese, body mass index > 30 m2/kg. Seventy percent of the patients continued the treatment and were either followed in the groups or individually. The patients followed in the groups (n = 66) lost 5.2 kg during 127 days (median), and this is not significantly different from those followed individually (n = 22) who lost 4.9 kg during 98 days. In conclusion, only a small weight reduction is seen in obese patients treated either in groups or individually. These results are comparable with previously reported results from a Danish study only using individual counselling.