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The aims of this study were to explore women's perceptions and experiences of being pregnant and having pre-existing type 1 diabetes mellitus, and to assess their physical, social, psychological, emotional and educational needs during their transition to motherhood. The qualitative design incorporated a purposive sample of seven women in their first pregnancy, who participated in one-to-one interviews with a researcher at 15-20 and 32-36 weeks gestation, and at 6-8 weeks post-partum. Qualitative analysis identified seven key themes from the data including: knowledge; physical and psychological impact; control and trust; catalyst to action; organisation of care and communication; attendance and intervention; expectations and systems. This study has shown that most women with diabetes who become pregnant are resigned to the fact that their pregnancy is considered high risk, and are willing to play their part to achieve a positive pregnancy outcome. However, they would also like to 'do the normal pregnant bit as well', 'normalise it and make it a nice experience' and make it feel 'less fragmented'. This woman-centred experience of pregnancy care, in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus, may motivate health professionals to revise their approach to care, prompt them to utilise the skills of each individual member of the multidisciplinary team to its full strength and potential, and assist in the provision of a positive, balanced and more holistic approach to care, specific to this client group.

human kidney has a key role in the regulation of blood glucose predominantly by reabsorption of glucose from the glomerular filtrate via sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) channels. These are expressed in the proximal renal tubules and are blocked by SGLT-2 inhibitors, which are novel pharmacological agents currently in development. Specific SGLT-2 inhibition results in significant increases in renal glucose excretion causing a net calorie loss and consequent weight loss, coupled with a lowering of blood glucose due to removal of glucose from the circulation. The main side effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors appears to be an increase in genital infections, although concerns remain about the potential adverse effects of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Dapagliflozin is the SGLT-2 inhibitor that is the furthest along in development, and is currently in phase III clinical trials. In this review article we consider the role of the kidney in glucose homeostasis in normal and diabetic subjects. We also review the history and concept of SGLT-2 inhibition, and discuss the future potential clinical utility of this promising new class of drugs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes Int 2010; 27(7): 311-316

Ordered nanoporosity in covalent organic framework (COF) offers excellent opportunity for property development. Loading nanoparticles (nPs) onto them is one approach to introducing tailor-made properties into a COF. Here, a COF-Co/Co(OH)2 composite containing about 16 wt% of