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Shift work is affecting 20% to 25% employees and is becoming increasingly prevalent in contemporary life all over Europe and USA. It is associated with several health problems, such as e.g. metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. These diseases are possibly due to an impairment of biological rhythm. The metabolic syndrome is a complex of interrelated risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has been demonstrated among shift workers. Rotating shift work has an impact on each component of metabolic syndrome. Shift work might also have an impact on metabolic variables, and be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Only a few studies reported prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism and diabetes mellitus in relation to shift work. There is rather strong evidence in favour of association between shift work and coronary heart disease and that has been repeatedly demonstrated during over 20 years of research. Recent data increasingly reveal relations between shift work and plasma resistin, ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Road transport drivers are one of the professional groups whose activities have a strong impact on public safety. In view of the nature of their professional activity, the drivers are at a higher risk of obesity and hypertension, and thus, indirectly, of carbohydrate metabolism disorders such as diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: Medical documentation was a source of data for the reported study. It derived from medical examinations of truck and bus drivers applying for the new category II driving licence or for prolongation of the one they already had. Results: Excessive body weight was recorded in 62.6% of the study population; 45.3% had overweight and 17.4% were diagnosed with obesity. Hypertension was noted in the medical records of 36.7% drivers. The prevalence of abnormal BP values was increasing with age. Overweight was found to be a risk factor for hypertension. Hyperglycaemia was found in 47.5% of the drivers and was also increasing with age. Conclusion: In road transport drivers, the high prevalence of excessive body weight and elevated arterial blood pressure as the risk factors for diabetes indicates a need to undertake multidimensional actions targeted on this particular profession and involving various health care sectors. Prophylactic and detailed pre-placement examinations should be considered, depending on the rate and intensity of the disorders diagnosed. This should be coupled with an introduction of primary and secondary prophylactic activities and monitoring of relevant treatment. A close collaboration with the patient’s GP is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The discussion on the relationship between diabetes and driving has continued in recent years all over the world. The issue of diabetes, its treatment models, the risk of hypoglycaemia and license to drive are receiving considerable attention. Driving ability is controlled by specific regulations. Polish legislation does not provide standard procedures for dealing with the question of diabetic drivers and driver candidates. The aim of study was to draw attention to some problems that may emerge when attempting to certify medical fitness of drivers or driver candidate to drive public service vehicles. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from standardised prophylactic examination forms of public transport drivers employed in a small company between 2001 and 2007. Fasting capillary blood was collected to be analysed with a blood glucose meter. Results: Diabetes and its diagnosing during obligatory preemployement or periodic medical examinations constitutes a serious problem. Abnormal fasting glucose levels were noted in 23 drivers (21.7%). Discussion: Our study shows that the occupational physician must take into account the possibility of glucose metabolism disturbances. The results demonstrate that an unified approach to diagnosing of diabetes mellitus during such medical examinations is not available currently in Poland. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop standard procedures to be used by occupational physicians for diagnosis diabetes mellitus and intermediate hyperglycaemia. Fasting capillary blood glucose measurement with a blood glucose meter may be used for screening, because it is easier, less expensive and less invasive than venous blood tests. Screening tests must be followed by oral glucose tolerance test using standard criteria in order to make the diagnosis. Frequency of periodic medical assessments in case of diagnosed diabetes mellitus or any intermediate hyperglycaemia must be determined. Specific situations must be identified when the consultation of diabetes specialist is mandatory with respect to therapy, risk of hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of new learning technologies and an increasing usage of the Internet have the potential of changing the image of postgraduate education. A rapid progress in innovative communication systems has lead to essential changes in conditions of acquiring knowledge and professional skills. This has resulted in the development of different educational models and the incorporation of computer-assisted education into training programs. In 2002, the School of Public Health at the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine has launched first in Poland the introductory course in occupational medicine specialization in the form of distance education. The course was recognized to be equivalent to the traditional face-to-face education. The training process was based on the use of CD-ROM. E-mail was used as the main means of communication to facilitate the exchange between trainers and trainees. Particularly wide interest in distance education among physicians specializing in occupational medicine indicates the need to consider the possibility of introducing consecutive courses, which are required for specialization or for other professional developments in this form of teaching. The purpose of this paper was to discuss the development and implementation of a distance learning course taking into consideration the academic and educational requirements necessary for effective education and training at the post basic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]