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Background: Insulin resistance is often implicated as a risk factor of cell-mediated immune dysfunction in sepsis patients and results in poor clinical outcome. However, it is unclear whether early insulin resistance is contributory to T-cell dysfunction and poor clinical outcome in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods: Adult patients with moderate-to-severe or critically ill COVID-19 infection were included in this study. Serum samples were collected at the time of diagnosis for fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum cortisol, and serum glucagon measurements, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) score was calculated. Results: One hundred and twenty-six subjects with a mean (standard deviation) age of 49.6 (16.3) years were recruited in this study, and 62.4% (78 of 125 patients) were male. HOMA-IR was a predictor of inhospital mortality with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) (95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.61 [0.49-0.73]). With a cutoff value of 1.91, sensitivity was 75.5% and specificity was 45.2%. Higher serum insulin was associated with higher survival with AUROC (95% CI) of 0.65 (0.53-0.76), and the best cutoff was 7.15, with a sensitivity and specificity of 62.1% and 64.5%. Serum cortisol was also a predictor of inhospital mortality with an AUROC (95% CI) of 0.67 (0.56-0.77). Conclusion: An independent association between baseline serum cortisol and poor outcome in moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients was observed. Hyperglycemia and HOMA-IR can also predict poor outcome in these patients with some accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This prospective longitudinal study aims to evaluate and compare the incidence of prediabetes/diabetes among women stratified at the baseline postpartum visit according to the prior GDM and NAFLD status. Methods: Of the 309 women with baseline postpartum assessment at a median of 16 months following the index delivery, 200 (64.7%) [GDM: 137 (68.5%), normoglycaemia: 63 (31.5%)] were available for the follow-up analysis (performed at median of 54 months following the index delivery) and were participants for this study. We obtained relevant demographic, medical and obstetric details and performed a 75 g OGTT with glucose estimation at 0 and 120 min. NAFLD status was defined by ultrasonography at the baseline visit. Participants were divided into four groups: no NAFLD and no prior GDM (group 1), NAFLD but no prior GDM (group 2), prior GDM but no NAFLD (group 3), and NAFLD and prior GDM (group 4). Results: The mean age of study participants (n = 200) was 32.2 ± 5.1 years, and the mean interval between the two visits was 34.8 ± 5.5 months. A total of 74 (37%) women had progression to prediabetes/diabetes [incidence rate of 12.8/100 woman-years]. The incidence rates (per 100 woman-years) were 8.6, 8.9, 13.4 and 15.3 in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio for incident (new-onset) prediabetes/diabetes in group 4 (reference: group 1) was 1.99 (95% CI 0.80, 4.96, P = 0.140). Among women with baseline NAFLD (irrespective of GDM status), the risk of incident prediabetes/diabetes increased with an increase in the duration of follow-up (3.03-fold higher per year of follow-up, P = 0.029) and was significantly higher in women who were not employed (6.43, 95% CI 1.74, 23.7, P = 0.005) and in women with GDM requiring insulin/metformin during pregnancy (4.46, 95% CI 1.27, 15.64, P = 0.019). Conclusion: NAFLD and GDM increased the risk for glycaemic deterioration in young Indian women. Future studies should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of lifestyle and behavioural interventions in such high-risk women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Data on postpartum metabolic outcomes with early GDM are scarce. • Women with early GDM had a significantly higher burden of postpartum diabetes. • There was also a trend towards worse cardiometabolic parameters in these women. Early GDM is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, however data on other outcomes are scarce. We evaluated women with early (n = 117) and classical (n = 412) GDM for long-term postpartum (median 32 months) glycemic and cardiometabolic outcomes and found a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes in the former [22.2 % vs. 12.6 %, p = 0.010]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) share a bidirectional relationship. Hyperglycemia occurring in the setting of either previously diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes is known to be associated with poor outcomes. Here, we aim to provide a simple and practical guidance on the diagnosis and management of hyperglycemia in admitted patients with COVID-19. The guidance is formulated based on experience of authors and relevant literature on the subject searched using Pubmed. Every patient admitted to a COVID care facility should be investigated for hyperglycemia using a combination of tests including capillary blood glucose, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c. Oral glucose lowering drugs can be considered in patients with mild COVID illness who have mild hyperglycemia [pre-meal blood glucose of <180 mg/dl (10 mmol/L) and post-meal blood glucose of <250 mg/dl (13.9 mmol/L)] and no contraindication to the use of these agents.. All patients with moderate-severe disease and/or hyperglycemia of greater severity should be initiated on insulin therapy. Hyperglycemia should be aggressively screened for and managed in patients receiving systemic glucocorticoids. This document provides a broad overview on the diagnosis and management of hyperglycemia at COVID care facilities and should be useful to a wide range of healthcare personnel involved in care of patients with COVID-19. • Hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcomes among patients with COVID-19. • Strategies for screening of hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19 have been highlighted. • Strategies for management of inpatient hyperglycemia, including steroid-induced hyperglycemia have been highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has immensely strained healthcare systems worldwide. Diabetes has emerged as a major comorbidity in a large proportion of patients infected with COVID-19 and is associated with poor health outcomes. We aim to provide a practical guidance on screening of hyperglycemia in persons without known diabetes in low resource settings. We reviewed the available guidelines on this subject and proposed an algorithm based on simple measures of blood glucose (BG) which can be implemented by healthcare workers with lesser expertise in low resource settings. We propose that every hospitalized patient with COVID-19 infection undergo a paired capillary BG assessment (pre-meal and 2-h post-meal). Patients with pre-meal BG < 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) and post-meal BG < 10.0 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) may not merit further monitoring. On the other hand, those with one or more value above these thresholds should undergo capillary BG monitoring (pre-meals and 2 hours after dinner) for the next 24 hours. When two or more (≥50%) such values are significantly elevated [pre-meal ≥8.3 mmol/L (150 mg/dL) and post-meal ≥11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL)], pharmacotherapy should be immediately initiated. On the other hand, in patients with modest elevation of one or more values [pre-meal 7.8–8.3 mmol/L (140–150 mg/dL) and post-meal 10.0–11.1 mmol/L (180–200 mg/dL)], dietary modifications should be initiated and pharmacotherapy considered only if BG control remains suboptimal. We highlight strategies for screening of hyperglycemia in persons without known diabetes treated for COVID-19 infection in low resource settings. This guidance may well be applied to other settings in the near future. • In-patient hyperglycemia is associated with poor clinical outcomes, especially in patients with undiagnosed diabetes. • We propose an algorithm for screening of in-patient hyperglycemia in low resource settings. • This algorithm should be researched further in low resource and other settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major public health problem, affecting about one in every six pregnancies globally. The guidelines provided by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) on diagnosis and management of hyperglycemia in pregnancy are widely followed. We aim to provide a critical appraisal of the recently published ADA guidance document, highlighting its strength and limitations with regard to the diagnosis of GDM. Methods and Results: We reviewed the recent ADA recommendations for the diagnosis and management of hyperglycemia in pregnancy. A periodic update in keeping with the emerging evidence, an inclusive diagnostic approach which increases generalizability, and a clear proposed approach for prenatal testing and postpartum follow-up are strengths of the ADA guidance document. On the other hand, its limitations are a lack of clarity on the applicability of diagnosis of GDM during early pregnancy, use of scientifically inaccurate terms such as "prediabetes" in the context of pregnancy and "overt diabetes prior to gestation" in the definition of GDM, and inconsistent use of terminology between successive publications. Certain issues which merit attention in future publications include a need for uniform global definition of GDM, demarcation of overt diabetes in pregnancy as a distinct entity, clarity on the diagnosis of GDM during early pregnancy, and clear delineation of timelines and appropriate testing strategy for the first prenatal visit. Conclusions: This article provides a critical appraisal of the recently published ADA guidance document with regard to the diagnosis of GDM. We also share our perspective on issues warranting attention in the future publications. Experts from various professional organizations should aim for a consensus document which can resolve existing controversies in this field, and help clinicians and researchers achieve better health for women in their care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented in which author discusses bidirectional association between COVID-19 and diabetes. Topics discussed include importance of recognizing and treating hyperglycaemia, every patient with COVID-19; severity in patients with diabetes and poor blood glucose control due to COVID-19 infection; and need for vaccination.

• The incidence of postpartum diabetes mellitus in women with prior GDM from three South Asian countries is reported. • Incident diabetes was identified, in 310 (17.1 %) women [10.75/100 person years]. • Women in Bangladesh had a higher incidence of diabetes [16.49/100 person years]. To study, the incidence and risk factors for postpartum diabetes (DM), in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) from South Asia (Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka), followed for nearly two years after delivery. Women with prior GDM diagnosed using IADPSG criteria were invited at 19 centres across Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) following childbirth, and were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. The glycaemic category (outcome) was defined from an OGTT based on American Diabetes Association criteria. Participants (n = 1808) recruited had a mean ± SD age of 31.0 ± 5.0 years. Incident DM was identified, between childbirth and the last follow-up, in 310 (17.1 %) women [incidence 10.75/100 person years], with a median follow-up duration of 1.82 years after childbirth. Higher age, lower education status, higher prior pregnancy count, prior history of GDM, family history of DM, and postpartum overweight/obese status were significantly associated with incident DM. Women in Bangladesh had a higher cumulative incidence of DM [16.49/100 person years] than in Sri Lanka [12.74/100 person years] and India [7.21/100 person years]. A high incidence of DM was found in women with prior GDM in South Asia, with significant variation between countries. Women from Bangladesh had a significantly higher pregnancy count, family history of DM and overweight/obese status, despite having significantly lower age, which could be responsible for their higher rates of DM. Registration of this study: The study was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2017/06/008744), Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry (SLCTR/2017/001), and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03305939). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has the dubious distinction of being a hotspot for both diabetes and hypertension. Increased salt and sugar consumption is believed to fuel these two epidemics. This review is an in-depth analysis of current medical literature on salt and sugar being the two white troublemakers of modern society. The PubMed, Medline, and Embase search for articles published in January 2018, using the terms "salt" [MeSH Terms] OR "sodium chloride" [All Fields] OR "sugar" [All Fields]. India is world's highest consumer of sugar with one of the highest salt consumption per day. Increased salt intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis, cardiovascular events, renal stones, proteinuria, and renal failure. Increased sugar intake is directly linked to increased risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. Also, increased sugar intake may be indirectly related to the increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Both salt and sugar intake is directly linked to increased systemic and hypothalamic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, microangiopathy, cardiovascular remodelling, cancers, and death. High fructose corn is especially damaging. There is no safe limit of sugar consumption, as the human body can produce its own glucose. Being nature's gift to mankind, there is no harm in moderate consumption of salt and sugar, however, modest reduction in the consumption of both can substantially reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases. Public health interventions to facilitate this behavioural change must be instituted and encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Indian population is known to develop diabetes at lower body mass index (BMI) and younger age than their western counterparts. However, data on the prevalence of overweight/obesity in people with diabetes have not been well documented in the Indian literature. The current study also establishes time trends for the age of onset of diabetes mellitus type 2 in Urban India. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the current trend in the presentation of people with diabetes in a metropolitan city (Urban residents) in context to age, sex, and BMI. Settings and Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: Data captured in clinic electronic medical records from May 2015 to March 2017 are analyzed. The profile of newly diagnosed diabetes is also presented. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed descriptively and for statistical analysis, SPSS software was used. Results: A total of 1473 patients with age 52.6 ± 12.7 (mean ± standard deviation) and BMI of 27.86 ± 4.83 kg/m2 were analyzed. About 17.6% were overweight; 71.5% were obese. The significant higher proportion of females was overweight/obese (91.2% vs. 82% of males; P < 0.0001). Females had significantly higher mean BMI than males (29.19 ± 4.99 vs. 26.93 ± 4.83; P ≤ 0.001). Overall, mean HbA1c of patients was 7.84% ±1.61% with no significant difference between genders. However, there was no difference in mean HbA1c based on either gender or BMI category. Among people with new-onset diabetes, there was even higher proportion of people with BMI ≥23 kg/m2 (overall 89.1%, males 87.6%, and females 91.6%). About 43.8% of people presented at <40 years age. Totally, 49.5% of males presented at age <40 years as compared to 33.9% of females. Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity among people with diabetes in Indian setting is now as high as in western studies. Indians are now presenting with diabetes at even earlier age with higher BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence/Machine learning (AI/ML) is transforming all spheres of our life, including the healthcare system. Application of AI/ML has a potential to vastly enhance the reach of diabetes care thereby making it more efficient. The huge burden of diabetes cases in India represents a unique set of problems, and provides us with a unique opportunity in terms of potential availability of data. Harnessing this data using electronic medical records, by all physicians, can put India at the forefront of research in this area. Application of AI/ML would provide insights to our problems as well as may help us to devise tailor-made solutions for the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are a novel class of glucose-lowering drugs which act by inhibiting the reabsorption of filtered glucose from the kidneys. Their effect on insulin and glucagon levels has recently been studied but is not fully explained. This communication proposes various hypotheses: A direct effect of SGLT-2 inhibition on the alpha cell receptors, a paracrine or intra-islet mediated effect on alpha cell sensitivity to glucose, and a calorie restriction mimetic action, to explain the impact of these drugs on the insulin glucagon ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is common among diabetes, and is associated with poor outcomes. However, the data on this important relationship are limited from India. Objective: The aim was to estimate the prevalence of depression in patients with diabetes and to determine the association of depression with age, sex, and other related parameters. Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional carried out in endocrinology clinic of tertiary care hospital in North India. Cases were patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) above 30 years of age. Depression was assessed using the patient health questionairre-9 (PHQ-9). The relationship with sociodemographic profile, duration of diabetes, hypertension and microvascular complications was also analyzed. Results: Seventy-three subjects (57.5% females) with mean age 50.8 ± 9.2 years were evaluated. The prevalence of depression was 41%. Severe depression (PHQ score ≥15) was present in 3 (4%) subjects, moderate depression (PHQ score ≥10) in 7 (10%) subjects, and mild depression was present in 20 (27%) of subjects. Depression was significantly more prevalent in rural subjects (57%) when compared to urban ones (31%, P = 0.049). Depression increased with presence of microvascular complications, fasting plasma glucose, hypertension, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates higher prevalence of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes. Apart from being belonging to the rural area, no other factor was significantly associated with depression. Therefore, depression should be assessed in each and every patient, irrespective of other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin is the gold standard for treatment of hyperglycemia during pregnancy, when lifestyle measures do not maintain glycemic control during pregnancy. However, recent studies have suggested that certain oral hypoglycemic agents (metformin and glyburide) may be safe and be acceptable alternatives. There are no serious safety concerns with metformin, despite it crossing the placenta. Neonatal outcomes are also comparable, with benefit of reductions in neonatal hypoglycemia, maternal hypoglycemia and weight gain, and improved treatment satisfaction. Glibenclamide is more effective in lowering blood glucose in women with gestational diabetes, and with a lower treatment failure rate than metformin. Although generally well-tolerated, some studies have reported higher rates of pre-eclampsia, neonatal jaundice, longer stay in the neonatal care unit, macrosomia, and neonatal hypoglycaemia. There is also paucity of long-term follow-up data on children exposed to oral agents in utero. This review aims to provide an evidence-based approach, concordant with basic and clinical pharmacological knowledge, which will help medical practitioners use oral anti-diabetic agents in a rational and pragmatic manner. Pubmed search was made using Medical Subject Headings (MESH) terms "Diabetes" and "Pregnancy" and "Glyburide"; "Diabetes" and "Pregnancy" and "Metformin". Limits were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and metaanalysis. The expert reviews on the topic were also used for discussion. Additional information (studies/review) pertaining to discussion under sub-headings like safety during breastfeeding; placental transport; long-term safety data were searched (pubmed/cross-references/expert reviews). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloidosis is the term for diseases caused by the extracellular deposition of insoluble polymeric protein fibrils in tissues and organs. Insulin-derived amyloidosis is a rare, yet significant complication of insulin therapy. Insulin-derived amyloidosis at injection site can cause poor glycemic control and increased insulin dose requirements because of the impairment in insulin absorption, which reverse on change of injection site and/or excision of the mass. This entity should be considered and assessed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, in patients with firm/hard local site reactions, which do not regress after cessation of insulin injection at the affected site. Search strategy: PubMed was searched with terms "insulin amyloidosis". Full text of articles available in English was reviewed. Relevant cross references were also reviewed. Last search was made on October 15, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are recommended for use in antenatal mothers at risk of preterm delivery before 34 weeks. One common side-effect of these drugs is their propensity to cause hyperglycemia. A PubMed search was made using terms 'steroid,' 'dexamethasone,' 'betamethasone' with diabetes/glucose. Relevant articles were extracted. In addition, important cross-reference articles were reviewed. This review, based upon this literature search, discusses the available evidence on effects on glycemic status as well as management strategies in women with pre-existing diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus, as well as normoglycemic women after ACS use in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to provide a practical guidance on the use of intravenous insulin infusion for managing inpatient hyperglycemia. This document was formulated based on the review of available literature and personal experience of authors. We have used various case scenarios to illustrate variables which should be taken into account when deciding adjustments in infusion rate, including but not restricted to ambient blood glucose level and magnitude of blood glucose change in the previous hour. The guidance can be generalized to any situation where dedicated protocols are lacking, trained manpower is not available and resource constraints are present. • Insulin is the most rapid and effective therapy for achieving glycemic control in hospitalised patients. • This review provides a practical guide on the use of intravenous insulin for managing inpatient hyperglycemia. • The guidance can be generalized to situations where dedicated protocols are lacking, and trained manpower is not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of cognitive impairment with sleep quality, depression, and cardiometabolic risk factors among participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: Subjects underwent clinical interview to capture socio-demographic details, medical history, sleep quality, presence of depression, along with anthropometric and biochemical measurements. A detailed neuropsychological assessment [Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), Trail making A and B, Digit span, Spatial span, Letter Number Sequencing] was done. Cognitive impairment was defined as MoCA score of <23.Results: Participants (n=250, 50% women, 63.6% middle-age) had a mean (±SD) age of 53.6 (±9.1) years and HbA1c of 55.1±6.8mmol/mol (7.2±0.6%). Cognitive impairment was present in 57 (22.8%) participants. In the middle-age subgroup, cognitive impairment was higher (23.9%) than those in the fourth decade (6.3%), but comparable (24.0%) to the older age (60-70years) individuals. Diabetes-related vascular complications [Odds ratio (95% CI) 2.03 (1.05, 3.94)]; hypertension [2.00 (1.04, 3.84)], depression [2.37 (1.24, 4.55)] and lower education [2.73 (1.42, 5.23)] had a significant association with cognitive impairment on multivariate logistic regression analysis.Conclusion: The high burden of cognitive impairment calls for an urgent need to establish longitudinal cohorts in midlife to understand this population's cognitive trajectories and see the influence of various bio-psychosocial variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses issues related to including Law of Therapeutic Parsimony as a cardinal guiding principle of therapeutics in diabetology.

The authors reflect on the effect free sugars for a healthy life. The authors state the recommendation of the specialized agency World Health Organization (WHO) concerning the limitation in the intake of free sugars. The authors also mention the prevalence of sugar intake and its risks for diabetes, obesity and unwanted health conditions.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Health economics in India: The case of diabetes mellitus," by R. Sahay, M.P. Baruah and S. Kalra.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the role of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) of educating the society regarding diabetes care in India.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes (HAPO) study which showed an increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes even with hyperglycemia less severe than that diagnostic of overt diabetes mellitus.

The article discusses a study which examines the directly observed therapy (DOT) patient-centred approach in the management of diabetes. The similarities between diabetes and tuberculosis in terms of detection, management and patient adherence are examined. The authors are concerned on the acceptability and efficacy of the DOT approach.

Background: Prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide. Identifying and targeting individuals at high risk, is essential for preventing T2D. Several studies point to mobile health initiatives delivered through personal smart devices being a promising approach to diabetes prevention, through weight loss. The aim of the mobile health and diabetes (mDiab) trial was twofold: to achieve 5% weight loss and to look at the association of weight loss with degree of engagement with the mDiab app. Methods: The mDiab randomized control trial was carried out among smartphone users who are at high risk for T2D mellitus in three cities-Chennai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi in India. The intervention was delivered through a mobile phone application along with weekly coach calls for 12 weeks. While individuals in the intervention group individuals received the app, which enabled tracking their weight, physical activity, and diet along with 12 weekly video lessons on T2D prevention and coach calls, the control group received usual care. Results: The intervention group experienced a significant 1 kg weight loss while the control group lost 0.3 kg (P < 0.05). More individuals in the intervention group (n = 139, 15%) met the 5% weight loss target than in the control group (n = 131, 9%). In the intervention group those who viewed the videos experienced greater weight loss (2.4 kg) than those who only attended coach calls (0.9 kg) (P < 0.01). Conclusions: An mHealth intervention helped to achieve moderate weight loss. Future studies should explore the sustainability of this weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]