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Background/Objective: The effect of economic assistance to underprivileged families with type 1 diabetes has never been described. Such a study is relevant as logistic and cultural factors may preclude an anticipated good outcome. The objective of the study is to determine the impact of economic and educational intervention on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and diabetes knowledge. Methods: Eighty‐five consecutive participants were prospectively provided insulin and glucose strips for 1 year. From the 6th to 12th month, patients were randomized such that half of them (telephone group) received proactive telephonic advice by a diabetes educator, while the non‐telephone group received usual care. HbA1c and diabetes knowledge were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results: Significant improvement was seen in HbA1c with provision of free diabetes supplies, when patients were compared with their own HbA1c values during the prior 36 months (baseline [8.38 ± 2.0%], at 3 months [8.0 ± 1.6%] and at 6 months [8.1 ± 1.5%, P = 0.0106]). Knowledge score increased from baseline (48 ± 15) to 6 months (58 ± 13, P < 0.001). No difference was seen between the telephone and non‐telephone groups in HbA1c from the 6th to 9th and 12th month. The knowledge score showed significant improvement in the telephone group during the proactive telephonic advice study compared with the non‐telephone group (P = 0.002). Conclusions: The provision of free medical supplies improved HbA1c and diabetes knowledge. Intensive telephone contact improved knowledge, not HbA1c. These results provide important background for policy makers and diabetes management teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the clinical features and mutations in the steroid 5α-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2) in Indian patients with 5α-reductase deficiency (5RD). The SRD5A2 gene was sequenced in two patients with elevated testosterone ratio and in another patient with classical clinical features and virilization at puberty. The study concluded that p.R246Q is a common SRD5A2 mutation in 5RD patients in India.