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Abstract Background While previously considered a transient condition, with no lasting adverse impact, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is now a well‐established risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The risk of developing T2DM appears to be particularly high in the first few years after childbirth, providing a compelling case for early intervention. This review provides an up‐to‐date systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce incidence of T2DM in women with a recent history of GDM. Methods The search was conducted on October 20, 2023 with an annual surveillance planned for the next 5 years to maintain a living systematic review. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials of any type in women within 5 years of GDM‐complicated pregnancy that reported outcomes of T2DM diagnosis or measures of dysglycemia with a follow‐up of at least 12 months. Results Seventeen studies met our inclusion criteria and have been included in this review. There were 3 pharmacological and 14 lifestyle interventions. Intervention was not associated with significant reduction in the primary outcome of T2DM (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–1.41; p = 0.41; I2 = 79%) compared with the control group (placebo or usual care). However, meta‐analysis of the four studies reporting hazard ratios suggested a reduction in diabetes incidence (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.97; p = 0.03; I2 = 31%). Conclusion This review provides equivocal evidence about the efficacy of interventions to reduce the risk of T2DM in women within 5 years of GDM‐complicated pregnancy and highlights the need for further studies, including pharmacotherapy.

Introduction: To assess the performance of growth hormone stimulation tests (GHSTs) in the evaluation of short stature. Methods: It was a single-centre retrospective study carried out in children evaluated for short stature between January 2005 to March 2020. The clonidine stimulation test (CST) and glucagon stimulation test (GST) were used to assess growth hormone (GH) reserve (GST was performed only when peak GH levels were between 5 to ≤10 ng/mL on CST). A GH level of

Abstract Purpose We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of postpartum diabetes among women with a history of overt diabetes in pregnancy (ODiP) and compare with women having a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normoglycemia in pregnancy. Methods We have an established longitudinal cohort of postpartum women with a history of hyperglycemia (preexisting diabetes [PED] [n = 101], ODiP [n = 92], GDM [n = 643]), and normoglycemia (n = 183) in pregnancy. For this study, we excluded women with PED and invited other eligible women in a fasting state for clinical and biochemical evaluation. Results We evaluated 918 women with a mean (SD) age of 33.6 (5.0) years and at a median (interquartile range) postpartum interval of 31 (20–45) months. Diabetes was diagnosed in 65 (70.7%) women in ODiP compared to 99 (15.4%) in GDM (p 3 years postpartum. Diabetes was more common when ODiP was diagnosed in the first (27/29, 93.1%) compared to the second trimester of pregnancy (35/57, 61.4%). The adjusted odds ratio for diabetes in ODiP was 14.82 (95% confidence interval, 8.49–25.87; p

Abstract Objectives To explore associations between type and number of abnormal glucose values on antenatal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with postpartum diabetes in South Asian women diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM) using International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. Methods This post‐hoc evaluation of the Lifestyle Intervention IN Gestational Diabetes (LIVING) study, a randomized controlled trial, was conducted among women with GDM in the index pregnancy, across 19 centers in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Postpartum diabetes (outcome) was defined on OGTT, using American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Results We report data on 1468 women with GDM, aged 30.9 (5.0) years, and with median (interquartile range) follow‐up period of 1.8 (1.4–2.4) years after childbirth following the index pregnancy. We found diabetes in 213 (14.5%) women with an incidence of 8.7 (7.6–10.0)/100 women‐years. The lowest incidence rate was 3.8/100 women years, in those with an isolated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) abnormality, and highest was 19.0/100 women years in participants with three abnormal values. The adjusted hazard ratios for two and three abnormal values compared to one abnormal value were 1.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–2.54; p = .005) and 3.56 (95% CI, 2.46–5.16; p

Despite consensus on universal screening of women at 24–28 weeks for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, controversy remains on an appropriate criterion. The study is aimed to find out the sensitivity and specificity of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) criteria compared to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). A meta-analysis of studies comparing DIPSI as an index test to IADPSG as the reference test for diagnosing GDM was carried out. A total of 8 comparative studies were included. Pooled analysis showed a sensitivity of 0.44 [0.29 to 0.60] and specificity of 0.97 [0.94 to 0.98], which means the index test DIPSI will correctly identify only 44% of the subjects who have the disease (GDM positive) but it will also fail to identify 56% of the GDM positive subjects. Derek's funnel graph revealed fewerchances of publication bias. Though convenient, DIPSI criteria was not found to be sensitive enough for a diagnosis of GDM and missed an opportunity to improve pregnancy and subsequent long-term outcomes for a substantial number of women. Further studies should focus on comparing pregnancy outcomes for the two criteria, so that decision to adopt any criteria is more evidence-based.

Background: This project aimed to assess the impact of yoga on stress, metabolic parameters and cognition (attention & concentration) in adolescents, aged 13–15 years from public and private schools in two cities (Chennai and New Delhi) in India. Methods: The study recruited 2000 adolescents from 24 schools in a cluster randomized controlled trial design. The yoga group participants underwent 17 yoga sessions, which included: pranayama, basic asanas, meditation and relaxation exercises. Yoga sessions, were held in the school premises once a week. A total of five awareness talks on healthy lifestyle were delivered once a month to the education group. ADOlescence Stress Scale (ADOSS), salivary cortisol, metabolic and clinical parameters and Letter Cancellation Test (LCT) score were measured at baseline and post-intervention (5–6 months). Results: The yoga group showed statistically significant differences in the mean ADOSS score, metabolic parameters, salivary cortisol, and LCT scores compared to the education group. In the intention- to- treat analysis, a significant reduction [5.11, 95% CI (4.78, 5.36), p = 0.001] in ADOSS score was seen in the yoga group compared to education. Conclusion: Implementation of a 17-week standardized yoga program at the school level significantly decreased stress, improved attention and concentration, metabolic and clinical parameters in Indian adolescents. Trial registration: This trial was registered at Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI/2017/08/009203).

Abstract Aims/Introduction We aimed to evaluate and compare continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)‐based glycemic parameters in women in early pregnancy (

Abstract Background The growing burden of hypertension and diabetes is one of the major public health challenges being faced by the health system in India. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) that assist with tailoring evidence-based management approaches combined with task-shifting from more specialized to less specialized providers may together enhance the impact of a program. We sought to integrate a technology “CDSS” and a strategy “Task-shifting” within the Government of India’s (GoI) Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) System under the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) initiative to enhance the program’s impact to address the growing burden of hypertension and diabetes in India. Methods We developed a model of care “I-TREC” entirely calibrated for implementation within the current health system across all facility types (Primary Health Centre, Community Health Centre, and District Hospital) in a block in Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district of Punjab, India. We undertook an academic-community partnership to incorporate the combination of a CDSS with task-shifting into the GoI CPHC-NCD system, a platform that assists healthcare providers to record patient information for routine NCD care. Academic partners developed clinical algorithms, a revised clinic workflow, and provider training modules with iterative collaboration and consultation with government and technology partners to incorporate CDSS within the existing system. Discussion The CDSS-enabled GoI CPHC-NCD system provides evidence-based recommendations for hypertension and diabetes; threshold-based prompts to assure referral mechanism across health facilities; integrated patient database, and care coordination through workflow management and dashboard alerts. To enable efficient implementation, modifications were made in the patient workflow and the fulcrum of the use of technology shifted from physician to nurse. Conclusion Designed to be applicable nationwide, the I-TREC model of care is being piloted in a block in the state of Punjab, India. Learnings from I-TREC will provide a roadmap to other public health experts to integrate and adapt their interventions at the national level. Trial registration CTRI/2020/01/022723.

Abstract Aims/Introduction This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Indian women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed using International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. Materials and Methods This cross‐sectional study (2018–2019) enrolled women with and without prior GDM. Study participants underwent detailed assessments, including relevant medical, obstetric and demographic details; 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test with glucose and insulin estimation at 0, 30 and 120 min; and other relevant biochemical and anthropometric measurements. NAFLD status was defined by ultrasonography. Results We evaluated a total of 309 women (201 and 108 with and without prior GDM, respectively) at a mean age of 31.9 ± 5.0 years and median of 16 months (interquartile range 9–38 months) following the index delivery. The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in women with prior GDM (62.7% vs 50.0%, P = 0.038; grade 2 and 3 disease, 13.9% vs 6.5%). On logistic regression analysis (fully adjusted model), the odds of NAFLD were 2.11‐fold higher in women with prior GDM (95% confidence interval 1.16–3.85, P = 0.014). Overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (a measure of insulin resistance) were positively associated with NAFLD, whereas the Matsuda index (a measure of insulin sensitivity) showed a negative association with NAFLD. Conclusions The prevalence of NAFLD is high in women with prior GDM. Such women also have a high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors. Future studies should evaluate the intermediate and long‐term hepatic and cardiovascular risk, and the impact of lifestyle interventions in reducing morbidity in such women.

Abstract Background Hypertension and diabetes are among the most common and deadly chronic conditions globally. In India, most adults with these conditions remain undiagnosed, untreated, or poorly treated and uncontrolled. Innovative and scalable approaches to deliver proven-effective strategies for medical and lifestyle management of these conditions are needed. Methods The overall goal of this implementation science study is to evaluate the Integrated Tracking, Referral, Electronic decision support, and Care coordination (I-TREC) program. I-TREC leverages information technology (IT) to manage hypertension and diabetes in adults aged ≥30 years across the hierarchy of Indian public healthcare facilities. The I-TREC program combines multiple evidence-based interventions: an electronic case record form (eCRF) to consolidate and track patient information and referrals across the publicly-funded healthcare system; an electronic clinical decision support system (CDSS) to assist clinicians to provide tailored guideline-based care to patients; a revised workflow to ensure coordinated care within and across facilities; and enhanced training for physicians and nurses regarding non-communicable disease (NCD) medical content and lifestyle management. The program will be implemented and evaluated in a predominantly rural district of Punjab, India. The evaluation will employ a quasi-experimental design with mixed methods data collection. Evaluation indicators assess changes in the continuum of care for hypertension and diabetes and are grounded in the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Data will be triangulated from multiple sources, including community surveys, health facility assessments, stakeholder interviews, and patient-level data from the I-TREC program’s electronic database. Discussion I-TREC consolidates previously proven strategies for improved management of hypertension and diabetes at single-levels of the healthcare system into a scalable model for coordinated care delivery across all levels of the healthcare system hierarchy. Findings have the potential to inform best practices to ultimately deliver quality public-sector hypertension and diabetes care across India. Trial registration The study is registered with Clinical Trials Registry of India (registration number CTRI/2020/01/022723 ). The study was registered prior to the launch of the intervention on 13 January 2020. The current version of protocol is version 2 dated 6 June 2018.

Objectives. This is a diagnostic test research study to evaluate the various existing methods of thyroid examination and their comparison with the novel modified Rose method. It also aims to measure inter-examiner variation in clinical findings based on the level of education and training, as compared to ultrasonography. Methodology. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital with eighty-three patients presenting to surgery OPD with neck swelling. Each patient was examined by one trained Junior Resident and a Surgery Consultant with all the four methods and with ultrasonography. Data was analysed by Stata-14, agreement between the two categorical variables was assessed by Kappa. In case of continuous variable agreement was assessed by Intra class correlation and Bland-Altman plot. Results. Modified Rose method by the consultant has the highest sensitivity (98%) and diagnostic odds (210) as compared to others but its specificity ranges from 46.7- 91.1% to diagnose retro-sternal extension of a goiter. It has 93.98% agreement for identification of nodules. It has a high specificity (Consultant -100%, Resident – 95.5%) with relatively lower sensitivity (Consultant -94%, Resident – 86.8%) to diagnose solitary thyroid nodule (STN) but the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing a multinodular goitre (MNG) was high. However, the highest sensitivity to diagnose STN was highest with Crile’s method, but specificity was low. Lahey’s method was a better clinical method to palpate lymph nodes compared to the other three. Conclusion. Examination in modified Rose’s position is a better method of clinical examination of thyroid especially in patients with occult substernal extension. Lahey’s method is a better method to examine cervical lymph nodes.

Background: There is no published literature on the profile of patients with tall stature (TS) from India. This study aimed to evaluate the etiological and clinical profile of patients with TS referred to our hospital. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of records of patients referred to us for evaluation of TS (January 2007 to March 2020). Relevant clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and radiological data at presentation were recorded, and the final diagnosis reviewed. Results: The study included 16 subjects (6 boys, 10 girls) with a mean age at presentation of 13.2 ± 3.6 years. Most subjects were pubertal (n = 10) and belonged to the overweight or obese category (n = 10). The mean height and height standard deviation score (SDS) were 172.3 ± 20.3 cm and 3.6 ± 1.5, respectively, while mean mid-parental height (MPH) and MPH SDS were 168.8 ± 8.8 cm and 1.2 ± 0.9, respectively. The etiological diagnoses were familial TS (n = 9), acrogigantism (n = 3), obesity-related TS (n = 2), constitutional advancement of growth (n = 1), and Marfan syndrome (n = 1). The mean height SDS in subjects with acrogigantism was 6.4 ± 1.2 compared to 3.0 ± 0.6 in those with other etiologies of TS. Only one girl with familial TS and significantly increased predicted adult height (+4.56 SDS) opted for sex steroid therapy. Conclusion: Familial TS is the most common diagnosis among patients referred for evaluation to our hospital. One should consider the possibility of acrogigantism in patients with growth acceleration, extreme TS, and markedly increased gap between height SDS and MPH SDS. Most patients with familial TS require reassurance and sex steroid therapy should be reserved for highly selected cases.

Objective India is experiencing an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Mobile health technology may be a strategy to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. This paper reports on the effect of a mobile health intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods The mobile health and diabetes intervention was a 12-week reality television-based mobile health program application delivered via videos, short message service and infographics through a smartphone application followed-up weekly by health coach calls. mobile health and diabetes was conducted in a randomized control trial mode randomized controlled trial methodology in three Indian cities (Chennai, Bengaluru and New Delhi) with participants recruited via community screening events. This paper looks at the pre–post changes in cardiometabolic risks among the participants and the place of demography in influencing these. Results The mobile health and diabetes intervention group experienced a small reduction in waist circumference (1.8 cm) compared to the control group (0.5 cm, p

BackgroundThe incidence of preterm birth (PTB) in India is around 13%. Specific bacterial communities or individual taxon living in the vaginal milieu of pregnant women is a potential risk factor for PTB and may play an important role in its pathophysiology. Besides, bacterial taxa associated with PTB vary across populations.ObjectiveConduct a comparative analysis of vaginal microbiome composition and microbial genomic repertoires of women who enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on Birth Outcomes – A DBT India Initiative (GARBH-Ini) pregnancy cohort to identify bacterial taxa associated with term birth (TB) and PTB in Indian women.MethodsVaginal swabs were collected during all three trimesters from 38 pregnant Indian women who delivered spontaneous term (n=20) and preterm (n=18) neonates. Paired-end sequencing of V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was performed using the metagenomic DNA isolated from vaginal swabs (n=115). Whole genome sequencing of bacterial species associated with birth outcomes was carried out by shotgun method. Lactobacillus species were grown anaerobically in the De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar culture medium for isolation of genomic DNA and whole genome sequencing.ResultsVaginal microbiome of both term and preterm samples reveals similar alpha diversity indices. However, significantly higher abundance of Lactobacillus iners (p-value All_Trimesters

Drug therapy in diabetes care along the duration of diabetes has been documented scarcely in literature, especially from Indian subcontinent. An audit of an endocrine practice from New Delhi was conducted to understand the current diabetes practice and its direct cost to the patient. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the current trend in the use of antidiabetes as well as other drugs for comorbidities along the duration of diabetes. The study also aimed to analyze the direct drug cost to patients. Settings and Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: Data captured in clinic electronic medical records of an endocrine practice was analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Data was analyzed descriptively using machine learning codes on python platform. Results: Records of 489 people who attended the clinic during the 6-month period were retrieved. Data of 403 people with diabetes were analyzed after exclusion of incomplete data. Use of antidiabetic drug increased from 1.44 (0.78) [mean (standard deviation)] in people with a duration of diabetes

Dynamic tests are often considered as the backbone of endocrinology. These tests involve the use of an exogenous agent to manipulate the body's hormonal milieu for the diagnosis and characterization of an endocrine disorder. They are especially helpful in the evaluation of certain endocrine conditions, such as disorders of growth and pubertal maturation and disorders of sex development. A great deal of heterogeneity exists across clinicians with regard to the usage, methodology, and interpretation of these tests. This review outlines various dynamic tests used to evaluate adrenal and gonadal function in pediatric and adult endocrinology, along with their clinical application and interpretation.

Introduction The development of type 2 diabetes mellitus disproportionately affects South Asian women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The Lifestyle InterVention IN Gestational diabetes (LIVING) Study is a randomised controlled trial of a low-intensity lifestyle modification programme tailored to women with previous GDM, in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, aimed at preventing diabetes/pre-diabetes. The aim of this process evaluation is to understand what worked, and why, during the LIVING intervention implementation, and to provide additional data that will assist in the interpretation of the LIVING Study results. The findings will also inform future scale-up efforts if the intervention is found to be effective.Methods and analysis The Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) methodological approach informed the evaluation framework. Michie’s Behaviour Change Theory and Normalisation Process Theory were used to guide the design of our qualitative evaluation tools within the overall RE-AIM evaluation framework. Mixed methods including qualitative interviews, focus groups and quantitative analyses will be used to evaluate the intervention from the perspectives of the women receiving the intervention, facilitators, site investigators and project management staff. The evaluation will use evaluation datasets, administratively collected process data accessed during monitoring visits, check lists and logs, quantitative participant evaluation surveys, semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Interview participants will be recruited using maximum variation purposive sampling. We will undertake thematic analysis of all qualitative data, conducted contemporaneously with data collection until thematic saturation has been achieved. To triangulate data, the analysis team will engage in constant iterative comparison among data from various stakeholders.Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval has been obtained from the respective human research ethics committees of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and site-specific approval at each local site in the three countries: India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This includes approvals from the Institutional Ethics Committee at King Edwards Memorial Hospital, Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Centre for Disease Control New Delhi, Goa Medical College, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Christian Medical College Vellore, Fernandez Hospital Foundation, Castle Street Hospital for Women, University of Kelaniya, Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Birdem General Hospital and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research. Findings will be documented in academic publications, presentations at scientific meetings and stakeholder workshops.Trial registration numbers Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2017/06/008744); Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry (SLCTR/2017/001) and ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03305939); Pre-results.

Aim: To refine and contextually adapt a postpartum lifestyle intervention for prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.Materials and Methods: In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with women with current diagnosis of GDM, and health care professionals involved in their management, to understand relevant local contextual factors for intervention optimization and implementation. This paper describes facilitators and barriers as well as feedback from participants on how to improve the proposed intervention. These factors were grouped and interpreted along the axes of the three main determinants of behavior–capability, opportunity, and motivation. IDIs and FGDs were digitally recorded, transcribed, and translated. Data-driven inductive thematic analysis was undertaken to identify and analyze patterns and themes.Results: Two interrelated themes emerged from the IDIs and FGDs: (i) The lifestyle intervention was acceptable and considered to have the potential to improve the existing model of care for women with GDM; and (ii) Certain barriers such as reduced priority of self-care, and adverse societal influences postpartum need to be addressed for the improvement of GDM care. Based on the feedback, the intervention was optimized by including messages for family members in the content of the intervention, providing options for both text and voice messages as reminders, and finalizing the format of the intervention session delivery.Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of contextual factors in influencing postpartum care and support for women diagnosed with GDM in three South Asian countries. It indicates that although provision of postpartum care is complex, a group lifestyle intervention program is highly acceptable to women with GDM, as well as to health care professionals, at urban hospitals.

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

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate pattern of diabetic retinopathy (DR) during pregnancy in females with pregestational diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: This is an ambispective observational cohort study conducted at an Indian tertiary care centre. A total of 50 pregnant females with pregestational DM were included while those with gestational DM were excluded from the study. Ocular examination (inclusive of fundus photography) was conducted and systemic parameters (inclusive of Glycated hemoglobin) were assessed during each of the 3 trimesters and 3 months postpartum. The prevalence and progression of DR during pregnancy in the study cohort were the main outcome measures. Results: Three of the 50 patients had type 1 DM while 47 had type II DM. All the patients with type I DM were insulin dependent while 19 patients with type II DM were insulin dependent. Overall prevalence of DR was 8% (4/50); 2 cases had nonproliferative DR (NPDR), and 2 had proliferative DR (PDR). During the study period, worsening was seen in both the patients with PDR and one required vitrectomy. Mean visual acuity in patients with PDR decreased from 0.77 logMAR units at presentation to 1.23 logMAR at final follow-up. There was no change in the mean visual acuity of patients with NPDR. None of the patients with NPDR converted to PDR. There was no new onset DR in the patients without DR at presentation. Assessment of risk factors for DR revealed significantly higher duration of DM (14 ± 6.32 years vs. 3.43 ± 1.43 years, P = 0.0008). The median age was also higher in the DR patients (31 years vs. 29 years, P = 0.32). Conclusion: No new onset cases were seen during the course of pregnancy and no conversion from NPDR to PDR was seen; however, a worsening of the two PDR cases was observed. No cases of DR were seen in noninsulin-dependent DM. None of the four participants with DR showed a spontaneous resolution of DR postpartum. Patients with PDR and long-standing DM require careful observation during pregnancy. A registry of diabetic mothers should be set up for development of guidelines for managing such cases.

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.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder due to mutation of apolipoprotein-B receptor gene causing severe dyslipidemia. Lifestyle modification and medical treatment attenuate the disease progression, but as these fail to control the blood cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis comes forth as a treatment option. To the best of our knowledge, the following is the very first case of pediatric FH being treated by LDL-apheresis to be reported from India. A severely malnourished female child presented with yellowish skin lesions over different parts of the body, viz., bilateral Achilles tendon, both knees, elbows, both pinnae, and outer canthus of both eyes. She had a strong family history of borderline hypercholesterolemia and was diagnosed as a case of FH. She was maintained on diet modification. LDL-apheresis was planned as the cholesterol levels were not controlled with the diet modificationt. However, unavailability of an appropriate kit in India for LDL-apheresis led to the use of the modified PL1 kit meant for therapeutic plasma exchange procedures. We conducted two sessions of LDL-apheresis. After the first session, the LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) level fell by 75.9% and the total cholesterol fell by 73.5%. A second procedure led to a decline in total cholesterol level by 18.6% and LDL-C by 19.46%. Subsequently, she was advised diet modification and statin therapy with regular follow-up after every 6 months. Thus, the cascade filtration technique is a safe and effective treatment option for removing the undesired lipoproteins.

Background: Residents' perception on quality of endocrinology training in India is not known. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions about endocrinology residency programs in India among current trainees as compared to practicing endocrinologists. Methods: Trainees attending a preconference workshop at the annual conference of Endocrine Society of India (ESI) were given a questionnaire designed to evaluate their perceptions on their training. These evaluated the reasons for choosing endocrinology, their experiences during residency, and career plans. Practicing endocrinologists attending ESICON with at least 5-year experience were evaluated as controls. Results: Questionnaires from 63 endocrine trainees and 78 practicing endocrinologists were analyzed. Endocrinology is perceived to be the super-specialty with the best quality of life (QOL) but fair with regard to financial remuneration. Among current trainees, 61.89%, 31.74%, and 34.91% are satisfied with training in clinical endocrinology, laboratory endocrinology, and clinical/translational research, respectively. The corresponding figures for practicing endocrinologists are 71.78%, 25.63%, and 30.75%, respectively. Exposure to national endocrinology conferences during their endocrinology residency was adequate. However, exposure to international endocrinology conferences, research publications, project writing, and grant application are limited. Laboratory endocrinology is rated as the most neglected aspect during endocrine residency. Most of the trainees want to establish their own clinical practice in the long run. Very few trainees (17.46%) wish to join the medical education services. Conclusion: There is a good perception of QOL in endocrinology in spite of average financial remuneration. There is dissatisfaction with the quality of training in laboratory endocrinology and clinical research. Very few endocrine trainees consider academics as a long-term career option in India.

This communication explores the concept of flexibility, a propos insulin preparations and insulin regimes used in the management of type 2 diabetes. The flexibility of an insulin regime or preparation is defined as their ability to be injected at variable times, with variable injection-meal time gaps, in a dose frequency and quantum determined by shared decision making, with a minimal requirement of glucose monitoring and health professional consultation, with no compromise on safety, efficiency and tolerability. The relative flexibility of various basal, prandial and dual action insulins, as well as intensive regimes, is compared. The biopsychosocial model of health is used to assess the utility of different insulins while encouraging a philosophy of flexible insulin usage.

De-acceleration of aging and delayed development of age-related morbidity accompanies the restriction of calories (without malnutrition) in laboratory mice, nematodes, yeast, fish, and dogs. Recent results from long-term longitudinal studies conducted on primates have suggested longevity benefits of a 30% restriction of calories in rhesus monkeys as well. Among calorie restricted rhesus monkeys one of the mechanisms for the improvement in lifespan was the reduction in the development of glucose intolerance and cardiovascular disease. Although there are no comparable human studies, it is likely that metabolic and longevity benefits will accompany a reduction in calories in humans as well. However, considering the difficulties in getting healthy adults to limit food intake science has focused on understanding the biochemical processes that accompany calorie restriction (CR) to formulate drugs that would mimic the effects of CR without the need to actually restrict calories. Drugs in this emerging therapeutic field are called CR mimetics. Some of the currently used anti-diabetic agents may have some CR mimetic like effects. This review focuses on the CR mimetic properties of the currently available anti-diabetic agents.

Insulin is an important treatment modality of treating diabetes and insulin technique; is a vital component of the insulin prescription and of diabetes care. A thorough knowledge regarding insulin preparations, devices, injecting techniques and the problems encountered with insulin use are essential for both health care providers and the patients using insulin. This review highlights salient features of insulin technique, choice of delivery devices and storage of insulin in resource challenged settings.

Background: Alteration in homeostasis of calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone (PTH) predispose to vascular calcification that increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The data on this aspect are scarce in patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (SIH). Objective: The aim was to assess the effect of altered calcium, phosphate and PTH homeostasis in patients with SIH on intima media thickness (IMT), a surrogate marker of increased vascular risk. Methods: In this case-control study, we measured carotid IMT (CIMT), aortic IMT (AIMT) and renal arteries IMT (RIMT) in 30 consecutive patients with SIH, and compared with healthy subjects. IMT was measured by ultrasound by a single operator blinded to subject′s details. Results: CIMT, AIMT, RIMT values in patients with SIH were significantly more than healthy subjects (0.60 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.52 ± 0.09 mm, P = 0.001; 0.73 ± 0.09 mm vs. 0.65 ± 0.10, P = 0.004; and 0.34 ± 0.04 mm vs. 0.30 ± 0.05, P = 0.003, respectively). Clinical or biochemical parameters did not correlate with CIMT, AIMT and RIMT in patients with SIH. Conclusion: The vascular risk is increased in patients with SIH as assessed by CIMT, AIMT, and RIMT.

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.

Sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a recently developed class of drug that have been approved for use in type 2 diabetes. Their unique extra-pancreatic glucuretic mode of action has encouraged their usage in type 1 diabetes as well. At the same time, reports of pseudo ketoacidosis and ketoacidosis related to their use have been published. No clear mechanism for this phenomenon has been demonstrated so far. This communication delves into the biochemical effects of SGLT2 inhibition, discusses the utility of these drugs and proposes steps to maximize safe usage of the molecules.

This communication is the first of a series on South Asian fasts, festivals, and diabetes, designed to spread awareness and stimulate research on this aspect of diabetes and metabolic care. It describes the various fasts observed as part of Hindu religion and offers a classification scheme for them, labeling them as infrequent and frequent. The infrequent fasts are further sub-classified as brief and prolonged, to facilitate a scientific approach to glycemic management during these fasts. Pre-fast counseling, non-pharmacological therapy, pharmacological modification, and post-fast debriefing are discussed in detail. All available drug classes and molecules are covered in this article, which provides guidance about necessary changes in dosage and timing of administration. While in no way exhaustive, the brief review offers a basic framework which diabetes care professionals can use to counsel and manage persons in their care who wish to observe various Hindu fasts.

As the prevalence of these endocrine dysfunctions increases, the association of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and autoimmune thyroid disease is increasingly being recognised. While the causality of this association is still uncertain, the two conditions share a bidirectional relationship. The exact nature of this link has not been elucidated yet. Both syndromes share certain common characteristics, risk factors, and pathophysiological abnormalities. Simultaneously, certain etiopathogenetic factors that operate to create these dysfunctions are dissimilar. Polycystic appearing ovaries are a clinical feature of hypothyroidism, though hypothyroidism should be excluded before diagnosing PCOS. Adiposity, increased insulin resistance, high leptin, evidence of deranged autoimmunity, all of which are present in both disease states, seem to play a complex role in connecting these two disorders. This brief communication explores the nature of the relationship between PCOS and hypothyroidism. It reviews current data and analyses them to present a unified pathophysiological basis, incorporating these complex relationships, for the same.

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.

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.

Background: Our pilot data showed an increased intima media thickness in the patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (SIH). Alteration in homeostasis of calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) may predispose to increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The data on objective assessment of this increased risk is however lacking. Objective: To assess the effect of altered calcium, phosphate, and PTH homeostasis in the patients with SIH on coronary calcium score (a marker of increase vascular risk) by multidetector computed tomography scan (MDCT). Methods: In this case-control study, we measured coronary CT calcium score in 30 patients of SIH and compared with 40 age and sex matched healthy subjects. Correlation of coronary calcium score with biochemical parameters was evaluated. Results: Three of the 30 cases (10%) with SIH were found to have coronary artery calcification (CAC) of varying degree, whereas none of the control showed CAC (P = 0.07). The patients with CAC had significantly lower serum calcium levels (albumin corrected), as compared to the patients without CAC. Inverse correlation of CAC was found with serum calcium levels. No correlation was found with other biochemical parameters. Conclusion: The vascular risk is increased in the patients with SIH as assessed by coronary calcium score measured by MDCT. Low serum calcium levels might be a predisposing factor for this increased risk.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), also known as insulin pump therapy and multiple dose insulin (MDI) are the two main intensified insulin regimens that have been used to achieve strict glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus, especially with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Each mode of therapy has its own merits and demerits. CSII is a costly and complex therapeutic intervention, but on the other hand provides flexibility, improves patient’s quality of life, glycaemic control and decreases hypoglycaemic episodes in certain situations. This review will summarize current evidence on CSII vs MDI on various outcomes. This will help health professionals to select the most appropriate method of insulin administration for the given situation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v4i1.7249Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism 2014; 4: 22-29

Glucocorticoid-induced myopathy is the most common type of drug-induced myopathy. Nearly 60% of patients with Cushing′s syndrome have muscle weakness. Glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy affects mainly fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibers (type IIb fibers). This brief review will discuss the pathophysiology behind glucocorticoid-induced myopathy, along with diagnostic features and treatment.

Vitiligo in association with autoimmune endocrine disorders, especially with hypothyroidism, is not uncommon. Some amount of pericardial effusion is usually present in long-standing/untreated hypothyroidism. Here we describe the case of young male with, long-standing progressive vitiligo, presenting with congestive cardiac failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy and primary hypothyroidism. Cardiac dysfunction progressively improved with thyroid hormone replacement over a period of 2 years.