Lifestyle interventions for the treatment of women with gestational diabetes

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is glucose intolerance, first recognised in pregnancy and usually resolving after birth. GDM is associated with both short- and long-term adverse effects for the mother and her infant. Lifestyle interventions are the primary therapeutic strategy for many women with GDM.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of combined lifestyle interventions with or without pharmacotherapy in treating women with gestational diabetes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (14 May 2016), ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (14th May 2016) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised controlled trials comparing a lifestyle intervention with usual care or another intervention for the treatment of pregnant women with GDM. Quasi-randomised trials were excluded. Cross-over trials were not eligible for inclusion. Women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. All selection of studies, data extraction was conducted independently by two review authors.

MAIN RESULTS

Fifteen trials (in 45 reports) are included in this review (4501 women, 3768 infants). None of the trials were funded by a conditional grant from a pharmaceutical company. The lifestyle interventions included a wide variety of components such as education, diet, exercise and self-monitoring of blood glucose. The control group included usual antenatal care or diet alone. Using GRADE methodology, the quality of the evidence ranged from high to very low quality. The main reasons for downgrading evidence were inconsistency and risk of bias. We summarised the following data from the important outcomes of this review. Lifestyle intervention versus control groupFor the mother:There was no clear evidence of a difference between lifestyle intervention and control groups for the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) (average risk ratio (RR) 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 1.22; four trials, 2796 women; I² = 79%, Tau² = 0.23; low-quality evidence); caesarean section (average RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.05; 10 trials, 3545 women; I² = 48%, Tau² = 0.02; low-quality evidence); development of type 2 diabetes (up to a maximum of 10 years follow-up) (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.76; two trials, 486 women; I² = 16%; low-quality evidence); perineal trauma/tearing (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.18; one trial, n = 1000 women; moderate-quality evidence) or induction of labour (average RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.46; four trials, n = 2699 women; I² = 37%; high-quality evidence).More women in the lifestyle intervention group had met postpartum weight goals one year after birth than in the control group (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.90; 156 women; one trial, low-quality evidence). Lifestyle interventions were associated with a decrease in the risk of postnatal depression compared with the control group (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.78; one trial, n = 573 women; low-quality evidence).For the infant/child/adult:Lifestyle interventions were associated with a reduction in the risk of being born large-for-gestational age (LGA) (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.71; six trials, 2994 infants; I² = 4%; moderate-quality evidence). Birthweight and the incidence of macrosomia were lower in the lifestyle intervention group.Exposure to the lifestyle intervention was associated with decreased neonatal fat mass compared with the control group (mean difference (MD) -37.30 g, 95% CI -63.97 to -10.63; one trial, 958 infants; low-quality evidence). In childhood, there was no clear evidence of a difference between groups for body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85th percentile (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.11; three trials, 767 children; I² = 4%; moderate-quality evidence).There was no clear evidence of a difference between lifestyle intervention and control groups for the risk of perinatal death (RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.70; two trials, 1988 infants; low-quality evidence). Of 1988 infants, only five events were reported in total in the control group and there were no events in the lifestyle group. There was no clear evidence of a difference between lifestyle intervention and control groups for a composite of serious infant outcome/s (average RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.55; two trials, 1930 infants; I² = 82%, Tau² = 0.44; very low-quality evidence) or neonatal hypoglycaemia (average RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.52; six trials, 3000 infants; I² = 48%, Tau² = 0.12; moderate-quality evidence). Diabetes and adiposity in adulthood and neurosensory disability in later childhoodwere not prespecified or reported as outcomes for any of the trials included in this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle interventions are the primary therapeutic strategy for women with GDM. Women receiving lifestyle interventions were less likely to have postnatal depression and were more likely to achieve postpartum weight goals. Exposure to lifestyle interventions was associated with a decreased risk of the baby being born LGA and decreased neonatal adiposity. Long-term maternal and childhood/adulthood outcomes were poorly reported.The value of lifestyle interventions in low-and middle-income countries or for different ethnicities remains unclear. The longer-term benefits or harms of lifestyle interventions remains unclear due to limited reporting.The contribution of individual components of lifestyle interventions could not be assessed. Ten per cent of participants also received some form of pharmacological therapy. Lifestyle interventions are useful as the primary therapeutic strategy and most commonly include healthy eating, physical activity and self-monitoring of blood glucose concentrations.Future research could focus on which specific interventions are most useful (as the sole intervention without pharmacological treatment), which health professionals should give them and the optimal format for providing the information. Evaluation of long-term outcomes for the mother and her child should be a priority when planning future trials. There has been no in-depth exploration of the costs 'saved' from reduction in risk of LGA/macrosomia and potential longer-term risks for the infants.

Phase III, efficacy and safety study of ertugliflozin monotherapy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise alone

AIMS

To conduct a phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ertugliflozin monotherapy in people with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a 52-week, double-blind, multicentre, randomized, parallel-group study with a 26-week, placebo-controlled treatment period (phase A), followed by a 26-week active-controlled treatment period (phase B) in 461 men and women, aged ≥18 years with inadequate glycaemic control (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] concentration 7.0% to 10.5% [53-91 mmol/mol], inclusive) despite diet and exercise. Results from phase A are reported in the present paper. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 26.

RESULTS

At week 26, the placebo-adjusted least squares mean HbA1c changes from baseline were -0.99% and -1.16% for the ertugliflozin 5 and 15 mg doses, respectively ( P  < .001 for both doses). The odds of having HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) were significantly greater in the ertugliflozin 5 and 15 mg groups compared with the placebo group. Both doses of ertugliflozin significantly lowered fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels and body weight. The placebo-adjusted differences in changes from baseline in systolic blood pressure were not statistically significant. A higher incidence of genital mycotic infections occurred in men and women treated with ertugliflozin compared with placebo. There was no significant difference between treatments in the proportion of participants with symptomatic hypoglycaemia or adverse events associated with urinary tract infection or hypovolaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Ertugliflozin 5 and 15 mg treatment for 26 weeks provides effective glycaemic control, reduces body weight and is generally well tolerated, when used as monotherapy.

An alternative approach to modelling HbA1c trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

Time-dependent HbA1c trajectories in health economic models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are typically informed by the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS). However, this approach may not accurately predict HbA1c progression in patients who do not conform to the demographic profile of the original UKPDS cohort. This study aimed to develop an alternative mathematical model (MM) to simulate HbA1c progression in T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review identified studies, published between 2005 and 2015, that reported HbA1c in adult T2DM patients over a minimum duration of 18 months. Pooled data from eligible studies were used to develop an alternative MM equation for HbA1c progression, which was then contrasted with the UKPDS 68 progression equation in illustrative scenarios.

RESULTS

A total of 68 studies were eligible for data extraction (mean follow-up time 4.1 years). HbA1c progression was highly heterogeneous across studies, varying with baseline HbA1c, treatment group and patient age. The MM equation was fitted with parameters for mean baseline HbA1c (8.3%), initial change in HbA1c (-0.62%) and upper quartile of maximum observed HbA1c (9.3%). Differences in HbA1c trajectories between the MM and UKPDS approaches altered the timing of therapy escalation in illustrative scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

The MM represents an alternative approach to simulate HbA1c trajectories in T2DM models, as UKPDS data may not adequately reflect the heterogeneity of HbA1c profiles observed in clinical studies. However, the choice of approach should ultimately be determined by the characteristics of individual patients under consideration and the clinical face validity of the modelled trajectories.

[The nutritional education of patients with diabetes]

The nutritional education of patients with diabetes, in the hospital setting or in the community, is essential for ensuring good glycaemic control. It helps to combat preconceived ideas about diet and reinforces patients' autonomy in the management of their disease.

[Nutrition management in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of nutrition management in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG).

METHODS

Clinical data of 22 obese T2DM patients undergoing LSG from March 2013 to July 2015 in Fudan University Pudong Medical Center were collected. All the patients strictly followed the specialized instruction by nutritionists: diabetic and low calorie diet 3347.2 to 5020.8 kJ (800 to 1200 kcal) per day before the operation; low calorie liquid diet 2510.4 kJ(600 kcal) per day before operation for promoting gastric emptying; fasting diet before postoperative ventilation; clear liquid diet 1673.6 to 2510.4 kJ (400 to 600 kcal) per day after postoperative ventilation (liquid intake >2000 ml); low fat liquid diet 2928.8 to 3765.6 kJ (700 to 900 kcal) per day (protein 60 g per day at least, 2000 ml liquid) 2 weeks after the operation; semi-liquid diet 1 month after operation and gradually normal diet. All the 22 patients were followed up at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 months after operation on time. Changes of body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index(BMI), blood glucose indexes induding fasting blood glucose(FBG), 2-hour postparandial blood glucose(PBG), fasting C-peptide, 2-hour postprandial C-peptide, fasting serum inculin(FINS), 2-hour postprandial inculin(INS), HbAlc, blood pressure and blood lipid indexes were observed and analyzed before and 1 week, 1, 3, 6 months after operation.

RESULTS

The average age of 22 patients (10 men and 12 women) was 38.6 years (18 to 66 years). The duration of diabetes varied from 1 month to 15 years. Comorbidity included 12 patients of high blood pressure, 14 of fatty liver, 1 of coronary heart disease, 1 of gout, 1 of chronic thyroiditis and 1 of menstrual disorder. LSG was performed successfully in all the patients and no severe complications and transference to laparotomy occurred. As compared to pre-operation, at 6 months after operation, the average body weight decreased from (103.9±20.2) kg to (80.9±12.6) kg (t=6.294, P=0.000), waist circumference from (118.6±13.8) cm to (96.4±8.0) cm (t=6.331, P=0.000), hip circumference from (116.9±12.6) cm to (104.0±7.7) cm (t=3.854, P=0.000), BMI from (36.2±5.9) kg/m² to (27.9±3.5) kg/m² (t=5.630, P=0.000), showing a decreasing trend over time. There was no underweight patient after 6 months follow-up. As compared to pre-operation, at 6 months after operation, the average FBG reduced from (7.4±1.4) mmol/L to (6.0±0.9) mmol/L (t=3.172, P=0.003), 2 h PBG from (14.1±4.9) mmol/L to (7.5±2.2) mmol/L (t=7.026, P=0.000), FINS from (160.0±71.9) mIU/L to (43.8±20.8) mIU/L (t=7.259, P=0.000), 2-hour postprandial INS from (437.6±261.4) mIU/L to (140.5±104.6) mIU/L (t=5.858, P=0.000), fasting C-peptide from (1.1±0.6) μg/L to (0.7±0.3) μg/L (t=3.560, P=0.000), 2-hour postprandial C-peptide from (2.5±0.9) μg/L to (1.5±0.7) μg/L (t=3.865, P=0.000), HbAlc from (8.0±1.6)% to (5.9±0.6)% (t=5.953, P=0.000), showing a decreasing trend over time except FBG, 2h postprandial C-peptide and HbAlc(all P<0.05). FBG and 2-hour PBG of 16 patients returned to normal 3 months after the operation. Blood pressure and trigly ceride decreased obviously 6 months after operation compared to pre-operation with significant difference(P<0.05). At 6 months after operation, blood pressure of 8 comorbidity patients with high blood pressure became normal (8/12, 66.7%) and of 4 patients improved(4/12, 33.3%); B ultrasound examination revealed normal in 11 comorbidity patients with fatty liver(11/14,78.6%) and improvement in 3 patients (3/14,15.4%). Blood uric acid of the gout patient and the menstruation of the menstrual disorder patient returned to normal 3 months and 1 month after the operation respectively.

CONCLUSION

As for obese patients with T2DM undergoing LSG, reasonable nutrition management is helpful to decrease body weight, and to obtain an ideal improvement of blood glucose and blood lipid levels.

Gestational diabetes mellitus: Berlin and beyond

The Berlin Declaration is a landmark call to action, which encourages policy makers to take early action to halt the type 2 diabetes epidemic. It emphasizes the need for prevention, early detection, early control, and early access to the right interventions. We believe these four pillars of early action in type 2 diabetes are as relevant to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and action in the latter will impact on the former. Therefore this statement, authored by 21 experts from 14 countries calls for early action in GDM. We highlight the relative invisibility of GDM, and underscore the significance of GDM prevention and management in the fight against diabetes. We also provide evidence for the feasibility in applying each Berlin Declaration pillar to GDM, and highlight the trans generational benefits this will have in containing the diabetes epidemic.

Different types of dietary advice for women with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Dietary advice is the main strategy for managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It remains unclear what type of advice is best.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of different types of dietary advice for women with GDM for improving health outcomes for women and babies.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (8 March 2016), PSANZ's Trials Registry (22 March 2016) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of different types of dietary advice for women with GDM.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias, and extracted data. Evidence quality for two comparisons was assessed using GRADE, for primary outcomes for the mother: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; caesarean section; type 2 diabetes mellitus; and child: large-for-gestational age; perinatal mortality; neonatal mortality or morbidity composite; neurosensory disability; secondary outcomes for the mother: induction of labour; perineal trauma; postnatal depression; postnatal weight retention or return to pre-pregnancy weight; and child: hypoglycaemia; childhood/adulthood adiposity; childhood/adulthood type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MAIN RESULTS

In this update, we included 19 trials randomising 1398 women with GDM, at an overall unclear to moderate risk of bias (10 comparisons). For outcomes assessed using GRADE, downgrading was based on study limitations, imprecision and inconsistency. Where no findings are reported below for primary outcomes or pre-specified GRADE outcomes, no data were provided by included trials. Primary outcomes Low-moderate glycaemic index (GI) versus moderate-high GI diet (four trials): no clear differences observed for: large-for-gestational age (risk ratio (RR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 2.34; two trials, 89 infants; low-quality evidence); severe hypertension or pre-eclampsia (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.07 to 15.86; one trial, 95 women; very low-quality evidence); eclampsia (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.14; one trial, 83 women; very low-quality evidence) or caesarean section (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.47; one trial, 63 women; low-quality evidence). Energy-restricted versus no energy-restricted diet (three trials): no clear differences seen for: large-for-gestational age (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.12; one trial, 123 infants; low-quality evidence); perinatal mortality (no events; two trials, 423 infants; low-quality evidence); pre-eclampsia (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.97; one trial, 117 women; low-quality evidence); or caesarean section (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.56; two trials, 420 women; low-quality evidence). DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet versus control diet (three trials): no clear differences observed for: pre-eclampsia (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.31 to 3.26; three trials, 136 women); however there were fewer caesarean sections in the DASH diet group (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.76; two trials, 86 women). Low-carbohydrate versus high-carbohydrate diet (two trials): no clear differences seen for: large-for-gestational age (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.95; one trial, 149 infants); perinatal mortality (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.12 to 72.49; one trial, 150 infants); maternal hypertension (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.22; one trial, 150 women); or caesarean section (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.99; two trials, 179 women). High unsaturated fat versus low unsaturated fat diet (two trials): no clear differences observed for: large-for-gestational age (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.37; one trial, 27 infants); pre-eclampsia (no cases; one trial, 27 women); hypertension in pregnancy (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.06 to 5.26; one trial, 27 women); caesarean section (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.07 to 15.50; one trial, 27 women); diabetes at one to two weeks (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.45 to 8.94; one trial, 24 women) or four to 13 months postpartum (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.10 to 9.61; one trial, six women). Low-GI versus high-fibre moderate-GI diet (one trial): no clear differences seen for: large-for-gestational age (RR 2.87, 95% CI 0.61 to 13.50; 92 infants); caesarean section (RR 1.91, 95% CI 0.91 to 4.03; 92 women); or type 2 diabetes at three months postpartum (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.11 to 5.01; 58 women). Diet recommendation plus diet-related behavioural advice versus diet recommendation only (one trial): no clear differences observed for: large-for-gestational age (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.14; 99 infants); or caesarean section (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.62; 99 women). Soy protein-enriched versus no soy protein diet (one trial): no clear differences seen for: pre-eclampsia (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.19 to 21.03; 68 women); or caesarean section (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.77; 68 women). High-fibre versus standard-fibre diet (one trial): no primary outcomes reported. Ethnic-specific versus standard healthy diet (one trial): no clear differences observed for: large-for-gestational age (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.45; 20 infants); neonatal composite adverse outcome (no events; 20 infants); gestational hypertension (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.02 to 7.32; 20 women); or caesarean birth (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.67; 20 women). Secondary outcomes For secondary outcomes assessed using GRADE no differences were observed: between a low-moderate and moderate-high GI diet for induction of labour (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.34; one trial, 63 women; low-quality evidence); or an energy-restricted and no energy-restricted diet for induction of labour (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.53; one trial, 114 women, low-quality evidence) and neonatal hypoglycaemia (average RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.48 to 2.32; two trials, 408 infants; very low-quality evidence).Few other clear differences were observed for reported outcomes. Longer-term health outcomes and health services use and costs were largely not reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from 19 trials assessing different types of dietary advice for women with GDM suggests no clear differences for primary outcomes and secondary outcomes assessed using GRADE, except for a possible reduction in caesarean section for women receiving a DASH diet compared with a control diet. Few differences were observed for secondary outcomes.Current evidence is limited by the small number of trials in each comparison, small sample sizes, and variable methodological quality. More evidence is needed to assess the effects of different types of dietary advice for women with GDM. Future trials should be adequately powered to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes.

Stages of change concept of the transtheoretical model for healthy eating links health literacy and diabetes knowledge to glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Health literacy has been recognized as a key construct associated with clinical outcomes; however, few studies have explored the mechanism underlying the association. The transtheoretical model (TTM) has long been considered a useful conceptualization in the process of intentional behavior change. Stages of change lies at the heart of the TTM as studies of change have found that people move through a series of stages when modifying behavior. This study focuses on the role of knowledge and stages of change (SOC) as serial mediators linking health literacy to glycemic control.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional survey, a total of 232 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this study. Participants completed questionnaires for assessing health literacy, readiness to consume healthy foods, and a dietary knowledge test specific to diabetes.

RESULTS

Low health literacy was significantly associated with worse glycemic control. Statistical evaluation supported the serial mediation model, in which knowledge and SOC formed a serial mediation chain that accounted for the indirect effect of health literacy on glycemic control. In other words, dietary knowledge significantly motivated participants to move into the later stages of behavior change, which in turn improved the outcome of glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the ordering of mediators in the pathway between health literacy and health outcome may be complex, help explain the conflicting results of the past, and form a basis for the development of interventions promoting self-management of diabetes through glycemic control.

Enhancing Exercise Responsiveness across Prediabetes Phenotypes by Targeting Insulin Sensitivity with Nutrition

Exercise is a cornerstone therapy for chronic diseases related to multiorgan insulin resistance. However, not all individuals show the anticipated improvement in insulin sensitivity following exercise and these individuals are considered exercise resistant. Caloric restriction is an approach to enhance the effect of exercise on increasing peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, as replenishing expended calories blunts these benefits. Alternatively, restricting carbohydrate intake, independent of energy balance, following exercise provides an additive effect on peripheral insulin sensitivity when compared to refeeding carbohydrate. Although carbohydrate composition modulates insulin sensitivity, few have studied effects of low glycemic index or whole-grain diets following exercise across prediabetes phenotypes on insulin sensitivity. Herein, we propose the novel hypothesis that the combination of individualized nutrition therapy and exercise should be based on the clinical pathology of prediabetes to overcome exercise resistance and improve responsiveness in people at risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The Association between Monocyte Surface CD163 and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

AIM

To investigate the association between monocyte CD163 and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-six patients with type 2 diabetes without inflammatory or chronic kidney disease were recruited. The monocyte CD163 levels were measured by flow cytometry and soluble CD163 (sCD163) by ELISA. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the index of the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R).

RESULTS

The median sCD163 and monocyte CD163 expression levels were 582.9 (472.4-720.0) ng/ml and 6061 (4486-7876) mean fluorescent intensity (MFI), respectively. In a simple regression analysis, monocyte CD163 was inversely correlated with log [HOMA-R] (r = -0.257, p = 0.010), and sCD163 was positively correlated with log [HOMA-R] (r = 0.198, p = 0.042). In multiple regression analyses, monocyte CD163 was an independent contributor to log [HOMA-R] (β = -0.220, p = 0.020) even after adjustment of various clinical factors for HOMA-R (R² = 0.281, p = 0.001), whereas sCD163 was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Monocyte surface CD163 expression levels were more significantly associated with insulin resistance than sCD163 in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting a novel pathophysiological role of CD163.

Culturally Competent Diabetes Education

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test effects of a culturally competent, dietary self-management intervention on physiological outcomes and dietary behaviors for African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A longitudinal experimental study was conducted in rural South Carolina with a sample of 97 adult African Americans with type 2 diabetes who were randomly assigned to either usual care or the intervention. The intervention consisted of 4 weekly classes in low-fat dietary strategies, 5 monthly peer-professional group discussions, and weekly telephone follow-up. The culturally competent approach reflected the ethnic beliefs, values, customs, food preferences, language, learning methods, and health care practices of southern African Americans.

Results

Body mass index and dietary fat behaviors were significantly lowered in the experimental group. At 6 months, weight decreased 1.8 kg (4 lb) for the experimental group and increased 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) for the control group, a net difference of 3.7 kg (8.2 lb). The experimental group reduced high-fat dietary habits to moderate while high-fat dietary habits of the control group remained essentially unchanged. A trend in reduction of A1C and lipids was observed.

Conclusions

Results suggest the effectiveness of a culturally competent dietary self-management intervention in improving health outcomes for southern African Americans, especially those at risk due to high-fat diets and body mass index ≥ 35 kg/mm2. Given the burgeoning problem of obesity in South Carolina and the nation, the time has come to focus on aggressive weight management. Diabetes educators are in pivotal positions to assume leadership in achieving this goal for vulnerable, rural populations.

Add Some Spice

Traditional Indian cuisine is packed with fresh, bold flavors and a riot of hearty and aromatic spices. Although the tastes may be exotic, cooking Indian foods at home is surprisingly easy and healthy. Now, you can buy Indian spices and other ingredients at your local supermarket or online at Indian grocery stores or spice shops. This new accessibility is important. In the U.S. Asian Indians are much more likely to have diabetes than other Asians or even the general population. Better access to ingredients means it's easier than ever to prepare traditional, diabetes friendly dishes. And for those who are new to Indian cuisine, it's a wonderful time to dive into a new world of fragrance and color.

Feedback suppression of meal-induced glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion mediated through elevations in intact GLP-1 caused by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition: a randomized, prospective comparison of sitagliptin and vildagliptin treatment

AIM

To compare directly the clinical effects of vildagliptin and sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes, with a special emphasis on incretin hormones and L-cell feedback inhibition induced by dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-4) inhibition.

METHODS

A total of 24 patients (12 on a diet/exercise regimen, 12 on metformin) were treated, in randomized order, for 7-9 days, with either vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily = 100 mg/d), sitagliptin (100 mg once daily in those on diet, 50 mg twice daily in those on metformin treatment = 100 mg/d) or placebo (twice daily). A mixed-meal test was performed.

RESULTS

Intact glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide concentrations were doubled by both DPP-4 inhibitors. Meal-related total GLP-1 responses were reduced by vildagliptin and sitagliptin treatment alike in the majority of patients (vildagliptin: p = 0.0005; sitagliptin: p = 0.019), but with substantial inter-individual variation. L-cell feedback appeared to be more pronounced in those whose intact GLP-1 relative to total GLP-1 increased more, and who had greater reductions in fasting plasma glucose after DPP-4 inhibition. K-cell feedback inhibition overall was not significant. There were no differences in any of the clinical variables (glycaemia, insulin and glucagon secretory responses) between vildagliptin and sitagliptin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Vildagliptin and sitagliptin affected incretin hormones, glucose concentrations, insulin and glucagon secretion in a similar manner. Inter-individual variations in L-cell feedback inhibition may indicate heterogeneity in the clinical response to DPP-4 inhibition.