The relationship of health literacy to diabetes status differs by sex in older adults

OBJECTIVE

Lower health literacy is associated with higher rates of mortality and chronic disease. It remains unclear whether health literacy is associated with diabetes and/or hyperglycemia in older adults, and if this relationship differs by sex.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2510 older adults in the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study who had both a Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) measurement and diabetes status available. Sex-stratified logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship of health literacy categories (low, medium, and high) to diabetes status, adjusting for key covariates. Secondary analyses examined the relationship of health literacy to glycemic markers (A1C, fasting blood glucose).

RESULTS

Among participants in the Health ABC cohort, 429 had diabetes. Mean age was 76years old and 45% were female. Men with diabetes more commonly had low health literacy levels than men without diabetes (10.1% versus 9.3%, p=0.02). Similar results were seen among women (14.7% versus 6.1%, p<0.01). In a model adjusting for age, race, income, education, BMI, smoking, and alcohol use, women with low versus high health literacy had a two-fold higher likelihood of diabetes (OR=2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.3). No significant relationship was observed in men. Progressively lower categories of health literacy were associated with higher age-adjusted mean A1C and fasting blood glucose levels in women (both p for trend <0.01) but not men.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, ethnically diverse sample of community-dwelling older adults, lower health literacy level is related to a greater likelihood of diabetes and higher A1C and fasting blood glucose levels in women-but not in men-after adjusting for age, race, and other demographic and lifestyle factors. Future studies are needed to assess mechanisms underlying this relationship and if interventions to improve health literacy are effective in reducing the burden of diabetes, particularly in women.

Changes in Visceral Adiposity, Subcutaneous Adiposity, and Sex Hormones in the Diabetes Prevention Program

CONTEXT

The degree to which changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) relate to corresponding changes in plasma sex steroids is not known.

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether changes in VAT and SAT areas assessed by computed tomography were associated with changes in sex hormones [dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone, estradiol, estrone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)] among Diabetes Prevention Program participants.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a randomized trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Overweight and glucose-intolerant men (n = 246) and women (n = 309).

INTERVENTIONS

Intensive lifestyle change with goals of weight reduction and 150 min/wk of moderate intensity exercise or metformin administered 850 mg twice a day or placebo.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Associations between changes in VAT, SAT, and sex hormone changes over 1 year.

RESULTS

Among men, reductions in VAT and SAT were both independently associated with significant increases in total testosterone and SHBG in fully adjusted models. Among women, reductions in VAT and SAT were both independently associated with increases in SHBG and associations with estrone differed by menopausal status. Associations were similar by race/ethnicity and by randomization arm. No significant associations were observed between change in fat depot with change in estradiol or DHEAS.

CONCLUSIONS

Among overweight adults with impaired glucose intolerance, reductions in either VAT and SAT were associated with increased total testosterone in men and higher SHBG in men and women. Weight loss may affect sex hormone profiles via reductions in visceral and subcutaneous fat.

Laparoscopic Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation and Intraoperative Islet Separation as a Treatment for Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis

Importance

Pain management of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) can be challenging. Laparoscopy has been associated with markedly reduced postoperative pain but has not been widely applied to total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT).

Objective

To examine the feasibility of using laparoscopic TPIAT (L-TPIAT) in the treatment of CP.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Thirty-two patients with CP presented for TPIAT at a tertiary hospital from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2015. Of the 22 patients who underwent L-TPIAT, 2 patients converted to an open procedure because of difficult anatomy and prior surgery. Pain and glycemic outcomes were recorded at follow-up visits every 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Operative outcomes included operative time, islet isolation time, warm ischemia time, islet equivalent (IE) counts, estimated blood loss, fluid resuscitation, and blood transfusions. Postoperative outcomes included length of stay, all-cause 30-day readmission rate, postoperative complications, mortality rate, subjective pain measurements, opioid use, random C-peptide levels, insulin requirements, and glycated hemoglobin level.

Results

Of the 32 patients who presented for TPIAT, 20 underwent L-TPIAT (8 men and 12 women; mean [SD] age, 39 [13] years; age range, 21-58 years). Indication for surgery was CP attributable to genetic mutation (n = 9), idiopathic pancreatitis (n = 6), idiopathic pancreatitis with pancreas divisum (n = 3), and alcohol abuse (n = 2). Mean (SD) operative time was 493 (78) minutes, islet isolation time was 185 (37) minutes, and warm ischemia time was 51 (62) minutes. The mean (SD) IE count was 1325 (1093) IE/kg. The mean (SD) length of stay was 11 (5) days, and the all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 35% (7 of 20 patients). None of the patients experienced postoperative surgical site infection, hernia, or small-bowel obstruction, and none died. Eighteen patients (90%) had a decrease or complete resolution of pain, and 12 patients (60%) no longer required opioid therapy at a median follow-up period of 6 months. Postoperative random insulin C-peptide levels were detectable in 19 patients (95%) at a median follow-up of 10.4 months. At a median follow-up of 12.5 months, 5 patients (25%) were insulin independent, whereas 9 patients (45%) required 1 to 10 U/d, 5 patients (25%) required 11 to 20 U/d, and 1 patient (5%) required greater than 20 U/d of basal insulin. The mean (SD) glycated hemoglobin level was 7.4% (0.5%).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study represents the first series of L-TPIAT, demonstrating its safety and feasibility. Our approach enables patients to experience shorter operative times and the benefits of laparoscopy, including reduced length of stay and quicker opioid independence.

Aldosterone, Renin, Cardiovascular Events, and All-Cause Mortality Among African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the association of aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA) with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), using a composite endpoint of coronary heart disease, stroke, and/or heart failure and mortality among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study.

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data for the association of aldosterone and PRA with incident CVD or all-cause mortality among community-dwelling African Americans.

METHODS

A total of 4,985 African American adults, 21 to 94 years of age, were followed for 12 years. Aldosterone, PRA, and cardiovascular risk factors were collected at baseline (from 2000 to 2004). Incident events included coronary heart disease and stroke (assessed from 2000 to 2011) and heart failure (assessed from 2005 to 2011). Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for incident CVD and mortality, adjusting for age, sex, education, occupation, current smoking, physical activity, dietary intake, and body mass index.

RESULTS

Among 4,160 participants without prevalent CVD over a median follow-up of 7 years, there were 322 incident CVD cases. In adjusted analyses, each 1-U SD increase in log-aldosterone and log-PRA were associated with HR of 1.26 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.14 to 1.40) and 1.16 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.33) for incident CVD, respectively. Over a median of 8 years, 513 deaths occurred among 4,985 participants. In adjusted analyses, each 1-U SD increase in log-aldosterone and log-PRA were associated with HRs of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.23) and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.24) for mortality, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated aldosterone and PRA may play a significant role in the development of CVD and all-cause mortality among African Americans.

Prevalence and predictors of pain and opioid analgesic use following total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is employed for the management of refractory pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP) with the prospect of partial beta cell preservation. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of abdominal pain and opioid use following TPIAT.

METHODS

A single center cohort study of all adult patients who underwent TPIAT from 2011 to 2015 for CP. Postoperative pain outcomes included: opioid use, ongoing abdominal pain and new characteristic abdominal pain. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate known and potential predictors of postoperative pain outcomes.

RESULTS

During the study period, 46 patients underwent TPIAT. Following surgery, 89% of patients had resolution of their pre-operative abdominal pain; however, 83% of patients developed a new characteristic abdominal pain. Opioid independence was achieved in 46% of patients. Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) (OR: 11.66; 95%CI: 1.47-92.39; p = 0.02) but not pain duration >3 years or ≥ 5 ERCPs was independently associated with resolution of pre-operative abdominal pain on multiple logistic regression. None of these factors were associated with cessation of opioid use.

CONCLUSION

While the majority of patients have resolution of their initial abdominal pain following TPIAT, many will also develop a new characteristic abdominal pain and only half of all patients achieve opioid independence. ARP is the only independent factor associated with positive postoperative pain outcomes and should be considered a standard criterion for patient selection.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies

AIMS

We aimed to assess whether vitamin D supplementation improves glucose metabolism in adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane database were searched up to July 1st 2016 for randomized controlled trials that assessed the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and glucose metabolism (change in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and fasting blood glucose (FBG)) among adults with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Twenty nine trials (3324 participants) were included in the systematic review. Among 22 studies included in the meta-analysis, 19 reported HbA1C, 16 reported FBG outcomes and 15 were deemed poor quality. There was a modest reduction in HbA1C (-0.32% [-0.53 to -0.10], I2=91.9%) compared to placebo after vitamin D supplementation but no effect on FBG (-2.33mg/dl [-6.62 to 1.95], I2=59.2%). In studies achieving repletion of vitamin D deficiency (n=7), there were greater mean reductions in HbA1C (-0.45%, [-1.09 to 0.20]) and FBG (-7.64mg/dl [-16.25 to 0.97]) although not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a modest reduction of HbA1C after vitamin D treatment in adults with type 2 diabetes albeit with substantial heterogeneity between studies and no difference in FBG. Larger studies are needed to further evaluate the glycemic effects of vitamin D treatment especially in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Reducing CV risk in diabetes: An ADA update

This Q&A highlights changes to the ADA's 2017 Standards of Care to help you fine-tune your approach to patients who have, or are at risk for, atherosclerotic CV disease.

Chronic Gastrointestinal Dysmotility and Pain Following Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and impact of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility following total pancreactectomy with islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) for chronic pancreatitis is not known.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of all patients who underwent TP-IAT at our institution from August 2011 to November 2015 was undertaken. The GCSI (Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index), PAGI-SYM (Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index), PAC-SYM (Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms), Bristol stool chart, 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and visual analog scale for pain were administered ≥4 weeks following TP-IAT.

KEY RESULTS

The prevalence of any dysmotility symptoms in patients who completed the survey (33/45, 73%) post-TP-IAT was 45%. Post-TP-IAT, the mean reduction in opioid dosing was 77.6 oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) (95% CI 32.1-123.0, p = 0.002) with 42% of patients requiring no opioids. There was significant negative correlation between dysmotility scores and SF-12 physical scores (r = -0.46, p = 0.008, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.13). Self-reported abdominal pain had significant negative correlation with both physical and mental SF-12 scores (r = -0.67, p < 0.001, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.41 and r = -0.39, p = 0.03, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.04). There was no correlation between gastrointestinal dysmotility and self-reported pain.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Symptoms of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility and chronic abdominal pain are common post-TP-IAT and will need to be better recognized and differentiated to improve the management of these patients.

Hemoglobin A1c and Mortality in Older Adults With and Without Diabetes: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988-2011)

OBJECTIVE

Hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level has been associated with increased mortality in middle-aged populations. The optimal intensity of glucose control in older adults with diabetes remains uncertain. We sought to estimate the risk of mortality by HbA_1c levels among older adults with and without diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed data from adults aged ≥65 years (n = 7,333) from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) (1998-1994) and Continuous NHANES (1999-2004) and their linked mortality data (through December 2011). Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship of HbA_1c with the risk of all-cause and cause-specific (cardiovascular disease [CVD], cancer, and non-CVD/noncancer) mortality, separately for adults with diabetes and without diabetes.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 4,729 participants died (1,262 from CVD, 850 from cancer, and 2,617 from non-CVD/noncancer causes). Compared with those with diagnosed diabetes and an HbA_1c <6.5%, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was significantly greater for adults with diabetes with an HbA_1c >8.0%. HRs were 1.6 (95% CI 1.02, 2.6) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.3, 2.6) for HbA_1c 8.0-8.9% and ≥9.0%, respectively (P for trend <0.001). Participants with undiagnosed diabetes and HbA_1c >6.5% had a 1.3 (95% CI 1.03, 1.8) times greater risk of all-cause mortality compared with participants without diabetes and HbA_1c 5.0-5.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

An HbA_1c >8.0% was associated with increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in older adults with diabetes. Our results support the idea that better glycemic control is important for reducing mortality; however, in light of the conflicting evidence base, there is also a need for individualized glycemic targets for older adults with diabetes depending on their demographics, duration of diabetes, and existing comorbidities.

Glycemic Predictors of Insulin Independence After Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation

CONTEXT

Total pancreatectomy with islet auto transplantation (TPIAT) is a treatment for medically refractory chronic pancreatitis that can prevent postsurgical diabetes in some patients. Predictors of insulin independence are needed for appropriate patient selection and counseling.

OBJECTIVE

To explore glycemic predictors of insulin independence after TPIAT.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort of patients.

METHODS

We investigated 34 patients undergoing TPIAT from 2011-2016 at Johns Hopkins Hospital, all had a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) administered prior to their TPIAT. The primary outcome was insulin independence 1 year after TPIAT.

RESULTS

Ten of 34 (29%) patients were insulin independent 1 year after TPIAT. All patients with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance preoperatively were insulin dependent at 1 year. In age-adjusted regression analyses, fasting glucose ≤ 90 mg/dL [odds ratio (OR) = 6.56; 1.11 to 38.91; P = 0.04], 1-hour OGTT glucose ≤ 143 mg/dL (OR = 6.65; 1.11 to 39.91; P = 0.04), and 2-hour OGTT glucose ≤ 106 mg/dL (OR = 11.74; 1.46 to 94.14; P = 0.02) were significant predictors of insulin independence. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) was the most robust predictor of insulin independence [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.88; 0.73 to 1.00].

CONCLUSIONS

Normal preoperative glucose status and lower fasting and postchallenge OGTT glucose values are significant predictors of insulin independence after TPIAT. Higher islet function (HOMA-β) was the strongest predictor. OGTT testing may be a useful tool to aid in patient counseling prior to TPIAT and should be further investigated.

Sex Differences in the Association Between Insulin Resistance and Incident Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Among Blacks Without Diabetes Mellitus: The Jackson Heart Study

Background

Studies exploring the association between insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular disease in blacks have not been conclusive, especially for coronary heart disease (CHD). The McAuley index and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA‐IR) perform differently in predicting cardiovascular disease. We investigated this association in the Jackson Heart Study, a large longitudinal cohort of blacks.

Methods and Results

IR was estimated for 3565 participants without diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease at baseline using the McAuley index and HOMA‐IR, and their associations with incident CHD and stroke (composite outcome) were compared. A lower McAuley index and higher HOMA‐IR are indicative of IR. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios for incident CHD and/or stroke. There were 158 events (89 CHD‐only, 58 stroke‐only, and 11 CHD/stroke) over a median follow‐up of 8.4 years. After adjustment for demographic factors, the risk of the composite outcome decreased with each SD increase in the McAuley index (hazard ratio 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67–0.96), with no attenuation after further accounting for CHD and stroke risk factors. When considered individually, McAuley index and HOMA‐IR were associated with CHD (hazard ratio 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55–0.92 and hazard ratio 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03–1.72, respectively), but not stroke risk. The logHOMA‐IR and CHD association was present in men, but not in women (P_interaction=0.01).

Conclusions

Both HOMA‐IR and the McAuley index demonstrate strong associations with CHD but not stroke risk in blacks. The logHOMA‐IR and CHD association was present in men, but not in women.

Diabetes, hyperglycemia, and the burden of functional disability among older adults in a community-based study

BACKGROUND

There is a need for continued surveillance of diabetes-related functional disability. In the present study, we examined associations between diabetes, hyperglycemia, and the burden of functional disability in a community-based population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of 5035 participants who attended Visit 5 (2011-13) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Functional disability was dichotomously defined by any self-reported difficulty performing 12 tasks essential to independent living grouped into four functional domains. Associations of diagnosed diabetes (via self-report) and undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes (via HbA1c) with functional disability were evaluated using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Participants had a mean age of 75 years, 42 % were male, 22 % were Black, and 31 % had diagnosed diabetes. Those with diagnosed diabetes had a significantly greater burden of functional disability than those without diabetes, even after adjustment for demographics, health behaviors, and comorbidities: prevalence ratios (95 % confidence intervals) were 1.24 (1.15, 1.34) for lower extremity mobility, 1.14 (1.07, 1.21) for general physical activities, 1.33 (1.16, 1.52) for instrumental activities of daily living (ADL), and 1.46 (1.24, 1.73) for ADL (all P < 0.05). The associations of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes with disability were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among older adults, the burden of functional disability associated with diabetes was not entirely explained by known risk factors, including comorbidities. Hyperglycemia below the threshold for the diagnosis of diabetes was not associated with disability. Research into effective strategies for the prevention of functional disability among older adults with diabetes is needed.

Insulin Resistance Is Associated With Reduced Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity Measured by 31P-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Participants Without Diabetes From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Whether individuals with insulin resistance (IR) but without criteria for diabetes exhibit reduced mitochondrial oxidative capacity is unclear; addressing this question could guide research for new therapeutics. We investigated 248 participants without diabetes from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) to determine whether impaired mitochondrial capacity is associated with prediabetes, IR, and duration and severity of hyperglycemia exposure. Mitochondrial capacity was assessed as the postexercise phosphocreatine recovery time constant (τ_PCr) by ³¹P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, with higher τ_PCr values reflecting reduced capacity. Prediabetes was defined using the American Diabetes Association criteria from fasting and 2-h glucose measurements. IR and sensitivity were calculated using HOMA-IR and Matsuda indices. The duration and severity of hyperglycemia exposure were estimated as the number of years from prediabetes onset and the average oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 2-h glucose measurement over previous BLSA visits. Covariates included age, sex, body composition, physical activity, and other confounders. Higher likelihood of prediabetes, higher HOMA-IR, and lower Matsuda index were associated with longer τ_PCr. Among 205 participants with previous OGTT data, greater severity and longer duration of hyperglycemia were independently associated with longer τ_PC In conclusion, in individuals without diabetes a more impaired mitochondrial capacity is associated with greater IR and a higher likelihood of prediabetes.

The relationship of fasting hyperglycemia to changes in fat and muscle mass after exercise training in type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Exercise training (ET) has been variably associated with body composition changes among persons with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The degree to which these changes are related to hyperglycemia remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the relationship of baseline fasting glucose (FG) to the magnitude of muscle gains and fat loss after ET in individuals with T2DM.

METHODS

Participants were enrolled in the SHAPE-2 trial, a six month supervised aerobic and resistance training intervention (three days/week), at Johns Hopkins. This was a post hoc single arm intervention study of participants who completed the exercise intervention (n=50). Participants were aged 40-65years and had T2DM that was not treated with insulin. Body composition was assessed by DEXA.

RESULTS

After 6months of ET, total fat mass decreased (-2.1±3.1kg) and total lean body mass (LBM) increased (0.5±2.0kg) overall, but there was variability among individual participants. There was an increase in % total LBM (1.4±1.9%) and decrease in % total body fat mass (-1.5±2.0%) after ET. Interestingly, each standard deviation (SD) increase in baseline FG (mean=135.5mg/dl; SD=39.0mg/dl) was related to a significant increase in % total LBM (0.54±0.26%, p=0.048) and decrease in % total body fat (-0.57±0.27%, p=0.04) after ET among individual participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that muscle gains and fat loss after ET are positively related to baseline hyperglycemia. Further studies are needed to characterize differences in metabolic response following ET among persons with diabetes.

Serum vitamin D and sex hormones levels in men and women: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

INTRODUCTION

25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency has been associated with low testosterone levels in men, but there are conflicting reports of its associations with sex hormones in women. Less is known about whether these associations are independent of adiposity and lifestyle factors, and whether they differ by race/ethnicity.

AIM

To examine associations of 25(OH)D concentrations with sex hormone levels.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of 3017 men and 2929 women in a multi-ethnic cohort.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and free testosterone.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) levels of 25(OH)D in men and women were 25.7(10.4) and 26.1(12.0)ng/ml, respectively. In men, after adjusting for demographic and lifestyle variables, a 10ng/ml [25nmol/L] decrease in 25(OH)D was associated with an average difference of -0.70nmol/L (95%CI -1.36, -0.05) in SHBG and 0.02 percent (0.01, 0.04) in free testosterone, but was not associated with low total testosterone level (<10.41nmol/L). In women, a 10ng/ml decrease in 25(OH)D levels was associated with an average difference of -0.01nmol/L (-0.01, -0.00) for estradiol, -8.29nmol/L (-10.13, -6.45) for SHBG, 0.06 percent (0.04, 0.07) for free testosterone, and 0.40nmol/L (0.19, 0.62) for DHEA. There was no significant interaction by race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with lower SHBG levels and higher free testosterone levels in both men and women, and lower estradiol and higher DHEA levels in women, independent of adiposity and lifestyle. We observed no significant association of 25(OH)D with total testosterone in men. Future studies are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation influences sex hormone levels.

Obesity Severity and Duration Are Associated With Incident Metabolic Syndrome: Evidence Against Metabolically Healthy Obesity From the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

CONTEXT

Although the health risks of obesity compared to normal weight have been well studied, the cumulative risk associated with chronic obesity remains unknown. Specifically, debate continues about the importance of recommending weight loss for those with metabolically healthy obesity.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that relatively greater severity and longer duration of obesity are associated with greater incident metabolic syndrome. Design, Setting, Participants, and Measures: Using repeated measures logistic regression with random effects, we investigated the association of time-varying obesity severity and duration with incident metabolic syndrome in 2,748 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) at any visit. Obesity duration was defined as the cumulative number of visits with measured obesity and obesity severity by the World Health Organization levels I-III based on body mass index. Metabolic syndrome was defined using Adult Treatment Panel III criteria modified to exclude waist circumference.

RESULTS

Higher obesity severity (level II odds ratio [OR], 1.32 [95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.60]; level III OR, 1.63 [1.25-2.14] vs level I) and duration (by number of visits: two visits OR, 4.43 [3.54-5.53]; three visits OR, 5.29 [4.21-6.63]; four visits OR, 5.73 [4.52-7.27]; five visits OR, 6.15 [4.19-9.03] vs one visit duration of obesity) were both associated with a higher odds of incident metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Both duration and severity of obesity are positively associated with incident metabolic syndrome, suggesting that metabolically healthy obesity is a transient state in the pathway to cardiometabolic disease. Weight loss should be recommended to all individuals with obesity, including those who are currently defined as metabolically healthy.

Impact of Self-Preference Community Fitness Interventions in High-Risk African Americans

African Americans have a high prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity, but few interventions have been successful in the long term. We describe a 1-year intervention program to increase physical activity and reduce cardiometabolic risk. Interventions incorporated the premise that self-selection into flexible venues and varying exercise modalities would result in improvement in fitness and risk factors. Results of this single-group pretest/posttest observational study show 1-year overall group reductions in body weight and body mass index and cardiometabolic factors including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and increases in dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived absolute and percent lean mass and lean-fat ratio, and decreased fat mass.

A systematic review of commercial weight loss programmes' effect on glycemic outcomes among overweight and obese adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

We examined the glycemic benefits of commercial weight loss programmes as compared with control/education or counselling among overweight and obese adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and references cited by individual programmes. We included randomized controlled trials of ≥12 weeks duration. Two reviewers extracted information on study design, population characteristics, interventions, and mean changes in haemoglobin A1c and glucose.

RESULTS

We included 18 randomized controlled trials. Few trials occurred among individuals with T2DM. In this population, Jenny Craig reduced A1c at least 0.4% more than counselling at 12 months, Nutrisystem significantly reduced A1c 0.3% more than counselling at 6 months, and OPTIFAST reduced A1c 0.3% more than counselling at 6 months. Among individuals without T2DM, few studies evaluated glycemic outcomes, and when reported, most did not show substantial reductions.

DISCUSSION

Few trials have examined whether commercial weight loss programmes result in glycemic benefits for their participants, particularly among overweight and obese individuals without T2DM. Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem and OPTIFAST show promising glycemic lowering benefits for patients with T2DM, although additional studies are needed to confirm these conclusions. © 2016 World Obesity.

Physical Frailty Assessment in Older Women: Can Simplification Be Achieved Without Loss of Syndrome Measurement Validity?

Different phenotypes have increasingly been used as tools for clinical characterization of frailty among older adults. Although there have been studies about the comparability and effectiveness of various simplifications and approximations of existing frailty phenotypes for risk prediction, there have been no studies in which investigators evaluated the stability of the clinical characterization achieved. In the present study, we used baseline (1992-1996) data from 786 community-dwelling women who were 70-79 years of age in the Women's Health and Aging Study I and II to compare physical frailty phenotypes (PFPs). Using the 5 criteria set forth by Fried, we created 15 PFPs that were positive for various combinations of 3 or 4 of those criteria and compared them with the PFP that included all 5 criteria in order to assess construct validity with regard to frailty syndrome characterization and predictive validity for adverse outcomes of aging. All PFPs exhibited high specificity and negative predictive values for identifying frailty syndrome. Three-item PFPs were insensitive but were the best performers for positive predictive value, with the highest positive predictive value of 0.86 seen in the PFP characterized by the combination of weakness, exhaustion, and weight loss. In comparison, the 5-criterion PFP achieved a sensitivity of 0.82 but a positive predictive value of only 0.53. With regard to predictive validity, it was not merely the number of criteria used to characterize the PFPs but rather the specific criteria combinations that predicted the risk of adverse outcomes. Our findings show that there clinically important contexts in which simplified PFPs cannot be used interchangeably.

Diabetes and Prediabetes and Risk of Hospitalization: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the magnitude and types of hospitalizations among persons with prediabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, and diagnosed diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included 13,522 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (mean age 57 years, 56% female, 24% black, 18% with prediabetes, 4% with undiagnosed diabetes, 9% with diagnosed diabetes) with follow-up in 1990-2011 for hospitalizations. Participants were categorized by diabetes/HbA1c status: without diagnosed diabetes, HbA1c <5.7% (reference); prediabetes, 5.7 to <6.5%; undiagnosed diabetes, ≥6.5%; and diagnosed diabetes, <7.0 and ≥7.0%.

RESULTS

Demographic adjusted rates per 1,000 person-years of all-cause hospitalizations were higher with increasing diabetes/HbA1c category (Ptrend < 0.001). Persons with diagnosed diabetes and HbA1c ≥7.0% had the highest rates of hospitalization (3.1 times higher than those without a history of diagnosed diabetes, HbA1c <5.7%, and 1.5 times higher than those with diagnosed diabetes, HbA1c <7.0%, P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Persons with undiagnosed diabetes had 1.6 times higher rates of hospitalization and those with prediabetes had 1.3 times higher rates of hospitalization than those without diabetes and HbA1c <5.7% (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Rates of hospitalization by diabetes/HbA1c category were different by race (Pinteraction = 0.011) and by sex (Pinteraction = 0.020). There were significantly excess rates of hospitalizations due to cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, gastrointestinal, iatrogenic/injury, neoplasm, genitourinary, neurologic, and infection causes among those with diagnosed diabetes compared with those without a history of diagnosed diabetes (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with diagnosed diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, and prediabetes are at a significantly elevated risk of hospitalization compared with those without diabetes. Substantial excess rates of hospitalizations in persons with diagnosed diabetes were for endocrine, infection, and iatrogenic/injury causes, which may be preventable with improved diabetes care.