Use of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument as a measure of distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy in Type 1 diabetes: results from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications

Prevalence of Distal Symmetrical Polyneuropathy by Diabetes Prevention Program Treatment Group, Diabetes Status, Duration of Diabetes, and Cumulative Glycemic Exposure

OBJECTIVE

To assess associations between distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) and Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) treatment groups, diabetes status or duration, and cumulative glycemic exposure approximately 21 years after DPP randomization.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the DPP, 3,234 adults ≥25 years old at high risk for diabetes were randomized to an intensive lifestyle (ILS), metformin, or placebo intervention to prevent diabetes. After the DPP ended, 2,779 joined the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS). Open-label metformin was continued, placebo was discontinued, ILS was provided in the form of semiannual group-based classes, and all participants were offered quarterly lifestyle classes. Symptoms and signs of DSPN were assessed in 1,792 participants at DPPOS year 17. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate DSPN associations with treatment group, diabetes status/duration, and cumulative glycemic exposure.

RESULTS

At 21 years after DPP randomization, 66% of subjects had diabetes. DSPN prevalence did not differ by initial DPP treatment assignment (ILS 21.5%, metformin 21.5%, and placebo 21.9%). There was a significant interaction between treatment assignment to ILS and age (P < 0.05) on DSPN. At DPPOS year 17, the odds ratio for DSPN in comparison with ILS with placebo was 17.4% (95% CI 3.0, 29.3) lower with increasing 5-year age intervals. DSPN prevalence was slightly lower for those at risk for diabetes (19.6%) versus those with diabetes (22.7%) and was associated with longer diabetes duration and time-weighted HbA1c (P values <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The likelihood of DSPN was similar across DPP treatment groups but higher for those with diabetes, longer diabetes duration, and higher cumulative glycemic exposure. ILS may have long-term benefits on DSPN for older adults.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy: age-stratified glycemic control

Background

We explore the effect of suboptimal glycemic control on the incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in both non-elderly and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A 6-year follow-up study (2013-2019) enrolled T2DM patients aged >20 without DPN. Participants were classified into two groups: those below 65 years (non-elderly) and those 65 years or older (elderly). Biochemical measurements, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), were recorded regularly. DPN was diagnosed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument examination. The outcome was DPN occurrence in 2019.

Results

In 552 enrollments (69% non-elderly), DPN occurred in 8.4% non-elderly and 24.0% elderly patients. A higher initial HbA1C level was significantly linked with a higher risk of future DPN in the non-elderly group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.13-1.89, p=0.004). In comparison, HbA1c at the end of the study period was not associated with DPN in the non-elderly group (AOR 1.17, 95% CI 0.72-1.90, p=0.526). In the elderly group, no statistical relationship was found between HbA1C levels and DPN, either in 2013 or in 2019.

Conclusion

Suboptimal glycemic control at baseline, rather than at the end of the study period, predicts an increased risk of future DPN in individuals with T2DM under age 65. This correlation is not seen in elderly patients. Therefore, we recommend implementing enhanced glycemic control early in middle-aged T2DM patients and propose individualized therapeutic strategies for diabetes in different age groups.

Micro-vascular complications of post-transplant diabetes mellitus in renal transplant recipients- an observational study

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) ranges from 2.5% to 20% in kidney transplant recipients. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) are the microvascular complications frequently seen in both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the data regarding these complications in patients with PTDM is lacking.

METHOD

A retrospective and prospective observational study of PTDM conducted at a tertiary care hospital from November 2018 to December 2020. 115 kidney transplant recipients who had PTDM of ≥5 years duration were included and analysed.

RESULTS

The mean duration of PTDM was 8.8 ± 3.0 years, and the mean of all available HbA1c values was 7.0 ± 0.9%. while none of the patients had evidence of diabetic retinopathy on direct ophthalmoscopy, 37.4% of patients (n = 43) had DSPN and this was associated with the duration of PTDM and age. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 59.24 ± 21.82 ml/min/1.73m2, and patients had a median proteinuria of 620 mg/day (IQR 1290). Out of 115 patients, 20% of them (n = 23) underwent graft kidney biopsy, and 10 biopsies were diagnosed as de-novo DKD. Patients with biopsy proven DKD had a mean PTDM duration of 143.3 ± 52.4 months; a mean HbA1c level of 7.9 ± 1.3%; a mean eGFR of 44.8 ± 21.8 ml/min; and a median proteinuria of 2653 mg (IQR 2758). An additional analysis of all 23 biopsied patients showed that HbA1c level and degree of proteinuria were significantly associated with de-novo DKD.

CONCLUSION

PTDM in transplant patients had milder microvascular complications than usually expected in Type 1/2 diabetes in non-transplant patients. DR was not strongly associated with DKD in PTDM patients. Furthermore, de-novo DKD development was associated with poor glycaemic control and increased proteinuria.

Biomarkers and signaling pathways of diabetic nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy: possible therapeutic intervention of rutin and quercetin

Diabetic nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy are the two main complications of chronic diabetes that contribute to high morbidity and mortality. These conditions are characterized by the dysregulation of multiple molecular signaling pathways and the presence of specific biomarkers such as inflammatory cytokines, indicators of oxidative stress, and components of the renin-angiotensin system. In this review, we systematically collected and collated the relevant information from MEDLINE, EMBASE, ELSEVIER, PUBMED, GOOGLE, WEB OF SCIENCE, and SCOPUS databases. This review was conceived with primary objective of revealing the functions of these biomarkers and signaling pathways in the initiation and progression of diabetic nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy. We also highlighted the potential therapeutic effectiveness of rutin and quercetin, two plant-derived flavonoids known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The findings of our study demonstrated that both flavonoids can regulate important disease-promoting systems, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. Importantly, rutin and quercetin have shown protective benefits against nephropathy and neuropathy in diabetic animal models, suggesting them as potential therapeutic agents. These findings provide a solid foundation for further comprehensive investigations and clinical trials to evaluate the potential of rutin and quercetin in the management of diabetic nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy. This may contribute to the development of more efficient and comprehensive treatment approaches for diabetes-associated complications.

Earlier diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in primary care: A call to action

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) often remains undiagnosed (~80%). Earlier diagnosis of PN may reduce morbidity and enable earlier risk factor reduction to limit disease progression. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common PN and the 10 g monofilament is endorsed as an inexpensive and easily performed test for DPN. However, it only detects patients with advanced neuropathy at high risk of foot ulceration. There are many validated questionnaires to diagnose PN, but they can be time-consuming and have complex scoring systems. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have busy clinics and lack access to a readily available screening method to diagnose PN. They would prefer a short, simple, and accurate tool to screen for PN. Involving the patient in the screening process would not only reduce the time a physician requires to make a diagnosis but would also empower the patient. Following an expert meeting of diabetologists and neurologists from the Middle East, South East Asia and Latin America, a consensus was formulated to help improve the diagnosis of PN in primary care using a simple tool for patients to screen themselves for PN followed by a consultation with the physician to confirm the diagnosis.

Temporal Trends in Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study

CONTEXT

Macrovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes have improved over recent decades. There are scant equivalent distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) data.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to characterize temporal changes in DSPN prevalence and incidence rates (IRs) in community-based Australians.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted among an urban population. Participants included individuals with type 2 diabetes from the Fremantle Diabetes Study phases I (FDS1; n = 1296 recruited 1993-1996) and II (FDS2; n = 1509 recruited 2008-2011). Main outcome measures included Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) clinical grading.

RESULTS

DSPN prevalence by 8-point MNSI was 30.8% (FDS1) and 58.9% (FDS2; P < .001), and by 6-point (excluding foot appearance) and 2-point (biothesiometry alone) MNSI was 37.5% and 35.7% (P = .336), and 33.8% and 38.7% (P = .011), respectively. Given between-phase changes in appearance assessment, 8-point MNSI data were not analyzed further. In multivariable analysis, FDS2 vs FDS1 participation was associated with 6-point (odds ratio (95% CI) 0.68 (0.56-0.83); P < .001) but not 2-point (0.90 (0.74-1.11); P = .326) MNSI DSPN prevalence. Four-year DSPN IRs (95% CI) for 6-point MNSI were 13.6 (12.0-15.4) and 17.6 (15.9-19.4)/100 person-years in FDS1 and FDS2, respectively (IR ratio [IRR] 1.31 [1.12-1.55]; P < .001), and for 2-point MNSI were 13.9 (12.3-15.8) and 7.4 (16.3-8.6/100 person-years; IRR 0.53 [0.43-0.64]; P < .001). FDS2 vs FDS1 independently predicted incident DSPN for 6-point (hazard ratio [95% CI] 1.25 [1.06-1.48]; P = .009) and 2-point (0.42 [0.33-0.55]; P < .001) MNSI.

CONCLUSION

DSPN prevalence was lower or equivalent in FDS2 vs FDS1, and its incidence was greater or lower, in multivariable models depending on the MNSI features used.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy among adult type 2 diabetes patients in Adama, Ethiopia: health facility-based study

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most prominent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of ulceration, amputation, and extended hospitalization. Evidence regarding the magnitude and factors associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy is not well documented in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 adult type 2 diabetic patients who were on treatment and follow-up from May to June 31, 2023. To select participants in the study, a systematic random sampling method was utilized. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) was employed to assess diabetic peripheral neuropathy. To model the association between diabetic peripheral neuropathy and independent variables, binary logistic regression model was used. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the association and statistical significance was proclaimed at a p-value < 0.05. The magnitude of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 14.3% (95% CI 10.4-18.0). It was 13.4% (95% CI 8.4-19.1) among males and 15.4% (95% CI 10.1-22.2) among females. Age above 60 years (AOR = 5.06, 95% CI 1.60-15.96), being rural resident (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.15-5.06), duration of diabetes above 5 years (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.16-5.27) and having comorbid hypertension (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.24-5.28) were independently associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. One in seven adult type 2 diabetes patients in the study area had diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Factors such as age, place of residence, duration of diabetes, and comorbid hypertension showed positive associations with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Thus, it is imperative to give special consideration to diabetic patients who are elderly, living in rural areas, experiencing a prolonged duration of diabetes, or dealing with comorbid hypertension.

Impact of Resveratrol and Pharmaceutical Care on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Neuropathic Complication: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial

Background. Management of diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a challenging issue. Therefore, integration of pharmaceutical care provided by the clinical pharmacists with pharmacotherapy may provide multifaceted approach to target the management of hyperglycemia and diabetic neuropathic complication. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol (Resv) and/or pharmaceutical care (PC) on glycemic control and amelioration of diabetes-associated neuropathic complications. Patients and Methods. A four-arm randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial assigned 120 patients from the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center in Sulaymaniyah City, Iraq. The patients were divided into four groups. The Resv group (n = 30) received 500 mg Resv capsules once daily. The Placebo group (n = 30) received placebo capsules. Resv + PC (n = 30) received Resv 500 mg capsules with PC. Placebo + PC (n = 30) received placebo capsule plus PC. The duration of the intervention was 90 days. Drug therapy problems (DTPs) have been utilized as an important domain in PC. Clinical signs, symptoms, and neuropathic abnormalities were assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questions, and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) of the lower-limb sensory and motor nerves. Results. 97 patients from all the groups completed the study. At baseline, 84% of the Resv, 87% of the Placebo, and 92% of each of Resv + PC and Placebo + PC groups, respectively, had at least one DTP. The provision of PC resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of DTP. Resveratrol with PC significantly ameliorated hyperglycemic status, neuropathic signs, and symptoms, as evidenced by a decrease in MNSI and DN4 scores and improvement in electroneurographic parameters. Conclusion. These findings support the integration of the PC concept into a pharmacotherapy intervention; they also encourage supplementation of Resv with conventional diabetes therapy to emphasize on the importance of this herbal medicine with the provision of PC in the management of diabetes and its neuropathic complications. This trial is registered with NCT05172947.

Initial validation of the Mass. General Neuropathy Exam Tool (MAGNET) for evaluation of distal small-fiber neuropathy

INTRODUCTION/AIMS

Diagnosis of small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is hampered by its subjective symptoms and signs. Confirmatory testing is insufficiently available and expensive, so predictive examinations have value. However, few support the 2020 SFN consensus-case-definition requirements or were validated for non-diabetes neuropathies. Thus we developed the Massachusetts General Hospital Neuropathy Exam Tool (MAGNET) and measured diagnostic performance in 160 symptomatic patients evaluated for length-dependent SFN from any cause and 37 healthy volunteers.

METHODS

We compared prevalences of abnormalities (vital signs, pupil responses, lower-limb appearance, pin, light touch, vibration and position sensitivity, great-toe strength, muscle stretch reflexes), and validated diagnostic performance against objective SFN tests: lower-leg skin-biopsy epidermal neurite densities and autonomic function testing (AFT). Sensitivity/specificity, feasibility, test-retest and inter-rater reliability, and convergence with the Utah Early Neuropathy Scale were calculated.

RESULTS

Patients' ages averaged 48.5 ± 14.7 years and 70.6% were female. Causes of neuropathy varied, remaining unknown in 59.5%. Among the 46 with abnormal skin biopsies, the most prevalent abnormality was reduced pin sharpness at the toes (71.7%). Inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity excelled (range = 91.3-95.6%). Receiver operating characteristics comparing all symptomatic patients versus healthy controls indicated that a MAGNET threshold score of 14 maximized predictive accuracy for skin biopsies (0.74) and a 30 cut-off maximized accuracy for predicting AFT (0.60). Analyzing patients with any abnormal neuropathy-test results identified areas-under-the-curves of 0.87-0.89 for predicting a diagnostic result, accuracy = 0.80-0.89, and Youden's index = 0.62. Overall, MAGNET was 80%-85% accurate for stratifying patients with abnormal versus normal neuropathy test results.

DISCUSSION

MAGNET quickly generates research-quality metrics during clinical examinations.

Small fiber neuropathy in irritable bowel syndrome

Aim

In this study, we intend to evaluate the occurrence of small fiber neuropathy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Background

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a sensory neuropathy that results from the degeneration of small Aδ and unmyelinated C fibers. SFN manifests positive symptoms, such as tingling, burning, prickling, and aching, and negative symptoms, including numbness, tightness, and coldness. The SFN coexistence with other comorbidities (e.g., fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease) has been reported in previous studies.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the coexistence of SFN and IBS. Forty-two IBS patients and forty-three healthy individuals were asked to complete the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) questionnaire. Results greater than three (>3) were considered positive. Participants with positive MNSI questionnaire results were examined for any neuropathy signs according to the Utah Early Neuropathy Scale (UENS) examination. The participants with positive results for the questionnaire and examination were checked for the sural and the superficial peroneal nerve conduction study (NCS). Normal NCS represented intact large fibers and the diagnosis of SFN.

Results

Ten participants, 7 (16.7 %) in the IBS group and 3 (6.9 %) in the healthy group, had positive results for the questionnaire. Four participants were positive for the examination, with normal NCS, and were classified as SFN-positive. All four SFN diagnoses were from the IBS group. No one in the healthy group was diagnosed with SFN. We could find a significant statistical difference (p<0.05) between the IBS and healthy groups regarding the prevalence of SFN diagnosis.

Conclusion

The co-occurrence of SFN and IBS suggests the possibility of a generalized neuropathy syndrome characterized by widespread neuronal impairment. Thus, any peripheral neuropathy symptom in IBS patients (and potentially other chronic pain disorders) should be evaluated for SFN since timely diagnosis and proper treatment result in a better quality of life for the patients.

The effect of Tecar therapy on neurological disorders and nerve conduction velocity of lower limbs in peripheral neuropathy of type 2 diabetic patients: A six-week follow-up study

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Tecar therapy on neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity in individuals with diabetes.

Patients and methods

The single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted between January 2019 and October 2019. Twenty-four type 2 diabetics (8 males, 16 females; mean age: 60.4±8.9 years; range, 40 to 78 years) with peripheral neuropathy were randomly allocated to control (n=12) and study (n=12) groups. The study group received the capacitive Tecar therapy with 10 to 30% intensity and infrared radiation in 10 sessions. The controls received the same protocol with zero intensity. The neuropathy symptoms and nerve conduction velocity were evaluated at baseline, after 10 sessions, and six weeks after the end of sessions.

Results

There were no significant differences in variables (p>0.05). In this way, the homogeneity of the data variables was confirmed. Moreover, the results of two-way mixed analysis of variance showed that improvement of neuropathy symptoms in the study group was significantly more than controls in all stages (p<0.001). After 10 sessions, the results of post hoc analysis showed that the neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05). However, there was no change in these outcomes after six weeks in the control group (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Tecar therapy could improve neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity in diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, the use of this method to control the symptoms of diabetic patients can be recommended.

Urinary symptoms and female sexual dysfunction in women with type 1 diabetes: the role of depression

BACKGROUND

Some reports suggest that women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a greater burden of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) than women without T1D, but the etiology of this elevated risk is poorly understood.

AIM

To examine the associations between FSD and urinary incontinence/lower urinary tract symptoms (UI/LUTS) in women with T1D and to evaluate how depression may mediate these relationships.

METHODS

LUTS and UI symptoms were assessed in women with T1D who participated in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated associations between FSD and UI/LUTS (overall and specific domains) and the impact of depression on these associations.

OUTCOMES

FSD was measured with the Female Sexual Function Index-Reduced.

RESULTS

In total, 499 self-reported sexually active women completed validated assessments of sexual and urinary function (mean ± SD age, 47.7 ± 7.6 years; T1D duration, 23.4 ± 5.15 years). FSD was reported in 232 (46%) responders. The frequency of UI and LUTS was 125 (25.1%) and 96 (19.2%), respectively. Neither UI nor its subcategories (urge, stress) were associated with FSD. Although LUTS (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% CI, 1.09-2.77) and its symptoms of urgency (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.09-3.61) and incomplete emptying (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.23-4.85) were associated with FSD, these associations were attenuated following adjustment for depression and antidepressant medication use. Depression indicators were independently associated with FSD overall and across domains.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The complex interplay of voiding dysfunction, mental health, and sexual function warrants further investigation to understand the potential implications for patient assessment, goal setting, treatment, and care planning.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Data are from a prospective study of individuals with T1D. These results are unable to explore cause-and-effect relationships among LUTS, UI, depression, and FSD. The sample may not be representative of the general population of women with T1D. Because participants in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study are mostly White, generalizing the findings to other races and to type 2 diabetes may not be appropriate. While exclusion of sexually inactive women likely biases our findings toward the null, this design element permitted study of LUTS and UI in relation to aspects of FSD, the primary objective of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant associations between LUTS/UI and FSD among middle-aged women with T1D were greatly attenuated when depression was considered a mediating factor.

Novel therapeutical approaches based on neurobiological and genetic strategies for diabetic polyneuropathy - A review

BACKGROUND

Neuropathy is among the most often reported consequences of diabetes and the biggest cause of morbidity and mortality in people suffering from this life-long disease. Although different therapeutic methods are available for diabetic neuropathy, it is still the leading cause of limb amputations, and it significantly decreases patients' quality of life.

AIM

This study investigates potential novel therapeutic options that could ameliorate symptoms of DN.

METHODOLOGY

Research and review papers from the last 10 years were taken into consideration.

RESULTS

There are various traditional drugs and non-pharmacological methods used to treat this health condition. However, the research in the area of pathogenic-oriented drugs in the treatment of DN showed no recent breakthroughs, mostly due to the limited evidence about their effectiveness and safety obtained through clinical trials. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for the development of novel therapeutic options for diabetic neuropathy.

CONCLUSION

Some of the latest novel diagnostic methods for diagnosing diabetic neuropathy are discussed as well as the new therapeutic approaches, such as the fusion of neuronal cells with stem cells, targeting gene delivery and novel drugs.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of Diabetic Foot Self-Care Questionnaire of the University of Malaga (DFSQUMA)

This study was conducted in a methodological design with the aim of adapting the "Diabetic Foot Self-Care Questionnaire of the University of Malaga, Spain (DFSQ)" to Turkish, and examining its validity and reliability. The study population of the methodological research consisted of a total of 161 patients diagnosed with diabetes who presented to the Diabetes Clinic Unit. The translation-back translation technique was employed for the linguistic equivalence of the questionnaire. To test the validity of the scale, linguistic and content validity were examined, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient, item-total score correlations test, and test-retest technique were used to assess the reliability of the scale. The scope validity index values of the Turkish version of DFSQ ranged between 0.85 and 1.00, and there was no difference in scores given by the consulted experts (Kendall's W  =  0.720; p  =  .707). Exploratory factor analysis conducted to examine the factor structure of the scale revealed that the scale consisted of 16 items and three subscales, explaining a total variance of 84.09%. The factor loadings of the scale ranged from 0.90 to 0.97. The calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Turkish version of the scale was 0.66.: It was found that the Turkish version of DFSQ is valid and reliable for the Turkish population. The research identified that DFSQ is a valid and reliable tool for determining diabetic patients' knowledge and attitudes toward foot self-care in cross-cultural studies.

Efficacy of scrambler therapy in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A single-arm, prospective, pilot study

BACKGROUND

A variety of medications are available to manage painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), but the proper treatment remains challenging. Accordingly, various neuromodulation modalities have been used. However, no prospective clinical trials have evaluated the use of scrambler therapy (ST) in painful DPN. This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of ST in managing painful DPN.

METHODS

The patients received 10 consecutive STs of 45 minutes every 1 to 2 days. The primary outcome was pain score. We measured the visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at baseline, during ST, immediately after ST, and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after ST. The secondary outcomes were Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scores, which were measured at baseline, immediately after ST, and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after ST.

RESULTS

VAS scores showed significant improvement at the 8th, 9th, and 10th sessions during ST and 1 month after ST. The MNSI self-report component score was decreased 1 month after the ST. However, all other outcomes did not show significant differences compared to the baseline.

CONCLUSION

ST may have short-term effects and limited long-term effects on painful DPN.

Occurrence of corneal sub-epithelial microneuromas and axonal swelling in people with diabetes with and without (painful) diabetic neuropathy

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Non-invasive in vivo corneal confocal microscopy is gaining ground as an alternative to skin punch biopsy to evaluate small-diameter nerve fibre characteristics. This study aimed to further explore corneal nerve fibre pathology in diabetic neuropathy.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study quantified and compared corneal nerve morphology and microneuromas in participants without diabetes (n=27), participants with diabetes but without distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN; n=33), participants with non-painful DSPN (n=25) and participants with painful DSPN (n=18). Clinical and electrodiagnostic criteria were used to diagnose DSPN. ANCOVA was used to compare nerve fibre morphology in the central cornea and inferior whorl, and the number of corneal sub-epithelial microneuromas between groups. Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the type and presence of corneal sub-epithelial microneuromas and axonal swelling between groups.

RESULTS

Various corneal nerve morphology metrics, such as corneal nerve fibre length and density, showed a progressive decline across the groups (p<0.001). In addition, axonal swelling was present more frequently (p=0.018) and in higher numbers (p=0.03) in participants with painful compared with non-painful DSPN. The frequency of axonal distension, a type of microneuroma, was increased in participants with painful and non-painful DSPN compared to participants with diabetes but without DSPN and participants without diabetes (all p≤0.042). The combined presence of all microneuromas and axonal swelling was increased in participants with painful DSPN compared with all other groups (p≤0.026).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Microneuromas and axonal swelling in the cornea increase in prevalence from participants with diabetes to participants with non-painful DSPN and participants with painful DSPN.

Enhancing Self-Management Skills of Patients With Existing Diabetic Foot Ulcerations: A Quality Improvement Project

PURPOSE

The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to determine the impact of a nurse-administered foot care intervention bundle (NA-FCIB) upon self-management knowledge, skills, and outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcerations.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The sample comprised 39 patients being treated for diabetic foot ulceration at a wound care clinic in a tertiary care hospital in Arlington, Virginia. The project was conducted from August 2017 to February 2018.

APPROACH

This quality improvement project used the Johns Hopkins Plan-Do-Study-Act Method supplemented by self-regulation theory for diabetic patient education and evidence in clinical literature. The 12-week-long intervention included one-on-one teaching in the prevention of ulcerations and optimal care of the diabetic foot, blood glucose level tracking logs, patient "teach-back" and skills demonstration, and free foot care tools.

OUTCOMES

From baseline to post-NA-FCIB, the number of participants knowing the reasons for temperature foot protection increased by 92%, those knowing major factors leading to diabetic foot ulceration by 85%, those knowing what to look for in the foot self-exam by 85%, and those able to demonstrate correct foot self-exam by 84%. The number of participants understanding proper footwear increased by 74%, and those identifying ways to avoid/decrease the likelihood of diabetic foot ulcers by 72%. Mean serum hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) levels decreased from baseline to postintervention (8.27%; SD 2.05% vs 7.46%; SD 1.58%; P = .002).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The NA-FCIB intervention was successfully incorporated into routine clinic care as the standard of care. Our experience suggests that the NA-FCIB may be feasible and effective for use at comparable wound care clinics and may have secondary benefits for HgbA1c regulation.

Diabetic neuropathy: Pathogenesis and evolving principles of management

The global rise of prediabetes and diabetes has spawned an epidemic of complications associated with these conditions. Neuropathy is the most common consequence, with distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) being the most prevalent. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a debilitating consequence of diabetes mellitus resulting in the highest morbidity and death, besides imposing a substantial financial burden on the patient. Loss of sensory function commencing distally in the lower limbs, accompanied by discomfort and considerable morbidity, characterizes diabetic neuropathy. The clinical evaluation and therapeutic options for diabetic peripheral neuropathy are multifaceted. At least fifty percent of people with diabetes acquire diabetic neuropathy over time. Good glycemic control halts the evolution in individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. These results have prompted fresh attempts to comprehend the origin and develop new guidelines for prevention and treatment. New recommendations have also been established for the treatment of painful DN using separate classes of medications, with an emphasis on avoiding the use of opioids. Although our comprehension of the intricacies of diabetic neuropathy has progressed significantly over the past decade, the unique processes driving the neuropathy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes remain unexplained. Currently, glycemic control and pain management are the only effective therapies. While glucose management significantly reduces neuropathy development in type 1 diabetics, the effect is considerably lower in type 2 diabetics. Evidence supports the use of anticonvulsants and antidepressants for diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain treatment. However, the absence of disease-modifying medications for diabetic DSP necessitates the identification of unrecognized modifiable risk factors. It is imperative to identify the 'missed' risk factors and targets, allowing comprehensive, individualized care for patients.

Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes: What Can MRI Do?

Diabetes peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is commonly asymptomatic in the early stage. However, once symptoms and obvious defects appear, recovery is not possible. Diagnosis of neuropathy is based on physical examinations, questionnaires, nerve conduction studies, skin biopsies, and so on. However, the diagnosis of DPN is still challenging, and early diagnosis and immediate intervention are very important for prevention of the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy. The advantages of MRI in the diagnosis of DPN are obvious: the peripheral nerve imaging is clear, the lesions can be found intuitively, and the quantitative evaluation of the lesions is the basis for the diagnosis, classification, and follow-up of DPN. With the development of magnetic resonance technology, more and more studies have been conducted on detection of DPN. This article reviews the research field of MRI in DPN.

Effect of Diabetic Neuropathy on Reparative Ability and Immune Response System

The effects of diabetes can be divided into short, medium and long term and various human organ systems can be effected. The present study aimed to determine how much the duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) affect the reparative ability of the body, immune response and the development of DM complications. Interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were monitored as specific indicators of inflammatory reaction and C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count (WBC) and sedimentation rate (ESR) as general markers of inflammatory reaction. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were observed as indicators of reparative ability and polyneuropathy. All interleukins were determined by ELISA and evaluated spectrophotometrically. Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) is performed for neuropathy examination. Patients with diabetes mellitus were divided into 3 groups, according to duration of diabetes mellitus. IL-6 levels correlated with clinical stage of diabetic polyneuropathy at p = 0.025 R = 0.402; with CRP at p = 0.0001, R = 0.784 as well as correlation of CRP and MNSI score (R = 0.500, p = 0.034) in a group of patients with DM lasting up to 10 years. The reparative ability of the body is reduced by physiological age and ages of DM duration. The immune response is weakened in DM additionally. The dual activity of cytokines IL-6 and TGF-β1 is present in long-duration Diabetes Mellitus.

Effects of Photobiomodulation With Two Wavelengths of 630 and 810 nm on Diabetic Neuropathy

Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes patients. Among different therapeutic approaches for treating DPN, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is a new promising non-invasive technique. This study aims to evaluate the effect of visible and infra-red LLLT on DPN. Methods: Sixty DPN patients enrolled in a randomized-controlled study. The patients were randomly divided into the same population of control and laser groups. The patients in the laser group received LLLT with two wavelengths of 630 and 819 nm and conventional therapy, and those in the control group received conventional therapy alone. Irradiation of the patients lasted 15 minutes per session, and it was performed over the surface of each foot three times a week for 12 sessions. The patients were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and microfilament test. Results: Patients' sensation in the right foot in the monofilament test had increased from 22 (84.6%) to 26 (86.7%) (P=0.000), and in the left foot it had increased from 20 (80%) to 25 (86.2%) (P=0.001). The mean and standard deviation of the scores of section A of the Michigan questionnaire showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), but the B part scores of the Michigan test did not show a significant difference. Conclusion: This study showed that the visible and infra-red LLLT significantly improved the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy without any side effects.

The efficacy of a whole foods, plant-based dietary lifestyle intervention for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in leprosy: a randomized control trial protocol

Introduction

Despite effective treatment of leprosy via WHO-approved multi-drug therapy (MDT), patients still suffer from debilitating neuropathic sequelae, including peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), and continue to develop intercurrent etiologies (such as diabetes), and progressive existing neuropathy over time. Strategies seeking to improve physiological and metabolic wellness, including those that reduce systemic inflammation and enhance immune responsiveness to neurotoxic factors may influence underlying neuropathic etiologies. A whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) has been shown to be effective in the management of neuropathic pain due to diabetes, limiting severity and relevant symptomology. Diabetes remains a significant sequela of leprosy, as up to 50% of patients in reaction requiring corticosteroids, may develop a biochemical diabetes. As nutritional interventions may modulate both leprosy and diabetes, a specific exploration of these relationships remains relevant.

Objectives

(1) To demonstrate the effect of a WFPBD lifestyle intervention, on neuropathic pain variables in leprosy; and (2) To contextualize the significance of diet in the treatment of chronic sequelae in leprosy by evaluating tolerability and side effect profile.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind, multicentre interventional trial is described. Weekly one-hour dietary counseling sessions promoting a WFPBD emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, nuts, and legumes, omitting animal products, and limiting fat intake over a six-month duration will be implemented. Participants will be 70 age and sex-matched individuals experiencing active or treated "cured" leprosy and PNP, randomized to either intervention or control groups. Primary outcome measures include efficacy via visual analog scale, subjective questionnaire and objective quantitative sensory testing, as well as safety, tolerability, and harms of a WFPBD on PNP in leprosy. This study will be initiated after Research Ethics Board (REB) approval at all participating sites, and in advance of study initiation, the trial will be registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Expected impact

It is hypothesized that WFPBDs will mitigate progression and severity of PNP and potentially reduce the adverse events related to standard corticosteroid treatment of leprosy reactions, thereby reducing disease severity. By examining the effects of WFPBDs on PNP in leprosy, we hope to illuminate data that will lead to the enhanced therapeutic management of this neglected tropical disease.

The effect of surgical weight loss on diabetes complications in individuals with class II/III obesity

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of bariatric surgery on diabetes complications in individuals with class II/III obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2).

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of participants with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. At baseline and 2 years following surgery, participants underwent metabolic phenotyping and diabetes complication assessments. The primary outcomes for peripheral neuropathy (PN) were a change in intra-epidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD, units = fibres/mm) at the distal leg and proximal thigh, the primary outcome for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) was a change in the expiration/inspiration (E/I) ratio, and the primary outcome for retinopathy was a change in the mean deviation on frequency doubling technology testing.

RESULTS

Among 127 baseline participants, 79 completed in-person follow-up (age 46.0 ± 11.3 years [mean ± SD], 73.4% female). Participants lost a mean of 31.0 kg (SD 18.4), and all metabolic risk factors improved except for BP and total cholesterol. Following bariatric surgery, one of the primary PN outcomes improved (IENFD proximal thigh, +3.4 ± 7.8, p<0.01), and CAN (E/I ratio -0.01 ± 0.1, p=0.89) and retinopathy (deviation -0.2 ± 3.0, p=0.52) were stable. Linear regression revealed that a greater reduction in fasting glucose was associated with improvements in retinopathy (mean deviation point estimate -0.7, 95% CI -1.3, -0.1).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Bariatric surgery may be an effective approach to reverse PN in individuals with obesity. The observed stability of CAN and retinopathy may be an improvement compared with the natural progression of these conditions; however, controlled trials are needed.

The association between hyperlipidemia, lipid-lowering drugs and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

Previous studies showed conflicting relationship between hyperlipidemia, lipid-lowering therapy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). As most of these works emerges from the Western and Australian countries, our study aims to investigate whether hyperlipidemia or lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) is associated with DPN in Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

A cross-sectional, hospital-based observation study in adults with T2D was conducted from January to October 2013. DPN was screened using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Data were obtained at the time of enrollment, including medication usage, anthropometric measurements and laboratory examinations.

RESULTS

2,448 participants were enrolled, 524 (21.4%) of whom had DPN. Patients with DPN had significantly lower plasma total cholesterol (185.6 ± 38.6 vs 193.4 ± 42.3 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (114.6 ± 32.7 vs 119 ± 30.8 mg/dL). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that neither hyperlipidemia (adjusted OR (aOR), 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.49-1.34) nor LLT (aOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.58-2.09) was associated with DPN. Subgroup analysis revealed that neither total cholesterol (aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.2-2.62), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (aOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.2-2.79), statin (aOR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.59-2.03) nor fibrate (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 0.33-1.61) was associated with DPN.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that neither hyperlipidemia nor lipid-lowering medication was associated with DPN in adults with T2D. DPN is a multifactorial disease, and our findings indicate that lipid metabolism may play a minor role in its pathogenesis.

Atrophy of the optic chiasm is associated with microvascular diabetic complications in type 1 diabetes

Introduction

Diabetic neuropathy and diabetic eye disease are well known complications of type 1 diabetes. We hypothesized that chronic hyperglycemia also damages the optic tract, which can be measured using routine magnetic resonance imaging. Our aim was to compare morphological differences in the optic tract between individuals with type 1 diabetes and healthy control subjects. Associations between optic tract atrophy and metabolic measures, cerebrovascular and microvascular diabetic complications were further studied among individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We included 188 subjects with type 1 diabetes and 30 healthy controls, all recruited as part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study. All participants underwent a clinical examination, biochemical work-up, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two different raters manually measured the optic tract.

Results

The coronal area of the optic chiasm was smaller among those with type 1 diabetes compared to non-diabetic controls (median area 24.7 [21.0-28.5] vs 30.0 [26.7-33.3] mm2, p<0.001). In participants with type 1 diabetes, a smaller chiasmatic area was associated with duration of diabetes, glycated hemoglobin, and body mass index. Diabetic eye disease, kidney disease, neuropathy and the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in brain MRI were associated with smaller chiasmatic size (p<0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Individuals with type 1 diabetes had smaller optic chiasms than healthy controls, suggesting that diabetic neurodegenerative changes extend to the optic nerve tract. This hypothesis was further supported by the association of smaller chiasm with chronic hyperglycemia, duration of diabetes, diabetic microvascular complications, as well as and CMBs in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Assessment of Lumbosacral Nerve Roots in Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging

BACKGROUND

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has found clinical applications in the evaluation of the central nervous system and has been extensively used to image peripheral neuropathy. However, few studies have focused on lumbosacral nerve root fiber damage in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The aim of the study was to evaluate whether DTI of the lumbosacral nerve roots can be used to detect DPN.

METHODS

Thirty-two type 2 diabetic patients with DPN and thirty healthy controls (HCs) were investigated with a 3T MRI scanner. DTI with tractography of the L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots was performed. Anatomical fusion with the axial T2 sequences was used to provide correlating anatomical information. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured from tractography images and compared between groups. Diagnostic value was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to explore the correlation between DTI parameters and clinical data and the nerve conduction study (NCS) in the DPN group.

RESULTS

In the DPN group, FA was decreased (p < 0.001) and ADC was increased (p < 0.001) compared with the values of the HC group. FA displayed the best diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.716. ADC was positively correlated with HbA1c level (r = 0.379, p = 0.024) in the DPN group.

CONCLUSIONS

DTI of lumbosacral nerve roots demonstrates appreciable diagnostic accuracy in patients with DPN.

Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument

BACKGROUND

Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy is an important risk factor for foot ulceration and amputation. Thus, patients with diabetes should be screened for this disorder according to local guidelines. An obstacle to the diagnosis of this disease may be the lack of unified diagnostic criteria due to the lack of properly validated scales used for assessment.

AIM

To validate both sections (A and B) of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) in Polish (PL) patients with diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using a test (A1, B1) and re-test (A2, B2) formula was performed in 80 patients with diabetes. The gold standard used for neuropathy detection was a nerve conduction study (NCS) which was performed in all participants. Reliability of the MNSI-PL was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha, Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (KR-20), split-half reliability, the Gottman split-half tests, and correlation between first and second half was accessed. Stability was assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For external validation, we used simple linear correlation, binomial regression, and agreement between two different tools using a Bland-Altman plot analysis.

RESULTS

The scale was internally consistent (Cronbach’s alpha for the full scale: 0.81 for A and 0.87 for B). MNSI-PL scores in test/retest showed high stability (ICC = 0.73 for A and ICC = 0.97 for B). The statistically important correlations between MNSI-PL and NCS were found for B1, B2, and A1 (P < 0.005). The cut-off points of ≥ 3 for section A (sensitivity of 90%-100%; specificity of 33%-40%) and ≥ 2 for section B (sensitivity of 81%-84%; specificity of 60%-70%) were obtained during neuropathy detection.

CONCLUSION

The MNSI-PL is a reliable and valid instrument in screening for diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetes complications and cognitive function in young adults with youth-onset type 1 or type 2 diabetes: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

Aims/hypotheses

People with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) who also have diabetes complications can have pronounced cognitive deficits. It remains unknown, however, whether and how multiple diabetes complications co-occur with cognitive dysfunction, particularly in youth-onset diabetes.

Methods

Using data from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study cohort, a prospective longitudinal cohort, we examined clustering of complications and their underlying clinical factors with performance on cognitive tests in young adults with youth-onset T1D or T2D. Cognition was assessed via the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. The main cognitive variables were age-corrected scores for composite fluid cognition and associated cognitive subdomains. Diabetes complications included retinopathy, microalbuminuria, and peripheral neuropathy (PN). Lipids, systolic blood pressure (SBP), hemoglobin A1c, and other clinical factors were included in the analyses. Clustering was applied separately to each group (T1D=646; T2D=165). A three-cluster(C) solution was identified for each diabetes type. Mean values and frequencies of all factors were compared between resulting clusters.

Results

The average age-corrected score for composite fluid cognition differed significantly across clusters for each group (p<0.001). People with T1D and the lowest average fluid cognition scores had the highest frequency of self-reporting at least one episode of hypoglycemia in the year preceding cognitive testing and the highest prevalence of PN. Persons with T2D and the lowest average fluid cognition scores had the highest SBP, the highest central systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and highest prevalence of PN.

Conclusions/interpretations

These findings highlight shared (PN) and unique factors (hypoglycemia in T1D; SBP in T2D) that could be targeted to potentially mitigate cognitive issues in young people with youth-onset diabetes.

Predictors of Abnormal Sleep Duration in Older Adults With Hip Fracture and Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Abnormal sleep duration affects recovery in older adults with hip fracture and diabetes mellitus (DM) negatively. However, the predictors of abnormal sleep duration in this population remain unknown.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to explore the predictors of abnormal sleep duration among older adults with hip fracture and DM within 6 months of hospital discharge.

METHODS

A longitudinal study using secondary data from a randomized controlled trial was implemented. Data on fracture-related factors (diagnosis, surgical methods) were collected from medical charts. Information on the duration of DM, methods of DM control, and diabetes-related peripheral vascular disease was collected by asking simple questions. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Sleep duration outcomes were determined using data collected from a SenseWear armband.

RESULTS

Having more comorbidities (OR = 3.14, p = .04), having undergone open reduction (OR = 2.65, p = .005), having undergone closed reduction with internal fixation (OR = 1.39, p = .04), and having DM (OR = 1.18, p = .01), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (OR = 9.60, p = .02), or diabetic peripheral vascular disease for a longer duration (OR = 15.62, p = .006) were all associated with a higher risk of abnormal sleep duration.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that patients with more comorbidities or who had undergone internal fixation, had a long DM history, or had complications are more likely to have abnormal sleep duration. Thus, greater attention should be focused on the sleep duration of diabetic older adults with hip fracture who are affected by these factors to achieve better postoperative recovery.

Screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in resource-limited settings

BACKGROUND

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and a major risk factor for diabetes-related lower-extremity complications. Diffuse neuropathy is the most frequently encountered pattern of neurological dysfunction and presents clinically as distal symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Due to the increasing public health significance of diabetes mellitus and its complications, screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is essential. Consequently, a review of the principles that guide screening practices, especially in resource-limited clinical settings, is urgently needed.

MAIN BODY

Numerous evidence-based assessments are used to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In accordance with current guideline recommendations from the American Diabetes Association, International Diabetes Federation, International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot, and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, a screening algorithm for diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on multiphasic clinical assessment, stratification according to risk of developing diabetic foot syndrome, individualized treatment, and scheduled follow-up is suggested for use in resource-limited settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in resource-limited settings requires a practical and comprehensive approach in order to promptly identify affected individuals. The principles of screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy are: multiphasic approach, risk stratification, individualized treatment, and scheduled follow-up. Regular screening for diabetes-related foot disease using simple clinical assessments may improve patient outcomes.

The Association of Inflammatory Factors With Peripheral Neuropathy: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation

PURPOSE

Previous work has focused on the role of diabetes in peripheral neuropathy (PN), but PN often occurs before, and independently from, diabetes. This study measures the association of cardiometabolic and inflammatory factor with PN, independent of diabetes.

METHODS

Study of Women's Health Across the Nation participants (n = 1910), ages 60 to 73 (mean 65.6) were assessed for PN by symptom questionnaire and monofilament testing at the 15th follow-up visit (V15). Anthropometric measures and biomarkers were measured at study baseline approximately 20 years prior, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen were measured longitudinally. Log-binomial regression was used to model the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS), obesity (≥35 body mass index), CRP, and fibrinogen with PN, adjusting for sociodemographic and health behavior measures.

RESULTS

Baseline MetS [prevalence ratio (PR) 1.79, 95% CI (1.45, 2.20)], obesity [PR 2.08 (1.65, 2.61)], median CRP [PR 1.32 per log(mg/dL), (1.20, 1.45)], and mean fibrinogen (PR 1.28 per 100 mg/dL, (1.09, 1.50)] were associated with PN symptoms at V15. After excluding participants with baseline diabetes or obesity, MetS [PR 1.59 (1.17, 2.14)] and CRP [PR 1.19 per log(mg/dL), (1.06, 1.35)] remained statistically significantly associated with PN. There was a negative interaction between MetS and obesity, and the association between these conditions and PN was mediated by CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiometabolic factors and inflammation are significantly associated with PN, independent of diabetes and obesity. CRP mediates the relationship of both obesity and MetS with PN, suggesting an etiological role of inflammation in PN in this sample.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is associated with diabetic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease – The Silesia Diabetes-Heart Project

Microvascular complications of diabetes seem to be clustered and put patients at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This was a questionnaire-based study designed to screen for the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), defined as the score in the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) above 2, and to evaluate its association with other complication of diabetes, including CVD. There were 184 patients included into the study. The prevalence of DPN in the study group was 37.5%. The regression model analysis revealed that the presence of DPN was significantly associated with the presence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) (P = 0.0034;) and patient's age (P < 0.0001). Thirty-four patients (49.3%) with MNSI score >2 were diagnosed with CVD in comparison to 24 (20.1%) subjects with MNSI score ≤ 2 (P = 0.00006). In case of having one diabetes complication diagnosed, it is important to screen for others, including macrovascular ones.

Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes Mellitus: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Diagnostic Options

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the main microvascular complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sometimes, this could already be present at the time of diagnosis for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while it appears in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) almost 10 years after the onset of the disease. The impairment can involve both somatic fibers of the peripheral nervous system, with sensory-motor manifestations, as well as the autonomic system, with neurovegetative multiorgan manifestations through an impairment of sympathetic/parasympathetic conduction. It seems that, both indirectly and directly, the hyperglycemic state and oxygen delivery reduction through the vasa nervorum can determine inflammatory damage, which in turn is responsible for the alteration of the activity of the nerves. The symptoms and signs are therefore various, although symmetrical painful somatic neuropathy at the level of the lower limbs seems the most frequent manifestation. The pathophysiological aspects underlying the onset and progression of DN are not entirely clear. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the most recent discoveries in the pathophysiological and diagnostic fields concerning this complex and frequent complication of diabetes mellitus.

Association of arterial stiffness and neuropathy in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence is still emerging on the relationships of arterial stiffness with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and peripheral neuropathy (PN). To our knowledge no systematic reviews or meta-analyses of these associations have been published. The purpose of our review was to assess the association of arterial stiffness with each type of neuropathy. Medline and Embase were systematically searched for observational studies of arterial stiffness and neuropathy.The systematic review of 60 studies (25 for CAN and 37 for PN), 59 including people with diabetes, showed arterial stiffness overall was higher in people with neuropathy than people without neuropathy. Forty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. For CAN (19 studies), arterial stiffness was increased in people with neuropathy compared with without, as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) (mean difference: 1.32 m/s, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.81, p<0.00001), pulse pressure (PP) (mean difference: 6.25 mmHg, 95% CI 4.51 to 7.99, p<0.00001) or augmentation index (mean difference: 5.52%, 95% CI 3.46 to 7.58, p<0.0001). For PN (26 studies), arterial stiffness was increased in people with neuropathy compared with those without, as measured by PWV (mean difference: 1.22 m/s, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.58, p<0.00001) or PP (mean difference: 4.59 mmHg, 95% CI 2.96 to 6.22, p<0.00001). Only two cohort studies were located so the temporality of the association between arterial stiffness and neuropathy remains unclear. Increased arterial stiffness is associated with CAN and PN.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019129563.

The pressure time integral: An underused, clinically significant parameter as a determinant of neuropathic ulceration in diabetes

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate plantar pressure dynamics in the occurrence of active diabetic neuropathic ulceration (DNU) and any changes in loadings occurring in individuals with a history of diabetic neuropathic ulceration (DHNU). Since current gold standard offloading strategies are not producing desirable healing outcomes and optimum ulcer prevention, this study aimed to better understand the effect of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and ulceration on mean peak plantar pressure (MPPP) and pressure-time integral (PTI) changes.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is there a redistribution of plantar pressure during gait in the presence of active and history of diabetic neuropathic ulceration?

METHODS

A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, in which, eighty adult participants were divided into four groups, namely, the DM, DPN, DNU and DHNU groups. Participants were instructed to walk barefoot over a Tekscan HR Mat™ at self-selected speed. MPPP and PTI data were analysed under five forefoot anatomical landmarks and compared between individuals with and without active neuropathic ulceration.

RESULTS

Minimal MPPP significant changes were observed between ulcerated and non-ulcerated groups, however, PTI values were significantly increased in the ulcerated groups under all plantar ulceration regions. No significant plantar pressure differences were observed between the DNU and DHNU groups. Logistic regression tests demonstrated that as PTIs under the hallux increase, the likelihood of an individual living with DPN developing ulceration increases.

SIGNIFICANCE

A significant increase in PTI values in the presence of ulceration highlights the importance of evaluating the duration of loads under forefoot regions during gait rather than just focusing on the magnitude of pressures during ulcer management and prevention. Moreover, results show that PTI values remain high in the presence of a history of neuropathic ulceration, possibly demonstrating the value of PTI as a clinical tool over MPPP in the assessment of the high-risk diabetic foot.

Neuropathy and pain after breast cancer treatment: a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

Neurological complications including pain are common after treatment for breast cancer. This prospective study investigated the symptoms, intensity and interference of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuro-pathy. (CIPN) in the feet and hands compared to surgery- and radiation-induced neuropathy in the breast and upper arm.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred to surgery for breast cancer were included in a prospective study and completed a questionnaire at baseline and a follow-up questionnaire and interview after one year. CIPN was assessed with the CIPN20 questionnaire and the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument questionnaire (MNSIq). Pain intensity was rated on a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0-10).

RESULTS

In total 144 patients were included, of which 73 received chemotherapy. At one-year follow-up, symptoms of polyneuropathy were more common in patients treated with chemotherapy. Tingling or numbness in the feet in those treated/not treated with chemotherapy was reported by 44 (62%) and 15 (21%), respectively. Pain was present in 22 (30%) and 10 (14%), respectively. Pain in the area of surgery was reported by 66 (46%). Although less common, pain in the feet in those treated with chemotherapy was rated as more intense and with more daily life interference than pain in the surgical area (NRS 5.5 (SD 1.9) vs. 3.1 (SD 1.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurological complications including pain following surgery and chemotherapy represent a burden to breast cancer survivors. In those who had received chemotherapy, pain in the feet was less common than pain in the surgical area, but pain in the feet was more intense and had a higher interference with daily life. Our study emphasizes the need for either baseline data or a control population for improved estimation of the presence and severity of CIPN and pain from questionnaires.

A Machine Learning-Based Severity Prediction Tool for the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument

Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a serious long-term complication of diabetes, which may lead to foot ulceration and amputation. Among the screening tools for DSPN, the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI) is frequently deployed, but it lacks a straightforward rating of severity. A DSPN severity grading system has been built and simulated for the MNSI, utilizing longitudinal data captured over 19 years from the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) trial. Machine learning algorithms were used to establish the MNSI factors and patient outcomes to characterise the features with the best ability to detect DSPN severity. A nomogram based on multivariable logistic regression was designed, developed and validated. The extra tree model was applied to identify the top seven ranked MNSI features that identified DSPN, namely vibration perception (R), 10-gm filament, previous diabetic neuropathy, vibration perception (L), presence of callus, deformities and fissure. The nomogram's area under the curve (AUC) was 0.9421 and 0.946 for the internal and external datasets, respectively. The probability of DSPN was predicted from the nomogram and a DSPN severity grading system for MNSI was created using the probability score. An independent dataset was used to validate the model's performance. The patients were divided into four different severity levels, i.e., absent, mild, moderate, and severe, with cut-off values of 10.50, 12.70 and 15.00 for a DSPN probability of less than 50, 75 and 100%, respectively. We provide an easy-to-use, straightforward and reproducible approach to determine prognosis in patients with DSPN.

The association between distal symmetric polyneuropathy in diabetes with all-cause mortality - a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a common microvascular complication of both type 1 and 2 diabetes with substantial morbidity burden and reduced quality of life. Its association with mortality is equivocal.

PURPOSE

To describe the association between DSPN and all-cause mortality in people with diabetes and further stratify by the type of diabetes based on a meta-analysis of published observational studies.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Medline from inception to May 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Original data were collected from case-control and cohort studies that reported on diabetes and DSPN status at baseline and all-cause mortality during follow-up.

DATA EXTRACTION

was completed by diabetes specialists with clinical experience in neuropathy assessment.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Data was synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis. The difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes was investigated using meta-regression.

RESULTS

A total of 31 cohorts (n=155,934 participants, median 27.4% with DSPN at baseline, all-cause mortality 12.3%) were included. Diabetes patients with DSPN had an almost twofold mortality (HR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.68-2.27, I2 = 91.7%), I^{2 =} 91.7%) compared to those without DSPN that was partly explained by baseline risk factors (adjusted HR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.37-1.87, I^{2 =} 78.86%). The association was stronger in type 1 compared to type 2 diabetes (HR: 2.22, 95%CI: 1.43-3.45). Findings were robust in sensitivity analyses without significant publication bias.

LIMITATIONS

Not all papers reported multiple adjusted estimates. The definition of DSPN was heterogeneous.

CONCLUSIONS

DSPN is associated with an almost twofold risk of death. If this association is causal, targeted therapy for DSPN could improve life expectancy of diabetic patients.

The NIDDK Diabetic Foot Consortium

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Diabetic Foot Consortium (DFC) was established in September 2018 by the NIDDK to build an organization to facilitate the highest quality of clinical research on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that will answer clinically significant questions to improve DFU healing and prevent amputations. The initial focus of the DFC is to develop and validate biomarkers for DFUs that can be used in clinical care and research. The DFC consists of a data coordinating center (DCC) for operational oversight and statistical analysis, clinical sites for participant recruitment and evaluation, and biomarker analysis units (BAUs). The DFC is currently studying biomarkers to predict wound healing and recurrence and is collecting biosamples for future studies through a biorepository. The DFC plans to address the challenges of recruitment and eligibility criteria for DFU clinical trials by taking an approach of "No DFU Patient Goes Unstudied." In this platform approach, clinical history, DFU outcome, wound imaging, and biologic measurements from a large number of patients will be captured and the in-depth longitudinal data set will be analyzed to develop a computational-based DFU risk factor profile to facilitate scientifically sound clinical trial design. The DFC will expand its platform to include studies of the role of social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, housing instability, limited health literacy, and poor social support. The DFC is starting partnerships with the broad group of stakeholders in the wound care community.

The Interaction of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and is associated with its own neuropathic complications. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication seen in diabetic patients. In this study, we examine the relationship between the severity of DPN and CTS.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetic and control patients (n = 292) were recruited at a clinic visit. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) questionnaire was used to collect data related to peripheral neuropathy. The MNSI scores were compared for patients with CTS with and without DM in univariable and multivariable analyses. χ2 analyses were performed to quantitatively measure the associations between peripheral neuropathy and the presence of CTS.

RESULTS

Of the 292 patients, 41 had CTS, and 19 of these had both CTS and DM. Of the 138 diabetic patients, 85 had peripheral neuropathy. There was no association between a diagnosis of CTS and an MNSI score indicative of peripheral neuropathy. In the diabetic population, CTS was inversely associated with DPN (P = .017). The MNSI scores between diabetic and control patients with CTS were comparable.

CONCLUSION

The severity of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients with and without CTS is comparable. Diabetic patients without peripheral neuropathy have an association with higher incidence of CTS in this study, suggesting that there are disparate mechanisms causing DPN and CTS. Nevertheless, diabetes and CTS are risk factors for developing the other, and future studies should further explore how DPN and CTS differ to tailor patient interventions based on their comorbidities.

Determination of light pressing pressure for improving foot skin blood flow in type 2 diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

Traditional Thai massage is one of the alternative treatments for diabetic feet. However, the specific amount of pressing pressure applied to the foot during Thai foot massage is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of light pressing pressure on foot skin blood flow in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODES

A single-arm repeated measures was conducted. Forty-three participants were recruited via the subjective examination and screening using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. To obtain foot skin blood flow by laser doppler blood flowmetry, a probe was pasted on the 1st distal phalange of the big toe. Light pressure at a single point was applied on the plantar skin fold between the bases of the second and third toes by using the digital algometer. The pressure was applied gently, then increased slightly until the participant started to feel some minor discomfort. Patients were asked to rate their pain intensity using the visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

The average pressing pressure without discomfort was 3.55 ± 1.04 kg/cm². The foot skin blood flow increased significantly immediately after the pressing pressure, and this increase represented about 1.9 times when compared with the baseline (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The application of light pressing pressure could be used as a basic standard criterion for massage to improve the foot skin blood flow in type 2 diabetic patients.

Responsiveness of the Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy

Background

Mini-BESTest is an instrument for assessing the balance impairment; however, the use of the Mini-BESTest in type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy is not well documented in the literature. The aim of this study was to examine the responsiveness and the minimal important change (MIC) of the Mini-BESTest after four weeks of the balance exercises.

Methods

A prospective single group pretest-posttest design was applied, and forty-eight type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were participated (mean age of 59.04 ± 7.533 years; 3 males and 45 females). All participants were given an intervention program including foot care and balance exercises (50-minute sessions, three times a week for four weeks). The responsiveness of the Mini-BESTest was determined using two approaches: 1) the distribution-based method evaluating the change scores (pre- and post-intervention), the effect size (ES), the standard response mean (SRM), the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimum detectable change (MDC₉₅) and 2) the anchor-based method evaluating the MIC using the Global Rating of Change scale (GRC) as an external criterion.

Results

After the balance exercises treatment, the Mini-BESTest scores significantly improved (p < 0.001) with an ES of 3.9 and SRM of 4.32. SEM was 0.73 and MDC₉₅ was 2.03 points. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve corresponded to 81%. The cutoff point of the Mini-BESTest was ≥5 points corresponding to the GRC ≤3 versus >3 for the discrimination of the Mini-BESTest between improvement and no improvement after exercises.

Conclusion

The Mini-BESTest can be demonstrated as high responsiveness according to the determination of the distribution-based and the anchor-based methods. The MIC of the Mini-BESTest was taken as ≥5 points and could be used as an outcome measure for the discriminated evaluation of type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Does Lower Extremity Nerve Decompression Surgery Improve Quality of Life?

BACKGROUND

Entrapment neuropathies are more prevalent in patients with diabetes than in healthy patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of lower extremity nerve decompression surgery on quality of life and clarify predictors of this surgical outcome and the incidence of surgical site problems.

METHODS

Patients who underwent lower extremity nerve decompression surgery between September of 2017 and March of 2019 were followed prospectively at the outpatient clinic of University Medical Center Utrecht. The common, superficial, and deep peroneal nerve and tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel and soleal sling were decompressed if an entrapment was diagnosed. The primary study outcome was quality of life as measured by the Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy questionnaire. Secondary outcomes of interest were change in Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument score, predictors of the Norfolk score at follow-up, and the occurrence of complications.

RESULTS

Sixty patients underwent surgery (45 unilateral, 15 bilateral), with a median postoperative follow-up of 13.0 months (interquartile range, 7.3 to 18.0 months). Quality of life improved significantly in this period of observation [baseline median, 46.0 (34.0 to 62.0) versus follow-up median, 37.0 (20.0 to 60.0); p = 0.011], as did Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument scores [7.0 (5.0 to 9.0) versus 3.0 (0.0 to 6.5); p < 0.01]. Predictors of quality of life were a higher baseline quality of life score [β, 0.59 ( p = 0.001)], longer follow-up time [β, 2.34 ( p < 0.001)], and hypertension [β, 16.38 ( p = 0.03)]. A total of 26.7 percent of patients had surgical site problems, including wound infections (18.3 percent).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower extremity nerve decompression surgery significantly improves quality of life by reducing neuropathy symptoms in patients with lower extremity nerve compressions. Attention should be given to lowering the risk of wound complications.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Prevalence and associated factors of osteoarthritis in the Ural Eye and Medical Study and the Ural Very Old Study

To determine the prevalence of osteoarthritis and its associated factors in populations from Russia. The population-based Ural Eye and Medical Study (UEMS) and the population-based Ural Very Old Study (UVOS) were conducted in a rural and urban region in Bashkortostan/Russia and included participants aged 40+ and 85+ years, respectively. As part of a detailed systematic examination, we assessed the osteoarthritis prevalence in an interview including questions on the self-reported presence of osteoarthritis, the joints affected and osteoarthritis-related pain-relieving therapy taken. Out of 5898 participants of the UEMS, 1636 individuals had osteoarthritis [prevalence: 27.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 26.7, 28.7], with 816 individuals (13.8%; 95% CI 12.8, 14.8) taking pain-relieving medication. A higher osteoarthritis prevalence was associated (multivariable analysis) with older age [odds ratio (OR 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.05], urban region of residence (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07, 1.45), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03, 1.06), lower monthly income (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.68, 0.90), higher physical activity score (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03), higher prevalence of a history of cardiovascular disease including stroke (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.33, 1.81), previous bone fractures (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04, 1.40) and previous falls (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.03, 1.45), higher hearing loss score (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01, 1.02), and less alcohol consumption (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65, 0.93). Out of 1526 UVOS participants, 567 individuals had osteoarthritis (prevalence: 37.2%; 95% CI 35.0, 40.0), with 195 (12.8%; 95% CI 11.3, 14.3) individuals taking pain-relieving medication. Higher osteoarthritis prevalence was associated with rural region of habitation (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.20, 2.38), lower monthly income (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.46, 0.84), higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.30, 2.36), and higher anxiety score (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03, 1.06). Osteoarthritis and use of pain-relieving medication are common in these populations in Russia. Main associated factors were older age and lower monthly income in both study populations, female sex, higher BMI, urban region, and previous falls and bone fractures in the UEMS population, and rural region and a higher anxiety score in the UVOS study population.

Cross-Sectional Area of the Tibial Nerve in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ultrasonography Studies

Background: There is a link between diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) progression and the increase in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibial nerve at the ankle. Nevertheless, no prior meta-analysis has been conducted to evaluate its usefulness for the diagnosis of DPN. Methods: We searched Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed for potential studies. Studies had to report tibial nerve CSA at the ankle and diabetes status (DM, DPN, or healthy) to be included. A random-effect meta-analysis was applied to calculate pooled tibial nerve CSA and mean differences across the groups. Subgroup and correlational analyses were conducted to study the potential covariates. Results: The analysis of 3295 subjects revealed that tibial nerve CSA was 13.39 mm2 (CI: 10.94−15.85) in DM patients and 15.12 mm2 (CI: 11.76−18.48) in DPN patients. The CSA was 1.93 mm2 (CI: 0.92−2.95, I2 = 98.69%, p < 0.01) larger than DPN-free diabetic patients. The diagnostic criteria of DPN and age were also identified as potential moderators of tibial nerve CSA. Conclusions: Although tibial nerve CSA at the ankle was significantly larger in the DPN patients, its clinical usefulness is limited by the overlap between groups and the inconsistency in the criteria used to diagnose DPN.

Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy Is Associated With Increased Glucose Variability in People With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association between the cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) diagnosis and glucose variability (GV) in type 1 diabetes (T1D), as autonomic dysfunction previously has been associated with increased GV.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

CAN was assessed by three recommended cardiovascular reflex tests (CARTs). Glucose metrics were obtained from 10-day blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Between-group differences in GV indices were assessed by regression analyses in 24 participants with T1D with CAN and 24 matched control subjects without CAN.

RESULTS

The CAN diagnosis was associated with 4.9% (95% CI 1.0, 8.7) higher coefficient of variation (CV) (P = 0.014), 0.7 mmol/L (0.3, 1.1) higher SD (P = 0.002) of glucose, and 1.4 mmol/mol (0.0, 2.7) higher mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (P = 0.047). Lower measures of CARTs were associated with higher CV, SD, and time above range values.

CONCLUSIONS

The CAN diagnosis associates with a significantly higher GV in T1D, despite a high prevalence of routine CGM use.

Traditional chinese medicine to prevent and treat diabetic erectile dysfunction

Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. However, current therapeutics have no satisfactory effect on DED. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown good effects against DED. By now, several clinical trials have been conducted to study the effect of TCM in treating DED; yet, the underlying mechanism is not fully investigated. Therefore, in this review, we briefly summarized the pathophysiological mechanism of DED and reviewed the published clinical trials on the treatment of DED by TCM. Then, the therapeutic potential of TCM and the underlying mechanisms whereby TCM exerts protective effects were summarized. We concluded that TCM is more effective than chemical drugs in treating DED by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including those involved in oxidation, apoptosis, atherosclerosis, and endothelial function. However, the major limitation in the application of TCM against DED is the lack of a large-scale, multicenter, randomized, and controlled clinical trial on the therapeutic effect, and the underlying pharmaceutical mechanisms also need further investigation. Despite these limitations, clinical trials and further experimental studies will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms modulated by TCM and promote the widespread application of TCM to treat DED.

Burden of Microvascular Disease and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological data on the associations of microvascular disease with atrial fibrillation are scarce. We evaluated the associations of diabetes-related microvascular disease in multiple vascular beds and its burden with incident atrial fibrillation among adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 7603 participants with type 2 diabetes and without atrial fibrillation were assessed for diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy, or neuropathy at baseline in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study. Incident atrial fibrillation events were adjudicated using follow-up electrocardiograms. Modified Poisson regression was used to generate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

Of the 7603 participants (mean age 62.5 years, 38.0% women, 63.4% white), 63.3% (n = 4816) had microvascular disease-defined as the presence of ≥1 of: diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy, or neuropathy at baseline. Over a median of 7 years, there were 137 atrial fibrillation events (1.8%). Participants with microvascular disease had a 1.9-fold higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation compared with those without microvascular disease (RR 1.88; 95% CI, 1.20-2.95). Compared with no microvascular disease, the RRs for atrial fibrillation were 1.62 (95% CI, 1.01-2.61) and 2.47 (95% CI, 1.46-4.16) for those with 1 and ≥2 microvascular territories affected, respectively. The RRs for atrial fibrillation by type of microvascular disease were 1.57 (95% CI, 1.09-2.26), 0.95 (95% CI, 0.53-1.70), and 1.67 (95% CI, 1.15-2.44) for neuropathy, retinopathy, and diabetic kidney disease, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of adults with type 2 diabetes, the presence of microvascular disease and its burden were independently associated with higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation.