A nationwide cross-sectional study of retinopathy and microalbuminuria in young Norwegian type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients

Nuclear proteins and diabetic retinopathy: a review

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an eye disease that causes blindness and vision loss in diabetic. Risk factors for DR include high blood glucose levels and some environmental factors. The pathogenesis is based on inflammation caused by interferon and other nuclear proteins. This review article provides an overview of DR and discusses the role of nuclear proteins in the pathogenesis of the disease. Some core proteins such as MAPK, transcription co-factors, transcription co-activators, and others are part of this review. In addition, some current advanced treatment resulting from the role of nuclear proteins will be analyzes, including epigenetic modifications, the use of methylation, acetylation, and histone modifications. Stem cell technology and the use of nanobiotechnology are proposed as promising approaches for a more effective treatment of DR.

A practical evidence-based approach to management of type 2 diabetes in children and young people (CYP): UK consensus

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes in young people is an aggressive disease with a greater risk of complications leading to increased morbidity and mortality during the most productive years of life. Prevalence in the UK and globally is rising yet experience in managing this condition is limited. There are no consensus guidelines in the UK for the assessment and management of paediatric type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Multidisciplinary professionals from The Association of Children's Diabetes Clinicians (ACDC) and the National Type 2 Diabetes Working Group reviewed the evidence base and made recommendations using the Grading Of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Young people with type 2 diabetes should be managed within a paediatric diabetes team with close working with adult diabetes specialists, primary care and other paediatric specialties. Diagnosis of diabetes type can be challenging with many overlapping features. Diabetes antibodies may be needed to aid diagnosis. Co-morbidities and complications are frequently present at diagnosis and should be managed holistically. Lifestyle change and metformin are the mainstay of early treatment, with some needing additional basal insulin. GLP1 agonists should be used as second-line agents once early ketosis and symptoms are controlled. Glycaemic control improves microvascular but not cardiovascular risk. Reduction in excess adiposity, smoking prevention, increased physical activity and reduction of hypertension and dyslipidaemia are essential to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

This evidence-based guideline aims to provide a practical approach in managing this condition in the UK.

Improving the screening of risk factors in diabetic retinopathy

INTRODUCTION

In 2002, Diabetic Retinopathy was reported as the leading cause of blindness in the working age group. The introduction of systematic screening programs in the UK has reduced visual loss and blindness due to diabetic retinopathy, but it does still occur with catastrophic consequences for the individual.

AREAS COVERED

The author conducted an ongoing search for articles relating to diabetic retinopathy since 2000 utilizing Zetoc Alert with keywords and contents page lists from relevant journals. This review covers the risk factors for loss of vision due to diabetic retinopathy and discusses ways in which the awareness of these risk factors can be used to further reduce visual loss. Some risk factors such as glycemic and B/P control are well known from landmark trials. This review has included these factors but concentrated more on the evidence behind those risk factors that are not so clearly defined or so well known.

EXPERT OPINION

The major risk factors are well known, but one continues to find that people with diabetes lose vision in situations in which a better awareness of the risks by both the individual with diabetes and the health workers involved may have prevented the visual loss.

Prevalence and incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the UK population of Gloucestershire

Purpose

To estimate prevalence and incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a UK region by severity between 2012 and 2016 and risk factors for progression to proliferative DR (PDR).

Methods

Electronic medical records from people with diabetes (PWD) ≥18 years seen at the Gloucestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (GDESP) and the hospital eye clinic were analysed (HEC). Prevalence and incidence of DR per 100 PWD (%) by calendar year, grade and diabetes type were estimated using log‐linear regression. Progression to PDR and associated risk factors were estimated using parametric survival analyses.

Results

Across the study period, 35 873 PWD had at least one DR assessment. They were aged 66 (56–75) years (median (interquartile range)), 57% male, 5 (1–10) years since diabetes diagnosis, 93% Type 2 diabetes. Prevalence of DR decreased from 38.9% (95% CI: 38.1%, 39.8%) in 2012 to 36.6% (95% CI: 35.9%, 37.3%) in 2016 (p < 0.001). Incidence of any DR decreased from 10.9% (95% CI: 10.4%, 11.5%) in 2013 to 8.5% (95% CI: 8.1%, 9.0%) in 2016 (p < 0.001). Prevalence of PDR decreased from 3.5% (95% CI: 3.3%, 3.8%) in 2012 to 3.1% (95% CI 2.9%, 3.3%) in 2016 (p = 0.008). Incidence of PDR did not change over time. HbA_1c and bilateral moderate–severe NPDR were statistically significant risk factors associated with progression to PDR.

Conclusions

Incidence and prevalence of DR decreased between 2012 and 2016 in this well‐characterized population of the UK.

Global and Regional Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy; A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We conducted a systematic search to estimate DR prevalence in different age and gender groups, and to evaluate the determinants of heterogeneity in its prevalence.

METHODS

A systematic and comprehensive search from inception to August 10, 2020, was done in international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and other data sources without any restriction to find cross-sectional studies related to the prevalence of DR.

RESULTS

Of 6399 studies, 90 articles with a sample size of 563460 individuals and 204189 diabetic patients were analyzed. The estimated pooled prevalence of DR in the diabetic population in general; in female and in male was 28.41% (95% CI: 25.98 to 30.84); 25.93% (95% CI: 23.54 to 28.31) and 28.95% (95% CI: 26.57 to 31.32); respectively and the prevalence of DR showed no inter-gender difference. The heterogeneity of the pooled prevalence according to I² was 99% (p < .001). According to the meta-regression results, the variables of WHO region (Coefficient of AMRO vs SEARO: 15.56; p: 0.002), age (Coefficient of above 60 years vs below 40 year: 18.67; p: 0.001), type of DR (Coefficient: 19.01; p < .001), and publication year (Coefficient: -0.60; p: 0.001) had a significant correlation with heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

One third of diabetic patients suffered from DR, mostly NPDR. DR increased markedly after the age of 60 years, which could be due to the longer duration of diabetes. Age, WHO region, type of DR, and publication year affected the heterogeneity in the prevalence of DR.

The contribution of the English NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme to reductions in diabetes-related blindness, comparisons within Europe, and future challenges

The aim of the English NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment if necessary of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy, at the appropriate stage during the disease process, with a long-term aim of preventing blindness in people with diabetes.For the year 2009-2010, diabetic retinopathy (DR) was no longer the leading cause of blindness in the working age group. There have been further reductions in DR certifications for WHO severe vision impairment and blindness from 1,334 (5.5% of all certifications) in 2009/2010 to 840 (3.5% of all certifications) in 2018/2019. NHS DESP is a major contributor to this further reduction, but one must also take into account improvements in glycaemic and blood pressure control, timely laser treatment and vitrectomy surgery, improved monitoring techniques for glycaemic control, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor injections for control of diabetic macular oedema. The latter have had a particular impact since first introduced in the UK in 2013.Current plans for NHS DESP include extension of screening intervals in low-risk groups and the introduction of optical coherence tomography as a second line of screening for those with screen positive maculopathy with two dimensional markers. Future challenges include the introduction of automated analysis for grading and new camera technologies.

ADIPS 2020 guideline for pre-existing diabetes and pregnancy

This is the full version of the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) 2020 guideline for pre-existing diabetes and pregnancy. The guideline encompasses the management of women with pre-existing type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in relation to pregnancy, including preconception, antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum care. The management of women with monogenic diabetes or cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in relation to pregnancy is also discussed.

Diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes patients in Western Norway

PURPOSE

To describe the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), associated risk factors and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a population-based cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1).

METHODS

All patients underwent a general and ophthalmic examination including seven-field stereo fundus photography for grading of DR and diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to evaluate disease progression in relation to diabetes duration, age and year of diabetes onset. HRQoL and its association with DR were assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 237 DM1 patients were included. Mean age at inclusion was 34 years (range, 4-75 years), and mean diabetes duration was 19 years (range, 5 months-63 years). A total of 145 patients (61%) had DR. Sixty-two patients (26%) had mild, 39 (16%) moderate and 13 (5%) severe nonproliferative DR, while 31 (13%) had proliferative DR. The prevalence of DMO was 8%. The most important risk factors predicting severity of DR were diabetes duration (p < 0.0001) and HbA1c level (p < 0.0001). Neuropathy (p = 0.006), nephropathy (p = 0.004) and male gender (p = 0.02) were also significant predictors of DR. Compared to normative SF-36 data, there was a linear trend of decreasing HRQoL with increasing severity of DR that was statistically significant for the four physical dimension scores.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of DR in DM1 was largely within the range of previous reports. Diabetes duration, HbA1c level, neuropathy, nephropathy and male gender were all significant predictors of DR severity. The patients with more severe DR had lower HRQoL.

Risk Factors Associated with Microalbuminuria in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes in Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic nephropathy is leading cause of morbidity and mortality of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Microalbuminuria is the first clinical sign of nephropathy.

METHODS

This was a cross-section study with longitudinal evaluation of urinary albumin xcretion in 199 children with type 1 diabetes attending CDiC Clinic in BIRDEM over a period of two years. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of microalbuminuria and to determine other risk factors. We collected blood and early morning spot urinary sample and analyzed for HbA1c by Clover A1c and urinary microalbumin by a DCA analyzer. Children had urinary microalbumin 30-300 mg/L on at least two occasions were categorized as having persistent microalbuminuria. Demographic and clinical data were recorded including age at onset of diabetes, age during registration, gender and duration of diabetes which were compared between patients without microalbuminuria and with microalbuminuria.

RESULT

Microalbuminuria developed in forty nine children and adolescents (25%). Among them 24% were Type 1, 27% were with Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) and 68% were Type 2 diabetes. Median HbA1c was higher 10.8 [9.4-12.4] vs 9.5 [8.0-11.2] (P.006) in adolescents with microalbuminuria. On logistic regression univariate analysis independent predictors of microalbuminuria were older age, systolic blood pressure, BMI SDS and mean HbA1c which remained significant in multivariate analysis as predictors of microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSION

We found high prevalence of microalbuminuria which was associated with higher age, systolic blood pressure, BMI SDS and HbA1c.

Banting Memorial Lecture 2016 Reducing lifetime risk of complications in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

Adolescence is a challenging period of life for any young person, and for those with Type 1 diabetes, physiological and psychological factors can result in a deterioration in glycaemic control. In young people with Type 1 diabetes, puberty may be an additional risk factor impacting on the lifetime risk for renal and cardiovascular complications. Our longitudinal studies have identified that increases in urinary albumin excretion through childhood are associated with the development of microalbuminuria and a generalized endotheliopathy linked to cardiovascular risk. Screening of participants recruited to the Adolescent type 1 Diabetes cardio-renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT) confirms that these early changes in albumin excretion are related to both diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular risk; in part, independent of glycaemic control. Thus, as well as current attempts to improve glycaemic control through enhanced targeted insulin delivery, pumps, sensors and closed loop, we have explored the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins in providing cardio-renal protection during adolescence.

Diagnosis of retinopathy in children younger than 12 years of age: implications for the diabetic eye screening guidelines in the UK

AimTo assess whether the current starting age of 12 is suitable for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening and whether diabetes duration should be taken into account when deciding at what age to start screening patients.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of 143 patients aged 12 years or younger who attended diabetic eye screening for the first time in the Birmingham, Solihull and Black Country Diabetic Eye Screening Programme was performed.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 10.7 (7-12) years with 73 out of 143 aged below 12 years and 70 were 12 years of age. 98% had type 1 diabetes and mean diabetes duration was 5 (1 month-11 years) years. For those younger than 12 years, 7/73 (9.6%) had background DR (BDR), of these mean diabetes duration was 7 years (6-8). The youngest patient to present with DR was aged 8 years. In those aged 12 years, 5/70 (7.1%) had BDR; of these mean diabetes duration was 8 years (6-11). No patient developed DR before 6 years duration in either group.ConclusionsThe results show that no patient younger than the age of 12 had sight-threatening DR (STDR), but BDR was identified. Based on the current mission statement of the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme to identify STDR, 12 years of age is confirmed as the right age to start screening, but if it is important to diabetic management to identify first development of DR, then screening should begin after 6 years of diabetes diagnosis.

Long-term Outcomes in Youths with Diabetes Mellitus

In this article, the author reviews the long-term outcomes and their precursors of type 1 diabetes starting in youth. The author also contrasts the changing incidence of these long-term complications as we have moved from the pre-Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) to the post-DCCT standard of care and reviews the emerging data related to complications in youths with type 2 diabetes. Finally, the author reviews the recent understanding related to the effects of diabetes on the brain and cognition.

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in various ethnic groups: a worldwide perspective

The alarming rise in diabetes prevalence is a global public health and economic problem. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness among working-age populations in the Western world. Screening and prompt treatment of diabetic retinopathy are not top priorities in many regions of the world, because the impacts of other causes of preventable blindness remain an issue. Ethnicity is a complex, independent risk factor for diabetic retinopathy. Observations from white populations cannot be extrapolated fully to other ethnic groups. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy, and clinically significant macular edema are higher in people of South Asian, African, Latin American, and indigenous tribal descent compared to the white population. Although all ethnic groups are susceptible to the established risk factors of diabetic retinopathy-such as length of exposure and severity of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia-ethnic-specific risk factors also may influence these rates. Such risk factors may include differential susceptibility to conventional risk factors, insulin resistance, differences in anthropometric measurements, truncal obesity, urbanization, variations in access to healthcare systems, genetic susceptibility, and epigenetics. The rates of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy appear to be declining in the United States, supporting the observation that better medical management of diabetes and prompt treatment of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy substantially improve the long-term diabetic retinopathy incidence; studies from other parts of the world are limited and do not mirror this finding, however. We examine the ethnicity and region-based prevalence of diabetic retinopathy around the world and highlight the need to reinforce ethnicity-based screening and treatment thresholds in diabetic retinopathy.

Predictors of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetic patients at onset: the role of metabolic memory

BACKGROUND

Several epidemiological studies showed a close association between metabolic control and microvascular complications in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). The aim of our longitudinal observational study was to evaluate the predictive role of the main clinical and biochemical parameters in determining microvascular complications.

METHODS

376 T1DM patients, hospitalized in our division from 1991 to 2005 (mean follow-up=10.93±4.26 years) were studied. Stepwise Cox regression analysis was used to identify the influence of residual ß-cell function, ß-cell autoimmunity, HbA1c levels and other clinical and laboratory parameters in the development of microalbuminuria and retinopathy.

RESULTS

The probability of developing microalbuminuria was higher in males than in females (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.01-3.28; p=0.044), in patients with higher mean HbA1c values (HR 2.80; 95% CI 1.63-4.83; p<0.001), longer duration of disease (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.10-3.57; p=0.022) and younger age of diabetes onset (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.03-0.92; p=0.026). An increased probability of developing retinopathy was found in patients with higher mean HbA1c levels during follow-up (HR 2.35; 95% CI 1.34-4.12, p=0.003), as well as at onset (HR 1.85; 95% CI 1.06-3.24; p=0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that among the clinical, metabolic, immunological and biochemical factors evaluated at onset, only HbA1c is predictive for the microangiopathy development in T1DM.

Care of vision and ocular health in diabetic members of a national diabetes organization: a cross-sectional study

Background

Regular examination and early treatment of diabetic retinopathy can prevent visual loss. The aim of the study was to describe the care of vision and ocular health in people with diabetes in Norway.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of a random sample (n = 1,887) of the Norwegian Diabetic Associations' (NDA) members was carried out in 2005. Questions were asked about care of vision and ocular health, history of ocular disease and visual symptoms, general medical history and diabetes management. The study was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics.

Results

The response rate was 74%. Forty-four questionnaires with incomplete data regarding gender, age or type of diabetes were excluded, leaving 1352 cases (52% females) for analysis. 451 (33%) had type 1 and 901 (67%) had type 2 diabetes, the mean duration of diabetes was respectively, 22 (sd ± 14) and 10 (sd ± 9) years. In all 1,052 (78%) had their eyes examined according to guidelines and 1,169 (87%) confirmed to have received information about regular eye examinations. One in two recalled to have received such information from their general practitioner. To have received information about the importance of eye examinations (PR 3.1, 95% CI 2.4 to 4.0), and diabetes duration > 10 years (PR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.3), were independently associated with reporting regular eye examinations. A history of diabetic retinopathy was reported by 178 (13%) responders, of which 101 (57%) reported a history of laser treatment. Responders who had regular eye examinations reported more frequently a history of diabetic retinopathy (19% vs. 5%, p < 0.001). The frequency of retinopathy was significantly higher in responders with reported HbA1c values above treatment target (23% vs. 13%, p = 0.001). However, in responders who were not regularly examined, there was no difference in reported frequency of retinopathy with regard to HbA1c level.

Conclusion

Eight out of ten diabetic members of the NDA had their eyes examined according to current guidelines and the majority was well informed about the risk of vision loss due to diabetes. The results indicate that the reported history of diabetic retinopathy likely underestimates the prevalence of retinopathy.

Diabetic nephropathy in children and adolescents

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) commonly occurs in childhood or adolescence, although the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in these age groups is now being seen worldwide. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) develops in 15-20% of subjects with T1DM and in similar or higher percentage of T2DM patients, causing increased morbidity and premature mortality. Although overt DN or kidney failure caused by either type of diabetes are very uncommon during childhood or adolescence, diabetic kidney disease in susceptible patients almost certainly begins soon after disease onset and may accelerate during adolescence, leading to microalbuminuria or incipient DN. Therefore, all diabetics warrant ongoing assessment of kidney function and screening for the earliest manifestations of renal injury. Pediatric health care professionals ought to understand about risk factors, strategy for prevention, method for screening, and treatment of early DN. This review considers each form of diabetes separately, including natural history, risk factors for development, screening for early manifestations, and strategy recommended for prevention and treatment of DN in children and adolescents.

Risk of microalbuminuria and progression to macroalbuminuria in a cohort with childhood onset type 1 diabetes: prospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

To describe independent predictors for the development of microalbuminuria and progression to macroalbuminuria in those with childhood onset type 1 diabetes.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study with follow-up for 9.8 (SD 3.8) years.

SETTING

Oxford regional prospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

527 participants with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes at mean age 8.8 (SD 4.0) years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Annual measurement of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and assessment of urinary albumin:creatinine ratio.

RESULTS

Cumulative prevalence of microalbuminuria was 25.7% (95% confidence interval 21.3% to 30.1%) after 10 years of diabetes and 50.7% (40.5% to 60.9%) after 19 years of diabetes and 5182 patient years of follow-up. The only modifiable adjusted predictor for microalbuminuria was high HbA1c concentrations (hazard ratio per 1% rise in HbA1c 1.39, 1.27 to 1.52). Blood pressure and history of smoking were not predictors. Microalbuminuria was persistent in 48% of patients. Cumulative prevalence of progression from microalbuminuria to macroalbuminuria was 13.9% (12.9% to 14.9%); progression occurred at a mean age of 18.5 (5.8) years. Although the sample size was small, modifiable predictors of macroalbuminuria were higher HbA(1c) levels and both persistent and intermittent microalbuminuria (hazard ratios 1.42 (1.22 to 1.78), 27.72 (7.99 to 96.12), and 8.76 (2.44 to 31.44), respectively).

CONCLUSION

In childhood onset type 1 diabetes, the only modifiable predictors were poor glycaemic control for the development of microalbuminuria and poor control and microalbuminuria (both persistent and intermittent) for progression to macroalbuminuria. Risk for macroalbuminuria is similar to that observed in cohorts with adult onset disease but as it occurs in young adult life early intervention in normotensive adolescents might be needed to improve prognosis.

Low cumulative incidence of proliferative retinopathy in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes: a 24-year follow-up study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We estimated cumulative incidence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of 294 patients with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes (<15 years) diagnosed in Norway between 1973 and 1982 was examined for retinopathy at baseline between 1989 and 1990 and at follow-up from 2002 to 2003. At follow-up, mean age was 33 years (range: 21-44), mean diabetes duration 24 years (19-30) and total person-time contributed 7,152 person-years. Retinal photographs were taken at baseline and follow-up. Associations between baseline factors and PDR were estimated using Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 262 of 294 (89.1%) developed DR from diabetes onset, of whom 31 developed PDR. The 25-year cumulative incidence of PDR was 10.9% (95% CI 7.3-14.5). Among 194 without retinopathy at baseline, 163 (84%) developed DR and nine (5%) progressed to PDR. Among 97 patients with non-proliferative DR at baseline, 19 (20%) progressed to PDR. Significant predictors for developing PDR were retinopathy at baseline (relative risk [RR]=3.71, 95% CI 1.59-8.68), HbA(1c) (RR=2.05, 1.44-2.93), and triglycerides (RR=1.55, 1.06-1.95).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Nine out of every ten patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes developed DR, but only one out of ten developed PDR within their first 25 years of diabetes duration. The cumulative incidence of PDR is lower than previously reported from other countries. Potentially modifiable risk factors predict the development of DR and PDR.

Low risk of overt nephropathy after 24 yr of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Norway

AIM

To estimate the risk of diabetic nephropathy and associated risk factors in a nationwide cohort of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and 19-30 yr of diabetes duration.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with childhood-onset T1DM (<15 yr) from 1973 through 1982, who previously (1989-1990) participated in a clinical examination to assess diabetic complications, were invited for a new examination in 2002-2003. Of 355 eligible patients, 299 participated (84.2%), and complete urine samples for evaluation of albuminuria were obtained from 295 patients, with a mean age of 33 yr (range 20.9-44.0) and mean diabetes duration of 24 yr (range 19.3-29.9). Persistent microalbuminuria and overt nephropathy [albumin excretion rate (AER) 15-200 microg/min and AER > 200 microg/min, respectively] in at least two out of three consecutive overnight urine samples were defined as diabetic nephropathy.

RESULTS

Overt nephropathy was found in 7.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.7-10.9] and persistent microalbuminuria in 14.9% (95% CI 10.8-19.0) of the subjects. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (p = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (BP) (p = 0.002), total cholesterol (p = 0.019), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.019) were associated with diabetic nephropathy. Significant predictors in 1989-1990 for the development of diabetic nephropathy in 2002-2003 were HbA1c (p < 0.001), AER (p = 0.007), and cholesterol (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

In a subgroup of patients diagnosed with childhood-onset T1DM in 1973-1982, 7.8% had overt nephropathy after 19-30 yr of diabetes duration, which is low compared with studies from other countries. HbA1c, systolic BP, total cholesterol, and CRP were each independently associated with diabetic nephropathy.

Epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema: a systematic review

AIMS

To systematically review the literature on the prevalence and incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular oedema (MO).

METHODS

A search of the bibliographic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL) was conducted up to October 2001. Selected relevant studies were scrutinized and included in the review.

RESULTS

A total of 359 studies were included. The studies were reported in nearly 100 different journals and in over 50 countries. The majority of the studies were US-based, with large studies such as the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy dominating the literature. The studies were quite dated and highly heterogeneous in nature in terms of patient selection with variable inclusion criteria (age range, gender, diabetes duration and type, ethnicity, comorbidity, and DR status, assessment, and classification).

CONCLUSIONS

There are inconsistencies between epidemiological studies, and differences in study methods may contribute to conflicting reports of prevalence and incidence of DR and MO in diabetic populations. As new therapies for DR and its associated complications emerge, the need to capture and monitor new epidemiological data becomes increasingly important to be able to assess the impact and effectiveness of these therapies. Robust, longitudinal capture of patient data is, therefore, essential to evaluate the impact of current practice on the epidemiology of diabetic eye complications.

Etiology and outcome of childhood and adolescent diabetes mellitus in North India

The etiology of childhood onset diabetes mellitus (DM) varies between regions and races, and its long-term outcome is affected by social and economic factors. There are scant data on the etiology of childhood DM and outcome of multidisciplinary team management from developing countries. We retrospectively analyzed case records of 160 predominantly middle socio-economic group patients with onset of DM < or =18 years of age for etiology and features at presentation. In addition, we prospectively studied acute and chronic complications and metabolic control in a subset of 67 patients. Type 1 DM comprised 81%, type 2 DM 8%, and fibrocalculous pancreatic DM 9% of patients. Mean HbA1c was 8.0+/-1.5%. Retinopathy was present in 22% and nephropathy in 18% of those with DM duration > or =5 years (mean age 21.2+/-6.8 years, mean duration 10.2+/-4.6 years). The frequency of ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia was 5.0 and 3.3 episodes per 100 patient years. Mortality was 7% over 823 person years of follow up. We conclude that fairly good metabolic control is achievable in a middle socio-economic population in India, with the assistance of a diabetes education program. The frequency of microvascular complications is comparable to that in the literature. However, mortality remains unacceptably high.

Diabetes and renal disease in veterans

OBJECTIVE

To describe the frequency and sequelae of diabetic renal disease in veterans who receive health care from the Veterans Administration (VA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Veterans with a diagnosis of diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, other kidney diseases, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were identified by diagnosis codes from national VA databases for FY1998. Data were obtained and analyzed for prevalence of renal disease, comorbid conditions, and 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 44,671 (10.7%) of the 415,910 veterans with diabetes had a concomitant diagnosis of any renal disease. The average age was 67 years; 98% were male and 60% were white. The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy was 6.0% (n = 25,263). ESRD secondary to diabetes was present in 4.2% (17,636) of subjects. The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and any renal disease was 72.6/1,000 persons and differed by race (white 76.1/1,000, black 103.4/1,000 persons). Diabetes-associated ESRD prevalence was higher among black versus white veterans and male versus female veterans. One-year age-standardized mortality was 10.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Nephropathy is prevalent in veterans with diabetes. Greater mortality is observed among those with renal disease compared with those without renal disease. Additional surveillance is needed to identify persons likely to progress to diabetic nephropathy and to plan for appropriate and timely health care for these individuals.

The long-term renal and retinal outcome of childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To quantify the influence of childhood onset on long-term renal and retinal outcome in Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We used a population-based diabetes register to identify all Type 1 patients diagnosed before age 15 from 1960 to 1982 and resident in a defined catchment area in 1999. Those diagnosed before age 5, aged 5-9 and 10-14 years were compared with a reference group diagnosed at age 21-25 years over the same period.

RESULTS

Compared with adult-onset controls, proteinuria occurred earlier (P = 0.02) and nephropathy outcome was worse (P = 0.008) in childhood-onset diabetes. The risk of developing microalbuminuria was greater in childhood-onset diabetes: odds ratio 2.6 (95% confidence interval 1.4-4.9, P = 0.003). The relative risk of established nephropathy was 3.8 (1.5-9.4, P = 0.005) with childhood onset. The number developing background retinopathy did not differ with age at onset but younger onset patients were more likely to need laser treatment: relative risk 2.1 (1.1-3.8, P = 0.02). This maintained visual outcome which was not significantly different between the various age at onset groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with onset of Type 1 diabetes before age 15 have substantially worse renal outcome and require more laser treatment than adult-onset patients. Differences between those with onset before age 5, onset at 5-9 and 10-14 years are small compared with the difference between childhood onset and adult onset. Events in the teenage years therefore appear to have a major adverse effect on the risk of developing long-term microvascular complications.

Effects of duration and age at onset of type 1 diabetes on preclinical manifestations of nephropathy

Several studies have reported that the effect of type 1 diabetes disease duration on nephropathy may be greater during or after puberty than an equivalent number of years before puberty. The International Diabetic Nephropathy Study examined the effects of disease duration and age at onset on glomerular morphometry obtained from kidney biopsy in 243 young type 1 diabetic subjects with albumin excretion rates <100 micro g/min: 184 with prepubertal onset, 35 with pubertal onset, and 24 with postpuberty onset. Outcomes included the volume fraction of the glomerulus occupied by the mesangium [Vv(Mes/glom)], glomerular basement membrane (GBM) width, and the surface density of peripheral glomerular capillary basement membrane per glomerulus Sv(PGBM/glom). Vv(Mes/glom) progressed slowly in the first 14 or 15 years after disease onset but more rapidly thereafter. GBM width increased, while Sv(PGBM/glom) decreased with increasing disease duration. No statistically significant differences in the effect of duration were observed among the three age-at-onset subgroups, even with multivariate adjustment for sex, center, baseline HbA(1c) concentration, diastolic blood pressure, height, and BMI. Our results may explain the conflicting results of previous studies regarding the effects of pre-versus postpuberty disease duration.

An assessment of care of paediatric and adolescent patients with diabetes in a large district general hospital

AIMS

To assess the process of clinical care and outcomes of young patients with diabetes attending clinics at a large district general hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data obtained from 106 case notes of patients aged 12-22 years attending the paediatric, combined adolescent or adult diabetes clinics between 1998 and 2000. The frequency of follow-up, rate of admission, glycaemic control, systolic blood pressure, weight change and screening for complications were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean attendance rate was 78%. The admission rate was 91 admissions per 1000 patient years. Overall, the mean HbA1c was 9.1% with only 15% of paediatric and adolescent patients having mean HbA1c<or= 8.0%. Mean systolic blood pressure was 124 mmHg. There was a significant increase in obesity with mean weight for height at diagnosis increasing from 89% to 111% after 7 years of diabetes. Mean daily insulin dose was 1.51 U per kg body weight and decreased with increasing age. Screening for complications and associated conditions was variable: 91% for retinopathy, 86% for foot problems, 64% for thyroid dysfunction, 22% for coeliac disease and 10% for microalbuminuria. The overall rate of retinopathy was low at 4% of those screened.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing satisfactory care for young people with diabetes remains a difficult challenge. Although the complication rate observed was low in this group, the most important issues are the need for improvement in glycaemic control, weight gain and high drop-out rate.

Do all prepubertal years of diabetes duration contribute equally to diabetes complications?

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to explore the timeline of protection against complications in prepubertal children with diabetes, in particular the effects of diabetes duration before age 5 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, 193 adolescents with prepubertal diabetes onset were followed longitudinally for retinopathy (early background and clinical) and microalbuminuria (albumin excretion rate >7.5 micro g/min and >20 micro g/min). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compare the effect of pre- and postpubertal diabetes duration on the risk of each complication in 90 subjects reassessed as young adults. For the entire cohort, Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to determine time free of each complication, and survival was compared in those diagnosed before and after age 5 years. Accelerated failure time modeling was used to estimate the effect of covariates, including diabetes duration before puberty, on the risk of complications.

RESULTS

Prepubertal duration improved the prediction for retinopathy over postpubertal duration alone in the young adults. The survival-free period of retinopathy and microalbuminuria was significantly longer (2-4 years) for those diagnosed before age 5 years compared with those diagnosed after age 5 years. Time to onset of all complications increased progressively with longer diabetes duration before gonadarche. Higher HbA(1c) during adolescence had an independent effect on the risk of retinopathy and microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Prepubertal diabetes duration remains a significant predictor of retinopathy in young adults. The effect of time on the risk of retinopathy and microalbuminuria is nonuniform, with an increasing delay in the onset of complications in those with longer prepubertal duration. These findings are of major clinical importance when setting targets of glycemic control in young children who are at greatest risk of hypoglycemia.

Microalbuminúria em pacientes diabéticos tipo 1: prevalência e fatores associados

Para avaliar a freqüência da microalbuminúria e fatores clínicos e metabólicos associados, estudamos 72 pacientes com diabetes tipo 1 [DM1, 38F/34M, sendo 6 crianças, 17 adolescentes e 49 adultos, com 22,7±9,5 anos e 7 anos (0,1-37,5) de duração da doença]. A taxa de excreção de albumina (EUA) foi determinada em amostra noturna de urina de 10h. Microalbuminúria foi definida como EUA > ou = 20 e <200mig/min em pelo menos 2 de 3 amostras de urina, 25% mostraram-se microalbuminúricos (16 adultos e 2 adolescentes) e tinham maiores médias de idade (27,3±5,8 vs 20,9±10,1 anos, p<0,001), duração do DM [11,0 (0,1-17,0) vs 5,9 (1,0-37,5) anos, p<0,05], índice de massa corporal (22,7±2,6 vs 20,7±3,1, p<0,05), uréia (32,4±7,8 vs 28,3±5,9mg/dl, p<0,05), creatinina [0,7 (0,6-1,2) vs 0,6 (0,4-1,1) mg/dl, p<0,05] e maior freqüência de retinopatia (33% vs 9,4%, p<0,05) quando comparados aos normoalbuminúricos. Na regressão linear múltipla em stepwise, tendo a EUA como variável dependente, a única variável independente associada e preditora foi a idade (r²= 0,13, p<0,05). Concluímos que a idade foi um fator determinante no surgimento da microalbuminúria. Apesar de não termos observado microalbuminúria em crianças sugerimos que a triagem nesta faixa etária deve ser discutida no contexto específico de cada serviço de atendimento ao diabetes.

Treatment of hypertension and microalbuminuria in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Nephropathy is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes and, in adults, persistent microalbuminuria is the best marker of the consequent risk for its development. In the pediatric population, puberty represents the most important risk factor for the development of microangiopathic complications, although it is not necessarily associated with the progression to frank proteinuria. As many as 50% of subjects may revert to normoalbuminuria. Hypertension is a further risk factor and may accelerate the progression of micro- and macrovascular complications. There is evidence that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce renal damage by one or more mechanisms independent of their antihypertensive effects--hence they represent the drug of choice for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. However, as angiotensin II receptor antagonists are more specific, they may become the obvious treatment choice in the near future. There is no consensus as to who should be treated and when treatment with renoprotective drugs should begin in the pediatric population, due to the lack of a clear definition of the natural history of microalbuminuria in this age group. In this review some models and controversial aspects of this issue are presented and discussed.

Diabetic retinopathy in childhood: long-term follow-up by fluorescein angiography beginning in the first months of disease

BACKGROUND

Little is known about minimal retinal lesions occurring in the first months of disease in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).

OBJECTIVE

To detect any early retinal change and to evaluate its progression in children diagnosed with type 1 DM.

PATIENTS

From 1979 to 1997 we examined by fluorescein angiography at diagnosis or within 15 months from the onset of DM 130 young patients with type 1 DM (mean age at diagnosis 10.08 +/- 2.62 yr). In 112 patients follow-up by fluorescein angiography was performed every 1.26 years with a mean of 5.41 fluorescein angiographies/patient.

METHODS

The stage of retinopathy was graded to detect minimal lesions. We also considered sex, pubertal stage, HLA, family history of DM, disease duration and HbA1c levels.

RESULTS

At first examination, 14 out of 127 (11%) readable angiographies showed minimal retinal changes. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients with or without lesions for all parameters considered. The 112 patients examined during follow-up were divided as follows: Group A: no retinopathy at first examination; Group A1: no retinopathy during follow-up; Group A2: retinal changes during follow-up; Group B: retinal changes at the first examination. Mean HbA1c value evaluated during the whole follow-up was lower in group A1 than in group A2. HbA1c levels at onset of the disease were significantly different in the three groups: in group A1 it was lower than in group A2 and in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of early lesions in the first year of disease in 11% of patients is probably due to the method of examination, which may detect even minimal retinal changes. This may be correlated to the acute metabolic failure present at the onset of disease. The prolonged follow-up seems to demonstrate that the early changes are not necessarily a negative prognostic factor in the evolution of diabetic retinopathy. We confirm that duration of DM and metabolic control are the main factors influencing the course of retinopathy in these young patients. Early fluorescein angiography is not particularly useful in the management of children with DM.

Diabetic nephropathy and end-stage renal failure: the Norwegian story

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common single cause of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in the Western world, recorded as the cause of renal failure in up to 40% to 45% of those entering renal replacement therapy (RRT) programs. However, marked differences exist between countries; the percentage of patients entering RRT in Norway because of diabetic nephropathy is 10% of the incident RRT population. The percentage in the United States is approximately 40%; therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare data from Norway with data from the United States in an attempt to detect factors that might explain some of the differences. To make the comparisons as valid as possible, an attempt has been made to focus on populations of similar genetic make-up. The incidence of type 1 diabetes is a little higher in Norway than in the United States, whereas the prevalence of type 2 diabetes may be twice as high in the United States as in Norway; marked differences in the prevalence of obesity is probably a significant causative factor. There seems to be no striking difference in the prevalence of microalbuminuria in people with diabetes in the two populations, whereas there are insufficient data to compare the prevalence of overt proteinuria. The incidence of patients with a diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy as the cause of ESRF entering RRT in the two study populations showed marked differences; the incidence for 1997 was 8.9/million population in Norway and 113/million population in the United States. The proportion of type 2 diabetes was 46% in Norway and 64% in the US (1997). It is unlikely that the marked difference in incidence of RRT can be explained by differences in type 2 diabetes prevalence alone. The populations may not be directly comparable, and differences in the size of study populations and in the choice of renal diagnosis in patients with diabetes as a comorbid factor at the beginning of RRT may introduce uncertainties. Further, data on other factors--such as incidence of death before RRT is indicated, quality of care, and health care delivery, expressed as degree of blood pressure and metabolic control--were not available. Differences in acceptance of diabetes patients into RRT programs are not believed to contribute significantly. Norway is seeing a development toward increasing body weight and a change toward a more sedentary lifestyle, together with an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes earlier in life than has previously been the case. An increase in diabetic nephropathy and need for RRT because of type 2 diabetes must therefore be expected in Norway. To understand differences and to best design preventive programs, further comparative studies of the two populations seem warranted.

Metabolic characteristics and urine albumin excretion rate in relation to pubertal maturation in Type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of pubertal maturation on urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) and persistent microalbuminuria, and to identify possible factors affecting urinary AER in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

One hundred patients aged 9.1-19.0 years with a duration of diabetes of >2 years out of 138 eligible adolescents with Type 1 diabetes from an outpatient diabetes clinic participated in the study, together with 100 healthy controls. A timed overnight urine sample was collected in the hospital, where all the adolescents stayed for 22-24 h, and microalbuminuria was confirmed with at least one consecutive positive sample (AER 20-200 microg/min).

RESULTS

The prevalence of persistent microalbuminuria was 6%. All the patients affected were girls: one prepubertal (T I), one in late puberty (T IV) and three postpubertal (T V). These patients had significantly higher HbA(1c) levels than did the normoalbuminuric girls with Type 1 diabetes. Neither duration of diabetes nor age differed significantly between the two groups. AER increased more conspicuously with pubertal maturation in the boys with Type 1 diabetes than in the control boys, while the girls with diabetes had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and serum total and LDL cholesterol than did the control girls. HbA(1c) was independently associated with AER in a multiple regression model. Diastolic blood pressure (BP) was elevated in both girls and boys with Type 1 diabetes as compared with healthy adolescents, while no difference was observed between the patients with microalbuminuria and normoalbuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent microalbuminuria was mainly observed in late puberty and after puberty among adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. Female sex and poor metabolic control predispose such adolescents to this condition during pubertal maturation.

No deleterious effects of tight blood glucose control on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in normoalbuminuric insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients

Intensive therapy aiming at near normalization of glucose levels effectively delays the onset and slows the progression of complications in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and is recommended in most patients. However, in a recent report, intensive insulin treatment was found to be associated with deleterious effects on nocturnal blood pressure (BP), the proposed mechanisms being subclinical nocturnal hypoglycemia or hyperinsulinemia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between glycemic control, insulin dose, and 24-h ambulatory BP (AMBP) in a group of well-characterized IDDM patients. Twenty-four-h AMBP was measured in 123 normoalbuminuric [urinary albumin excretion (UAE) < 20 microg/min] IDDM patients using an oscillometric technique (SpaceLabs 90207) with readings at 20-min intervals. UAE was measured by RIA and expressed as geometric mean of three overnight collections made within 1 week. Tobacco use and level of physical activity was assessed by questionnaire. HbA1c was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (nondiabetic range, 4.4-6.4%), and patients were stratified into quartiles according to HbA1c levels. Mean HbA1c values in the four groups were 7.0% (n = 31), 8.0% (n = 31), 8.6% (n = 31), and 9.7% (n = 30). The groups were comparable regarding age, gender, diabetes duration, body mass index, UAE, smoking status, and physical activity. AMBP levels were almost identical in the HbA1c quartiles with night values of (increasing HbA1c order): 110/63, 112/66, 112/66, and 113/65 mm Hg (P = 0.69/P = 0.32). There was no association between tight glucose control and higher nocturnal BP or a more blunted circadian BP variation. On the contrary, a weak positive correlation between night to day ratios of mean arterial BP and HbA1c values was found (r = 0.26, P = 0.005), i.e. blunted circadian BP variation is most frequent in patients with high HbA1c values. Neither did we find doses of insulin to be associated with night BP (r = 0.04, P = 0.68). Tight blood glucose control is not associated with deleterious effects on 24-h AMBP in normoalbuminuric IDDM patients. Intensive therapy can be implemented without concerns of inducing high nocturnal BP and accelerating diabetic complications.

Diabetic microangiopathic complications in young Chinese diabetic patients: a clinic-based cross-sectional study

Microangiopathic complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. We studied 150 consecutive young Chinese diabetic subjects attending the Prince of Wales Hospital Diabetes Center on their presence of diabetic microangiopathic complications and the relationships with other risk factors. All patients with aged younger than 40 years and had an age of onset of disease at younger than 35 years. Their known duration of diabetes was 57.2 +/- 5.0 months. Of these 150 patients, 50 (33.3%) had microangiopathic complications, 34 (22.7%) had albuminuria, 11 (7. 3%) had peripheral neuropathy, and 21 (14%) had retinopathy. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, albuminuria was independently associated with body-mass index and systolic blood pressure, peripheral neuropathy was associated with fasting plasma glucose and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and retinopathy was associated with duration of disease and fasting plasma glucose. In conclusion, there were high percentages of microangiopathic complications, particularly albuminuria, in our young Chinese diabetic patients. Obesity, high blood pressure, and poor glycemic control are important for these complications.

Diabetes complication screening in 937 children and adolescents

Results are presented of diabetes complication screening in children and adolescents aged 6-20 years. Their diabetes duration was 0.02-18.4 yr and median HbA1c over the preceding 36 months was 8.4% [IQR 7.8-9.3]. Gradable retinal photographs were obtained in 937: 110 less than 11 years (< 11 yr Gp). Albumin excretion rate (AER) was obtained from 3 timed overnight urine collections in 691: 100 in < 11 yr Gp. Early retinopathy was found in 27% (9% in < 11 yr Gp). Microalbuminuria (AER > or = 20 micrograms/min) was found in 4%. Significant individual risk factors for both complications were higher blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c, pubertal staging, older age and longer diabetes duration. Using multiple logistic regression, significant risk factors for retinopathy were longer duration and older age and in addition higher HbA1c. Diabetes complication screening detected early subclinical disease in children and adolescents who may benefit from lowering blood pressure and improving metabolic control. Screening should commence after five years of duration in young children, and after two years of duration in adolescents.

Metabolic control and prevalence of microvascular complications in young Danish patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Danish Study Group of Diabetes in Childhood

AIMS

After Danish nationwide investigations (1987, 1989) demonstrated unacceptable blood glucose control in unselected young diabetic patients, we set out to estimate the present glycaemic control and the prevalence of microvascular complications in a cohort of children and adolescents participating in the two previous studies.

METHODS

This follow-up represents 339 patients (47% of the inception cohort), median age 21.1 years (range 12.0-26.9), median diabetes duration 13.2 years (range 8.9-24.5). A standardized questionnaire, fundus photographs (with central reading) and a physical examination were performed. HbA1c and overnight albumin excretion rate (AER) were analysed centrally.

RESULTS

Although 88% (n= 309) of the young persons were treated with three or more daily insulin injections, HbA1c (nondiabetic range 4.3-5.8, mean 5.3%) was 9.7+/-1.7% (mean+/-SD). Males had higher HbA1c values than females (P < 0.015). Mean daily insulin dose was 0.92+/-0.25 IU.kg(-1).24h(-1). Microalbuminuria (AER > 20-150 microg/min) and macroalbuminuria (AER > 150 microg/min) were found in 9.0% and 3.7% of the patients, respectively, and was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure (P<0.01) and presence of retinopathy (P<0.01). Retinopathy was present in approximately 60% of the patients and was associated with age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, diastolic blood pressure and AER (all P<0.01). Subclinical neuropathy (vibration perception threshold by biothesiometry > 6.5 V) was found in 62% and showed a significant association with age, linear height, diastolic blood pressure (all P < 0.01) and diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the majority of the patients being on multiple insulin injections, only 11% had HbA1c values below 8% and the prevalence of diabetic microvascular complications in kidneys, eyes and nerves was unacceptable high.

The relationship of prorenin values to microvascular complications in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

We have performed a cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between prorenin values and the microvascular complications of diabetes in a well controlled population of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) subjects. One hundred and thirty-nine subjects (75 men, 64 women, age 44 +/- 17 years; duration of diabetes 19 +/- 15 years), formed the study group. Sixty-seven subjects (48.2%) had no complications, 55 (39.6%) had retinopathy alone, and 17 (12.2%) had retinopathy and albuminuria. Patients with no complications had lower prorenin values than those with microvascular complications (p < 0.001), whilst patients with both albuminuria and retinopathy had higher values than those with retinopathy alone (p < 0.05). Retinopathy was associated with duration of diabetes (p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.02) and albuminuria (p < 0.0001) while albuminuria was associated with prorenin (p < 0.02), serum triglyceride (p < 0.01) and retinopathy (p < 0.001). Patients with albuminuria were 5.5 times more likely to have raised prorenin values (>80 ng/mL/h) than those with normal albumin excretion [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48-20.12] and those with retinopathy alone were 2.5 times as likely (95% CI: 1.19-5.15). Eighty patients with IDDM (40 males, 40 females; age: 47 +/- 17 years; duration of diabetes: 20 +/- 15 years), had retinal photography performed to determine the association between the severity of retinopathy and prorenin values. Retinopathy was more severe in patients with retinopathy and albuminuria than in those with retinopathy alone (p < 0.002). When the prorenin values of patients with more marked retinopathy (eye grade greater than 3) were compared, prorenin values of those with retinopathy and albuminuria were greater than those of patients with retinopathy alone [269 (139-1406) versus 91 (41-273) ng/mL/h: geometric mean (range); p < 0.05]. Furthermore, when patients without albuminuria were considered, there was no significant difference between the prorenin levels of patients with more severe retinopathy (eye grade >3) when compared to patients with lesser degrees of retinopathy [91 (41-273) versus 69 (23-375). In patients with microvascular complications, prorenin values were independently predicted by albuminuria (p < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.02) but not the severity of retinopathy. In conclusion, prorenin values are significantly associated with the presence of microvascular complications in patients with IDDM. The association with albuminuria may be stronger than the association with retinopathy.

Diabetic microangiopathy

Microvascular complications of diabetes include retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. The first signs of these complications may develop in children and adolescents, particularly if insulin treatment has been inadequate. The mechanisms by which diabetic microangiopathy develop are not known, but probably include genetic influences. Several biochemical changes may interact, one important change being increased protein glycation. Important functional changes are increased organ blood flow, increased vascular permeability, abnormal blood viscosity and abnormal platelet and endothelial function. The structural hallmark of diabetic microangiopathy is the thickening of the capillary basement membrane. These changes may lead to occlusive angiopathy and to tissue hypoxia and damage. Screening for microangiopathy should start in children and adolescents after 5-y duration of the disease and 10y of age. The screening should include retinal examination through a dilated pupil or fundus photography, urinary albumin excretion rate, blood pressure measurement and neurological examination. Several intervention trials have shown that near normoglycaemia may reduce the risk of microangiopathy. There is a curvilinear association between the risk of development and progression of microangiopathy and mean blood glucose. Therefore, optimal insulin treatment is important in children and adolescents.

Practical aspects of managing diabetes in adolescents

In 1988 and 1990 screening for HbA1c and albumin excretion rate in diabetic children was carried out throughout Denmark. Each study included approximately 1000 diabetic patients. Raised levels of HbA1c (9.5-10%) were found despite 60% of these young people receiving three or more insulin injections daily. The prevalence of persistent microalbuminuria was 4.3%, which was associated only with age and diastolic blood pressure. A recent international survey of HbA1c and insulin treatment involving 2873 children found an average HbA1c of 8.6%+/-1.7%, which varied significantly (p < 0. 0001) between centres. Severe hypoglycaemia was related to a young age (0-8 y) and low HbA1c. There were no significant differences in glycaemic control between adolescents treated with two, three, four or more insulin injections daily. Adolescents on four or more injections received significantly (p < 0.001) more insulin. Girls receiving four or more injections had a significantly (p < 0.01) higher body mass index than girls on twice-daily insulin. Preadolescent children on premixed insulin showed similar HbA1c levels to those on a combination of short- and long-acting insulin, whereas in adolescents, significantly better HbA1c values were achieved with individual combinations. Despite intensive diabetes management, particularly in adolescence, near normoglycaemia is achieved only in a few individuals. control, glycosylated, haemoglobin

Monitoring for retinopathy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

In children with an average diabetes onset at 11 y of age, the first retinal changes can be expected after a median diabetes duration of 9 y, while the median time until clinically relevant background retinopathy is 14 y. Periodic examinations of the retinal status become necessary with the onset of puberty or after 5 y of diabetes duration. Only sensitive methods should be used for retinopathy screening; the minimum recommended standard is a stereoscopic slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination in mydriasis. The degree of glycaemic control, both before and after puberty, appears to be of outstanding importance for the development of retinopathy, but the contribution of other factors (arterial blood pressure, lipid abnormalities, sex steroids, smoking and genetic factors) may be of varying relevance in the individual patient. Thus, to improve the long-term prognosis for children with diabetes appropriate screening for retinopathy and associated risk factors is mandatory.

Diabetes and it's complications in a Swedish county

A cross-sectional survey with the aim to study the prevalence of diabetes and long-term complications was carried out in a health care district in Sweden with 125,500 inhabitants. Information was extracted from the medical records. 4127 people with diabetes were identified of whom 87% were classified as NIDDM (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus), 12% as IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) and 0.7% as secondary or unclassified diabetes. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was 3.3%. A total of 83% received their regular routine care at primary health care centres, 31% were treated with diet only, 36% had oral hypoglycaemic agents, 31% had insulin and 2% had combination therapy. The mean HbA1c was 7.2% (ref. range 4.0-5.3%). Of the adults (> 18 years) 27% had retinopathy, 13% had nephropathy and 27% had loss of pallaesthesia. 50% had hypertension, 21% angina pectoris, 11% had had myocardial infarction, 11% stroke, 21% had signs of peripheral arterial disease, 2% had been amputated and 21% were smokers. The conclusion is that in a population of patients with diabetes with acceptable metabolic control, complications are still a great problem.

Urinary excretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline during hypoglycaemic clamp in diabetic and non-diabetic adolescents

The urinary excretion of non-conjugated adrenaline and noradrenaline during hypoglycaemic clamp was investigated in 16 diabetic and 15 non-diabetic adolescents. In the diabetic adolescents, the mean excretion of adrenaline was approximately nine times higher in clamp urine than in morning urine (p < 0.0001). In the non-diabetic adolescents, the mean excretion of adrenaline was 20-30 times higher in clamp urine than in morning urine (p < 0.0001). Plasma catecholamines were measured, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and renal clearance of catecholamines were calculated. There was a linear correlation between the AUC and the urinary excretion of adrenaline (r = 0.57, p = 0.001) and noradrenaline (r = 0.49, p = 0.006) during the hypoglycaemic clamp. The renal clearance of adrenaline and noradrenaline did not differ between the diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. In the diabetic group, there was a positive correlation between HbA1c and the adrenaline excretion in clamp urine (r = 0.60, p = 0.015). The eight diabetic subjects with HbA1c < 10% had lower adrenaline excretion in clamp urine than the subjects with HbA1c > 10% and the non-diabetic subjects (all p values < 0.05). We conclude that there is a marked increase in urinary adrenaline excretion during hypoglycaemia in diabetic and non-diabetic adolescents. The increase in adrenaline excretion during hypoglycaemia was attenuated in the better-controlled diabetic adolescents in our study.

The importance of microalbuminuria as an indicator of incipient diabetic nephropathy: therapeutic implications

Nephropathy is the major life-threatening complication of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The clinical syndrome is characterized by persistent albuminuria (greater than 300 mg day), a rise in arterial blood pressure, and a relentless decline in glomerular filtration rate leading to end-stage renal failure. The availability of a radioimmunoassay for detecting albumin in low concentrations in urine has allowed the study of urinary albumin excretion rates in diabetics well before clinically persistent proteinuria develops. An albumin excretion rate greater than that in normal subjects and lower than that in macroalbuminuric subjects is called microalbuminuria (range 20-200 microg/min or 30-300 mg/24 h). Although recent studies have challenged the predictive value of microalbuminuria for later development of overt diabetic nephropathy, albumin excretion rate in the microalbuminuric range and its tracking (i.e. annual increase) are still considered reliable markers for prediction of later overt diabetic kidney disease. Overnight urinary collection is preferred for calculation of the rate of albumin excretion, but may be difficult to perform precisely. The albumin:creatinine ratio of the first morning urine sample is a reliable screening method: the microalbuminuric range is considered to be 2.5-25 mg/mmol or 30-300 mg/g (3.5 mg/mol has been proposed as lower limit in females because of their lower creatinine excretion). Irrespective of the procedure used, at least two samples over a 3-6-month period should test positive before microalbuminuria is confirmed and 'persistent microalbuminuria' defined. If the albumin excretion rate is persistently in the microalbuminuric range it is of crucial importance to define strategies and carry out interventions for prevention of decline in kidney function. The goal of achieving the best glycaemic control as early as possible in as many IDDM patients as is safely possible is particularly important in microalbuminuric patients. Although it is unsafe to reduce dietary protein intake drastically, particularly in children and adolescents, moderate decrease of protein intake (i.e. 0.9-1.1/g/kg day) is advisable in diabetic patients from the very beginning of the disease. Timely treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, independently of rise in arterial blood pressure, should be considered if improvement of glycaemic control and moderate decrease of dietary protein intake for 6-12 months have failed to reduce the albumin excretion rate. Screening programmes for microalbuminuria and early intervention can substantially modify the natural history of diabetic renal involvement and disease and possibly reduce the incidence of end-stage renal failure.

Microalbuminuria and associated clinical features among Brazilians with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

With the objective to determine the frequency of microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria and the associated clinic and metabolic features among insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) Brazilian patients attending at a general University Hospital, a total of 50 outpatients, aged 21.9 +/- 7 years with IDDM duration of 6.8 +/- 5.8 years were studied cross-sectionally. Urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) was determined in timed overnight urine samples. Microalbuminuria was defined when two out of three urine samples had AER ranging 20-200 micrograms/min. Microalbuminuria was present in 12% of our patients. No macroalbuminuric patient was found. Among patients with diabetes duration < or = 5 years (n = 24), 8.3% (n = 2) had microalbuminuria. Retinopathy was strongly associated with microalbuminuria (P = 0.004) although no proliferative retinopathy was noted. No difference was observed concerning FBG and HBAI between normo and microalbuminuria patients. Univariate analysis has revealed no influence of these variables in AER. Systolic blood pressure (sBP) was high in microalbuminuria patients and stepwise multiple regression analysis has shown that it was the only significant independent variable to influence AER. (R = 0.42 r2 = 0.18 P = 0.002). In conclusion, the frequency of microalbuminuria in this sample of IDDM Brazilian patients was similar to other populational groups and was associated with retinopathy and sBP.

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in relation to age at onset of the diabetes, treatment, duration and glycemic control

To study the frequency of diabetic retinopathy in relation to age at diagnosis, treatment, duration of diabetes and glycemic control as measured by means of HbA1c levels, we performed a cross-sectional, registered-based study in the Helsingborg area of southern Sweden, comprising 2232 diabetic patients. Of the known diabetic population < 75 years old, approximately 70% were estimated to be included. We graded retinopathy according to the alternative classification of the Wisconsin study. With an age at diagnosis < 30 years (19% of patients) the prevalence of retinopathy was 64%, whereas with an age at diagnosis > or = 30 years the prevalence of retinopathy was 57% in insulin-treated, and 26% in non-insulin treated patients. Levels of glycated hemoglobin and duration of diabetes were associated with retinopathy in the group with younger onset. In the older-onset group, there was a relationship between retinopathy and duration of diabetes and insulin treatment; glycated hemoglobin had a relationship which was of borderline significance with any retinopathy, but clearly significant with the pooled group: severe non-proliferative, proliferative retinopathy and/or macular edema. Hyperglycemia and duration of diabetes were thus associated with retinopathy in both younger- and older-onset diabetes, but hyperglycemia less so in the older-onset group.

Diabetic eye complications in a medium sized municipality in southwest Norway

To find the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic eye complications, all inhabitants of the municipality of Eigersund were contacted. Those with known diabetes were encouraged to participate in our study. Among 12,447 people we found 223 diabetics (1.8%). Two hundred and ten of them (94.2%) participated in the study. Ophthalmological history was taken and careful ophthalmological examination carried out by one ophthalmologist. Twenty-nine patients (13.8%) had diabetic retinopathy -24 (11.4%) nonproliferative and 5 (2.4%) proliferative retinopathy. Retinopathy was found in 11 (34.4%) of 32 type I diabetics and in 18 (10.1%) of 178 type II diabetics. Forty-three patients (20.5%) had significant cataract, and 15 patients (7.3%) had one or both eyes operated for cataract. Forty-two patients (20.0%) had their therapy adjusted as a result of our investigation. The prevalence of retinopathy was lower than expected, especially among the type II diabetics. The ophthalmological care of diabetics can, however, still be much improved.

Macular recovery time in diabetic children without retinopathy

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with initial diabetic nephropathy (defined as persistent microalbuminuria) have an impairment of macular recovery time and if this impairment changes in a long-term follow-up. Eighty insulin-dependent diabetic children without fluorescein angiographic signs of retinopathy and 80 controls were included in the study. All patients underwent nyctometry at the beginning of the study; diabetic children repeated the same test after 7 years. Diabetics were divided into two subgroups as regards presence of persistent microalbuminuria (albumin excretion rate > 20 micrograms/min/1.73 m2). At the beginning of the study, diabetics as a whole and normoalbuminuric patients showed similar data to controls, while microalbuminuric ones showed worse data at nyctometry (initial recovery time (IRT): 44.89 +/- 12.50; Summation method (SM): 509.1 +/- 312.0) in comparison with normoalbuminuric (IRT: 38.12 +/- 10.31, P = 0.010; SM 648.6 +/- 272.2, P = 0.036) and control subjects (IRT: 37.77 +/- 11.82, P = 0.004; SM: 661.5 +/- 297.5, P = 0.013). After 7 years, normoalbuminuric subjects showed a slight, but not significant worsening of nyctometry, while in microalbuminuric ones a significant difference between baseline and the end of follow-up was found (IRT: 44.89 +/- 12.50 vs. 52.91 +/- 13.9, P < 0.01; SM: 509.1 +/- 312.0 vs. 374.8 +/- 271.9, P < 0.05). Diabetic patients had a higher rate of abnormal IRT and SM than controls (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0006, respectively). A higher number of patients in microalbuminuric subgroup than in normoalbuminuric one were found (both at baseline and at the end of follow-up) above the 95th centile of IRT (baseline 3 vs. 15; P = 0.0002; end of follow-up 5 vs. 23; P < 0.0001) and below the 5th centile of SM (baseline 5 vs. 14; P = 0.004; end of follow-up 5 vs. 19; P < 0.0001). Nyctometry was found more altered in microalbuminuric patients than in normoalbuminuric and controls. Unfortunately, there is a large overlap between the two diabetic subgroups and between diabetics and controls; for this reason, this technique is not suited for everyday practice.