Self-reported physical activity in community-dwelling adults with diabetes and its association with diabetes complications

The association between type 1 diabetes and exercise/physical activity and prolongation of the honeymoon phase in patients

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by the immune system, causing chronic hyperglycemia and micro and macrovascular complications. However, some people experience a 'honeymoon' phase (or partial remission) after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. During this phase, a substantial amount of insulin is still produced by the pancreas, helping to reduce blood sugar levels and the requirement for external insulin. The clinical significance of this phase lies in the potential for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions during this time frame to either slow down or arrest beta-cell destruction. Clearly, we need to continue researching novel therapies like immunomodulatory agents, but we also need to look at potentially effective therapies with acceptable side effects that can serve as a complement to the medicines currently being studied. Physical activity and exercise, regardless of its type, is one of the factors its impact on the control of diabetes is being investigated and promising results have been achieved. Although there are still limited reports in this regard, there is some evidence to suggest that regular physical exercise could prolong the honeymoon period in both adults and children. In this review, having described the immune base of type 1 diabetes, we outline the benefits of exercise on the general health of individuals with T1D. Moreover, we centered on the honeymoon and current evidence suggesting the effects of physical activity and exercise on this phase duration.

Machine learning-based identification and related features of depression in patients with diabetes mellitus based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: A cross-sectional study

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are twice as likely as nondiabetic individuals to develop depression, which is a prevalent but often undiagnosed psychiatric comorbidity. Patients with DM who are depressed have poor glycemic control, worse quality of life, increased risk of diabetic complications, and higher mortality rate. The present study aimed to develop machine learning (ML) models that identify depression in patients with DM, determine the best performing model by evaluating multiple ML algorithms, and investigate features related to depression. We developed six ML models, including random forest, K-nearest neighbor, support vector machine (SVM), Adaptive Boosting, light gradient-boosting machine, and Extreme Gradient Boosting, based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The results showed that the SVM model performed well, with a cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.730-0.901). Thirteen features were related to depression in patients with DM. Permutation feature importance showed that the most important feature was subjective health status, followed by level of general stress awareness; stress recognition rate; average monthly income; triglyceride (mg/dL) level; activity restriction status; European quality of life (EuroQoL): usual activity and lying in a sickbed in the past 1 month; EuroQoL: pain / discomfort, self-care, and physical discomfort in the last 2 weeks; and EuroQoL: mobility and chewing problems. The current findings may offer clinicians a better understanding of the relationship between DM and depression using ML approaches and may be an initial step toward developing a more predictive model for the early detection of depressive symptoms in patients with DM.

Lifestyle Patterns in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Modern lifestyles have led to sedentary behavior, lower participation in active movement and physical activities during leisure time, unhealthy diets, and increased exposure to stress. It is important to examine the interaction of several lifestyle risk factors instead of focusing on one alone. The purpose of this study was to identify lifestyle patterns in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes and the associations of its components with certain metabolic parameters. Using principal component analysis, we identified three dietary patterns: the prudent pattern (fat, oil, cereals, potatoes, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds and fruits), the Western pattern (meat and meat products, eggs and soft drinks) and the traditional pattern (milk and its derivatives, soups and sauces, with a low intake of sugar/snacks). In addition, using the same method of analysis, we identified two lifestyle patterns: the inadequate lifestyle pattern (Western dietary pattern, increased hours of sleep and lower levels of stress) and the traditional lifestyle pattern (traditional dietary pattern, increased physical activity (PA) and non-smoking status). The inadequate lifestyle pattern was associated with younger age, hypertension and diabetic neuropathy. The traditional lifestyle pattern was related to lower postprandial blood glucose levels. Sedentary individuals were more likely to be over 65 years old and to have higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Smokers were also more likely to have inadequate glycemic and lipid profile control.

Expert Opinions about Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Participation in Ghanaian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Most adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not meet their physical activity (PA) goals despite its importance in improving their health outcomes. Our study aim was to explore the opinions of healthcare professionals regarding barriers and facilitators to PA participation in Ghanaian adults with T2DM. Using qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 healthcare professionals experienced in diabetes management in Ghana. Three main themes relating to PA barriers and facilitators were identified in a thematic analysis: health system-related factors, healthcare practitioner factors, and patient factors. Inadequate accessibility to physical therapists and therapy centres hindered the provision of PA programs. Nurses and doctors lacked sufficient knowledge and training on effective PA interventions for individuals with T2DM. Time constraints during patient consultations limited discussions on PA, while the cost associated with accessing physical therapy posed a significant challenge. Patients often disregarded PA advice from physical therapists due to their reliance on doctors, and some perceived PA as irrelevant for diabetes treatment. Despite these barriers, healthcare professionals expressed belief in PA facilitators, including integrating physical therapists and diabetes educators into diabetes care, providing structured exercise resources, improving curriculum planning to emphasise PA in health science education, and addressing knowledge gaps and misconceptions. Overall, this study highlights patient-related and healthcare system-related factors that influence PA behaviour in Ghanaian adults with T2DM. Findings from this study should inform the development of tailored PA programs for this population.

Joint Association of Diabetes and Physical Activity With Falls Among Midlife and Older Adults: 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Purpose

We examined joint associations of diabetes and physical activity (PA) with falls.

Design

Complex survey (cross-sectional) design using the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Response rate was 53% (landline phones) and 46% (cellular phones)).

Setting

National survey in the U.S.

Subjects

Adults ≥45 years who self-reported diabetes status, PA, and falls ( n = 295,282; 98.5% of eligible samples; N = 130,103,093) were classified into 4 groups: no diabetes–PA, no diabetes–no PA, diabetes–PA, diabetes–no PA.

Measures

Self-reported PA, diabetes, falls, and major health characteristics.

Analysis

Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association of groups with any (≥1 fall) falls.

Results

Compared to no diabetes–active groups, no diabetes–inactive (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.26), diabetes–active (RR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.30), and diabetes–inactive (RR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.51) groups were more likely to report falls, independent of tested covariates.

Conclusions

Leisure-time PA may mitigate the likelihood of falls in adults with and without diabetes. Our findings could be useful for healthcare providers or clinicians to promote the importance of PA in midlife and older adults who are at risk of falls and/or diabetes. More detailed longitudinal information on objectively-estimated PA and a more frequent fall calendar are warranted to prevent recall bias and temporal ambiguity (causality between PA and falls).

Contribution of peripheral neuropathy to poor bone health in the feet of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

To evaluate the impact of peripheral neuropathy on bone health in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Participants with T2DM were grouped according to the presence of peripheral neuropathy as assessed by vibration perception threshold (VPT). Recruitment ensured groups were balanced for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Bone health was measured by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and compared between groups. Calcaneal QUS parameters were correlated across the cohort with VPT and other prespecified variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-four participants (17 per group) were included with mean age 68 ± 12 years, 47% male, with median BMI 29.9 (IQR 26.9-32.7) kg/m². The peripheral neuropathy group had significantly lower mean Stiffness Index (87 ± 12 versus 101 ± 16, p = 0.01), Speed of Sound (1542 ± 28 versus 1574 ± 34 m/s, p < 0.01), and a trend towards lower Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (113 ± 10 versus 120 ± 12 dB/MHz, p = 0.07). Pedal bone health asymmetry was not a significant feature in those with peripheral neuropathy. All calcaneal QUS parameters correlated negatively with VPT, although significance of the relationship with Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation was nullified if controlled for diabetes duration or time on insulin. Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation showed independent negative correlation with diabetes duration.

CONCLUSIONS

People with T2DM and peripheral neuropathy have poorer bone health as measured by calcaneal QUS than those without peripheral neuropathy, independent of age, sex and BMI.

Dosing Activity and Return to Preulcer Function in Diabetes-Related Foot Ulcer Remission

Diabetes-related foot ulcers are a leading cause of global morbidity, mortality, and health-care costs. People with a history of foot ulcers have a diminished quality of life attributed to limited walking and mobility. One of the largest concerns is ulceration recurrence. Approximately 40% of patients with ulcerations will have a recurrent ulcer in the year after healing, and most occur in the first 3 months after wound healing. Hence, this period after ulceration is called "remission" due to this risk of reulceration. Promoting and fostering mobility is an integral part of everyday life and is important for maintaining good physical health and health-related quality of life for all people living with diabetes. In this short perspective, we provide recommendations on how to safely increase walking activity and facilitate appropriate off-loading and monitoring in people with a recently healed foot ulcer, foot reconstruction, or partial foot amputation. Interventions include monitored activity training, dosed out in steadily increasing increments and coupled with daily skin temperature monitoring, which can identify dangerous "hotspots" prone to recurrence. By understanding areas at risk, patients are empowered to maximize ulcer-free days and to enable an improved quality of life. This perspective outlines a unified strategy to treat patients in the remission period after ulceration and aims to provide clinicians with appropriate patient recommendations based on best available evidence and expert opinion to educate their patients to ensure a safe transition to footwear and return to activity.

Fluctuations in Self-Reported Symptoms Predict Objective Physical Activity in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between self-reported symptoms including fatigue and sleep disturbance with moderate-intensity physical activity among adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This report was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study. Data from 53 participants with at least 6 days of repeated measures were used. Daytime physical activity and energy expenditure were assessed using a wrist-worn accelerometer at the free-living setting. Fatigue upon awakening was measured using a 0 to 10 scale. Sleep (eg, restorative sleep, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency) was measured using the Consensus Sleep Diary for Morning. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models by including within- and between-person effects.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly females (54.7%) with a mean age of 60.3 years. Controlling for the covariates, at the individual level (within-person), fluctuations in restorative sleep and fatigue upon awakening predicted moderate-intensity PA. Similarly, at the individual level, fluctuations in restorative sleep and fatigue upon awakening predicted average hourly energy expenditure. However, at the group level (between-person), no significant associations were found between fatigue and restorative sleep with moderate-intensity physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings suggest that within-person fluctuations in fatigue and restorative sleep upon awakening predict daytime moderate-intensity physical activity. At the individual level, reducing fluctuations in fatigue and restorative sleep might encourage participation in physical activity. More research is warranted to uncover the underlying causes of fluctuations in fatigue and restorative sleep. Meanwhile, diabetes care and education specialists should pay attention to the within-person fluctuations of fatigue and sleep.

Dietary Strawberries Improve Cardiometabolic Risks in Adults with Obesity and Elevated Serum LDL Cholesterol in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Background and aims: Dietary berries, such as strawberries, are rich in bioactive compounds and have been shown to lower cardiometabolic risk. We examined the effects of two dietary achievable doses of strawberries on glycemic control and lipid profiles in obese adults with elevated serum LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods: In this 14-week randomized controlled crossover study, participants were assigned to one of the three arms for four weeks separated by a one-week washout period: control powder, one serving (low dose: 13 g strawberry powder/day), or two-and-a -half servings (high dose: 32 g strawberry powder/day). Participants were instructed to follow their usual diet and lifestyle while refraining from consuming other berries and related products throughout the study interval. Blood samples, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and dietary and physical activity data were collected at baseline and at the end of each four-week phase of intervention. Results: In total, 33 participants completed all three phases of the trial [(mean ± SD): Age: 53 ± 13 y; BMI: 33 ± 3.0 kg/m²). Findings revealed significant reductions in fasting insulin (p = 0.0002) and homeostatic model of assessment of insulin resistance (p = 0.0003) following the high dose strawberry phase when compared to the low dose strawberry and control phases. Glucose and conventional lipid profiles did not differ among the phases. Nuclear magnetic resonance-determined particle concentrations of total VLDL and chylomicrons, small VLDL, and total and small LDL were significantly decreased after the high dose strawberry phase, compared to control and low dose phases (all p < 0.0001). Among the biomarkers of inflammation and adipokines measured, only serum PAI-1 showed a decrease after the high dose strawberry phase (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These data suggest that consuming strawberries at two-and-a-half servings for four weeks significantly improves insulin resistance, lipid particle profiles, and serum PAI-1 in obese adults with elevated serum LDL-C.

Foot disease and physical function in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To systematically assess the literature examining the association between foot disease (foot ulceration, infection, critical ischaemia and/or Charcot neuroarthropathy) and physical function in older adults.

METHODS

Literature search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL was performed. Studies were included if foot disease and physical function were assessed in participants of mean or median age ≥ 65 years.

RESULTS

Of 2,574 abstracts screened, 19 studies (13 longitudinal, 6 cross-sectional) reporting on 5634 participants, 43% female, were included. Diabetes-related foot disease and critical ischaemia were most studied (n = 5017, 40% female). In 8 studies with control groups, foot disease was associated with poorer physical function. Meta-analysis of 5 studies (n = 1503, 45% female) found an association between foot disease and poorer physical function (SMD (95% CI): 1.00 (0.40, 1.62), P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Foot disease is associated with poorer physical function in older adults. Future research should include broader study populations and intervention strategies.

The diagnosis and management of diabetes in Australia: Does the "Rule of Halves" apply?

The Rule of Halves (ROH) is a theoretical framework which states that roughly half of all people with a condition are diagnosed; half of those diagnosed receive care; half of those who receive care achieve their treatment targets; and half of those who reach their targets achieve the desired treatment outcomes. This review examined the applicability of the ROH to diabetes in Australia. Five databases were searched for articles and government reports published between January 2000 and August 2019. Data was extracted for each level of the framework, and pooled sample proportions calculated for the total population and sub-group analysis by ethnicity and type of diabetes. The results showed that 72% of people with diabetes are diagnosed. Approximately 50% are receiving standard care, and 40-60% are meeting treatment targets for HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid levels. Overall, Australia is doing better than the ROH when it comes to achieving treatment outcomes; prevalence of microvascular complications was 20-30% and cardiovascular disease 62%. Indigenous people were less likely to meet treatment targets and more likely to experience adverse complications of diabetes. This review indicates the ROH does generally apply for diabetes care and management in Australia, highlighting the need for further improvement.

Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity in Diabetic Patients

One of the main goals of diabetic therapy is to achieve the best metabolic control to prevent the development and progression of potential complications. A multidisciplinary approach characterized by the combination of diet, physical activity (PA) and drug therapy with oral and injectable (non-insulin) pharmacological agents, is desirable to optimize metabolic control. The aim of this review is to explain the contribution of PA and its beneficial effects on patients affected by type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We provide an overview of evidence on the effects of PA for the main two types of diabetes mellitus (DM) to identify the right level of PA to be recommended. We discuss the physiological and clinical role of PA in people with DM. It can be concluded that the objective of antidiabetic therapy should be the achievement and optimization of metabolic control through a multidisciplinary approach involving non-pharmacological therapy such as diet and PA, which has a crucial role.