Alcohol consumption is inversely associated with adherence to diabetes self-care behaviours

Inequities in Alcohol Screening of Primary Care Patients with Chronic Conditions

INTRODUCTION

Routine alcohol screening of people with chronic health conditions that are exacerbated by alcohol can help to prevent morbidity and mortality. The U.S. Affordable Care Act and other recent health reforms expanded insurance coverage and supported alcohol screening in primary care. This study assessed increases in alcohol screening following health reform, and insurance-related and racial and ethnic disparities in screening.

METHODS

Data are from the 2013-2019 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health for adults with alcohol-related chronic conditions who received primary care in the past year (N=46,014). The outcome was receipt of alcohol screening (yes/no) in which a health care provider inquired whether, how often, or how much the respondent drank, or about having alcohol-related problems. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed temporal changes in screening overall and by insurance type and race/ethnicity, adjusting for demographics, health conditions, and primary care utilization. Statistical analysis was performed in 2023.

RESULTS

Alcohol screening prevalence rose from 69% to 77% from 2013 through 2019, with a notable increase in 2014-15 for both Medicaid-insured and privately-insured patients. Black and Asian American patients were generally less likely to be screened than White patients. Importantly, racial disparities in screening were found among privately-insured patients, patients with hypertension, patients with heart disease, and patients with diabetes who drink alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol screening of primary care patients with chronic conditions increased following health reform, but persistent disparities among patients with private insurance and specific chronic conditions underscore the need to address drivers of unequal preventive care.

Pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder among adults with medical disorders in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Alcohol-attributable medical disorders are prevalent among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, there is a lack of research on prescriptions of pharmacological treatment for AUD in those with comorbid conditions. This study aims to investigate the utilization of pharmacological treatment (acamprosate, disulfiram and naltrexone) in specialist care among patients with AUD and comorbid medical diagnoses.

METHODS

This was a descriptive register-based Swedish national cohort study including 132,728 adults diagnosed with AUD (N = 270,933) between 2007 and 2015. The exposure was alcohol-attributable categories of comorbid medical diagnoses. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using mixed-effect logistic regression analyses for any filled prescription of acamprosate, disulfiram or oral naltrexone within 12 months post AUD diagnosis.

RESULTS

Individuals with comorbid alcohol-attributable medical diagnoses had lower odds of filling prescriptions for any type of AUD pharmacotherapy compared to those without such comorbidities. Cardiovascular (OR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.39-0.43]), neurological (OR = 0.52 [95% CI: 0.48-0.56]) and gastrointestinal (OR = 0.57 [95% CI: 0.54-0.60]) diseases were associated with the lowest rates of prescription receipt. The presence of diagnoses which are contraindications to AUD pharmacotherapy did not fully explain the low prescription rate.

CONCLUSION

There is a substantial underutilization of AUD pharmacotherapy in patients with AUD and comorbid medical disorders in specialist care. Increasing the provision of pharmacotherapy to this group of patients is essential and may prevent morbidity and mortality. There is a need to further understand barriers to medical treatment both from the patient and prescriber perspective.

Factors associated with nonattendance at annual diabetes check-up in Ningbo, China: a case-control study

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a grave issue in China. The annual check-up is recommended in clinical guidelines on T2DM. It plays an important role in monitoring and managing the condition and detecting and managing any comorbidities and T2DM-related complications. However, people with T2DM may miss the annual check-up, and the benefits of this check-up are lost. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors associated with nonattendance at the annual T2DM check-up in Ningbo, China.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted using the Ningbo National Metabolic Management Center dataset. Cases were people with T2DM who were alive but did not attend the first annual check-up, scheduled between 1 March 2019 and 28 February 2022 (n = 1,549). Controls were people with T2DM who were alive and attended the first annual check-up during the same period (n = 1,354). The characteristics of cases and controls were compared using logistic regressions.

Results

The odds of being a female [odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.50], alcohol drinker (1.26, 1.06-1.49), and with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥7% (1.67, 1.42-1.97) were higher among case patients than controls. The odds of being a high school graduate (0.77, 0.66-0.89) and on standard treatments in addition to lifestyle modification (oral hypoglycemic drug 0.63, 0.42-0.96; oral hypoglycemic drug and injection therapy 0.48, 0.32-0.73) were lower among case patients than controls.

Conclusion

The factors associated with nonattendance at the annual T2DM check-up in Ningbo, China were female sex, not a high school graduate, alcohol drinker, HbA1c ≥7%, and only on lifestyle modification. The study findings should be used for improving attendance at the annual check-up among people with T2DM in Ningbo.

Knowledge of the health consequences of heavy alcohol consumption among individuals with different substance use statuses: A cross-sectional analysis of 2019 HINT Survey

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess and compare knowledge of the health consequences of heavy alcohol consumption among individuals with different substance use statuses.

METHODS

We used a cross-sectional study design to analyze the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5, Cycle 3 (2019). Participants were classified into four categories based on their substance use status: (a) nonsmoker and nondrinkers; (b) nonsmokers but drinkers; (c) smokers but nondrinkers; and (d) smokers and drinkers. Weighted logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the association between knowledge of heavy alcohol consumption and health conditions by participants' substance use status.

RESULTS

More than 79% of participants were aware that drinking too much alcohol causes liver disease. However, less than 40% of them realized that heavy alcohol consumption also contributes to cancer. The odds of correctly identifying heavy alcohol consumption as a risk factor for diabetes were 3.00 times (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29,7.00) higher among smokers but nondrinkers than smokers and alcohol drinkers. Education level was significantly associated with participants' awareness of risk factor (p < 0.01).

DISCUSSION

There is an urgent need for targeted educational campaigns and interventions to increase understanding of the impact of heavy alcohol consumption on cancer risk.

How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact medication adherence of patients with chronic disease?: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts patients with chronic disease medication adherence.

METHODS

Four electronic databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL Plus Full Text, were searched for literature between 2019 and 2021. Abstracts and later full texts were independently screened by the authors of this review using inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine relevance to our study. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of included texts. Relevant information and data from the included texts were extracted into tables for data synthesis and analysis.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the study criteria, the most popular study design was cross-sectional design (n = 9, 90.0%), others were case series (n = 1, 10.0%). Barriers to medication adherence and facilitators of medication adherence were the major two themes that participants reported regarding the impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence. Moreover, these two main themes have been organized in sub-themes that are dealt with in-depth.

DISCUSSION

Our results could heighten healthcare providers, stakeholders, and policy leaders' awareness of providing appropriate support for chronic disease patients, especially regarding medication adherence. Future research incorporating programs that support patients' needs is recommended.

How is Patient Adherence Possible? A Novel Mechanistic Model of Adherence Based on Humanities

Patient non-adherence is a major contemporary medical issue because of its consequences in terms of frequency, morbidity and mortality, and health care costs. This article aims to propose a mechanistic model of adherence based on the tenet that non-adherence is the default option, as long-term adherence in chronic diseases requires sustained effort. The real question becomes, how is patient adherence possible? By focusing on adherent patients, the paper explains the mental mechanisms of adherence using concepts largely drawn from humanities, philosophy of mind, and behavioral economics and presents the findings of empirical studies supporting these hypotheses. The analysis first demonstrates the relationship between patient adherence and temporality and the influence of character traits. Further, it points out the importance of habit, which allows adherence to become non-intentional, thereby sparing patients' cognitive efforts. Finally, it points out the importance of the quality of the interaction between the person with a chronic disease and the health professional. These features explain why adherence is a syndrome (the healthy adherer phenotype), separating people into those who are safe and those who are at risk of non-adherence, non-control of diabetes, and complications. The concepts presented in this article summarize 20 years of personal clinical and philosophical reflection on patient adherence. They are mainly illustrated by examples from diabetes care but can be applied to all chronic diseases. This novel model of adherence has major practical and ethical implications, explaining the importance of patient education and shared medical decision-making in chronic disease management.

Medication Adherence and Contributing Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Adama Hospital Medical College in Eastern Ethiopia

Introduction

Good glycemic control and preventing early complications are the ultimate targets of diabetes management, which depends on patients' adherence to regimens. Even though highly potent and effective medications have been developed and manufactured with astonishing advancement over the past few decades, excellent glycemic control has remained elusive.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with medication adherence among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients on follow-up at Adama Hospital Medical College (AHMC) in East Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 T2D patients on follow-up at AHMC from March 1 to March 30, 2020. Medication adherence reporting scale-5 (MARS-5) was utilized to collect information regarding patients' medication adherence. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 21. The level of significance was declared at a p-value of  < .05.

Results

Of the 245 respondents, the proportion of respondents who adhere to diabetes medication was 29.4%, 95% CI [confidence interval] (23.7%-35.1%). After adjusting for khat chewing and adherence to blood glucose testing as confounding factors, being married (AOR [adjusted odds ratio]  =  3.43, 95%CI [1.27-4.86]), government employee (AOR  =  3.75, 95%CI [2.12-7.37]), no alcohol drinking (AOR  =  2.25, 95%CI [1.32-3.45]), absence of comorbidity (AOR  =  1.49, 95%CI [1.16-4.32]), and having diabetes health education at health institution (AOR  =  3.43, 95%CI [1.27-4.86]) were the factors associated with good medication adherence.

Conclusion

The proportion of T2D patients who adhere to medication in the study area was remarkably low. The study also found that being married, government employee, no alcohol drinking, absence of comorbidity, and having diabetes health education at a health institution were the factors associated with good medication adherence. Therefore, imparting health education on the importance of diabetes medication adherence by health professionals at each follow-up visit should be considered. Besides, awareness creation programs regarding diabetes medication adherence should be considered using mass media (radio and television).

Relation Between Diabetes and Psychiatric Disorders

Depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia are all things that have been found to be linked to the mental health of diabetics. When combined with particular mental health conditions, the management of diabetes might become very challenging. The management of diabetes requires the patient to be actively involved and is contingent on the patient's adherence to prescribed lifestyle modifications, self-monitoring, and medication. Patients who struggle to keep their mental health concerns under control are more likely to have trouble managing their diabetes on their own. People who have diabetes, because it is one of the most cognitively and behaviorally taxing chronic medical conditions, may be especially susceptible to developing mental health disorders. It is more prevalent in those who suffer from mental problems than it is in the general population. Diabetics frequently struggle with a variety of mental health conditions, including but not limited to schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. Diagnosing and treating mental health disorders is an important component of diabetes treatment that can be accomplished through the collaborative efforts of members of a multidisciplinary team. Patients who fall into this category can benefit from a wide range of services provided by pharmacists who work with them, including individual assessments, joint goal-setting, skill development, ongoing monitoring, and medication management. These services are designed to help patients feel better and function better.

Tuberculosis treatment outcomes of diabetic and non-diabetic TB/HIV co-infected patients: A nationwide observational study in Brazil

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide public health problem, especially in countries that also report high numbers of people living with HIV (PLWH) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the unique features of persons with TB-HIV-DM are incompletely understood. This study compared anti-TB treatment (ATT) outcomes of diabetic and non-diabetic TB/HIV co-infected patients.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective observational investigation was performed with data from the Brazilian Tuberculosis Database System among patients reported to have TB-HIV co-infection between 2014 and 2019. This database includes all reported TB cases in Brazil. Exploratory and association analyses compared TB treatment outcomes in DM and non-DM patients. Unfavorable outcomes were defined as death, treatment failure, loss to follow-up or recurrence. Multivariable stepwise logistic regressions were used to identify the variables associated with unfavorable ATT outcomes in the TB-HIV population.

Results

Of the 31,070 TB-HIV patients analyzed, 999 (3.2%) reported having DM. However, in these TB-HIV patients, DM was not associated with any unfavorable treatment outcome [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.97, 95% CI: 0.83-1.12, p = 0.781]. Furthermore, DM was also not associated with any specific type of unfavorable outcome in this study. In both the TB-HIV group and the TB-HIV-DM subpopulation, use of alcohol, illicit drugs and tobacco, as well as non-white ethnicity and prior TB were all characteristics more frequently observed in persons who experienced an unfavorable ATT outcome.

Conclusion

DM is not associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes in persons with TB-HIV, including death, treatment failure, recurrence and loss to follow up. However, consumption habits, non-white ethnicity and prior TB are all more frequently detected in those with unfavorable outcomes in both TB-HIV and TB-HIV-DM patients.

Diabetes-related distress and its impact on self-care of diabetes among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in a resource-limited setting: A community-based cross-sectional study

AIM

To assess the a) prevalence, b) factors associated, and c) effect on self-care practices (SCP) of diabetes related distress (DRD) among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in rural Punjab, India.

METHODS

Amongst the cohort of 700 patients, the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) was used to assess DRD and the Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities scale (SDSCA) for diabetes SCP. Multivariable logistic regression identified the factors associated with DRD.

RESULTS

DRD was universal [severe or moderate in 391 (56%) and 309 (44%) patients, respectively]. Hypertension increased the odds of severe DRD [aOR 3.47; 95% CI:2.48-4.87, p-<0.01] whereas living in a joint family reduced the odds of severe DRD [aOR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.47-0.97, p- 0.03]. Patients with severe DRD were less likely to perform DM SCPs [aOR 0.53; 95% CI:0.32-0.85, p-0.01].

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of DRD was alarmingly high. There is an urgent need to screen, prevent and treat DRD to improve selfcare in T2DM.

Differences in Dietary Intake Exist among U.S. Adults by Diabetic Status Using NHANES 2009–2016

The objective was to determine the most frequently consumed food items, food subcategories, and food categories, and those that contributed most to total energy intake for the group of U.S. adults reporting taking insulin, those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) not taking insulin, and those without diabetes. Laboratory tests and questionnaires of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2016 classified 774 participants reporting taking insulin, 2758 participants reporting T2D not taking insulin, and 17,796 participants without diabetes. Raw and weighted frequency and energy contributions of each food item, food subcategory, and food category were calculated and ranked. Comparisons among groups by broad food category used the Rao–Scott modified chi-square test. Soft drinks ranked as the 8th and 6th most consumed food subcategory of participants with T2D not taking insulin and those without diabetes, and contributed 5th and 2nd most to energy, respectively. The group reporting taking insulin is likely to consume more protein foods and less soft drink compared to the other two groups. Lists of the most frequently reported foods and foods contributing most to energy may be helpful for nutrition education, prescribing diets, and digital-based dietary assessment for the group reporting taking insulin.

Alcohol, Drinking Pattern, and Chronic Disease

This review discusses the inconsistent recommendations on alcohol consumption and its association with chronic disease, highlighting the need for an evidence-based consensus. Alcohol is an addictive substance consumed worldwide, especially in European countries. Recommendations on alcohol consumption are controversial. On one hand, many nonrandomized studies defend that moderate consumption has a beneficial cardiovascular effect or a lower risk of all-cause mortality. On the other hand, alcohol is associated with an increased risk of cancer, neurological diseases, or injuries, among others. For years, efforts have been made to answer the question regarding the safe amount of alcohol intake, but controversies remain. Observational studies advocate moderate alcohol consumption following a Mediterranean pattern (red wine with meals avoiding binge drinking) as the best option for current drinkers. However, agencies such as the IARC recommend abstention from alcohol as it is a potent carcinogen. In this context, more randomized trial with larger sample size and hard clinical endpoints should be conducted to clarify the available evidence and provide clinicians with support for their clinical practice.

Area-based inequalities and distribution of healthcare resources for managing diabetes in South Korea: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify area-based socioeconomic inequalities in diabetes management and to examine whether the distribution of healthcare resources could explain area-based inequalities in diabetes management.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional multilevel analysis from national survey data.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Data were derived from the 2018 Korean Community Health Survey. Study subjects included 23 760 participants aged 30 years or older with diabetes diagnosed by a doctor.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The dependent variables were self-reported good glycaemic control, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing, recognition of the term HbA1c, and diabetic complications testing. Area Deprivation Index was used as an area-based measure of socioeconomic position. Factors related to regional healthcare resources-the coefficient of variation (CV) value of clinics and the number of physicians per 1000-were considered as potential mediating variables in explaining the association between diabetes management and area deprivation. A multilevel logistic regression analysis was used.

RESULTS

Compared with the least deprived quintile, the likelihoods of not taking HbA1c tests, not recognising the term HbA1c, and not taking diabetic complication tests in the most deprived quintile were approximately 1.5 times (95% CI 1.25 to 1.80), 2.6 times (95% CI 1.97 to 3.45) and two times (95% CI 1.67 to 2.48) higher, respectively. In the most deprived quintile, CV value of clinics was the highest and the number of doctors was the lowest. Regional healthcare resource factors explained inequalities in managing diabetes by 14%-18%, especially in the most deprived quintile.

CONCLUSIONS

The results in this study suggest that socioeconomic inequalities in diabetes management may be explained by regional healthcare resource disparities. Policy interventions for a more even distribution of healthcare resources would likely reduce the magnitude of regional socioeconomic inequalities in diabetes management.

The many faces of diabetes. Is there a need for re-classification? A narrative review

The alarming rise in the worldwide prevalence of obesity and associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have reached epidemic portions. Diabetes in its many forms and T2DM have different physiological backgrounds and are difficult to classify. Bariatric surgery (BS) is considered the most effective treatment for obesity in terms of weight loss and comorbidity resolution, improves diabetes, and has been proven superior to medical management for the treatment of diabetes. The term metabolic surgery (MS) describes bariatric surgical procedures used primarily to treat T2DM and related metabolic conditions. MS is the most effective means of obtaining substantial and durable weight loss in individuals with obesity. Originally, BS was used as an alternative weight-loss therapy for patients with severe obesity, but clinical data revealed its metabolic benefits in patients with T2DM. MS is more effective than lifestyle or medical management in achieving glycaemic control, sustained weight loss, and reducing diabetes comorbidities. New guidelines for T2DM expand the use of MS to patients with a lower body mass index.Evidence has shown that endocrine changes resulting from BS translate into metabolic benefits that improve the comorbid conditions associated with obesity, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and T2DM. Other changes include bacterial flora rearrangement, bile acids secretion, and adipose tissue effect.This review aims to examine the physiological mechanisms in diabetes, risks for complications, the effects of bariatric and metabolic surgery and will shed light on whether diabetes should be reclassified.

Nursing interventions for people with type 1 diabetes and frequent hypoglycaemia

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects all age ranges, for reasons unknown, and the UK has one of the highest incidences of this complex condition in the world. Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune damage to the insulin-producing β-cells found in the pancreatic islet cells, leading to severe insulin deficiency. People with diabetes need to achieve a target glyosylated haemoglobin level to avoid macro- and microvascular complications, but there is the associated risk of hypoglycaemic events. These can vary in severity and consequences but will likely always cause worry for the person living with diabetes. There are many risk factors and reasons to be explored when looking at hypoglycaemia. This case study explores the nursing interventions that can be safely worked through and prioritised, within the community setting, to allow people with diabetes to be safe from severe hypoglycaemia, thus improving their quality of life and safety, as well as reducing costs for the NHS.

Alcohol, smoking, recreational drug use and association with virological outcomes among people living with HIV: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

OBJECTIVES

There is increasing evidence to suggest that people living with HIV (PLWH) have significant morbidity from alcohol, recreational drug use and cigarette smoking. Our aim was to report associations of these factors with antiretroviral therapy (ART) non-adherence, viral non-suppression and subsequent viral rebound in PLWH.

METHODS

The Antiretroviral Sexual Transmission Risk and Attitudes (ASTRA) study recruited PLWH attending eight outpatient clinics in England between February 2011 and December 2012. Data included self-reported excessive drinking (estimated consumption of > 20 units of alcohol/week), alcohol dependency (CAGE score ≥ 2 with current alcohol consumption), recreational drug use (including injection drug use in the past 3 months), and smoking status. Among participants established on ART, cross-sectional associations with ART non-adherence [missing ≥2 consecutive days of ART on ≥2 occasions in the past three months] and viral-non suppression [viral load (VL) > 50 copies/mL] were assessed using logistic regression. In participants from one centre, longitudinal associations with subsequent viral rebound (first VL > 200 copies/mL) in those on ART with VL ≤ 50 copies/mL at baseline were assessed using Cox regression during a 7-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 3258 PLWH, 2248 (69.0%) were men who have sex with men, 373 (11.4%) were heterosexual men, and 637 (19.6%) were women. A CAGE score ≥ 2 was found in 568 (17.6%) participants, 325 (10.1%) drank > 20 units/week, 1011 (31.5%) currently smoked, 1242 (38.1%) used recreational drugs and 74 (2.3%) reported injection drug use. In each case, prevalence was much more common among men than among women. Among 2459 people on ART who started at least 6 months previously, a CAGE score ≥ 2, drinking > 20 units per week, current smoking, injection and non-injection drug use were all associated with ART non-adherence. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, CAGE score ≥ 2 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-2.13], current smoking (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.10-2.17) and injection drug use (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.00-4.47) were associated with viral non-suppression. During follow-up of a subset of 592 people virally suppressed at recruitment, a CAGE score ≥ 2 [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.03-2.74], use of 3 or more non-injection drugs (aHR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.12-3.57) and injection drug use (aHR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.08-6.89) were associated with viral rebound.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening and treatment for alcohol, cigarette and drug use should be integrated into HIV outpatient clinics, while clinicians should be alert to the potential for poorer virological outcomes.

A historical cohort study of glycemic control in patients with concurrent type 2 diabetes and substance use disorder treated in a primary care setting

BACKGROUND

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a known barrier to patient-self-management, which can hinder efforts to achieve treatment goals in type 2 diabetes (T2D) when the conditions coexist.

OBJECTIVE

Identify the association between SUD and glycemic control in patients with T2D treated in a primary care setting.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients with T2D treated by providers at family medicine clinics at an academic medical center and its affiliated regional sites from January 2014 to October 2019. Study index date was the first A1c recorded when T2D and SUD diagnoses had both been documented in the medical record. Glycemic control, measured by hemoglobin A1c (A1c), was identified at baseline and over a 12-month follow-up period and was compared between SUD and non-SUD patients.

RESULTS

Of 9568 included patients with T2D, 468 (4.9%) had a SUD diagnosis. In 237 SUD and 4334 non-SUD patients with A1c data, mean (SD) baseline A1c was 8.2% (2.5) and 7.9% (2.1), respectively (P = 0.043). A1c reduction was statistically greater in SUD patients than non-SUD patients (-0.31% versus -0.06%, respectively; P = 0.015), although the clinical significance is modest. In a multivariable linear regression analysis, follow-up A1c was lower in the SUD versus non-SUD patients (coefficient -0.184, 95% CI -0.358, -0.010; P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T2D and SUD had higher baseline A1c but this difference was minimized over a 12-month follow-up period. Additional research is warranted to determine long-term glycemic control and barriers to attaining and maintaining glycemic control in patients with T2D and SUD.

Determinant factors of poor adherence to iron supplementation among pregnant women in Ethiopia: A large population-based study

Introduction

Anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery as well as maternal and child mortality. More than 40% and almost one-third of pregnant women are anemic worldwide and in Ethiopia respectively. Iron supplementation is important to prevent anemia during pregnancy in developing countries including Ethiopia. Despite this fact, it is at a substandard level in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the determinant factors of poor adherence to iron supplementation among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the EDHS data for 2016 from two city administrations and nine regions of Ethiopia. A total of 3, 266 women were included. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed. P-value < 0.05 and odds ratios were used to determine the significance and strength of association.

Results

Those pregnant women who had no mobile telephone [AOR; 0.79, 95% CI (0.65–0.95)], a history of cigarette smoking & alcohol use [AOR; 0.20, 95% CI (0.09–0.45)] and [AOR; 0.77, 95% CI (0.64–0.93)], and less than four antenatal care visits [AOR; 0.56, 95% CI (0.46, 0.68)] had higher odds of poor adherence.

Conclusion

Not having a mobile telephone, a history of smoking and alcohol use, and less than four antenatal care visits were determinant factors of poor adherence to iron supplementation. It is important to empower women, strengthen communication for behavioral change, and give attention to counseling pregnant women.

Alcohol use disorder and healthcare utilization in patients with chronic asthma and obstructive lung disease

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with significant direct morbidity and mortality. The impact of alcohol on chronic asthma and obstructive lung disease is unknown. AUD treatment may represent a potential target to improve healthcare utilization and healthcare costs in this patient population. Utilizing data from the 2012-2015 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) and Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), patients with a primary admission diagnosis of asthma or COPD were identified. Documented substance misuse, rates of hospitalization, frequency of hospital readmission, markers of admission severity, and cost were assessed. Within the NEDS cohort, 2,048,380 patients with a diagnosis of COPD or asthma were identified. Patients with documented AUD were more likely to present with respiratory failure [OR 1.32 (1.26, 1.39); p < 0.001] and more likely to require mechanical ventilation in the emergency room [OR 1.30 (1.19, 1.42); p < 0.001]. Within the NRD cohort, 1,096,663 hospital admissions were identified, of which 4.1% had documented AUD. AUD was associated with an increased length of stay [percentage increase estimate: 5% (4,6); p < 0.001], increased hospitalization cost, and an increased likelihood of 30-day readmission in patients with a primary admission diagnosis of COPD or asthma [OR 1.24 (1.2, 1.28); p < 0.001]. AUD is associated with increased disease morbidity and healthcare utilization in patients admitted with asthma or COPD. This impact persists after adjusting for substance misuse and associated comorbidities. Identifying and treating AUD in this patient population may improve disease, patient, and health-system outcomes.

Psychological Predictors of Precautionary Behaviors in Response to COVID-19: A Structural Model

The first lines of defense during an epidemic are behavioral interventions, including stay-at-home measures or precautionary health training, aimed at reducing contact and disease transmission. Examining the psychosocial variables that may lead to greater adoption of such precautionary behaviors is critical. The present study examines predictors of precautionary practices against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 709 Mexican participants from 24 states. The study was conducted via online questionnaire between the end of March and the beginning of April 2020, when the pandemic response was in its initial stages in Mexico. The instrument included demographic items, as well as scales assessing COVID-19-resembling symptoms, empathy, impulsivity, anhedonic depression, general health practices, alcohol consumption, and COVID-19-associated precautionary behaviors. Most participants reported adopting limited social distancing or other precautionary behaviors against COVID-19. The results of a structural equation model demonstrated that the presence of COVID-19 symptoms was related to impulsivity and general health behaviors. However, no direct association between precautionary behaviors and the presence of COVID-19 symptoms was found. In turn, precautionary behaviors were more prevalent among participants who reported higher empathy and general health behaviors and were inhibited indirectly by impulsivity via alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the model suggests that anhedonic depression symptoms have a negative indirect effect on precautionary behaviors via general health behaviors. Finally, impulsivity showed a negative direct effect on general health behavior. These results highlight the role that general physical health and mental health play on precautionary behavior and the critical importance of addressing issues such as depression, general health behaviors, and impulsivity in promoting safe actions and the protection of self and others.

Magnitude and predictors of hospital admission, readmission, and length of stay among patients with type 2 diabetes at public hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) represents one of the leading causes for hospital admissions and outpatient visits. Hence, T2D continuously imposes a significant burden to healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to assess predictors of hospital admission, readmission rates, and length of hospital stay among T2D patients in government hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia from 2013 to 2017.

METHODS

This study utilized retrospective data from a cohort of T2D patients following their treatment in government hospitals in Harari regional state of Ethiopia. Predictor of hospital admission was determined using parametric survival analysis methods. The readmission rate and length of hospital stay were determined by Poisson regression and mixed effect Poisson regression, respectively. All association were performed at 95% confidence level. Significance of association with determinants was reported using the hazard rate for hospital admission, and the incidence rate for readmission and length of hospital stay. Optimal model for each outcome was selected by using information criteria after fitness was checked.

RESULTS

The hospital admission rate for T2D patients was 9.85 (95%CI: 8.32, 11.66) per 1000-person-year observation. Alcohol drinking, inactive lifestyle, being a rural resident, history of comorbidities, and experiencing chronic diabetes complications were predictors of hospital admission. Seventy-one (52.2%) of the admitted patients had a history of readmission. Readmission rate was increased by being female, duration of disease, inactive lifestyle, having BMI greater than 29.9 kg/m2, and higher blood glucose. The median time of hospital stay for admitted patients was 18 (IQR:7). The length of hospital stay was longer among females, patients with the history of insulin administration, and higher blood glucose.

CONCLUSION

Multiple and complex factors were contributing for high diabetes admission and readmission rates as well as for longer in-hospital duration among T2D patients in Harari regional state. Socio-demographic characteristics (sex, place of residence), behavioral factors (alcohol intake, lifestyle), and medical conditions (longer duration of disease, comorbidities, chronic diabetes complications, higher blood glucose level, and treatment modality) were significant determinants of hospital admission, readmission and longer hospital stay among T2D patients.

Prevalence and factors associated with alcohol consumption among persons with diabetes in Kampala, Uganda: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of diabetes has been rising increasing rapidly in middle- and low-income countries. In Africa, the World Health Organization projections anticipate diabetes mellitus to be the seventh leading cause of death in by 2030. Alcohol consumption influences diabetes evolution, in such a way that it can interfere with self-care behaviours which are important determinants of diabetes prognosis. In this study, we evaluated factors associated with alcohol consumption among persons with diabetes in Kampala to inform management policies and improve comprehensive diabetes care.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted systematically among 290 adults with diabetes, attending diabetic clinics at Mulago National Referral Hospital and St Francis Hospital Nsambya. Data were entered and analysed in Epi-Info version 7 and STATA 13 software. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with alcohol consumption among persons with diabetes. All tests were two-sided and the significance level for all analyses was set to p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of alcohol consumption among persons with diabetes was 23.45% [95% CI: 18.9-28.7%]. Divorced, separated and widowed patients (Adj PR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21-0.83); and Protestant (Adj PR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24-0.82); Muslim (Adj PR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.62); and Pentecostal (Adj PR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.15-0.65) patients were less likely to consume alcohol. Diabetic patients who had a diabetes duration greater than 5 years were more likely to consume alcohol (Adj PR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.25-2.88).

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-quarter of participants consumed alcohol. However being catholic, never being married and having diabetes for more than 5 years predisposed persons with diabetes to alcohol consumption. Sensitization messages regarding alcohol consumption among persons with diabetes should be target patients who have never been married and those who have spent more than 5 years with diabetes; religion should also be considered as an important venue for health education in the community.

The effect of alcohol consumption on clinical outcomes in regional patients with chronic disease: a retrospective chart audit

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the impact of alcohol consumption on the clinical management of chronic diseases in a regional general practice setting.

METHODS

A retrospective chart audit was undertaken of individual patient records at two large group general practices in Townsville, a regional Australian city. Three common indicator chronic diseases were selected that have clear management guidelines for general practice: type 2 diabetes; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and chronic kidney disease. The audits were analysed using SPSS software to examine the association between alcohol consumption on acquisition of clinical management targets and primary disease intermediate outcomes (haemoglobin A1c fraction; per cent of normal forced expiratory volume at one second; and estimated glomerular filtration rate).

RESULTS

A total of 457 records were audited. Higher-risk alcohol consumption is associated with reduced ability of patients to reach management targets (F[3,453]=3.68; p=0.012) and decreased standardised primary disease outcome (F[3,403]=2.86; p=0.037).

CONCLUSION

Higher-risk alcohol consumption is associated with reduced attainment of chronic disease management targets and worse chronic disease outcomes. Implications for public health: Alcohol consumption should be assessed frequently in people with chronic disease, especially when there is difficulty acquiring management targets or worsening of disease outcomes without a clear explanation. Better education about the potential associations between alcohol use and chronic disease would benefit those managing these complex conditions, both clinicians and patients.

Heavy Drinking Habits Are Associated with Worse In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Insight from the AMIS Plus Registry

BACKGROUND

The association between alcohol consumption and the occurrence of coronary heart disease is well described in the literature, while data regarding the impact of regular alcohol consumption on in-hospital outcomes in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the impact of self-reported alcohol consumption on in-hospital outcomes in patients with ACS.

METHODS

Data derived from patients enrolled between 2007 and 2019 in the Acute Myocardial Infarction in Switzerland (AMIS) Plus registry were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified based on alcohol drinking pattern. Primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes were set as incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Outcome comparisons according to quantity of daily alcohol intake were also performed.

RESULTS

Records concerning alcohol consumption were available in 25,707 patients; 5,298 of them (21%) fulfilled the criteria of regular alcohol consumption. Regular drinkers were predominantly male, younger, smokers, more comorbid and with a worse clinical presentation as compared with abstainers/occasional drinkers. Daily alcohol intake was reported in 4,059 (77%) of these patients (regular drinkers). Among them, 2,640 were light drinkers (≤2 drinks/day) and 1,419 heavy drinkers (>2 drinks/day). In-hospital mortality and MACCEs of heavy drinkers were significantly higher compared with those of light drinkers (5.4 vs. 3.3% and 7.0 vs. 4.4%, both p = 0.001). When tested together with Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score parameters, heavy alcohol consumption was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support that heavy alcohol consumption is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients presenting with ACS.

Alcohol and illicit drug use in people with diabetes

As the prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes increases and population-level patterns of alcohol and illicit drug use evolve, clinicians will continue to encounter people with diabetes whose substance use is affecting health outcomes. Substance use contributes substantially to the population-level prevalence of cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events, cancers, mental health conditions, road trauma, and domestic violence. Alcohol and drug use also have a measurable effect on diabetes incidence and the development of both acute and chronic diabetes-related complications. In this Review, we examine the effect of alcohol and illicit drug use on people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. We describe evidence for substance use as a risk factor for new-onset diabetes, prevalence of use in people with diabetes, evidence linking substance use with diabetes-related health outcomes, and evidence on the management of these co-occurring conditions.

Clinical guidelines for type 1 diabetes mellitus with an emphasis on older adults: an Executive Summary

We present a summary of a guideline produced by an international group of experts for managing type 1 diabetes in adults with an emphasis on the special needs of older people with this condition. The rationale for delivering high-quality diabetes care for adults with type 1 diabetes, why it is important to include older people in our considerations, and the key underpinning principles of the guideline are included. The structure of the recommendations given is described and consists of 'general' recommendations followed by 'specific' recommendations according to three categories depending on the characteristics of adults addressed, such as functional level or self-management ability. Recommendations are provided in the areas of: clinical diagnosis, establishing management plans and glucose regulation, diabetes self-management education, nutritional therapy, physical activity, exercise and lifestyle modification, insulin treatments and regimens, use of technology in diabetes management, hypoglycaemia, managing cardiovascular risk, management of microvascular risk, and inpatient management of type 1 diabetes and ketoacidosis.

Social inequality in lifestyle, motivation to change lifestyle and received health advice in individuals with diabetes: A nationwide study

Aims: The aim was to investigate the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking, motivation to change lifestyle and health advices from general practitioners (GPs) in individuals with diabetes. Methods: Data were provided by the Danish National Health Survey 2013 and 7504 adults (⩾ 40 years) with diabetes were included. Educational level was used as SEP indicator and categorized into low, middle and high SEP. Dependent variables included physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, motivation to change lifestyle and GP lifestyle advices. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, body mass index and ethnic background were performed. Results: Higher SEP were associated with reduced odds of being physically inactive (middle SEP odds ratio (OR) men 0.58 (95% confidence intervals 0.47–0.72) and women 0.59 (0.47–0.75)) and non-smoking (middle SEP OR men 0.74 (0.59–0.93) and high SEP OR women 0.54 (0.38–0.77)) compared to participants with a low SEP. Alcohol consumption above the recommended maximum was associated with high SEP in men, OR 1.83 (1.30–2.61). Elevated SEP was associated with a motivation to increase physical activity levels (middle SEP OR men 1.45 (1.19–1.76) and women 1.35 (1.09–1.67)), high SEP was associated with none advice from GPs regarding smoking cessation among women, OR 0.47 (0.25–0.89). Conclusions: Socioeconomic position was strongly associated with lifestyle in individuals with diabetes. The most pronounced inequalities were found in physical activity levels, smoking status and the motivation to become more physically active. Municipalities and GPs may need a greater focus on SEP in interventions to change lifestyle in individuals with diabetes.

Alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking and cardiovascular disease risk in youth with type 1 diabetes

AIM

To assess the association between alcohol consumption and/or cigarette smoking with other unhealthy behaviors and clinical cardiovascular risk factors in youth with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty-eight youth with type 1 diabetes (age 13-19 years) were consecutively enrolled in three Regional Pediatric Diabetes Centers in Italy. Demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle (adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern and sports participation) and laboratory parameters were compared among youth reporting isolated or combined alcohol consumption and/or cigarette smoking.

RESULTS

Ten percent of the youth reported alcohol consumption, 10% cigarette smoking and 6% both alcohol and cigarette use; 74% did not report alcohol or cigarette use. Compared to non-drinker non-smoker youth, smokers showed significantly higher percentages of each of the behavioral and clinical cardiovascular risk factors. Drinkers showed a significantly higher proportion of abdominal adiposity, dyslipidemia and poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Alcohol consumption was independently associated with both dyslipidemia and high glycosylated hemoglobin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings emphasize the need to increase the awareness of youth with T1D about the negative impact of alcohol drinking on cardiovascular risk, since the effects of alcohol might be underestimated with respect to the well-known detrimental effects of smoking. Clustering of unhealthy lifestyle should be discouraged in type 1 diabetes youth in order to promote cardiovascular protection.

Perceptions and Prevalence of Alcohol and Cigarette Use Among American Indian Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

IN BRIEF This study examined community perceptions and prevalence of alcohol use and cigarette smoking among American Indian adults with type 2 diabetes. Results revealed normative rates and perceptions of smoking and negative views and low rates of alcohol use. Participants reported high levels of household indoor smoking and comorbid high-risk drinking and smoking. The high smoking rate among the adult American Indians in this study is especially problematic given the increased risk of cardiovascular problems related to both smoking and type 2 diabetes. The results underscore the importance of considering substance use behaviors and beliefs as a component of overall health and well-being for people with diabetes.

Self-care practices regarding diabetes among diabetic patients in West Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the self-care practices and associated factors among diabetic patients in West Ethiopia.

RESULTS

A total of 252 study participants were included in the study, of this 54.8% were male. Of the participants more than half 150 (59.5%) had poor glycemic control and 153 (60.7%) of the participants had good self-care. Majority of the study participants 209 (82.9%) had adequate foot care and more than half 175 (69.4%) and 160 (63.5%) had adequate dietary plan and exercise management respectively. However of the total diabetic patients only 38 (15.1%) had adequate blood glucose testing practices. On multivariable logistic analysis poor self-care practices were more likely to occur among male patients (AOR = 5.551, 95% CI = 2.055-14.997, p = 0.001), patients living in rural area (AOR = 5.517, 95% CI = 2.184-13.938, p < 0.001), patients with duration of diabetes < 6 years (AOR = 41.023, 95% CI = 7.373-228.257, p < 0.001), patients with no access for self-monitoring blood glucose (AOR = 9.448, 95% CI = 2.198-40.617, p = 0.003), patients with poor knowledge about diabetes (AOR = 67.917, 95% CI = 8.212-561.686, p < 0.001) and patients with comorbidities (AOR = 18.621, 95% CI = 4.415-78.540, p < 0.001).

Adherence to antidiabetic medication and factors associated with non-adherence among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in two regional hospitals in Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a growing cause of disease burden globally. Its management is multifaceted, and adherence to pharmacotherapy is known to play a significant role in glycaemic control. Data on medication adherence among affected patients is unknown in Cameroon. In this study, the level of adherence and factors influencing non-adherence to antidiabetic medication among patients with type-2 diabetes was assessed.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study among adult patients receiving care in the diabetic clinics of the Limbe and Bamenda Regional Hospitals in Cameroon was conducted. Medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Compliance Questionnaire (MCQ). Factors associated with non-adherence to medication were determined using basic and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 195 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. The prevalence of non-adherence to medication was 54.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 47.1-61.5%]. In multivariable analysis, age > 60 years (aO.R. = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25-0.94), alcohol consumption (aO.R. = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.10-4.14) and insulin alone therapy (aO.R. = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.01-8.08) were associated with non-adherence. Patients attributed their non-adherence to forgetfulness (55.6%), lack of finances (38.2%) and disappearance of symptoms (14.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to anti-diabetic medication is poor in this study with more than half of participants being non-adherent. Urgent interventions are required to tackle this problem in combined efforts to stem this looming diabetes epidemic.

Patterns of alcohol consumption among people with major chronic diseases

Risky alcohol use places those with existing chronic conditions at increased risk of medical complications. Yet, there is little research assessing the alcohol consumption among this group. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of risky drinking among people with a range of chronic diseases. As part of the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), 22684 Australians aged ≥18 years answered questions about their experience of chronic diseases and their drinking patterns. Nearly 18% (CI: 17.2–19.3) of people with chronic disease reported drinking at a long-term risky level, roughly the same rate as those without chronic disease (19.3%, (CI: 18.6–20.2)). Nearly one-quarter, 24% (CI: 23.0–25.3), of people with chronic diseases drank at levels of increased short-term risk, significantly less than the rest of the sample. Respondents with mental illness were more likely to drink at risky levels than the rest of the sample, while the reverse was true of those with diabetes. Overall, those with chronic diseases have similar drinking patterns to the rest of the population, despite increased risks associated with this consumption. Regular screening and subsequent brief interventions for those with chronic disease, particularly mental illness and cancer, are recommended.

Implication Of Character Traits In Adherence To Treatment In People With Gout: A Reason For Considering Nonadherence As A Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Various aspects of nonadherence to therapy (including medication and lifestyle nonadherence) often appear together. Here we report the association between treatment adherence in gout and the two character traits of patience and obedience, which may explain this observation.

METHODS

Data were collected from a cross-sectional study conducted in a French cohort of 1441 adult patients. Patience was assessed using the choice between receiving €1500 in 1 year or €500 immediately. Obedience was evaluated with a single question assessing the use of the seatbelt in the rear seat of a car. Adherence to recommendations for medication, beverage, food and physical activity and smoking status was assessed using self-report questionnaires.

RESULTS

Patience and obedience were strong determinants of adherence to medication in multivariate analysis (OR 2.056, 95% CI [1.414-2.989], P< 0.001; OR 1.844, 95% CI [1.273-2.671], P=0.001). In univariate analysis, adherence to medication was also associated with compliance with dietary directives (P<0.001), lower alcohol consumption on an ordinary day (P< 0.001), never consuming soda (P<0.001) or beer (P<0.001), practice of physical activity (P=0.002), being a nonsmoker (P<0.001) and monitoring serum levels of uric acid regularly (P=0.011). Multiple-correspondence analysis illustrated the associations of these different aspects of adherence (medication, diet and exercise, smoking status and monitoring of disease control) with patience and obedience. Finally, we observed a link between patience and obedience (P< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Character traits, which shape preferences, may cause the clustering of different aspects of nonadherence in the form of a syndrome, elucidating the still enigmatic link between nonadherence to placebo and mortality in randomised clinical trials. This concept may also explain, at least in part, the difficulty of improving adherence to long-term therapies and may lead to ethical issues.

Health-risk Behaviors and Type 1 Diabetes Outcomes in the Transition from Late Adolescence to Early Emerging Adulthood

This study examined within- and between-person associations between health-risk behaviors (smoking, drinking, insulin withholding) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes (adherence and HbA1c) during the high-risk transition from late adolescence to early emerging adulthood utilizing a 2-year longitudinal study. Beginning in the senior year of high school, participants (n = 197) with T1D completed measures of health-risk behaviors, adherence, and HbA1c annually at three time points. Health-risk behaviors were associated with poorer diabetes outcomes during the transition from late adolescence to early emerging adulthood. These results highlight the importance of monitoring health-risk behaviors regularly and intervening to reduce health-risk behaviors during this important developmental transition.

Substance Use in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes in the T1D Exchange

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate frequency of use and problem use of psychoactive substances in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Standardized instruments for assessing tobacco, alcohol, and other psychoactive substance use were emailed to 4311 adult participants at 69 T1D Exchange Registry Exchange Registry centers. A total of 936 respondents (61% female, 90% non-Hispanic white, age 38 ± 16 years) completed the survey.

RESULTS

In the sample, 166 (18%) reported past-year use of tobacco and 51 (5%) reported daily use. Past-year alcohol use was reported by 742 (79%) participants, past-month use by 592 (63%), and daily/near-daily use by 87 (9%); 174 (19%) were classified as binge drinkers and 93 (11%) as problem drinkers. Nonprescription use of another psychoactive substance in the past year was reported by 228 (24%), with 167 (18%) indicating they used marijuana, 67 (7%) opioids, 45 (5%) sedatives, and 37 (4%) stimulants. Past-year problem use of these substances was noted in 31 (3%) respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with T1D in the United States use substances at rates that meet or exceed the general population; problematic use occurs at rates similar to the general population. These data delineate the need to inquire about regular, intermittent, and problematic use of nicotine and other substances in individuals with T1D. A better understanding of the impact of moderate and occasional use of substances on T1D management and clinical outcomes is needed.

Gaps in health behaviours and use of preventive services between patients with diabetes and the general population: a population-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Although both the prevalence and treatment rate of diabetes have increased, the degree of adherence to healthy behaviours by patients with diabetes has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. This study examines the differences in health management and mental health status according to diabetes status and awareness of that diagnosis.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 14 655 people using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Study 2010-2012, which used sampling weights. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to compare health-risk behaviours, preventive healthcare utilisation and mental health status according to diabetes diagnosis and awareness of the disease.

RESULTS

Compared with people without diabetes, people with diabetes had comparably worse smoking status (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.09, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.30), insufficient physical activity (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.24) and were less likely to receive cancer screenings and regular health check-ups (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.85). Furthermore, compared with people unaware of their diabetes, people aware of their diabetes had lower odds of physical inactivity (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.99) and greater odds of receiving colon cancer screening (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.05) and influenza vaccination (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.11).

CONCLUSIONS

People with diabetes were no better in terms of health behaviours and preventive healthcare utilisation than those who were without diabetes. Further efforts and political attention to ensure the delivery of quality care for people with diabetes are needed.

Socio-demographic and clinical determinants of self-care in adults with type 2 diabetes: a multicentre observational study

AIMS

To describe self-care as defined by the Middle Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness and to identify clinical and socio-demographic determinants in a T2DM population.

METHODS

A multicentre observational cross-sectional study was conducted involving 540 adults with a confirmed diagnosis of T2DM from six outpatient diabetes services in Italy. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. The Self-Care of Diabetes Inventory (SCODI) was used to measure self-care maintenance, monitoring, management, and confidence dimensions. For each separate scale, scores were standardized 0-100 with higher SCODI scores indicating better self-care; a score ≥ 70 is adequate. Multiple quantile regression models were performed to identify determinants of each self-care dimension.

RESULTS

Self-care maintenance (median = 81.3) and self-care confidence (median = 79.5) were adequate in most of the subjects. Self-care monitoring was adequate in only half of the sample (median = 70.6). Self-care management was poor (median = 59.4). Lower self-care maintenance was associated with lower self-care confidence (p < 0.001). Lower self-care monitoring was associated with being male (p < 0.001), having lower self-care confidence (p < 001), and having diabetes for < 10 years (p < 0.001). Lower self-care management was associated with being male (p = 0.002), being older (p = 0.005), having a low income (p = 0.030), being employed (p = 0.008), having missed diabetes education in the last year (p = 0.002), and lower self-care confidence (p < 0.0001). Lower self-care confidence was associated with having diabetes for < 10 years (p = 0.008), and having at least one comorbid condition (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Determinants of self-care maintenance, monitoring, management and confidence include both clinical and socio-demographic variables. Modifiable determinants such as self-care confidence and diabetes self-care management education could be used to tailor interventions to improve diabetes self-care.

Medication adherence and factors associated with poor adherence among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on follow-up at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

INTRODUCTION

Medication non-adherence is a common problem facing health care providers treating adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Poor glycaemic control associated with increased morbidity and mortality are resulting consequences. The objective of this study was to assess medication adherence among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital from November 2015 to January 2016. 290 Type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Adherence levels were determined by patient scores on Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 and glycaemic control by blood assay for glycosylated haemoglobin. Ordinal logistic regression modelling was done using STATA software to determine factors associated with poor medication adherence.

RESULTS

The prevalence of medication adherence low for 28.3 % [95% CI: 23.1, 33.5], medium for 26.2% (95% CI: 21.1, 31.3) and high for 45.5% (95% CI: 39.6, 51.3) of study participants. Glycaemic control was good (HbA1c < 7%) for 107 (36.9 %) of study participants. Dissatisfaction with family members support (OR = 2.99, CI = 1.12-7.98), patients with 2-10 years duration of disease (OR = 2.07, CI = 1.01-4.22), ever being admitted for diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.94, CI = 1.60-5.41), challenge in drug access (OR = 1.76, CI = 1.01-3.05) and dissatisfaction with attending clinicians (OR = 3.58, CI= 1.36 - 9.43) were factors found associated with poor medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

A majority of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients have suboptimal medication adherence. Family support, affordability of medications and good healthcare provider-patient communication are important in ensuring medication adherence.

Self-reported regular alcohol consumption in adolescents and emerging adults with type 1 diabetes: A neglected risk factor for diabetic ketoacidosis? Multicenter analysis of 29 630 patients from the DPV registry

BACKGROUND

The risk of hypoglycemia increases after alcohol consumption in patients with type 1 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between metabolic control and self-reported alcohol consumption in young patients with type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

N = 29 630 patients with type 1 diabetes aged 12 to <30 years (median age 17.0 [14.9, 18.3] years, duration of diabetes 6.8 [3.3, 10.9] years, 53% male) from the German/Austrian DPV registry were analyzed. Patients were categorized into abstainers, low-risk drinkers, and at-risk drinkers. BMI, HbA1c, and rates of severe hypoglycemia (SH) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) were compared between alcohol consumption groups using multivariable hierarchical regression models. The association between alcohol use and smoking status was assessed using χ ² test.

RESULTS

Overall, 10.8% of the patients reported regular alcohol consumption. Proportion of alcohol use as well as the amount of alcohol consumed increased with age and were higher in males than in females (all P < .05). Patients with Turkish migration background reported less alcohol consumption. HbA1c, SH rate, and DKA rate (adjusted for age, gender, duration of diabetes, therapy) were significantly lower in abstainers than in patients drinking alcohol (all P < .05). Smoking status was significantly associated with alcohol consumption (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Self-reported alcohol consumption is likely to be underreported when collected in face-to-face settings such as doctors' visits. Nevertheless, our data revealed a significant association between higher alcohol consumption and worse glycemic control, in particular higher DKA rates. Information about alcohol-induced complications is of great importance in diabetes education in young people with type 1 diabetes.

The Association Between Unhealthy Alcohol Use and Acute Care Expenditures in the 30 Days Following Hospital Discharge Among Older Veterans Affairs Patients with a Medical Condition

Hospital readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits within 30 days of discharge are costly. Heavy alcohol use could predict increased risk for post-discharge acute care. This study assessed 30-day acute care utilization and expenditures for different categories of alcohol use. Veterans Affairs (VA) patients age ≥65 years with past-year alcohol screening, hospitalized for a medical condition, were included. VA and Medicare health care utilization data were used. Two-part models adjusted for patient demographics. Among 416,050 hospitalized patients, 25% had 30-day acute care use. Nondrinking patients (n = 267,746) had increased probability of acute care use, mean utilization days, and expenditures (difference of $345; 95% CI $268-$423), relative to low-risk drinkers (n = 105,023). High-risk drinking patients (n = 5,300) had increased probability of acute care use and mean utilization days, but not expenditures. Although these patients did not have greater acute care expenditures than low-risk drinking patients, they may nevertheless be vulnerable to poor post-discharge outcomes.

Alcohol Use in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Although fewer individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) drink alcohol, the potential and severity of harm associated with its consumption is higher in persons with diabetes. Alcohol use affects glucose metabolism and results in various potential adverse effects both from acute ingestion and chronic ingestion in persons with T1DM. The purpose of this article is to describe the effects of alcohol on glucose metabolism and diabetes control in persons with T1DM and propose counseling pearls for providers working with patients in this population.

Long-term Mortality and End-Stage Renal Disease in a Type 1 Diabetes Population Diagnosed at Age 15-29 Years in Norway

OBJECTIVE

To study long-term mortality, causes of death, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 15-29 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This nationwide, population-based cohort with type 1 diabetes diagnosed during 1978-1982 (n = 719) was followed from diagnosis until death, emigration, or September 2013. Linkages to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and the Norwegian Renal Registry provided information on causes of death and whether ESRD was present. A clinical committee reviewed the causes of death. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for comparison with the background population.

RESULTS

During 30 years' follow-up, 4.6% of participants developed ESRD and 20.6% (n = 148; 106 men and 42 women) died. Cumulative mortality by years since diagnosis was 6.0% (95% CI 4.5-8.0) at 10 years, 12.2% (10.0-14.8) at 20 years, and 18.4% (15.8-21.5) at 30 years. The SMR was 4.4 (95% CI 3.7-5.1). Mean time from diagnosis of diabetes to ESRD was 23.6 years (range 14.2-33.5). Death was caused by chronic complications (32.2%), acute complications (20.5%), violent death (19.9%), or any other cause (27.4%). Death was related to alcohol in 15% of cases. SMR for alcohol-related death was 6.8 (95% CI 4.5-10.3), for cardiovascular death was 7.3 (5.4-10.0), and for violent death was 3.6 (2.3-5.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The cumulative incidence of ESRD was low in this cohort with type 1 diabetes followed for 30 years. Mortality was 4.4 times that of the general population, and more than 50% of all deaths were caused by acute or chronic complications. A relatively high proportion of deaths were related to alcohol.

Substance Use Disorders among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: a Dangerous but Understudied Combination

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper reviews research on substance use and disorders (SUDs) among adults with diabetes. It describes epidemiological data on SUDs in persons with type 2 diabetes, overviews effects of substance use on diabetes outcomes, and discusses treatments for SUDs in patients with diabetes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Rates of current smoking range from 10 to 26% and alcohol use disorders are 0-5%. Rates of illicit SUDs are 3-4%, but there are no population-based studies using nationally representative samples. Smoking increases the risk for long-term diabetes complications and premature death. Alcohol and illicit drug use can also impact long-term diabetes complications by impairing glucose homeostasis and adversely influencing self-management behaviors. There is mixed evidence about psychosocial smoking cessation interventions in adults with diabetes and little on alcohol and illicit SUD interventions. Limited data exist on pharmacotherapies for SUDs in this population, but a recent study suggests that varenicline is safe and effective for treating smoking in patients with diabetes. Substance use is an understudied problem in type 2 diabetes, and addressing substance use holds potential for improving outcomes. Additional large population-based epidemiological studies in those with type 2 diabetes are needed, particularly for alcohol and illicit SUDs. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to better understand the time course of diabetes onset and outcomes in relation to SUDs. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess safety and efficacy of promising psychosocial and pharmacological interventions.

Delay discounting of gains and losses, glycemic control and therapeutic adherence in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Delay discounting is the tendency to prefer smaller, sooner rewards to larger, later ones. Poor adherence in type 2 diabetes could be partially explained by a discounted value of health, as a function of delay. Delay discounting can be described with a hyperbolic model characterized by a coefficient, k. The higher k, the less future consequences are taken into account when making decisions. This study aimed to determine whether k would be correlated with glycated hemoglobin and adherence in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients were recruited in two diabetology departments. Delay discounting coefficients were measured with a computerized task. HbA1c was recorded and adherence was assessed by questionnaires. Potential socio-demographic and clinical confounding factors were collected.

RESULTS

There was a positive correlation between delay discounting of gains and HbA1c (r=0.242, P=0.023). This association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors (F=4.807, P=0.031, η²=0.058). This association was partially mediated by adherence to medication (β=0.048, 95% CI [0.004-0.131]).

CONCLUSIONS

Glycemic control is associated with delay discounting in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Should these findings be replicated with a prospective design, they could lead to new strategies to improve glycemic control among these patients.

Alcohol consumption after health deterioration in older adults: a mixed-methods study

OBJECTIVE

To examine if and how older adults modify their drinking after health deterioration, and the factors that motivate changing or maintaining stable drinking behaviour.

STUDY DESIGN

Explanatory follow-up mixed-methods research.

METHODS

The association between health deterioration and changes in alcohol consumption was examined using secondary data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a biennial prospective cohort study of a random sample of adults aged 50 years and older living in England. Data were collected through a personal interview and self-completion questionnaire across three waves between 2004 and 2009. The sample size (response rate) across the three waves was 8781 (49.9%), 7168 (40.3%) and 6623 (37.3%). The Chi-squared test was used to examine associations between diagnosis with a long-term condition or a worsening of self-rated health (e.g. from good to fair or fair to poor) and changes in drinking frequency (e.g. everyday, 5-6 days per week, etc.) and volume (ethanol consumed on a drinking day) between successive waves. In-depth interviews with 19 older adults recently diagnosed with a long-term condition were used to explore the factors that influenced change or maintenance in alcohol consumption over time. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit a diverse sample of current and former drinkers from voluntary and community organizations in the north of England. An inductive approach was used to analyze the data, facilitating the development of an a posteriori framework for understanding drinking change.

RESULTS

There was no significant relationship between health deterioration and changes in drinking volume over time. There was however a significant association between health deterioration and changes in drinking frequency between successive waves (χ² = 15.24, P < 0.001 and χ² = 17.28, P < 0.001). For example, of participants reporting health deterioration between the first two waves, 47.6% had stable drinking frequency, 23.4% increased their drinking frequency and 29% reported decreased drinking frequency. In comparison, of participants reporting no health deterioration, 52.7% reported stable frequency, 20.8% increased frequency and 26.4% decreased frequency. In qualitative interviews, older adults described a wide range of factors that influence changes in drinking behaviour: knowledge gained from talking to healthcare professionals, online and in the media; tangible negative experiences that were attributed to drinking; mood and emotions (e.g. joy); the cost of alcohol; pub closures; and changes in social roles and activities. Health was just one part of a complex mix of factors that influenced drinking among older adults.

CONCLUSION

Patterns of drinking change after health deterioration in older adults are diverse, including stable, increasing and decreasing alcohol consumption over time. Although health motivations to change drinking influence behaviour in some older adults, social and financial motivations to drink are also important in later life and thus a holistic approach is required to influence behaviour.