Regional differences in clinical care among patients with type 1 diabetes in Brazil: Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group

Mortality risk and burden of aortic aneurysm and dissection attributable to low temperatures: A nationwide case-crossover analysis in Brazil, a predominantly tropical country

BACKGROUND

Low temperatures are adverse contributors to cardiovascular diseases, but the associations between short-term exposure to cold and the risk of death from aortic dissection and aneurysm remain unclear, particularly in tropical regions.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted based on 123,951 records of deaths caused by aortic dissection and aneurysms extracted from the national Mortality Information System in Brazil between 2000 and 2019.

METHODS

Relative risks and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the aortic-related deaths associated with low ambient temperatures were estimated using the conditional logistic model combined with the distributed lag nonlinear model. Subgroup analyses were performed by age group, sex, race, education level, and residential region. Furthermore, this study calculated the number and fraction of aortic-related deaths attributed to temperatures below the temperature threshold to quantify the cold-related mortality burden of aortic diseases.

RESULTS

During the study period, aortic-related deaths and mortality rates in Brazil exhibited a steady increase, rising from 4419 (2.66/100,000) in 2000 to 8152 (3.88/100,000) in 2019. Under the identified temperature threshold (26 °C), per 1 °C decrease in daily mean temperature was associated with a 4.77 % (95 % CI: 4.35, 5.19) increase in mortality risk of aortic-related diseases over lag 0-3 days. Females, individuals aged 50 years or older, Asian and Black race, and northern residents were more susceptible to low temperatures. Low temperatures were responsible for 19.10 % (95 % CI: 17.71, 20.45) of aortic-related deaths in Brazil.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that low temperatures were associated with an increased risk of aortic-related deaths, with a remarkable burden even in this predominantly tropical country.

Achievement of treatment targets predicts progression of vascular complications in type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To study the association between achievement of guideline-defined treatment targets on HbA1c, low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C), and blood pressure with the progression of diabetic complications in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

The study included 355 patients at baseline and 114 patients with follow-up data after 3-5 years. Outcome variables were the progression of diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy, or cardiovascular disease (CVD). We used logistic regression and other machine learning algorithms (MLA) to model the association of achievement of treatment targets and probability of progression of complications.

RESULTS

Achievement of the target blood pressure was associated with 96% lower odds of a new CVD event (0.04 (95% CI 0.00, 0.53), p = 0.016), and 72% lower odds of progression of any complication (0.28 (95% CI 0.09, 0.89), p = 0.027. Achievement of HbA1c target was associated with lower odds of composite complication progression by 82% (0.18 (95% CI 0.04, 0.88), p = 0.034.) None of the patients who achieved HbA1c target progressed in CVD. MLA demonstrated good accuracy for the prediction of progression of CVD (AUC 0.824), and lower accuracy for other complications.

CONCLUSION

The achievement of blood pressure and HbA1c treatment targets is associated with lower odds of vascular complication of T1D in a real life study.

Impact of deprivation on glycaemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes in the southwestern region of France

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to determine predictors of poor glycaemic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), particularly with respect to socioeconomic status (SES).

METHODS

Our study population consisted of 1154 children who attended T1DM follow-up consultation with a pediatric diabetes specialist. Clinical and demographic data were retrieved retrospectively from patients' records. Individual deprivation was defined by an EPICES (Evaluation of the Deprivation and Inequalities of Health in Healthcare Centers) score ≥ 30. Patients were assigned to quintiles of the European Deprivation Index (EDI) based on their area deprivation scores. We used multivariable linear regression models to detect potential associations between glycaemic control and indicators of low SES.

RESULTS

In total, 33% (n = 376) of patients had an EPICES score ≥ 30 and 23% (n = 268) were in the 5th EDI quintile. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that poor glycaemic control was associated with both individual (β 0.38; 95%CI 0.26-0.5; p < 0.001) and area deprivation (β 0.26; 95%CI 0.08-0.43; p = 0.004). Demographic factors, body mass index (BMI) and insulin regimen were also independently associated with poor glycaemic control (p < 0.001). Interestingly, access to diabetes technologies was not related to SES or either glycaemic control.

CONCLUSION

Low SES is associated with a higher risk of poor glycaemic control, independently of insulin regimen. BMI, age at the time of consultation, duration of diabetes, and insulin regimen. Also have an impact on HbA1c. These parameters need to be considered when developing novel treatment strategies for children with T1DM to better target at-risk patients.

Brazilian version of "The Insulin Delivery System Rating Questionnaire": translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Insulin Delivery System Rating Questionnaire (IDSRQ) for Brazilian users. Validation and reliability analysis of measures were also performed.

METHODS

Methodological study comprising the following stages: forward translation, synthesis, back-translation, assessment by Expert Committee, pre-test and validation. International guidelines for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of measurement tools were followed. Validation data provided information about reliability (internal consistency, test-retest) and construct validity of the IDSRQ.

RESULTS

Content validation by Experts' assessment was successful, with a mean Content Validity Index of 0.87 (±0.2). The IDSRQ validation study involved 113 T1DM patients, 46% male, mean age 32.61 (±12.59) years and mean age at diagnosis of diabetes of 17.51 (±12.41). The scale presented good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha =0.786). The reliability analysis of the instrument was conducted by calculating the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient 0.885 (0.834-0.921), which indicated adequate concordance in all measures.

CONCLUSION

The translated and cross-culturally adapted Brazilian Portuguese version of the IDSRQ may be used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and treatment preferences for insulin delivery systems in T1DM Brazilian patients.

Using trend arrows in continuous glucose monitoring systems for insulin adjustment in clinical practice: Brazilian Diabetes Society Position Statement

This manuscript reports the Brazilian Diabetes Society Position Statement for insulin adjustments based on trend arrows observed in continuous glucose monitoring systems. The Brazilian Diabetes Society supports the utilization of trend arrows for insulin dose adjustments in patients with diabetes on basal-bolus insulin therapy, both with multiple daily insulin doses or insulin pumps without closed-loop features. For those on insulin pumps with predictive low-glucose suspend feature, we suggest that only upward trend arrows should be used for adjustments. In this paper, tables for insulin adjustment based on sensitivity factors are provided and strategies to optimize the use of trend arrows in clinical practice are discussed.

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen Formula for Renal Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy-In Vivo and In Vitro Evidence for Autophagy Regulation

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) with limited treatment options. DN leads to progressive renal failure and accelerates rapidly into end-stage renal disease. Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen formula (APF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula widely used to treat chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in the clinic in the southwest of China. The aim of this study is to explore how APF and its related TCM theory work on DN and whether mTOR/PINK1/Parkin signaling plays a part in this process.

Methods

HPLC was used for preliminary chemical analysis and quantitative analysis of the five components of APF. An in vivo autophagy deficiency model was established in C57BL/6 mice by streptozocin (STZ) combined with a high-fat and high-sugar diet, while the in vitro autophagy deficiency model was induced with high glucose (HG) in renal mesangial cells (RMCs). Renal histopathology staining was performed to investigate the extents of inflammation and injury. Real time-PCR and Western blotting techniques were utilized to assess autophagy-related proteins.

Results

APF significantly ameliorated renal injury in DN mice, specifically restoring blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and 24-hour albuminuria. APF also reduced the mRNA and protein expressions of TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 in STZ-induced DN mice. Furthermore, APF improved the autophagy deficiency induced by STZ in vivo or HG in vitro, as revealed by changes in the expressions of mTOR, PINK1, Parkin, Beclin 1, p62, and LC3B. Notably, inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine in APF-treated RMCs aggravated cellular damage and altered mTOR/PINK1/Parkin signaling, indicating that APF rescued HG damage through promoting autophagy.

Conclusion

APF may protect the kidneys from inflammation injuries in DN by upregulating autophagy via suppressing mTOR and activating PINK1/Parkin signaling. This experimental evidence strongly supports APF as a potential option for the prevention and treatment of DN.

The influence of demographic, social-educational determinants and diabetes management on agreement between glucometer and logbook and its impact on glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes: a follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical, social-educational determinants and diabetes management factors that have influenced the agreement between glycaemia obtained from a glucometer and logbook; the second objective was to evaluate the influence of the above-mentioned factors on glycemic control and its trajectories in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) over 1 year follow-up period during routine clinical practice.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at the Diabetes Unit at Rio de Janeiro's State University, between May 2017 and May 2018. All consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of T1D that attended the Diabetes Unit between April and June 2017 were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 158 patients. Overall, for 112 (73.2%) of the patients, we found no agreement between glycaemia obtained from a glucometer and the logbook (group 2). In 41 (26.8%) of the patients there was an agreement (group 1). Patients from group 1 presented a lower mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p = 0.03) and a tendency to have a lower baseline HbA1c (p = 0.08), they received more frequently strips for glucose monitoring from the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (p = 0.047) and were more adherent to the prescribed diet (p = 0.01) than patients from group 2. Multivariate analysis of this agreement (as a dependent variable) showed that adherence to diet was the only significant independent variable. Significant difference was noted between baseline and final HbA1c [(9.4 ± 2.2%) vs (9.03 ± 1.8%), p = 0.017], respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that the majority of T1D patients that were followed at a tertiary center did not have significant agreement between glycaemia obtained from a glucometer and a logbook. Adherence to diet was the main factor related to the agreement, but the supply of strips by SUS should also be considered in clinical practice.

The role of psychosocial determinants in predicting adherence to treatment in patient with hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Non-adherence in patients with hypertension directly exacerbates clinical outcomes. The purpose of the present research is to study the recognition of the relationships between the perceived social support and self-efficacy and the satisfaction of health care agents and the interaction of the patient with therapeutic personnel and access to health care and the behaviors of adherence to treatment in the patients who suffer hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional correlation study recruited 250 patients from a specialized hypertension clinic in Semnan, who completed the following questionnaires: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, self-efficacy, adherence to treatment, access to and satisfaction with health care, and the patient's interaction with treatment personnel.

RESULTS

An overall statistical description of the sample consists of 89 (35.6%) men and 161 (64.4%) women (SD = 10.41, range = 51.98). Regression coefficient of previous variables (three steps) shows that self-efficacy share, consent form civil services, and job could demonstrate with 99% certainty in the changes of treatment conformity in a meaningful way.

CONCLUSIONS

High self-efficacy, satisfaction with health care, and a favorable job have a high direct effect on adherence to treatment in patients with hypertension and controlling hypertension. Social support and education do not have a significant impact on adherence to treatment.

Lower Insulin-Dose Adjusted A1c (IDAA1c) Is Associated With Less Complications in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes Treated With Hematopoetic Stem-Cell Transplantation and Conventional Therapy

Objective: To evaluate the association between insulin-dose adjusted A1C (IDAA1c) and microvascular complications (MC) and hypoglycemia in a representative Brazilian population of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Research Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on a previous study, "Microvascular Complications in Type 1 Diabetes: a comparative analysis of patients treated with autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHST) and conventional medical therapy (CT)". The 168 patients in that study (144 from CT plus 24 from AHST) were re-subdivided into two groups, according to their IDAA1c values (30 patients had IDAA1c ≤ 9; 138 had IDAA1c > 9). Then, the prevalence of MC (diabetic renal disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy), hypoglycemia (blood glucose <60 mg/dL), and severe hypoglycemic (episode of hypoglycemia that required the assistance of another person to treat) events were compared between the groups. The groups were well-matched on these factors: duration of disease, sex, and age at the time of diagnosis of T1DM. Results: After an average of 8 years after diagnosis, only 6.6% (2/30) of the patients from IDAA1c ≤ 9 group developed any MC, whereas 21.0% (29/138) from the IDAA1c > 9 group had at least one complication (p = 0.044). Regarding hypoglycemic events, the proportion of individuals who reported at least 1 episode of hypoglycemia in the last month was 43.3 and 64.7% from the IDAA1c ≤ 9 and IDAA1c > 9 groups, respectively (p = 0.030). Regarding severe hypoglycemia, the proportion of patients presenting at least one episode in the last month and the rate of episode/patient/month were similar between groups (6.7 vs. 13.2%; p = 0.535; and 0.1/patient/month vs. 0.25/patient/month; p = 0.321). Conclusion: In a representative Brazilian population of T1DM patients, those with IDAA1c ≤ 9 presented a lower frequency of MC, as well as fewer episodes of hypoglycemia, in the month prior to the analysis.

Area Deprivation and Regional Disparities in Treatment and Outcome Quality of 29,284 Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes in Germany: A Cross-sectional Multicenter DPV Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed whether area deprivation is associated with disparities in health care of pediatric type 1 diabetes in Germany.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We selected patients <20 years of age with type 1 diabetes and German residence documented in the "diabetes patient follow-up" (Diabetes-Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentation [DPV]) registry for 2015/2016. Area deprivation was assessed by quintiles of the German Index of Multiple Deprivation (GIMD 2010) at the district level and was assigned to patients. To investigate associations between GIMD 2010 and indicators of diabetes care, we used multivariable regression models (linear, logistic, and Poisson) adjusting for sex, age, migration background, diabetes duration, and German federal state.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 29,284 patients. From the least to the most deprived quintile, use of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) decreased from 6.3 to 3.4% and use of long-acting insulin analogs from 80.8 to 64.3%, whereas use of rapid-acting insulin analogs increased from 74.7 to 79.0%; average HbA_1c increased from 7.84 to 8.07% (62 to 65 mmol/mol), and the prevalence of overweight from 11.8 to 15.5%, but the rate of severe hypoglycemia decreased from 12.1 to 6.9 events/100 patient-years. Associations with other parameters showed a more complex pattern (use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]) or were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Area deprivation was associated not only with key outcomes in pediatric type 1 diabetes but also with treatment modalities. Our results show, in particular, that the access to CGMS and CSII could be improved in the most deprived regions in Germany.

Insulin Injection Technique Questionnaire: results of an international study comparing Brazil, Latin America and World data

BACKGROUND

In 2014-2015, the largest international survey of insulin injection technique in patients with diabetes taking insulin was conducted in 42 countries, totaling 13,289 participants. In Brazil, patients from five public health centers were included. This study aims to evaluate insulin injection technique in Brazilian patients and compare results with Latin America (LatAm) and World data.

METHODS

The insulin Injection Technique Questionnaire (ITQ) survey consisted of an initial patient section (questions applied by an experienced nurse), followed by observation of injection technique and examination of the injection sites by the health care professional.

RESULTS

In Brazil, 255 patients were evaluated: 25% had type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and 75% had T2DM. In this study, 79% of patients injected less than 4 times a day, and 17.3% used insulin pens, compared to 28% in LatAm and 86% worldwide. Syringes were used by 78% of patients in Brazil, compared to 65% in LatAm and 10% globally. Differences in needle length were substantial-nearly 64% in Brazil inject with 8 mm length needle compared to 48% in LatAm and 27% worldwide. Additionally, 48% of patients in Brazil skip doses, 80% reuse pen needles and 57% reuse syringes with 27% having lipohypertrophy by exam.

CONCLUSION

Brazilian patients use syringes more and pens less, inject with larger needles and have more lipohypertrophy when compared to Latin America and World data. Their re-use of needles and syringes is also high. This study showed that in Brazil, teaching of proper injection technique has to be more widespread, and more intensive during diabetes educational sessions, and the type of delivered supplies must be updated to smaller, shorter needles preferred by patients, in order to facilitate adherence to treatment. From the ITQ, we conclude that there are many aspects of insulin injection technique that may be improved in Brazil.

Does knowledge on diabetes management influence glycemic control? A nationwide study in patients with type 1 diabetes in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to establish demographic and clinical data associated with the knowledge on diabetes management and its influence on glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational, multicenter study conducted with 1,760 patients between August 2011 and August 2014 in 10 cities of Brazil.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,190 (67.6%) patients knew what glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) means. These patients were older, had longer disease duration, longer follow-up in each center, reported lower frequency of self-reported hypoglycemia, and were more frequently Caucasians and at glycemic goal. Multivariate analysis showed that knowledge on what HbA1c means was related to more years of school attendance, self-reported ethnicity (Caucasians), severe hypoglycemia, economic status, follow-up time in each center, and participation on diabetes educational programs. Good glycemic control was related to older age, more years of school attendance, higher frequency of daily self-monitoring of blood glucose, higher adherence to diet, and knowledge on what HbA1c means.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a knowledge on what HbA1c means had a better chance of reaching an adequate glycemic control that was not found in the majority of our patients. Diabetes care teams should rethink the approaches to patients and change them to more proactive schedules, reinforcing education, patients' skills, and empowerment to have positive attitudes toward reaching and maintaining a better glycemic control. Finally, the glucocentric approach to diabetes management should be changed to actions that include patients' psychosocial aspects aiming to reduce the stress of living with diabetes, improving glycemic control, and avoiding adverse outcomes.

Microvascular Complications in Type 1 Diabetes: A Comparative Analysis of Patients Treated with Autologous Nonmyeloablative Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation and Conventional Medical Therapy

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact on microvascular complications, long-term preservation of residual B-cell function and glycemic control of patients with type 1 diabetes treated with autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHST) compared with conventional medical therapy (CT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional data of patients treated with AHST were compared with patients who received conventional therapy from the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group, the largest multicenter observational study in type 1 diabetes mellitus in Brazil. Both groups of patients had diabetes for 8 years on average. An assessment comparison was made on the presence of microvascular complications, residual function of B cell, A1c, and insulin dose of the patients.

RESULTS

After a median of 8 years of diagnosis, none of the AHST-treated patients (n = 24) developed microvascular complications, while 21.5% (31/144) had at least one (p < 0.005) complication in the CT group (n = 144). Furthermore, no case of nephropathy was reported in the AHST group, while 13.8% of CT group (p < 0.005) developed nephropathy during the same period. With regard of residual B-cell function, the percentage of individuals with predicted higher C-peptide levels (IDAA1C ≤ 9) was about 10-fold higher in the AHST group compared with CT (75 vs. 8.3%) (p < 0.001) group. Among AHST patients, 54.1% (13/24) had the HbA1c < 7.0 compared with 13.1% in the CT (p < 0.001) group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes treated with AHST presented lower prevalence of microvascular complications, higher residual B-cell function, and better glycemic control compared with the CT group.

Interventions to improve patients' compliance with therapies aimed at lowering glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in type 1 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials of psychological, telecare, and educational interventions

BACKGROUND

Brazilian records on glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes show treatment efficacy. Poor patient adherence to therapeutic proposals influences these results and can be associated with social, psychological, and economic aspects, besides others factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of psychological, telecare, and educational interventions to improve treatment compliance among patients with type 1 diabetes. Compliance was assessed indirectly using reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as the principal outcome measure.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were performed using Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus databases up to April 2015. The following medical subject headings were used: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Patient Compliance or Adherence, Hemoglobin A, glycated, and Randomized Controlled Trial. The principal outcome was change in HbA1c between baseline and follow-up. Where appropriate, trials were combined in meta-analysis using fixed effects models.

RESULTS

From 191 articles initially identified, 57 were full text reviewed, and 19 articles met the inclusion criteria providing data from 1782 patients (49.4 % males, age 18 years). The RCTs (2 to 24 months in duration) were divided into four groups according to type of intervention: psychology (seven studies; 818 patients), telecare (six studies; 494 patients); education (five studies; 349 patients), and psychoeducation (one study; 153 patients). All studies reported some type of adherence measurement of the interventions. Decrease in HbA1c was observed after psychology (MD -0.310; 95 % CI, -0.599 to -0.0210, P = 0.035) but not after telecare (MD -0.124 %; 95 % CI, -0.268, 0.020; P = 0.090) or educational (MD -0.001; 95 % CI, -0.202, 0.200; P = 0.990) interventions.

CONCLUSION

Psychological approaches to improve adherence to diabetes care treatment modestly reduced HbA1c in patients with type 1 diabetes; telecare and education interventions did not change glycemic control. However, the limited number of studies included as well as their methodological quality should be taken into account.

Double-diabetes in a real-world sample of 2711 individuals: associated with insulin treatment or part of the heterogeneity of type 1 diabetes?

BACKGROUND

Double diabetes (DD) describes both individuals with obesity upon diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and those who have gained weight during follow-up, although cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are not well understood in this group. We aim to evaluate the frequency of DD in a real-world type 1 diabetes sample and the interaction of insulin treatment with CVRF.

METHODS

Multicentre cross-sectional study of 2711 individuals with clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes from secondary diabetes centres in 20 Brazilian cities.

RESULTS

Patients with diabetes duration <5 and ≥5 years had similar frequency of overweight (20.4 vs. 25 %) and obesity, (9.8 vs. 6.1 %), p 0.28 for trend. Insulin dose (U/kg/day) was lower in obese individuals compared to normal BMI, with mean (95 % CI) 0.72 (0.62-0.83) vs. 0.88 (0.84-0.92) U/kg/day for diabetes duration <5 years and 0.84 (0.77-0.92) vs. 0.99 (0.97-1.01) U/kg/day for duration ≥5 years. Obese individuals had lower HDL (47.5 vs. 54.4 mg/dL) and higher non-HDL-cholesterol (134.5 vs. 115.2 mg/dL) than lean ones only among those with more than 5 years of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower insulin doses in obese individuals point to a role of clinical heterogeneity in insulin deficiency rather than normal progression of type 1 diabetes. Early obesity in type 1 diabetes is associated to lower HDL-cholesterol and higher number of CVRF. These data suggest a broad landscape of pathophysiological phenomena in double diabetes, rather than simple progression of a homogeneous clinical entity.

High-risk alcohol use and anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The medical literature shows that alcohol consumption is common among diabetic individuals and is associated with poor adherence to treatment, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. However, no study has assessed the association between high-risk alcohol consumption and the presence of anxiety and depression in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (1DM).

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in Uberlândia, Brazil, and it assessed 209 outpatients in relation to alcohol consumption and the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, and glycemic control, according to the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the association between the investigated variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of high-risk alcohol consumption (AUDIT ≥ 8) among individuals with 1DM was high, specifically 24.9% among the entire group of subjects, 12.9% among the adolescents, 14.7% among the females, and 34.6% among the males. In comparisons based on gender and age, the odds of high-risk drinking were higher among males and participants aged 30 to 40 years (33.9%). The frequency of high-risk alcohol consumption did not differ as a function of gender among adolescents (females: 9.0%, males: 16.2%; p = 0.374). There was a linear trend in proportions related to the scores of anxiety and depression symptoms with high-risk alcohol consumption scores, indicating the association of these variables (p = 0.0229 and p = 0.0262, respectively). Moreover, the odds of female subjects exhibiting anxiety and depression symptoms were higher (odds ratio - OR: 4.4 and OR: 7.4, respectively). Glycemic control did not exhibit an association between high-risk alcohol consumption and the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of high-risk drinking increased along with age and was greater among males; however, this frequency did not exhibit differences in terms of gender among adolescents. There was a positive association between high risk alcohol consumption and anxiety and depression symptoms, although glycemic control was inadequate in most of the sample independent of alcohol consumption and the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms.

Should thyroid-stimulating hormone goals be reviewed in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus? Results from the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group

AIMS

To investigate if thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are associated with any differences in glycaemic control or diabetes-related complications in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

This observational, cross-sectional and multicentre study included patients with Type 1 diabetes for ≥ 5 years, with a recent TSH measurement and without a known previous thyroid disease. Patients were divided into three groups according to TSH levels: 0.4-2.5 mU/l; 2.5-4.4 mU/l; and ≥ 4.5 mU/l.

RESULTS

We included 1205 individuals with a mean ± sd age of 23.8 ± 11.3 years. Seven patients had TSH levels <0.4 mU/l and were excluded from the comparison between groups. HbA1c levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and disease duration were similar in all groups (P = 0.893, P = 0.548, P = 0.461, P = 0.575 and P = 0.764, respectively). The rates of diabetic retinopathy and GFR < 60/mL/min/1.73 m(2) differed between groups (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001, respectively) and were lower in those with lower TSH levels. Multivariate analysis confirmed these associations. The frequencies of retinopathy and GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were higher not only in patients with TSH ≥ 4.5 mU/l (odds ratio 1.878 and 2.271, respectively) but also in those with TSH levels of 2.5-4.4 mU/l (odds ratio 1.493 and 2.286, respectively), when compared with patients with TSH levels of 0.4-2.5 mU/l.

CONCLUSIONS

TSH levels of 0.4-2.5 mU/l are associated with a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy and renal failure in individuals with Type 1 diabetes, independently of glycaemic control and duration of the disease.

Socioeconomic status. The relationship with health and autoimmune diseases

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a hierarchical social classification associated with different outcomes in health and disease. The most important factors influencing SES are income, educational level, occupational class, social class, and ancestry. These factors are closely related to each other as they present certain dependent interactions. Since there is a need to improve the understanding of the concept of SES and the ways it affects health and disease, we review herein the tools currently available to evaluate SES and its relationship with health and autoimmune diseases.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation to Brazilian Portuguese of two measuring adherence instruments for patients with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to carry out a cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese, validation, and comparison of two questionnaires to measure adherence in patients with type 1 diabetes. There are no validated instruments to measure treatment adherence in Brazilian patients with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Type 1 diabetes outpatients of a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil were recruited to examine psychometric properties of the Diabetes Self-Management Profile (DSMP) and Self-Care Inventory-revised (SCI-R) adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. Analyses assessed the reliability and validity according to its associations with glycated hemoglobin (A1C). Seventy-five patients [age: 34.9 ± 13.7 years; A1C: 9.2 ± 2% (75 mmol/mol); diabetes duration: 18.1 ± 11.8 years] were evaluated.

RESULTS

The translated versions of the instruments showed adequate internal consistency (DSMP Cronbach's α =0.76; SCI-R Cronbach's α =0.71). A positive correlation was found between all the items and total scores, except for item 12 in DSMP and item 13 in SCI-R, and for this reason, these items were excluded from the translated versions. In predictive validity analysis, A1C correlated significantly with the DSMP total (r = -0.46) and with the SCI-R total (r = -0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

The Brazilian Portuguese versions of DSMP and SCI-R yielded a reliable and valid tool to measure adherence treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes, with a significant correlation between total scores and A1C.

Fiber intake and inflammation in type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Higher intake of dietary fiber is associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of mortality among people with type 1 diabetes. The protective effect includes the anti-inflammatory properties of some foods. Population-based studies have shown an inverse association between some nutritional habits and high sensitive -C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This study aimed to ascertain the association between fiber intake and hs-CPR levels in patients with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 outpatients with type 1 diabetes; age 40 ± 11 years; diabetes duration of 18 ± 8.8 years. Dietary intake was evaluated by 3-day weighed-diet records. Patients were categorized in 2 groups, according to fiber intake (>20 g/day and <20 g/day).

RESULTS

The group with fiber intake > 20 g/day had lower hs-CRP levels [median (25(th-)75(th)) 0.7 mg/dl (0.4-2.4) vs. 1.9 mg/dl (1.0-4.4); P = 0.002], than the other group. Controlled for HbA1c and energy intake, an inverse relation was observed between hs-CRP levels and total fiber [ß = - 0.030 (SE: 0.0120), P = 0.02], soluble fiber [ß = - 0.078 (SE: 0.0421), P = 0.06] and insoluble fiber [ß = - 0.039 (SE: 0.01761), P = 0.026]. Even, after additional adjustment fibers remained associated with lower hs-CRP levels. Total fibers were stratified in 4 groups: < 10 g/day, from 10 to < 20 g/day, from 20 to 30 g/day and > 30 g/day. Compared to the group who ingested < 10 g/day of total fiber (referent group), the group who consumed > 30 g/d had significantly lower hs-CRP levels [-2.45 mg/L, P = 0.012] independent of the HbA1c values.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that an increased consumption of dietary fiber > 30 g/day may play a role in reducing inflammation in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Insulin resistance and associated factors in patients with Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the presence of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) according to the estimated glucose disposal rate formula (eGDR) and the insulin sensitivity score (ISS) and to estimate the correlation between these two measures and identify the clinical and laboratory markers related to IR.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study of adults with T1DM (n = 135). The results of the formulas that estimate IR were separated into quartiles and correlated with demographic data, clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters. We analyzed the total and regional adiposity by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and skin fold thickness measurements.

RESULTS

Two thirds of the patients were overweight or obese. A moderate correlation was found between eGDR and ISS (r = 0.612). The results of both formulas were positively correlated with BMI (r = -0.373 eGDR and r = -0.721 ISS), thoracic-abdominal fat (r = -0.484 eGDR and r = -0.758 ISS), waist/height ratio (r = -0.537 eGDR and r = -0.779 ISS), subscapular skinfold (mm) (r = -0.356 eGDR and r = -0.569 ISS), total dose insulin IU/lean mass (kg) (r = -0.279 eGDR and r = -0.398 ISS), age (years) (r = -0.495 eGDR and r = -0.190 ISS) and diabetes duration (years) (r = -0.428 eGDR and r = -0.187 ISS). A moderate agreement (Kappa 0.226) was observed between the 1st quartile of results determined by the formulas in 10.4% of the patients, but the 4th quartile presented a strong correlation (Kappa 0.679). The individuals with IR that were classified in the 1st quartile by the ISS formula had a higher chance of presenting with acanthosis nigricans (OR = 5.58, 95% CI =1.46-21.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The correlations found in this study indicate the possibility of using clinical and laboratory data to estimate IR in patients with TDM1. The detection of IR in T1DM patients may allow early intervention and possibly impact on future diabetes complications.

Heterogeneity in the costs of type 1 diabetes in a developing country: what are the determining factors?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Regional differences in the clinical care of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Brazil have been recently described. This study aimed to estimate the costs of T1D from the public health care system's perspective across the regions of Brazil and to determine the components that influence these costs.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional and nationwide multicenter study conducted between December 2008 and December 2010 in 28 public clinics in 20 Brazilian cities. The study included 3,180 T1D subjects receiving healthcare from the National Brazilian Healthcare System (NBHCS) with a follow-up of at least one year. The direct medical costs were derived from the costs of medications, supplies, examinations, visits to the center, medical procedures and hospitalizations that occurred during the previous year. Clinical and demographic factors that determined the differences in the cost across four geographic regions (southeast, south, north/northeast and mid-west) were investigated.

RESULTS

The per capita mean annual direct medical costs of T1D in US$ were 1,466.36, 1,252.83, 1,148.09 and 1,396.30 in southeast, south, north/northeast and mid-west regions, respectively. The costs of T1D in the southeast region were higher compared to south (p < 0.001) and north/northeast regions (p = < 0.001), but not to the mid-west (p = 0.146) region. The frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was different across the regions as well as the daily number of SMBG, use of insulin pumps or basal or prandial insulin analogs. Age, ethnicity, duration of diabetes, level of care, socioeconomic status and the prevalence of chronic diabetic complications differed among the regions. In a regression model the determinants of the costs were the presence of microvascular diabetes-related complications (p < 0.001), higher economic status (p < 0.001), and being from the southeast region (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present data reinforce the regional differences in the costs of T1D and in the socioeconomic profile and health care provided to the patients with T1D in specialized public centers in Brazil. Both factors influenced directly the costs of T1D and should be considered for discussing future health policies.