External validation of a minimal-resource model to predict reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate in people with type 2 diabetes without diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in Mexico: a comparison between country-level and regional performance

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) hence it is recommended that they receive annual CKD screening. The huge burden of diabetes in Mexico and limited screening resource mean that CKD screening is underperformed. Consequently, patients often have a late diagnosis of CKD. A regional minimal-resource model to support risk-tailored CKD screening in patients with type 2 diabetes has been developed and globally validated. However, population heath and care services between countries within a region are expected to differ. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the model within Mexico and compare this with the performance demonstrated within the Americas in the global validation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study with data from primary care (Clinic Specialized in Diabetes Management in Mexico City), tertiary care (Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán) and the Mexican national survey of health and nutrition (ENSANUT-MC 2016). We applied the minimal-resource model across the datasets and evaluated model performance metrics, with the primary interest in the sensitivity and increase in the positive predictive value (PPV) compared to a screen-everyone approach.

Results

The model was evaluated on 2510 patients from Mexico (primary care: 1358, tertiary care: 735, ENSANUT-MC: 417). Across the Mexico data, the sensitivity was 0.730 (95% CI: 0.689 - 0.779) and the relative increase in PPV was 61.0% (95% CI: 52.1% - 70.8%). These were not statistically different to the regional performance metrics for the Americas (sensitivity: p=0.964; relative improvement: p=0.132), however considerable variability was observed across the data sources.

Conclusion

The minimal-resource model performs consistently in a representative Mexican population sample compared with the Americas regional performance. In primary care settings where screening is underperformed and access to laboratory testing is limited, the model can act as a risk-tailored CKD screening solution, directing screening resources to patients who are at highest risk.

Coping and risk perception during the COVID-19 pandemic in type 2 diabetes: Does it influence metabolic control?

Diabetes and poor glycemic control are significant predictors of severity and death in the COVID-19 disease. The perception of this risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) could modify coping styles, leading to behaviors associated with better self-care and metabolic control. Theoretically, active coping is associated with better glycemic control in patients with T2D. Nonetheless, information during extreme risk like the COVID-19 pandemic is still limited. Our objective was to evaluate the association between coping styles and risk perception in the COVID-19 pandemic and the change in metabolic parameters. This is a prospective study that included individuals with T2D treated in a tertiary care center during the COVID-19 outbreak who returned to follow-up one year later. We assessed coping styles and risk perception with the Extreme Risk Coping Scale and the risk perception questionnaire. Clinical characteristics and metabolic parameters were registered in both visits. Groups were compared using Kruskal Wallis tests, and changes in metabolic parameters were assessed with Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Our sample included 177 participants at baseline, and 118 concluded the study. Passive coping was more frequent in women. Low-risk perception was associated with higher age, lower psychiatric comorbidities, and lower frequency of psychiatric treatment compared with other risk perception groups. Patients with active coping plus high-risk perception did not have a change in metabolic parameters at follow-up, whereas patients with other coping styles and lower risk perception had an increase in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. There were no differences by coping group or by risk perception in glycemic control.

Multifactorial causes of chronic itch in diabetes: More than just neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Chronic pruritus is common in patients with diabetes though its pathophysiology is unknown and difficult to pinpoint given the multi-system manifestations of diabetes. Herein, we aim to evaluate the severity of chronic itch in patients with diabetes and its association with glycaemic control, microvascular complications and quality of life.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 105 adults with diabetes evaluated by a dermatologist at a tertiary care centre in Mexico City. Degree of chronic pruritus and its impact on quality of life as well as laboratory, clinical and demographic data were collected. Patients without chronic pruritus (n = 62) were compared to those with chronic pruritus (n = 43). The latter cohort was further stratified by itch severity, and characteristics of their itch were quantified.

RESULTS

Neuropathy and loss of protective sensation were more common in patients with chronic pruritus, compared to those without chronic pruritus (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively). Anxiety and depression were more common in individuals with chronic pruritus (p = 0.009), and these group reported higher effect of pruritus on their quality of life (p < 0.0001). The most common sites of itch were the head, back and arms. Among patients with chronic itch, increasing itch severity was associated with decreasing eGFR (p = 0.080).

CONCLUSIONS

The underlying cause of chronic itch in patients with diabetes is likely multifactorial and owing to microvascular complications such as neuropathy and nephropathy. Better understanding of the causes of itch in these patients can allow for more targeted treatment, leading to improved quality of life.

A novel nonsense mutation in the insulin receptor gene in a patient with HAIR-AN syndrome and endometrial cancer

Severe insulin resistance can be caused by rare genetic defects in the insulin receptor known as insulin receptoropathies. These genetic defects cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild syndromes to lethal disorders. Among those is the HAIR-AN an extreme subtype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We present a case of a 29-year-old woman with amenorrhea, severe insulin resistance, hirsutism, and acanthosis nigricans who also developed endometrial cancer. She was found to carry a novel heterozygous nonsense mutation insulin receptor gene (INSR). The mutation was inherited from the mother. Levels of insulin receptor and AKT were measured using Western-Blot from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and were both decreased. Thus, we conclude that the identified mutation in the insulin receptor gene and lead to decreased activity of the downstream signaling of the insulin pathway.

Associated factors to the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners in the Mexican adult population

OBJECTIVE

To identify the associated factors to the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in the Mexican adult population since its consumption has increased exponentially worldwide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey was applied to 5 038 Mexican adults to evaluate the frequency of NNS consumption and classify the population in tertiles. The sociodemographic, lifestyle and health status characteristics of the participants were compared by gradient of NNS consumption, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the associated factors to the NNS consumption.

RESULTS

The variables that showed a positive association (p≤0.01) with the consumption of NNS were economic income, BMI, smoking, physical activity, diet quality, the presence of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemias), and the consumption of fruit. The age and the consumption of confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages were negatively associated (p<0.01) with the consumption of NNS.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study help to characterize the target population that is a consumer of NNS since it is recommended not encourage the preference for sweet taste and to promote a decrease in the consumption of both caloric and NNS, preferring the natural flavor of food.

Correlation Between Hemoglobin Glycation Index Measured by Continuous Glucose Monitoring With Complications in Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

HbA1C is the "gold standard" parameter to evaluate glycemic control in diabetes; however, its correlation with mean glucose is not always perfect. The objective of this study was to correlate continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) with microvascular complications.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study including permanent users of CGM with type 1 diabetes mellitus or latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult. HGI was estimated, and presence of microvascular complications was compared in subgroups with high or low HGI. A logistic regression analysis to assess the contribution of high HGI to chronic kidney disease (CKD) was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 52 participants who were aged 39.7 ± 14.7 years, with 73.1% women and 15.5 years (IQR, 7.5-29 years) since diagnosis, were included; 32.7% recorded diabetic retinopathy, 25% CKD, and 19.2% neuropathy. The median HbA1C was 7.6% (60 mmol/mol) and glucose management indicator (GMI) 7.0% (53 mmol/mol). The average HGI was 0.55% ± 0.66%. The measured HbA1C was higher in the group with high HGI (8.1% [65 mmol/mol] vs 6.9% [52 mmol/mol]; P < .001), whereas GMI (7.0% [53 mmol/mol] vs 7.0% [53 mmol/mol]; P = .495) and mean glucose were similar in both groups (153 mg/dL vs 153 mg/dL; P = .564). In the high HGI group, higher occurrence of CKD (P = .016) and neuropathy were observed (P = .025). High HGI was associated with increased risk of CKD (odds ratio [OR]: 5.05; 95% CI: 1.02-24.8; P = .04) after adjusting for time since diagnosis (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02-1.16; P = .008).

CONCLUSION

High HGI measured by CGM may be a useful marker for increased risk of microvascular diabetic complications.

ALBUMINURIA, DISEASE DURATION AND GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN ARE RELATED WITH BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN TYPE 1 DIABETES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

OBJECTIVE

Studies have found a significant decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to healthy controls. Factors associated with this phenomenon have yet to be defined; therefore, this study aimed to explore the association of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), disease duration, albuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with BMD in adults with T1D.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study carried out in tertiary care. BMD analysis was performed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Linear models were constructed considering variables associated with BMD. Approval from the Ethics Committees and informed consent were obtained.

RESULTS

We included 128 participants, 59% women, 16% with menopause. The median age was 33 (26-42) years. The average age of diabetes diagnosis was 15.3 ± 6.3 years, and the median disease duration was 19.5 (12-27) years. In the adjusted analysis, higher albuminuria (p<0.01) and disease duration (p<0.05) were associated with a lower BMD in the femoral neck and total hip, independently of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Higher HbA1c (p<0.01) was associated with a lower spine BMD after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI.

CONCLUSION

Studied factors specific to T1D, including albuminuria, disease duration, and HbA1c have an association with BMD regardless of BMI, age, and sex.

Diagnostic performance of questionnaires to identify individuals with impaired fasting glucose in Mexican adult population

AIMS

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of five questionnaires to identify impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in Mexican adult population.

METHODS

The study included 23,311 subjects from five cohorts, three composed of individuals who sought medical advice in their first level clinics or participated in research studies and two representative surveys of the Mexican population. The reference standard was IFG which was defined as a fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL. Diagnostic performance was evaluated with specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, area under the curve, and the proportion of correctly classified individuals.

RESULTS

The prevalence of IFG ranged from 14.4 to 48.1 % across the cohorts. Diagnostic performance of the questionnaires varied in each cohort depending on IFG prevalence. The questionnaires designed by Rojas, American Diabetes Association and International Diabetes Federation had the best performance considering the correct classification (>66.0 %) of subjects in all cohorts. However, Rojas' questionnaire had the best balance between sensitivity and specificity across the cohorts.

CONCLUSION

In the Mexican population, considering different scenarios, the Rojas' questionnaire had the best diagnostic performance. The implementation of questionnaires for the identification of prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes requires further study in specific populations.

The beneficial effect of a comprehensive diabetes care model on high-risk relatives accompanying patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Assess the effect of a diabetes program on lifestyle, metabolic, and mental health parameters in relatives of patients with T2D, and correlate changes between relatives and patients.

METHODS

Relatives were included in a structured program for patients with T2D. They received individualized interventions or were asked to follow lifestyle modifications indicated to their patient with diabetes. Outcomes were change in BMI, fat loss, patients achieving LDL-c and triglycerides goals, exercise, and mental health indicators at three and twelve months.

RESULTS

We included 200 relatives. Obesity was present in 42 %, hypertension in 8.5 %, hypercholesterolemia in 29.5 %, and hypertriglyceridemia in 46 % of relatives. Relatives lost - 3.7 kg and - 3.0 kg of body fat at three months and one-year evaluations. At least 60 % achieved normal triglycerides and LDL-c, and 40 % exercised at least 150 min/week. Anxiety symptoms dropped from 37 % to 22 % (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms from 22 % to 12.9 % (p = 0.01) at three months. Correlations were found between the changes in relatives and patients in weight at three months (r = 0.22, p = 0.001), one year (r = 0.3, p < 0.001), and the number of goals achieved at one year.

CONCLUSION

Relatives of patients with diabetes attending a multidisciplinary program for T2D benefit in metabolic, lifestyle, and mental health indicators.

Detection of sudomotor alterations evaluated by Sudoscan in patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) causes morbidity and affects the quality of life. Before diabetes diagnosis, neuropathic damage may be present. Sudoscan provides accurate measurement of the sudomotor function. This study aimed to assess the abnormalities detected by Sudoscan, offered estimates of DPN prevalence, and investigated the relationship between metabolic and clinical parameters. Additionally, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Sudoscan compared with monofilament and tuning fork tests for detecting DPN.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional descriptive study including patients with type 2 diabetes for <5 years since diagnosis. We investigated the presence of DPN using a 128 Hz tuning fork test, the 10 g monofilament, and the sudomotor dysfunction in feet using Sudoscan. We compared patients with and without alterations in the Sudoscan. A logistic regression model analyzed variables independently associated with sudomotor dysfunction.

RESULTS

From 2013 to 2020, 2243 patients were included, 55.1% women, age 51.8 years, and 17.1% with normal weight. Monofilament tests and/or tuning fork examination were abnormal in 29% (95% CI 0.23% to 0.27%) and 619 patients (27.6%, 0.25% to 0.29%) had sudomotor alterations. In logistic regression analysis, age (β=1.01, 0.005-1.02), diastolic blood pressure (β=0.98, 0.96-0.99), heart rate (β=1.01, 1.00-1.02), glucose (β=1.00, 1.00-1.03), albuminuria (β=1.001, 1.000-1.001), beta-blockers=1.98, 1.21-3.24) and fibrate use=0.61, 0.43-0.87) were associated with sudomotor dysfunction. The AUC (area under the curve) for Sudoscan was 0.495 (0.469-0.522), with sensitivity and specificity of 24% and 71%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Sudoscan identified an important proportion of patients with dysfunction, allowing prompt intervention to decrease the risk for complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02836808.

Physiological Network Is Disrupted in Severe COVID-19

The human body is a complex system maintained in homeostasis thanks to the interactions between multiple physiological regulation systems. When faced with physical or biological perturbations, this system must react by keeping a balance between adaptability and robustness. The SARS-COV-2 virus infection poses an immune system challenge that tests the organism's homeostatic response. Notably, the elderly and men are particularly vulnerable to severe disease, poor outcomes, and death. Mexico seems to have more infected young men than anywhere else. The goal of this study is to determine the differences in the relationships that link physiological variables that characterize the elderly and men, and those that characterize fatal outcomes in young men. To accomplish this, we examined a database of patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 (471 men and 277 women) registered at the "Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán" in March 2020. The sample was stratified by outcome, age, and sex. Physiological networks were built using 67 physiological variables (vital signs, anthropometric, hematic, biochemical, and tomographic variables) recorded upon hospital admission. Individual variables and system behavior were examined by descriptive statistics, differences between groups, principal component analysis, and network analysis. We show how topological network properties, particularly clustering coefficient, become disrupted in disease. Finally, anthropometric, metabolic, inflammatory, and pulmonary cluster interaction characterize the deceased young male group.

Thyroid stimulating hormone levels and geriatric syndromes: secondary nested case-control study of the Mexican Health and Aging Study

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence of geriatric syndromes (GS) in community dwelling older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

METHODS

This is an analysis from the Mexican Health and Aging Study, of a subsample of 2089 subjects with TSH determination. From this last subsample, we included 1628 individuals with TSH levels in the subclinical range (4.5-10 µU/ml).

RESULTS

The multivariate analysis showed that when comparing data obtained from the 2012 wave with the 2015 wave results, there was a significant incidence of some GS such as falls (OR 1.79, CI 1.16-2.77, p = 0.0116), fatigue (OR 2.17, CI 1.40-3.38, p = 0.0348) and depression (OR 1.70, CI 1.06-2.71, p = 0.0246) among the subclinical hypothyroidism group.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a greater incidence of GS in subjects 50 years and older with sub-clinical hypothyroidism, when compared to those with normal thyroid function.

Glycemic control, treatment and complications in patients with type 1 diabetes amongst healthcare settings in Mexico

AIMS

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a growing chronic disease. Evidence of whether the healthcare setting affects management and glycemic control is scarce. We evaluate outcomes in patients with T1D in private and public healthcare settings in Mexico, registered in the National T1D Registry in Mexico (RENACED-DT1).

METHODS

Biochemical parameters, diabetes education, and treatment were analyzed considering the data registered in the last visit. Development of chronic complications was determined during follow-up.

RESULTS

We included 1,603 patients; 71.5% (n = 1,146) registered in the public system, and 28.5% (n = 457) in a private institution. Patients in the public setting had higher HbA1c (8.6%, IQR: 7.3%-10.5% vs 7.7%, IQR: 7.0%-8.8%; p < 0.001). Indicators of diabetes education, glucose monitoring, and use of insulin-pumps were lower in the public setting. Patients in the public setting were at higher risk of diabetic chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Diabetes knowledge was a mediator between type of healthcare setting and the likelihood of achieving glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients registered in public healthcare settings have an adverse metabolic profile and higher risk of complications. Social factors need to be addressed in order to implement multidisciplinary measures focused on diabetes education for patients with T1D in Mexico.

Occurrence of Klinefelter Syndrome Mosaic 45,X/46,XY/47,XXY/48,XXYY/48,XXXY and Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Objective

The presence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is rare, and its association with KS mosaicism is even rarer. We report an unusual combination of these entities with a mild phenotype of KS.

Methods

The patient was a 44-year-old male with a history of PHPT who had recurrent urolithiasis despite being treated with a successful parathyroidectomy. On examination, he had axillary hair growth, bilateral gynecomastia, a large port-wine stain at the right hemithorax and upper right limb, and genitalia and pubic hair corresponding to Tanner IV classification with small, normal consistency testicles.

Results

Laboratory findings were unremarkable except for a slightly elevated luteinizing hormone, which was normal on repeat testing. Because of the picture of unexplained gynecomastia, laboratory findings, and low-volume testis, a diagnosis of KS was considered. Chromosomal analysis revealed a rare 45,X/46,XY/47,XXY/48,XXYY/48,XXXY KS mosaic.

Conclusions

KS phenotypes are largely variable, and their association with PHPT remains to be elucidated.

Association of estimated glucose disposal rate and chronic diabetic complications in patients with type 1 diabetes

Introduction

The role of insulin resistance in diabetic chronic complications among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to examine the performance of insulin resistance, evaluated using the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) for the identification of metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetic chronic complications.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study in a tertiary care centre. We included patients of 18 years and older, with at least 6 months of T1D duration. Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data were collected.

Results

Seventy patients, 41 (58.6%) women, with a median age of 36.6 years (range 18–65). Mean age of onset and duration of diabetes was 13.5 ± 6.5 and 23.6 ± 12.2 years, respectively. Twenty‐one (30%) patients met the metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria. Patients with MS had lower eGDR compared to patients without (5.17 [3.10–8.65] vs. 8.86 [6.82–9.85] mg/kg/min, respectively, p = .003). Median eGDR in patients with nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy compared with those without was 6.75 (4.60–8.20) versus 9.53 (8.57–10.3); p < .001, 6.45 (4.60–7.09) versus 9.50 (8.60–10.14); p < .001, 5.56 (4.51–6.81) versus 9.49 [8.19–10.26] mg/kg/min; p < .001, respectively. The eGDR showed an area under the curve of 0.909, 0.879, 0.897 and 0.836 for the discrimination of MS, retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with T1D diabetic complications have higher insulin resistance. The eGDR discriminates patients with chronic diabetic complications and MS. While more ethnic‐specific studies are required, this study suggests the possibility to incorporate eGDR into routine diabetes care.

Differentiating Among Type 1, Type 2 Diabetes, and MODY: Raising Awareness About the Clinical Implementation of Genetic Testing in Latin America

Objective

To describe a case of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) to highlight the importance of a correct diabetes diagnosis.

Methods

We describe a Mexican family misdiagnosed with T1D and T2D.

Results

A 36-year-old woman with diabetes and adverse outcomes during 2 pregnancies had been diagnosed with T2D 10 years ago. Genetic testing was performed due to clinical and family history, which showed a pathogenic heterozygous variant c.544G>T (p.Val182Leu) in the GCK gene. This mutation was also confirmed in most of the family members who had been diagnosed with diabetes.

Conclusion

This case highlights the need for a correct diabetes classification. Reassessment of diabetes etiology is justified, especially in individuals with unclear clinical presentation or when family history is suggestive.

Type 1 Diabetes Care in Mexico: An Analysis of the RENACED-DT1 National Registry

BACKGROUND

Information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) in Mexico is limited. We developed an on-line platform Registro Nacional de Pacientes con Diabetes Tipo 1 (RENACED-DT1).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics and healthcare of PWT1D registered in RENACED-DT1.

METHODS

Analyses of 965 PWT1D from July 2014 to January 2018 in different endocrinology clinics around Mexico.

RESULTS

Sixty-one percent were female with median age of 21 years, age at diagnosis 11 years, and disease duration at inclusion 8.2 years. Treatment regimen was basal-bolus in 61% and insulin-pumps in 21% (mainly in the private sector); 33.3% with self-monitoring of blood-glucose (SMBG) ≥4 times/day. Mean HbA1c at last follow-up was 8.7 ± 2.1% (72±23 mmol/mol), 18% had HbA1c < 7% (53 mmol/mol), and 35% > 9% (75 mmol/mol). SMBG ≥ 4 times/day was associated with HbA1c < 7%. Time since diagnosis > 10 years, female sex, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, SMBG < 4 times/day, and any hypoglycemia were associated with microvascular complications (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Percentage of patients achieving HbA1c < 7% is low; increased blood glucose monitoring is associated with better glycemic control. The achievement of optimal glycemic control must be increased to reduce the incidence of chronic complications and improve quality of life in PWT1D.

Reconsidering the Basal Proportion of Insulin Dose: Glycemic and Microvascular Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Optimal glycemic control is required to lower the risk of complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This can be achieved with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) or with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Most diabetes guidelines recommend a proportion of basal insulin (basal proportion of total insulin dose; %B/T) around 50% of the total daily dose (TDD), although there is scarce evidence that suggests that a lower %B/T is associated with lower HbA1c levels. Our objective was to evaluate the association of the %B/T with glycemic and microvascular outcomes. We included 132 T1DM adults of the Diabetes Clinic in a tertiary care center, 117 (88.6%) using MDI and 15 (11.4%) using CSII. Data from the medical records and insulin pumps software during outpatient visits were retrospectively collected. Individuals with end-stage renal disease, solid-organ transplant, pregnancy, and glucocorticoid use were excluded. A positive correlation between %B/T and HbA1c levels was found, r=0.26 (p=0.002). Three groups were analyzed according to the %B/T: ≤40%, 41–59% and ≥60%, observing differences in HbA1c concentrations: 7.1% (6.7–8.0%), 7.8% (7.2–9.1%) and 8.7% (7.6–10.2%), respectively (p=0.003). Regarding microvascular complications, the cases of nephropathy were 0 (0%), 23 (30.7%) and 18 (40%) across those groups (p=0.029) even though there was no difference in T1DM duration across groups. There were also no differences in body mass index, TDD, TDD/weight (units/kg/day), nor in the rates of retinopathy or neuropathy. Multiple regression analysis identified %B/T as an independent predictor of the HbA1c concentration. A difference in the rates of hypoglycemic episodes per month was found among individuals with a %B/T ≤50%: 2 (1–5) versus 6 (2.5–12) episodes per month in those having a higher %BT (p=0.002). There are limitations in our study, including the retrospective nature of the analysis, no data about meal content and a low usage of CGM (thus relying on variable self-monitoring of blood glucose). Therefore, we cannot asseverate that lowering the %B/T would improve glycemic and microvascular outcomes. Nevertheless, our findings indicate that the %B/T correlates with HbA1c levels and are consistent with those previously described. It also suggests a relationship with hypoglycemia and to the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that an association between %B/T and nephropathy has been noted.

Elevated Serum Uric Acid Is a Facilitating Mechanism for Insulin Resistance Mediated Accumulation of Visceral Adipose Tissue

Background: Serum uric acid (SUA) is related to cardiometabolic conditions such as insulin resistance (IR) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation, which have a thoroughly explored bidirectional relationship. Here, we aimed to clarify the nature of the role uric acid plays inside this relationship, alongside the underlying causality mechanism.

Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study comprising 8,504 subjects from a joint cohort composed from both NHANES 2003–2004 and 2011–2012 cycles and ENSANUT Medio Camino 2016. We performed mixed effects linear regression models using HOMA2-IR, adipoIR, and METS-VF as indicators of both peripheral and adipose tissue IR and VAT accumulation, indicating the subject’s cohort of origin as a random effect. Furthermore, we performed multiple mediation analyses to assess a potential causal mechanism and ROC curves to establish cut-off points for identification of IR and visceral obesity using SUA. Finally, with an additional dataset comprised of 226 subjects with both euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements for IR and VAT accumulation, we performed a network of confirmatory mediation analyses including adiponectin measurements. Results: We found that SUA has a mediating role inside the bidirectional relationship between IR and visceral obesity, and it is part of an underlying causality mechanism which includes adiponectin. The proportion of the mechanism mediated by SUA is greater when stated that IR (in either peripheral or adipose tissue) leads to VAT accumulation (14.90%[13.20%-17.00%] and 15.54%[13.61%-18.00%]) instead of the opposite direction (4.88%[3.06%-7.00%] and 8.13%[5.91%-10.00%]). This result was strengthened by a mediation analysis network using the gold-standard measurements where we observed that the joint effect of SUA and adiponectin mediated 16.32% [8.84%-26.00%] for the effect of IR and VAT accumulation and 12.52% [3.23%-23.00%] in the opposite direction. Cut-off points for SUA to predict peripheral IR were 6.1 mg/dL and 4.8 mg/dL, for males and females respectively. For visceral obesity, cut-offs were 6.4 mg/dL and 4.8 mg/dL for males and females. SUA had a high negative predictive value for all assessments.

Conclusions: Elevated SUA acts as mediator inside the bidirectional relationship between IR and VAT accumulation. Its role appears to be larger when considering adipose tissue IR as the promoter for VAT accumulation.

Comparison of Clinical Tests for Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy in a Type 1 Diabetes Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To examine the performance and agreement of 5 modalities for testing sensory neuropathy against a neurothesiometer among Hispanic patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary reference center in Mexico City. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios were calculated using a VibraTip device, 128 Hz tuning fork, and the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07/10 g monofilament test, Ipswich touch test (IpTT), and pinprick test (PPT). The VPT obtained using a neurothesiometer was used as the standard. Agreement between tests was calculated using kappa coefficients.

RESULTS

Our study included 78 patients (156 examinations), of whom 56.4% were females. The mean age was 38.2 ± 13.0 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.6 ± 4.8 kg/m². The best sensitivity was found for IpTT and VibraTip (89.7% and 79.3%, respectively), while the PPT and IpTT had the highest positive predictive values (94.4% and 92.9%, respectively). The highest kappa coefficients were obtained for the IpTT vs neurothesiometer (kappa coefficient [κ] = 0.893, P < .001), followed by VibraTip vs neurothesiometer (κ = 0.782, P < .001). The VibraTip vs IpTT also had a substantial agreement (κ= 0.713, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that the IpTT had the best diagnostic performance and agreement compared with the standard in this cohort of Hispanic patients with T1D. The IpTT is a useful, simple test for diabetic neuropathy screening. These findings support its inclusion in future guidelines for diabetic foot examination.

Comparison of Two Electronic Systems for Obtaining Diabetes Care Indicators in Clinical Practice

We compared the completeness of data captured by physicians in a diabetes outpatient clinic using a general electronic health record system versus one that was specifically geared to diabetes. Use of a diabetes-oriented data system was found to allow for greater capture of crucial variables required for diabetes care than a general electronic record and was well accepted by health care providers.

Sucralose and Cardiometabolic Health: Current Understanding from Receptors to Clinical Investigations

The excess consumption of added sugar is consistently found to be associated with weight gain, and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and stroke. In an effort to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic disease, sugar is frequently replaced by low- and null-calorie sweeteners (LCSs). Alarmingly, though, emerging evidence indicates that the consumption of LCSs is associated with an increase in cardiovascular mortality risk that is amplified in those who are overweight or obese. Sucralose, a null-caloric high-intensity sweetener, is the most commonly used LCS worldwide, which is regularly consumed by healthy individuals and patients with metabolic disease. To explore a potential causal role for sucralose in increased cardiovascular risk, this present review summarizes the preclinical and clinical data from current research detailing the effects of sucralose on systems controlling food intake, glucose homeostasis, and gut microbiota.

Use of an electronic integral monitoring system for patients with diabetes to identify factors associated with an adequate glycemic goal and to measure quality of care

AIMS

To evaluate the use of the electronic integral monitoring system (SMID) to identify factors associated to glycemic control and its impact in the quality of care in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

T2D patients registered in SMID were analyzed. Biochemical, clinical and lifestyle variables were recorded. Factors associated to HbA1c ≤7% were explored. Quality of care of the clinic was measured according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance Criteria (NCQA) that requires a score of 75 to achieve a good quality of care.

RESULTS

511 patients were included. Prescription of basal insulin, SGLT-2 inhibitors and barriers to follow nutritional plan were associated with decreased probability of having adequate glycemic control. Patients in the maintenance stage of motivation had higher probability of having HbA1c ≤7%. According to NCQA evaluation 60 points were achieved. Glucose goals were not met; 35.9% had HbA1c ≥9% and 17% HbA1c <7%. While foot evaluation, smoking approach, blood pressure and lipids goals were accomplished; eye and renal evaluations were borderline.

CONCLUSION

Glycemic control in patients with long standing T2D and multiple comorbidities is challenging, which directly impacts in the quality of care. Professionals should focus in reinforcing non-pharmacological interventions to optimize glycemic targets.

Physiological Network From Anthropometric and Blood Test Biomarkers

Currently, research in physiology focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying the functioning of living organisms. Reductionist strategies are used to decompose systems into their components and to measure changes of physiological variables between experimental conditions. However, how these isolated physiological variables translate into the emergence -and collapse- of biological functions of the organism as a whole is often a less tractable question. To generate a useful representation of physiology as a system, known and unknown interactions between heterogeneous physiological components must be taken into account. In this work we use a Complex Inference Networks approach to build physiological networks from biomarkers. We employ two unrelated databases to generate Spearman correlation matrices of 81 and 54 physiological variables, respectively, including endocrine, mechanic, biochemical, anthropometric, physiological, and cellular variables. From these correlation matrices we generated physiological networks by selecting a p-value threshold indicating statistically significant links. We compared the networks from both samples to show which features are robust and representative for physiology in health. We found that although network topology is sensitive to the p-value threshold, an optimal value may be defined by combining criteria of stability of topological features and network connectedness. Unsupervised community detection algorithms allowed to obtain functional clusters that correlate well with current medical knowledge. Finally, we describe the topology of the physiological networks, which lie between random and ordered structural features, and may reflect system robustness and adaptability. Modularity of physiological networks allows to explore functional clusters that are consistent even when considering different physiological variables. Altogether Complex Inference Networks from biomarkers provide an efficient implementation of a systems biology approach that is visually understandable and robust. We hypothesize that physiological networks allow to translate concepts such as homeostasis into quantifiable properties of biological systems useful for determination and quantification of health and disease.

Spanish Version of the System Usability Scale for the Assessment of Electronic Tools: Development and Validation

Background

The System Usability Scale (SUS) is a common metric used to assess the usability of a system, and it was initially developed in English. The implementation of electronic systems for clinical counseling (eHealth and mobile health) is increasing worldwide. Therefore, tools are needed to evaluate these applications in the languages and regional contexts in which the electronic tools are developed.

Objective

This study aims to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the original English version of the SUS into a Spanish version.

Methods

The translation process included forward and backward translation. Forward translations were made by 2 native Spanish speakers who spoke English as their second language, and a backward translation was made by a native English speaker. The Spanish SUS questionnaire was validated by 10 experts in mobile app development. The face validity of the questionnaire was tested with 10 mobile phone users, and the reliability testing was conducted among 88 electronic application users.

Results

The content validity index of the new Spanish SUS was good, as indicated by a rating of 0.92 for the relevance of the items. The questionnaire was easy to understand, based on a face validity index of 0.94. The Cronbach α was .812 (95% CI 0.748-0.866; P<.001).

Conclusions

The new Spanish SUS questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to assess the usability of electronic tools among Spanish-speaking users.

Sucralose Consumption over 2 Weeks in Healthy Subjects Does Not Modify Fasting Plasma Concentrations of Appetite-Regulating Hormones: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The effect of nonnutritive sweeteners on appetite is controversial. Some studies have found changes in certain appetite control hormones with sucralose intake that may be through interaction with sweet taste receptors located in the intestine.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sucralose consumption could produce changes in fasting plasma concentrations of appetite-regulating hormones, including glucagon-like peptide 1, ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, and leptin, and secondarily in insulin resistance.

DESIGN

A 2-week parallel randomized clinical trial with an additional visit conducted 1 week after dosing termination.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Sixty healthy, normal-weight individuals, without habitual consumption of nonnutritive sweeteners were recruited from July 2015 to March 2017 in Mexico City.

INTERVENTION

Daily sucralose consumption at 15% of the acceptable daily intake by using commercial sachets added to food. The control group followed the same protocol without an intervention.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURED

Fasting concentrations of appetite regulating hormones before and after the intervention. Fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were measured to assess insulin resistance as a secondary outcome.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED

Basal and final concentrations were compared using Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and Mann-Whitney U test for analysis between groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate changes in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

RESULTS

Sucralose was not associated with changes in any of the hormones measured. One week postintervention, an incremental change (P=0.04) in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was found in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

Sucralose intake is not associated with changes in fasting concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1, ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, or leptin. An increase in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance observed only at 1 week postdosing is of unknown clinical significance, if any.

Clinical characterization of data-driven diabetes subgroups in Mexicans using a reproducible machine learning approach

INTRODUCTION

Previous reports in European populations demonstrated the existence of five data-driven adult-onset diabetes subgroups. Here, we use self-normalizing neural networks (SNNN) to improve reproducibility of these data-driven diabetes subgroups in Mexican cohorts to extend its application to more diverse settings.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We trained SNNN and compared it with k-means clustering to classify diabetes subgroups in a multiethnic and representative population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets with all available measures (training sample: NHANES-III, n=1132; validation sample: NHANES 1999-2006, n=626). SNNN models were then applied to four Mexican cohorts (SIGMA-UIEM, n=1521; Metabolic Syndrome cohort, n=6144; ENSANUT 2016, n=614 and CAIPaDi, n=1608) to characterize diabetes subgroups in Mexicans according to treatment response, risk for chronic complications and risk factors for the incidence of each subgroup.

RESULTS

SNNN yielded four reproducible clinical profiles (obesity related, insulin deficient, insulin resistant, age related) in NHANES and Mexican cohorts even without C-peptide measurements. We observed in a population-based survey a high prevalence of the insulin-deficient form (41.25%, 95% CI 41.02% to 41.48%), followed by obesity-related (33.60%, 95% CI 33.40% to 33.79%), age-related (14.72%, 95% CI 14.63% to 14.82%) and severe insulin-resistant groups. A significant association was found between the SLC16A11 diabetes risk variant and the obesity-related subgroup (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.83, p=0.008). Among incident cases, we observed a greater incidence of mild obesity-related diabetes (n=149, 45.0%). In a diabetes outpatient clinic cohort, we observed increased 1-year risk (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.51) and 2-year risk (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.31) for incident retinopathy in the insulin-deficient group and decreased 2-year diabetic retinopathy risk for the obesity-related subgroup (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes subgroup phenotypes are reproducible using SNNN; our algorithm is available as web-based tool. Application of these models allowed for better characterization of diabetes subgroups and risk factors in Mexicans that could have clinical applications.

The SLC16A11 Risk Haplotype for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Is Associated to Differentiated Responses in Weight Loss, and Glucose Metabolism After Treatments to Prevent T2D

Objectives

A haplotype in SLC16A11 is associated with decreased insulin action, and risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Mexicans. We aim to determine the impact of the risk haplotype on SLC16A11 on early therapeutic responses in treatments to prevent T2D.

Methods

We recruited subjects with at least one prediabetes criteria according to the American Diabetes Association, and body mass index 25–45 kg/m2. Subjects were randomized in two groups: lifestyle intervention (LSI): hypocaloric diet, 25 kcal/kg of ideal weight, 45% of the total intake of carbohydrates, 30% lipids and 15% protein sources + physical activity (&gt;150 min medium intensity per week), or LSI + metformin (750 mg prolonged release twice a day). Interventions were prescribed by standardized dietitians. The goal was to achieve &gt;3% weight loss. We evaluated the early treatment response in a follow-up period of 12 weeks with intermediate visits each 3 weeks to reinforce knowledge and treatment goals. Evaluations (baseline and post-treatment) included an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Adherence to treatment was measured trough electronic recordings. Participants were genotyped for the risk allele rs13342232. Researchers remained blinded to the genotype results. The effects of the risk haplotype were evaluated with linear and logistic regressions adjusted by age, sex, and baseline body fat %.

Results

We evaluated 61 subjects, 30 carriers, and 31 non-carriers. Most of participants (57%) achieved ≥3% weight loss. The LSI + metformin treatment increased in carriers, 2 times OR 3 IC95% (1.07 – 8.6) (P = 0.04) the probability to reach the ≥3% weight loss goal compared with LSI and non-carriers. In the same treatment, carriers had a greater decrease in the total and incremental area under the curve of insulin in the OGTT IC95% (−1.75 −0.11) (P = 0.02) compared with non-carriers and LSI. Carriers also had higher decrease in postprandial glucose compared with non-carriers regardless of treatment −12.63 + 30.38 vs 0.71 30.24 (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

After 12 weeks of treatment, carriers with prediabetes showed a higher probability achieve weight loss and to improve insulin secretion with metformin. Regardless of the treatment, carriers were prone to improve postprandial glucose.

Funding Sources

Miguel Aleman Medical Research Award.

The Role of Diet in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a frequent metabolic disorder characterized by obesity and insulin resistance seems to be the main pathophysiological alteration. The goal of treating metabolic syndrome is to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and the development of type 2 diabetes. The lifestyle modification therapy combines specific recommendations on diet alone or combined with other strategies. In this review, we address the following topics: 1) the importance of the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and obesity, and 2) the role of lifestyle modification focusing on dietary fat intake in the management of MS.

Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF), a novel estimator of intra-abdominal fat content and cardio-metabolic health

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Intra-abdominal and visceral fat (VAT) are risk factors for the development of cardio-metabolic comorbidities; however its clinical assessment is limited by technology and required expertise for its assessment. We aimed to develop a novel score (METS-VF) to estimate VAT by combining the non-insulin-based METS-IR index, waist-height ratio (WHtr), age and sex.

METHODS

We developed METS-VF in a sample of 366 individuals with Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). METS-VF was modeled using non-linear regression and validated in two replication cohorts with DXA (n = 184, with n = 118 who also had MRI) and bio-electrical impedance (n = 991). We also assessed METS-VF to predict incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) and arterial hypertension independent of body-mass index (BMI) in our Metabolic Syndrome Cohort (n = 6144).

RESULTS

We defined METS-VF as: 4.466 + 0.011*(Ln(METS-IR))³ + 3.239*(Ln(WHtr))³ + 0.319*(Sex) + 0.594*(Ln(Age)). METS-VF showed better performance compared to other VAT surrogates using either DXA (AUC 0.896 95% CI 0.847-0.945) or MRI (AUC 0.842 95% CI 0.771-0.913) as gold standards. We identified a METS-VF cut-off point >7.18 in healthy patients which has 100% sensitivity (95% CI 76.8-100) and 87.2% specificity (95% CI 79.1-93.0) to identify increased VAT (>100 cm²). METS-VF also had adequate performance in subjects with metabolically-healthy obesity. Finally, in our metabolic syndrome cohort, subjects in the upper quintiles of METS-VF (>7.2) had 3.8 and 2.0-fold higher risk of incident T2D and hypertension, respectively (p < 0.001). This effect was independent of BMI for both outcomes.

CONCLUSION

METS-VF is a novel surrogate to estimate VAT, which has better performance compared to other surrogate VAT indexes and is predictive of incident T2D and hypertension. METS-VF could be a useful tool to assess cardio-metabolic risk in primary care practice and research settings.

MON-164 The Non-insulin-based METS-IR Index Combined With Liver Transaminases Improves Prediction Of Fatty Liver And Fibrosis

BACKGROUND: Liver fat content (LFC) evaluation requires histologic examination of liver biopsy specimens, which is invasive and costly. Non-invasive alternatives to assess LFC, which include spectroscopy-MRI (MRI-S) and transient elastography (TE), are limited by cost and complexity. Laboratory-based surrogates to estimate LFC have been developed and include the AST/ALT ratio, Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and NAFLD score. Previous studies have shown that the non-insulin-based METS-IR index is associated with LFC. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate diagnostic performance of METS-IR combined with liver transaminase assessment to estimate LFC. METHODS: We assessed subjects with and without T2D who had a laboratory and MRI-S evaluation. Using linear regression, we developed an estimate of LFC using METS-IR and liver function tests; prediction was improved including sex and T2D using non-linear regression and bootstrap cross-validation (n=2,000). We contrasted the FLI and NAFLD scores with METS-IR to estimate LFC using partial correlation and to detect NAFLD (LFC>5.5% by MRI-S) using areas AUROC. This assessment was validated in a cohort of 197 subjects who underwent TE and a cohort of 57 subjects in whom liver biopsy specimens were collected during bariatric surgery to assess predictive performance for both liver steatosis and fibrosis. RESULTS: In the discovery cohort, we included 56 healthy subjects and 58 with T2D. We modeled the Metabolic Score for Liver Fat Content (METS-LFC) and LFC (r²=0.548) as: METS-LFC=(METS-IR*ALT)/(2*AST), Estimated LFC (%)=-3.524+[0.340*METS-LFC]+1.529(T2D)-1.620(Sex). NAFLD was present in 33 subjects (28.9%) of the discovery cohort. The correlation between estimated and observed LFC was higher for METS-LFC (ρ=0.735 95%CI 0.608-0.828) compared to other estimates as was the AUROC (AUC=0.869 95%CI 0.797-0.941). The validation cohort was composed by lean and obese individuals who had METS-LFC and TE; we observed increasing estimated LFC using METS-LFC with TE-derived liver steatosis categories (p<0.001). METS-IR had the better predictive performance for TE-diagnosed steatosis (AUC 0.860 95%CI 0.807-0.912), whilst FLI, METS-IR and METS-LFC had similarly predictive performance for liver fibrosis. Finally, we validated this index in liver biopsy specimens from subjects with average BMI of 45.54±7.47 kg/m2, 33 patients had steatosis and NASH histologic evidence and 10 had biopsy-proven NASH. Compared to biopsy specimens METS-LFC (AUC=0.759, p=0.004) was superior to FLI (AUC=0.615, p=0.201) and the NAFLD score (AUC=0.746, p=0.006) to detect liver steatosis. CONCLUSION: Combined estimation of METS-IR and liver transaminases improves prediction of liver fat content by MRI, TE and biopsy-proven liver steatosis.

SAT-535 Association Between Adiponectin and Bone Mineral Density in Mexican Postmenopausal Women with Normal Glucose Tolerance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Adiponectin’s effect on bone health is not well dilucidated and literature reports are controversial. Human studies on the relationship between adiponectin and bone mineral density, have obtained variable results. Prevalence of osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has significantly increased in our population, making it useful to identify a diagnostic and prognostic marker that can predict skeletal outcomes in these patients. Objective: To stablish the association between adiponectin levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in Mexican postmenopausal women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and T2DM. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study. We reviewed all bone densitometries since January 2014, identifying all postmenopausal women. We excluded patients with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and concurrent diseases or therapies that could impact BMD. Glucose, HbA1c, adiponectin, body composition, and anthropometric parameters were measured in all participants. Considering an association of 0.30, allowing an α-error of 0.05 and β-error of 0.20 we estimated a sample size of 170 women. Results: 69 women have been recruited until October 2018 (NGT n= 35; T2DM n= 34). Mean age was 64.2 ± 9.6 years with time since menopause onset of 15.5 ± 8.3 years. Mean BMI was 26.5 ± 4.3 kg/m², mean body fat 39.4 ± 5.8% and median waist circumference 85 [78.3-93] cm. In women with T2DM median time from diagnosis was 12 years and median HbA1c of 7% (6.2-8.0%). There were no significant differences in adiponectin concentration between groups (NGT: 11.7 [8.4-20.4] μg/mL; T2DM: 9.7 [5.7-17.3] μg/mL, p= 0.192). In all participants we observed a positive correlation between body weight and BMD in the femoral neck (ρ= 0.435, p< 0.0001), total hip (ρ= 0.405, p= 0.001) and lumbar spine (ρ= 0.387, p= 0.001). A negative association between adiponectin and BMD was demonstrated only in the femoral neck (ρ = -0.349, p = 0.004). Analyzing by subgroups women with NTG preserve this association (ρ = - 0.348, p = 0.044), while women with T2DM only show a tendency (ρ = -0.320, p = 0.075). When adjusting by body weight, the association was lost (NGT ρ = -0.252, p = 0.157; T2DM ρ = -0.075, p = 0.689). Conclusion: There is no association between adiponectin levels and BMD in Mexican postmenopausal women with NGT and T2DM. The negative association observed before the adjustment was mediated by body weight. To clarify these findings is necessary to complete the study’s sample size.

The SLC16A11 risk haplotype is associated with decreased insulin action, higher transaminases and large-size adipocytes

Objective A haplotype at chromosome 17p13 that reduces expression and function of the solute carrier transporter SLC16A11 is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes in Mexicans. We aim to investigate the detailed metabolic profile of SLC16A11 risk haplotype carriers to identify potential physiological mechanisms explaining the increased type 2 diabetes risk. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods We evaluated carriers (n = 72) and non-carriers (n = 75) of the SLC16A11 risk haplotype, with or without type 2 diabetes. An independent sample of 1069 subjects was used to replicate biochemical findings. The evaluation included euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), MRI and spectroscopy and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue biopsies. Results Fat-free mass (FFM)-adjusted M value was lower in carriers of the SLC16A11 risk haplotype after adjusting for age and type 2 diabetes status (β = -0.164, P = 0.04). Subjects with type 2 diabetes and the risk haplotype demonstrated an increase of 8.76 U/L in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P = 0.02) and of 7.34 U/L in gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (P = 0.05) compared with non-carriers and after adjusting for gender, age and ancestry. Among women with the risk haplotype and normal BMI, the adipocyte size was higher (P < 0.001). Conclusions Individuals carrying the SLC16A11 risk haplotype exhibited decreased insulin action. Higher serum ALT and GGT levels were found in carriers with type 2 diabetes, and larger adipocytes in subcutaneous fat in the size distribution in carrier women with normal weight.

Successful Multimodal Treatment of an IGF2-Producing Solitary Fibrous Tumor With Acromegaloid Changes and Hypoglycemia

Doege–Potter syndrome with acromegaloid facial changes is extremely rare. Uncooked cornstarch along with glucocorticoids have been used as supportive care in patients with non–islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH). Preoperative embolization of hepatic solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) with NICTH has yielded unsatisfactory results. Herein we present the case of a 61-year-old man with a 3-month history of severe frequent hypoglycemic episodes and acromegaloid facial changes. During a spontaneous hypoglycemia (26 mg/dL), laboratory values showed a hypoinsulinemic pattern with low levels of GH, IGFPB3, and an IGF2/IGF1 ratio of 8.5:1. Cross-sectional imaging revealed a large (16 × 13 × 11 cm) hepatic tumor, and cytology was consistent with SFT. A preoperative right portal embolization was performed in an effort to induce normal remnant liver hypertrophy to allow for safe tumor resection. After the procedure, uncooked starch treatment followed by prednisone was started, achieving complete remission of hypoglycemic episodes in the preoperative setting. He subsequently underwent partial hepatectomy. The histologic diagnosis was compatible with a potentially malignant SFT. The patient had an excellent outcome with complete remission of hypoglycemia, improvement of facial acromegaloid changes, and no further evidence of disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient with Doege–Potter syndrome with acromegaloid facial changes induced by a potentially malignant liver SFT, treated successfully with a multimodal approach consisting of uncooked cornstarch, low-dose prednisone, preoperative embolization, and complete surgical resection. The use of cornstarch and low-dose glucocorticoids may be an adequate treatment in advance of undergoing surgery.

Empowerment of patients with type 2 diabetes: current perspectives

Patient empowerment is a continuous process in which knowledge, motivation, and capacity to take control of their disease are built within a person. This concept is not always well understood and applied. This review describes the strategies to induce empowerment in patients with diabetes. In addition, the most common scales used to evaluate empowerment in diabetes is described. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the empowerment-based interventions for improving metabolic control and diabetes knowledge are described. Finally, we discuss opportunities for empowerment implementation in clinical practice and current needs on research that can be translated into public policies.

Factors Associated with Insulin Nonadherence in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Mexico

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Lack of adherence to insulin therapy is common among patients with type 1 diabetes. Factors associated with insulin omission in adult persons with type 1 diabetes in Latin America have not been studied in detail. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To investigate factors associated with insulin nonadherence including the presence of psychological disorders (disordered eating behaviors and depression) in adult patients with type 1 diabetes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Cross-sectional study including 104 consecutive adults (≥18 years old) attending a tertiary care center in Mexico City. Adherence to insulin therapy was measured with a specific item in a questionnaire. Sociodemographic data and factors related to insulin omission, including validated questionnaires to evaluate disordered eating behavior and depression, were collected and compared between the nonadherent and adherent groups with parametric or nonparametric statistical tests, as appropriate. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We classified 51 (49.1%) patients as nonadherent and 53 (50.9%) as adherent. Adherent subjects reported that they planned their activities around insulin application more often than the nonadherent subjects did (43.4 vs. 23.5%, <i>p</i> = 0.032). In a logistic regression model, fear of hypoglycemia (OR = 11.39) and economic reasons (OR = 6.02) were independently associated with insulin adherence. Presence of disordered eating behavior was identified in 14.4% of subjects, the majority belonging to the nonadherent group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Only 50% of the patients with type 1 diabetes were adherent. The principal factors associated with nonadherence were economic reasons and fear of hypoglycemia.

Sucralose decreases insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Recently, the absence of metabolic effects from nonnutritive sweeteners has been questioned.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sucralose consumption on glucose metabolism variables.

Design

We performed a randomized controlled trial involving healthy subjects without comorbidities and with a low habitual consumption of nonnutritive sweeteners (n = 33/group).

Methods

The intervention consisted of sucralose consumption as 15% of Acceptable Daily Intake every day for 14 d using commercial sachets. The control group followed the same procedures without any intervention. The glucose metabolism variables (insulin sensitivity, acute insulin response to glucose, disposition index, and glucose effectiveness) were evaluated by using a 3-h modified intravenous-glucose-tolerance test before and after the intervention period.

Results

Individuals assigned to sucralose consumption showed a significant decrease in insulin sensitivity with a median (IQR) percentage change of -17.7% (-29.3% to -1.0%) in comparison to -2.8% (-30.7% to 40.6%) in the control group (P= 0.04). An increased acute insulin response to glucose from 577 mU · L-1· min (350-1040 mU · L-1· min) to 671 mU · L-1· min (376-1010 mU · L-1· min) (P = 0.04) was observed in the sucralose group for participants with adequate adherence.

Conclusions

Sucralose may have effects on glucose metabolism, and our study complements findings previously reported in other trials. Further studies are needed to confirm the decrease in insulin sensitivity and to explore the mechanisms for these metabolic alterations. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02589002.

METS-IR, a novel score to evaluate insulin sensitivity, is predictive of visceral adiposity and incident type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We developed a novel non-insulin-based fasting score to evaluate insulin sensitivity validated against the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC). We also evaluated its correlation with ectopic fact accumulation and its capacity to predict incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

DESIGN AND METHODS

The discovery sample was composed by 125 subjects (57 without and 68 with T2D) that underwent an EHC. We defined METS-IR as Ln((2*G₀)+TG₀)*BMI)/(Ln(HDL-c)) (G₀: fasting glucose, TG₀: fasting triglycerides, BMI: body mass index, HDL-c: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and compared its diagnostic performance against the M-value adjusted by fat-free mass (MFFM) obtained by an EHC. METS-IR was validated in a sample with EHC data, a sample with modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) data and a large cohort against HOMA-IR. We evaluated the correlation of the score with intrahepatic and intrapancreatic fat measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Subsequently, we evaluated its ability to predict incident T2D cases in a prospective validation cohort of 6144 subjects.

RESULTS

METS-IR demonstrated the better correlation with the MFFM (ρ = -0.622, P < 0.001) and diagnostic performance to detect impaired insulin sensitivity compared to both EHC (AUC: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.78-0.90) and the SI index obtained from the FSIVGTT (AUC: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53-0.81). METS-IR significantly correlated with intravisceral, intrahepatic and intrapancreatic fat and fasting insulin levels (P < 0.001). After a two-year follow-up, subjects with METS-IR in the highest quartile (>50.39) had the highest adjusted risk to develop T2D (HR: 3.91, 95% CI: 2.25-6.81). Furthermore, subjects with incident T2D had higher baseline METS-IR compared to healthy controls (50.2 ± 10.2 vs 44.7 ± 9.2, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

METS-IR is a novel score to evaluate cardiometabolic risk in healthy and at-risk subjects and a promising tool for screening of insulin sensitivity.

Percutaneous muscle biopsy-induced tissue injury causes local endoplasmic reticulum stress

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is likely involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction in people with obesity and diabetes. Although tissue biopsy is often used to evaluate the presence and severity of ER stress, it is not known whether acute tissue injury‐induced by percutaneous muscle biopsy causes ER stress and its potential downstream effects on markers of inflammation and metabolic function. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that percutaneous biopsy‐induced tissue injury causes ER stress and alters inflammatory and metabolic pathways in skeletal muscle. Vastus lateralis muscle tissue was obtained by percutaneous biopsy at 0600 h and 12 h later from either the contralateral leg (Group 1, n = 6) or at the same site as the initial biopsy (Group 2, n = 6) in women who were overweight. Muscle gene expression of selected markers of ER stress, inflammation, and regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism were determined. Compared with Group 1, muscle gene expression in the second biopsy sample obtained in Group 2 demonstrated marked increases in markers of ER stress (GRP78, XBP1, ATF6) and inflammation (IL6, TNF), and alterations in metabolic regulators (decreased expression of GLUT4 and PPARGC1A and increased expression of FASN). Our results suggest that acute tissue injury induced by percutaneous muscle biopsy causes an integrated local response that involves an induction of ER stress and alterations in markers of inflammation and regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism.

Diurnal Variation in PDK4 Expression Is Associated With Plasma Free Fatty Acid Availability in People

CONTEXT

Many biological pathways involved in regulating substrate metabolism display rhythmic oscillation patterns. In rodents, clock genes regulate circadian rhythms of metabolic genes and substrate metabolism. However, the interrelationships among substrate metabolism, metabolic genes, and clock genes have not been fully explored in people.

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that the diurnal expression pattern of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), a key metabolic enzyme involved in fuel switching between glucose and free fatty acids (FFAs), is associated with plasma FFA concentration and clock genes.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), subcutaneous adipose tissue, and plasma samples obtained serially during 24 hours from metabolically healthy women (n = 10) and evaluated the interrelationships among PDK4, plasma FFA, and clock genes. We also determined the potential mechanisms responsible for PDK4 transcriptional regulation by using primary human PBMCs and adipocytes.

RESULTS

We found that PDK4 diurnal expression patterns were similar in PBMCs and adipose tissue (ρ = 0.84, P < 0.001). The diurnal variation in PBMC PDK4 expression correlated more strongly with plasma FFA and insulin (ρ = 0.86 and 0.63, respectively, both P < 0.001) concentrations than clock genes. Data obtained from primary culture experiments demonstrated that FFAs directly induced PDK4 gene expression, at least in part through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that plasma FFA availability is an important regulator of diurnal expression patterns of PDK4, and we identify a novel interaction between plasma FFA and cellular diurnal rhythms in regulating substrate metabolism.

Insulin Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes in Mexico: Behaviors and Barriers

OBJECTIVE

To investigate factors associated with insulin adherence in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) attending a tertiary care centre in Mexico City.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study, including 200 patients. Adherence to insulin therapy was measured with a medication adherence questionnaire. Sociodemographic data and factors related to insulin omission were collected and compared between the nonadherent and adherent groups.

RESULTS

We categorized 117 (58.5%) patients as nonadherent and 83 (41.5%) as adherent. Among the adherent, only 22 patients (11%) had excellent adherence to insulin therapy. The following factors were associated with nonadherence: lack of planning of daily activities (46.1%), fear of hypoglycemia (41%), economic factors (15.4%), and number of insulin applications (2.31 versus 1.76 applications per day).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients with type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary care referral centre showed inadequate adherence to insulin therapy. The principal factors associated with insulin omission were low socioeconomic status, fear of hypoglycemia, and a greater number of insulin applications per day.

Impact of anthropometric cut-off values in determining the prevalence of metabolic alterations

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide in parallel with associated metabolic disturbances such as diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to underscore discrepancies in the standard anthropometric cut-off values and the presence of metabolic disturbances including diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease caused by biological and ethnic variations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a literature review regarding the diagnosis and prevalence of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and about the different available indicators to define obesity.

RESULTS

There is an ongoing epidemic of these chronic diseases, partially attributed to the increased prevalence of obesity. The available markers to indicate adiposity are imperfect, and the selection of accurate cut-off points is still not clear.

CONCLUSION

Methods to quantify adiposity that are useful in clinical practice should be developed to better classify individuals and to reflect metabolic risk more appropriately.

Effects of the Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on Glucose Metabolism and Appetite Regulating Hormones: Systematic Review of Observational Prospective Studies and Clinical Trials

Background

The effects of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) on glucose metabolism and appetite regulating hormones are not clear. There is an ongoing debate concerning NNS use and deleterious changes in metabolism.

Objectives

The aim of this review is to analyze the scientific available evidence regarding the effects of NNS on glucose metabolism and appetite regulating hormones.

Data Sources and Study Eligibility Criteria

We identified human observational studies evaluating the relation between NNS consumption and obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, in addition to clinical trials evaluating the effects of NNS in glucose metabolism and appetite regulating hormones.

Results

Fourteen observational studies evaluating the association between NNS consumption and the development of metabolic diseases and twenty-eight clinical trials studying the effects of NNS on metabolism were included. Finally, two meta-analyses evaluating the association between the consumption of NNS-containing beverages and the development of type 2 diabetes were identified.

Conclusions

Some observational studies suggest an association between NNS consumption and development of metabolic diseases; however, adiposity is a confounder frequently found in observational studies. The effects of the NNS on glucose metabolism are not clear. The results of the identified clinical trials are contradictory and are not comparable because of the major existing differences between them. Studies evaluating specific NNS, with an adequate sample size, including a homogeneous study group, identifying significant comorbidities, with an appropriate control group, with an appropriate exposure time, and considering adjustment for confounder variables such as adiposity are needed.

The role of bariatric surgery in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Current treatment of NAFLD is based on weight reduction. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and its associated metabolic comorbidities. There is evidence indicating that bariatric surgery improves histological and biochemical parameters of NAFLD, but currently is not considered a treatment option for NAFLD. The aim of this work is to review the evidence for the effects of bariatric surgery on NAFLD and the MetS. We found that insulin resistance, alterations in glucose metabolism, hypertension, plasma lipids, transaminases, liver steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis improve after bariatric surgery. Weight loss and improvement of NAFLD are greater after RYGB than after other interventions. These findings were obtained from retrospective or cohort studies. There are no studies designed to evaluate liver-specific mortality, liver transplantation, or quality of life. Patients with indications for bariatric surgery will benefit from the improvements in the MetS and NAFLD.

Topical Administration of Pirfenidone Increases Healing of Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Crossover Study

Only 30 percent of chronic diabetic foot ulcers heal after 20 weeks of standard treatment. Pirfenidone is a drug with biological, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical pirfenidone added to conventional treatment in noninfected chronic diabetic foot ulcers. This was a randomized crossover study. Group 1 received topical pirfenidone plus conventional treatment for 8 weeks; after this period, they were switched to receive conventional treatment only for 8 more weeks. In group 2, the order of the treatments was the opposite. The end points were complete ulcer healing and size reduction. Final data were obtained from 35 ulcers in 24 patients. Fifty-two percent of ulcers treated with pirfenidone healed before 8 weeks versus 14.3% treated with conventional treatment only (P = 0.025). Between 8 and 16 weeks, 30.8% ulcers that received pirfenidone healed versus 0% with conventional treatment (P = 0.081). By week 8, the reduction in ulcer size was 100% [73-100] with pirfenidone versus 57.5% with conventional treatment [28.9-74] (P = 0.011). By week 16, the reduction was 93% [42.7-100] with pirfenidone and 21.8% [8-77.5] with conventional treatment (P = 0.050). The addition of topical pirfenidone to conventional treatment significantly improves the healing of chronic diabetic noninfected foot ulcers.

Metabolic Features of Alcoholic Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) can be defined as the hepatic manifestations caused by excessive alcohol intake. ALD comprises a spectrum from simple steatosis to cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE

To review diverse clinical and metabolic characteristics and their impact in ALD.

CONCLUSION

The concurrence of metabolic alterations, including obesity and diabetes, and alcohol consumption increase the risk of liver injury and also the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic liver disease.

Common features of the metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important cause of chronic liver disease; including simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The metabolic syndrome (MS) is the existence of metabolic alterations that confer an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. NAFLD and MS frequently coexist and 90% of NAFLD patients have more than one manifestation of the MS. In addition, both entities are related to other comorbid conditions. Scientific advances in the understanding of the association between NAFLD and the MS have identified insulin resistance as a key aspect in the pathophysiology of both diseases. Knowledge gained from these advances can be applied clinically in the management and prevention of NAFLD, the MS, and associated metabolic alterations. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with NAFLD and the MS, therefore adequate diagnosis and effective treatment are critical. This review analyzes current evidence of the association between NAFLD and the MS. The growing prevalence of both entities is highlighted. Next, the common mechanisms leading to insulin resistance are discussed. Manifestations and diagnosis of the MS and NAFLD are reviewed, pointing out the associated comorbid conditions shared by both diseases. Finally, a brief overview regarding NAFLD treatment is presented.