Category Archives: Diabetes

Diabetes means that the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes effectively. This leads to a buildup of glucose in the blood and can lead to serious health issues.

Approximately 34.2 million adults in the United States have diabetes, according to the CDC.

Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States and the No. 1 cause of adult blindness, kidney failure, and lower-limb amputations. Unfortunately, the number of adults who have received a diagnosis of diabetes has more than doubled in the past 20 years.1

There are 3 main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and gestational diabetes.

T1D is most common in children, adolescents, and young adults. T1D is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction in the pancreas, and it usually develops quickly. This type of diabetes cannot be prevented and requires lifelong insulin therapy.1

T2D results when the body does not use insulin effectively. This is usually found in adults and develops over many years. Approximately 90% to 95% of individuals who receive a diagnosis of diabetes have T2, which can be delayed or prevented with healthy lifestyle changes.1

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in patients who have never had diabetes before. This usually subsides after pregnancy, but it increases the risk for T2D later in life in both the child and the mother.1

During the development of T2D, there is a syndrome called prediabetes when the blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as T2D. If lifestyle changes do not take place, the development of T2D is imminent.1

Diabetes Signs and Symptoms

Prediabetes very often does not have signs or symptoms. Their absence often causes prediabetes to go undetected until serious health problems, such as T2D, occur. Some individuals with prediabetes, however, experience blurred vision, excess hunger, fatigue, frequent urination, and increased thirst.2,3 Another possible sign of prediabetes is the darkening of skin in certain areas, including the armpits, elbows, knees, knuckles, and neck.4

T1D signs and symptoms can appear suddenly and are often subtle but can become severe. These include the following5-7:

Bedwetting: An increased need to urinate can cause bedwetting in a child who has been dry at night.

Blurry vision: High blood glucose levels affect the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, causing fluid to seep into the lens of the eye.

Dry mouth: High blood glucose levels tend to decrease saliva flow.

Extreme thirst: This is tied to high blood glucose levels and exacerbated by frequent urination.

Fatigue: The body feels as if it does not have enough energy due to improper insulin activity.

Frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract, or vagina: High blood glucose levels cause white blood cells to have difficulty traveling. This lowers the bodys ability to fight off infections.

Irritability and mood changes: Fluctuations in blood glucose levels can wreak havoc with moods.

Polyphagia or increased hunger: This is especially pronounced after eating. Because the body cannot absorb glucose, it is constantly looking for more fuel.

Polyuria or frequent urination: When kidneys cannot process the high amount of glucose, they allow some glucose to go into the urine, causing a higher volume of urine.

Unexplained weight loss: The blood excretes extra glucose into the urine, causing weight loss even though the patient is eating more.

Upset stomach and vomiting: Nerve damage may prevent the body from moving food from the stomach to the intestines in an efficient manner. Food can then build up in the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting.

Signs of an emergency that may require immediate medical attention include abdominal pain, breath that smells fruity, confusion, loss of consciousness, rapid breathing, and shaking.6

T2D has signs and symptoms similar to those of T1D with a few important differences, including:

Slow-healing sores: Blood glucose can build up on the inside of arteries, causing them to narrow. This can restrict the amount of nutrients and oxygen being delivered to help repair damage.7

Neuropathy: The nerves are starved for nutrients and oxygen, causing nerve damage. This can be an extremely painful condition. There are 4 types of neuropathies associated with diabetes: autonomic neuropathy affecting the internal organs, such as the eyes or heart; focal neuropathy affecting a single nerve, such as those in the hands, head, legs, or torso; peripheral neuropathy, affecting the feet and legs and sometimes the arms and hands; and proximal neuropathy, which is very rare, affecting the buttocks, hips, or thighs.8

Most pregnant women do not experience signs or symptoms of gestational diabetes. The only way to know is if a patient has the condition is to perform a blood glucose test, typically given at 24 to 28 weeks gestation. However, some women may have dry mouth, fatigue, and increased thirst.9

Pharmacists can be on the lookout by evaluating the questions patients ask, reviewing medication histories, and doing a visual assessment. Pharmacists can also remind patients to get annual physicals that include laboratory work for glycated hemoglobin A1c. Signs and symptoms may go unnoticed until a serious condition develops, but pharmacists can do their part to help the growing incidence of diabetes.

Pharmacists can also promote eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise, as well as recommend weight-loss regimens that have been proven to decrease the risk of developing T2D, such as the Mediterranean or Paleolithic diets.

Kathleen Kenny, PharmD, RPh, has more than 25 years of experience as a community pharmacist and is a freelance clinical medical writer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

REFERENCES

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Recognizing the Signs of Diabetes Can Save Lives - Pharmacy Times

With this new method, patients with diabetes will avoid the pain of current blood tests. In addition, this technology could be used to measure at least 130 indicators of the organism.

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July19, 20213 min read

Currently, people living with diabetes must prick their finger with a lancet once or several times a day to measure blood glucose , but this is about to change. Researchers at the University of Newcastle in Australia developed the first saliva test to measure sugar levels in diabetic patients , which could be available to the general public in 2023.

Research leader Paul Dastoor detailed in a statement that "the world's first painless diabetes test" uses a natural enzyme called glucose oxidase, as well as a powerful sensor that detects glucose in saliva.

The reaction produced by the interaction of the organic compound and saliva generates a weak electrical current that is perceptible to the sensor. When measured, the captured signals accurately reveal glucose levels. Users will be able to store the data and share it through a smartphone app.

It should be noted that glucose concentrations in saliva are 100 times lower than those found in blood. Hence the complexity of creating a device capable of perceiving this particular marker.

To make matters worse, the researchers say their technology could be used to measure at least 130 other indicators of the body . For example, tumor, hormonal and allergen markers, "which means that it will be widely applicable to detect a variety of substances that identify a number of diseases," they note. In fact, scientists are already collaborating with Harvard University to develop a non-invasive test for Covid-19 .

Another interesting fact is that these powerful and delicate biosensors are about the size of a stick of gum. For now they are produced on a small scale at the university with the help of an old wine label printer, modified to produce electronic or 'functional' devices.

The project already has state financing of about 4.6 million dollars, part of which will be used for the construction of the first factory of the device, which will begin in the coming months. It is estimated that the first commercial batch of saliva tests for diabetes will be ready in the year 2023 , something that could benefit about 460 million diabetic patients in the world.

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The first saliva test to measure glucose levels in people with diabetes will be available in 2023 - Entrepreneur

EDINBURG, Texas (KVEO) South Texas has a high rate of obesity and Type 2 diabetes within the United States.

Dr. Srinivas Mummidi and Dr. Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga were two of the many local health officials that worked in a recent study showing a rise in Type 2 diabetes for people living with HIV in Rio Grande Valley.

The research on HIV and Type 2 diabetes was conducted using data from over 1,800 registries.

Dr. Mummidi said there was an interest in knowing whether diabetes was at higher risk for those with HIV but said it is important to know that the relation between the two is not a surprise.

The connection for HIV and diabetes has been known for a while because the earlier regimens that were being used actually caused a lot of metabolic problems, he said.

Dr. Mummidi said more research needs to be done to better understand the correlation.

According to Dr. Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga, understanding ones genetics is important in order for everyone to maintain good health.

However, it is strongly encouraged for Hispanics to be careful with food choices because of high metabolic issues.

Dr. Lopez-Alvarenga said educating ourselves about our family genetics should be a priority to help prevent any health risks.

Its important for the youngest to know about their parents and to know to prepare

Lopez-Alvarenga expressed that if one takes the necessary precautions, it will help bring down high rates and lead people towards a healthier life.

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Health officials further examine correlation between HIV and diabetes - KGBT-TV

July 16, 2021

If you have diabetes, even a minor cut or scrape can turn into a serious problem. Heres how to treat a wound properly to protect your health.

For most people, a nick or a scrape is no big deal. But for someone with diabetes, even a minor cut or scrape can turn into a very serious problem if not treated properly.

Diabetes impacts white blood cell function, which obstructs the bodys ability to fight bacteria and close wounds, says Asaad H. Samra, M.D., director of the Center for Wound Healing at Bayshore Medical Center. In addition, people with uncontrolled diabetes may develop poor circulation, making it difficult for the body to deliver nutrients to injured areas, which hinders the healing process.

Thats why its crucial for people with diabetes to correctly treat any wound, no matter how minor it seems. Heres some advice from Dr. Samra:

Wash the wound thoroughly. Use an antibacterial soap and warm water to clean out the wound. Then pat dry with a clean cloth and apply over-the-counter antibacterial ointment.

Cover the wound. Use a bandage to keep the wound clean, moist and protected. Its now considered old, inaccurate information to let a wound dry out, says Dr Samra.

Redress it daily. Take off the bandage and make sure nothing has significantly changed since the last time you saw the wound. Use soap and water to wash away the old ointment, then pat dry and apply a fresh coat. If, after a few days, you feel the wound is healing well, you can stretch the redressing to every other day.

Inspect it every time you change the bandage. If you dont see improvement over the course of a week, or if any redness or foul smell develops, call your doctor. Also contact your doctor if the wound fails to heal within four to six weeks.

Check your feet daily. Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, which limits sensation in the extremities. So someone with diabetes could have an injury on their foot and not even know it, says Dr. Samra. This, plus poor blood flow, puts you at risk for developing an infection from a foot sore. Be on the lookout for any cuts, sores, blisters, swelling or any changes to the skin or nails. Dont forget to check the bottom of your feet (use a mirror). And never go barefoot, even inside your house.

Next Steps & Resources:

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

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How Diabetics Should Treat Cuts and Scrapes - Diabetes, Health Topics - Hackensack Meridian Health

Guidelines from the CDC, American Diabetes Association, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend providers offer women with diabetes or hypertension pre-pregnancy health counseling to mitigate the increased maternal and infant risk associated with both conditions. However, not much is known about how many women actually receive this important counseling.

Pre-pregnancy counseling is counseling a woman receives from their health care provider in one or many visitscounseling can cover a variety of topics. For women with diseases like diabetes or hypertension, these counseling sessions can offer the information a woman needs to care for herself and any future children before pregnancy or even before conception.

Through PRAMS, the CDC asks women to provide responses a year after birth to see if they received one or all of four types of pre-pregnancy counseling: counseling on folic acid, too much of which can cause neural defects in infants; a discussion on whether a woman desired to get pregnant; birth control counseling; and how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. The study revealed that less than half the women reported receiving the recommended pre-pregnancy counseling. This shows a lack of care for women with these conditions and a need for evidence-based and patient-centered models of pre-pregnancy counseling for those with diabetes and hypertension, according to the study.

Previous studies have found that womenregardless of whether they have diabetes or hypertensionare less likely to know about their care and risk before or during pregnancy, regardless of age, race, whether they had been pregnant before. Black and Latina women of reproductive age are particularly impacted by diabetes and hypertension. The studys data found that of the women surveyed, 18.51% non-Hispanic Black women had diabetes alone, 33.7% had hypertension alone, and 12.11% had both hypertension and diabetes. Of those Hispanic women surveyed, 29.23% of women had diabetes alone, 16.16% had hypertension alone, and 13.2% had both hypertension and diabetes.

The model used by physicians for pre-pregnancy counseling depends, according to Marshall, on how physicians are given options for patient-centered care.

Marshall hopes to expand her research to include the development of a decision-support tool that would allow patients to determine what they need from their physician before their visit. She is also looking to expand her study to include women who may have experienced stillbirths or deliveries other than live birth, a cross section of women missing from the dataset used in the paper.

Im an interventionist which means Im always trying to get to a point where we can develop, implement and evaluate methods that can improve healthcare delivery. So given my interest, its helpful to see where things are now, says Marshall.

Study co-authors included Berkeley Public Healths Zille Huma, MPH, MBBS, and Julianna Deardorff, PhD, and Laura E. Britton, PhD, RN, of Columbia University School of Nursing.

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Women with diabetes and hypertension don't receive recommended pre-pregnancy counseling - UC Berkeley Public Health - UC Berkeley School of Public...

If youre preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 3 exam, you might want to know which questions are most often missed by test-prep takers. Check out this example from Kaplan Medical, and read an expert explanation of the answer. Also check outall posts in this series.

The AMA selected Kaplan as a preferred provider to support you in reaching your goal of passing the USMLE or COMLEX-USA.AMA members can save 30% on access to additional study resources, such as Kaplans Qbank and High-yield courses. Learn more.

This months stumper

A 69-year-old woman with a 15-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with shortness of breath for two hours. There is no chest pain, diaphoresis, dizziness, or nausea. Past medical history is significant for diabetic foot ulcers. She has been postmenopausal for the past 18 years. Her blood pressure is 125/80 mm Hg, pulse is 70 beats per minute, and respirations are 15 breaths a minute.

On physical examination, there is a third heart sound present, but the rate and rhythm are normal. There are rales at the bilateral lung bases, but there is no wheezing or rhonchi. A chest radiograph reveals a normal mediastinum and a fine interstitial infiltrate with pleural effusions. The next step in evaluating this patient is to:

A. Order a complete blood count.

B. Order an echocardiogram.

C. Order an electrocardiogram.

D. Perform a stress treadmill test.

E. Send her for pulmonary function tests.

The correct answer is C.

Kaplan Medical explains why

Patients with diabetes are prone to silent ischemiathat is myocardial infarction without chest pain due to neuropathy. Furthermore, some postmenopausal women who are not on hormone replacement therapy are at a higher risk of cardiac disease in comparison to women who take hormones.

A 2007 study showed women receiving estrogen alone hormone-replacement therapy resulted in fewer events related to coronary heart disease (CHD) if initiated between the ages of 50 and 59 years or within 10 years after menopause. An electrocardiogram is the most important initial test for myocardial infarction. Cardiac enzymes (creatinine kinase, troponin) must also be obtained serially to rule out myocardial infarction.

Why the other answers are wrong

Choice A: This patient has no evidence of pneumonia on the chest radiograph. The patient's presentation is not consistent with pneumonia. Acute onset of shortness of breath is not consistent with pneumonia. A complete blood count would be routinely ordered in the work up of ischemia, however.

Choice B: An echocardiogram is necessary for the work up of congestive heart failure, but it is of limited use in evaluating cardiac ischemia. This test may be necessary if an acute myocardial infarction is ruled out.

Choice D: A stress or exercise treadmill test may be necessary to work up cardiac ischemia once an acute myocardial infarction is ruled out.

Choice E: A pulmonary function test will probably be necessary in the future if no cardiac ischemia is detected, and interstitial lung disease is suspected. This test may be necessary to work up cardiac ischemia once an acute myocardial infarction is ruled out.

For more prep questions on USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3, viewother posts in this series.

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Kaplan USMLE Step 3 prep: Shortness of breath in woman with diabetes - American Medical Association

The FDA has approved finerenone for the treatment of adult patients with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes.

The FDA has approved finerenone (Kerendia, Bayer) for the treatment of adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Finerenone is a first-in-class nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) indicated to reduce the risk of sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate decline, kidney failure, cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and hospitalization for heart failure. It is also the first and only nonsteroidal MRA that has been approved for use in this patient population.

The FDA approval was based on the results from the phase 3 FIDELIO-DKD trial, which demonstrated positive kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD associated with T2D. The approval also follows the previously granted priority review designation by the FDA.

The patient population included in the trial that supported the approval of Kerendia were at risk of chronic kidney disease progression despite receiving standard of care treatment to control blood pressure and blood glucose, said lead study investigator George Bakris, MD, University of Chicago, in a press release. In people with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes, physicians now have a new treatment to provide kidney protection.

Currently, many patients with CKD associated with T2D are at risk for CKD progression and the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Known to be a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease, T2D can cause patients to need dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to stay alive. Additionally, Black and Hispanic American patients have been found to have increased rates of kidney failure in comparison to white patients.

Chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes can have such a debilitating impact on patients lives. Unfortunately, this disease is far reaching, as up to 40% of all patients with type 2 diabetes develop chronic kidney disease, said kidney transplant patient Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation, in the press release. It is important for physicians and patients to have new treatment options that can slow chronic kidney disease progression.

Finerenone has been found to be successful in this patient population because of its ability to block the overactivation of the mineralocorticoid receptor, which is thought to contribute to fibrosis and inflammation. If fibrosis and inflammation occurs, these issues can lead to permanent kidney damage.

Kerendia is the first and only nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist proven to significantly slow chronic kidney disease progression and reduce cardiovascular risk in people with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes, said Amit Sharma, MD, vice president of cardiovascular and renal, Bayer US Medical Affairs, in the press release. We are excited to bring this new kidney-focused treatment to people living with this condition.

Currently, finerenone is planned to be available in the United States at the end of July 2021. Additionally, finerenone has been submitted by Bayer for marketing authorization in the European Union.

REFERENCE

Bayers KERENDIA (finerenone) Receives U.S. FDA Approval for Treatment of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Associated with Type 2 Diabetes. Whippany, NJ: Bayer; July 10, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005441/en. Accessed July 20, 2021.

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Finerenone Receives FDA Approval for Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease Associated with Type 2 Diabetes - Pharmacy Times

Diabetes is at record levels in the U.S.nearly 34 million Americans, or 10.5% of the population, is affected. The condition occurs when the body is unable to adequately process blood sugar. That can damage blood vessels throughout the body, potentially leading to heart disease, stroke, blindness, and amputation. But diabetes generally doesn't develop overnight. Little things you do regularly, without thinking, may be seriously raising your risk. Here is what doctors who treat diabetes say are the everyday habits that lead to diabetes. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You Have "Long" COVID and May Not Even Know It.

"One of the common unhealthy habits is having soda to quench your thirst, when what you need is water," says Thomas Horowitz, DO, a family medicine specialist at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles. "The sugar content of items commonly consumed can be very higha Super Gulp soft drink consists of a handful of sugar; a can of soda or a sweet cereal is far more that your body may be able to handle." Kathleen Wyne, MD, Ph.D., an endocrinologist who treats patients with diabetes at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, agrees: "For many people, stopping sugared soda leads to rapid 20-pound weight loss."

"Diabetes is when your body cannot provide enough insulin to allow glucose (sugar) into the hungry cells of your body," says Horowitz. "The best way to avoid it is to be on a diet that does not task your insulin supply." He recommends choosing foods that break down slowly or have limited sugarfor example, protein, whole grains and vegetables instead of refined grains or sweets."

A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for diabetes. The good news: "Any activity can improve insulin sensitivity and slow the progression to diabetes," says Wyne. Her suggestions to sneak some extra walking into your day: Park at the back of parking lots instead of the front; wake up early to go for a stroll instead of sleeping in; take a walk instead of eating dessert; or get a dog that needs to be walked a few times a day.

Wyne offers these tips to avoid the overeating that can lead to diabetes and other health problems:

Even if you're exercising regularly, long periods of sitting can create metabolic changes which increase blood sugar, weaken muscles and imperil your heart health, says Sarah Rettinger, MD, an endocrinologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. She recommends setting a timer reminding you to get up and move every hour for at least five to ten minutes. "If you can't take a short walk outside, walk up and down stairs, take a few laps around the house or apartment, do a few jumping jacksanything to get your heart rate up a bit, or to make you a little out of breath," says Rettinger. "Over the course of a day, these mini-breaks really add up."

"Everyone knows he or she has to eat healthfully. I would add that eating mindfully can be helpful," says Rettinger. "If you find yourself standing near the fridge over-eating, take a pause and ask, 'Why am I eating? Am I hungry? Or am I bored, stressed or do I need soothing?' Some patients find it helpful to limit themselves to eating only at mealtimes or before a specific time of night." In Rettinger's home, the kitchen is closed after 8 pm.

RELATED: 7 Signs You've Got a "Deadly" Blood Clot Inside You

"Have 'scaffolding'make sure that everyone in your household is on the same page about your health," says Rettinger. "It's hard enough to eat healthfully sometimes. You don't want a family member bringing in doughnuts or making late-night ice-cream runs. It's easier to stick with healthy habits when others around you are as well." Likewise, if you're confused, struggling or frustrated about how to stick to a healthy lifestyle, ask your healthcare provider for help. And to get through life at your healthiest, don't miss these 13 Everyday Habits That Are Secretly Killing You.

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7 Ways You Can Give Yourself Diabetes, Doctors Say | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

July 20 (UPI) -- Using wearable fitness trackers boosts physical activity levels in adults who are overweight and those with diabetes and heart disease, according to an analysis published Tuesday by JAMA Network Open.

In the review of data from 34 clinical studies that collectively included nearly 3,800 participants, these devices, which include step counters and accelerometers that record movement, boosted physical activity levels by about 70%, the data showed.

With step counters, or pedometers, this translated into an additional 1,900 steps per day over the course of a roughly 15-week period, the researchers said.

Still, even with improvements seen in those using the devices, which were more pronounced with step counters, study subjects' physical activity levels remained lower than recommended.

"In this study, interventions of the use of wearable activity trackers and in particular pedometers were associated with greater physical activity levels per day among people with cardiometabolic conditions," wrote researchers from the University of Manchester in England.

"Nevertheless, the improvements were generally lower than those recommended in the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and in other recommendations from global governments and agencies," they said.

In most of the studies included in the analysis, wearable fitness trackers were prescribed by healthcare providers as part of a self-management plan for these chronic health conditions.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or fast dancing, every week.

This type of aerobic exercise is particularly beneficial in people with diabetes and heart disease, as it can help maintain healthy blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association.

Wearable activity trackers "may empower people with cardiometabolic conditions to improve their physical activity levels," the authors of this study wrote.

Devices such as pedometers, or portable electrical trackers that count each step a person takes, and accelerometers or fitness trackers, which measure acceleration forces, "are simple, relatively affordable [and] user-friendly," they said.

The 34 studies included in this analysis assessed the role of these devices in improving physical activity in 3,793 people who were overweight and diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease or both. Study participants were between age 30 and 65.

Eight of the included studies focused specifically on wearable fitness trackers, while the remaining 26 evaluated pedometers or step counters.

Collectively, based on cumulative results from all the studies, the devices increased physical activity levels by about 70%, the data showed.

Pedometer users saw, on average, roughly 85% increases in step counts, while accelerometer users experienced 30% gains in "moderate-vigorous physical activity."

Users of these devices also had modest improvements in blood sugar and blood pressure levels as well as body weight, according to the researchers.

The findings "suggest that interventions that combine the use of monitoring devices ... with regular consultations with healthcare professionals" may have the most significant effect on physical activity improvements, the researchers wrote.

"Giving feedback and lifestyle advice to patients regularly may support the effectiveness of these interventions," they said.

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Study: Fitness trackers boost exercise in adults with diabetes, heart disease - UPI News

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes are associated with deceased quality-of-life. The combined impact of having both diseases is less well known. Melanie L. R. Wyld, MBBS, MBA, MPH, and colleagues conducted a prospective, longitudinal cohort study to measure quality-of-life in patients with both CKD and diabetes. Results were reported in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation [2021;36(6):1048-1056].

The study included community-based Australians 25 years of age who participated in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study. The physical component summary and mental component summary subscores of the Short Form (36) Health Survey were used to measure quality-of-life.

A total of 11,081 participants had quality-of-life measurements at baseline. Of those, 1112 had CKD, 1001 had diabetes, and 271 had both. Of the patients with CKD, 421 had CKD stage 1, 314 had stage 2, 346 had stage 3, and 31 had stages 4/5. Baseline physical component summary scores were lower for those with both CKD and diabetes than those with either disease alone (P<.001) in adjusted linear mixed effect models. In longitudinal analyses, there was a more rapid decline in physical component summary score in those with both diseases.

In conclusion, the researchers said, The combination of CKD and diabetes has a powerful adverse impact on quality-of-life, and participants with both diseases had significantly poorer quality-of-life than those with one condition.

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Diabetes and CKD and Quality-of-Life - DocWire News