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Effects of nitrendipine on blood pressure, renin-angiotensin-system and atrial natriuretic peptide in hypertensive type I diabetic patients.

In this study, the effects of a six week treatment with the calcium channel blocking agent nitrendipine were assessed in 20 hypertensive type I diabetic patients who received a single oral dose of 20 mg daily. Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), plasma renin activity (PRA) and active renin, aldosterone, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) and fructosamines were determined at the beginning and the end of the study. Interactions of these endocrine parameters with blood pressure behaviour were analyzed by a correlation matrix. In response to the drug treatment, the blood pressure was significantly lowered from 158.0/97.2 to 145.7/88.2 mmHg. The plasma concentrations of ANP were also significantly reduced from 106.8 to 89.7 pg/ml. There were no changes in serum aldosterone, while PRA and active renin exhibited a significant increase following the six week treatment. HbA1 and fructosamines remained unaltered. There were no significant correlations for ANP and blood pressure values, as well as for ANP and PRA or aldosterone. We did find, however, a significant correlation of the ANP values with the difference of the systolic blood pressure levels pre- and post-treatment. These data fully confirm the blood pressure lowering properties of this calcium channel blocker and its possible interference with steroidogenesis, since the effects of increased PRA on aldosterone secretion were clearly blunted. The lowering of plasma ANP levels may represent a decreased ANP secretion due to calcium channel blockade or might also be due to the natriuretic effects of nitrendipine, thus allowing ANP levels to decline as a function of lessened sodium retention.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Meta-analysis of the health effects of using the glycaemic index in meal-planning.

Diabetes mellitus and CVD are some of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Accumulating data indicate that a diet characterised by low-glycaemic index (GI) foods may improve the management of diabetes or lipid profiles. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to critically analyse the scientific evidence that low-GI diets have beneficial effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism compared with high-GI diets. We searched for randomised controlled trials with a crossover or parallel design published in English between 1981 and 2003, investigating the effect of low-GI v. high-GI diets on markers for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Unstandardised differences in mean values were examined using the random effects model. The main outcomes were fructosamine, glycated Hb (HbA1c), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol. Literature searches identified sixteen studies that met the strict inclusion criteria. Low-GI diets significantly reduced fructosamine by -0.1 (95 % CI -0.20, 0.00) mmol/l (P=0.05), HbA1c by 0.27 (95 % CI -0.5, -0.03) % (P=0.03), total cholesterol by -0.33 (95 % CI -0.47, -0.18) mmol/l (P<0.0001) and tended to reduce LDL-cholesterol in type 2 diabetic subjects by -0.15 (95 % CI -0.31, -0.00) mmol/l (P=0.06) compared with high-GI diets. No changes were observed in HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations. No substantial heterogeneity was detected, suggesting that the effects of low-GI diets in these studies were uniform. Results of the present meta-analysis support the use of the GI as a scientifically based tool to enable selection of carbohydrate-containing foods to reduce total cholesterol and to improve overall metabolic control of diabetes.

Blood Glucose↗

Prevention of renal injury after induction of ozone tolerance in rats submitted to warm ischaemia.

On the basis that ozone (O3) can upregulate cellular antioxidant enzymes, a morphological, biochemical and functional renal study was performed in rats undergoing a prolonged treatment with O3 before renal ischaemia. Rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, a medial abdominal incision was performed to expose the kidneys; (2) ischaemia, in animals undergoing a bilateral renal ischaemia (30 min), with subsequent reperfusion (3 h); (3) O3 + ischaemia, as group 2, but with previous treatment with O3 (0.5 mg/kg per day given in 2.5 ml O2) via rectal administration for 15 treatments; (4) O2 + ischaemia, as group 3, but using oxygen (O2) alone. Biochemical parameters as fructosamine level, phospholipase A, and superoxide dismutases (SOD) activities, as well as renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), were measured by means of plasma clearance of p-amino-hippurate and inulin, respectively. In comparison with groups 1 and 3, the RPF and GFR were significantly decreased in groups 2 and 4. Interestingly, renal homogenates of the latter groups yielded significantly higher values of phospholipase A activity and fructosamine level in comparison with either the control (1) and the O3 (3) treated groups. Moreover renal SOD activity showed a significant increase in group 3 without significant differences among groups 1, 2 and 4. Morphological alterations of the kidney were present in 100%, 88% and 30% of the animals in groups 2, 4 and 3, respectively. It is proposed that the O3 protective effect can be ascribed to the substantial possibility of upregulating the antioxidant defence system capable of counteracting the damaging effect of ischaemia. These findings suggest that, whenever possible, ozone preconditioning may represent a prophylactic approach for minimizing renal damage before transplantation.

Animals↗

Long-term fructose consumption accelerates glycation and several age-related variables in male rats.

Fructose intake has increased steadily during the past two decades. Fructose, like other reducing sugars, can react with proteins through the Maillard reaction (glycation), which may account for several complications of diabetes mellitus and accelerating aging. In this study, we evaluated the effect of fructose intake on some age-related variables. Rats were fed for 1 y a commercial nonpurified diet, and had free access to water or 250 g/L solutions of fructose, glucose or sucrose. Early glycation products were evaluated by blood glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine concentrations. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by urine thiobarbituric reactive substances. Skin collagen crosslinking was evaluated by solubilization in natural salt or diluted acetic acid solutions, and by the ratio between beta- and alpha-collagen chains. Advanced glycation end products were evaluated by collagen-linked fluorescence in bones. The ratio between type-III and type-I collagens served as an aging variable and was measured in denatured skin collagen. The tested sugars had no effect on plasma glucose concentrations. Blood fructose, cholesterol, fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin levels, and urine lipid peroxidation products were significantly higher in fructose-fed rats compared with the other sugar-fed and control rats. Acid-soluble collagen and the type-III to type-I ratio were significantly lower, whereas insoluble collagen, the beta to alpha ratio and collagen-bound fluorescence at 335/385 nm (excitation/emission) were significantly higher in fructose-fed rats than in the other groups. The data suggest that long-term fructose consumption induces adverse effects on aging; further studies are required to clarify the precise role of fructose in the aging process.

Aging↗

Effect of heavy drinking and alcohol withdrawal on markers of carbohydrate metabolism.

A number of biochemical markers were monitored in 38 male alcoholic patients at admittance and one week later. In patients with a drinking period of greater than 3 weeks the median fasting B-glucose decreased significantly as well as S-fructosamine concentrations. The ability of S-fructosamine to identify patients with a diabetic glucose tolerance test, expressed in terms of sensitivity and specificity, was 12 and 47%, respectively; that of HbA1c was still lower.

Adult↗

The effect of insulin treatment on function of intraportally grafted islets in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

This study examines whether a 10-week period of daily insulin injections following intraportal islet transplantation improves the metabolic state in streptozotocin-diabetic recipients of a suboptimal number of beta cells. In recipients receiving 0.5 million beta cells, insulin treatment increased the number of animals with normal basal glycemia (from 2/6 to 7/8) and normal serum fructosamine (from 1/6 to 6/8). However, during the four weeks following a 10-week insulin regimen, this beneficial effect was lost and no differences were noticed in glucose tolerance curves and hepatic insulin reserves of insulin-treated and untreated recipients. In recipients receiving 1.1 million beta cells, administration of insulin did not influence the number of animals with normal basal glycemia (7/7 in both groups) or with normal serum fructosamine (5/7 versus 4 to 6/7) during the period of treatment or during the subsequent 4 weeks; prior insulin treatment did not improve glucose tolerance curves but reduced the hepatic insulin reserves by one-third. It is concluded that insulin injections can improve the metabolic state in recipients of an insufficient islet mass but do not enhance the metabolic capacity or insulin reserves of a hepatic islet implant. The reduced hepatic insulin content in one group of insulin-treated recipients raises the possibility that supplements of insulin injections reduce the size of grafted insulin reserves.

Animals↗

Stimulation of glucose utilization and inhibition of protein glycation and AGE products by taurine.

AIM: Pathological effects of the process of non-enzymatic glycation of proteins are reflected in chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. We investigated the antiglycating effect of taurine in high fructose fed rats in vivo and the inhibiting potency of taurine in the process of in vitro glycation. Additionally, we investigated whether taurine enhances glucose utilization in the rat diaphragm. METHODS: Rats fed a high fructose diet (60% total calories) were provided 2% taurine solution for 30 days. The effects of taurine on plasma glucose, fructosamine, protein glycation and glycosylated haemoglobin in high fructose rats were determined. For in vitro glycation a mixture of 25 mm glucose and 25 mm fructose was used as glycating agent, bovine serum albumin as the model protein and taurine as the inhibitor. Incubations were carried out in a constant temperature bath at 37 degrees C for 3-30 days. Amadori products and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formed were measured. In vitro utilization of glucose was carried out in the rat diaphragm in the presence and absence of insulin in which taurine was used as an additive. RESULTS: The contents of glucose, glycated protein, glycosylated haemoglobin and fructosamine were significantly lowered by taurine treatment to high fructose rats. Taurine prevented in vitro glycation and the accumulation of AGEs. Furthermore, taurine enhanced glucose utilization in the rat diaphragm. This effect was additive to that of insulin and did not interfere with the action of insulin. CONCLUSIONS: These results underline the potential use of taurine as a therapeutic supplement for the prevention of diabetic pathology.

Animals↗

Hormonal disturbances associated with obesity in dogs.

Obesity is associated with multiple endocrine alterations and changes in the concentration of circulating hormones. However, few studies have explored such alterations in dogs with naturally acquired excess weight. In the present study, we investigated the effect of naturally acquired obesity on cortisol, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and prolactin secretion in dogs. Thirty-one overweight dogs were enrolled in the trial. Blood samples were collected before and after adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) injection. Free thyroxine (fT4), cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), IGF-1, prolactin and fructosamine were assayed. Body weight excess increased significantly with age and neutered dogs were more obese than entire ones. The ACTH stimulation test was within the normal range for 26 of 31 dogs. Prolactinaemia was increased in seven dogs and IGF-1 in six dogs. Twenty dogs had a fructosamine concentration >340 microm. Interestingly, 18 of 31 dogs showed disturbances of thyroid function based on high TSH and/or low fT4 baseline concentration, with 11 dogs showing both. According to these parameters only six of 31 dogs were free of hormonal disturbances. These results revealed the high incidence of such disturbances, especially thyroid dysfunction, in obese, but otherwise apparently healthy dogs. They demonstrate the importance of examining endocrine function during the initial evaluation of obese dogs to avoid failure of any nutritional treatment.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

A controlled study of the effect of computer-aided analysis of home blood glucose monitoring on blood glucose control.

A 6-month study of the effects on blood glucose control of computer-aided analysis of glucose self-monitoring results was performed. Eighteen clinically insulin-dependent patients were ranked in order of haemoglobin A1 and randomly allocated in consecutive pairs to either a conventional group, using diaries to record self-monitoring meter-read results, or a memory group using meters with inbuilt memories which were linked to a computer at each visit for the analysis of self-monitoring results. There was a significant decline in haemoglobin A1 (p less than 0.001) and fructosamine (p = 0.002) over the 6-month period in the whole population but there was no difference between the study groups. The absolute or percentage changes in haemoglobin A1 and fructosamine did not correlate significantly with any of the patient characteristics examined. The memory system was popular with the patients. At present no benefit in terms of blood glucose control from such systems has been demonstrated.

Adult↗

The effects of dexfenfluramine on blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Dexfenfluramine has been shown to promote weight loss in overweight people. The present double-blind study was designed to test whether the addition of dexfenfluramine to conventional oral hypoglycaemic treatment would promote weight loss and improve blood glucose control in overweight patients with Type 2 diabetes. The 34 patients studied were randomly assigned to dexfenfluramine or placebo therapy which was added for 12 weeks to their existing treatment regimens of metformin with or without a sulphonylurea. Dexfenfluramine treatment was associated with a significant reduction in weight (98.7 +/- 5.0 (+/- SE) vs 94.9 +/- 5.2 kg; p less than 0.001), BMI (35.0 +/- 1.2 vs 33.6 +/- 1.9 kg m-2; p less than 0.001), HbA1c (7.5 +/- 0.3 vs 6.3 +/- 0.2%; p less than 0.001), fructosamine (313.9 +/- 17.6 vs 274.3 +/- 10.4 mumol l-1; p less than 0.01), systolic (137 +/- 5 vs 128 +/- 6 mmHg; p less than 0.05), and diastolic blood pressure (85 +/- 2 vs 73 +/- 3 mmHg; p less than 0.001). At the end of the study period, the dexfenfluramine treated group had a significantly lower HbA1c (6.3 +/- 0.2 vs 7.2 +/- 0.4; p less than 0.05), fructosamine level (274.3 +/- 10.4 vs 313.3 +/- 16.1 mumol l-1; p less than 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (73 +/- 3 vs 81 +/- 3 mmHg; p less than 0.03) when compared with the placebo group. In those patients treated with dexfenfluramine, the reduction in HbA1c and blood pressure did not correlate with the decrease in BMI (r = 0.44 and 0.12, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biomarkers↗

Neutrophil bactericidal function in diabetes mellitus: evidence for association with blood glucose control.

Neutrophil bactericidal activity was assessed in patients with type 1 (n = 45) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 68) and non-diabetic control subjects (n = 40) by measurement of whole blood chemiluminescence. Though chemiluminescence values tended to be highest in the non-diabetic subjects these differences were not statistically significant (mean +/- SD) (2.73 +/- 1.65 mV (controls), 2.33 +/- 1.41 mV (Type 1 diabetes) and 2.38 +/- 1.12 mv (Type 2 diabetes), F = 1.12, p = 0.33). Significant negative correlations were evident, however, in patients with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes between chemiluminescence and glycated haemoglobin (rs = -0.35, p = 0.005 (Type 1), rs = -0.45, p = 0.002 (Type 2), fructosamine (rs = -0.36, p = 0.003 (Type 1), r = -0.42, p = 0.004 (Type 2)), and random blood glucose (rs 0 -0.25, p = 0.04 (Type 1), rs = -0.48, p = 0.001 (Type 2)). Changes in whole blood chemiluminescence in a further group of 10 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus commenced on insulin therapy were followed for 21 days. Serum fructosamine concentrations fell significantly over this time (524 +/- 58 mumol l-1 to 405 +/- 47 mumol l-1, p < 0.001), however, although chemiluminescence values tended to rise these changes were not statistically significant (1.01 +/- 0.38 mV to 1.60 +/- 0.91 mV, S = 4.24, df = 5, p = 0.52). These results suggested that impaired neutrophil bactericidal function is associated with poor blood glucose control. While it is likely that neutrophil bactericidal function will improve as blood glucose control improves, further studies are required both to confirm this and to demonstrate a reduction in the incidence of clinical bacterial infection.

Adult↗

Preprandial vs. postprandial insulin lispro-a comparative crossover trial in patients with Type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: Administration of bolus insulin after eating may be a useful therapeutic option for some patients. This 6-month, crossover study compared metabolic effects of routine use of preprandial vs. postprandial injection of bolus insulin lispro. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with Type 1 diabetes injected insulin lispro either preprandially or postprandially for a 3-month period followed by the alternate regimen for a further 3 months. HbA1c, fructosamine and eight-point self-determined blood glucose profiles were measured and analysed using an anova model appropriate for a crossover design. RESULTS: Mean HbA1c decreased slightly from baseline with preprandial (-0.15 +/- 0.41%) and increased slightly with postprandial (0.11 +/- 0.48%) insulin lispro so that there was a significant (P = 0.008) difference between treatments in final HbA1c level. Mean fructosamine also decreased slightly with preprandial (-15 +/- 31 micro mol/l) but was almost unchanged (1 +/- 39 micro mol/l) with postprandial insulin lispro. Overall daily blood glucose was not different (P = 0.312) for preprandial compared with postprandial administration. However, mean preprandial glucose was lower (7.5 +/- 2.01 vs. 6.6 +/- 1.22 mmol/l; P = 0.026), whereas mean postprandial glucose was higher (7.7 +/- 1.8 vs. 8.7 +/- 2.1 mmol/l; P = 0.031) with postprandial insulin lispro administration. Mean blood glucose excursions were higher with postprandial compared with preprandial insulin lispro, indicating greater daily fluctuations. No difference in incidence of hypoglycaemia was observed with the two treatment regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Postprandial insulin lispro administration appeared to be an acceptable treatment regimen and may be of benefit in certain situations. However, the benefits of postprandial administration may have to be balanced against poorer glycaemic control with continuous long-term use.

Adult↗

The relationship between clinical attachment loss and the duration of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in children and adolescents.

The periodontal status of 77 diabetic children and adolescents, and 77 paired, systemically-healthy, sex- and age-matched control subjects, was clinical examined. Fasting blood glucose, fructosamine and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1) values were determined. The mean periodontal pocket depths, clinical attachment levels and the parameters to assess diabetes mellitus from the diabetic group were significantly higher than those of the controls. We found a positive correlation between the duration of diabetes and clinical attachment loss, but not with periodontal probing depth, plaque index and gingival index in the diabetic group. A positive correlation was also assessed between the present serum fructosamine and gingival index in the diabetic group, but not in controls.

Adolescent↗

Interval between insulin injection and breakfast in diabetes.

The relationship between the insulin-breakfast interval, postprandial increase in blood glucose, and glycaemic control was studied in 58 children with diabetes. Patients recorded insulin-breakfast intervals in a home diary over a seven day period, and during a 24 hour period at the weekend provided eight serial capillary dried blood spots for glucose analysis. The highest mean blood glucose value occurred two hours after breakfast and showed a significant correlation with fructosamine concentrations. Weekend insulin-breakfast intervals ranged from 2-30 minutes, with 70% reporting intervals of less than 15 minutes. There was a significant correlation between the weekend insulin-breakfast interval and the after breakfast increase in blood glucose with a mean increment of 0.4 mmol/l in the 30 minute group and 7.2 mmol/l in the 2 minute group. Over the whole study period, children with mean insulin-breakfast intervals of two to 12 minutes had a mean fructosamine concentration of 376 mumol/l compared with 341 mumol/l in those with intervals of 15-35 minutes. This study has shown that the interval between insulin injection and breakfast significantly influences the morning postprandial rise in blood glucose and consequently short term glycaemic control. It is therefore important that patients are encouraged to leave an interval of about 30 minutes between insulin injection and breakfast.

Adolescent↗

White coat hyperglycaemia: disparity between diabetes clinic and home blood glucose concentrations.

OBJECTIVES: To identify patients with discrepantly high clinic blood glucose concentrations compared with self reported values and to assess whether such patients have errors in self monitoring technique. To determine whether, in patients with good technique, the discrepancy is a transient phenomenon related to clinic attendance. DESIGN: Prospective study of diabetes clinic patients recruited over six months. SETTING: Outpatient diabetes clinic of a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: 34 consecutive patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes who had had at least two consecutive clinic blood glucose concentrations more than 5 mmol/l higher than the mean self reported concentration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of monitoring technique; presence of cognitive or physical impairment; serum fructosamine concentration; home and clinic blood glucose concentrations. RESULTS: 15 of 34 patients had errors in monitoring technique, 12 of whom had cognitive or physical impairment. In the remaining 19, the mean (SD) blood glucose concentrations of capillary and venous samples taken at home (10.2 (0.6) and 12.2 (1.1) mmol/l respectively) were significantly lower than in those taken at the clinic (16.8 (1.6) mmol/l, p < 0.0002). The fructosamine concentration was significantly higher in patients with monitoring errors than those without (2.4 (0.4) v 1.8 (0.4) mmol/l, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: "White coat" hyperglycaemia was detected in about half the patients but errors in technique accounted for the rest of the discrepancies. Patients' ability should be assessed before teaching self monitoring and the technique checked regularly.

Aged↗

Muslims with non-insulin dependent diabetes fasting during Ramadan: treatment with glibenclamide.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two glibenclamide regimens in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes who were fasting during Ramadan and regular glibenclamide treatment in the non-fasting group. DESIGN: Non-randomised control group of patients who did not fast during Ramadan and two groups of patients who fasted randomised equally to one of two regimens: to take their usual morning dose of glibenclamide in the evening and their usual evening dose before dawn; or to follow this pattern but to reduce the total dose by a quarter. SETTING: Two university hospitals, one private hospital, and two private clinics in Casablanca and Rabat, Morocco. SUBJECTS: 591 diabetic patients (198 men, 391 women, two unspecified) with similar duration of diabetes and length and amount of glibenclamide treatment, of whom 542 completed the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum fructosamine and total glycated haemoglobin concentrations and number of hypoglycaemic events. RESULTS: At the end of Ramadan there were no significant differences between the groups in fructosamine concentration (400 mumol/l in controls and 381 mumol/l and 376 mumol/l in the fasting groups); percentage of glycated haemoglobin (14.7%, 14.0%, and 13.6%); or number of hypoglycaemic events during Ramadan (11, 14, and 10). CONCLUSION: Glibenclamide is effective and safe for patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes who fast during Ramadan. The easiest regimen is to take the normal morning dose (together with any midday dose) at sunset and any evening dose before dawn.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Twice daily versus four times daily insulin dose regimens for diabetes in pregnancy: randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perinatal outcome and glycaemic control in two groups of pregnant diabetic patients receiving two insulin regimens. DESIGN: Randomised controlled open label study. SETTING: University affiliated hospital, Israel. PARTICIPANTS: 138 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and 58 patients with pregestational diabetes mellitus received insulin four times daily, and 136 patients with gestational diabetes and 60 patients with pregestational diabetes received insulin twice daily. INTERVENTION: Three doses of regular insulin before meals and an intermediate insulin dose before bedtime (four times daily regimen), and a combination of regular and intermediate insulin in the morning and evening (twice daily regimen). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal glycaemic control and perinatal outcome. RESULTS: Mean daily insulin concentration before birth was higher in the women receiving insulin four times daily compared with twice daily: by 22 units (95% confidence interval 12 to 32) in patients with gestational diabetes and by 28 units (15 to 41) in patients with pregestational diabetes. Glycaemic control was better with the four times daily regimen than with the twice daily regimen: in patients with gestational diabetes mean blood glucose concentrations decreased by 0.19 mmol/l (0.13 to 0.25), HbA(1c) by 0.3% (0.2% to 0.4%), and fructosamine by 41 micromol/l (37 to 45), and adequate glycaemic control (mean blood glucose concentration <5.8 mmol/l) was achieved in 17% (8% to 26%) more women; in patients with pregestational diabetes mean blood glucose concentration decreased by 0.44 mmol/l (0.28 to 0.60), HbA(1c) by 0.5% (0.2% to 0.8%), and fructosamine by 51 micromol/l (45 to 57), and adequate glycaemic control was achieved in 31% (15% to 47%) more women. Maternal severe hypoglycaemic events, caesarean section, preterm birth, macrosomia, and low Apgar scores were similar in both dose groups. In women with gestational diabetes the four times daily regimen resulted in a lower rate of overall neonatal morbidity than the twice daily regimen (relative risk 0.59, 0.38 to 0.92), and the relative risk for hyperbilirubinaemia and hypoglycaemia was lower (0.51, 0.29 to 0.91 and 0.12, 0.02 to 0.97 respectively). The relative risk of hypoglycaemia in newborn infants to mothers with pregestational diabetes was 0.17 (0.04 to 0.74). CONCLUSIONS: Giving insulin four times rather than twice daily in pregnancy improved glycaemic control and perinatal outcome without further risking the mother.

Adult↗

Control of diabetes mellitus in shift workers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the control of diabetes is different in insulin treated diabetic subjects who work shifts compared with those who do not work shifts and whether control is related to the type of shift worked. DESIGN: Prospective controlled study of 32 diabetic subjects working either regular days or shifts in a large car assembly factory. Insulin treated subjects who underwent a change in their pattern of shift work had diabetic control assessed before and six months after a change in shifts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Random plasma glucose, serum fructosamine, and haemoglobin A1 while at work. RESULTS: Diabetic control of insulin treated subjects who worked shifts was not significantly different from insulin treated subjects who worked days only. Diabetic control was poor in both groups and similar to that of diabetic subjects treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents. In those subjects that moved to a more rapidly rotating shift pattern there was a significant deterioration in control (serum fructosamine concentration before, 405 (SD 68); after, 481 (SD 90) mumol/l, p less than 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The control of diabetes in insulin treated diabetic subjects who worked shifts was no worse than those who worked days only. Slowly rotating shifts were associated with better diabetic control than more rapidly rotating shifts.

Blood Glucose↗