ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is associated with dyslipidemia; manifested by high levels of triglyceride, LDL and low HDL which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the effect of polyunsaturated fat [PUFA] on the glycemic state and the lipid profile of diabetic patients. A 3 months observational study of 63 type 2 diabetic patients, divided the patients in to PUFA group n. =31 given Omacor [omega-3] 1 capsule /day as a source of n-3 PUFA and control group n. = 32 continued on their routine anti-diabetic medication. Subjects took their routine diet and usual diabetic medication. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile of the two groups were assessed pre and post enrolment in the study. 3 months of n-3 PUFA consumption lowered the levels of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL in diabetic patients with an increase in HDL level. Although n-3 PUFA improved the lipid profile and the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients yet were of no statistical significance when compared to the initial values of the patients or with the diabetic group who did not have n-3 PUFA. 3 months n-3 PUFA supplementation for type 2 diabetes decreases fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL with an increase in HDL level. Non-statistical significant findings suggest that a longer term clinical trials and /or large sample size are required to conclusively establish the effect of n-3 PUFA on cardiovascular risk, lipid profile and outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients
ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular diseases [CVD], a group of disorders of heart and blood vessels [Coronary Heart Diseases; CHD and stroke], are the most common causes of premature morbidity and mortality worldwide. To study the level of knowledge about CVD risk factors and prevention among non-medical staff of Gulf Medical University. A cross - sectional questionnaire - based survey was used to collect data from 77 participants. Questions enquiring about the definitions of CHD and stroke [closed ended statements]; steps to be taken to reduce the risk of getting CHD/stroke [Open ended sections] and identification of factors that increase risk of CVD [from a list] formed parts of the questionnaire. Majority of the participants were South Asians, educated males [74%]. Around 76.6% and 57.1% knew definitions of CHD and stroke respectively. Exercise [76.6% and 45.5%], healthy food habits [68.8% and 35.1%] and smoking cessation [28.6% and 20.8%] were indicated as steps to be taken to reduce the risk of CHD and stroke respectively. From the listed factors, high blood cholesterol [87%], high blood pressure [84.4%], family history [75.3%], obesity/ overweight [65.7%], and diabetes mellitus [58.4%] were identified as factors that increase the risk for CVD. Very few participants identified male gender [30%] and South Asian ethnicity [18.2%] as risk factors. Though 84.4% identified tobacco smoking as a risk factor of CVD, only half of them knew that regular exposure to second-hand smoke can also lead to CVD. Moreover, few [36.4%] knew about high risk in females who smoke and use oral contraceptives and that the risk increases after menopause [23.4%]. The knowledge about CVD risk factors and prevention among the participants is high which may have been influenced by their working environment. However, it is far from [deal as they belong to a high risk ethnic population
ABSTRACT
The present study explored factors responsible for complications of diabetes mellitus as observed in the clinical practice of doctors. One hundred and seven practicing physicians and general practitioners from clinics and hospitals, identified using a snowballing technique starting with one physician in each emirate, participated in the cross sectional survey. The majority [81%] was males, and 62% were from clinics and 48% from hospitals; more than 50% had over 5 years of clinical experience in the UAE. Fifty eight percent of those practicing in clinics and 80.6% in hospitals felt they had the facilities required for monitoring DM and complications. While 22.4% felt that the complications were due to poor glycemic control, 11.2% attributed it to sedentary life-style, 10% to smoking, 9.3% each to diet and co-morbidity, and 4.7% to obesity. Poor glycemic control was considered to be mainly due to low compliance [25.2%], life-style [18.7%], lack of awareness [14%] about the silent disease and its complications, finance [5.6%] and depression [0.9%]. Of the 46 who responded, 57% felt the complications were more common among Asians compared to other nationals. No age, gender or occupational difference was reported. One third of the respondents attributed the complications to poor glycemic control mainly due to low compliance and lack of awareness and hence mostly preventable. Health service needs to organize nationwide campaigns emphasizing diabetic care. Financial and social support are likely to enhance compliance among the victims of this fast increasing slow epidemic