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
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