Lipid tolerance in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

This study was done on thirty-three male diabetic patients and ten normal controls. Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high- density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-ch], low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol [LDL-ch], triglycerides, phospholipids and total lipids were tested. Samples were taken from diabetics and controls while fasting and every two hours after intake of standard fatty meal for a total of eight hours postprandial. The observed data in the diabetic group showed higher fasting blood glucose and LDL-ch, but lower HDL-ch levels compared with controls. Fasting serum triglycerides, phospholipids as well as total cholesterol were similar in both groups. After a test meal, changes showed a delayed rise of plasma triglycerides and phospholipids with a concomitant slow clearance rate as compared with controls

Pulmonary function tests in rheumatoid arthritis

Thirty-two patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis were examined for their lung functions using spirometry. Apart from the forced vital capacity [FVC], all other parameters [forced expiratory volume in the first second [FV1], FEVl/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of FVC [FEF 25-75%] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR]] decreased than their predicted values. The results showed marked obstruction in both large and small airways. It was concluded that obstructive lung disease progresses with the progress of the disease. It is recommended to test the pulmonary function as early as possible on diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis for the first time to establish a reference for subsequent tests during the course of the disease