RESUMEN
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is most common endocrine disorder all over the world. Metformin has been used as a first line drug, however, it has several gastrointestinal side effects. This study aims to determine the frequency of metformin induced gastrointestinal side effects among type 2 diabetic patients and role of prebiotics and probiotics in the prevention of the metformin-induced GI side effects. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi, among 130 for one year from January 2021 to December 2022. Data was collected by applying a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis. Data analysis was performed via statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: The means for study variables like age, dose, and duration of therapy were 54.09 years, 1000 mg and 3.6 years respectively. Female patients had more GI side effects than male patients. Similarly, GI side effects frequency was also higher among the patients who were on metformin alone than the patients who were using metformin and combination of prebiotics and probiotics. Patients with higher dose of metformin and shorter duration of metformin therapy had higher frequency of GI symptoms. The most common GI symptom was constipation followed by diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting/nausea, dyspepsia, loss of appetite and flatulence. Conclusions: Metformin induced GI symptoms were common among study population. Use of prebiotics and probiotics combination with metformin, low dose of metformin, and longer duration of metformin use were found protective against the metformin-induced GI side effects.
RESUMEN
Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder of children that affects almost all aspects of the life. The role of diet in the management of the ADHD is understudied in Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the impact of different types of diet on the symptoms of ADHD among the children with ADHD. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 58 children with ADHD in Rawalpindi. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Patients’ recruitment was done via developed criteria and Convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to determine the difference of ADHD severity among various frequencies of different included foods via Conner Parent rating scale-revised short form. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 25.0. Results: The difference in hyperactivity index, impulsivity, and learning problems score on CPR-RS among various frequencies of carbohydrate, protein rich and fat foods, was statistically significant and with the increase intake of carbohydrate and protein rich foods, the score on CPR-RS of hyperactivity index, impulsivity, and learning problems also goes up. Whereas, with the increase intake of fat rich foods, the score of hyperactivity index, impulsivity, and learning problems goes down. Conclusions: In short, the high intake of carbohydrate and protein rich foods, increase the severity of the symptoms of ADHD, while, high intake of fat rich foods decreases the severity of the symptoms of ADHD among children.