Effectiveness and safety of carbohydrate counting in the management of adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of carbohydrate counting (CHOC) in the treatment of adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Materials and methods: We performed a systematic review of randomized studies that compared CHOC with general dietary advice in adult patients with DM1. The primary outcomes were changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), quality of life, and episodes of severe hypoglycemia. We searched the following electronic databases: Embase, PubMed, Lilacs, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The quality of evidence was analyzed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: A total of 3,190 articles were identified, and two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts. From the 15 potentially eligible studies, five were included, and 10 were excluded because of the lack of randomization or different control/intervention groups. Meta-analysis showed that the final HbA1c was significantly lower in the CHOC group than in the control group (mean difference, random, 95% CI: −0.49 (-0.85, −0.13), p = 0.006). The meta-analysis of severe hypoglycemia and quality of life did not show any significant differences between the groups. According to the GRADE, the quality of evidence for severe hypoglycemia, quality of life, and change in HbA1c was low, very low, and moderate, respectively. Conclusion: The meta-analysis showed evidence favoring the use of CHOC in the management of DM1. However, this benefit was limited to final HbA1c, which was significantly lower in the CHOC than in the control group.

Perfil socioeconômico e antropométrico de candidatas a cirurgia bariátrica pelo Sistema Único de Saúde / Socio-economic and anthropometric profile of candidates for bariatric surgery by the National Health Service

A cirurgia bariátrica é considerada eficaz no controle e tratamento da obesidade grave, tendo como principais benefícios a melhora no perfil das comorbidades e consequente melhora na qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil socioeconômico e antropométrico de obesas candidatas a cirurgia bariátrica. Foram estudadas cem pacientes do sexo feminino, com idade entre 20 e 45 anos, cadastradas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Entrevista individual foi realizada para a coleta dos dados. O índice de massa corporal foi calculado e classificado segundo a Sociedade Americana de Cirurgia Bariátrica. A classificação econômica foi estabelecida de acordo com a Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa. A amostra apresentou média de idade de 33,3±6,0 anos. Os dados antropométricos apresentaram valores médios±DP de índice de massa corporal de 45,75±6,05Kg/m², prevalecendo o diagnóstico de obesidade mórbida (68%). Segundo a classificação econômica, a maioria das mulheres pertence à classe C. Das entrevistadas, 45% são casadas e 66% têm escolaridade igual ou superior ao ensino médio completo, sendo que os trabalhos domésticos representam a atividade de maior frequência (28%). Quanto ao início da obesidade, 38% desenvolveram na infância. A hipertensão arterial foi a comorbidade de maior predomínio (48%). Conclui-se que, a maioria das candidatas à cirurgia bariátrica, encontra-se casadas, sua principal atividade é cuidado doméstico, estão com IMC entre 40 e 50 kg/m2, tiveram o início da obesidade ainda na infância, apresenta o segundo grau completo e pertence à classe econômica C.

Bariatric surgery is efficient in the control and treatment of serious obesity. Its great assets are the essening of co-morbidities and improvement in life quality. Current analysis evaluates the socioeconomical and anthropometric profile of obese candidates for bariatric surgery. One hundred female patients, aged between 20 and 45 years, were selected by the National Health Service and an individual interview was undertaken for data collection. Body mass index was calculated and classified according to the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. Economic classification was established according to the Brazilian Association of Research Firms. Results showed a mean age of 33.3±6.0 years; mean rates±SD of body mass index of 45.75±6.05Kg/m², predominantly diagnosis for morbid obesity (68%). According to economic classification, most females belong to class C, corresponding to a mean family earning of R$ 927.00. Further, 45% are married and 66% have a high school diploma, with house chores as their main activity (28%). Obesity started during childhood in 38% of the interviewed, with arterial hypertension as the predominant co-morbidity (48%). Results showed that, although most females were within surgery standards, a certain percentage decided early for such an alternative without reaching higher BMI. In some cases, surgery was done without the previous conservative treatments.