A Real-World Prospective Study of the Effectiveness and Safety of Automated Insulin Delivery Compared With Other Modalities of Type 1 Diabetes Treatment During Ramadan Intermittent Fasting.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the fasting experience and glycemic control during Ramadan among people with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) who use automated insulin delivery (AID) versus other modalities of treatment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 294 PWT1D who attempted fasting during Ramadan in 2022 were categorized on the basis of treatment modality into one of five groups: 1) AID (n = 62); 2) conventional pump + continuous glucose monitoring (CGM; n = 37); 3) pump + self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG; n = 8); 4) multiple daily injections (MDI) + CGM (n = 155); and 5) MDI + SMBG (n = 32). Predictors of fasting most days of Ramadan (i.e., breaking fast ≤2 days because of diabetes) were analyzed using uni- and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The median numbers of days when fasting was broken because of diabetes were 2, 5, 3, 3.5, and 2.5 for AID, conventional pump + CGM, MDI + CGM, pump + SMBG, and MDI + SMBG users, respectively (P = 0.047). Users of AID had a significantly greater time in range (TIR) and lower glycemia risk index, time below range, and time above range compared with users of conventional pumps and MDI (both P < 0.05). Likewise, 53% of AID users attained the double target of 1) breaking fast ≤2 days because of diabetes and 2) maintaining TIR ≥70% during Ramadan compared with only 3% of the conventional pump users and 44% of the MDI + CGM users (both P < 0.05). Compared with MDI + CGM users, AID users were twice as likely to complete fasting most days of Ramadan. CONCLUSIONS: Use of AID is associated with the highest rates of fasting and best glycemic control during Ramadan fasting.

The MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system adapts to substantial changes in daily routine: Lessons from real world users during Ramadan.

AIM: To report on the effectiveness and safety of the MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system in real-world users during the month of Ramadan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CareLink Personal data were extracted from MiniMed 780G system users from the Gulf region. Users were included if they had ≥10 days of sensor glucose data during the month of Ramadan 2022 as well as in the month before and after. For the main analysis, continuous glucose monitoring endpoints were aggregated per month and were reported by time of day (daytime: 05.31-18.00 h, and night-time). Additional analyses were performed to study the pace at which the algorithm adapts. RESULTS: Glycaemic control was well kept in the 449 included users (mean sensor glucose = 152.6 ± 18.7 mg/dl, glucose management indicator = 7.0 ± 0.4%, time in range = 70.7 ± 11.0%, time below 70 mg/dl = 2.3 ± 2.3%). Albeit some metrics differed from the month before (p < .0001 for all), absolute differences were very small and considered clinically irrelevant. During Ramadan, there was no increased risk of hypoglycaemia during daytime (time below 70 mg/dl = 2.3 ± 2.4%), time in range was highest during daytime (80.0 ± 10.7%, night: 60.4 ± 15.3%), while time above 180 mg/dl was highest during night-time (37.3 ± 16.3%, day: 17.7 ± 10.7%). The algorithm adapted immediately upon lifestyle change. CONCLUSION: The MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system is effective, safe and fast in adapting to the substantial changes that occur in the lifestyle of people with type 1 diabetes during Ramadan.

The American Thyroid Association risk stratification and long-term outcomes of differentiated thyroid cancer: a 20-year follow-up of patients in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Studies have reported differing factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We aimed to describe our 20 years of experience in the management of thyroid cancer (TC) and identify predictors of treatment outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of patients with TC seen in the Thyroid Center at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between the years 2000 and 2020. Demographic and clinical data including pathological characteristics were collected. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification was determined for all patients at the postoperative period as well as the response to therapy at the final follow-up visit. Results: A total of 674 patients (mean age: 47.21 years) with TC, 571 (84.7%) of which were women, were included. There were 404 (60.0%) patients with ATA low risk, 127 (18.8%) with intermediate risk, and 143 (21.2%) with high-risk histology. Overall, 461 patients (68.4%) had an excellent response to treatment, 65 (9.6%) had an indeterminate response, 83 (12.3%) had a biochemical incomplete response, and 65 (9.6%) had a structural incomplete response. Patients who had an excellent response were mostly ATA low risk (n = 318 of 431, 68.1%), whereas 40 of 65 patients (61.5%) of those with ATA high-risk histology had a structural incomplete response to treatment. There were significantly more women who had an excellent response compared with men. Obesity, lymphovascular invasion, and size of the tumor were significant predictors of worse outcomes to therapy. Conclusion: Tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and obesity are strong predictors of a worse response to therapy among patients with TC. Patients with obesity should be carefully followed up regardless of their risk stratification in light of the recent compelling evidence associating obesity with thyroid cancer and its higher risk of a worse disease outcome. ATA risk stratification is well correlated with patient long-term outcomes.

Lipohypertrophy and Insulin: An Old Dog That Needs New Tricks.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current status of practical knowledge related to insulin-associated lipohypertrophy (LH) - an accumulation of fatty subcutaneous nodules commonly caused by repeated injections and/or infusions of insulin into the same site. METHODS: Review of published literature with additional contributions from leading multidisciplinary experts with the emphasis on clinical aspects including pathophysiology, clinical and economic consequences, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. RESULTS: LH is the most common dermatologic complication of insulin therapy. Risk factors for the development of lipohypertrophy include repeated delivery of large amounts of insulin into the same location over time, repeated injection trauma to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and multiple injections using the same needle. Subcutaneous insulin injection in skin areas with lipohypertrophy is associated with reduced pain; however, this problem can interfere with insulin absorption, thereby increasing the likelihood of glucose variability, hypo- and hyperglycemia when a site is changed. Modern visualization technology of the subcutaneous space with ultrasound can demonstrate lipohypertrophy early in the course of its development. CONCLUSIONS: The physiological and psychological consequences of developing insulin lipohypertrophy can be prevented and treated with education focusing on insulin injection techniques.

Perspectives on Prediabetes and Aging.

Diabetes prevention programs (DPPs) have been shown to effectively delay, and sometimes prevent, the progression from prediabetes to diabetes; however, labeling someone with prediabetes comes with potential negative psychological, financial, and self-perception consequences. Many older adults with prediabetes nowadays have a relatively "low-risk" form of prediabetes that rarely progresses to diabetes and may regress to normoglycemia. In this article, we review the impact of aging on glucose metabolism and provide a holistic approach to cases of prediabetes in older adults that maximizes the benefit-risk balance of interventions aimed at addressing prediabetes.

A Glycemia Risk Index (GRI) of Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Validated by Clinician Ratings.

BACKGROUND: A composite metric for the quality of glycemia from continuous glucose monitor (CGM) tracings could be useful for assisting with basic clinical interpretation of CGM data. METHODS: We assembled a data set of 14-day CGM tracings from 225 insulin-treated adults with diabetes. Using a balanced incomplete block design, 330 clinicians who were highly experienced with CGM analysis and interpretation ranked the CGM tracings from best to worst quality of glycemia. We used principal component analysis and multiple regressions to develop a model to predict the clinician ranking based on seven standard metrics in an Ambulatory Glucose Profile: very low-glucose and low-glucose hypoglycemia; very high-glucose and high-glucose hyperglycemia; time in range; mean glucose; and coefficient of variation. RESULTS: The analysis showed that clinician rankings depend on two components, one related to hypoglycemia that gives more weight to very low-glucose than to low-glucose and the other related to hyperglycemia that likewise gives greater weight to very high-glucose than to high-glucose. These two components should be calculated and displayed separately, but they can also be combined into a single Glycemia Risk Index (GRI) that corresponds closely to the clinician rankings of the overall quality of glycemia (r = 0.95). The GRI can be displayed graphically on a GRI Grid with the hypoglycemia component on the horizontal axis and the hyperglycemia component on the vertical axis. Diagonal lines divide the graph into five zones (quintiles) corresponding to the best (0th to 20th percentile) to worst (81st to 100th percentile) overall quality of glycemia. The GRI Grid enables users to track sequential changes within an individual over time and compare groups of individuals. CONCLUSION: The GRI is a single-number summary of the quality of glycemia. Its hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia components provide actionable scores and a graphical display (the GRI Grid) that can be used by clinicians and researchers to determine the glycemic effects of prescribed and investigational treatments.

"Pre-Ramadan" telemedicine: Effect on fasting experience and glycemic control during ramadan in people with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are advised to have a "pre-Ramadan" visit to receive the assessment and education needed to safely fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The COVID-19 lockdown has interrupted this standard of care in Muslim-majority countries where telemedicine is not well-established. Here, we examined the impact of virtual"pre-Ramadan" visits, as an alternative option to the traditional (in-person) visits, on fasting experience and glycemic control during Ramadan in people with T1D. METHOD: 151 individuals with T1D were categorized into 3 groups according to the type of"pre-Ramadan" visit that they attended in 2020: virtual (n = 50), in-person (n = 56), and no visit (n = 45). Number of days fast was broken and CGM metrics were retrospectively compared across the groups. RESULT: Patients who had a virtual"pre-Ramadan" visit were more likely to use continuous glucose monitors (CGM) than those who had no visit (61.7% and 38.6%, respectively, p < 0.05). Attending a virtual"pre-Ramadan" visit was associated with the least number of days fast was broken compared to those who had no visit (p < 0.01) or in-person visit (p = 0.02). CGM time in range (TIR) during Ramadan was the highest in those who had virtual "Pre-Ramadan" visits compared to those who had no visit or in-person visits (59%, 44%, and 47%,respectively). After adjusting for age, gender, pre-Ramadan A1c, and CGM use, the odds of fasting most days of Ramadan were highest in the virtual group [OR (CI): 9.13 (1.43, 58.22)] followed by the in-person group [3.02 (0.54,16.68)] compared to the no visit group. CONCLUSION: Virtual"pre-Ramadan" visits are effective alternative to in-person visits when managing people with T1D who plan to fast during Ramadan.

The impact of a prolonged lockdown and utilization of diabetes telemedicine on cardiometabolic health in people with diabetes during the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Saudi Arabia implemented a nationwide lockdown that lasted for approximately five months. Due to the limited availability of telemedicine in Saudi Arabia, many people with diabetes (PWD) lost access to diabetes care services during the lockdown period. Here, we examined the impact of lockdown on cardiometabolic health in PWD and how this may have differed between those who utilized diabetes telemedicine during lockdown versus those who did not. METHODS: Hemoglobin A1C (A1C), body weight, lipid, and other cardiometabolic parameters were retrospectively reviewed in 384 PWD who attended routine clinic visits in the pre-lockdown (September 2019 to March 2020) and post-lockdown (Aug to Dec 2020) periods. Changes in cardiometabolic parameters from pre- to post-lockdown were compared across 3 groups according to the type of visit that they had during lockdown (April to July 2020): "no visit" (n = 215), "in-person" visit (n = 44), or "virtual" visit (n = 125). The virtual visits in our institution followed a simplified protocol that utilized technological tools readily available to most PWD and clinicians. RESULTS: PWD who attended "virtual" visits during lockdown were the youngest and most likely to have type 1 diabetes; followed by those who attended "in-person" visits and those who had "no visit". A significant reduction in A1C from pre- to post-lockdown periods was noted in PWD who attended a "virtual visit" (9.02 to 8.27%, respectively, p < 0.01) and those who attended an "in-person" visit (9.18 to 8.43%, respectively, p < 0.05) but not in those who had "no visit" (8.75 to 8.57%, p > 0.05). No significant changes were noted in serum glucose, blood pressure, or lipid parameters during the lockdown in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Simplified telemedicine visits, including real-time audio calls, were as effective as in-person visits in improving glycemic control in PWD during the lockdown period in a country where telemedicine infrastructure was not well-established. Older adults and those with type 2 diabetes were less likely to utilize telemedicine; suggesting a potential risk of digital divide that warrants greater attention in the future.

Predictors of use and improvement in glycemic indices after initiating continuous glucose monitoring in real world: Data from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To identify predictors of use and benefit from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: Predictors of CGM use and changes in glycemic indices and other clinical parameters after initiating intermittently-scanned CGMs were examined in 116 individuals with T1D living in Saudi Arabia. Participants were categorized based on frequency of CGM sensor scanning at month 6 into: Frequent users (≥10 scans/day) and infrequent users (<10 scans/day). RESULTS: Frequent CGM users had an improvement in time in range (TIR) and time above range (TAR) at months 6 and 12; whereas infrequent users had comparable improvements but only at month 12. Individuals with baseline TIR <50% had a significant improvement in TIR and TAR; whereas those with baseline TIR ≥50% had a significant improvement only in time below range (TBR). Baseline TIR <50% and higher frequency of scans were predictive of improvement in TIR at month 6 (OR: 4.84, p <0.01, 1.05, p= 0.04; respectively); whereas baseline TBR was the only predictor of improvement in TBR (OR:1.24,p < 0.01). Being a woman, higher number of scans/day during the first 2 weeks of CGM use, and having a lower A1C at baseline predict being a frequent scanner at month 6 (OR: 2.81, p=0.04; 1.12, p <0.01; and 0.73, p <0.01; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in glycemic control with CGM use can be predicted by: number of scans per day and baseline TIR and TBR in people with T1D.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of a Protocol to Manage Dexamethasone-Induced Hyperglycemia Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Well-controlled glucose levels (ie, 70-180 mg/dL) have been associated with lower mortality from COVID-19. The addition of dexamethasone to COVID-19 treatment protocols has raised concerns about the potential negative consequences of dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia. METHODS: We developed a protocol to guide the management of dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Two of the 4 medical teams managing patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia used the protocol and the other 2 teams continued to manage hyperglycemia at the discretion of the treating physicians (protocol and control groups, respectively). The glycemic control and clinical outcomes in 163 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia between July 5th and September 30th, 2020, were retrospectively compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the protocol group had higher proportions of patients with well-controlled glucose across all premeals and bedtime glucose readings throughout the hospital stay. The differences in glycemic control between the 2 groups were statistically significant for fasting glucose on days 4, 5, and the discharge day; prelunch glucose on the discharge day; predinner glucose on days 3, 5, and the discharge day; and bedtime glucose on day 1 (all P < .05). After adjusting for age, sex, nationality, body mass index, Charlson score, and diabetes status, patients in the protocol group were more likely to have well-controlled glucose levels compared with those in the control group. Moreover, the in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the protocol group (12.93%) compared to the control group (29.93%) (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a protocol to manage dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 resulted in more patients achieving well-controlled glucose levels and was associated with lower mortality from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Precautionary Measures and Type 1 Diabetes Patients in Saudi Arabia.

AIM: To minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) enforced a nationwide lockdown. We aimed to explore whether the manner in which Saudi patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) manage their disease has changed during this unparalleled lockdown. METHODS: An online survey exploring the effect of lockdown on T1D outcomes was distributed among T1D patients residing in KSA during lockdown. RESULTS: A total of 1010 patients responded to the survey. Around 40% reported communicating with their physicians during lockdown. Age, level of education, residence, previous visits to diabetes education clinics, last HbA1c value, and average monthly income were all significantly associated with communication with the treating physician (p = 0.008, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Age, level of education, and average monthly income were significantly associated with experiencing severe hypoglycemia (p = 0.036, p = 0.03, and p < 0.001, respectively), while average monthly income and level of education were significantly associated with experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0039, respectively); during lockdown. Patients who communicated with their physicians reported lower rates of severe hypoglycemia compared to those who did not (25.2% vs 30.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Age and level of education were significantly associated with communication with the treating physician, and experiencing severe hypoglycemia and DKA; in patients with T1D during the lockdown period in Saudi Arabia. Keeping two-way virtual communication channels between physicians and their T1D patients should be encouraged.

Use of Preventive Aspirin Among Older US Adults With and Without Diabetes.

Importance: The net benefit of aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly primary prevention, remains debated in people with and without diabetes. Recent studies suggest that the benefits of preventive aspirin may be outweighed by the potential for harm in older adults; therefore, it is important to monitor current aspirin use in order to minimize risk for future harm in the oldest segment of the population. Objective: To determine the prevalence of preventive aspirin use in older US adults with and without diabetes for both primary and secondary prevention by age, sex, and CVD risk category. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional analysis used nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2018. A total of 7103 individuals 60 years or older with and without diabetes completed a questionnaire on preventive aspirin use. Statistical analyses were performed from July 1, 2019, to April 1, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: Preventive aspirin use was defined as participants' self-reported use of low-dose aspirin therapy based on their physician's advice or their own decision. Results: A total of 7103 individuals (mean [SD] age, 69.6 [0.1] years; 45.2% men; 75.8% White participants) were evaluated. Overall, 61.7% of older US adults with diabetes vs 42.2% without diabetes used aspirin. Among people with diabetes, in multivariable logistic models adjusting for race, sex, education, CVD risk category, and body mass index, the likelihood of aspirin use in older vs younger age categories (reference: 60-69 years) did not differ. Among people without diabetes, aspirin use was significantly greater in older age categories vs the reference (model 3, 70-79 years, odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.23-1.83; model 3, ≥80 years, OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.24-2.04). An estimated 9.9 million US adults 70 years or older with or without diabetes reported taking aspirin for primary prevention. The likelihood of aspirin use for primary prevention in those at high vs low risk for CVD did not differ among older adults with diabetes (model 3, OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.65-4.39) but was significantly higher in those without diabetes (model 3, OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.63-3.71). Women vs men with diabetes were less likely to be using aspirin for primary prevention (model 3, OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.83). Conclusions and Relevance: This cross-sectional study found that preventive aspirin use was higher among older adults with diabetes than in those without diabetes. Results suggest that 9.9 million older US adults who previously took aspirin for primary prevention would not be recommended for its continued use, particularly among those with diabetes.

Pharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia: A consensus statement from the Saudi Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SSEM).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The list of available treatment options for managing blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) has grown over recent years making the task of choosing between traditional and newer glucose-lowering agents a difficult one for healthcare providers. METHODS: We summarize treatment algorithms developed by popular professional societies and propose a patient-centered and culture-driven recommendations for selecting diabetes medications for people with T2D in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Though most professional societies recognize patient's adherence to medications as an important factor in achieving glycemic targets, published algorithms schemes do not formally enlist adherence to medication as a deciding factor in the choice of glucose-lowering agents. Medication appeal to patients, an important determinant of medication adherence, is influenced by several factors including lifestyle, common beliefs, customs and traditions, health literacy, perception of health and disease, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, and religious commitments and obligations. In Saudi Arabia, poor adherence to therapy is a major obstacle to effective management of local people with T2D. CONCLUSIONS: The Saudi population has a unique socioeconomic and cultural background that widely respect adherence to religion and culture; and the applicability of international guidelines for the management of T2D to the Saudi population has been called into question. In this consensus statement, we propose patient-centered and culture-driven recommendations that integrate medication-adherence and medication-cost into overall selection of diabetes medications for people with T2D in Saudi Arabia.

Severe vitamin D deficiency is not related to SARS-CoV-2 infection but may increase mortality risk in hospitalized adults: a retrospective case-control study in an Arab Gulf country.

PURPOSE: As the world continues to cautiously navigate its way through the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several breakthroughs in therapies and vaccines are currently being developed and scrutinized. Consequently, alternative therapies for severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prevention, such as vitamin D supplementation, while hypothetically promising, require substantial evidence from countries affected by COVID-19. The present retrospective case-control study aims to identify differences in vitamin D status and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients screened for SARS-CoV-2, and determine associations of vitamin D levels with increased COVID-19 risk and mortality. METHODS: A total of 222 [SARS-CoV-2 (+) N = 150 (97 males; 53 females); SARS-CoV-2 (-) N = 72 (38 males, 34 females)] out of 550 hospitalized adult patients screened for SARS-CoV-2 and admitted at King Saud University Medical City-King Khalid University Hospital (KSUMC-KKUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from May-July 2020 were included. Clinical, radiologic and serologic data, including 25(OH)D levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l) was present in 75% of all patients. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower among SARS-CoV-2 (+) than SARS-CoV-2 (-) patients after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (BMI) (35.8 ± 1.5 nmol/l vs. 42.5 ± 3.0 nmol/l; p = 0.037). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that significant predictors for SARS-CoV-2 include age > 60 years and pre-existing conditions (p < 0.05). Statistically significant predictors for mortality adjusted for covariates include male sex [Odds ratio, OR 3.3 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.2-9.2); p = 0.02], chronic kidney disease [OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.4-8.7); p = 0.008] and severe 25(OH)D deficiency (< 12.5 nmol/l), but at borderline significance [OR 4.9 (95% CI (0.9-25.8); p = 0.06]. CONCLUSION: In hospital settings, 25(OH)D deficiency is not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, but may increase risk for mortality in severely deficient cases. Clinical trials are warranted to determine whether vitamin D status correction provides protective effects against worse COVID-19 outcomes.

The impact of a prolonged lockdown and use of telemedicine on glycemic control in people with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: To minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease-2019, Saudi Arabia imposed a nationwide lockdown for over 6 weeks. We examined the impact of lockdown on glycemic control in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM); and assessed whether changes in glycemic control differ between those who attended a telemedicine visit during lockdown versus those who did not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flash CGM data from 101 individuals with T1D were retrospectively evaluated. Participants were categorized into two groups: Attended a telemedicine visit during lockdown (n = 61) or did not attend (n = 40). Changes in CGM metrics from the last 2 weeks pre-lockdown period (Feb 25 - March 9, 2020) to the last 2 weeks of complete lockdown period (April 7-20, 2020) were examined in the two groups. RESULTS: Those who attended a telemedicine visit during the lockdown period had a significant improvement in the following CGM metrics by the end of lockdown: Average glucose (from 180 to 159 mg/dl, p < 0.01), glycemic management indicator (from 7.7 to 7.2%, p = 0.03), time in range (from 46 to 55%, p < 0.01), and time above range (from 48 to 35%, p < 0.01) without significant changes in time below range, number of daily scans or hypoglycemic events, and other indices. In contrast, there were no significant changes in any of the CGM metrics during lockdown in those who did not attend telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS: A six-week lockdown did not worsen, nor improve, glycemic control in individuals with T1D who did not attend a telemedicine visit. Whereas those who attended a telemedicine visit had a significant improvement in glycemic metrics; supporting the clinical effectiveness of telemedicine in diabetes care.

Determinants of mental health outcomes among people with and without diabetes during the COVID-19 outbreak in the Arab Gulf Region.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among people with and without diabetes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study collecting demographic and mental health data from 2166 participants living in the Arab Gulf region (568 with diabetes, 1598 without diabetes). Depression and anxiety were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms were 61% and 45%, in people with diabetes (PWD) and 62% and 44%, respectively, in people without diabetes. PWD who have had their diabetes visit canceled by the clinic were more likely to report depression and anxiety symptoms than those without diabetes (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.37 [1.02, 1.84] and 1.37 [1.04, 1.80], for depression and anxiety; respectively). PWD who had no method of telecommunication with their health care providers (HCP) during the pandemic, PWD with A1C of ≥ 10%, women, employees (particularly HCPs), students, unmarried individuals, and those with lower income were more likely to report depression and/or anxiety symptoms (all P < 0.01). Fear of acquiring the coronavirus infection; running out of diabetes medications; or requiring hospitalization for hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis; and lack of telecommunication with HCPs were all associated with significantly higher odds of having depression and anxiety symptoms among PWD. CONCLUSIONS: The remarkably high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among subgroups of PWD, calls for urgent public health policies to address mental health during the pandemic and reestablish health care access for PWD.

Rapid Implementation of a Diabetes Telemedicine Clinic During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: Our Protocol, Experience, and Satisfaction Reports in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The importance of telemedicine in diabetes care became more evident during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as many people with diabetes, especially those in areas without well-established telemedicine, lost access to their health care providers (HCPs) during this pandemic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We describe a simplified protocol of a Diabetes Telemedicine Clinic that utilizes technological tools readily available to most people with diabetes and clinics around the world. We report the satisfaction of 145 patients and 14 HCPs who participated in the virtual clinic and 210 patients who attended the virtual educational sessions about "Diabetes and Ramadan." RESULTS: The majority of patients agreed or strongly agreed that the use of telemedicine was essential in maintaining a good glucose control during the pandemic (97%) and they would use the clinic again in the future (86%). A similar high satisfaction was reported by patients who attended the "Diabetes and Ramadan" virtual educational session and 88% of them recommended continuing this activity as a virtual session every year. Majority of the HCPs (93%) thought the clinic protocol was simple and did not require a dedicated orientation session prior to implementing. CONCLUSIONS: The simplicity of our Diabetes Telemedicine Clinic protocol and the high satisfaction reported by patients and HCPs make it a suitable model to be adopted by clinics, especially during pandemics or disasters in resource-limited settings. This clinic model can be quickly implemented and does not require technological tools other than those widely available to most people with diabetes, nowadays. We were able to successfully reduce the number of patients, HCPs, and staff physically present in the clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic without negatively impacting the patients' nor the HCPs' satisfaction with the visits.

Diabetes and Covid-19 among hospitalized patients in Saudi Arabia: a single-centre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Information on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized Covid-19 patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) is limited in the Arab region. This study aims to fill this gap. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, medical records of hospitalized adults with confirmed Covid-19 [RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV2] at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC)-King Khaled University Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from May to July 2020 were analyzed. Clinical, radiological and serological information, as well as outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 439 patients were included (median age 55 years; 68.3% men). The most prevalent comorbidities were vitamin D deficiency (74.7%), DM (68.3%), hypertension (42.6%) and obesity (42.2%). During hospitalization, 77 out of the 439 patients (17.5%) died. DM patients have a significantly higher death rate (20.5% versus 12.3%; p = 0.04) and lower survival time (p = 0.016) than non-DM. Multivariate cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that age [Hazards ratio, HR 3.0 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.7-5.3); p < 0.001], congestive heart failure [adjusted HR 3.5 (CI 1.4-8.3); p = 0.006], smoking [adjusted HR 5.8 (CI 2.0-17.2); p < 0.001], ß-blocker use [adjusted HR 1.7 (CI 1.0-2.9); p = 0.04], bilateral lung infiltrates [adjusted HR 1.9 (CI 1.1-3.3); p = 0.02], creatinine > 90 µmol/l [adjusted HR 2.1 (CI 1.3-3.5); p = 0.004] and 25(OH)D < 12.5 nmol/l [adjusted HR 7.0 (CI 1.7-28.2); p = 0.007] were significant predictors of mortality among hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Random blood glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l was significantly associated with intensive care admission [adjusted HR 1.5 (CI 1.0-2.2); p = 0.04], as well as smoking, ß-blocker use, neutrophil > 7.5, creatinine > 90 µmol/l and alanine aminotransferase > 65U/l. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM is high among hospitalized Covid-19 patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While DM patients have a higher mortality rate than their non-DM counterparts, other factors such as old age, congestive heart failure, smoking, ß-blocker use, presence of bilateral lung infiltrates, elevated creatinine and severe vitamin D deficiency, appear to be more significant predictors of fatal outcome. Patients with acute metabolic dysfunctions, including hyperglycemia on admission are more likely to receive intensive care.

The relationship of acculturation to cardiovascular disease risk factors among U.S. South Asians: Findings from the MASALA study.

AIM: We investigated the association between acculturation strategies and cardiometabolic risk among South Asian (SA) immigrants in the US. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis of data from 849 SA participants in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in SAs Living in America (MASALA), we performed multidimensional measures of acculturation to categorize the participants into three acculturation classes: separation (preference for SA culture), assimilation (preference for US culture), and integration (similar preference for both cultures). Differences in glycemic indices, blood pressure, lipid parameters and body composition by acculturation strategy were examined. RESULTS: Women in the integration class had the lowest prevalence of diabetes (16.4%), prediabetes (29.7%), fasting and 2-h glucose compared to women in the separation class with the highest prevalence of diabetes (29.3%), prediabetes (31.5%), fasting and 2-h glucose and 2-hr insulin (all p < 0.05). Women in the assimilation class had significantly lower triglycerides, BMI, and waist circumference and higher HDL compared to women in the separation class after adjusting for age, study site, and years in the US. After additionally accounting for socioeconomic/lifestyle factors, women in the assimilation class had significantly lower triglyceride and higher HDL levels compared to women in the separation class (p < 0.01). There was no significant association between acculturation strategies and cardiometabolic risk in SA men. CONCLUSION: SA women who employed an assimilation or integration strategy had a more favorable cardiometabolic profile compared to women using a separation strategy. Future research should investigate the behavioral and psychosocial pathways linking acculturation strategies with cardiometabolic health to inform preventive interventions among SAs living in America.

Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes: a Review of the Evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared with those without diabetes. Though aspirin has been shown to have an overall net clinical benefit when used for secondary prevention of ASCVD in people with and without diabetes, the evidence for primary prevention, especially in those with diabetes, remains inconsistent. In this article, we review the latest studies examining the risks and benefits of aspirin use for primary prevention of ASCVD in adults with diabetes, discuss key aspects in assessing the risk-benefit ratio of aspirin use for primary prevention of ASCVD, and summarize current guidelines from professional societies on aspirin use for primary prevention in adults with diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: In the general population, past studies have shown no difference in the beneficial effect of aspirin for primary cardiovascular disease prevention by diabetes status. However, several randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses in adults with diabetes have shown lack of net clinical benefit of aspirin use for primary prevention of ASCVD. The recent ASCEND trial documented cardiovascular benefit of aspirin for primary prevention in adults with diabetes but suggested that the increased risk of bleeding may outweigh the cardiovascular benefit. The decision to initiate aspirin for primary prevention of ASCVD must be considered carefully on an individual basis to balance the cardiovascular benefit and bleeding risk in all patients, especially those with diabetes. A multifactorial approach that focuses on managing ASCVD risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, dysglycemia, and smoking is recommended in all patients. More research is needed to identify subgroups of people with diabetes who are more likely to benefit from aspirin use for primary prevention of ASCVD and develop better antithrombotic strategies that shift the risk-benefit balance toward an overall net clinical benefit.