Assessment of Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Examined at a Tertiary Care.

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. The aim of the study was to estimate and compare the prevalence of DR and to determine an association between DR and systemic risk factors in hospitalized type 1 (DMT1) and type 2 (DMT2) diabetic patients. Material and methods: We analyzed 260 patients with diabetes, 43 with DMT1 and 217 with DMT2. The following data were collected: age, gender, type and duration of diabetes, glycemic control, blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, ophthalmologic examinations and routine biochemical parameters. Results: Out of the total number of 260 patients, 77 (29.6%) had non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 21 (8.1%) had proliferative DR (PDR), 29 (11.1%) had diabetic macular edema (DME), and 69 (23.5%) had diabetic cataracts. Forty-three (16.5%) patients were previously diagnosed with DMT1 and 217 (83.5%) with DMT2. The duration of diabetes was not significantly longer in DMT1 (12.8±11.2 years) in comparison to DMT2 (11.07±8.1 years). The prevalence of NPDR and PDR did not differ statistically in either groups. DME was more prevalent in DMT2 than in DMT1 (P<0.05). Diabetic cataract was found in 26.7% vs. 6.7% of patients with DMT2 and DMT1, respectively (p<0.01). The duration of diabetes significantly correlated with NPDR and PDR in DMT1 (r=o.31, p<0.05; r=0.55, p<0.001, respectively). In DMT2, significant correlations were found between the duration of diabetes and cataract, NPDR, PDR and DME (r=0.31, p<0.001; r=0.43 p<0.01, r=0.16 p<0.05 and r=0.20 p<0.01, respectively). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) significantly correlated with PDR (r=0.258, p<0.05), while HbA1c with DME (r= 0.15 p<0.05). Conclusion: The duration of diabetes and hyperglycemia were associated with DR in both types of diabetes.

Efficacy and Safety of Empagliflozine and Semaglutide (Once Weekly) in T2DM Patients in Shtip.

Objective: The efficacy and safety of the following new treatment agents were analyzed: once weekly semaglutide (OWSem) and the empagliflozine (Empa). This was done with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at the Clinical Hospital in Shtip, R.N. Macedonia. Material and methods: One-hundred-twenty-one diabetic patients were treated for the first time with OWSema or Empa and were retrospectively analyzed. Glycemic control, serum creatinine, decrease in weight, co-morbidities, and hospitalization during treatment were recorded. Results: Among the 61 patients treated with OWSema and 60 patients treated with Empa, there were not any statistically significant differences in age, sex, BMI, duration of diabetes, and a number of patients treated with insulin. Both agents (OWSema and Empa) achieved statistically significant HbA1c reduction after 6, 12, and 18 months (9.2; vs. 7.6; 6.7; 6.6, and 9.3; vs. 7.5; 7.2, 7.5%, respectively) treatment. There were not any differences in the value of creatinine between the visits in both groups. During the period of 2 years, 3 patients (5%) from the Empa group died, all with multiple comorbidities. One patient from Empa group was hospitalized because of acute pulmonary edema and two from the OWSema group because of TIA and acute coronary syndrome. The median decrease in weight was more pronounced in the OWSema group (6.0 vs. 4.0kg). Five patients stopped the treatment with Empa because of a simple urinary infection, and one stopped the OWSema because of GIT intolerance. Eight patients did not tolerate the dose of 1mg, and they therefore continued with 0.5mg of OWSema. Conclusion: Once weekly treatment with semaglutide and empagliflozine achieves a great reduction in HbA1c, and as such are safe for treatment of T2DM.

Prevalence and Predictors of Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2), as well as the predictors for glucose abnormalities in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Material and methods: A cross-sectional study with 80 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PCOS who underwent the standard 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the measurement of sex steroid hormone and lipid profile. Results: According to the results from the OGTT, 63% had a normal test (NT), 23% had IGT, and 9% had DMT2. The NT group was younger with lower BMI than IGT and DMT2 groups (25.1 ± 7.3, 31.5 ± 6.5, 37.4 ± 4.0 years, and 29.1 ± 8.3 kg/m2, 31.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2, and 34.5 ± 5.6 kg/m2, respectively). The testosterone levels were highest in the group with a normal test (2.7 ± 0.8 nmol/l) and lowest in the DMT2 group (1.9 ± 0.8 nmol/L), with statistical significance. The sex hormone bounding globulin (SHBG) levels were low in all three groups, with statistically significant differences between NG and IGT, and the NT and DMT2 groups. The multivariate linear regression model identified age, BMI, SHBG and testosterone as major independent predictors for abnormal glucose metabolism. Conclusion: It seems that the prevalence of IGT and DMT2 among PCOS women in our country is not as high as in Western countries. Age, BMI, and SHBG increase the risk for the development of IGT and DMT2. Thus, close monitoring of older, obese women with low SHBG is needed because of the higher risk for the development of IGT and DMT2 in such patients.

The effect of levothyroxine treatment on left ventricular function in subclinical hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH), especially the mild form of ScH, is controversial because thyroid hormones influence cardiac function. We investigate left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in ScH and evaluate the effect of 5-month levothyroxine treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with newly diagnosed mild ScH (4.2

The effect of levothyroxine treatment on left ventricular function in subclinical hypothyroidism

ABSTRACT Objective: Treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH), especially the mild form of ScH, is controversial because thyroid hormones influence cardiac function. We investigate left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in ScH and evaluate the effect of 5-month levothyroxine treatment. Subjects and methods: Fifty-four patients with newly diagnosed mild ScH (4.2 <TSH < 10.0 mU/L) and 30 euthyroid subjects matched by age were analysed. Laboratory analyses and an echocardiography study were done at the first visit and after 5 months in euthyroid stage in patients with ScH. Results: Compared to healthy controls, patients with ScH had a lower E/A ratio (1.03 ± 0.29 vs. 1.26 ± 0.36, p < 0.01), higher E/e' sep. ratio (762 ± 2.29 vs. 6.04 ± 1.64, p < 0.01), higher myocardial performance index (MPI) (0.47 ± 0.08 vs. 0.43 ± 0.07, p < 0.05), lower global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-19.5 ± 2.3 vs. −20.9 ± 1.7%, p < 0.05), and lower S wave derived by tissue Doppler imaging (0.077 ± 0.013 vs. 0.092 ± 0.011 m/s, p < 0.01). Levothyroxine treatment in patients with ScH contributed to higher EF (62.9 ± 3.9 vs. 61.6 ± 4.4%, p < 0.05), lower E/e' sep. ratio (6.60 ± 2.06 vs. 762 ± 2.29, p < 0.01), lower MPI (0.43 ± 0.07 vs. 0.47 ± 0.08%, p < 0.01), and improved GLS (-20.07 ± 2.7 vs. −19.55 ± 2.3%, p < 0.05) compared to values in ScH patients at baseline. Furthermore, in all study populations (ScH patients before and after levothyroxine therapy and controls), TSH levels significantly negatively correlated with EF (r = −0.15, p < 0.05), E/A (r = −0.14, p < 0.05), GLS (r = −0.26, p < 0.001), and S/TDI (r = −0.22, p < 0.01) and positively correlated with E/e' sep. (r = 0.14, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism versus healthy individuals had subtle changes in certain parameters that indicate involvement of systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle. Although the values of the parameters were in normal range, they were significantly different compared to ScH and the control group at baseline, as well as to the ScH groups before and after treatment.The results of our study suggest that patients with ScH must be followed up during treatment to assess improvement of the disease. Some of the echocardiography obtained parameters were reversible after levothyroxine therapy.

Indexes of Insulin Resistance in Hyperinsulinemic Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Macedonian Cohort of Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is complex hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder and is a leading cause of female infertility. Hyperinsulinemia secondary to insulin resistance plays important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. AIM: To assess the sensitivity of different indices of insulin resistance and their relevance in a clinical setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 43 patients with PCOS and 29 noromo ovulatory women as a control group was conducted. Standard clinical, anthropometrical and hormonal testing for hyperandrogenism was conducted, as well as oral glucose tolerance test with determination of basal and stimulated glucose and insulin values. RESULTS: The dynamic I/G index showed the highest sensitivity and specificity, but the static indexes HOMA-IR and QUICKI, although based on only basal glycemic and insulinemic values, showed good sensitivity, 90.38% and 94.01% respectively. HOMA-IR showed significant positive correlation with the stimulated insulin values. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of static indexes in the evaluation of insulin resistance in women with PCOS in a clinical setting, offering a simple assessment of insulin resistance in PCOS, which holds great prognostic and treatment implications.

Maternal Lipids May Predict Fetal Growth in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Pregnancies.

AIM: During diabetic pregnancy, complex metabolic changes occur in the lipid profile. The aim of the study was to determine the predictive values of maternal serum lipid levels on large-for-gestational age newborns during the third trimester in pregnancies of women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of forty three pregnancies of women with DM2 and two hundred women with GDM were analyzed. The analysis encompassed the following parameters: age, body mass index (BMI), lipid parameters, HbA1c in first, second and third trimester of pregnancy, preeclampsia and baby birth weight. RESULTS: DM2 and GDM groups showed statistically significant differences in the following variables: total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, BMI, age, baby birth weight, incidence of SGA and preterm delivery (9.4 ± 2.3 vs. 11.0 ± 2.3 mmol/L, 2.4 ± 1.4 vs. 3.4 ± 1.6 mmol/L, 5.5 ± 1.2 vs. 6.4 ± 1.4 mmol/L, 30.6 ± 5.4 vs. 26.9 ± 5.2 kg/m2, 34 ± 7.8 vs. 31.5 ± 5.6 years, 3183 ± 972 vs. 3533 ± 699 g., 20% vs. 7.5%, 27.9 vs. 14%, respectively, p < 0.05). Linear multiple regression analysis demonstrated that triglycerides, LDL-C and total cholesterol were independent predictors of LGA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Triglycerides and LDL-C in the third trimester of pregnancy are independent predictors for fetal macrosomia in DM2 and GDM pregnancies. Thus, the maternal serum triglycerides and LDL-C levels determined in the maternal blood taken in the third trimester of pregnancy may indentify women who will give birth to LGA newborns.

Adenomatoid Tumor of the Adrenal Gland in Young Woman: From Clinical and Radiological to Pathological Study.

Adenomatoid tumors are neoplasms of mesothelial origin, usually occurring in the male and female genital tracts. Extragenital localization sites such as adrenal glands are rare but have been reported. When found in the adrenals, they represent great clinical, radiological and pathological diagnostic challenge, with wide range of differential diagnoses to be considered. We present a case of a 30 years old female, with incidental ultrasound finding of unilateral tumor in the right adrenal gland. Multi slices CT scan was of value in localizing this tumor, but not in the precise diagnosis. The tumor ranged from 5.6 cm to 6.4 cm in greatest diameter. Clinical and hormonal examinations excluded Sy. Cushing, M. Conn and pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. A large tumor (d: 8 × 7 × 3 cm) was removed showing no infiltration of the adrenal cortex or medulla, or extra-adrenal extension into the periadrenal adipose tissue. Histological examination showed numerous cystic spaces lined by flattened cubical epithelial cells. The small cystic spaces were separated by edematous fibrovascular stroma with rare epithelial cells with vacuolated cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical staining was positive with vimentin (+), S100 (+), MCA mesothelial Ag (+), CD 68 (+) and negative with acitin (-), CK7 (-), CD3 (-). Adenomatoid tumor is a rare benign neoplasm that should be added in the differential diagnosis of any adrenal tumor occurring in adrenal gland. The histological and immunohistochemical profiles of this adrenal adenomatoid tumor are very supportive in reaching the diagnosis of this benign tumor of a mesothelial cell origin, helping to avoid invasive treatment.

Effect of lipid parameters on foetal growth in gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies.

INTRODUCTION: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) often deliver newborns large for their gestational age (LGA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of lipid parameters in the second half of pregnancy on foetal growth in GDM pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In two hundred consecutive women with GDM the age, body mass index before pregnancy, body mass index before delivery, gestational week of GDM diagnosis, lipid parameters after 24 weeks of pregnancy, fasting glycaemia, HbA1c in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, and baby birth weight were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 200 GDM pregnancies, 50 (25%) women delivered LGA newborns, 135 (67.5%) women delivered newborns appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and 15 (7.5%) women delivered newborns small for gestational age (SGA). Maternal triglyceride levels and HbA1c in the second trimester were higher, and HDL-C was significantly lower, in the LGA group than in the AGA group (3.8 ± 1.8 vs. 3.1 ± 1.1 mmol/L, 6.1 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 0.8%, and 1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 1.6 ± 0.4 mmol/L, p < 0.05). Also, maternal triglyceride levels and HbA1c in the second trimester were significantly higher in the SGA group than in the AGA group (3.8 ± 1.9 vs. 3.1 ± 1.1 mmol/L and 6.8 ± 0.8 vs. 5.5 ± 0.8%, p < 0.05). Maternal triglycerides were independent predictors for delivering LGA newborns in GDM women. CONCLUSION: In GDM pregnancies, maternal triglycerides in the second half of pregnancy may indentify women who will deliver LGA newborns. Thus, with good regulation of lipid profile, we can avoid macrosomia from GDM pregnancies.