Postprandial hyperglycemia: implications for practice.

Despite the growing consensus that postprandial glucose levels provide a more accurate and valuable early marker of diabetes symptoms than fasting plasma glucose, the ability to forestall diabetic complications by managing postprandial hyperglycemia has not been proved. Patients who are not considered to have diabetes mellitus may have impaired glucose tolerance (and increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease), and targeting nonfasting glucose can reduce insulin requirements for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes mellitus). The challenge now is to determine what fasting glucose levels merit intervention, when and how they should be determined, and who should measure them. After outlining the discrepancies and lack of consensus between measurement guidelines developed by different professional organizations, the author then reviews options for treating postprandial hyperglycemia, including prepackaged meals, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, acarbose therapy, and fast-acting insulin preparations.

DEMS - a second generation diabetes electronic management system.

Diabetes electronic management system (DEMS) is a component-based client/server application, written in Visual C++ and Visual Basic, with the database server running Sybase System 11. DEMS is built entirely with a combination of dynamic link libraries (DLLs) and ActiveX components - the only exception is the DEMS.exe. DEMS is a chronic disease management system for patients with diabetes. It is used at the point of care by all members of the diabetes team including physicians, nurses, dieticians, clinical assistants and educators. The system is designed for maximum clinical efficiency and facilitates appropriately supervised delegation of care. Dispersed clinical sites may be supervised from a central location. The system is designed for ease of navigation; immediate provision of many types of automatically generated reports; quality audits; aids to compliance with good care guidelines; and alerts, advisories, prompts, and warnings that guide the care provider. The system now contains data on over 34000 patients and is in daily use at multiple sites.

Towards an optimal model for community-based diabetes care: design and baseline data from the Mayo Health System Diabetes Translation Project.

The objective of the Mayo Health System Diabetes Translation Project is to assess the impact of three different models of care on the overall quality of diabetes care in the community. The unit of study is the primary care practice with a different model of care implemented at each of three sites. The design incorporates a comparison of a diabetes guideline implementation team initiative (Practice model A), a guideline initiative combined with clinical use of a Diabetes Electronic Management System (DEMS) by primary care providers (Practice model B) and a guideline initiative combined with DEMS utilization combined with electronic review of DEMS patient encounters by an endocrinologist (Practice model C). Administrative data sets were used to define the patient population at each practice. Patients were designated as new, attending or non-attending based on their pattern of visits over the preceding 12 months. A random sample of 200 charts from attending patients at each site was audited at baseline for diabetes-related process and outcome measures. This audit will be repeated yearly during the 2 years of the project. Baseline data revealed significant differences across sites in adherence to certain key indicators of the quality of diabetes care including: frequency of documentation of eye examinations (19, 39 and 37% for sites A, B and C, respectively), haemoglobin A1c monitoring (64, 89 and 77%) and microalbumin monitoring (3, 15 and 6%). The interventions being assessed in this study include traditional (diabetes education; guideline implementation) and modern (DEMS; telemedicine specialist review) methods for improving the quality of diabetes care. In spite of variation in baseline quality indicators, the setting and design should lead to broad applicability of the results and help determine an optimal model of diabetes care in the community.

An evaluation of new agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Several new medications for the treatment of hyperglycemia for patients with type 2 diabetes have been introduced in the past several years. Integration of these medications into practice has increased the complexity of therapeutic decisions. Appropriate use of these medications increases the likelihood that patients will achieve recommended treatment goals. Many new combinations of oral medications or oral medications and insulin injections are possible. This paper reviews the pharmacology and clinical effectiveness of medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and provides a framework to assist with treatment decisions.

Hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus.

The increased risk of coronary artery disease in subjects with diabetes mellitus can be partially explained by the lipoprotein abnormalities associated with diabetes mellitus. Hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of high-density lipoprotein are the most common lipid abnormalities. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, these abnormalities can usually be reversed with glycemic control. In contrast, in type 2 diabetes mellitus, although lipid values improve, abnormalities commonly persist even after optimal glycemic control has been achieved. Screening for dyslipidemia is recommended in subjects with diabetes mellitus. A goal of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of less than 130 mg/dL and triglycerides lower than 200 mg/dL should be sought. Several secondary prevention trials, which included subjects with diabetes, have demonstrated the effectiveness of lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in preventing death from coronary artery disease. The benefit of lowering triglycerides is less clear. Initial approaches to lowering the levels of lipids in subjects with diabetes mellitus should include glycemic control, diet, weight loss, and exercise. When goals are not met, the most common drugs used are hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or fibrates.

Impact of a diabetes electronic management system on the care of patients seen in a subspecialty diabetes clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the compliance with diabetes care performance indicators by diabetes specialists using a diabetes electronic management system (DEMS) and by those using the traditional paper medical record. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A DEMS has been gradually introduced into our subspecialty practice for diabetes care. To assess the value of this DEMS as a disease management tool, we completed a retrospective review of the medical records of 82 randomly selected patients attending a subspecialty diabetes clinic (DC) during the first quarter of 1996. Eligible patients were defined by the suggested criteria from the American Diabetes Association Provider Recognition Program. During the first quarter of 1996, approximately one half of the providers began using the DEMS for some but not all of their patient encounters. Neither abstractors nor providers were aware of the intent to examine performance in relationship to use of the DEMS. RESULTS: Several measures were positively influenced when providers used the DEMS. The number of foot examinations, the number of blood pressure readings, and a weighted criterion score were greater (P < 0.01) for providers using the DEMS. There was evidence, although not statistically significant, for lower mean diastolic blood pressures (P = 0.043) in patients and for number of glycated hemoglobins documented (P = 0.018) by users of the DEMS. CONCLUSIONS: Performance and documentation of the process of care for patients with diabetes in a subspecialty clinic are greater with the use of a DEMS than with the traditional paper record.

Sulfonylureas.

Sulfonylureas have been available for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) since the 1950s. With the introduction of new oral agents, there is a tendency to discount the value of sulfonylurea therapy. Sulfonylureas have the advantage of multiple formulations, low costs, minimal side effects, and demonstrated efficacy in controlling hyperglycemia. The major disadvantage of sulfonylureas is secondary failure, which may occur with all oral agents as part of the progression of NIDDM. Sulfonylureas should continue to play an important role in the treatment of NIDDM.

The classification of diabetes by clinical and C-peptide criteria. A prospective population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate both the concordance in the classification of diabetes by clinical and C-peptide criteria and, prospectively, the consistency of the classification by C-peptide. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Individuals with diabetes who were enlisted in the prospective epidemiological study of diabetic neuropathy (Rochester Diabetic Neuropathy Study [RDNS]) were classified clinically by National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria to IDDM and NIDDM at entry to the study. In addition, C-peptide response to 1 mg glucagon was measured at entry for the classification to IDDM (basal C-peptide, < 0.17 pmol/ml; increment above basal, < 0.07 pmol/ml) and NIDDM (all other responses) and for concordance with the clinical classification made. The consistency of the C-peptide response was assessed every 2 years for up to 8 years. RESULTS: Among 346 individuals with diabetes, 84 were classified as IDDM and 262 as NIDDM by clinical algorithm. COncordance with the C-peptide response occurred in 89% of the patients and remained consistent during 8 years of follow-up. Among the 37 patients with discordant clinical and C-peptide classification, those considered clinically to have NIDDM had a consistent IDDM C-peptide response during follow-up, and most of those considered to have IDDM clinically eventually showed an IDDM C-peptide response during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical criteria for the classification of diabetes are highly correlated with the assessment of insulin secretory reserve. A small number of individuals considered to have NIDDM clinically or by C-peptide have or develop an IDDM peptide response.

Dyslipidemia and diabetes: a personal view.

Cardiovascular disease, the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes, justifies an aggressive approach to the reduction of modifiable risk factors. Lipid values are generally normal in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, but hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are frequently associated with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Recommendations for screening and treatment of patients without diabetes do not apply to those with NIDDM. Screening should be done annually and should include fasting total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. Therapeutic recommendations based solely on the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level are inappropriate. Hypertriglyceridemia cannot be ignored in patients with NIDDM. Therapy should first be directed toward improved control of the diabetes through diet, exercise, and insulin or sulfonylureas. Therapeutic goals are selected on the basis of individual risk assessment and are strongly influenced by the presence of preexisting vascular disease. When the goals are not achieved through improved control of diabetes, lipid-lowering drug therapy, based on the specific profile of the lipid abnormalities, should be initiated.

Glycaemia control in diabetes mellitus. Towards the normal profile?

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and the Stockholm Study have conclusively demonstrated that improving the blood glucose control in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) reduces the risk of developing retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Each patient with IDDM should be carefully evaluated for the appropriateness of institution of an intensive insulin treatment programme. In particular, the risk of severe hypoglycaemia must be considered and the goals modified if necessary to reduce the risk. Successful implementation of an intensive treatment programme requires an experienced healthcare team and a knowledgeable and well motivated cooperative patient. Several variations of intensive treatment programmes can be used, with no definite superiority of one treatment method over the others. Individualization is the key to success. Each programme has the same general principles. Regular insulin is used to control the postprandial glucose excursion and a slow infusion of regular insulin by a pump or injected intermediate or long-acting insulin is used to balance fasting glucose utilisation and production. The treatment will not be successful without self-monitoring of blood glucose by the patient and frequent adjustment of the insulin doses to compensate for variations in blood glucose levels, diet and activity. The treatment should be followed with quarterly glycated haemoglobin determinations and a regular follow-up plan. During follow-up the main challenge for the healthcare team will be to maintain motivation in the patient and to assist with behaviour modification. A detailed understanding of intensive treatment programmes may be beyond the skill of the average primary care physician, but any physician caring for patients with diabetes will benefit from an understanding of the general treatment principles outlined in this article.

Chronic diarrhea in diabetes mellitus: mechanisms and an approach to diagnosis and treatment.

In this study, our aim was to develop a practical strategy to facilitate the management of patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic diarrhea in a tertiary referral practice. We reviewed the pertinent English-language literature of the past 30 years that described the pathophysiologic mechanisms and treatment of patients with diabetic diarrhea and retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with diabetic diarrhea examined at the Mayo Clinic during 1990. Three typical case studies are described to illustrate the diverse mechanisms that lead to chronic diarrhea in patients with diabetes. No report in the literature has systematically evaluated all the putative mechanisms of chronic diarrhea in any group of patients with diabetes. In our tertiary referral practice, diabetic diarrhea was frequently due to celiac sprue, bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel, or fecal incontinence in conjunction with anorectal dysfunction; however, in almost 50% of the patients, these causes were excluded, and abnormal intestinal motility or secretion was postulated to be one of the likely causes of the diarrhea. These data suggest a practical algorithm based on three sequential assessments: first, tests of blood and stool specimens and flexible sigmoidoscopy to detect evidence of malabsorption or disease in the distal colon; second, small bowel aspirate and biopsy if the results of initial blood or stool tests are abnormal or anorectal function tests if those test results are normal; and, finally, measurement of gastrointestinal transit or therapeutic trials with opioids, clonidine hydrochloride, and, rarely, cholestyramine resin or octreotide acetate (or both methods). The mechanisms whereby abnormal neural function due to diabetes results in altered digestive, secretory, absorptive, or motor function necessitate further elucidation. The management of chronic diarrhea in patients in a tertiary referral practice, however, can be based on a practical algorithm to determine the cause and to adopt specific treatment to correct it.

Diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management of diabetes mellitus.

Proper care of the patient with diabetes mellitus poses a challenge for all health care professionals. The diagnosis is often established at the onset of symptoms. Early diagnosis through screening of patients at high risk allows prompt initiation of therapy and may help prevent long-term complications. The fasting plasma glucose determination is the most useful diagnostic test, but random plasma glucose and the oral glucose tolerance test are also used to diagnose diabetes, depending on the circumstances. Complex insulin programs and frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose are required to achieve acceptable glucose control in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus requires a choice among diet, sulfonylureas, insulin, or a combination of these therapies. Achievement of treatment goals requires diet, monitoring, education, and continuing care in addition to medication. A general understanding of these goals may help the optometrist participate more effectively in the care of this challenging and important class of patients.

Preventing long term complications. Implications for combination therapy with acarbose.

Long term complications continue to be the major source of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Acarbose could potentially help to reduce diabetic complications if it improved glucose control, reduced lipid levels and hyperinsulinaemia. Acarbose has been shown to effectively reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia and haemoglobin A1c. This effect might be helpful in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as insulin injections do not provide complete control of rises in postprandial glucose levels, and in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, because it simplifies the treatment programme. If improved control is shown to reduce complications, acarbose may be helpful. Although acarbose does not reduce hyperinsulinaemia, it reduces lipid levels and thus could reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Progression of peripheral occlusive arterial disease in diabetes mellitus. What factors are predictive?

The clinical, biochemical, and vascular laboratory measurements potentially associated with the development and/or progression of peripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD) were assessed during a 4-year period in 110 normal control subjects, 112 patients with POAD without diabetes mellitus, 240 patients with diabetes mellitus without POAD, and 100 patients with diabetes mellitus and POAD. Age, history of hypertension or coronary heart disease, history of cigarette smoking, presence of POAD, systolic blood pressure, and beta-thromboglobulin level were associated with progression of POAD. A multivariate logistic regression model indicated that the presence of diabetes mellitus or POAD or both at baseline, decreased postexercise ankle-brachial index, increased arm systolic blood pressure, and current smoking were independently associated with progression of POAD. This study suggests that cessation of smoking and control of hypertension are essential treatment modifications to decrease the risk of progression of peripheral vascular disease in diabetic patients.

Portable blood glucose meters. Teaching patients how to correctly monitor diabetes.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is an important component of treatment in patients with diabetes. Recent improvements in glucose meters have made patient self-testing more reliable and less dependent on user technique. However, success of the process depends on the training, reassessment, and support of the patient by the healthcare team.

Pancreas transplantation at Mayo: I. Patient selection.

From October 1987 to December 1988, 59 patients underwent assessment for combined kidney and pancreas transplantation or pancreas transplantation after receiving a kidney allograft. We report our criteria for accepting candidates for transplantation, the results of the selection process, and the clinical and laboratory profile of those patients who underwent transplantation. Of the overall group, 22 patients (37%) were approved medically, 3 of whom were awaiting financial approval. Of the 59 patients, 15 (25%) were not approved for the transplantation program for medical reasons; in addition, 16 patients declined participation and 3 were not accepted because of lack of financial resources. Medical reasons for exclusion from pancreas transplantation were coronary artery disease in six patients, severe peripheral vascular disease in six patients, other medical problems in two patients, and noncompliance in one patient. Thus, many patients who underwent assessment for pancreas transplantation did not enter the program because of medical, financial, or personal preference reasons. In most cases, the medical reason for exclusion from pancreas transplantation was a cardiovascular disorder.