Type 2 diabetes remission rates 1-year post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and validation of the DiaRem score: the Ontario Bariatric Network experience.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with the remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). There are a number of scoring systems available that help predict type 2 diabetes remission rates after bariatric surgery; however, relatively few have been validated externally. The DiaRem score, comprised of four preoperative variables (age, haemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], sulfonylurea and insulin-sensitizing agent use and insulin use), allows for the identification of patients who are most likely to have DM remission following RYGB. Our primary objective was to determine the variables predictive of DM remission 1 year post-RYGB, determine how well the DiaRem score predicts DM remission 1 year post-RYGB and identify the optimal cut-off DiaRem score. The study is based on results of RYGB performed across multiple centres in Ontario, Canada, overseen by the Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation in Hamilton, with direction from the Ontario Bariatric Network. Regression analysis was used to determine the predictive value of demographic and clinical variables and that of the DiaRem score. The optimal DiaRem cut-off score was determined using sensitivity and specificity analysis. Of 3874 patients in the Ontario Bariatric Registry between January 2010 and February 2015, 915 had complete 1-year follow-up data. Among these, 15 were not classified as having DM at baseline and were excluded. Of the remaining 900 patients with type 2 diabetes and who underwent RYGB surgery, 333 (37.0%) had DM remission at 1-year follow-up. Three of four DiaRem variables (age, HbA1c, insulin use), in addition to use of any hypoglycaemic agent, were associated with DM remission. DiaRem score had moderate predictive value. A DiaRem score cut-off of <5 had a sensitivity of 71.8% and specificity of 71.3%. This study provides guidance to clinicians in using the DiaRem score to inform the selection and prioritization of patients to ensure timely access to bariatric surgery for those who are likely to benefit the most.

How does obesity affect the endocrine system? A narrative review.

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing medical condition that results from an imbalance of energy expenditure and consumption. It is a leading cause of preventable illness, disability and premature death. The causes of obesity are multifactorial and include behavioural, socioeconomic, genetic, environmental and psychosocial factors. Rarely are endocrine diseases, e.g., hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome, the cause of obesity. What is less understood is how obesity affects the endocrine system. In this review, we will discuss the impact of obesity on multiple endocrine systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, changes in vitamin D homeostasis, gender steroids and thyroid hormones. We will also examine the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and insulin pathophysiology associated with obesity. We will provide a general overview of the biochemical changes that can be seen in patients with obesity, review possible aetiologies of these changes and briefly consider current guidelines on their management. This review will not discuss endocrine causes of obesity.

The effect of continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring (CGMS) versus intermittent whole blood finger-stick glucose monitoring (SBGM) on hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) levels in Type I diabetic patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGMS) is a relatively new technology that measures interstitial glucose every 5 min for 72 h. The resulting profile provides a more comprehensive measure of glycemic excursions than intermittent self-blood finger-stick glucose monitoring (SBGM) and thus could potentially improve diabetes control. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing CGMS and SBGM in Type 1 diabetic patients. Our aim was to determine whether CGMS leads to better hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) levels, a marker of long-term vascular risk. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials comparing CGMS and SBGM in Type 1 diabetic patients were identified using both manual and electronic searches of the literature in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials from 1996 to March 2007. Relevant studies were independently selected by two reviewers, who also extracted data on study design, quality and effect on HBA1c levels. Data from all trials were pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS: Seven studies with a total of 335 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Five studies were confined to the pediatric population (age<18 years). Study duration varied from 12 to 24 weeks. Compared with SBGM, CGMS was associated with a non-significant reduction in HBA1c (0.22%; 95% CI: -0.439% to 0.004%, p=0.055). CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support the notion that CGMS provides a superior benefit over SBGM in terms of HBA1c reduction. There was some indication of improved detection of asymptomatic nocturnal hypoglycemia in the CGMS group.

Obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance.

Being overweight or obese has become highly prevalent in Western countries and are rapidly reaching epidemic proportions in the developing world. Obesity-related disorders, such as hypertension and diabetes, are also increasing at an alarming rate. The relationship between obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance is well recognised, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain relatively poorly understood. Adipose tissue plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. It serves as an important source of pro-inflammatory molecules, including leptin, tumour necrosis factor alpha, angiotensin II and interleukin-6, as well as anti-inflammatory molecules, such as adiponectin. Knowledge of how these adipose tissue-derived factors influence metabolic and cardiovascular disease has recently expanded. Leptin is now considered to play a key role in the elevation of sympathetic activity commonly found in obese, hypertensive patients, and decreased secretion of adiponectin appears to be an important predictor of diabetes. The ectopic storage of excess fat in skeletal muscle, liver or pancreas, due to the decreased capacity of adipose tissue to scavenge excess calories, may also play a role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Overall, continuing research into the relationship between adipose-tissue biology and metabolic abnormalities may lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease, and ultimately provide alternative treatments for the control of potentially life-threatening conditions.