Implementation of diabetes care and educational program via telemedicine in patients with COVID-19 in home isolation in Thailand: A real-worldexperience.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bangkok led to a shortage of hospital capacity, and a home isolation system was set up. We described the process of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) and glycemic management via telemedicine, along with outcomes in home-isolated patients with COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of glucose values, insulin and corticosteroids use, and outcomes was performed. RESULTS: A volunteer group of 21 endocrinologists and 21 diabetes educators/nurses formed the consultation team. Patients with diabetes or at high-risk of diabetes and receiving corticosteroids were referred by primary volunteer physicians. Glucometers and related supplies, and insulin were donated, and delivered via same-day delivery services. A chat group of an individual patient/their caregiver, diabetes educator, endocrinologist, and primary physician was formed (majority via LINE® platform) to assess the patient's clinical status and need. Real-time virtual DSMES sessions were performed and treatments were adjusted via smartphone application or telephone. There were 119 patients (1,398 service days), mean (SD) age 62.0 (13.6) years, 85.7% had a history of type 2 diabetes, and 84.0% received corticosteroids. Insulin was used in 88 patients; 69 of whom were insulin-naïve. During the first 10 days, there were 2,454 glucose values. The mean glucose level on day 1 was 280.6 (122.3) mg/dL, and declined to 167.7 (43.4) mg/dL on day 10. Hypoglycemia occurred in 1.4% of the values. A majority of patients (79.5%) recovered at home. CONCLUSION: Diabetes care and DSMES delivered via telemedicine to patients on home isolation during COVID-19 pandemic was safe and effective.

Effect of gender, diabetes duration, inflammatory cytokines, and vitamin D level on bone mineral density among Thai children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is considered a risk factor for osteoporosis in adults; however, studies in bone mineral density (BMD) in children with T1DM reported conflicting results. The aim of this study was to compare BMD between T1DM youth and healthy controls, and to identify factors that affect BMD in T1DM youth. METHODS: One hundred T1DM youths and 100 healthy controls (both groups aged 5-20 years) were recruited. BMD of total body, lumbar (L2-4), femoral neck, and total hip were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood investigations, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and inflammatory cytokines, were performed. RESULTS: Forty-four boys and 56 girls with T1DM were enrolled [mean age 14.5 ±â€¯2.7 years, median (IQR) duration of T1DM 5.80 (2.97-9.07) years, and mean HbA1c entire duration 9.2 ±â€¯1.4%]. T1DM girls had a lower height Z-score than control girls (p < 0.05), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was higher in T1DM youth than in controls (p < 0.001). After adjusting for pubertal status, height Z-score, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, T1DM youth had a significantly lower lumbar BMD Z-score and femoral neck BMD than controls (p = 0.027 and p = 0.025, respectively). We also found that T1DM boys had a significantly lower lumbar BMD Z-score (p = 0.028), femoral neck BMD (p = 0.004), and total hip BMD (p = 0.016) than control boys. In contrast, these significant differences were not found in T1DM girls. Factors affecting BMD were different between T1DM boys and girls, and among different BMD sites. IL-13 was positively correlated with BMD in the total cohort and among girls. In boys - IL-2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were positively associated with BMD, and duration of diabetes was found to negatively affect BMD. CONCLUSION: Deleterious effect of T1DM on BMD is gender specific. The longer the duration of T1DM, the greater the deficit in BMD found among boys with T1DM.

Prevalence of low bone mass among adolescents with nontransfusion-dependent hemoglobin E/ß-thalassemia and its relationship with anemia severity.

BACKGROUND: Low bone mass is common among adolescents with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia despite adequate transfusion and iron chelation. However, there are few reports regarding bone mineral density (BMD) among adolescents with nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Indeed, only BMD data in patients with nontransfusion-dependent (NTD) ß-thalassemia intermedia have been reported. No previous study has investigated BMD among adolescents with NTD hemoglobin (Hb) E/ß-thalassemia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of low bone mass among adolescents with NTD Hb E/ß-thalassemia and factors relating to low bone mass. METHODS: We investigated BMD of lumbar spine (L2-L4; BMDLS) and total body (BMDTB), as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, in 22 adolescents (aged 13.2-20 years) with NTD Hb E/ß-thalassemia. RESULTS: Low bone mass was found to be 18.2% and 22.7% at the lumbar spine (BMDLS Z-score adjusted for bone age and height age) and 13.6% and 9.1% at the total body (BMDTB Z-score adjusted for bone age and height age). Patients with mean Hb level <8 g/dl were more likely to have low bone mass (BMDLS and BMDTB Z-scores adjusted for bone age) compared to those with Hb level ≥ 8 g/dl. Mean Hb level correlated with BMDLS and BMDTB Z-scores adjusted for bone age. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that a low Hb level was associated with low bone mass among adolescents with NTD Hb E/ß-thalassemia. A significant proportion of low bone mass among these patients highlights the importance of appropriate management, including red cell transfusion, vitamin D and calcium supplementation for improved long-term bone health.

Outcomes of group-based treatment program with parental involvement for the management of childhood and adolescent obesity.

OBJECTIVE: An uncontrolled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a group-based program on weight control, metabolic profiles, and obesity-related complications in obese youth. METHODS: The program consisted of an initial in-patient session and five group sessions, one, two, three, six, and nine months into the study, providing participants and their parents with information about the consequences of obesity and lifestyle modifications. The severity of obesity and obesity-related complications were evaluated at baseline and 12 months after the intervention. The participants' and their parents' perceptions of the program were assessed. RESULTS: Of the obese youth recruited (n=126), 115 completed the study. Their percentage weight for height and percentage body fat decreased significantly (both p<0.001), and their insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and transaminases levels improved (all p<0.01). The prevalence of prediabetes, dyslipidemia, and elevated transaminases decreased significantly (all p<0.05). The participants and their parents perceived the program as valuable. CONCLUSION: A group-based program is effective in managing childhood obesity, improving metabolic profiles, and alleviating certain obesity-related complications. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A group-based program that provides education and raises the awareness of obese children and their parents about the consequences of obesity is an effective model for treating childhood obesity.

A normal reference of bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in healthy thai children and adolescents aged 5-18 years: a new reference for Southeast Asian Populations.

Ethnic-specific normative data of bone mineral density (BMD) is essential for the accurate interpretation of BMD measurement. There have been previous reports of normative BMD data for Caucasian and Asian children including Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Indian. However, the normative BMD data for Southeast Asian including Thai children and adolescents are not currently available. The goals of our study were 1) to establish normative data of BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA) and lean body mass (LBM) for healthy Thai children and adolescents; aged 5-18 years measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, Lunar Prodigy) and 2) to evaluate the relationships between BMD vs. age, sex, puberty, weight, height, calcium intake and the age of menarche in our population. Gender and age-specific BMD (L2-4; LS and total body; TB), BMADLS (apparent BMD of the lumbar spine), BMC (L2-4 and total body), BA (L2-4 and total body) and LBM were evaluated in 367 children (174 boys and 193 girls). All parameters increased progressively with age. A rapid increase in BMD, BMC and BMADLS was observed at earlier ages in girls. Gender and Tanner stage-specific BMD normative data were also generated. The dynamic changes of BMD values from childhood to early and late puberty of Thai children appeared to be consistent with those of Caucasian and Asian populations. Using a multiple-regression, weight and Tanner stage significantly affected BMDLS, BMDTB and BMADLS in both genders. Only in girls, height was found to have significant influence on BMDTB and BMADLS. The positive correlation between BMD and several demographic parameters, except the calcium intake, was observed. In summary, we established a normal BMD reference for Thai children and adolescents and this will be of useful for clinicians and researchers to appropriately assess BMD in Thais and other Southeast Asian children.

Glycemic control, quality of life and self-care behavior among adolescents with type 1 diabetes who attended a diabetes camp.

A prospective study was conducted at the tenth Siriraj diabetes camp with the objectives of evaluating the effectiveness of diabetes camp on 1) glycemic control, 2) knowledge, 3) quality of life, and 4) self-care behavior of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who participated in the diabetes camp. During the 5-day camp, twenty-seven participants (mean age 15.6 +/- 2.1 years, mean duration 6.3 +/- 3.0 years) were taught diabetes self-management education (DSME) and engaged in psychosocial support sessions. Post-camp activities were held every 3 months and participants were followed for 12 months post-camp. Glycemic control was assessed prior to the camp, then every 3 months. Knowledge level was assessed prior to the camp, at the end of the camp, and every 3 months. Diabetes self-care behavior and quality of life were evaluated prior to the camp, at 3 months and 12 months after the camp. After attending the camp, participants had improvement in knowledge but there were no changes in HbA1c levels or quality of life scores. Quality of life was not consistently associated with HbA1c. In general, participants did not perceive their quality of life was poor or feel having diabetes affected their social life. The issue participants worried about most was whether they would develop complications from diabetes. There were several weak points found among participant self-care behavior, particularly in diet-related matters. Despite no improvement in glycemic control, participants gained knowledge from attending the camp. Diet related self-care behavior is difficult for teenagers with T1D to be compliant.

Successful strategy to improve glucose tolerance in Thai obese youth.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is an emerging national health problem in Thailand. Our previous study found that one third of obese children and adolescents had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 2.6 percent had already developed type 2 diabetes mellitus. An immediate strategy needs to be established in order to improve these metabolic problems. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether diet and exercise education for lifestyle modification with or without metformin therapy in our diabetes clinic is enable to improve these metabolic problems. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-six Thai obese children and adolescents with IGT, who received at least 6 months of treatment consisting of lifestyle modification alone or lifestyle modification and metformin (combined treatment) were enrolled into this study. Each patient underwent the second 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Plasma glucose, insulin levels, HbA1C and lipid profiles were measured. The results were compared with historical pre-treatment data. RESULTS: Approximately 1 year after intervention, 19 out of 26 patients with IGT completed the second 2-hour OGTT. Sixteen patients (84.2%) successfully reversed to be normal glucose tolerance whereas 3 patients (15.8%) remained IGT. Body mass index (BMI), BMISDS, 2-hour plasma glucose, basal insulin level, 2-hour insulin level were significantly decreased after treatment in normal OGTT group (Ps < 0.05). Treatment with lifestyle modification alone and combined treatment indifferently improved the abnormal glucose tolerance in our patient (83.3% vs. 84.6%). CONCLUSION: Impaired glucose tolerance in obese youth is a reversible abnormality by lifestyle modification with or without metformin.

Glycemic control and the psychosocial benefits gained by patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending the diabetes camp.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes camp on glycemic control, knowledge, and psychosocial benefits among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Glycemic control among patients with infrequent and frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was also compared. METHODS: During a 5-day camp, 60 patients were taught diabetes self-management education (DSME). After camp, patients were divided into two groups based on frequency of SMBG (<3 versus 3-4 times/day) and were followed up until 6-month post-camp. Patients' HbA1c levels and knowledge were assessed at baseline, 3- and 6-month post-camp. Patients' impressions towards camp were assessed. RESULTS: In both SMBG groups, HbA1c levels decreased significantly at 3-month post-camp but did not sustain at 6-month monitoring. The patients with frequent SMBG had a lower mean HbA1c level. A significant improvement in knowledge was noted and sustained up to 6-month post-camp. The patients found diabetes camp of benefit and felt they could better cope with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the effect of the diabetes camp on glycemic control was short-lived, an improvement in knowledge and a better attitude towards having diabetes were seen among participants. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The psychosocial benefits and knowledge gained by patients attending diabetes camp underline the importance of including a camp in a diabetes management plan. To improve patients' long-term glycemic control, a continuous education is required.

Etiology and glycemic control among Thai children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: There is little data on etiology and metabolic control in children and adolescents with diabetes in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: Determine the etiology of diabetes in Thai youths and to evaluate their glycemic control. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed the case records of 157 patients seen at the Department of Pediatrics, Siriraj Hospital between 2003 and 2004. RESULT: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) comprised 83%, type 2 diabetes (T2D) 13%, and other types 4%. GAD65 and IA-2 antibodies were positive in 63% and 61% of T1D patients, and 0% and 9% of T2D patients, respectively. There were an increasing number of new cases, both T1D and T2D, during the study period compared with a previous study conducted at the hospital. Mean HbA1c in T1D and T2D were 8.9 +/- 2.1% and 6.2 +/- 1.80%, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the present study, glycemic control appeared to be more satisfactory in T2D patients than those with T1D. Glycemic control among T1D patients was comparable to others in developed countries.

Preliminary data of insulin glargine use among Thai adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated at Siriraj Hospital.

UNLABELLED: Insulin glargine is a new long-acting insulin analog with a duration of action of 24 hours and can be given once a day as the only basal insulin combined with short or rapid-acting insulin as bolus insulin for each meal. The goals of this study were to evaluate short term result of treatment with insulin glargine compared to NPH and to determine the initial dosage of insulin glargine in Thai adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We reviewed charts of 10 adolescents (median age 20.8 years, range 12.3-22.7 years) with type 1 diabetes who had received insulin glargine for > or = 4 months (median 16.5 months, range 4-25 months). Before switching to insulin glargine, all patients received NPH. Seventy percent of subjects had improvement of HbA1c from 10.4% (range 8.2-12.6) to 8% (range 6.7-10.6). The total amount of insulin dosage was significantly decreased from 1.2 (range 0.9-2.4) to 0.9 (range 0.4-1.5) units/kg/day as well as the percentage of basal insulin which was decreased from 70% (range 67-81) to 47% (range 38-56) of the total daily insulin. Insulin glargine did not cause severe hypoglycemia in this study. CONCLUSION: Insulin glargine is another promising therapy for adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We recommend the starting total daily insulin dosage to be decreased to 70-80% of previous dosage. Insulin glargine should be started at 50% of the new total daily insulin dosage.

Intensive diabetes education program and multidisciplinary team approach in management of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus: a greater patient benefit, experience at Siriraj Hospital.

It is accepted worldwide that an effective multidisciplinary management team is essential for providing comprehensive self-management training to type I diabetics and their families. Therefore, the authors developed an intensive multidisciplinary education team that included pediatric endocrinologists, a dietitian, a psychologist, nurses, scientists and volunteers in the Department of Pediatrics, Siriraj Hospital in August 1996. This study aimed to analyze twenty-four newly diagnosed diabetics who underwent this specified program and multidisciplinary team approach in comparison to twenty-eight diabetic patients who were diagnosed before the program and team were established in order to see whether the length of hospitalization had been reduced and to compare the readmission rates of recurrent DKA with previous patients. The results demonstrated that by using the intensive program and multidisciplinary team the average length of admission was reduced from 36.04 days to 17.63 days (p value = 0.03). The readmission rate in the first year after diagnosis was also reduced from 17.8 per cent to 4 per cent. Concerning diabetes control, the average HbA1c level showed significantly better control. Therefore, this study demonstrated a successful team and program for newly diagnosed Thai childhood and adolescent diabetics and also emphasized that a multidisciplinary team approach with an effectively intensive education program is important in helping diabetics and families cope with their emerging problems and receive the long-term benefits of effective self-care.