Muscular involvement in long-term type 1 diabetes: Does it represent an underestimated complication?

OBJECTIVES: Structural, metabolic, and functional signs of skeletal muscle damage have been identified in individuals affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D), but, to our knowledge, no guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of muscle impairment exist and studies on T1D and muscle health remain limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in a long-term T1D population and to assess the effects of some clinical parameters on muscle mass and function. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients affected by T1D were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI), body composition (appendicular lean mass index [ALMI] and fat mass [FM]), and muscle strength were measured. Additionally, the relationship between Mediterranean diet adherence and sarcopenia was assessed. RESULTS: In the present sample (mean age 49.32 ± 13.49 y, 41.1% women, mean duration of diabetes 30.13 ± 12.28 y), the prevalence of sarcopenia was 7.7% (12.5 % in women and 4.35% in men). The prevalence of low ALMI was 23.1% (25% in women and 21.74% in men). Significant inverse correlations were found between ALMI and duration of diabetes and ALMI and FM; and significant positive correlations between ALMI and BMI, physical activity level, and muscle strength. At the same time, significant inverse correlations were observed between muscle strength and duration of diabetes and muscle strength and FM. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence of low muscle mass, similar to those found in the older age groups of the general population (25 years in advance) and our findings suggest a possible pathogenetic role of T1D duration on muscle trophism and function.

The Impact of Vegan Diet in the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

A protective effect of vegan diets on health outcomes has been observed in previous studies, but its impact on diabetes is still debated. The aim of this review is to assess the relationship between vegan diets and the risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) along with its effect on glycemic control and diabetes-related complications. In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, Pubmed and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for all relevant studies. Seven observational and eight randomized controlled (RCTs) studies were included. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs. We found that a vegan diet is associated with lower T2D prevalence or incidence and in T2D patients decreases high glucose values and improves glucose homeostasis, as reported from the majority of included studies. This approach seems to be comparable to other recommended healthful eating models, but as it may have potential adverse effects associated with the long-term exclusion of some nutrients, appropriate nutritional planning and surveillance are recommended, particularly in specific groups of diabetic patients such as frail elderly, adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Predictive Low Glucose Suspend Algorithm in Real Life: A Five-Year Follow-Up Retrospective Analysis.

AIM: Sensor-augmented pumps with predictive low glucose suspend function (PLGS-SAP) help patients avoid hypoglycemia and improve quality of life: in this retrospective study, we investigated long-term effects of PLGS-SAP on metabolic outcomes, acute and chronic diabetic complications, in particular cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated for more than 10 years with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) were followed for 5 years; 71 (Group 1) started to use PLGS-SAP, and 68 (Group 2) maintained on their non-PLGM insulin pump. Glucose control measures (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], acute diabetic complications), clinical outcomes (body mass index [BMI], arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia), chronic diabetes-related complications, and device utilization (continuous glucose monitoring utilization, use of temporary basal rates or special boluses, carbohydrate counting usage) were assessed. RESULTS: The reduction of HbA1c was significant in Group 1 (from 7.5% ± 1.1% to 7.0% ± 1.0%, P = .02), while in Group 2 it did not reach statistical significance (from 7.5% ± 1.1% to 7.4% ± 0.9%, P = .853). BMI increased significantly in Group 2 (from 25.3 ± 2.8 to 25.7 ± 3.4, P < .001), but not in Group 1 (from 25.2 ± 3.5 to 25.2 ± 2.8, P = .887). There were no statistically significant differences in occurrence of acute diabetes complications, other clinical outcomes, prevalence of diabetes-related complications, or device utilization between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our five-year follow-up experience with T1D CSII users, PLGS-SAP has resulted efficient in improving metabolic control and maintaining the body weight.