RESUMO
Background The cluster of metabolic abnormalities known as metabolic syndrome has a significant association with the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence rate of metabolic syndrome among a group of patients diagnosed with T2DM, according to the standards set by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Chandka Medical College, Larkana, Pakistan, from June 2019 to 2020. Using the IDF criteria for metabolic syndrome, 131 type 2 diabetics over age 30 were purposively sampled, excluding specific medical conditions and medications. Trained nurses recorded patient demographics, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Relevant laboratory tests were conducted, and metabolic syndrome prevalence was determined. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19, (Released 2010; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), considering both quantitative and qualitative variables. Results The research found that the occurrence of metabolic syndrome was 87.2%. It is worth mentioning that age did not have a considerable connection with metabolic syndrome incidence (p=0.873), as the overwhelming majority of participants in both groups were aged over 40 years. However, there was a clear link (p=0.001) between gender and the 'no metabolic syndrome' group, with more males in this category. Additionally, blood pressure was significantly linked to metabolic syndrome (p=0.001), with most individuals having normal blood pressure in the 'no metabolic syndrome' group. Although serum triglyceride levels were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (p=0.222), serum HDL cholesterol levels had a significant relationship (p<0.0001), where most people possessed HDL levels ≥40mg/dl in the 'no metabolic syndrome' category. Conclusion The findings of this investigation demonstrated a substantial occurrence of metabolic syndrome in patients with T2DM, wherein notable links were detected with gender, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol levels. However, no significant correlation was observed with age or serum triglycerides. These results emphasize the necessity for an all-inclusive metabolic care approach for individuals with T2DM.
RESUMO
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most prevalent and expensive microvascular consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM), which is noteworthy given that it is frequently both underdiagnosed and undertreated in daily clinical practice. The aim of the current article was to review the efficiency of vitamin B12 supplementation in isolation or in combination therapy for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This meta-analysis was designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed and Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of vitamin B12 outcomes in patients with diabetic neuropathy without putting restrictions on the year of publication. A combination of the following keywords was used: "diabetic neuropathy," "vitamin B12," and "outcomes." The primary outcomes assessed in the current meta-analysis included neuropathic symptoms and vibration perception threshold (VPT). Secondary outcomes included a change in pain score from baseline, total cholesterol (mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). A total of six articles were selected to be included in the current meta-analysis. Patients receiving vitamin B12 showed a greater reduction of mean neuropathic symptoms (standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.73, -0.05, p-value: 0.03) and pain score (SMD: -3.60, 95% CI: -4.68, -1.43, p-value<0.001) compared to the control group. No significant effect of vitamin B12 was found on VPT (mean difference (MD): -4.80, 95% CI: -11.03, 1.42, p-value: 0.13), change in HDL (MD: 0.14, 95% CI: -2.37, 2.65, p-value: 0.91), LDL (MD: 2.59, 95% CI: -5.94, 11.12, p-value: 0.55), and total cholesterol (MD: -2.72, 95% CI: -11.52, 6.08, p-value: 0.54). The current meta-analysis found that vitamin B12 can improve neuropathic symptoms and reduce pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. However, the current study did not report any significant difference between patients who received vitamin B12 and placebo in terms of HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol.
RESUMO
Introduction Hyperuricemia (HU) does not only predispose to gouty arthritis but also increases the risk of major cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease and decreases the overall quality of life. Although the incidence of hyperuricemia is increasing in the Asian population, prevalence studies from healthy asymptomatic adults are still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HU in the general population of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in various out-patient clinics across Karachi in January 2019. Serum uric acid (SUA) levels were recorded using UASure Blood Uric Acid Monitoring System. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), the frequency of activity, the frequency of meat consumption, and the presence of hypertension were noted. For hypertensives, the use of thiazide diuretics was noted. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS v. 22. Results This study was completed by 375 individuals including 208 (55.5%) men and 167 (44.5%) women. Their mean age was 48.78 ± 13.399 years and the mean SUA level was 5.92 ± 1.73 mg/dl. There were 83 (39.9%) men and 30 (17.9%) women with elevated SUA levels. The overall prevalence of HU was 30.1%. Patient characteristics including gender, hypertension, the use of diuretics frequency of meat consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and BMI showed statistical significance with mean SUA levels. Eta-squared indicated a weak effect of SUA with gender, age, and use of thiazide diuretics. A moderate effect was seen with hypertension, the frequency of meat consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and BMI. Conclusion Hyperuricemia is a health hazard and its incidence is high in Pakistan. Patients who have risk factors for elevated SUA levels must be monitored for hyperuricemia at regular intervals.
