Parents matter: intergenerational influences of diabetes mellitus on glycemic control and morbidity in older type 2 diabetic males.

In a cross-sectional study, the effects of disease duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were examined along with parent history of DM on disease-related outcome variables. Specifically, the moderating role of parent history of DM on outcome variables was examined. Participants were 53 male veterans with DM. Chart reviews and self-reports were examined. Results showed that in those with a positive parent history of DM, hopelessness increased with diabetes duration. In the negative parent history group, glycemic control worsened with disease duration. These findings suggest parent history of DM should be considered in designing interventions to facilitate coping with type 2 diabetes.

Orthostatic blood pressure regulation predicts classroom effort in children.

The increase in orthostatic systolic blood pressure associated with the shift in posture from lying to standing requires several compensatory mechanisms to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion. Decreased efficiency in the various mechanisms controlling orthostatic blood pressure regulation can result in dizziness, lightheadedness, and syncope. The degree of effectiveness of orthostatic systolic blood pressure regulation (OBPR) serves as a marker for a variety of problems including fatigue, depression, anxiety, reduced attention, impulsive behavior and reduced volition. In normal children, an insufficient increase in systolic blood pressure in response to upright posture is predictive of mild cognitive and affective problems. The present study examined orthostatic systolic blood pressure regulation in relation to yearlong teachers' evaluations of academic grades and effort in 7-11 year old children. Poorer systolic blood pressure regulation in response to orthostasis was associated with reduced levels of classroom effort, while academic grades were spared. Converging evidence from clinical as well as experimental studies suggests that the linkage between (OBPR) and effort may be partially mediated by sympathetic dysfunction, altered release of neurotransmitters, or reduced cerebral blood flow.