Use of continuous glucose monitoring system in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in a resource limited setting

Background: Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) remains the mainstay method for diabetes monitoring. The major limitation of SMBG is poor compliance and it only provides a snapshot of glucose values at that point of time. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are non-invasive devices which measure subcutaneous interstitial glucose for every five minutes and provide glucose variability throughout the day. Aim and Objective: To assess the effectiveness of intermittent continuous blood glucose monitoring in comparison with SMBG on the percentage reduction in HbA1c level in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Children diagnosed with type 1 DM of age group 3–18 years were enlisted into the study. Participants were randomised to the study arm (CGMs+SMBG) or the control arm (SMBG alone). Subjects in the study group were given CGM along with regular SMBG for 14 days. The control group was asked to perform SMBG. HbA1c levels were measured in both groups after three months of intervention. Results: There were 62 children in each group. After three months, in the intervention group HbA1c level dropped from 11.23% ± 1.53% (Mean ± SD) to 10.14% ± 1.99%, in control group HbA1c level dropped from 11.62% ± 1.62% to 11.32% ± 1.57%. The fall in HbA1c level in intervention group is significant (p value –0.01). Conclusion: In a resource-limited setting, intermittent use of CGMs atleast once every two to three months will help in understanding the factors influencing glucose variation throughout the day and, with appropriate therapeutic modifications, will aid in achieving optimal glycaemic control

EFFECT OF SARGASSUM ILICIFOLIUM ON OVOGENESIS IN PCOS INDUCED RATS

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Sargassum ilicifolium (S. ilicifolium) on Testosterone induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in rats.Methods: Female Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups consisting of 6 rats each. PCOS was induced in all the animals except normal group on administration of Testosterone (2 mg/100 g) for 21 d daily. After PCOS induction the standard group rats were treated with Clomiphene citrate (CC) (1 mg/kg p.o.). The test groups were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Sargassum ilicifolium (EESI) orally and normal animals were administered 2% CMC (2 ml/kg) respectively for 21 d. During induction and treatment period various parameters like oestrus cycle, histopathology, hormonal and biochemical assays have been evaluated. Further to confirm the enhanced fertility rate, the rats were mated and the litter size was observed.Results: The results revealed the normalcy in oestrus cycle, hormonal, biochemical and histopathological parameters. The litter size was increased significantly compared to control.Conclusion: Overall, from the obtained results it is determined that the S.  ilicifolium exhibited a good anti-androgenic effect by reducing the Testosterone levels in PCOS induced conditions.Â