Portuguese-Brazilian evidence-based guideline on the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: In current management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular and renal prevention have become important targets to be achieved. In this context, a joint panel of four endocrinology societies from Brazil and Portugal was established to develop an evidence-based guideline for treatment of hyperglycemia in T2DM. Methods: MEDLINE (via PubMed) was searched for randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies related to diabetes treatment. When there was insufficient high-quality evidence, expert opinion was sought. Updated positions on treatment of T2DM patients with heart failure (HF), atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and patients with no vascular complications were developed. The degree of recommendation and the level of evidence were determined using predefined criteria. Results and conclusions: In non-pregnant adults, the recommended HbA1c target is below 7%. Higher levels are recommended in frail older adults and patients at higher risk of hypoglycemia. Lifestyle modification is recommended at all phases of treatment. Metformin is the first choice when HbA1c is 6.5–7.5%. When HbA1c is 7.5–9.0%, dual therapy with metformin plus an SGLT2i and/or GLP-1RA (first-line antidiabetic agents, AD1) is recommended due to cardiovascular and renal benefits. If an AD1 is unaffordable, other antidiabetic drugs (AD) may be used. Triple or quadruple therapy should be considered when HbA1c remains above target. In patients with clinical or subclinical atherosclerosis, the combination of one AD1 plus metformin is the recommended first-line therapy to reduce cardiovascular events and improve blood glucose control. In stable heart failure with low ejection fraction ( 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, metformin plus an SGLT-2i is recommended to reduce cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalizations and improve blood glucose control. In patients with diabetes-associated chronic kidney disease (CKD) (eGFR 30–60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or eGFR 30–90 mL/min/1.73 m2 with albuminuria > 30 mg/g), the combination of metformin and an SGLT2i is recommended to attenuate loss of renal function, reduce albuminuria and improve blood glucose control. In patients with severe renal failure, insulin-based therapy is recommended to improve blood glucose control. Alternatively, GLP-1RA, DPP4i, gliclazide MR and pioglitazone may be considered to reduce albuminuria. In conclusion, the current evidence supports individualizing anti-hyperglycemic treatment for T2DM

The disenchanted mountain's Heritage. Protection and reuse of sanatoriums in the Alps

Imaging studies are expected to produce reliable information regarding the size and fat content of the pancreas. However, the available studies have produced inconclusive results. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of imaging studies assessing pancreas size and fat content in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Medline and Embase databases were performed. Studies evaluating pancreatic size (diameter, area or volume) and/or fat content by ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging in patients with T1DM and/or T2DM as compared to healthy controls were selected. Seventeen studies including 3,403 subjects (284 T1DM patients, 1,139 T2DM patients, and 1,980 control subjects) were selected for meta-analyses. Pancreas diameter, area, volume, density, and fat percentage were evaluated.Pancreatic volume was reduced in T1DM and T2DM vs. controls (T1DM vs. controls: -38.72 cm3, 95%CI: -52.25 to -25.19, I2 = 70.2%, p for heterogeneity = 0.018; and T2DM vs. controls: -12.18 cm3, 95%CI: -19.1 to -5.25, I2 = 79.3%, p for heterogeneity = 0.001). Fat content was higher in T2DM vs. controls (+2.73%, 95%CI 0.55 to 4.91, I2 = 82.0%, p for heterogeneity<0.001).Individuals with T1DM and T2DM have reduced pancreas size in comparison with control subjects. Patients with T2DM have increased pancreatic fat content

Pellagra

A pelagra (deficiência de vitamina B6) acomete pacientes cronicamente desnutridos e merece destaque por seu envolvimento multissistêmico. É relatado o caso de um paciente de 48 anos, sexo masculino, com história de alcoolismo crônico, diarréia, insônia, irritabilidade e diminuição da memória. Ao exame físico, apresentava lesões eritematodescamativas, edemaciadas, simétricas no dorso de ambos os pés e região anterior e posterior das pernas, poupando a área da bermuda e as tiras dos chinelos. Após 20 dias de reposição de niacina e complexo B, apresentou melhora significativa das lesões de pele, sem melhora dos sintomas digestivos e neurológicos. Os aspectos da patogênese, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico diferencial e tratamento da pelagra são discutidos. O diagnóstico de pelagra deve ser lembrado em pacientes com lesões de pele e fatores de risco para desnutrição, como pacientes alcoolistas e doentes crônicos.Pellagra (vitamin B6 deficiency) is seen in chronically malnourished patients and deserves attention because of its multisystemic involvement. We report a case of a 48-year-old male patient with chronic alcohol abuse, diarrhea, insomnia, irritability and memory impairment. On physical examination, there were symmetrical, erythematous, desquamative and edematous lesions on the dorsum of both feet and anterior and posterior aspects of the legs, sparing the area covered by the shorts and slippers straps. After 20 days of niacin and B complex replacement, there was marked improvement in skin lesions, but the digestive and neurological symptoms did not improve. Aspects concerning pathogenesis, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and treatment of pellagra are discussed. Diagnosis of pellagra should be considered in patients with skin lesions and risk factors for malnourishment, such as alcoholic and chronically ill patients

Decrease in pancreatic perfusion of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus detected by perfusion computed tomography

Objectives: The objectives of the study was to compare pancreatic perfusion by computed tomography in type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic subjects. Material and Methods: In this case–control study, 17 patients with type 2 diabetes and 22 non-diabetic controls were examined with a dynamic 192-slices perfusion computed tomography for estimating pancreatic perfusion parameters. Results: thirty-nine patients were included (22 with Type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]), with a mean age of 64 years. There were significant differences in some pancreatic perfusion parameters in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Blood volume (BV) was lower in pancreatic head (with T2DM: 14.0 ± 3.4 vs. without T2DM: 16.1 ± 2.4 mL/100 mL; P = 0.033), pancreatic tail (with: 14.4 ± 3.6 vs. without: 16.8 ± 2.5 mL/100 mL; P = 0.023), and in whole pancreas (with: 14.2 ± 3.2 vs. without: 16.2 ± 2.5 mL/100 mL; P = 0.042). Similar behavior was observed with mean transit time (MTT) in pancreatic head (with: 7.0 ± 1.0 vs. without: 7.9 ± 1.2 s; P = 0.018), pancreatic tail (with: 6.6 ± 1.3 vs. without: 7.7 ± 0.9 s; P = 0.005), and in whole pancreas (with: 6.8 ± 1.0 vs. without: 7.7 ± 0.9 s; P = 0.016). BV in head, tail, and whole pancreas had negative correlations with age (head r: –0.352, P = 0.032; tail r: –0.421, P = 0.031; whole pancreas r: –0.439, P = 0.007), and fasting plasma glucose (head r: –0.360, P = 0.031; tail r: –0.483, P = 0.003; whole pancreas r: –0.447, P = 0.006). In a multivariate linear regression model, HbA1c was independently associated with decrease in BV in whole pancreas (β: –0.884; CI95%: –1.750 to –0.017; P = 0.046). Conclusion: Pancreatic BV and MTT were significantly lower in patients with type 2 diabetes. BV was decreased with older age and poorer glycemic control

PELAGRA

A pelagra (deficiência de vitamina B6) acomete pacientes cronicamente desnutridos e merece destaque por seu envolvimento multissistêmico. É relatado o caso de um paciente de 48 anos, sexo masculino, com história de alcoolismo crônico, diarréia, insônia, irritabilidade e diminuição da memória. Ao exame físico, apresentava lesões eritematodescamativas, edemaciadas, simétricas no dorso de ambos os pés e região anterior e posterior das pernas,poupando a área da bermuda e as tiras dos chinelos. Após 20 dias de reposição de niacina e complexo B, apresentou melhora significativa das lesões de pele, sem melhora dos sintomas digestivos e neurológicos. Os aspectos da patogênese, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico diferencial e tratamento da pelagra são discutidos. O diagnóstico de pelagra deve ser lembrado em pacientes com lesões de pele e fatores de risco para desnutrição, como pacientes alcoolistas e doentes crônicos.Unitermos: Pelagra, desnutrição, alcoolismo

Tratamento da Hipertensão Arterial no Diabetes Melito

A associação de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e diabetes melito (DM) é bastante comum, acometendo mais de 60% dos pacientes com DM tipo 2. Os benefícios do tratamento da HAS nesses pacientes são bem definidos, entretanto há controvérsia em relação a qual o alvo de pressão a ser atingido nesses pacientes com o tratamento. O esquema terapêutico a ser utilizado deve levar em consideração não só o efeito dos medicamentes sobre a pressão arterial, mas também seus efeitos em mortalidade e complicações do DM. Na maior parte das recomendações nacionais e internacionais, os inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina são considerados drogas de primeira linha no tratamento desses pacientes, devido a seu efeito benéfico sobre a albuminúria, mas se discute o uso de diuréticos tiazídicos como terapia inicial, da mesma maneira que na população sem DM. Nessa revisão abordaremos as evidências em relação aos benefícios do tratamento da HAS em pacientes com DM, o alvo de pressão a ser atingido com esse tratamento e as vantagens e riscos do uso das diferentes classes de antihipertensivos nessa populaçã

Treatment of hypertension in patients with diabetes

A associação de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e diabetes melito (DM) é bastante comum, acometendo mais de 60% dos pacientes com DM tipo 2. Os benefícios do tratamento da HAS nesses pacientes são bem definidos, entretanto há controvérsia em relação ao alvo de pressão a ser atingido nesses pacientes com o tratamento. O esquema terapêutico a ser utilizado deve levar em consideração não só o efeito dos medicamentos sobre a pressão arterial, mas também seus efeitos em mortalidade e complicações do DM. Na maior parte das recomendações nacionais e internacionais, os inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina são considerados drogas de primeira linha no tratamento desses pacientes, devido a seu efeito benéfico sobre a albuminúria, mas se discute o uso de diuréticos tiazídicos como terapia inicial, da mesma maneira que na população sem DM. Nessa revisão abordaremos as evidências em relação aos benefícios do tratamento da HAS em pacientes com DM, o alvo de pressão a ser atingido com esse tratamento e as vantagens e riscos do uso das diferentes classes de anti-hipertensivos nessa população.The association of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) is quite common, affecting more than 60% of patients with type 2 DM. The benefits of treating hypertension in these patients are well defined, though there is controversy regarding the target pressure to be achieved in these patients. The regimen to be used should take into consideration not only the effect of medication on blood pressure, but also its effects on mortality and DM complications. In most national and international guidelines, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are considered first-line drugs in the treatment of these patients because of their beneficial effect on albuminuria, but the use of thiazide diuretics as initial therapy is controversial both in diabetic and non-diabetic populations. In the present review of the literature we discuss the evidence regarding the benefits of treating hypertension in diabetic patients, the target pressure to be achieved with this treatment, and the benefits and risks of using different classes of antihypertensive drugs in this population