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There are many studies on the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and economic burden of diabetes across the past four decades in Korea. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of nationwide study regarding diabetes encompassing all age group. Eight years ago, the Committee on the Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus of Korean Diabetes Association collaborated with Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service to evaluate the status of diabetes care and characteristics in diabetic patients in Korea. In 2007, the collaborative task force team published a comprehensive survey titled "Diabetes in Korea 2007." In this review, we reappraise the diabetic epidemics from the joint report and suggest further studies that are needed to be investigated in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond statin therapy for reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), additional therapeutic strategies are required to achieve more optimal reduction in cardiovascular risk among diabetic patients with dyslipidemia. To evaluate the effects and the safety of combined treatment with omega-3 fatty acids and statin in dyslipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes, we conducted a randomized, open-label study in Korea. Patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia (≥200 mg/dL) while taking statin for at least 6 weeks were eligible. Fifty-one patients were randomized to receive either omega-3 fatty acid 4, 2 g, or no drug for 8 weeks while continuing statin therapy. After 8 weeks of treatment, the mean percentage change of low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and triglyceride (TG) level was greater in patients who were prescribed 4 g of omega-3 fatty acid with statin than in patients receiving statin monotherapy (2.8%±3.1% vs. 2.3%±3.6%, P=0.024; -41.0%±24.1% vs. -24.2%±31.9%, P= 0.049). Coadministration of omega-3 fatty acids with statin increased LDL particle size and decreased TG level in dyslipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes. The therapy was well tolerated without significant adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Dyslipidaemia is a well-known manifestation of thyroid dysfunction. Recently, small low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size has been linked with development of cardiovascular disease. To better understand the effects of thyroid dysfunction on the development of cardiovascular disease, we examined LDL particle size and lipid profiles in subjects with different thyroid function. Methods Included were 46 patients with overt hypothyroidism, 57 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, 46 patients with overt hyperthyroidism, 51 patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 110 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. We measured LDL particle size and lipid profiles in these subjects. Results No significant differences were found in LDL particle size between the groups with different thyroid function. Serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the cases of hypothyroidism than in the cases of hyperthyroidism and the healthy control subjects. Serum triglyceride levels were higher in subjects with overt hypothyroidism than in those with overt hyperthyroidism or healthy control subjects. Conclusions LDL particle size, the emerging risk factor for atherosclerosis, did not appear to be significantly affected by the degree of thyroid dysfunction. Increased risk of atherosclerosis in hypothyroidism does not appear to be associated with LDL particle size, the non-traditional cardiovascular risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, exercise has been considered a cornerstone of diabetes managements, along with diet and medication. Many studies have shown that regular physical activity improves quality of life, reduces the risk of mortality from all causes, and is particularly advantageous in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, high-quality evidence and basic data on the importance of exercise and physical fitness in Korean diabetic patients were lacking until recent years. This study included 240 diabetic patients (122 men, 118 women) recruited from 6 diabetic centers in Korea. To measure step length and walking velocity at normal walking speed, we made the patient walk 12 meter at normal speed. The patients wore the pedometer for 7 days and we got the equation between the walking steps per day and calorie expenditure for 7 days. From the equation, we calculated appropriate steps, distance and duration of Walking in type 2 diabetic patients as exercise program. The step length was determined by height, age, and gender. In men, the walking velocity was 4.4 ± 0.6 km/h and step length was 67.6 ± 7.3 cm at normal walking speed. In women, the walking velocity was 4.0 ± 0.6 km/h and step length was 58.4 ± 5.5 cm at normal walking speed. The equation between kcal per week and steps per day was that kcal/week = (steps/day) x 0.263 + 9.775 (R²=0.865, p<0.01) in men and kcal/week in women = (steps/day) x 0.263 + 9.775 (R²=0.865, p<0.01). The walking steps/day, distance and duration which correspond to 700 kcal/week was 2373 steps/day, 21.9 min and 1604 meter in men, and 2887 steps/day, 25.3 min and 1690 meter in women at normal walking speed. To exert at least 700 kcal/week with exercise, it is recommended that type 2 diabetic patients walk at least 25 min/day or 1700 meter/day or 2500 steps/day in men and 30 min/day or 1800 meter/day or 3000 steps/day in women at normal walking speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a strong predictor of macrovascular disease. Pioglitazone has been reported to have antiatherogenic effect and anti-inflammatory effect. But the dose of pioglitazone in previous clinical trial was 30mg or 45 mg daily. This study was performed to assess the effect of pioglitazone 15mg, which has been commercially used dose in Korea, to carotid intima-media thickness. Method: A12 weeks, open-label, prospective, controlled clinical study was done. Patients were randomized to pioglitazone 15mg administerd group or control group. Biochemical and clinical markers was assessed including cIMT, fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, and HbA1c. Result: The study was completed by 88 patients (48 pioglitazone group, 40 control group). There were no difference baseline characteristics between two groups. The average and maximal cIMT were reduced only in the pioglitazone group after 12 weeks (-0.043±0.109 vs 0.006±0.105 mm, - 0.052±0.127 vs -0.002±0.127mm; p<0.05). And fasting serum insulin, HOMA-IR, hsCRP, and triglyceride levels were improved only in pioglitazone group. Conclusions: There were a regression of cIMT, a decrease of hsCRP and an improvement of HOMA-IR after pioglitazone 15mg therapy. This result implies pioglitazone 15mg has an anti-inflammatory effect and an antiatherogenic effect too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]