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Aims: The DAR 2020 survey summarised fasting practices and complications in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who fasted during Ramadan, and impact of pre-Ramadan diabetes education towards controlling the complications. Methods: Eight week post-Ramadan, Muslim people with T2D from 13 countries of five regions (South Asia, Southeast Asia, Gulf Nations, Middle East and North Africa) consented to answer questionnaire on breaking fast, hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, Ramadan-focused diabetes education and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Results: Among 4889 participants who observed Ramadan fast (>25 days), 51.1 % were females. Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia was recorded mostly in North Africa (25.2 %) and Gulf Nations (30.2 %), respectively. In Middle East, 2.5 % and 3.1 % people required hospitalisation following hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia respectively. In South Asia, lowest incidents of hypoglycaemia (8.4 %) and hyperglycaemia (7.0 %) were noted. Pre-Ramadan diabetic education was received by total 45.9 % participants. SMBG was performed more frequently in North Africa (19.5 %). Metformin, Sulfonylureas and basal insulin were used most commonly in all regions. Conclusions: Fasting complications occurred in each region, but well-managed by the participants, physicians and family members amidst difficult time of COVID-19. The findings promote the necessity of patient education programmes for more people with diabetes to ensure safe fasting during Ramadan.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders largely affecting women of reproductive age group. Objectives: This study aimed to understand the Indian public health-care systems’ preparedness in addressing PCOS. Materials and Methods: A multicentric rapid assessment cross-sectional study was undertaken among 173 health-care providers serving across various public health-care facilities in India. This study was a component of a larger task force study that aimed to estimate the community-based prevalence of PCOS in India. Information on PCOS cases reported that knowledge about PCOS diagnosis, management practices, availability of diagnostic facilities, and drugs was explored. Results: Irregular menstrual cycle was the most commonly reported PCOS symptom. Most of the health-care providers (HCPs) lacked correct knowledge about diagnostic criteria and investigation needed for the diagnosis of PCOS. Diagnostic facilities and drugs were inadequate. However, some facilities had access to investigations through public–private partnerships. Awareness programs on PCOS in the community were negligible, and PCOS cases were not documented. Training HCPs on PCOS along with the availability of specialists and strengthening diagnostic facilities were some major demands from the HCPs. Conclusion: Results suggest the need for training HCPs, strengthening infrastructure with good referral linkages, and adequate supply of drugs to help improve PCOS management at public health-care facilities in India. There is a need to develop national technical and operational guidelines to address PCOS using a multidisciplinary approach across all levels of care. Creating demand for services and advocating healthy lifestyles through community awareness can help early diagnosis and prevention of complications.

Introduction Evidence on the prevalence of foot problems among people with diabetes in India at a national level is lacking. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the burden of high-risk (HR) feet in people with diabetes across India.Research design and methods A cross-sectional national-level project ‘Save the Feet and Keep Walking’ campaign was conducted by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) from July 10, 2022 to August 10, 2022. A modified version of 3 min foot examination was used to assess the foot problems. Around 10 000 doctors with RSSDI membership were trained online to conduct foot screening and provided a standardised monofilament for detection of loss of protective sensation. People with diabetes aged >18 years who visited the clinics during the study period were examined for foot problems. Data were collected online using the semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 33 259 participants with complete information were included for the final analysis. The foot at risk was categorised based on International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot guidelines 2023.Results Nearly 75% of the participants were aged above 45 years. Around 49% had diabetes duration >5 years and uncontrolled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c >8%). Presence of history of foot ulcer (20%), lower limb amputation (15.3%), foot deformities (24.5%) and absence of diminished dorsal pedis and posterior tibial pulses (26.4%) was noted in the study participants. Around 25.2% of them had HR feet and highly prevalent among males. Diabetic kidney and retinal complications were present in 70% and 75.5% of people with HR feet. Presence of heel fissures (OR (95% CI) 4.6 (4.2 to 5.1)) and callus or corns (OR (95% CI) 3.6 (3.3 to 4.0)) were significantly associated with HR feet.Conclusions One-fourth of people with diabetes were found to have HR feet in India. The findings are suggestive of regular screening of people with diabetes for foot problems and strengthening of primary healthcare.

Introduction People with diabetes are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. However, limited data are available to quantify their risk of kidney function decline in South Asia. This study evaluates the rate and predictors of kidney function decline among people with type 2 diabetes in South Asia.Research design and methods We analyzed data from the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) Trial to quantify the rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in people with type 2 diabetes (n=1146) over 2.5 years of follow-up. The CARRS Trial evaluated a multicomponent intervention of decision-supported electronic health records and non-physician care coordinator to improve diabetes management at 10 diabetes clinics in India and Pakistan. We used linear mixed models to estimate eGFR slope among all participants and tested the association of eGFR slope with demographic, disease-related, and self-care parameters, accounting for randomization and site.Results The mean age of participants was 54.2 years, with a median duration of diabetes of 7.0 years (IQR: 3.0 - 12.0) and median CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) eGFR of 83.6 (IQR: 67.7 to 97.9) mL/min/1.73 m2. The overall mean eGFR slope was −1.33/mL/min/1.73 m2/year. There were no differences in the eGFR slope by treatment assignment to intervention versus usual care. In the adjusted regression model, pre-existing diabetic retinopathy (slope difference: −2.11; 95% CI: −3.45 to –0.77), previous cardiovascular disease (−1.93; 95% CI: −3.45 to –0.40), and statins use (−0.87; 95% CI: −1.65 to –0.10) were associated with faster eGFR decline.Conclusions People with diabetes receiving care at urban diabetes clinics in South Asia experienced annual eGFR decline at two times higher rate than that reported from other contemporary international diabetes cohorts. Risk factors for faster decline were similar to those previously established, and thus care delivery models must put an additional emphasis on kidney protective therapies among subgroups with microvascular and macrovascular diabetes complications.Trial registration number NCT01212328.

BackgroundDiabetes control is poor globally and leads to burdensome microvascular and macrovascular complications. We aimed to assess post hoc between-group differences in sustained risk factor control and macrovascular and microvascular endpoints at 6.5 years in the Center for cArdiovascular Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) randomized trial.Methods and findingsThis parallel group individual randomized clinical trial was performed at 10 outpatient diabetes clinics in India and Pakistan from January 2011 through September 2019. A total of 1,146 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥8% and systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg and/or LDL-cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL) were randomized to a multicomponent quality improvement (QI) strategy (trained nonphysician care coordinator to facilitate care for patients and clinical decision support system for physicians) or usual care. At 2.5 years, compared to usual care, those receiving the QI strategy were significantly more likely to achieve multiple risk factor control. Six clinics continued, while 4 clinics discontinued implementing the QI strategy for an additional 4-year follow-up (overall median 6.5 years follow-up). In this post hoc analysis, using intention-to-treat, we examined between-group differences in multiple risk factor control (HbA1c ConclusionsIn urban South Asian clinics, a multicomponent QI strategy led to sustained multiple risk factor control and between-group differences in microvascular, but not macrovascular, endpoints. Between-group reductions in vascular outcomes at 6.5 years were observed only at sites that continued the QI intervention, suggesting that practice change needs to be maintained for better population health of people with diabetes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01212328.

Vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor is effective in reducing HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) when administered as monotherapy, dual or triple combination therapy. In India, Vildagliptin is commonly prescribed in T2DM patients because it reduces mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), has lower risk of hypoglycemia and is weight neutral. Early combination therapy with vildagliptin and metformin is effective and well-tolerated in patients with T2DM, regardless of age or ethnicity. In view of already existing data on vildagliptin and the latest emerging clinical evidence, a group of endocrinologists, diabetologists and cardiologists convened for an expert group meeting to discuss the role and various combinations of vildagliptin in T2DM management. This practical document aims to guide Physicians and Specialists regarding the different available strengths and formulations of vildagliptin for the initiation and intensification of T2DM therapy.

Background: Injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are proven to be well tolerated and efficacious in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) fasting during Ramadan. The first oral GLP-1RA semaglutide, also indicated for the treatment of T2DM, has specific dosing instructions to optimize treatment exposure, which may need to be altered during Ramadan fasting to ensure optimal efficacy. Summary: Given the lack of current published evidence for the effect of oral semaglutide during Ramadan, a panel of experts formulated recommendations for the administration of oral semaglutide during Ramadan. Key Messages: This statement reports recommendations for oral semaglutide administration during Ramadan.

Abstract Background Economic dimensions of implementing quality improvement for diabetes care are understudied worldwide. We describe the economic evaluation protocol within a randomised controlled trial that tested a multi-component quality improvement (QI) strategy for individuals with poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes in South Asia. Methods/design This economic evaluation of the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) randomised trial involved 1146 people with poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes receiving care at 10 diverse diabetes clinics across India and Pakistan. The economic evaluation comprises both a within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis (mean 2.5 years follow up) and a microsimulation model-based cost-utility analysis (life-time horizon). Effectiveness measures include multiple risk factor control (achieving HbA1c

This consensus based national guideline addresses the need for psychological, psychiatric and social assessment, as well as management, in antenatal women with diabetes. It builds upon the earlier Indian guidelines on psychological management of diabetes, and should be considered as an addendum to the parent guideline.

Background: Hypothyroidism is believed to be a common health issue in India, as it is worldwide. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in adult population of India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-centre, epidemiological study was conducted in eight major cities (Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kolkata) of India to study the prevalence of hypothyroidism among adult population. Thyroid abnormalities were diagnosed on the basis of laboratory results (serum FT3, FT4 and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [TSH]). Patients with history of hypothyroidism and receiving levothyroxine therapy or those with serum free T4 5.50 μU/ml, were categorized as hypothyroid. The prevalence of self reported and undetected hypothyroidism, and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody positivity was assessed. Results: A total of 5376 adult male or non-pregnant female participants ³18 years of age were enrolled, of which 5360 (mean age: 46 ± 14.68 years; 53.70% females) were evaluated. The overall prevalence of hypothyroidism was 10.95% (n = 587, 95% CI, 10.11-11.78) of which 7.48% (n = 401) patients self reported the condition, whereas 3.47% (n = 186) were previously undetected. Inland cities showed a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism as compared to coastal cities. A significantly higher ( P < 0.05) proportion of females vs. males (15.86% vs 5.02%) and older vs. younger (13.11% vs 7.53%), adults were diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Additionally, 8.02% (n = 430) patients were diagnosed to have subclinical hypothyroidism (normal serum free T4 and TSH >5.50 μIU/ml). Anti - TPO antibodies suggesting autoimmunity were detected in 21.85% (n = 1171) patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypothyroidism was high, affecting approximately one in 10 adults in the study population. Female gender and older age were found to have significant association with hypothyroidism. Subclinical hypothyroidism and anti-TPO antibody positivity were the other common observations.

Although several evidence-based guidelines for managing diabetes are available, few, if any, focus on the psychosocial aspects of this challenging condition. It is increasingly evident that psychosocial treatment is integral to a holistic approach of managing diabetes; it forms the key to realizing appropriate biomedical outcomes. Dearth of attention is as much due to lack of awareness as due to lack of guidelines. This lacuna results in diversity among the standards of clinical practice, which, in India, is also due to the size and complexity of psychosocial care itself. This article aims to highlight evidence- and experience-based Indian guidelines for the psychosocial management of diabetes. A systemic literature was conducted for peer-reviewed studies and publications covering psychosocial aspects in diabetes. Recommendations are classified into three domains: General, psychological and social, and graded by the weight they should have in clinical practice and by the degree of support from the literature. Ninety-four recommendations of varying strength are made to help professionals identify the psychosocial interventions needed to support patients and their families and explore their role in devising support strategies. They also aid in developing core skills needed for effective diabetes management. These recommendations provide practical guidelines to fulfill unmet needs in diabetes management, and help achieve a qualitative improvement in the way physicians manage patients. The guidelines, while maintaining an India-specific character, have global relevance, which is bound to grow as the diabetes pandemic throws up new challenges.

A person with diabetes mellitus (DM) has every right to perform the ritual of fasting during Ramadan. In daily practice we come across both type 1 and type 2 DM who wish to fast. This Consensus Statement describes the pre-Ramadan assessment, planning, prescription, management, and monitoring of patients on insulin, who wish to fast.

Pregnancy is a period that places great physiological stress on both the mother and the fetus. When pregnancy is compounded by endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, the potential for maternal and fetal adverse outcomes can be immense. While a lot of attention has been focused on the adverse fetal outcomes consequent to hypothyroidism, attention is also being gradually directed towards the adverse maternal outcomes of this disorder. Role of antibody positivity in influencing outcomes in a euthyroid woman, also needs further clarification. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism in pregnancy is very essential. Subclinical hypothyroidism also needs to be detected and treated to prevent adverse outcomes, especially maternal. Since women with hypothyroidism during pregnancy, especially of the autoimmune variety might have a flare up of the disorder post-partum, or might continue to require thyroxine replacement post-partum, adequate follow-up is mandatory. While targeted case finding is generally practised, recent evidence seems to indicate that universal screening might be a better option. In conclusion, routine screening, early confirmation of diagnosis and prompt treatment. Allied with regular post-partum follow up, is required to ensure favourable maternal and fetal outcomes.

The last two decades have witnessed unprecedented activity in the field of OADs with many new drugs becoming available. Concerns with OAD include cardiovascular safety, fear about hypoglycemia, weight gain etc. In this article we attempt to review OADs , sulfonylureas in particular, in the light of the newer agents.

Thyroid nodules are common. Thyroid cancer is rarer. No guidelines exist for management of thyroid nodules in the Indian context and these recommendations are intended for this purpose. The consensus committee reviewed important articles, including previously published consensus statements. Management points were scored according to the level of evidence. These guidelines cover the clinical evaluation and include the interpretation of imaging and fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules. The guidelines also cover the management of special situations like thyroid incidentalomas, cystic thyroid lesion and nodules detected during pregnancy. The consensus guidelines represent a summary of current medical evidence for thyroid nodule management and the committee has attempted to optimize the guidelines for the clinical practice setting in India.

Ramadan is a lunar based month, during which Muslims across the world observe the ritual fast. This provides a challenge not only to the diabetic patient who wishes to observe the fast but also to the health care professional managing his diabetes. The challenge is to use therapies which are effective in maintaining good glycemic control and at the same time have a low propensity to cause hypoglycemia during the several hours of no calorie intake. The GLP-1 analogues are unique agents which are effective in providing glycemic reduction with a very low risk of hypoglycemia and hence find an important place in the management of diabetes during Ramadan. This Consensus Statement describes the pre-Ramadan assessment, planning, prescription and management and monitoring of patients who are on GLP-1 analogues, with or without other antidiabetic therapies.