Diabetes-related complications: Which research topics matter to diverse patients and caregivers?

Endocrinology and metabolism research institute educational achievements on diabetes at a glance: conventional review and Scientometrics

Purpose

Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI) in 25th anniversary prompt to highlight the educational activities on capacity building and research in prevention and education of diabetes field. In recent decades, this academic institute arranges for opportunities to catch new ways to encounter non-communicable diseases especially diabetes to advantage both diabetes health care providers and people with diabetes. This review aims to overview the educational activities of EMRI on diabetes.

Methods

In this conventional review and Scientometrics, the studies affiliated with EMRI on diabetes education were explored in Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID, without any restriction on time and language. All papers published up to 2020 were analyzed and visualized with the VOS viewer Software program.

Results

Total number of 12 documents retrieved from various databases. Patient education, diabetes type 2, health, and self-care are the most frequent keywords in the published paper. Several perspectives of diabetes education have been addressed in two main categories include public and patient education and professional education.

Conclusion

It is notable that, the national strategic planning to establish courses and produce materials and programs to empower health care providers and patients with diabetes and families. According to the strategic plan, further research and infrastructures are required for various aspects of diabetes prevention and education.

Patients as teachers: a within-subjects randomized pilot experiment of patient-led online learning modules for health professionals

PURPOSE

Many health professions education programs involve people with lived experience as expert speakers. Such presentations may help learners better understand the realities of living with chronic illness or experiencing an acute health problem. However, lectures from only one or a small number of people may not adequately illustrate the perspectives and experiences of a diverse patient cohort. Additionally, logistical constraints such as public health restrictions or travel barriers may impede in-person presentations, particularly among people who have more restrictions on their time. Health professions education programs may benefit from understanding the potential effects of online patient-led presentations with a diverse set of speakers. We aimed to explore whether patient-led online learning modules about diabetes care would influence learners' responses to clinical scenarios and to collect learners' feedback about the modules.

METHOD

This within-subjects randomized experiment involved 26 third-year medical students at Université Laval in Quebec, Canada. Participation in the experiment was an optional component within a required course. Prior to the intervention, participating learners responded to three clinical scenarios randomly selected from a set of six such scenarios. Each participant responded to the other three scenarios after the intervention. The intervention consisted of patient-led online learning modules incorporating segments of narratives from 21 patient partners (11 racialized or Indigenous) describing why and how clinicians could provide patient-centered care. Working with clinical teachers and psychometric experts, we developed a scoring grid based on the biopsychosocial model and set 0.6 as a passing score. Independent evaluators, blinded to whether each response was collected before or after the intervention, then scored learners' responses to scenarios using the grid. We used Fisher's Exact test to compare proportions of passing scores before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Learners' overall percentage of passing scores prior to the intervention was 66%. Following the intervention, the percentage of passing scores was 76% (p = 0.002). Overall, learners expressed appreciation and other positive feedback regarding the patient-led online learning modules.

DISCUSSION

Findings from this experiment suggest that learners can learn to provide better patient-centered care by watching patient-led online learning modules created in collaboration with a diversity of patient partners.

The Influence of Age, Sex, and Socioeconomic Status on Glycemic Control Among People With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Canada: Patient-Led Longitudinal Retrospective Cross-sectional Study With Multiple Time Points of Measurement

BACKGROUND

Clinical guidelines for most adults with diabetes recommend maintaining hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels ≤7% (≤53 mmol/mol) to avoid microvascular and macrovascular complications. People with diabetes of different ages, sexes, and socioeconomic statuses may differ in their ease of attaining this goal.

OBJECTIVE

As a team of people with diabetes, researchers, and health professionals, we aimed to explore patterns in HbA1c results among people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Canada. Our research question was identified by people living with diabetes.

METHODS

In this patient-led retrospective cross-sectional study with multiple time points of measurement, we used generalized estimating equations to analyze the associations of age, sex, and socioeconomic status with 947,543 HbA1c results collected from 2010 to 2019 among 90,770 people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Canada and housed in the Canadian National Diabetes Repository. People living with diabetes reviewed and interpreted the results.

RESULTS

HbA1c results ≤7.0% represented 30.5% (male people living with type 1 diabetes), 21% (female people living with type 1 diabetes), 55% (male people living with type 2 diabetes) and 59% (female people living with type 2 diabetes) of results in each subcategory. We observed higher HbA1c values during adolescence, and for people living with type 2 diabetes, among people living in lower income areas. Among those with type 1 diabetes, female people tended to have lower HbA1c levels than male people during childbearing years but higher HbA1c levels than male people during menopausal years. Team members living with diabetes confirmed that the patterns we observed reflected their own life courses and suggested that these results be communicated to health professionals and other stakeholders to improve the treatment for people living with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of people with diabetes in Canada may need additional support to reach or maintain the guideline-recommended glycemic control goals. Blood sugar management goals may be particularly challenging for people going through adolescence or menopause or those living with fewer financial resources. Health professionals should be aware of the challenging nature of glycemic management, and policy makers in Canada should provide more support for people with diabetes to live healthy lives.

"A disease that god has given me" patients and caregivers' perspectives on diabetes in southeastern Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of diabetes has the potential of improving survival and patient health outcomes. Yet many diabetes patients present themselves to health facilities at an advanced stage of the disease which complicates its management. Individual perceptions about diseases are known to play a critical role in informing responses and actions including seeking health care and self-care practices. However, little is documented in Tanzania regarding the perspectives of diabetes patients and their caregivers about the disease especially in rural settings.

METHODS

We conducted 26 in-depth interviews involving 19 diabetes patients and 7 diabetes patient caregivers to explore in detail their perspectives on diabetes as a disease. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis with the help of NVivo9.

RESULTS

Both patients and caregivers expressed mixed perceptions on diabetes causes. In addition to heredity, and the failure of the pancreas to function well, lifestyle factors including lack of physical activity and eating too many sugary and oily foods were common reported causes. However, none of the participants were clear on the mechanisms between the perceived causes and the actual occurrence of the disease. Perception on susceptibility to diabetes was low even among participants with the disease as they reported not having ever thought of getting the condition before they were diagnosed. Some caregivers expressed worry and fear on their susceptibility to inheriting diabetes from their relatives who had the condition. Diabetes was perceived as a severe and life-threatening condition that can easily cause death if not well managed. Participants indicated uncertainty on its prevention.

CONCLUSION

This study shows mixed perspectives on the causes, susceptibility, severity and prevention of diabetes which were informed by the participants' limited knowledge and awareness about the disease. Interventions to strengthen responses to diabetes, which include buy-in from the patients and their caregiver's perspectives are essential to improve prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate management in rural settings.

Diabetes-related research priorities of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study in Germany

To investigate (i) the importance and priorities of research objectives for people with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM); (ii) subgroups with specific research priorities; (iii) associated factors (e.g., sociodemographic characteristics) of the subgroups. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2018 using data from 869 respondents (29.0% response, 31.2% female, mean age 61.3 years, 62.7% T2DM) from a German statutory health insurance population. Diabetes-related research priorities were assessed with a questionnaire. Subgroups and associated factors were identified using latent class analysis. Three subgroups were found in T1DM: (1) high priority for the research topic 'healing diabetes' and moderate priority for the research topic 'prevention of long-term complications', (2) priorities for simplifying handling (high) and stress reduction (moderate), (3) priorities for healing diabetes (high) and simplifying handling (high). Three subgroups were found in T2DM: (1) priorities for simplifying handling (moderate), diabetes prevention (moderate) and prevention of long-term complications (moderate), (2) priorities for stress reduction (high) and diabetes prevention (moderate), (3) priorities for simplifying handling (high) and stress reduction (high). Classes differed in age and HbA_1c. Knowledge about research priorities enables researchers to align their work with the needs of people with diabetes.

Fresh news as meaningful? A multi-site ethnographic analysis of meaningful activities at four day centres in Denmark and Norway

Day centres are increasingly being established, as many older persons are isolated and in need of meaningful activities and social interaction with others. Previous research has shown that day centres are still an important arena for older attendees to socialise and engage in meaningful activities, although day centres are increasingly introducing activities as part of rehabilitation programmes to enhance physical and mental enablement. However, little is known about what attendees and staff regard as meaningful activities. Based on a multi-site ethnographic investigation at four day centres in Denmark and Norway in 2018 and 2019, this article examines how staff and attendees alike 'utilise' day care centres to pursue meaningful activities and what is considered meaningful for those attending and working there. Furthermore, this article discusses the potential for person-centred care in communities like day centres. Our study shows that activities are first and foremost perceived as meaningful if they enhance an enjoyable social dimension with 'a touch of fresh news'. Hence, day centres function as a social space where elderly attendees can share stories and news based on personal experiences from the past and present. Consequently, person-centred care in day care centres preferably facilitates communities to give attendees something new and refreshing to bring back home with them-and not only facilitate personal histories, preferences and wishes.

Inter-individual relationships within a Canadian SPOR research network: a social network study

Background

Efforts have been made by health research granting agencies to bring research closer to patients’ concerns. In Canada, such efforts were formalized in 2011 with the funding of the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR)’s research networks to address research priorities identified by patients and accelerate the translation of research findings into patient care and health care policy. Among these networks, SPOR Diabetes Action Canada (DAC) has created patient-partner circles to facilitate their integration within the network. The nature of the relationships within this atypical patient-oriented research network is systematically explored in this paper.

Methods

A cross-sectional social network study was conducted among the SPOR DAC’s network members to examine inter-individual interactions, and the topics discussed the most between members. Descriptive data analyses were conducted to explore which discussion topics were discussed most among members whose primary roles were research, administration, governance, and patient representation.

Results

The response rate was 51.9%, providing data on 76.5% of the maximum number of connections in the network. The survey captured 2763 inter-individual relationships. Responses to a sub-question inserted in the survey show that 482 of these relationships (17,4%) existed before joining the network in collaboration on a research project. Most ties captured in the survey were yearly or quarterly, while few relationships were monthly, weekly, or daily. In measured relationships, members discussed several topics, the most frequent being scientific research, patient engagement, network coordination and governance, and operations and management. The topics associated with the most significant proportion of relationships captured in the survey were scientific research (45.4%) and patient engagement (40.7%). Management & operations and governance & coordination follow, corresponding to 24.3 and 23.9% of the captured relationships. All discussion topic subnetworks were either somewhat or highly centralized, meaning that relationships were not equally distributed among members involved in these discussions. Of the 1256 relationships involving exchanges about scientific research, 647 (51.5%) involved a researcher, 419 (33.3%) an administrator, 182 (14.5%) a patient partner, and 82 (6.5%) a member whose primary role is network governance.

Conclusions

Scientific research and patient engagement were the most common topics discussed, consistent with the patient-centered research at the heart of the SPOR Diabetes Action Canada network. The study identified several relationships where a patient partner has discussed scientific research with a researcher. However, relationships involving research discussions were three times more common between a researcher and an administrator than between a researcher and a patient partner, although twice as many patient partners as administrators participated in the survey. The institutionalization of patient-partner involvement in large research networks is an evolving practice for which optimal engagement methods are still being explored.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08343-1.

Prediction models of diabetes complications: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Diabetes often places a large burden on people with diabetes (hereafter 'patients') and the society, that is, in part attributable to its complications. However, evidence from models predicting diabetes complications in patients remains unclear. With the collaboration of patient partners, we aimed to describe existing prediction models of physical and mental health complications of diabetes.

METHODS

Building on existing frameworks, we systematically searched for studies in Ovid-Medline and Embase. We included studies describing prognostic prediction models that used data from patients with pre-diabetes or any type of diabetes, published between 2000 and 2020. Independent reviewers screened articles, extracted data and narratively synthesised findings using established reporting standards.

RESULTS

Overall, 78 studies reported 260 risk prediction models of cardiovascular complications (n=42 studies), mortality (n=16), kidney complications (n=14), eye complications (n=10), hypoglycaemia (n=8), nerve complications (n=3), cancer (n=2), fracture (n=2) and dementia (n=1). Prevalent complications deemed important by patients such as amputation and mental health were poorly or not at all represented. Studies primarily analysed data from older people with type 2 diabetes (n=54), with little focus on pre-diabetes (n=0), type 1 diabetes (n=8), younger (n=1) and racialised people (n=10). Per complication, predictors vary substantially between models. Studies with details of calibration and discrimination mostly exhibited good model performance.

CONCLUSION

This rigorous knowledge synthesis provides evidence of gaps in the landscape of diabetes complication prediction models. Future studies should address unmet needs for analyses of complications n> and among patient groups currently under-represented in the literature and should consistently report relevant statistics. SCOPING REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/fjubt/.

Environmental Scan on Canadian Interactive Knowledge Translation Tools to Prevent Diabetes Complications in Patients With Diabetes

In this study, we identify existing interactive knowledge translation tools that could help patients and health-care professionals to prevent diabetes complications in the Canadian context. We conducted an environmental scan in collaboration with researchers and 4 patient partners across Canada. We conducted searches among the research team members, their networks and Twitter, and through searches in databases and Google. To be included, interactive knowledge translation tools had to meet the following criteria: used to prevent diabetes complications; used in a real-life setting; used any instructional method or material; had relevance in the Canadian context, written in English or French; developed and/or published by experts in diabetes complications or by a recognized organization; created in 2013 or after; and accessibility online or on paper. Two reviewers independently screened each record for selection and extracted the following data: authorship, objective(s), patients' characteristics, type of diabetes complications targeted, type of knowledge users targeted and tool characteristics. We used simple descriptive statistics to summarize our results. Thirty-one of the 1,700 potentially eligible interactive knowledge translation tools were included in the scan. Tool formats included personal notebook, interactive case study, risk assessment tool, clinical pathway, decision support tool, knowledge quiz and checklist. Diabetes complications targeted by the tools included foot-related neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders and distress and any complications related to diabetes and kidney disease. Our results inform Canadian stakeholders interested in the prevention of diabetes complications to avoid unnecessary duplication, identify gaps in knowledge and support implementation of these tools in clinical and patients' decision-making.

Predictive models of diabetes complications: protocol for a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a highly prevalent chronic disease that places a large burden on individuals and health care systems. Models predicting the risk (also called predictive models) of other conditions often compare people with and without diabetes, which is of little to no relevance for people already living with diabetes (called patients). This review aims to identify and synthesize findings from existing predictive models of physical and mental health diabetes-related conditions.

METHODS

We will use the scoping review frameworks developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and Levac and colleagues. We will perform a comprehensive search for studies from Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases. Studies involving patients with prediabetes and all types of diabetes will be considered, regardless of age and gender. We will limit the search to studies published between 2000 and 2018. There will be no restriction of studies based on country or publication language. Abstracts, full-text screening, and data extraction will be done independently by two individuals. Data abstraction will be conducted using a standard methodology. We will undertake a narrative synthesis of findings while considering the quality of the selected models according to validated and well-recognized tools and reporting standards.

DISCUSSION

Predictive models are increasingly being recommended for risk assessment in treatment decision-making and clinical guidelines. This scoping review will provide an overview of existing predictive models of diabetes complications and how to apply them. By presenting people at higher risk of specific complications, this overview may help to enhance shared decision-making and preventive strategies concerning diabetes complications. Our anticipated limitation is potentially missing models because we will not search grey literature.

Patients' perspectives on how to improve diabetes care and self-management: qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

People living with diabetes need and deserve high-quality, individualised care. However, providing such care remains a challenge in many countries, including Canada. Patients' expertise, if acknowledged and adequately translated, could help foster patient-centred care. This study aimed to describe Expert Patients' knowledge, wisdom and advice to others with diabetes and to health professionals to improve diabetes self-management and care.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We recruited a convenience sample of 21 men and women. Participants were people of diverse backgrounds who are Patient Partners in a national research network (hereafter Expert Patients). We interviewed and video-recorded their knowledge, wisdom and advice for health professionals and for others with diabetes. Three researchers independently analysed videos using inductive framework analysis, identifying themes through discussion and consensus. Expert Patients were involved in all aspects of study design, conduct, analysis and knowledge translation.

RESULTS

Acknowledging and accepting the reality of diabetes, receiving support from family and care teams and not letting diabetes control one's life are essential to live well with diabetes. To improve diabetes care, health professionals should understand and acknowledge the impact of diabetes on patients and their families, and communicate with patients openly, respectfully, with empathy and cultural competency.

CONCLUSION

Expert Patients pointed to a number of areas of improvement in diabetes care that may be actionable individually by patients or health professionals, and also collectively through intergroup collaboration. Improving the quality of care in diabetes is crucial for improving health outcomes for people with diabetes.

Feasibility of a Low-Intensity, Technology-Based Intervention for Increasing Physical Activity in Adults at Risk for a Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Mixed-Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Among adults with diabetes, 19-34% will develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), which increases amputation risk and health care costs, and worsens quality of life. Regular physical activity, when increased gradually, may help prevent DFUs. In this mixed-methods study, we examined the feasibility of a low-intensity, technology-based behavioral intervention to increase activity in adults at risk for DFUs.

METHOD

Participants at risk for a DFU (n = 12; 66% female; mean age = 59.9 years) received four in-person exercise and behavioral counseling sessions over 2-3 weeks, supplemented with use of an activity monitor (to track steps) and text messages (to reinforce behavioral strategies) for an added 8 weeks. Pre- and postintervention assessments of accelerometer measured activity, daily mobility, and glycemic control (A1C) were completed. Treatment acceptability was assessed by questionnaire and via key informant interview.

RESULTS

The program appears feasible since all but one participant attended all four sessions, all used the activity monitor and all responded to text messages. Treatment acceptability (scale: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = extremely satisfied) was high; average item ratings were 4.79 (SD = 0.24). Participants increased their steps by an average of 881.89 steps/day (d = 0.66). A1C decreased on average by 0.33% (d = 0.23). Daily mobility did not change. Interview results suggest that participants perceived benefits from the intervention. Participant recommended improvements included providing more physical activity information, addressing pain, and intervention delivery in a podiatry clinic.

CONCLUSION

Individuals at risk for a DFU might benefit from a minimally intensive, technology-based intervention to increase their physical activity. Future research comparing the intervention to usual care is warranted.

Diabetes-related complications: Which research topics matter to diverse patients and caregivers?

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Although research has improved its treatment and management, little is known about which research topics matter to people living with diabetes, particularly among under-represented groups.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the importance of research topics among a diverse range of people living with any type of diabetes or caring for someone living with any type of diabetes.

METHODS

We used a convergent mixed-method design with quantitative and qualitative aspects. We surveyed a national sample of people living with diabetes and caregivers of people with diabetes, asking them to rate the importance of 10 predetermined important research topics. We also held three focus groups in two major cities to explore research concerns of people who are under-represented in research.

RESULTS

469 adults (57% men, 42% women) in Canada completed the online survey, indicating that all 10 areas of research mattered to them, with the highest ratings accorded to preventing and treating kidney, eye and nerve complications. Fourteen individuals participated in three focus groups and similarly noted the importance of research on those three complications. Additionally, focus group participants also noted the importance of research around daily management. No new topics were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the importance of research topics among a population of people living with or caring for someone with diabetes. Findings from this study were used to inform the vision for Diabetes Action Canada-a pan-Canadian Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Network on diabetes and its complications.