Retrogression of Nervous Fibers According to the Age of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

The association of vitamin D with inflammatory cytokines in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

[Purpose] The effects of vitamin D on the circulating levels of IL-17 and IL-13 were investigated in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 without neuropathy, and healthy controls. [Subjects and Methods] A single-blind controlled clinical study was performed, including70 type 2 diabetic patients with or without diabetic peripheral neuropathy and 33 healthy volunteer controls. The 25(OH)D levels were evaluated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography, and IL-17 and IL-13 levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. [Results] The 25(OH) vitamin D concentration was lower in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients than in diabetes mellitus patients without neuropathy and healthy controls. Similarly, 25(OH)D levels were lower in diabetes mellitus patients than healthy controls. IL-17 and IL-13 levels were higher in diabetes mellitus patients than in controls. Additionally, IL-13 levels were higher in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients than in diabetes mellitus patients without neuropathy. These differences were statistically significant. There was a significant positive correlation between 25(OH)D and IL-13,and a negative correlation between 25(OH)D andIL-17 in the diabetic and diabetic neuropathy groups. [Conclusion] Vitamin D is a potential modifiable risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and may regulate inflammatory mediators, e.g., IL-17 and IL-13.

Factors affecting metabolic syndrome by lifestyle

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to explore lifestyle factors in relation to metabolic syndrome so as to be able to utilize the results as baseline data for the furtherance of health-care and medical treatment. [Subjects and Methods] This study was conducted with patients who visited a health care center located in Seoul and had abdominal ultrasonography between 2 March 2013 and 28 February, 2014. Heights, weights, and blood pressures were measured by automatic devices. Three radiologists examined the patients using abdominal ultrasonography for gallstone diagnosis. The statuses of patients with regard to smoking, alcohol, coffee, and physical activities were explored for the lifestyle investigation. For investigating baseline demographics, we first used descriptive statistics. We then used the χ² test to analyze lifestyles and gallstone prevalence with regard to the presence of metabolic syndrome. Lastly, logistic regression analysis was conducted to discover the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. [Results] For men, body mass index, maximum gallstone size, and waist circumference were revealed as risk factors for metabolic syndrome, in descending order of the degree of risk. For females, gallstone presence was the most significant risk factor, followed by waist circumference. [Conclusion] Metabolic disease mainly presents itself along with obesity, and we should become more focused on preventing and treating this disease. A large-scale prospective study is needed in the future, as the cause of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis remained unclear in this study.

Exercise is associated with metabolism regulation and complications in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the current evidence for the effect of exercise on glycemic control, the lipid profile, body composition, vascular health, and complications in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 1,263 patients receiving outpatient care at 13 general hospitals located in Seoul and Gyeonggido who were subjected to examinations in the areas of blood glucose management, complications management, and diabetes education between March 19 and May 29, 2013. The relations between exercise and various regulatory factors including patient's general and clinical characteristics, metabolic regulation, achievement of goals for metabolic regulation, and complication incidence in patients with type 2 diabetes were investigated. [Results] Exercise management was associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein Regarding achievement of goals for metabolic regulation, significant odds ratios were observed for the effect of exercise treatment on blood pressure, fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, hemoglobin A1c, triglyceride, HDL in men, and BMI in patients with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, exercise management was associated with decreased occurrence of cerebrovasculopathy. [Conclusion] In conclusion, exercise induced metabolic regulation of glycemic control, the lipid profile, and body composition, as well as vascular health and complications, in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes.