Effects of Sleep Disorders on Hemoglobin A1c Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Background: Studies have reported the presence of sleep disorders in approximately 50-70% of diabetic patients, and these may contribute to poor glycemic control, diabetic neuropathy, and overnight hypoglycemia. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of sleep disorders in diabetic patients, and to investigate possible relationships between scores of these sleep disorders and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and diabetic parameters (fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], and lipid levels).

Methods: We used the Berlin questionnaire (BQ) for OSAS, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to determine the frequency of sleep disorders and their possible relationships with fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and lipid levels.

Relationship between 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D levels and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance values in obese subjects.

Aim: In this study, our aim is to evaluate the insulin resistance and quality of life in obese subjects and nonobese subjects and to find out the Vitamin D (VD) status and correlations between obesity and control groups and also according to their quality of life scores.

Materials And Method: The study was carried out between May and October 2013 which is the period of VD synthesis in Turkey. The participants of this study were volunteering individuals - obese and nonobese individuals defined according to the body mass index (BMI) - that did not receive any VD support in the last 1-year and did not have any known chronic diseases.

Occupational allergic diseases in kitchen and health care workers: an underestimated health issue.

Objective: This study evaluated the frequencies of allergic symptoms and rate of upper respiratory infections during the past year in the general population, kitchen workers (KW) and health care workers (HCW).

Methods: The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was used to inquire retrospectively about asthma and asthma-like symptoms and the number of treatments required for previous upper respiratory tract infections (URTI: acute pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, etc.) during the past year for health care workers, kitchen workers, and members of the general population.

Results of a national study on the awareness of and attitudes toward acute otitis media (AOM) among clinicians and the estimated direct healthcare costs in Turkey (TR-AOM Study).

Aims: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most frequent diagnoses and reasons for prescribing antibiotics in children. The aims of this prospective study were the following: (1) to assess the continuing education of physicians and the sources of information about AOM; (2) to assess the current knowledge of and attitudes toward AOM as well as the compliance with AOM guidelines; (3) to evaluate opinions about vaccines against AOM; and (4) to estimate the potential costs of AOM on the healthcare system in Turkey.

Methods: This is a web-based cross-sectional survey of a national convenience sample of 600 physicians in Turkey (325 pediatricians (PEDs), 214 family physicians/general practitioners (FP&GPs) and 61 otolaryngologists (ENTs)).

Effects of Ramadan fasting on biochemical and hematological parameters and cytokines in healthy and obese individuals.

Background: The typical nutritional plan in Ramadan may have beneficial influences on the inflammatory state, as well as on metabolic and anthropometric parameters. We aimed to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on biochemical and hematological parameters and cytokines in healthy and obese individuals.

Methods: This study was performed during the Ramadan holy month (September and October 2007).