Glutathione metabolism in type 2 diabetes and its relationship with microvascular complications and glycemia.

Aims/hypotheses: We hypothesized that there is decreased synthesis of glutathione (GSH) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) especially in the presence of microvascular complications, and this is dependent on the degree of hyperglycemia.

Methods: In this case-control study, we recruited 16 patients with T2DM (7 without and 9 with microvascular complications), and 8 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic controls. We measured GSH synthesis rate using an infusion of [2H2]-glycine as isotopic tracer and collection of blood samples for liquid chromatography mass spectrometric analysis.

Obstetric Outcomes of an Afro-Caribbean Cohort Following Universal Screening and Treatment of Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

Objective: Restoration of euthyroidism with l-thyroxine reportedly reduces obstetric complications associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). The objective was to determine if obstetric outcomes of treated subjects were equivalent to euthyroid subjects.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease among Patients Attending a Specialist Diabetes Clinic in Jamaica.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients attending the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) Diabetes Clinic and to determine the proportion of patients at high risk for adverse outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among patients attending the UHWI Diabetes Clinic between 2009 and 2010. Trained nurses administered a questionnaire, reviewed dockets, and performed urinalyses.

Population Reference Values and Prevalence Rates following Universal Screening for Subclinical Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy of an Afro-Caribbean Cohort.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been reported to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, however universal screening and treatment is controversial.

Objectives: Our objectives were to determine population-specific pregnancy reference values (R1) for serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) at 14 weeks' gestation, along with the prevalence of SCH and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb).

Methods: This was a prospective hospital-based cohort study.

Diabetic foot complications among patients attending a specialist diabetes clinic in Jamaica: prevalence and associated factors.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic foot complications among patients at a specialist diabetes clinic in Jamaica and identify factors associated with foot complications.

Methods: A stratified random sample of 188 patients were interviewed and examined between 2009 and 2010. Trained nurses obtained demographic and clinical data, measured anthropometrics and performedfoot examinations including inspection for amputations, ulcers or infection and assessment of pain, vibration and pressure perception.