The vitamin D receptor TaqI TT genotype is associated with type 1 diabetes in the Black South African population.

Polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene (BsmI (rs1544410), FokI (rs2228570), ApaI (rs7975232), TaqI (rs731236)) and low vitamin D concentrations have previously been associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Vitamin D is thought to mediate the switch from a pro-inflammatory Th1 response to an anti-inflammatory Th2 response which is protective against the development of T1D. These associations are inconsistent across studies and population groups.

Correction: Could the ketogenic diet induce a shift in thyroid function and support a metabolic advantage in healthy participants? A pilot randomized-controlled-crossover trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Healthcare Resource Utilization in Controlled Versus Uncontrolled Adults Living With Type 1 Diabetes in the South African Public Healthcare Sector.

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the cost implications of managing people living with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the South African public healthcare system.

Methods: A multicenter, noninterventional retrospective chart review study was performed. Data on healthcare resource consumption, demographics, risk factors, clinical history, and acute events were collected.

Health Care Resource Utilization in Adults Living With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in the South African Public Health Sector: Protocol for a 1-Year Retrospective Analysis With a 5-, 10-, and 25-Year Projection.

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is less common than type 2 diabetes mellitus but is increasing in frequency in South Africa. It tends to affect younger individuals, and upon diagnosis, exogenous insulin is essential for survival. In South Africa, the health care system is divided into private and public health care systems.

Dyslipidemia in South African patients with hypothyroidism.

Background: Overt hypothyroidism leads to increased cardiovascular risk, primarily through effects the disorder has on lipids. Most studies investigating lipids in the setting of hypothyroidism, have been performed in predominantly Caucasians in North America and Europe. Different patterns and prevalence of dyslipidemia have been described; one study reporting dyslipidemia in 90% of patients with hypothyroidism.

Could the ketogenic diet induce a shift in thyroid function and support a metabolic advantage in healthy participants? A pilot randomized-controlled-crossover trial.

Background: The ketogenic diet (KD) has been shown to result in body mass loss in people with disease as well as healthy people, yet the effect of the KD on thyroid function and metabolism are unknown.

Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of a KD, compared with an isocaloric high-carbohydrate low-fat (HCLF) diet, on resting metabolic rate and thyroid function in healthy individuals.

Design: Eleven healthy, normal-weight participants (mean(SD) age: 30(9) years) completed this randomized crossover-controlled study.

Relationship between amino acid ratios and decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate in diabetic and non-diabetic patients in South Africa.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease is a major complication resulting from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Currently, the microalbuminuria test is used to monitor renal function; however, it does not detect albumin until progressive loss of renal function has occurred.

Objective: This study analysed the relationship between changes in amino acid ratios and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) autoantibody prevalence in black South African participants with type 1 diabetes.

Background: Autoantibodies to β-cell specific antigens are markers of type 1 diabetes. The most recently identified autoantibodies are targeted to the zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) protein located in the membrane of β-cell insulin secretory granules. The prevalence of ZnT8 autoantibodies in newly diagnosed participants with type 1 diabetes has been found to range from 33 to 80 %.

A retrospective study correlating sonographic features of thyroid nodules with fine-needle aspiration cytology in a South African setting.

Background: Thyroid nodules are prevalent worldwide. Detection rates are increasing because of the use of ultrasonography. Ultrasound has become the first-choice imaging modality in evaluating nodules.

Challenges in Interpreting Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Results in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Dysfunction.

The pituitary hormone, thyrotropin (TSH), is regarded as the primary biomarker for evaluating thyroid function and is useful in guiding treatment with levothyroxine for patients with hypothyroidism. The amplified response of TSH to slight changes in thyroid hormone levels provides a large and easily measured signal in the routine care setting. Laboratories provide reference ranges with upper and lower cutoffs for TSH to define normal thyroid function.

The effect of HIV infection on glycaemia and renal function in type 2 diabetic patients.

Background: Infection with, and treatment of HIV is associated with effects on glycaemia and renal function. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare glycaemic control and albuminuria in HIV-positive and HIV-negative type 2 diabetic patients.

Materials And Methods: Diabetic patients with and without HIV infection were recruited from a diabetic clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa.

Hypoparathyroidism Causing Seizures: When Epilepsy Does Not Fit.

A 24-year-old man presented to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital emergency department with recurrent seizures having previously been diagnosed with epilepsy from age 14. The biochemical investigations and brain imaging were suggestive of seizures secondary to hypocalcemia, and a diagnosis of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism was confirmed. After calcium and vitamin D replacement, the patient recovered well and is seizure free, and off antiepileptic therapy.

Implementation of POCT in the diabetic clinic in a large hospital.

Aim: Point-of-care testing (POCT) is gaining renewed interest, especially in resource-limiting primary health care, due to rise in prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases hence POCT needscontinuous appraisal.

Methods: Random glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured in 104 diabetic patients using standard laboratory multichannel analyzer 917. The utility of venous blood compared to capillary blood in measuring HbA1c was evaluated in a subset of 20 patients using a POCT device, DCA Vantage.