Publications by authors named "Stefano Merlo"
Background And Aims: Diabetes is a suitable model to evaluate intervention programmes aimed at chronic diseases, because of its well-defined and measurable process and outcome indicators. In this study, we aimed at investigating the effects of group based self-management education on clinical and psychological variables in type 2 diabetes.
Methods And Results: Four-year randomized controlled clinical trial (ISRCTN14558376) comparing Group Care and traditional one-to-one care.
Aims: Diabetic retinopathy remains asymptomatic until its late stages but remains a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. We studied quality of life and the ability to deal with the discomfort deriving from the presence of a chronic disease in patients with type 1 diabetes and different stages of retinopathy.
Methods: Multicenter collaborative observational study involving nine centers screening for retinopathy in different areas of Italy.
Purpose: We examined the expression of a panel of epigenetic enzymes catalyzing histone tails post-transcriptional modifications, together with effectors of metabolic and inflammatory alterations, in type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Cross-sectional, case-control study of 21 people with type 2 diabetes and 21 matched controls. Total RNA was extracted from white cells and reverse transcribed.
Purpose: Microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy and nephropathy, progress over time and may be associated with cognitive decline. In this article, we aim to gain further insight into the association between cognitive function and retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.
Methods And Results: In this observational 8-year prospective study of 498 outpatients, demographic and clinical variables were monitored, along with retinopathy, depression, anxiety, and cognitive function.
Aims: Since depression, anxiety and cognitive function may be impaired in type 2 diabetes, we investigated the relationships between clinical and socioeconomic variables and these psychological dimensions.
Methods: For an 8-year prospective observational study of 498 patients, 249 were not insulin-treated (NIT) and 249 were insulin-treated (IT). Demographic, socioeconomic and clinical data were monitored along with depression and anxiety (assessed by Zung questionnaire) and cognitive function by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).