Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common clinical complication during pregnancy, with its pathogenesis not yet fully elucidated. Vitamin D contributes to GDM pathogenesis by regulating pancreatic β-cell function, immune responses, and lipid metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to GDM through these mechanisms. Vitamin E levels in GDM patients are lower than those in normal pregnant women, and its deficiency may increase the risk of GDM, potentially due to its antioxidant properties, although the specific mechanisms remain unclear. The relationship between vitamin A levels and GDM is controversial. Additionally, the occurrence of GDM is closely associated with one-carbon metabolism, involving folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Deficiencies in these vitamins may lead to homocysteine metabolism disorders, thereby contributing to GDM. Vitamin B3 plays a protective role against GDM by regulating redox reactions. Vitamin C deficiency has also been linked to GDM. Furthermore, combined supplementation with vitamin C and iron has been shown to reduce the incidence of pregnancy-associated iron-deficiency anemia to some extent.

Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), significantly increasing fall and disability risks. While the Questionnaire composed of "Strength, Assistance in walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, and Falls" (SARC-F) is commonly used for sarcopenia screening, its diagnostic accuracy in T2DM patients remains unclear. SARC-CalF, an extended version incorporating calf circumference, may enhance screening effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy of SARC-F and SARC-CalF in older T2DM adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 157 T2DM patients aged 60 years and above. Sarcopenia was assessed using both SARC-F and SARC-CalF, with the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria serving as the reference standard. Collected data included demographics, muscle mass (via bioelectrical impedance analysis), muscle strength (handgrip and five-time sit-to-stand tests), and physical performance (timed up-and-go test). Reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy were analyzed using validated statistical techniques.

SARC-F demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.80) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.89), moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.565-0.743) with an optimal cut-off score of 2.5 (sensitivity = 51.4%, specificity = 78.2%). SARC-CalF shows superior diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.956-1.000 with higher sensitivity (92%) and specificity (94%).

While the SARC-F is a reliable and valid screening tool for T2DM patients, its diagnostic accuracy is limited. SARC-CalF significantly improves screening performance and is preferable for chronic care monitoring.

Both intestinal parasitic infections and diabetes mellitus are major global health concerns, particularly in developing countries. The compromised immunity of diabetic patients increases their susceptibility to intestinal parasites. However, little is known about the burden of these infections among diabetic patients in Ethiopia, especially in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among diabetic patients at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from December 1 to 30, 2024. A total of 262 participants were selected using systematic sampling. Data on sociodemographic and clinical factors were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Stool samples were examined using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. Data were entered into EPiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 20.6% (95% CI: 15.9-26.0). Among the identified parasites, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar had the highest prevalence (26 cases, 9.9%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (15 cases, 5.7%) and Giardia lamblia (9 cases, 3.4%). Improper latrine utilization (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.13-3.81), consumption of unwashed vegetables or fruits (AOR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.14-7.70), drinking well or spring water (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.45-5.27), and the presence of domestic animals in the house (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.18-3.98) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections among diabetic patients.

Intestinal parasitic infections are prevalent among diabetic patients, with key risk factors including improper latrine utilization, consumption of unwashed fruits or vegetables, drinking well or spring water, and the presence of domestic animals in the household.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported to be associated with decreased risk for thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD). However, risk factors for TAAD in diabetic patients remain undetermined. This study aims to investigate diabetes-specific risk factors for TAAD development in diabetic patients.

This population-based study utilized the National Health Insurance Service database in Republic of Korea. We followed 2,328,347 type 2 DM patients undergoing health check-ups from 2009 to 2012 until new TAAD diagnosis, death, or December 31, 2019. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to identify risk factors for TAAD development.

TAAD was newly diagnosed in 0.02% (4,512/2,328,347) of patients. In the fully-adjusted model incorporating baseline characteristics and antidiabetic medications, the risk for TAAD was increased with age (HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.05-1.06) and males (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.26-1.49). Meanwhile, the risk of TAAD was decreased in patients with a longer diabetes duration (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99) and metformin use (HR: 0.91 95% CI: 0.85-0.97).

Our study findings suggest that longer diabetes duration and metformin may reduce TAAD risk. Additional research is needed to investigate whether changes in glucose control and treatment strategies can decrease the development of TAAD in diabetic patients.

Self-care agency is crucial for the management of diabetes patients. The Appraisal of Self-Care Agency Scale-Revised (ASAS-R) is a reliable and brief measure of diabetic patients' SCA. In the MENA region, there is currently no Arabic version of the ASAS-R scale available.

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the ASAS-R among Arabic patients with DM.

This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. Exploratory factor analysis was used to test the scale's construct validity. Pearson correlation was used to test for its criterion-related and convergent validity.

Participants' ASAS-R total scores significantly correlated with diabetes self-efficacy (r = 0.543, p ≤ 0.001) and diabetes self-care management (r = 0.566, p ≤ 0.001) but did not correlate with their demographics. Factor analysis revealed a 2-factor solution that retained all items and explained a variance of 46.3%. Cronbach's alpha was 0.775 for the total scale and 0.691-0.851 for subscales indicating a high internal consistency. Also, no item redundancy was noted with the maximum interitem correlation of 0.695.

The ASAS-R was found to be a psychometrically sound measure to evaluate self-care agency among Arabic patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, for which future studies interested in self-care among patients with diabetes are invited to use the ASAS-R to validate its psychometric properties.

Loss of pancreatic β-cell function and increased β-cell death are central to the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and understanding the mechanisms behind β-cell failure is crucial for preventing or reversing the disease. While apoptosis and oxidative stress have been implicated in β-cell death, their precise roles remain under investigation. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of the apoptotic factor tumor suppressor 53 (p53) and biomarkers of oxidative stress: malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguansine (8-OHdG) in newly diagnosed T2DM, as well as determining the impact of p53, MDA and 8-OHdG and their combined interaction on both diabetic and metabolic syndrome parameters.

This case-control study included Yemeni male participants aged 30-45 years: 60 were normoglycemic subjects with fasting blood glucose < 100 mg/dL and BMI < 25 kg/m² served as controls, and 52 patients with newly diagnosed (≤ 2 months), diet-controlled T2DM (fasting blood glucose > 126 mg/dL).

Compared to control subjects, serum levels of p53, MDA, and 8-OHdG were significantly elevated in the newly diagnosed T2DM group (p < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.002, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed that β-cell dysfunction was associated with increased MDA (p = 6.3 × 10⁻⁶) and triglycerides (TG) (p = 2 × 10^-4). Additionally, reduced insulin sensitivity, heightened insulin resistance, and elevated insulin levels were linked to p53 (p = 1.9 × 10^-4, 0.001, 0.006), TG (p = 1.8 × 10^-4, 0.007, 0.025), and BMI (p = 0.004, 3 × 10⁻⁵, 3 × 10^-4). Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly influenced by MDA (p = 4.5 × 10⁻⁶, 3.6 × 10^-4), p53 (p = 5 × 10^-5, 2 × 10^-4), and TG (p = 4.2 × 10⁻¹⁰, 2.7 × 10⁻⁹). The simultaneous interaction of p53, MDA, and 8-OHdG on diabetic traits. revealed synergy: the p53×MDA interaction amplifies insulin resistance, elevated insulin, reduced sensitivity, and higher FBG beyond individual marker contributions, while p53×MDA×8-OHdG elevates HbA1c.

The results highlight the interplay of apoptosis and oxidative stress in inducing β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in newly diagnosed T2DM. Oxidative stress contributes to β-cell dysfunction, while p53 contributes to the development of insulin resistance, possibly by inducing oxidative stress.

Excess folic acid (FA) supplementation intake among women in child-bearing age, which may lead to an increase in the amount of unmetabolized FA in the bloodstream. Whereas, research on the relationship between high-dose FA and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was lacking, and the potential mechanisms were still unclear.

This is an ongoing cohort which is part of the Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital Health Cohort, China. In total, 4000 pregnant women were recruited in gestational weeks 9–13⁺⁶, and were followed across pregnancy (16 ± 1, 20 ± 1, 24–28 weeks of gestation). Participants would undergo questionnaires investigation, physical measurement, red blood cell folate, serum folate, serum vitamin B12 and methylmalonic acid detection in early pregnancy. Serum liver X receptors α (LXR-α) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 c (SREBP-1c) levels were tested from Down’s syndrome screening at 16 weeks of gestation on the basis of a nested case-control study. GDM was based on 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks’ gestation. The levels of red blood cell folate, serum folate, LXR-α/SREBP-1c and visceral fat (VF) depth between pregnant women with GDM and without GDM will be analyzed.

Our findings could help shed light on the role of high-dose FA regulating LXR- α / SREBP-1c to induce VF accumulation in the pathogenesis of GDM. We anticipated that inform clinical recommendations based on VF depth with precise FA supplementation intake.

The trial is prospectively recorded at the CHiCTR registry (Trial ID: ChiCTR2300070781). Date recorded: 23/04/2023.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a challenging issue in the treatment of diabetic wounds. The current researchinvestigates the formulation, antimicrobial, and wound healing efficacy of D-carvone-based nanoemulgel against clinical MRSA strains collected from diabetic wound infections. Nanoemulsion and nanoemulgel preparations for carvone were prepared and assessed. The antibacterial activity was assessed using both the cup method and microtiter assay, in addition to electron microscopy and molecular techniques. An excision wound model was used to evaluate the diabetic wound healing activity of NPs carvone. Diabetic rats, induced via streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg, i.p.), were separated into three groups: diabetic negative control, carvone, and NPs carvone groups, in which diabetic rats were allowed to heal spontaneously or treated by applying carvone alone or NPs carvone ointment, respectively. NPs D-carvone nanoemulgel demonstrated favorable characteristics suggesting enhanced tissue penetration; therefore, it was selected for further assessment. The antibacterial activity of D-carvone oil exhibited weak activity against all MRSA strains except for the AH-7 strain. On the other hand, both nanoemulsion and nanoemulgel formulations showed improved antibacterial effects, with the highest effect detected in strain AS-8 and the lowest in NCI-5, with MIC values ≤ 0.25 µg/ml for all strains. SEM images showed morphological changes in MRSA strains after treatment with NPs carvone. NPs carvone exhibited higher wound contraction %, faster epithelialization, and instigated collagen deposition, demonstrating enhanced healing processes. Additionally, NPs carvone intensified angiogenesis-related factors and antioxidant enzymes and reduced lipid peroxidation and inflammatory mediators. D-carvone nanoemulgel formulations exhibit effective antimicrobial activity against MRSA strains derived from diabetic wound infections. KEY POINTS: • D-carvone NP formulations exhibit effective antimicrobial activity against MRSA. • Nanoencapsulation improved efficacy and stability of D-carvone. • D-carvone nanoemulgels demonstrated superior diabetic wounds healing ability.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly impairs male reproductive health, largely through hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress (OS). Elevated glucose activates detrimental metabolic pathways, notably the polyol pathway, which depletes antioxidant defenses and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). This oxidative burden damages spermatozoa, leading to reduced motility, abnormal morphology, DNA fragmentation, and disrupted membrane integrity. OS also compromises the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, lowering testosterone synthesis and impairing spermatogenesis. The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and chronic inflammation further exacerbate Leydig and Sertoli cell dysfunction, microvascular injury, and testicular apoptosis. Clinical evidence consistently links DM to deteriorated semen parameters, hormonal imbalances, and reduced natural conception rates, with poorer outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Obesity and metabolic syndrome, common comorbidities in DM, amplify oxidative stress and further impair fertility potential. While seminal plasma contains enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, these defenses are often insufficient in diabetic men. Targeted interventions, including antioxidant therapy, lifestyle modifications, glycemic control, and management of comorbidities, offer promise in mitigating oxidative damage. This review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular, endocrine, and clinical consequences of DM-related oxidative stress on male fertility, underscoring the need for integrated management strategies to preserve reproductive function in diabetic men.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a major complication of diabetes characterized by pathological angiogenesis in the retina. Standard treatment includes vitrectomy to remove these abnormal vessels, and the resulting clinical specimens provide an opportunity to define drivers of PDR. Here, we profiled endothelial and immune cells from such samples to identify disease mechanisms. In some patients, endothelial cells were more abundant, whereas in others, immune cells predominated. Immune cells exhibited gene expression programs directed against pathological endothelium, suggesting an endogenous defense that may explain the scarcity of endothelial cells in certain cases. Preoperative anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy altered transcriptional programs in both endothelial and immune cells, indicating that its effects extend beyond the vasculature. A comparison of endothelial signatures from PDR patients and nondiabetic donor retinas revealed a distinct molecular program in PDR, prominently marked by mitochondrial dysfunction. In contrast, endothelial cells from the murine oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model lacked mitochondrial dysfunction, although other features of pathological angiogenesis were shared. These findings suggest that PDR is not a uniform disease but comprises distinct types characterized by either immune-mediated clearance of pathological vessels or endothelial mitochondrial dysfunction. They also revealed that anti-VEGF therapy influences both endothelial and immune compartments, with implications for treatment strategies. Finally, the data clarify both the relevance and limitations of the OIR model for preclinical testing of new therapeutic targets.