Evaluation of the effects of the national diabetes control and prevention program on a sample of iranian people with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes prevention programs have been developed in the different countries and it is therefore necessary to gain a better understanding of factors affecting the effectiveness of these programs for each society. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the National Diabetes Control and Prevention Program (NDCPP) on the biochemical and anthropometric indices among a sample of Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 384 patients with T2DM from the primary health care system of Tehran and Tabriz cities during January to June 2020, were included in the study. A two-part questionnaire consisting of items related to socio-economic and demographic characteristics was used and biochemical and anthropometric indices were measured at the beginning and the end of the 3-month intervention period. There was a significant difference in fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin glycosides (HbA1 C), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and weight before and after the NDCPP (P < 0.001). Also, there was significant improvement in carbohydrate (P = 0.015) and protein intake (P = 0.027) after the NDCPP compared to before the study. No significant difference was observed in waist circumference (WC) (P = 0.689), body mass index (P = 0.784), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.647), and other dietary nutrient intake before and after the NDCPP. Repeated measure ANOVA revealed a significant decrease in FBS (Time effect P = 0.019) and weight (Time effect P = 0.006) after the NDCPP. Also, residing in different cities had a significant effect on FBS (time×city effect P < 0.001), HbA1 C (time×city effect P < 0.001), and SBP (time×city effect P = 0.037) after the NDCPP. The NDCPP resulted in weight loss, improved HbA1 C, and FBS. These findings suggested that NDCPP had a positive effect on controlling T2DM among Iranian population and can be considered as a way to prevent complications of T2DM.

Compound heterozygosity for hemoglobin variant Hb-Broomhill and the Southeast Asian α-thalassemia deletion does not worsen outcome: a case report of two unrelated patients

We report two unrelated cases of compound heterozygosity for hemoglobin (Hb) variant Broomhill and the Southeast Asian (- - SEA/) α-thalassemia deletion, whose clinical features and laboratory findings have never been reported. Hematological analyses revealed abnormal values for both cases as α-thalassemia traits, and capillary electrophoresis suggested an abnormal peak that was incompletely separated from the Hb A peak. A suspension array system and Sanger sequencing were used to characterize the genotypes. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of Hb Broomhill [α114(GH2)Pro→Ala; HBA1: c.343C>G]. Eventually, both cases were accurately diagnosed as compound heterozygotes for Hb Broomhill and the (- - SEA/) α-thalassemia deletion, which is the first known report of these variants. This information will be useful when providing appropriate genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis.