Iranian Journal of

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Background: Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), but is time-consuming and difficult to perform. We investigated the value of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in screening for diabetes mellitus and IGT.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we measured the HBA1C levels of 497 people referred for OGTT. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of HbA1C at 1, 2, 3 and 4 SD above the normal mean. We plotted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves after assigning our subjects to the diabetic, IGT, ‘diabetic+IGT’, or normal group, based on WHO criteria for OGTT.
Results: HbA1C levels (mean ± SD) in the four groups were 9.2±1.5, 8.4±1.3, 7.9±0.8 and 6.8±0.7 percent in the diabetic, diabetic+IGT, IGT and normal groups, respectively. All differences were statistically significant (p<0.0001). ROC curve analysis showed that HbA1C levels above 7.5% (mean + 1SD) gave the best combination of sensitivity and specificity for the detection of diabetes (97.53% and 73.8%), IGT (66.37 and 69.44%), and diabetes+IGT (80.22% and 86.66%).
Conclusions: An HbA1C level of >7.5% is an optimal cutoff point for diabetes screening programs.

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Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing daily all around the world and is a serious threat to the well-being of the community in terms of renal failure, cardiovascular disease, blindness, and neuropathy. The assessment of difference screening approaches is of great importance in this disease. We compared ADA and WHO criteria for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Methods: 982 individuals (age range: 30 to 64 years), residents of the city of Bushehr, were chosen by systematic random sampling for this study, each providing a fasting blood sample for a standard oral glucose tolerance test. Plasma glucose was measured by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method, using a Technikon RA1000 autoanalyser. Data was analysed with the Chi-squared and Student’s t tests and, when required, Fisher’s Exact test.
Results: 354 (36%) men and 628 (64%) women took part in this study. 42.9% were in the 30-39 age group. 69 (20 men and 49 women) of the 982, that is 7% of the sample, had known diabetes before recruitment into the study. The crude prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance using WHO criteria was 13.6 and 15.6 percent, respectively. The crude prevalence of type 2 diabetes using ADA criteria was 13.4 percent. 51% of patients were already aware of their disease. The sensitivity of fasting blood glucose testing for detecting diabetes was 45.8% using WHO and 62.5% using ADA criteria. Both sets of criteria were equally specific.
Conclusion: Given the overall prevalence of glucose intolerance (impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes) in Bushehr, it should be considered as a high-prevalence area for diabetes. Accordingly, we recommend screening with fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance testing.

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Introduction: There is as yet no consensus as to the effect of Ramadan fasting on fasting blood glucose. We carried out a study to help clarify the situation.
Methods: This was a semi-experimental (pre- and post-) study of 115 healthy volunteers (67 men and 48 women), who fasted for at least 25 days during Ramadan. Blood samples were taken 7 days before Ramadan (at 7am after a 8-hour overnight fast), and on the 14th and 28th days of Ramadan (1 hour before sundown). The mean duration of daily fasting was 11.5±0.5 hours. Plasma glucose was measured by an enzymatic assay. Statistical analysis was by the paired-t and ANOVA functions on SPSS10.0 software.
Results: Fasting plasma glucose in the group as a whole decreased from 88.4±9.0mg/dl pre-Ramadan to 75.4±15.3mg/dl on day 14 and 62.9±7.7mg/dl on day 28 (p<0.001). Both men [87.5±8.8mgdl (pre-Ramadan)  60.8±6.4mg/dl (day 28)] and women [89.7±9.3mgdl (pre-Ramadan)  65.7±8.4mg/dl (day 28)] experienced a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose levels (p<0.001 in both). There was a reduction in calorie intake during Ramadan in every volunteer (p<0.001), and there was a direct correlation between reduction in calorie intake and fasting plasma glucose (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Fasting plasma glucose decreases with Ramadan fasting and is associated with a reduction in calorie intake. The decrease in plasma glucose does not seem to be accompanied by any serious adverse effects in healthy volunteers, however.

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Background: There are disputed reports of the beneficial effects of magnetic fields on glucose homeostasis. Continuing from our previous work, we studied the effect of a constant magnetic field on blood glucose and weight gain in laboratory mice.
 Methods: 28 young, female bALB/c mice were randomly allocated into four groups A, B, C and D. Group A were placed in a constant magnetic field for 20 days, group B for 20 days in a placebo field, group C for 10 days in a constant magnetic field, after which the field was removed, and group D for 10 days in a placebo field, which was then removed the remaining 10 days of the study. The induction force of the magnetic field was 500 gauss, and was generated by two natural magnet bars. Placebo fields were created by two identical looking bars of granite. The mice were weighed daily and had their blood glucose measured at the end of the 20-day study.
Results: Weight gain was similar in the four groups. Blood glucose was significantly lower in group C mice than in groups B and D mice. No other significant difference in blood glucose between the groups was detected.
Conclusion: Even though blood glucose remained unchanged whilst mice are inside a magnetic field, the blood glucose of mice 10 days after field removal is lower than in mice that had never been inside a magnetic field.

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Background: Early detection of carbohydrate intolerance is important to prevent maternal and perinatal complications. This study aims to determine association of symptoms and clinical feature with different degree of carbohydrate intolerance in comparison with healthy pregnant women.
Methods: Two thousand four hundred sixteen pregnant women referred to five university hospital clinics were followed up until delivery. Previously known diabetic patients were excluded from the study. The universal screening was performed with a 50-g 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT). Those with plasma glucose 130mg/dl underwent a 100-g 3-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT) to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to Carpenter and Coustan criteria. Also based on result of GCT and GTT all pregnancy divided to four groups GDM, impaired GCT (IGCT), impaired GTT (IGT) and normal pregnancy. Family and obstetric histories were taken followed by a complete physical examination included: BMI and blood pressure measurements, excess weight gain during pregnancy, proteinuria, glycosuria, polyhydramnios, and edema. Symptoms were considered were as followed: polyuria, polydipsia.
Results: Among the 2416 pregnant women, 114(4.7) were diagnosed with GDM. Of the 114, 42(36.8%) were obese, 39 (34.2%) had glycosuria, 5 (4.3%) had pre-eclampsia, , 22 (19.2%) had abnormal excess weight gain during pregnancy. The most important symptoms were polyuria (14.9%), polydipsia (12.6%). In comparison with healthy group, GDM patients had a significantly higher BMI, glycosuria, polyhydramnios, proteinuria, and excess weight gain. Association of these symptoms in GDM patients was significantly different from that in healthy pregnant women. Out of 114 GDM patients 59 (51.7%) did not have any symptoms or any abnormal clinical features.
Conclusion: The rate of asymptomatic patients in different level of carbohydrat intolerance indicates that symptom – based screening would miss many subjects. Despite clinical feature is not a reliable basis for screening GDM patients, it maybe used to improve maternal surveillance.

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 Alterations in carbohydrate metabolism are frequently observed in cirrhosis. We conducted this study to define the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), and explore the factors that may be potentially associated with the development of DM in these patients.
Methods: From October 2002 to March 2003, 185 consecutive patients with CLD, who referred to "Tehran Hepatitis Center", were enrolled into the study. Fasting plasma glucose and two-hour plasma glucose were measured in patients' sera. DM and IGT were diagnosed according to latest American Diabetes Association criteria.
Results: The subjects included 42 inactive HBV carriers, 102 patients with HBV or HCV chronic hepatitis, and 41 cirrhotic patients. Mean age was 43.8±12.0 years ranging between 22 to 84 years. DM and IGT were diagnosed in 40 (21.6%) and 21(11.4%) patients, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that age (P=0.000), CLD status (P=0.000), history of hypertension (P=0.007), family history of DM (P=0.000), and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.009) were associated with DM. Using Multivariate analysis, age (P=0.01), family history of DM (P=0.0001), chronic hepatitis (0.0004), and cirrhosis (P=0.0004) remained as the factors independently associated with DM. When patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis were analyzed separately, higher Child-Pugh's score in cirrhosis (P=0.04) and older age (P=0.04), higher fibrosis score (P=0.04), and higher BMI (P=0.003) in patients with chronic hepatitis were found to be associated with higher prevalence of DM. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis are at risk of developing DM. Older age, sever liver disease, and obesity were associated with development of DM.

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Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is characterized by menstrual irregularities (due to chronic anovulation) and hyperandrogenism is one of the most common endocrine disorders of women at reproductive age. The precise cause of PCOS is unknown, but it seems that several factors may have role in its pathogenesis. Insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion are common findings in PCOS patients. Approximately 30 – 40 % of women with PCOS have impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 DM. According to my knowledge, there is no published study about prevalence of IGT and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (type 2 DM) in Iranian women with PCOS. The aim of this prospective, controlled study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism in women from north west part of the country.
Methods: 302 PCOS women and 116 normal women as a control group were prospectively studied. The diagnosis of PCOS was made based upon the presence of chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenemia. Other causes of hyperandrogenism were excluded by appropriate clinical and laboratory evaluations. None of the patients were known diabetics prior to study. In all patients with PCOS and control women appropriate medical history was taken and physical examination was done. Blood pressure, body weight, height, BMI, waist / hip ratio, score of hirsutism and other signs of androgen excess were determined. Serum concentrations of total testosterone and DHEA–S were measured by RIA methods in both patients and control group. Standard Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with 75 grams oral glucose was performed between 8 -9 AM after an overnight fast of 10 – 12 hours. Fasting and 2 – hour post - glucose plasma sugars were measured by glucose oxidase method. Results: Results of OGTT were interpreted according to WHO criteria. Mean age and mean BMI were similar in both patients and controls. Serum levels of total testosterone and DHEA – S were significantly higher in PCOS women in comparison with controls. 65% of patients and 68% of controls had BMI of ≥ 25 kg / m2. 55% of PCOS women and 51.6% of control women were obese (BMI ≥ 27kg/m2). 96 (31.7%) of PCOS women had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 27 (8.9%) were diabetics. The prevalence of IGT and diabetes in controls were 14.6% and 5.1% respectively. In non-obese PCOS women the prevalence of IGT and DM were 17.2% and 3.6% respectively, while only 8.9% of control women had IGT and 1.7% were diabetics. Finally, 44.1% of obese PCOS women were glucose intolerant and 13.5% had diabetes mellitus in comparison with 20% and 10% of controls. Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence of IGT and DM in both obese and non–obese PCOS women were significantly higher than in control women. Screening of all PCOS women for IGT and DM is highly recommended.

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Background: Diabetic Neuropathy is the most common and troublesome complication of Diabetes Mellitus, leading to the greatest morbidity and mortality and resulting in a huge economic burden for diabetes care. Early diagnosis of distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, may decrease morbidity by allowing potential therapeutic interventions.
Methods: In 68 diabetic patients after neuropathy screening by U.K and Michigan scores, Bilateral sural nerve conduction parameters as nerve conduction velocity, latency and amplitude were determined and analysed.
Results: 54.4% of patients had Rt sural abnormal response, 50% had abnormality in left side and 39.7% had bilateral abnormality. There was significant statistical correlation between Michigan physical score and electrophysiologic finding (P-value < 0.003) but no correlation with U.K score (P-value > 0.3). The most prevalent abnormal electrophysiologic finding was amplitude decrement of sural response.
Conclusion: Sural nerve response is one of the simplest and most sensitive peripheral sensory nerves for electrophysiologic study of diabetic neuropathy and its evaluation is recommended in all diabetic patients in spite of normal physical examination and history for detection of subclinical neuropathic cases. For increment of sensitivity, amplitude measurement of sensory response is highly recommended.

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Background: Type 2 diabetes is a hereditary disease but the inheritance and responsible genes have not been clearly clarified yet. According to the most studies, diabetes is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in populations. Diabetes occurs in 30% of first degree family members of diabetic patients, But most people are not aware of their disease.
Methods: We studied first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes and screened them for diabetes, IFG and IGT.174 families(1556 people) of Tabriz residents were studied, among them 1232 persons grater than 30 years were alive and FBS and OGTT were done in this group .
Results: According to this study, 1232 persons were alive and 324 persons had died and DM was found in 343 (27.9%) and 82 (25.3%) of them respectively. We found 179 (14.5%) persons with IFG and 89 (7.2%) with IGT.The percent of diabetes in offspring and siblings were 32.9% and 22.1% respectively. The majority of patients had 41 – 50 years old. Risk of diabetes among offspring who had diabetes in both parents was more than the ones who had diabetic father or mother. In this study, women with diabetes were more than men (32.4% vs. 22.2% respectively). The prevalence of Diabetes type 2 in first-degree relatives was more frequent between sister and brother (41.95%), followed by that between father and son (10.9%).
Conclusion: Prevalence of diabetes in most populations is 8 – 10 %. If diabetes occurs in someone, risk of development of diabetes will increase to 30% in their family members. Therefore, screening must be done in all family members of diabetic patients to recognize the problem and to prevent from diabetes complication.

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Background: Homocysteine is one of the novel cardiovascular risk factors. We know most of the cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors are accompanied. The aim of this study was to determine the role of homocysteine in diabetes.
Methods: The study was performed in 25-64 year old individuals of the 17th district of Tehran according to WHO MONICA project. Homocysteine levels higher than 15 µmol/l was considered as abnormal. According to ADA 2004 criteria, fasting glucose levels of 100 to 125 mg/dl were considered as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), while levels higher than 125 mg/dl included diabetes.
Results: Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 54.5% in the whole population. Prevalence of IGT and diabetes were 3.5% and 10.1%, respectively. There was no difference between prevalence of IGT and diabetes in both hyperhomocysteinemic and normal group (P= 0.365). The difference was also not significant in each genders, but mean glucose levels were significantly lower in people with hyperhomocysteinemia (P= 0.003).
Conclusion: This study emphasizes that an inverse relation between glucose and homocysteine levels. Some studies indicate an opposite result and there is controversy on it. More researches may determine the exact role of homocysteine in diabetes.

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Background: Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease probably caused by various factors such genetics, environmental stresses, viral infections and diet. The disease is associated with damage to pancreatic insulin-producing β cells. Many researches have been performed to study the therapeutic effects of herbal medications on diabetes mellitus. The protective effects of some plants such as Cuminum cyminum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Saliva sclarea, Allium ampeloprasum etc in diabetes induced rats were reported. Dill with the scientific name of Anethum graveolens, is a plant from umbellifera. This family which contains flavonoid compounds.
Methods: In this research, effects of hydroalchoholic extract of this plant on blood glucose level, lipids and lipoproteins in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Fifteen adult male rats, weighing 200-250 gr, were used in three five member groups. Rats in the control group, received physiological serum. as intraperitoneal (IP). In diabetic control group (DCG), diabetes was induced using Alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 120 mg/kgbw. In addition to diabetes induction just like DCG, the treated diabetic control group (TDCG) rats were dosed with 300 mg/kgbw hydroalcoholic Anethum graveolens extract. All rats received all materials via intraperitoneal injection (IP). 48 hours after the last IP, blood sample was taken from each animal via cardiac puncture to measure blood factors.
Results: The results indicated significant reduction in glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL levels in TDCG rats compared to DCG rats. Due to the use of dill extract, HDL level was significantly increased.
Conclusion: Effect of Anethum graveolens is related to antioxidant compounds. This compounds affect glucose absorbtion and beta cells regeneration. The results of this research indicate that using hydroalcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens could effectively decrease blood sugar levels.

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Background: Detecting mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not only important in prevention of prenatal morbidities but also has significant effect on neonatal and maternal long term outcomes. Today, there are screening tests for GDM but they are time-consuming and expensive, therefore it seems necessary to perform testes that are uses expensive but with higher sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was to determine a cut - off point of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) for screening of GDM.
Methods: 200 pregnant women referring to the perinatal clinic of Imam Khomeini hospital, (Sari – Iran) were studied. All cases with age ≥25 years old, history of recurrent abortion, GDM, preeclampsia, macrosomia, still birth, diabetes mellitus(DM) in first degree family or pre gestational body mass index ≥25kg/m2 were selected. Those with pre gestational diabetes mellitus were excluded. All of participants underwent a 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) between the 24th and 28th gestational week. If 1- hour plasma glucose was more than 130 mg/dl, a 3- hour 100g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The diagnosis of GDM was made by ADA 2006 recommendation (Carpenter and Coustan diagnostic criteria). Referring to the Receiver Operative Characteristic Curve, level of FPG having highest sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of GDM was determined.
Results: From 200 participants, 65 women had positive GCT, of them 58 (response rate 89%) referred for 100g OGTT and 20(10%) were diagnosed GDM. Using ROC curve and under curve area of 0.853 the FBG level of 91.5 mg/dl, showed the highest sensitivity and specificity, 80% and 92% respectively in diagnosis of GDM.
Conclusion: FBG ≥ 91.5 mg/dl has good sensitivity and specificity in screening of GDM. Since this is simpler and cheaper than 50g GCT, is recommended as a screening method in diagnosis of GDM.

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Background: The aim of this study was to determine the level of agreement between the impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and abnormal glucose tolerance before and after application of the new IFG definition and to evaluate the impact of adding common clinical data on this agreement.
Methods: A cross sectional population based study was carried out in an Iranian urban population which enrolled 8766 men and women over 20 years. Fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose were measured in all subjects excluding those with previously diagnosed diabetes and fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dl. The diagnostic parameters and kappa coefficient between the previous and revised definitions of IFG for detecting impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and dysglycemia (IGT and diabetes) were calculated. Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were used to determine the independent clinical risk factors and their optimal cut-points associated with IGT and dysglycemia. Results: After using the new criteria, sensitivity of IFG for detecting IGT or dysglycemia increased but specificity and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) decreased and the κ slightly improved (0.16 to 0.29 for IGT and 0.24 to 0.35 for dysglycemia). Adding the clinical data to the revised criteria considerably improved the agreement between IFG with IGT and dysglycemia (κ increased from 0.286 to 0.470 for IGT and from 0.354 to 0.574 for dysglycemia). This also increased the LR+ from 3.86 to 14.5 and from 4.46 to 17.4 respectively for detecting IGT or dysglycemia.
Conclusion: The new IFG definition in combination with common clinical risk factors most likely predicts IGT and dysglycemia.

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Background: Aloe vera is a herbal plant being used as an anti-inflammatory agent, burning recovery as well as immune system boosting agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera on blood glucose , lipids and lipoproteins in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.
Methods: This study was carried out on 56 male rats, weighing 150-200 gr. Animals are divided into 7 groups (one control and six test groups). Diabetes were induced in test groups via streptozocin (65mg/ kg-IP). After a week, blood samples analyses for FBS. All diabetic groups, except the control one, were taken 100,200,300,400 mg/kg Aloe vera extract and 5mg/kg glibenclamid by gavages for a period of 4 weeks, respectively. After this period fasting blood samples were collected from all groups.
Results:The results showed that the FBS decreased in groups that received 400mg/kg and glibenclamid (respectively,162/62±23.12and193.37±26.51). In addition, 3-6 groups showed decrease TG and Cholesterol level in comparison with those of control groups. In all groups which received Aloe vera and glibenclamid, LDL level were significantly decreased in comparison with control groups but HDL level had no change.
Conclusion: The results of this research indicate that Aloe vera aqueous extract lead to decreased Blood glucose, Cholesterol, LDL and TG levels. Further studies is suggested for exact mechanism of Aloe vera in diabetic rats.

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Background: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of subjects with isolated post challenge hyperglycemia (IPH) defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <126 mg/dl and 2-hour plasma glucose (2h-PG) ≥200 mg/dl.

Methods: We evaluated data and results of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) from 9745 participants in Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (5589 women and 4156 men) aged>20years, without previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM). A logistic regression model for having IPH was developed among subjects with FPG<126mg/dl to predict.

Results: The prevalence of IPH was 3.1% (n=302). 26.5% (n=80) of subjects with IPH had FPG<100mg/dl. The odds ratios for IPH were statistically significant for FPG≥100mg/dl (OR=9.5 95% CI: 7.1-12.5), age≥40 years (OR=2.6 95% CI: 1.8 - 3.7), triglycerides≥200 mg/dl (OR=2.1 95% CI: 1.6-2.7), hypertension (OR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.5-2.6) and abnormal waist circumference (females≥80, males≥90cm) (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.3-2.8).

Conclusion: This analysis showed that in Tehran urban subjects with FPG<126 mg/dl, variables such as FPG≥100 mg/dl, older age, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and abnormal waist circumference were significantly associated with higher likelihood of IPH OGTT would hence be recommended in subjects with above mentioned characteristics.

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Background: Only limited data are available on the benefits of fruits and vegetable consumption on CVD risk factors. The aim of this study was to examine whether and to what extent intake of fruits and vegetables are inversely associated with cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors in adults.                                                           

Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study a representative sample of 840 Tehranian adults (361 men and 479 women) aged 18-74 years were randomly selected in 1998. Usual dietary intake was assessed with the use of food frequency questionnaire. Portion sizes of consumed foods were converted from household measures to grams and analyzed by using Nutritionist III software designed for Iranian foods. Subjects were categorized based on category cut-points. : 0-1.9, 2-2.9, 3.0-3.9, and>=4 servings/d.

Results: In multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for confounders, dietary fruits and vegetable were found to be significantly and inversely associated with CVD risk factors. Adjusted odds ratio for high LDL concentrations were 1.00, 0.88, 0.81, 0.75(P for trend < 0.01) in first model which was adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), energy intake, smoking status, dietary cholesterol, and prevalence of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, a trend which was not appreciably altered by additional adjustment for education, physical activity, and saturated, polyunsaturated, total fat, Potassium and vitamin C intakes. This association was observed across categories of smoking status, physical activity, and tertiles of the Keys score.

Conclusion: Consumption of fruits and vegetables more than 4 servings a day is associated with lower concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-C and with decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

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Background: Use of medicinal plants for attenuation of hyperglycemia and restoration of lipids to normal levels is very important. The effect of oral administration of Vaccinium myrtillus (VM) on serum glucose and lipids in diabetic rats was investigated.
Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, VM-treated control, diabetic, and VM-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed food (6.25%) for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were determined before the study, and at 2nd and 4th weeks after the study.
Results: Serum glucose level in diabetic group increased 2 and 4 weeks after the experiment as compared to data one week before the study (P<0.001) and VM treatment of diabetic rats did have a significant hypoglycemic effect (P<0.01). In addition, triglyceride level in diabetic group increased 4 weeks after the experiment in comparison with related data one week before the study (P<0.05) and there was a significant lower level of triglyceride in VM-treated diabetic rats (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant changes regarding serum total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL- cholesterol levels in treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetic group.
Conclusion: Oral administration of VM has a significant hypoglycemic effects and leads to an appropriate changes only in triglyceride level.

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Background: Alternate Day Fasting (ADF) is one of dietary regimens in which food is available only every other day. Available limited evidence shows that this regimen may result in beneficial effects similar to classic caloric restriction, including weight loss and other associated useful effects of weight loss. Methods: Twelve week-old Wistar rats were obtained from animal house of Jundi Shapur University and fed a standard diet. Food was provided ad-libittum (AL) until 13 week of age. At that time rats were assigned to one of two groups: AL fed ad libitum or ADF, provided access to food every other day. Body weight was measured each week on the same day and time. Food intake was measured daily. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical tests performed as two-tailed and P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significance level. Results: At the end of the intervention period body weight and food intakes of the (ADF) group were significantly lower than AL group (p<0.05) but there were not significant changes in fasting blood glucose levels. Conclusion: According to findings of this experimental study, ADF regimen could be used as an individualized eating strategy for weight loss but it could not have beneficial effects on fasting blood glucose levels.

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Background: Physical activity with diet and medication–considered fundamental in the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of combined 12-week aerobic exercise and barley β glucan (BBG) on blood glucose and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Twenty- four female volunteers (49±5 years) were selected, and after completion of questionnaires, were randomly divided into three groups a) aerobic training with diet group (n=8), b) diet group (n=8) and c) control group (n=8). The diet group used one barley bread per day with 4 gram beta glucan during 12 week. The combined group participated in progressive walking training program with intensity of 60-70% of maximal heart rate 2 to 3 times a week, 20 to 60 minutes in each session in addition to diet program. The variables measured included blood sugar, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL. For data analysis ANOVA used to compare mean differences between groups. Results: Results indicated significant difference in blood sugar between control and experimental groups while non significant changes was observed in lipid profile. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and BBG can decrease blood glucose in patients with diabetes Therefore, it should be considered seriously as part of the treatment of these patients.

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Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one the most common chronic disease, with many complications including renal failure, blindness and non traumatic amputation. Prevention of complications is possible through monitoring and control of blood glucose levels. Considering how easy home blood glucose monitoring is, we decided to evaluate the performance of two available glucometers for detection of blood glucose compared with standard laboratory methods. Methods: In this study, 369 patients with diabetes who admitted to the Shahid Beheshti hospital laboratory in 2013 selected by simple way. After fasting blood glucose testing at the laboratory by lancet devices for ONCALL and GLUCOCARD Glucometers, capillary blood was taken, and glucose measurements were performed by a special strips. Finally, we compared of capillary blood glucose levels of 369 patients as determined by test strips (Glucometers) with venous blood glucose levels measurements by the enzymatic method (the standard laboratory kit), and the results was evaluated by statistical tests such as the mean ± standard deviation, and Pearson correlation. Results: The mean blood glucose measurements reported using the Glucocard glucometer, the ONCALL glucometer and the standard laboratory method were 127.0±51.6mg/dl, 117.9±42.1 mg/dL and 118.09±51.9 mg/dL. Results obtained using the ONCALL Glucometer had no differences with the standard method levels)p=0.901(, but obtained results from GLUCOCARD Glucometers had differences with the standard method levels(p≤0.001). Conclusion: Diversity glucometer devices used in various parts of the country highlight the need for similar studies. We recommend use the ONCALL Glucometer with standard principles for glucose monitoring routine.