Nine patients with diabetic neuropathy were treated as outpatients with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Painful symptoms were scored on a 10-cm horizontal graphic rating scale; motor conduction velocity (MCV) was measured in the median and peroneal nerves; and vibration perception threshold (VPT) was recorded in the great toes. All investigations were repeated after 6 wk and at the completion of 4 mo of CSII. Improved diabetic control was confirmed by significantly lower mean blood glucose levels, M-values, and glycosylated hemoglobin. Symptomatic relief was noted by all patients and was accompanied by a significant improvement in pain scores. There was also significant improvement in VPT and MCV after 6 wk of CSII, which was maintained throughout the 4-mo period. However, sensory studies in the median nerve showed no significant changes during the study. It is concluded that strict glucoregulation is indicated in all cases of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy. It remains to be seen whether strict diabetic control from diagnosis will lead to a reduction in the incidence of this complication.
In most cases, increases in CVR were associated with increases in coronary lumen cross-sectional area. These data suggest that impaired CVR after angioplasty is often related to the degree of residual narrowing, which at times may not be appreciated by angiography. A physiologically complemented approach to balloon angioplasty may improve procedural outcome.
The prevalence of symptomatic sensorimotor polyneuropathy has been determined in a population of 382 insulin-treated diabetic subjects aged 15-59 yr. Forty-one subjects (10.7%) were found to have diabetic neuropathy, according to strict diagnostic criteria that required the presence of symptoms and signs of nerve dysfunction in the absence of peripheral vascular disease. There was a significant correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin levels and motor conduction velocity in the median and peroneal nerves in all subjects. This finding further emphasizes the importance of metabolic factors related to hyperglycemia in the impaired nerve function seen in diabetic patients.
Background
Because as many as 46% of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients experience clinical symptoms of shock anxiety, this randomized controlled study evaluated the efficacy of adapted yoga (vs. usual care) in reducing clinical psychosocial risks shown to impact morbidity and mortality in ICD recipients.
Methods
Forty-six participants were randomized to a control group or an 8-week adapted yoga group that followed a standardized protocol with weekly classes and home practice. Medical and psychosocial data were collected at baseline and follow-up, then compared and analyzed.
Results
Total shock anxiety decreased for the yoga group and increased for the control group, t(4.43, 36), p < 0.0001, with significant differences between these changes. Similarly, consequential anxiety decreased for the yoga group but increased for the control group t(2.86,36) p = 0.007. Compared to the control, the yoga group had greater overall self-compassion, t(–2.84,37), p = 0.007, and greater mindfulness, t(–2.10,37) p = 0.04, at the end of the study. Exploratory analyses utilizing a linear model (R2 = .98) ofobserved device-treated ventricular (DTV) events revealed that the expected number of DTV events in the yoga group was significantly lower than in the control group (p<.0001). Compared to the control, the yoga group had a 32% lower risk of experiencing device-related firings at end of follow-up.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated psychosocial benefits from a program of adapted yoga (vs. usual care) for ICD recipients. This data supports continued research to better understand the role of complementary medicine to address ICD-specific stress in cardiac outcomes.
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