Waist circumference is an important determinant of relative muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Muscle damage has recently been recognized as a complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Impaired muscle function adversely affects physical activity, quality of life, and mortality risk. Moreover, waist circumference (WC) is associated with visceral fat and insulin resistance.

The metabolic chronic disease prevention program in Saint Kitts and Nevis: a dietary recall study.

Background: The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis faces a growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to dietary transitions, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy behaviors. This study aims to assess food and nutrient intake, nutrient deficiencies, and health behaviors among residents of the country.

Methods: The study was conducted from February to March 2023.

Blood Cell Count-Based Inflammatory Markers Exhibit Superior Association with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Compared to Protein-Based Markers.

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent and disabling complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, contributing to poor quality of life and increased healthcare burden. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been proposed as a key contributor to the pathogenesis of DPN. While various inflammatory markers have been studied, their diagnostic utility remains unclear, particularly when comparing protein-based markers and blood cell count-derived ratios.

Ratio of fat-free mass to fat mass is associated with physical performance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: The ratio of fat-free mass (FFM) to fat mass (FM) is a key indicator of body composition. Evidence suggests that the FFM/FM ratio is more reliable than body mass index in predicting functional outcomes in older adults with prefrailty. Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibit higher FM and faster lean mass loss than do those without T2DM.

Assessment of iodine nutritional status and gestational thyroid function reference ranges during the first trimester of pregnancy in Taiwan.

Background: Iodine nutrition is critical for fetal neurodevelopment in the first trimester of pregnancy, a period associated with dramatic changes in thyroid function. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine nutritional status and thyroid function reference ranges in the first trimester in Taiwan.

Methods: Pregnant women aged 20 years and above in the first trimester were recruited in Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan from March 2019 to July 2022.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Is Not a Major Determinant of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in People Without Known Diabetes Mellitus.

It has been well established that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. However, the effects of different lipid parameters on hs-CRP levels are less deliberated. The purpose of the study was to compare the relative contribution of triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) to the levels of hs-CRP.

Urinary acrolein protein conjugates-to-creatinine ratio is positively associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Acrolein, an unsaturated aldehyde, plays a pathological role in neurodegenerative diseases. However, less is known about its effects on peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of acrolein and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Progress in the basic and clinical research on the Schlemm's canal.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Intraocular pressure (IOP) plays a key role in glaucoma development and progression. Schlemm's canal (SC), an important structure of the anterior chamber angle, regulates the flow of aqueous humor and maintains IOP.