Diabetes care
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Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is a gastrointestinal hormone stimulated after oral nutrient ingestion, but not after intravenous nutrient administration. GIP stimulates insulin release in the presence of hyperglycemia and as such is considered a major enteroinsular hormone. Since elevated glucose and insulin levels are found in hyperthyroidism, we compared the GIP responses to oral glucose ingestion in 12 hyperthyroid patients and 10 age-matched controls. ⋯ Mean fasting, stimulated, and incremental IRGIP levels were slightly higher but not statistically different in the hyperthyroid subjects versus controls. Glucose and IRI responses are exaggerated in hyperthyroidism after oral glucose ingestion. Even though GIP has insulinotropic action, its role in the hyperinsulinism found in hyperthyroid subjects appears to be minimal.
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A statewide insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) registry is used to identify and epidemiologically characterize patients admitted to Rhode Island's hospitals. Physician interviews and record reviews are obtained to ascertain reasons for hospitalization. ⋯ An outpatient diabetic education program was successful in reducing the number of persons hospitalized (P = 0.04) and the number of hospitalizations for participants (P = 0.01) when comparisons of hospital admissions before and after the program were made. Potential cost savings for persons with IDDM over the 4 yr of the study are estimated at $674,400.00.