Aims/HypothesesWe hypothesized that there is decreased synthesis of glutathione (GSH) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) especially in the presence of microvascular complications, and this is dependent on the degree of hyperglycemia.MethodsIn this case-control study, we recruited 16 patients with T2DM (7 without and 9 with microvascular complications), and 8 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic controls. We measured GSH synthesis rate using an infusion of [2H2]-glycine as isotopic tracer and collection of blood samples for liquid chromatography mass spectrometric analysis.ResultsCompared to the controls, T2DM patients had lower erythrocyte GSH concentrations (0.90 ± 0.42 vs. 0.35 ± 0.30 mmol/L; P = 0.001) and absolute synthesis rates (1.03 ± 0.55 vs. 0.50 ± 0.69 mmol/L/day; P = 0.01), but not fractional synthesis rates (114 ± 45 vs. 143 ± 82%/day; P = 0.07). The magnitudes of changes in patients with complications were greater for both GSH concentrations and absolute synthesis rates (P-values ≤ 0.01) compared to controls. There were no differences in GSH concentrations and synthesis rates between T2DM patients with and without complications (P-values > 0.1). Fasting glucose and HbA1c did not correlate with GSH concentration or synthesis rates (P-values > 0.17).ConclusionsCompared to non-diabetic controls, patients with T2DM have glutathione deficiency, especially if they have microvascular complications. This is probably due to reduced synthesis and increased irreversible utilization by non-glycemic mechanisms.

BackgroundRelationships between low forced vital capacity (FVC), and morbidity have previously been studied but there are no data available for the Caribbean population. This study assessed the association of low FVC with risk factors, health variables and socioeconomic status in a community-based study of the Trinidad and Tobago population.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study protocol. Participants aged 40 years and above were selected using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling. Generalized linear models were used to examine associations between FVC and risk factors.ResultsAmong the 1104 participants studied a lower post-bronchodilator FVC was independently associated with a large waist circumference (− 172 ml; 95% CI, − 66 to − 278), Indo-Caribbean ethnicity (− 180 ml; 95% CI, − 90 to − 269) and being underweight (− 185 ml; 95% CI, − 40 to − 330). A higher FVC was associated with smoking cannabis (+ 155 ml; 95% CI, + 27 to + 282). Separate analyses to examine associations with health variables indicated that participants with diabetes (p = 0∙041), history of breathlessness (p = 0∙007), and wheeze in the past 12 months (p = 0∙040) also exhibited lower post-bronchodilator FVC.ConclusionThese findings suggest that low FVC in this Caribbean population is associated with ethnicity, low body mass index (BMI), large waist circumference, chronic respiratory symptoms, and diabetes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12890-019-0823-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

SETTING: The prevalence of airflow obstruction (AO) in the Caribbean population is unknown.OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of and risk factors for AO (post-bronchodilator ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec to forced vital capacity of <0.7) in the Trinidad and Tobago general population using the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease methodology.DESIGN: National cross-sectional, stratified, cluster sampling of adults aged ≥40 years.RESULTS: AO prevalence was 9.5% among 1104 participants, most of whom were unaware of this. Compared to those aged 40–49 years, the adjusted odds ratio of AO by age group was 2.73 (60–69 years) and 3.30 (≥70 years). Risk factors for AO were unemployment (OR 4.31), being retired (OR 2.17), smoking ≥20 pack-years (OR 1.88) and exposure to dusty jobs for more than 1 year (OR 2.06). Related symptoms were history of wheezing, unscheduled visits to the doctor or admission to hospital for breathing problems and in subjects with at least one respiratory symptom (OR 1.90), at least one risk factor (OR 2.81), either symptoms or risk factors (OR 3.71) and both symptoms and risk factors (OR 5.78) (P < 0.05 in all cases).CONCLUSION: AO prevalence in the general population of Trinidad and Tobago aged ≥40 years was 9.5%, almost all of which was undiagnosed. AO was associated with smoking, age >59 years, lack of employment and working in a dusty job.

In Trinidad and Tobago there is a high background prevalence of diabetes in women of reproductive age and wide variability of screening practices for diabetes in pregnancy (DiP). A systems enablement approach was implemented to achieve national consensus on clinical guidelines and facilitate universal screening. A secure ICT solution (app) for real-time communication of blood glucose results was designed and piloted to standardize reporting systems and integrate services for pregnancy care. National consensus was achieved through consultations with healthcare professionals and followed up with training on the standardized guidelines for DIP and continuous medical education for over 300 in the field to improve adoption. The app facilitated a system of data capture, storage and retrieval among antenatal caregivers, patients and health administrators. The app is scalable and can integrate with other standards-based ICT health systems. The app was pilot tested and 658 pregnant women, 7 lab technologists and 24 doctors were trained registered users. All pregnant women registered on the app were screened using a standard 75g 2-hour OGTT after an overnight fast. Gestational diabetes prevalence was 14.1%. The high GDM prevalence justifies a need for systems change and universal screening for diabetes in pregnancy in Trinidad and Tobago. The app facilitates timely delivery of results to patient and healthcare provider. Training healthcare teams in diagnosis and management of diabetes in pregnancy using ICT simultaneously provides the platform to enhance patient self-management. Disclosure S. Teelucksingh: None. H. Chow: None. F.K. Lutchmansingh: None. S. Ramsewak: None.

In a recent recommendation The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that adults and children reduce free sugars to less than 10% of total daily energy intake. This guidance is based on research evidence for the relationship between sugar and chronic non-communicable diseases, specifically obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), cardiovascular disease as well as dental caries.Overconsumption of free sugars has been attributed largely to the availability and popularity of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs). Recent data have shown that the Caribbean region as a whole has high consumption of SSBs and Trinidad and Tobago has been singled out for having the highest daily intake in the world. The need to implement the new WHO guidance on sugar consumption is urgent given the high and apparently increasing prevalence of obesity, T2D and dental caries particularly among the nation's children. This paper recommends that national policy for Trinidad and Tobago aimed at reducing sugar consumption, should be developed and implemented and that such policy should be based on strategies that have been shown to be effective internationally and regionally but leave ample room for locally relevant, culturally sensitive and socially acceptable innovative models of intervention.