Objective This study aims to measure the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and to explore the impact of DN on quality of life (QoL) in type 1 and type 2 DM patients in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study targeted type 1 and type 2 DM patients who live in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Self-reported online questionnaires distributed randomly on social media were used. The survey included three parts: sociodemographic data, the Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) questionnaire, and the modified Arabic Diabetes Quality of Life (DQoL) questionnaire. The data have been collected from April 2022 to May 2022. Results The study included participants (n = 329) of both type 1 and type 2 DM. Patients' age ranged from 18 to 82 years with a mean age of 45.9 ± 15.2 years. A total of 166 (50.5%) patients were males and 319 (97%) were Saudi nationals. The prevalence of DN in the study population was 44.1%. Of the patients with DN, 73.1% have low QoL, which means DN increased the risk of low QoL by about four times (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.5-6.3). Conclusion In conclusion, the study showed that the prevalence of DN in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia was 44.1%. The presence of DN was associated with reduced QoL. Type 2 DM, low educational level, and the presence of other comorbidities were significantly associated with low QoL.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a valuable technique for diabetes mellitus treatment. Patients with diabetes frequently monitor their blood glucose levels in order to identify hypoglycemia and modify their insulin dosage as necessary. In many large-scale outcome studies, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in the management of diabetes plays a vital role, contributing significantly to the outcomes. It is recommended that the patient keep track of their SMBG readings in a log book. For interpreting the SMBG findings, information regarding food intake, medication, and activity may be useful. An explanation of the practical components of the process is required to assess a patient's grasp of SMBG knowledge. For SMBG lancing treatments to be effective, the patient must have a thorough understanding of the stages involved. With many studies suggesting the benefits of SMBG other studies say that SMBG has little clinical effectiveness in improving glycemic control in patients with T2DM who are taking oral medications or eating a low-carbohydrate diet alone, and is thus unlikely to be cost-effective. However, if patients have the ability to modify their treatment dosage then it can be much more effective. In this review we will be looking at the SMBG techniques, outcomes and the relationship with glucose management.

The thymus gland is a lymphoid organ normally located in the superior anterior mediastinum. It can rarely present abnormally in other sites along the thymopharyngeal canal and it might cause difficulties in breathing and/or feeding. We present a case report of an ectopic cervical thymus of a 10-month-old male infant who was presented to the hospital with a swelling on the left side of his neck for nine months. Investigations raised suspicion about four differential diagnoses and a total surgical excision for histopathological confirmation was deemed mandatory. It is of great importance to consider ectopic cervical thymus in the differential diagnosis of pediatric neck masses to avoid unnecessary procedures and prevent possible complications.