mohammad afkhami ardekani

Understanding copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio's influence on diabetic complications could lead to more targeted therapeutic interventions, and preventive measures. This study compared serum Zn, Cu, and Cu/Zn ratios among T2DM individuals with and without retinopathy and nephropathy.

In this cross-sectional study, the individuals with T2DM participated between 2021 and 2022 at the Yazd Diabetes Research Center. A control group consisted of 30 people with T2DM without microvascular problems, whereas 30 people with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 30 people with diabetic nephropathy (DN) were recruited.. Blood samples were analyzed for Zn and Cu levels. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS, utilizing Pearson correlation and ANOVA. Statistical significance was established with a p-value of ≤ 0.05.

41.76% of men and 58.24% of women were included in this study. No significant differences were found in terms of age. (P=0.128), BMI (P=0.210), and gender (P=0.057). Results revealed lower Zn levels in the patients with DR compared to T2DM (P=0.033). Cu/Zn ratio in the DR was higher than in the other groups (P=0.046). Cu/Zn ratio correlated positively with HbA1c (P=0.001, r=0.321). Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between the duration of diabetes, and Zn levels (r=-0.195, P=0.05), and between the Cu/Zn ratio and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) levels (r=-0.182, P=0.05).

The research identified correlations between HbA1c and GFR levels and the Cu/Zn ratio, indicating a potential relationship between trace element imbalances and the progression of diabetes. Thus, Zn levels decreased and Cu/Zn ratio increased across the DR group compared to the control.

It is well established that knowledge is the key factor in optimal diabetes control. Adherence to the medical treatment and the healthcare provider's advice is associated with the level of knowledge about the health issue. The diabetic patients with acceptable knowledge about diabetes achieve better glycemic control. Since diabetes cause is multifactorial, it is necessary for patients to have knowledge in various aspects of diabetes.
This review investigates the diabetes knowledge status in Iranian people with diabetes. Most of the previous studies were conducted on type 2 diabetes. Based on the topic, the studied conception was divided into three categories including general knowledge, nutrition and complications. According to the reports, Iranian diabetic people have inadequate knowledge about different aspects of diabetes. A number of factors such as age, educational level, job status and income had a significant relationship with patients' knowledge. Considering the central role of the educational level in improving the level of diabetes knowledge, it is necessary to plan educational programs as much as possible, especially for illiterate or less educated patients.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which affects all aspects of human life. Medical herbs have become increasingly popular as complementary therapeutic measures for patients with diabetes. Thus, the present research aims to explore the consumption of medical herbs in patients with diabetes in Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) countries through a meta-analysis.

The following keywords were searched: medicine, medicinal plants, healing plants, medicinal herbs, use, usage, frequency of use, prevalence, diabetes patients, type 2 diabetes, adults with diabetes, and EMRO countries. The databases searched included Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

A total of 3,542 papers were found. After omitting repeated or irrelevant papers, 70 papers were retained. An analysis of the abstract and full text of papers led to the retention of 35 papers. A great variance was found regarding the rate of consuming medical herbs in the papers (16.8-97.7%). The relative frequency of consuming medical herbs was 38% (95% CI: 33-44). Moreover, the most prevalent herbs were fenugreek (19%), cinnamon (18%), black seed (14%), white lupinus (13%), and olive (13%) with a 95% confidence interval. About 70% of patients (95%CI: 62-79) did not inform their physician of their herbal medicine consumption.

In light of the present findings, it can be concluded that patients with diabetes use a wide range of medical herbs. Thus, health specialists and physicians need to be aware of the possible synergic or moderating effect of herbal medicine on the therapeutic measures taken for diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that can be caused by either inherited or acquired insufficiency insulin secretion, or the body's inability to effectively utilize the insulin it produces. There are three primary classifications of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by elevated levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), indicating a disturbance in glucose metabolism. The term "probiotics" refers to living microorganisms that provide beneficial effects on the host's health. The effects of probiotics on T2DM in humans have shown conflicting results. Some studies have demonstrated that probiotic treatment substantially reduces HbA1c, FBG, or insulin resistance (IR) in patients with T2DM. However, other studies have found no significant difference between probiotic -treated patients and those receiving a placebo.. The use of probiotics was found to enhance glucose metabolism and HbA1c levels in individuals with T2DM. These findings are in line with previous reviews conducted on this topic.

The thyroid gland is susceptible to the formation of nodules. Therefore, due to the critical role of selenium in the function of the thyroid gland, the impact of this element on the size and volume of this organ and its nodules were examined.

During three months, two groups consisting of 30 patients with benign thyroid nodules who were referred to Baghaeipour Endocrinology Clinic were given daily doses of 100 and 200 micrograms of selenium, and a control group of 30 people without selenium consumption were assessed.

The results of intergroup analysis detected that the mean (±SD) of nodules length in the 100 µg selenium consumer group was 17.13 (±7.9) and 14.93 (±6.01) before and after intervention respectively (P= 0.008). About the nodules height in the 200 µg selenium consumer group, the mean (±SD) was 9.3 (±2.8) and 8.93 (±2.71) before and after intervention in that order (P= 0.001).

Our findings suggest that selenium has been effective in the size and volume of the nodule and thyroid gland, as well as the TSH hormone, and further studies are needed to determine its therapeutic approach and efficacy.

Today, there are various non-invasive techniques available for the determination of blood glucose levels. In this study, the level of blood glucose was determined by developing a new device using near-infrared (NIR) wavelength, glass optical waveguide, and the phenomenon of evanescent waves.

The body's interstitial fluid has made possible the development of new technology to measure the blood glucose. As a result of contacting the fingertip with the body of the borehole rod, where electromagnetic waves are reflected inside, evanescent waves penetrate from the borehole into the skin and are absorbed by the interstitial fluid. The electromagnetic wave rate absorption at the end of the borehole rod is investigated using a detection photodetector, and its relationship to the people's actual blood glucose level.Following precise optimization and design of the glucose monitoring device, a statistical population of 100 participants with a maximum blood glucose concentration of 200 mg/dL was chosen. Before measurements, participants put their index finger for 30 seconds on the device.

According to this experimental study, the values measured by the innovative device with Clark grid analysis were clinically acceptable in scales A and B. The Adjusted Coefficient of Determination of the data was estimated to be 0.9064.

For future investigations, researchers are recommended to work with a larger statistical population and use error reduction trends to improve the accuracy and expand the range of measurements.

The risk of cardiovascular disease increased in diabetic patients due to lipoprotein metabolism disorder and insulin resistance. There is different type of dyslipidemia in diabetic patient. The nicotinic acid (niacin) is categorized as vitamin B family and decreases low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) level and increases high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of niacin treatment with and without atorvastatin on lipid profile on diabetic patient.

This study is cross over clinical trial on 30 diabetic patients (9 men, 21women) referred to diabetes research center of Yazd (IRAN). At initiation of study administered atorvastatin alone (20 mg/day) for 6 weeks (protocol A), and after 3 weeks washout period, started atorvastatin (20 mg/day) with niacin (50 mg/day) for 6 weeks (protocol B). Statistical analysis was accomplished by using SPSS for windows, version 11.50 and kappa and paired T-test.

Patients on protocol B had statistically significant more increase of HDL-C (P-value= 0.08) and decrease of TG than profile A (P-value= 0.024). Also, 2 hours post prandial blood sugar and HbA1c changes in two groups were not significant A (P-value= 0.226), B (P-value= 0.918). Patient in group B had statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure than group A (P-value= 0.010, P-value= 0.015).

This study showed decrease of TG, LDL-C and total cholesterol and increase of HDL in both groups. There are significant changes in HDL-C and TG in group B that used niacin with atorvastatin than group A.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the skin and the joints. Psoriatic patients sometimes suffer from vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcemia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of calcium and vitamin D in patients with psoriasis.

In this analytical cross sectional study, 110 cases of psoriasis that were referred to Shohadaye Mehrab clinic during 2015 and 110 non-psoriatic patients enrolled. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALK) and 25- hydroxy vitamin D3 [(25OH) D3] were measured in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. Chi square test and T-test were used for statistical analysis.

Among110 patients with psoriasis 74 (67.3%) were men and 36 (32.75%) were women. There was no significant difference in the serum level of calcium (P-value: 0.563), phosphorus (P-value: 0.381), PTH (P-value: 0.364) and ALK (P-value: 0.639) between two groups. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 64.5% of psoriatic patients and 60% of the controls (P-value= 0.45); However 30.9% of psoriatic and 17.3% of the controls suffered from severe hypovitaminosis D. This difference was statistically significant (P-value= 0.014).

We found a significant relationship between severe hypovitaminosis D and psoriasis. This finding revealed the need for evaluation of psoriatic patients for the presence of vitamin D deficiency.

Early detection of osteoporosis is a key to preventing of it; but recognition, without the use of appropriate diagnostic methods, due to the complexity of risk factors and gradual bone loss process, is problem. The purpose of this study is to develop and efficiency evaluation a predictive model of osteoporosis using decision tree technique as a diagnostic method based on available risk factors; thereby to identify individuals at risk for preventive activities.
In this study used data from 131 women aged 20 – 40 years. Response variable was amount of BMD (t-score) L1-L4 lumbar region that divided on two group, normal (t-score>= -1) and at risk of osteoporosis (t-score Three variables number of pregnancies, BMI and calcium levels as risk factors for osteoporosis were obtained from the decision tree model and Area under receiver operative characteristic decision tree and logistic regression, respectively 0.665 and 0.686 were obtained.
Area under receiver operative characteristic curve showed advantage superiority of logistic regression that according to advantages of the decision tree applying simultaneously of two models is recommended.

There are controversial reports about biological effects of the Melia Azedarach Linn. (MA). In the present study, the effect of MA fruit extract on lipid profile, cardiac and hepatic functions of diabetic rats was investigated.
Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 as the control group, Group 2 as the diabetic group, Group 3 and 4 as the diabetic rats treated with MA fruit extract (100 and 200 mg/kg for 30 days, orally) and Group 5 as the positive control group treated by Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg for 30 days). Diabetes was induced by nicotine amide and streptozotocin. After 30 days, the plasma concentration of glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), lipid profile, hepatic enzymes were measured. Also, electrocardiogram and interventricular pressures were recoded.
The data showed that the plasma levels of glucose, HbA1c, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in the diabetic group. These parameters were higher in groups treated with MA extract, without significant difference. The plasma lipid profile significantly changed in diabetic rats and did not come back to normal level in groups treated with MA extract. Compared to the control group, corrected QT interval was increased and the rate of interventricular pressure changes decreased in all groups. MA extract was as an antioxidant compound against diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals.
These results demonstrated that although MA extract had an antioxidant effect, it did not improve the signs of diabetes in diabetic rats.

Sexual dysfunction is an important health problem which prevalence in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is higher than other people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of L-arginine oral supplementation on sexual function in men with T2D and mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED).
Eighty men with T2D, suffering from mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction participated in this double-blind clinical trial. They were randomly assigned in to two groups; receiving 5 g/day L-arginine (AG) or placebo group (PG) for 4 weeks. Sexual functions were recorded with international index of erectile function questionnaire at the beginning and end of the intervention. Total testosterone concentrations were measured too.
The total mean score of sexual function parameters significantly increased only in AG than PG (43.2 ± 6.2 vs. 39.4 ± 4.0, P = 0.003). Against PG, the mean of all parameters significantly improved in AG after intervention. Only the mean score of erectile function in AG had a significant increase compared to PG. Mean of other sexual activity scores between the two groups had no significant differences. The mean of testosterone concentration had a significant increase in both groups after the intervention, but the mean of changes was significantly higher in AG than in PG (1.91 μg/L vs. 0.53 μg/L, P = 0.004).
The present trial showed that daily consumption of 5 g L-arginine for four weeks in T2D men with mild-to-moderate sexual dysfunction improved various parameters such as erectile function, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, pleasure from sexual intercourse, and testosterone level.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolicdisorders . It is assumed that restless leg syndrome (RLS) occur more in diabetics. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between DM and restless leg syndrome.
Our study conducted as a Case- control study, containing 180 patients as the cases and 201 as the controls from June 2016 to March 2017, at Ziyaiyan hospital, Tehran. All participants aged above 18 years. Data was collected by filling the pre-prepared checklists, complementary laboratory tests and precise physical examination by a single medical doctor.
The study was carried out with 318 participants, 163 (42.8%) were male and 218 (57.2%) female, total mean age was 52.2
16.3 years, BMI in case group and control group was 28.6
4.9and28.6
4.1 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the genders, mean age and BMI in two groups (P-value= 0.14, 0.14 and 0.56). RLS had a higher prevalence in Diabetic mans (P=value 0.04) with no significant difference in non-diabetics (P-value=0.21). RLS was more common in Diabetics (p-value=0.001) and they have 1.79 –fold higher risk of RLS (P-value According to our findings, diabetic patients have increased risk of RLS. Diabetes can be considered as one of its risk factors; besides, the signs resemble diabetic neuropathy; therefore, we recommend accurate screening tests and immediate diagnosis and treatment perform in all diabetic patients.

Diabetic patients suffer from different types of complications associated with peripheral nerves. A clear manifestation of these complications is found in the mouth where neuropathies commonly occur. The measurement of electrical stimulation threshold of teeth signifies premature involvement of peripheral nerves in the teeth. The aim of present study is to compare pulp tester response in uncontrolled type II diabetic (T2DM) patients and people with normal systemic conditions.
In this case-control study, 63 subjects in two groups of diabetic patients (n=30) and control (n=33) were studied. For each group, the electrical stimulation thresholds of higher-jaw central teeth were measured and recorded. The collected data was analyzed via SPSS Software (version. 17). The difference between mean thresholds of electrical stimulation of teeth between the two groups was verified based on T-test. In addition, Chi-square test was used for determination of association between qualitative variables. In this study, the significance level was presumed to be Pvalue The mean threshold of electrical stimulation in diabetic patients was 3.8 with standard deviation (SD) 1.01 and in control group was 3.7 (±0.9). The difference between two groups was insignificant (P-value:0.483). In addition, the association between age and threshold of stimulation was not significant (P-value:0.06).
Despite of observed difference between test and control groups in regard to electrical stimulation threshold, the obtained results were insignificant. This extent of simulation in dental nerves in patients with uncontrolled T2DM and controls was similar.

The aim of this study was to assess the possible association between genetic polymorphisms of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene family and the risk of the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Zoroastrian females in Yazd, Iran. In this case-control study, GSTM1, T1, and P1 polymorphisms were genotyped in 51 randomly selected MS patients and 50 randomly selected healthy controls on February 2014 among Zoroastrian females whose ages ranged from 40 to 70 yr. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 17. We observed a significant association of GSTP1-I/V (Isoleucine/ Valine) allele and GSTP1-V/V (Valine / Valine) allele with MS (P = 0.047 and P = 0.044, respectively). The combined analysis of the two genotypes, the present genotype of GSTT1, I/V and V/V alleles of GSTP1 genotype demonstrated a decrease in the risk of acquiring MS (OR = 0.246, P = 0.031). The null genotype of GSTM1, I/V, and V/V alleles of the GSTP1 genotype showed a lower risk in double combinations (OR = 0.15, P = 0.028 and OR = 0.13, P = 0.013, respectively). The combinations of the GSTM1 null genotypes and GSTT1 present genotypes and the GSTP1 I/V and V/V alleles together were associated with decreased risk of having MS in triple combinations (OR = 0.071, P = 0.039 and OR = 0.065, P = 0.022, respectively). GSTP1-I/V and V/V alleles, alone or in association with GSTM1 null and GSTT1 present genotypes, are related with decreased susceptibility to the development of MS in Zoroastrian females.

Abstract This study was carried out for investigating the religion orientation relationship with coping with diabetes in type 2 diabetic patients in Yazd, Iran. The present study is a kind of scientific-comparative description. The research subjects comprised of all type 2 diabetic patients admitted to the hospitals in Yazd. The study sample was consisted of 160 people (103 female and 57 male) who were randomly selected. Allport’s questionnaire and the questionnaire of coping with diabetes were used as the instruments. The results of the study revealed that there is a significant correlation between internal religion orientation and coping with diabetes in women who are suffering from type 2 diabetes (r=0.18, p=0.04). There was also a positive significant correlation between internal religion orientation and relationship with friends in diabetic women (r=0.25, p=0.01). The relationship between external religion orientation and coping with diabetes in women was not significant. There was also no significant relationship between coping with diabetes and any aspects of the orientation (internal and external) in men. Therefore, the scientific role of religious beliefs and its dimensions on coping with diabetes and how much the main psychological variables have effect on diabetes are of high importance.

Diabetes is a multifactorial disorder and many genes related to diabetes are detected. APOA1 is located on chromosome 11 and has role in the lipids metabolism. There is close relationship between lipids and carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore it is a possibility of relationship between APOA1 gene and carbohydrate metabolism. In this case control study the incidence of APOA1 polymorphism in patients with type 2 diabetes were investigated. In total 200 diabetic patients referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center were investigated. Blood sample of these patients and 200 individuals without diabetes as controls were collected. DNA was extracted and then PCR-RFLP method was used. The genotype M1+/+ was detected in 57. 6% of cases and 58. 7% of controls، while genotype M1+/- was detected in 36. 7% of cases and 34. 2% of controls and genotype M1-/- in 5. 6% of cases and 7. 1% of controls. Regarding M2 genotype، M2+/- and M2-/- were reported together and the results indicated that the rate of M2+/+ was 93. 8% in patients and 94% in controls while the rate of the other two genotype were 6. 2% in patients and 6% in controls. Our study showed that there is no significant difference in the rate of APOA1 gene polymorphism between diabetic patients and control group. This indicates that there is no relationship between APOA1 polymorphism and diabetes. Therefore it seems that the major role of APOA1 is in lipid metabolism and not carbohydrate metabolism.

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease. One of the most common problems in diabetic patients is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease which induced by hyperlipidemia. Also there has been currently great interest in the potential contribution of oxidative stress in development of diabetes complications. The present study was performed to associate between lipid oxidizability and serum lipid levels in diabetic patients. In this study, 55 diabetic patients in Yazd Diabetes Research Center were chosen. Lipid oxidizability, HbA1c and serum lipid levels were analyzed in patients. Lipids were measured by enzymatic method. HbA1c was estimated by the ion exchange chromatography. The lipid oxidation procedure was performed by addition of CuCl2. The kinetics of conjugated dienes formation was monitored by spectrophotometer and parameters such as ODmax, Lag Time, Vmax and Tmax were analyzed. In present study, there was no association between lipid oxidizability and serum lipids levels. Also there was no association between lipid oxidizability parameters and HbA1c. This study showed that high levels of blood lipids such as cholesterol and triglyceride do not have any effect on maximal amount of lipids peroxide products accumulation and maximal rate of oxidation during the lipid oxidation course.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common medical problems worldwide. Approximately 18% of persons over 65 years old are diabetic. WHO estimates that the prevalence rate of diabetes (4% in 1995) will increase to 5.6% in 2025.Diabetic foot problems are potentially the most preventable long–term complication for diabetes.The purpose of this study was to test the utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in understanding and predicating the intention of diabetic patients in prevention of their foot lesions and amputations. This cross–sectional study was carried out on 100 diabetic patients in Yazd. The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire in four sections. All of data were collected by direct interview and in basis of constructs of Health Belief Model (HBM). The data were analyzed by SPSS. There was no significant difference between mean grade scores of HBM and period of disease (P > 0.05). There was significant difference between perceived severity, perceived benefits and barriers and level of education of patients (P < 0.000). There was no significant difference between the foot care and period of disease (P > 0.05). The mean grade scores of knowledge, constructs of HBM and practice of participants about foot care was as follows: Mean grade score of knowledge 4.87 out of 12, perceived susceptibility 12.33 out of 20, perceived severity 14.56 out of 20, perceived threat 26.88 out of 40, perceived benefits 13.33 out of 20, perceived barriers 12.08 out of 20 and mean grade score of practice in foot care was 3.81 out of 10. The findings of this study showed that higher mean grade scores of knowledge and constructs of HBM resulted in better foot care by the patients. So our results and results of many other studies carried out on HBM, revealed that HBM constructs may change and improve behavior in participants.

According to its superficial anatomical location, the thyroid gland is easily accessible by sonography. Sonography allows an exact documentation of the size and thyroid volume. The relationship between thyroid volume and anthropometric characteristics is a matter of controversy. The aim of this study was to investigate thyroid volume and its determinants in healthy adult. A cross-sectional study was performed from June2003 until April 2005 in 314 healthy adults aged over 18 years old in Yazd, Iran. Data were collected on age, sex, and weight and thyroid size by sonoraphy. Mean of thyroid volume in male and female was 9.08 ± 2.49 and 7.93 ± 3.2 milliliter which the differences was significant (P<0.003).Differences between thyroid volume and weight was significant (P=0.001). Mean of female weight and proportion of thyroid volume to their weight was 61.83 ± 12.09kg and 0.130 ± 0.33. Mean of male weight and proportion of thyroid volume to their weight was 71.41 ± 9.05kg and 0.126 ± 0.028 (P<0.003). Results of study is similar to other studies. Mean of thyroid volume in Yazd citizens is not differ from other Iranian but is different from other countries. This difference could be related to food intake habit, geographical region and daily oral iodine consumption.

The present study was performed to compare the antioxidant effect of two different doses of zinc on lipid oxidation in type 2 diabetic patients.This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 type 2 diabetic patients in Yazd Diabetes Research Center in 2008. The subjects were randomly allocated to receive Zinc sulfate (Iran, Alhavi) either 220 mg (containing 50 mg zinc) or 110 mg (containing 25 mg zinc) daily for two months. In the present study it was found that serum levels of zinc at the end of trial differed significantly after 50 mg/day zinc supplementation (P = 0.002), but this difference was not observed with dose of 25 mg/day zinc administration. There were no significant differences in the quantitative parameters of serum lipid oxidation after either of two doses of Zinc Sulfate (P > 0.05).This study showed zinc supplementation with 50 mg daily for two months could increase serum level of zinc significantly, but we did not observed any change in susceptibility of serum lipid oxidation by 25 or 50 mg zinc supplementation in diabetic patients.

: We aimed to evaluate association between thyroid dysfunction, and lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetic patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in type 2 diabetic patients who referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center. A total of 1200 type 2 diabetic patients who had thyroid dysfunction according to clinical examinations and laboratory results were chosen as case group and 1200 type 2 diabetic patients who were matched with case in age, sex and duration of diabetes and had no thyroid dysfunction confirmed by clinical and laboratory examination, were chosen as control group. In this study the following variables were measured: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles [Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG)].
There was a significant difference between HbA1c (8.9 ±1.99 vs. 7.1±1.02), TG (234.07 ± 88.69 vs. 205.89 ± 58.47), TC (209.56 ± 45.59 vs. 199.48 ± 41.55), LDL (125.05 ± 46.5 vs. 114.5 ± 45.42) and HDL (37.69 ± 16.78 vs. 43.79 ± 20.25) between two groups (P = 0.001). Moreover, a higher proportion of type 2 diabetic patients with thyroid dysfunction had elevated levels of TC (52.3% vs. 43.6%) (P = 0.001), LDL cholesterol (71.8% vs. 64.3%) (P = 0.001), HbA1c (83.8% vs. 35.9%) (P = 0.001) and TG (84.3% vs. 81.2%) (P = 0.02) compared with euthyroid group.
Our findings indicate that screening of thyroid dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients is necessary because thyroid dysfunction can produce significant metabolic disturbances.

: Oxidative stress is a serious complication in diabetic patients. Black tea and also sour tea contained some flavonoids with antioxidant properties and may be helpful in prevention of lipid oxidation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sour tea and black tea on in-vitro copper induced serum lipids oxidizability in diabetic patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this sequential double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 diabetic patients were divided into case and control group randomly. Patients in case group used sour tea, and control subjects used black tea as the same program for 4 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study for evaluation of serum lipid oxidizability. Lipid oxidation was followed by the formation of conjugated dienes, in diluted serum, after added Cu2.
There were no significant differences in serum lipid oxidation parameters between the case and control groups.

: To evaluate the relationship between serum level of testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin in men with type 2 diabetes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, forty men aged 40-70 with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly selected and compared with 40 non-diabetic men. The two groups were matched for their age and BMI. After complete observation and examination, fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, total and free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin and HbA1c were measured.
The mean serum level of total testosterone was 9.65 ± 2.16 mg/dl in diabetic patients and 12.77 ± 3 mg/dl in non-diabetic subjects which was significantly different (P = 0.0001). The mean value of free serum level of testosterone was significantly higher in non-diabetic group (14.96 ± 4.97 mg/dl) in comparison with diabetic group (9.55 ± 8.14 mg/dl, P = 0.0001).
In this study we found a lower level of total testosterone, free testosterone, and in lesser extent sex hormone-binding globulin in men with type 2 diabetes comparing to non-diabetic men.

Chronic complications (e.g. cardiovascular failure) are among the most common problems in diabetics. It is suggested that oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation play a key role in chronic diabetic complications. Supplementation with agents containing antioxidant properties can suppress lipid peroxidation. Many studies confirmed the antioxidant properties of zinc in biological systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplements on serum lipid oxidizability in diabetic patients. In this clinical trial study, 60 diabetic patients were chosen and randomly divided into two groups. Serum lipid oxidizability and serum zinc level were evaluated in each group before and after zinc supplementation (25.50 mg/day for 2 month). Lipid oxidizability was followed through monitoring the change of conjugated compounds in diluted serum after adding Cu2+ by spectrophotometric method. S erum zinc level was measured by atomic absorbance spectrophotometer. While there was no significant change in the post- supplementation zinc level (25 mg) in the first group, zinc serum level was increased significantly (p<0.002) in the second group. No significant change was seen in serum lipid oxidizability parameters before and after supplementation in two groups. SPSS software (V.11.5) and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analysis. Our results indicate that zinc supplementation (25.50 mg) in short period of time has no favorable effect on serum lipid oxidizability in diabetic patients. It seems that zinc dose, duration of treatment and also the patient's condition may affect their response to supplementation.