Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: Poor glycemic control in type-2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for the development of diabetes complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the holiday (Easter time) and the season (summer) on the glycemic control in Greek diabetic subjects.

Methods: 50 type-2 diabetic patients participated in the study. Each participant was followed up in primary care settings (Health Centre of Soxos) and underwent a physical exam, including a brief medical history. Of the diabetics, 8 were using insulin, 31 were taking oral hypoglycemics and 11 were using both. Venus blood samples from diabetics were drawn in EDTA tubes and HbA1C was measured using the turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (Tina-quant HemoglobinA1c, Roche HITACHI 902). These measurements were performed three times, at intervals of 10–12 weeks: pre-Easter holiday period (in the middle of March), at the beginning of summer (in the middle of June) and post-summer period (in the middle of September).

Results: The mean age of the diabetics and controls was 64.5 and 55.9, respectively. Median duration of diabetes was 14.5 years. The first measurement demonstrated a poor glycemic control of the patients, with mean level of HbA1C at 7.16%. The mean HbA1C increased significantly (increase:1.245, P<0.05) during Easter holidays and pre-summer period. The patients who were taking oral hypoglycemics demonstrated the poorest control (increase:1.512, P<0.01). During summer, the mean HbA1C decreased, but not significantly (decrease:0.404) among diabetics in total and among all patient groups.

Conlusions: Our data indicated a negative influence of the Easter holidays on the glycemic control of type-2 diabetic subjects. This poor glycemic control was not totally reversed during the summer months. More efficient interventions focusing on lifestyle changes and dietary habits during specific holiday (Easter) period are needed in order to improve care for diabetic patients.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.