Journal of Diabetes最新文献

Imelda Lee was one of the most important members of the Journal of Diabetes team—our founding administrator. Imelda started the Journal of Diabetes group with all of us more than 15 years ago. We pay attention to the scientists and physicians who nominally “run” the Journal, but it would be wrong to overlook those crucial to the daily operations “behind-the-scenes.”

Imelda grew up in Hong Kong in the early 1950s, and her sisters Lee and Frances remembered her to us as a fierce protector of all her family throughout her youth. After her secondary education, she worked in Hong Kong, then moved to the United States, and while working with her family at their business in Indiana, she was also able to attend and graduate from Purdue University, much to the admiration of those who knew her. She returned to China and moved to Shanghai, where she became an administrator at Rui Jin Hospital. She was recruited to manage the Journal of Diabetes as it was being started, when one of us (Z.B.) had the pleasure of meeting her. The same fierce spirit that led to her defending her siblings in Hong Kong and to her both working and going to college at night in the United States, led to her wonderful work at the new Journal. The impact of her administrative work was felt by all of us and by the editorial group; being both in China and in the United States, she was able to literally keep us going “24 × 7.” She challenged all of us to work harder, to learn the quirks of the Journal's complex computer system, and to reach out to the world of diabetes research to help develop the Journal in its formative period. She was quiet unless there was an issue, but then she would be fierce in helping all of us to accomplish more.

The Biblical term Eshet Chayil is usually translated as “Woman of Valor,” but has multiple meanings, referring as well to capacity and power, and Imelda was indeed a woman of true inner strength who exemplified wisdom and industry in her professional endeavors. Above all, she was guided by a strong moral compass, following a basic set of principles, accepting our efforts and uplifting and empowering us, and leaving us better for being her colleagues. Her active and optimistic attitude toward difficulties also greatly influenced us, with her readiness to help others a model for all to emulate. Imelda's deep faith was always an inspiring example to us but never more so than when she became ill several years ago. We did not hear words of unhappiness or despair; rather, she exemplified courage in the face of adversity.

We remember her, and we deeply miss her. As much as any of us, Imelda truly was a founder of the Journal, and we hope that the concept of the Journal of Diabetes in supporting a dialog between East and West in all aspects of the understanding of diabetes will continue as a memorial to her efforts.

Highlights

Diabetes mellitus, predominantly type 2, is a growing epidemic with nearly 90% of the cases reported worldwide.¹ In China, community health management is pivotal for the vast number of chronic diabetes patients, directly influencing their health outcomes. Despite the importance of blood glucose control in preventing diabetes complications, many community health service centers have yet to implement effective management programs.

This study conducted a follow-up investigation on 359 patients with type 2 diabetes managed by the Songyuan Community Health Center in Shenzhen. Data on medication, blood glucose monitoring, glycated hemoglobin, body mass index, diet, and exercise habits were collected over 6 months. Standardized management was defined by the establishment of health records and quarterly interviews, with follow-up visits and an annual physical examination.

The study found that 62.70% of patients met the standard for blood glucose control. Univariate Chi-square analysis identified standardized management, disease duration, and record-keeping duration as significantly associated with blood glucose compliance rates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for disease duration, record-keeping duration, sulfonylurea therapy, and moderate exercise, revealed standardized management, medication selection, dietary patterns, and metformin dosage as significantly correlated with blood glucose control as shown in Figure 1.

The findings emphasize the importance of standardized management, sensible diet, and reasonable medication in improving blood glucose control among community diabetic patients. The study also highlights the need for individualized treatment strategies, particularly with metformin dosage, to achieve better glycemic management. Community health education and personalized strategies can effectively improve blood glucose control among diabetic patients. The role of standardized file management in patient management is introduced, emphasizing the need for community management systems to improve patients' blood glucose compliance rates.

This study presents novel insights into the low blood glucose compliance rate among community diabetic patients in Shenzhen, identifying standardized management, sensible diet, and reasonable medication as the primary factors influencing blood glucose control. It underscores the critical role of community health management centers in chronic disease management and the need for interventions targeting the improvement of diabetes management practices.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interests in any material discussed in this article.