Research Article
Abstract
Full TextPDF Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It poses a significant global health burden. DM is one of the most common endocrine dysfunctions in the world, resulting from a defect in insulin dynamics, and has caused significant morbidity and mortality due to microvascular (retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy) and macrovascular complications with no known cure. Vernonia amygdalina is a valuable medicinal plant that is widespread in West Africa. The phytochemical studies of V. amygdalina reveal the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, steroids, coumarins, phenolic acids, lignans, xanthones, anthraquinones, edotides, and sesquiterpenes. This study evaluates the hypoglycemic effect of V. amygdalina leaf extract and metformin on the lipid profile of alloxan-induced type 2 diabetic adult Wistar rats. The study involved 5 groups of rats: the normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rat treated with V. amygdalina, diabetic rat treated with metformin, and diabetic rat treated with V. amygdalina and metformin. Blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and pancreatic histology were assessed. Results showed that treatment with V. amygdalina, metformin, and their combination significantly reduced blood glucose levels at p < 0.05 compared to the diabetic control group. V. amygdalina positively impacted lipid profiles, significantly at p < 0.05, reducing triacylglycerol (TAG) levels and displaying a dose-dependent hypolipidemic effect. Histopathological examination indicated cellular regeneration in pancreatic tissues treated with metformin and the combination therapy. The study highlights the potential of V. amygdalina as an alternative to conventional diabetes treatment.
Research Article
Abstract
Full TextPDF Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major complication that can lead to infection, amputation, and death. The risk of DFUs can be reduced through foot self-care, patient education, and proper preventative measures. In Ethiopia, diabetes is among the real health challenges. Despite the fact that poor foot self-care is an important risk factor for foot ulcers, data on the level of knowledge and practice on diabetic foot self-care and its associated factors were limited in this study area. The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and practice of diabetic foot self-care and its associated factors among diabetic patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in southeast Ethiopia. A total of 352 study subjects were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with diabetic foot self-care knowledge and practice. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to declare a significant association.
Results: A total of 140 (39.8%) and 142 (40.3%) participants had good foot self-care knowledge and good foot self-care practice, respectively. Being male (AOR = 1.987, 95% CI: 1.14-3.48, P < 0.05), urban residence (AOR = 1.814, 95% CI: 1.03-3.21, P < 0.05), not educated and completed primary education (AOR = 0.362, 95% CI: 0.17-0.76, P < 0.01 and AOR = 0.393, 95% CI: 0.19-0.83, P < 0.05), history of previous foot ulcer (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.43-4.61, P < 0.01), family history of diabetes (AOR = 2.664, 95% CI: 1.52-4.66, P < 0.01), and receiving foot care advice/education (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.25-3.54, P < 0.01) were predictors of good diabetic foot self-care knowledge. Low monthly income (≤1500 Ethiopian Birr) (AOR = 0.265, 95% CI: 0.09-0.80, P < 0.05), not educated and completed primary education (AOR = 0.318, 95% CI: 0.15-0.67, P < 0.01 and AOR = 0.383, 95% CI: 0.18-0.81, P < 0.05), history of previous foot ulcer (AOR = 1.987, 95% CI: 1.11-3.56, P < 0.05), receiving foot care advice/education (AOR = 2.115, 95% CI: 1.26-3.56, P < 0.01), and having good foot self-care knowledge (AOR = 1.786, 95% CI: 1.06-3.02, P < 0.05) were predictors of good diabetic foot self-care practice.
