Yoga as an alternative to cycling in type 1 diabetes: A preliminary study of acute effects on glucose levels

We evaluated the acute effects of yoga compared to cycling on glucose change and variability, and the occurrence of hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes. Fifteen participants performed 50 min of cycling or yoga. Glucose values were collected before and after exercise. Coefficient of variation (CV) and hypoglycemic episodes were evaluated from the start up to 12 h after exercise. Cycling and yoga significantly reduced glucose values during exercise, and CV was lower after yoga. One hypoglycemic episode occurred with yoga and seven with cycling. Yoga is a safe exercise that acutely reduces glucose values, but with lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to cycling.

Elevated blood flow in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

AIMS

The study aimed to evaluate blood flow (BF) and microvascular function in the forearm of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at rest and after ischemia. Microvascular function plays a crucial role in regulating BF in peripheral tissues based on metabolic demand.

METHODS

People with diabetes and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Brachial artery diameter and blood velocity were continuously measured at rest and after ischemia by an automatic tracking system. BF and vascular conductance were then calculated.

RESULTS

Forty-nine people with diabetes and 49 controls were enrolled. BF at rest and after ischemia was significantly higher in people with diabetes than controls: Type 1, 243 ± 116 and 631 ± 233 ml/min; controls, 180 ± 106 and 486 ± 227 ml/min; Type 2, 332 ± 149 and 875 ± 293 ml/min; controls 222 ± 106 and 514 ± 224 ml/min. Vascular conductance was significantly higher in Type 2 than in controls at rest and after ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

People with diabetes exhibited significantly increased BF, with Type 2 also showing heightened vascular conductance. Activating metabolic pathways triggered by hyperglycemia may lead to distinct vascular redistribution, potentially impairing blood flow over time. These findings of the study underscore the importance of understanding overall vascular dynamics in diabetes and its implications for vascular health.

A Head-to-Head Comparison of Two Algorithms for Adjusting Mealtime Insulin Doses Based on CGM Trend Arrows in Adult Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Results from an Exploratory Study

BACKGROUND

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) users are encouraged to consider trend arrows before injecting a meal bolus. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of two different algorithms for trend-informed bolus adjustments, the Diabetes Research in Children Network/Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (DirectNet/JDRF) and the Ziegler algorithm, in type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-over study of type 1 diabetes patients using Dexcom G6. Participants were randomly assigned to either the DirectNet/JDRF or the Ziegler algorithm for two weeks. After a 7-day wash-out period with no trend-informed bolus adjustments, they crossed to the alternative algorithm.

RESULTS

Twenty patients, with an average age of 36 ± 10 years, completed this study. Compared to the baseline and the DirectNet/JDRF algorithm, the Ziegler algorithm was associated with a significantly higher time in range (TIR) and lower time above range and mean glucose. A separate analysis of patients on CSII and MDI revealed that the Ziegler algorithm provides better glucose control and variability than DirectNet/JDRF in CSII-treated patients. The two algorithms were equally effective in increasing TIR in MDI-treated patients. No severe hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episode occurred during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ziegler algorithm is safe and may provide better glucose control and variability than the DirectNet/JDRF over a two-week period, especially in patients treated with CSII.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring-Derived Metrics and Capillary Vessel Density in Subjects with Type 1 Diabetes without Diabetic Retinopathy

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is an innovative and reliable technique detecting the early preclinical retinal vascular change in patients with diabetes. We have designed our study to evaluate whether an independent relationship exists between continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived glucose metrics and OCTA parameters in young adult patients with type 1 diabetes without diabetic retinopathy (DR). Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, diagnosis of type 1 diabetes from ≥ 1 year, stable insulin treatment in the last three months, use of real-time CGM, and CGM wear time ≥ 70%. Each patient underwent dilated slit lamp fundus biomicroscopy to exclude the presence of DR. A skilled operator performed OCTA scans in the morning to avoid possible diurnal variation. CGM-derived glucose metrics from the last 2 weeks were collected through the dedicated software during OCTA. Forty-nine patients with type 1 diabetes (age 29 [18; 39] years, HbA1c 7.7 ± 1.0%) and 34 control subjects participated in the study. Vessel density (VD) of the whole image and parafoveal retina in the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) was significantly lower in patients with type 1 diabetes compared to controls. The coefficient of variation of average daily glucose, evaluated by CGM, significantly correlated with foveal and parafoveal VD in SCP and with foveal VD in DCP. High glucose variability might be responsible for the early increase of VD in these areas. Prospective studies may help understand if this pattern precedes DR. The difference we detected between patients with and without diabetes confirms that OCTA is a reliable tool for detecting early retinal abnormalities.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms and Low Vitamin D Levels

Background: Statin therapy is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention. Unfortunately, 7%-29% of statin-treated patients complain of muscular fatigue, cramps, and/or pain (statin-associated muscle symptoms [SAMS]). In recent years, the important role of vitamin D in muscle health maintenance has been highlighted. In addition, hypovitaminosis D is very prevalent, and might be a reversible risk factor for SAMS occurrence. Methods: In our controlled intervention study, patients suffering from both SAMS and hypovitaminosis D underwent vitamin D replacement for 6 months. SAMS intensity and its impact on the quality of life were evaluated with a questionnaire during follow-up. A subgroup of patients who were not at the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target attempted a statin rechallenge after 3 months. Control subjects, with SAMS only, were not treated. Results: Blood vitamin D levels reached 261% of baseline values. Pain intensity was reduced by 63%, and all life quality indicators improved. At follow-up, percentage variations in SAMS intensity and in vitamin D levels were inversely related (r = 0.57, P = 0.002). In a multiple regression analysis, this association was found to be independent. Among the rechallenge subgroup, 75% successfully tolerated high-intensity statins during the follow-up. The parameters of interest were unchanged in control subjects. Conclusions: In our findings, the amount of increase in vitamin D concentrations is directly related to SAMS improvement. Although randomized studies are needed, 25(OH)D levels can be measured, and eventually supplemented, in all patients suffering from SAMS, and this can be done together with a statin rechallenge after 3 months for patients who are not at the LDL-C target. Register: The study protocol was registered with the EudraCT clinical trial register [ID: 2019-003250-83] in date April 8, 2020.

The Effect of Two Different Insulin Formulations on Postprandial Hyperglycemia after High and Low Glycemic-Index Meal in Type 1 Diabetes

Despite multiple pharmacological options, including rapid-acting insulin analogs, postprandial hyperglycemia is still highly prevalent in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesize that the new rapid-acting insulin formulation, the so-called faster-acting Aspart, may have a different effect in controlling postprandial hyperglycemic burden according to the quality of the meal compared to the traditional Aspart. Twenty-five patients with type 1 diabetes were consecutively recruited at the diabetes care center of the University Hospital affiliate of the Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro. Each patient performed four meal tests one week apart, two with a predefined high glycemic index (HGI) food and two with a low glycemic index (LGI) food using insulin Aspart once and Faster Aspart the other time. The 0–30 min, 0–60 min, and 0–120 min glucose Area Under the Curve (AUC) of postprandial glycemic excursion, calculated from continuous glucose monitoring data, were significantly lower with Faster Aspart administered before the HGI test meal as compared to Aspart. A significant difference in favor of Faster Aspart was also found when comparing the 0–60 min and 0–120 min AUC after the LGI meal. Faster Aspart may provide better postprandial glucose control than Aspart regardless of the glycemic index of the meal.

Autoimmune thyroiditis and celiac disease do not worsen endothelial function in subjects with type 1 diabetes: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is frequently associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) and coeliac disease (CD). Whether the coexistence of multiple autoimmune diseases increases cardiovascular risk is uncertain. We evaluated the effects of AT and CD on arterial wall thickening and endothelial function in patients with T1D.

METHODS

This observational study analyzed data from T1D patients regularly followed by the Diabetes Care Centre. Clinical and biochemical characteristics and micro and macrovascular complications were collected from the electronic medical records. All subjects performed Echo-Doppler to evaluate Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) and endothelial function by the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique. The statistical analyses were performed by SPSS for Macintosh. Comparison between means was performed using the t-test for unpaired data and the Mann-Whitney U test. The ANalysis Of VAriance and the Tukey posthoc test were applied to compare patients with and without other autoimmune diseases, and control subjects. The p-value for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients were enrolled. Among these, 69 had T1D and 41 T1D and AT and or CD, of whom 33 AT, 7 CD, and 1 both AT and CD. The mean age was 35 years, mean HbA1c was 7.6%, and mean diabetes duration 18 years. The IMT of the CCA was not significantly different between T1D patients with and without concomitant autoimmune diseases (with AT and CD: right CCA 603 ± 186 µ, left 635 ± 175 µ; without AT and CD: right CCA 611 ± 176 µ, left CCA 631 ± 200 µ). FMD was also comparable between T1D groups, with AT and CD 7.9 ± 4.2%; without AT and CD 8.8 ± 4.4%.

CONCLUSION

Patients with T1D and concomitant AT and or CD show no worse morphological or functional vascular damage, evaluated by CCA IMT and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, than patients with T1D alone.

Time in Range Does Not Associate With Carotid Artery Wall Thickness and Endothelial Function in Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and complications as myocardial infarction and peripheral artery disease. The thickening of the carotid wall and the brachial artery dysfunction are early and preclinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. The standard marker of care for assessment of glycemic control, glycated hemoglobin, does not associate with early atherosclerosis. We have hypothesized that the emerging metric of glycemic control, as the time spent in the target range (TIR), might be associated with carotid thickening and endothelial dysfunction. According to the hypothesis, we have designed the present research with the aim to evaluate the association between TIR collected in the short and long term and the measures of arterial morphology and function in patients with T1D.

METHODS

In our study, 70 patients and 35 healthy controls underwent ultrasound vascular study to measure carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and brachial artery endothelial function by the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique. TIR was collected by a continuous glucose monitoring system for 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months before the vascular study.

RESULTS

Patients with T1D showed a significantly higher carotid IMT (mean±SE, 644±19 vs. 568±29 µ; p= 0.04) and a significantly lower FMD (mean±SE, 7.6±0.4 vs. 9.8±0.6%; p=0.01) compared with control subjects. No significant relationship between IMT, FMD, and TIR collected in the short and long term emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

Young patients with T1D have early vascular abnormalities. The percent of TIR does not correlate with preclinical atherosclerosis. This finding underlines the complexity of the interplay between diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Assessment of sleep disturbance in oral lichen planus and validation of PSQI: A case-control multicenter study from the SIPMO (Italian Society of Oral Pathology and Medicine)

BACKGROUND

The wellbeing of oral lichen planus patients (OLPs) may be strongly influenced by a poor quality of sleep (QoS) and psychological impairment. The aims were to analyze the prevalence of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression in OLPs and to validate the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in OLPs.

METHODS

Three hundred keratotic OLPs (K-OLPs), 300 with predominant non-keratotic OLP (nK-OLPs), and 300 controls were recruited in 15 Italian universities. The PSQI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI) were administered.

RESULTS

Oral lichen planus patients had statistically higher scores than the controls in the majority of the PSQI sub-items (p-values < 0.001**). Moreover, OLPs had higher scores in the HAM-D, HAM-A, NRS, and T-PRI (p-values < 0.001**). No differences in the PSQI sub-items' scores were found between the K-OLPs and nK-OLPs, although nK-OLPs suffered from higher levels of anxiety, depression, and pain (p-values: HAM-A, 0.007**, HAM-D, 0.009**, NRS, <0.001**, T-PRI, <0.001**). The female gender, anxiety, depression (p-value: 0.007**, 0.001**, 0.020*) and the intensity of pain, anxiety, and depression (p-value: 0.006**, <0.001**, 0.014*) were independent predictors of poor sleep (PSQI > 5) in K-OLPs and nK-OLPs, respectively. The PSQI's validation demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability of both the total and subscale of the PSQI.

CONCLUSIONS

The OLPs reported an overall impaired QoS, which seemed to be an independent parameter according to the regression analysis. Hence, clinicians should assess QoS in OLPs and treat sleep disturbances in order to improve OLPs management.

Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter on Endothelial Function in Type 1 Diabetes

Post-prandial hyperglycemia can be relevant in developing early manifestations of atherosclerosis. EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), rich in saturated fatty acids and commonly used in the Mediterranean diet, seems to control post-prandial hyperglycemia better than butter. Subjects with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and show endothelial dysfunction, an early manifestation of atherosclerosis in the first years of the disease. Our study aims to evaluate whether EVOO and butter influence endothelial function in subjects with type 1 diabetes when added to a single high glycemic index (HGI) meal. In this exploratory cross-over study, 10 subjects with type 1 diabetes and 6 healthy subjects were scheduled to receive two types of HGI meals: one enriched with EVOO and one with butter. Before and after each test meal at different time points, all subjects underwent the evaluation of endothelial function by flow-mediated dilation technique, glucose and lipids measurements, and gastric emptying assessment by ultrasound. Flow-mediated dilation significantly increased after EVOO-enriched meal compared with butter in subjects with type 1 diabetes (two-way-repeated measurements ANOVA, p = 0.007). In patients with type 1 diabetes, the add-on of EVOO to HGI meal improves vascular function compared to butter, which has detrimental effects.

Teleassistance for Patients With Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Pilot Study

Background

Telemedicine use in chronic disease management has markedly increased during health emergencies due to COVID-19. Diabetes and technologies supporting diabetes care, including glucose monitoring devices, software analyzing glucose data, and insulin delivering systems, would facilitate remote and structured disease management. Indeed, most of the currently available technologies to store and transfer web-based data to be shared with health care providers.

Objective

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided our patients the opportunity to manage their diabetes remotely by implementing technology. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 virtual visits on glycemic control parameters among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the lockdown period.

Methods

This prospective observational study included T1D patients who completed 2 virtual visits during the lockdown period. The glucose outcomes that reflected the benefits of the virtual consultation were time in range (TIR), time above range, time below range, mean daily glucose, glucose management indicator (GMI), and glycemic variability. This metric was generated using specific computer programs that automatically upload data from the devices used to monitor blood or interstitial glucose levels. If needed, we changed the ongoing treatment at the first virtual visit.

Results

Among 209 eligible patients with T1D, 166 completed 2 virtual visits, 35 failed to download glucose data, and 8 declined the visit. Among the patients not included in the study, we observed a significantly lower proportion of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) users (n=7/43, 16% vs n=155/166, 93.4% and n=9/43, 21% vs n=128/166, 77.1%, respectively; P<.001) compared to patients who completed the study. TIR significantly increased from the first (62%, SD 18%) to the second (65%, SD 16%) virtual visit (P=.02); this increase was more marked among patients using the traditional meter (n=11; baseline TIR=55%, SD 17% and follow-up TIR=66%, SD 13%; P=.01) than among those using CGM, and in those with a baseline GMI of ≥7.5% (n=46; baseline TIR=45%, SD 15% and follow-up TIR=53%, SD 18%; P<.001) than in those with a GMI of <7.5% (n=120; baseline TIR=68%, SD 15% and follow-up TIR=69%, SD 15%; P=.98). The only variable independently associated with TIR was the change of ongoing therapy. The unstandardized beta coefficient (B) and 95% CI were 5 (95% CI 0.7-8.0) (P=.02). The type of glucose monitoring device and insulin delivery systems did not influence glucometric parameters.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the structured virtual visits help maintain and improve glycemic control in situations where in-person visits are not feasible.

Time spent in target range assessed by self-monitoring blood glucose associates with glycated hemoglobin in insulin treated patients with diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) remains a widespread tool to monitor blood glucose. The development of diabetes management systems (DMS) allows SMBG to provide additional information as time spent in target range (TIR). This study evaluates the association between HbA1c and TIR, evaluated through DMS, over 2 months, and 2 weeks.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 (T2D) insulin-treated patients with diabetes were enrolled. We used the term PIR (Points in Range) instead of TIR, since SMBG provides point-in-time glucose values rather than a continuous trend over time. PIR was calculated in 2-month and 2-week time ranges before available HbA1c measurement. One-hundred ninety-seven patients with T1D and 36 with T2D were recruited. HbA1c and PIR were inversely associated (2 months: R -0.72, 2 weeks R -0.70; p < 0.0001) in all subjects. The relationship did not change when T1D and T2D patients were analyzed separately. For every 10% change of PIR, there was a change of HbA1c by 0.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study, for the first time, demonstrates a significant correlation between HbA1c and PIR calculated by DMS. DMS offers additional information useful in disease management of patients with T1D and T2D performing SMBG.

Functional and morphological cardiovascular alterations associated with neurofibromatosis 1

Subjects with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) develop vascular complications. The protein product of the gene affected in NF1, neurofibromin, physiologically modulates endothelial function and preserves vascular and myocardial structure. Our study aimed to verify whether subjects with NF1 have early, preclinical abnormalities of carotid artery structure, brachial artery function, and cardiac function. We recruited 22 NF1 subjects without previous cardiovascular events and 22 healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent measurement of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), evaluation of brachial artery endothelial function after ischemia and exercise, and cardiac function. Mean IMT was 543 ± 115 μ in NF1 subjects and 487 ± 70 μ in Controls (p < 0.01). Endothelial function was significantly dumped in NF1 subjects. The dilation after ischemia and exercise was respectively 7.5(± 4.8)% and 6.7(± 3.0)% in NF1 versus 10.5(± 1.2)% and 10.5(± 2.1)% in control subjects (p < 0.02; p < 0.002). Left ventricular systolic function assessed by Global Longitudinal Strain was significantly different between NF1 subjects and Controls: − 19.3(± 1.7)% versus − 21.5(± 2.7)% (p < 0.008). These findings demonstrate that NF1 patients have early morphological and functional abnormalities of peripheral arteries and systolic cardiac impairment and suggest the need for a tight cardiovascular risk evaluation and primary prevention in subjects with NF1.

Clinical use of a 180-day implantable glucose sensor improves glycated haemoglobin and time in range in patients with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

This real-world study evaluated the changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics associated with use of the implantable 180-day Eversense CGM System (Eversense) in patients with type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, multicentre, observational study among adult participants aged ≥18 years with type 1 diabetes across seven diabetes-care centres in Italy who had Eversense inserted for the first time. HbA1c was measured at baseline and at 180 days. Changes in time in range [TIR (glucose 70-180 mg/dL)], time above range [TAR (glucose >180 mg/dL)], time below range [TBR (glucose <70 mg/dL)] and glycaemic variability were also assessed. Data were also analysed by previous CGM use and by mode of insulin delivery.

RESULTS

One-hundred patients were enrolled (mean age 36 ± 12 years, mean baseline HbA1c 7.4 ± 0.92% [57 ± 10 mmol/mol]). Fifty-six per cent of patients were users of the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump and 45% were previous users of CGM. HbA1c significantly decreased in patients after 180 days of sensor wear (-0.43% ± 0.69%, 5 ± 8 mmol/mol, P < 0.0001). As expected, CGM-naïve patients achieved the greatest reduction in HbA1c (-0.74% ± 0.48%, 8 ± 5 mmol/mol). TIR significantly increased and TAR and mean daily sensor glucose significantly decreased while TBR did not change after 180 days of sensor wear.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world clinical use of the Eversense CGM System for 180 days was associated with significant improvements in HbA1c and CGM metrics among adults with type 1 diabetes. The study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04160156).

COVID-19 Sepsis and Microcirculation Dysfunction

The spreading of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, known as COVID-19, has caused a great number of fatalities all around the World. Up to date (2020 May 6) in Italy we had more than 28,000 deaths, while there were more than 205.000 infected. The majority of patients affected by COVID-19 complained only slight symptoms: fatigue, myalgia or cough, but more than 15% of Chinese patients progressed into severe complications, with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), needing intensive treatment. We tried to summarize data reported in the last months from several Countries, highlighting that COVID-19 was characterized by cytokine storm (CS) and endothelial dysfunction in severely ill patients, where the progression of the disease was fast and fatal. Endothelial dysfunction was the fundamental mechanism triggering a pro-coagulant state, finally evolving into intravascular disseminated coagulation, causing embolization of several organs and consequent multiorgan failure (MOF). The Italian Society of Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation was aimed to highlight the role of microcirculatory dysfunction in the pathogenetic mechanisms of COVID-19 during the spreading of the biggest challenges to the World Health.

The Strategic Alliance between Clinical and Molecular Science in the War against SARS-CoV-2, with the Rapid-Diagnostics Test as an Indispensable Weapon for Front Line Doctors

Our work concerns the actual problem of spread of SARS- CoV-2 outbreak which requires fast and correct as possible answer. In current scenario, the need of rapid answer put away the imperative of proper methodology. We focus on the serogical immunoassay for diagnosis of Covid-19 as an important weapon not only for diagnostic purpose, but also for epidemiologic one. The right equilibrium between high speed, low cost and accuracy is obtained with easy-to-use decentralized point-of-care test as the colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip assay which detects IgM and IgG antibodies directed against SARS-CoV-2. As our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of Covid-19 rapid tests and of serological assays in real-life settings, we designed a research protocol aimed to establish how to use correctly these diagnostics, taking into account the different possible clinical and epidemiological scenarios.

Effect of empagliflozin on brachial artery shear stress and endothelial function in subjects with type 2 diabetes: Results from an exploratory study

Empagliflozin reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality in subjects with type 2 diabetes. We demonstrated that empagliflozin increases blood viscosity and carotid shear stress and decreases carotid wall thickness. Shear stress is the force acting on the endothelial surface and modulates arterial function. The current study evaluates the influence of empagliflozin on brachial artery shear stress and endothelial function compared to incretin-based therapy. The study is a nonrandomized, open, prospective cohort study including 35 subjects with type 2 diabetes administered empagliflozin or incretin-based therapy. Shear stress was calculated with a validated formula, and endothelial function was evaluated using the flow-mediated dilation technique. Both treatments resulted in comparable reductions in blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin. Brachial artery shear stress significantly increased exclusively in the empagliflozin group (61 ± 20 vs 68 ± 25 dynes/cm², p = 0.04), whereas no significant difference was detected in the incretin-based therapy group (60 ± 20 vs 55 ± 12 dynes/cm², p = not significant). Flow-mediated dilation significantly increased in the empagliflozin group (4.8 ± 4.5% vs 8.5 ± 5.6%, p = 0.03). Again, no change was detected in the incretin-based therapy group (5.1 ± 4.5% vs 4.7 ± 4.7%, p = not significant). The present findings demonstrate the beneficial effect of empagliflozin on shear stress and endothelial function in subjects with type 2 diabetes independent of the hypoglycaemic effect.

Influence of acute reduction of blood viscosity on endothelial function

BACKGROUND

The relationship between blood viscosity (BV) and endothelial function is rather complex. An increase in BV causes an increase in blood flow resistance, with negative hemodynamic effects; on the other hand, a moderate increase in BV causes an increase in wall stress shear (WSS), and consequent beneficial effects. As a matter of fact, the effect of changes in BV on endothelial function is not yet clear.

OBJECTIVES

Aim of the present study was to evaluate in-vivo the effects of the acute reduction in BV on endothelial function, in healthy male subjects.

METHODS

Fourteen healthy male blood donors were studied before and 48 hours after blood donation. Blood and plasma viscosity were measured at 37C° with a cone-plate viscometer. Endothelial function was evaluated through flow mediated vasodilation (FMD).

RESULTS

Blood viscosity was reduced after blood donation (BV225 (cP) 4.53±0.59 vs.4.18±0.31, p < 0.05). FMD 50 s after cuff deflation was unchanged: 6.23±3.84 vs. 6.62±4.81, p = NS. The vasodilation, however, lasted longer and the area under the curve of FMD was significantly increased: 8.74±8.77 vs.16.14±8.65, p < 0.005.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results demonstrate that the acute reduction of BV prolongs vasodilation, without affecting the amount of vasodilatation, possibly as adaptive reaction allowing more time for oxygen release.

Hepatic Steatosis Index Is Associated with Type 1 Diabetes Complications

INTRODUCTION

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased risk of complications in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients. To date, several biochemical indexes of NAFLD have been developed. Among these, hepatic steatosis index (HSI) strongly relates with the results of magnetic resonance.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between HSI and complications in T1DM.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with T1DM were evaluated. Macro- and micro-vascular complications were evaluated by a combination of instrumental (ECG, carotid artery echo-Doppler, fundus examination, vibration threshold at biothesiometry) and laboratory examination. HSI was calculated based on gender, body mass index and transaminases level.

RESULTS

Of the 124 patients evaluated, 71 were free of complications and 53 had at least one complication. The prevalence of diabetes complications was: 27% for retinopathy, 15% for carotid atherosclerosis, 16% for neuropathy. HSI was directly correlated with age, disease duration, triglycerides, total daily insulin and inversely with HDL and eGFR. In logistic regression analysis, HSI was independently associated with diabetic complications.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that HSI is independently associated with the presence of complications in subjects with T1DM. This can be of clinical utility, allowing a better diagnostic classification of the patient and possibly guiding the therapeutic choice.

No effect on the short-term of a decrease in blood viscosity on insulin resistance

BACKGROUND

Blood viscosity (BV) might influence glucose delivery to peripheral tissues and play an important role in insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. However, the exact relationship between BV and insulin resistance is not yet clear.

OBJECTIVES

Aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the acute reduction in BV on insulin resistance, in healthy male subjects.

METHODS

Fifteen healthy male blood donors have been studied before and 48 hours after blood donation. Blood and plasma viscosity have been measured at 37°C with a cone-plate viscometer. Insulin resistance has been evaluated by euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamp in eight subjects, and by iHOMA2 Index in further seven subjects.

RESULTS

Blood viscosity was markedly reduced after blood donation (BV225 (cP) 4.53 ± 0.59 vs. 4.18 ± 0.31, p < 0.05). Insulin resistance was unchanged: MFFM clamp: 5.6 ± 4.5vs. 4.4 ± 2.2 and iHOMA2 Index 1.2 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.5, before vs. after respectively, p = NS. Blood pressure and lipids were unchanged after blood donation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results demonstrate that acute reduction of BV in healthy male subjects does not change the insulin resistance, measured using both euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamp and iHOMA2 Index. Further intervention studies are needed to assess the effect that the reduction in BV can have in subjects with insulin resistance.

Empagliflozin influences blood viscosity and wall shear stress in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with incretin-based therapy

Background

Cardiovascular protection following empagliflozin therapy is not entirely attributable to the glucose lowering effect. Increased hematocrit might influence the shear stress that is the main force acting on the endothelium, regulating its anti-atherogenic function.

Objective

We designed the study with the aim of investigating the effect of empagliflozin on blood viscosity and shear stress in the carotid arteries. A secondary endpoint was the effect of empagliflozin on carotid artery wall thickness.

Methods

The study was a non-randomized, open, prospective cohort study including 35 type 2 diabetic outpatients who were offered empagliflozin or incretin-based therapy (7 liraglutide, 8 sitagliptin) in combination with insulin and metformin. Blood viscosity, shear stress and carotid wall thickness were measured at baseline and at 1 and 3 months of treatment. Blood viscosity was measured with a viscometer, and shear stress was calculated using a validated formula. Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery was detected by ultrasound and was measured with dedicated software.

Results

Blood viscosity (4.87 ± 0.57 vs 5.32 ± 0.66 cP, p < 0.02) and shear stress significantly increased in the Empagliflozin group while no change was detected in the Control group (4.66 ± 0.56 vs 4.98 ± 0.73 cP, p = NS). IMT significantly decreased in the Empagliflozin group after 1 and 3 months (baseline: 831 ± 156, 1-month 793 ± 150, 3-month 766 ± 127 μm; p < 0.0001), while in the liraglutide group, IMT significantly decreased only after 3 months (baseline 879 ± 120; 1-month 861 ± 163; 3-month 802 ± 114 μm; p < 0.001). In the sitagliptin group, IMT remained almost unchanged (baseline 901 ± 135; 1-month 902 ± 129; 3-month 880 ± 140 μm; p = NS).

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe a direct effect of empagliflozin on blood viscosity and wall shear stress. Furthermore, IMT was markedly reduced early on in the Empagliflozin group.