Differential associations of risk factors with severe and non-severe hypoglycaemia: the Hypoglycaemia Assessment Tool prospective observational study in people with insulin-treated type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes

AIM

To assess the differential association of risk factors with severe and non-severe hypoglycaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Hypoglycaemia Assessment Tool study evaluated the risk of hypoglycaemia over a 4-week period in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) on insulin in 24 countries. Negative binomial regressions were applied to examine the associations of several risk factors with severe and non-severe hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

The median age was 41 years in 5949 patients with T1D and 62 years in 12 914 patients with T2D. The 4-week rates of non-severe hypoglycaemic were 5.57 and 1.40 episodes per person in T1D and T2D, respectively; the corresponding rates for severe hypoglycaemia were 0.94 and 0.30. The excess risk was 42% higher for severe than non-severe hypoglycaemia in females versus males with T2D; 27% higher in patients with T2D with versus without a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM); and 47% lower in patients with T1D with versus without an insulin pump. The excess risk also differed across geographical areas and was marginally lower for severe than non-severe hypoglycaemia for higher values of HbA1c in patients with T2D. Associations with severity of hypoglycaemia were not different for age, diabetes and insulin therapy duration, previous hypoglycaemic episodes and insulin regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of severe versus non-severe hypoglycaemia differs in patients with T1D and T2D; sex, the use of a CGM and insulin pump, and geographical areas were differently associated with one type of hypoglycaemia than the other.

A cross-sectional time series of cardiometabolic health education format preferences across sociodemographic groups

AIMS

Health education is integral to cardiometabolic disease (CMD) management. This study aimed to assess whether and how education preferences have changed over time, and whether trends differ by sociodemographic characteristics (education status, age, ethnicity, and sex).

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire was deployed across five counties in the East Midlands, UK between 2017 and 2022 to adults with CMD (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease). Respondent demographic data were collected alongside health education preferences. Statistical analyses ascertained whether demographic characteristics influenced preferences. The distribution of preferences over time was charted to identify trends.

RESULTS

A total of 4301 eligible responses were collected. Face-to-face one-to-one education was preferred (first choice for 75.1% of participants) but popularity waned over the five-year period. Trends were similar amongst demographic groups. Online education showed a U-shaped trend: In 2017, 44% of respondents ranked it as acceptable, peaking at 53% in 2019, but declining again, to below base line, 43%, by 2022. This modality was more popular with participants aged younger than 65 years, but popularity in people older than 65 years increased over the study period. The popularity of printed information also declined over time across all demographic groups except those of South Asian ethnicity, for whom it remained static.

CONCLUSIONS

The overwhelming preference for face-to-face one-to-one health education from a doctor or nurse highlights the importance of preserving access to this modality, even in the face of current NHS pressures and trends towards digitalisation. Trends are changing, and should continue to be monitored, including between different sociodemographic groups.

Joint associations of diet and physical activity with incident type 2 diabetes and hypertension: an analysis of 144,288 UK Biobank participants

BACKGROUND

Studies examining the joint associations of lifestyle exposures can reveal novel synergistic and joint effects, but no study has examined the joint association of diet and physical activity (PA) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension. The aim of this study is to examine the joint associations of PA and diet with incidence of type T2D and hypertension, as a combined outcome and separately in a large sample of UK adults.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 144,288 UK Biobank participants aged 40-69. Moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a wrist accelerometer. We categorised PA and diet indicators (diet quality score (DQS) and energy intake (EI)) based on tertiles and derived joint PA and diet variables. Outcome was major cardiometabolic disease incidence (combination of T2D and hypertension).

RESULTS

A total of 14,003(7.1%) participants developed T2D, 28,075(19.2%) developed hypertension, and 30,529(21.2%) developed T2D or hypertension over a mean follow-up of 10.9(3.7) years. Participants with middle and high self-reported MVPA levels had lower risk of major cardiometabolic disease regardless of diet, e.g. among high DQS group, hazard ratios in middle and high MVPA group were 0.90 (95%CI:0.86-0.94), and 0.88(95%CI:0.84-0.92), respectively. Participants with jointly high device-measured MVPA and high DQS levels had lower major cardiometabolic disease risk (HR: 0.84, 95%CI:0.71-0.99). The equivalent joint device-measured MVPA and EI exposure analyses showed no clear pattern of associations with the outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Higher PA is an important component in cardiometabolic disease prevention across all diet quality and total EI groups. The observed lack of association between diet health outcomes may stem from a lower DQS.

Ethnicity and outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal disorders attending an emergency department serving a multi-ethnic population

BACKGROUND

Ethnic inequalities in acute health acute care are not well researched. We examined how attendee ethnicity influenced outcomes of emergency care in unselected patients presenting with a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder.

METHODS

A descriptive, retrospective cohort analysis of anonymised patient level data for University Hospitals of Leicester emergency department attendees, from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021, receiving a diagnosis of a GI disorder was performed. The primary exposure of interest was self-reported ethnicity, and the two outcomes studied were admission to hospital and whether patients underwent clinical investigations. Confounding variables including sex and age, deprivation index and illness acuity were adjusted for in the analysis. Chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine ethnic differences across outcome measures and covariates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between ethnicity and outcome measures.

RESULTS

Of 34,337 individuals, median age 43 years, identified as attending the ED with a GI disorder, 68.6% were White. Minority ethnic patients were significantly younger than White patients. Multiple emergency department attendance rates were similar for all ethnicities (overall 18.3%). White patients had the highest median number of investigations (6, IQR 3-7), whereas those from mixed ethnic groups had the lowest (2, IQR 0-6). After adjustment for age, sex, year of attendance, index of multiple deprivation and illness acuity, all ethnic minority groups remained significantly less likely to be investigated for their presenting illness compared to White patients (Asian: aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.87; Black: 0.67, 95% CI 0.58-0.79; mixed: 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.86; other: 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.93; p < 0.0001 for all). Similarly, after adjustment, minority ethnic attendees were also significantly less likely to be admitted to hospital (Asian: aOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.60-0.67; Black: 0.60, 95% CI 0.54-0.68; mixed: 0.60, 95% CI 0.51-0.71; other: 0.61, 95% CI 0.54-0.69; p < 0.0001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences in usage patterns and disparities in acute care outcomes for patients of different ethnicities with GI disorders were observed in this study. These differences persisted after adjustment both for confounders and for measures of deprivation and illness acuity and indicate that minority ethnic individuals are less likely to be investigated or admitted to hospital than White patients.

Trends in cardiovascular disease incidence among 22 million people in the UK over 20 years: population based study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) overall and by age, sex, and socioeconomic status, and its variation over time, in the UK during 2000-19.

DESIGN

Population based study.

SETTING

UK.

PARTICIPANTS

1 650 052 individuals registered with a general practice contributing to Clinical Practice Research Datalink and newly diagnosed with at least one CVD from 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2019.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was incident diagnosis of CVD, comprising acute coronary syndrome, aortic aneurysm, aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation or flutter, chronic ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, second or third degree heart block, stroke (ischaemic, haemorrhagic, and unspecified), and venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism). Disease incidence rates were calculated individually and as a composite outcome of all 10 CVDs combined and were standardised for age and sex using the 2013 European standard population. Negative binomial regression models investigated temporal trends and variation by age, sex, and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

The mean age of the population was 70.5 years and 47.6% (n=784 904) were women. The age and sex standardised incidence of all 10 prespecified CVDs declined by 19% during 2000-19 (incidence rate ratio 2017-19 v 2000-02: 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.73 to 0.88). The incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke decreased by about 30% (incidence rate ratios for acute coronary syndrome, chronic ischaemic heart disease, and stroke were 0.70 (0.69 to 0.70), 0.67 (0.66 to 0.67), and 0.75 (0.67 to 0.83), respectively). In parallel, an increasing number of diagnoses of cardiac arrhythmias, valve disease, and thromboembolic diseases were observed. As a result, the overall incidence of CVDs across the 10 conditions remained relatively stable from the mid-2000s. Age stratified analyses further showed that the observed decline in coronary heart disease incidence was largely restricted to age groups older than 60 years, with little or no improvement in younger age groups. Trends were generally similar between men and women. A socioeconomic gradient was observed for almost every CVD investigated. The gradient did not decrease over time and was most noticeable for peripheral artery disease (incidence rate ratio most deprived v least deprived: 1.98 (1.87 to 2.09)), acute coronary syndrome (1.55 (1.54 to 1.57)), and heart failure (1.50 (1.41 to 1.59)).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite substantial improvements in the prevention of atherosclerotic diseases in the UK, the overall burden of CVDs remained high during 2000-19. For CVDs to decrease further, future prevention strategies might need to consider a broader spectrum of conditions, including arrhythmias, valve diseases, and thromboembolism, and examine the specific needs of younger age groups and socioeconomically deprived populations.

Diabetic foot disease carries an intrinsic high risk of mortality and other severe outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a propensity score-matched retrospective population-based study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the association between diabetic foot disease (DFD) and the incidence of fatal and non-fatal events in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from primary-care settings.

METHODS

We built a cohort of people with a first DFD episode during 2010-2015, followed up until 2018. These subjects were 1 to 1 propensity score matched to subjects with T2DM without DFD. The incidence of all-cause mortality, the occurrence of new DFD, amputations, cardiovascular diseases, or composite outcome, including all-cause mortality and/or cardiovascular events during the follow-up period, were calculated. A Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to evaluate the hazard ratios (HR) for different events.

RESULTS

Overall, 11,117 subjects with T2DM with a first episode of DFD were compared with subjects without DFD. We observed higher incidence rates (IRs) for composite outcome (33.9 vs. 14.5 IR per 100 person-years) and a new DFD episode event (22.2 vs. 1.1 IR per 100 person-years) in the DFD group. Compared to those without DFD, those with a first episode of DFD had a higher HR for all events, with excess rates particularly for amputation and new DFD occurrence (HR: 19.4, 95% CI: 16.7-22.6, HR: 15.1, 95% CI: 13.8-16.5, respectively) was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Although DFD often coexists with other risk factors, it carries an intrinsic high risk of morbidity and mortality in individuals with T2DM. DFD should be regarded as a severe complication already at its onset, as it carries a poor clinical prognosis.

Improving Assessment of Adherence Behaviors and Drivers: Targeted Literature Review and Concept Elicitation Interviews in Multiple Countries and Disease Populations

Purpose

Medication adherence is crucial for achieving clinical goals. Medication adherence drivers and behaviors were explored across multiple conditions, countries, and medication schedules/modalities to develop a conceptual model of medication adherence, which could later be used to support development of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure of adherence.

Patients and Methods

Targeted review of qualitative literature identified important medication adherence concepts. Fifty-seven qualitative concept elicitation interviews were conducted (USA n=21, Spain n=18, Germany n=18). Participants were prescribed medication for: hypertension (n=9), asthma (n=8), multiple myeloma (n=8), psoriasis (n=8), diabetes (n=7), depression (n=7), multiple sclerosis (n=7), and/or schizophrenia (n=6). Thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts was performed. Expert clinicians (n=3) provided input throughout.

Results

Nine qualitative articles were selected for review from 2168 screened abstracts. Forty-two medication adherence concepts were reported and grouped into 10 domains. Eight forms of medication adherence were reported during interviews, along with 27 drivers of non-adherence, all of which were incorporated into a conceptual model. Participants reported skipping medication doses (n=36/57; 63.2%) or taking medication later in the day than prescribed (n=29/57; 50.9%). Common drivers of non-adherence included forgetfulness (n=35/57; 61.4%), being out of the usual routine (n=31/57; 54.4%) and being busy (n=22/57; 38.6%). US participants were more likely to report non-adherence due to low perceived efficacy (n=6/21, 28.6%) and cost (n=5/21, 23.8%) than German (n=1/18, 5.6%; n=0/18, 0.0%) or Spanish (n=2/18, 11.1%; n=1/18, 5.6%) participants.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the diverse forms and drivers of medication non-adherence, informing the development of a comprehensive conceptual model of medication adherence. The conceptual model builds on and advances previous models of medication adherence and can be used by healthcare professionals to understand and interpret barriers to medication adherence and how best to support patients in taking their medication as intended.

Integrated care policy recommendations for complex multisystem long term conditions and long COVID

The importance of integrated care for complex, multiple long term conditions was acknowledged before the COVID pandemic but remained a challenge. The pandemic and consequent development of Long COVID required rapid adaptation of health services to address the population's needs, requiring service redesigns including integrated care. This Delphi consensus study was conducted in the UK and found similar integrated care priorities for Long COVID and complex, multiple long term conditions, provided by 480 patients and health care providers, with an 80% consensus rate. The resultant recommendations were based on more than 1400 responses from survey participants and were supported by patients, health care professionals, and by patient charities. Participants identified the need to allocate resources to: support integrated care, provide access to care and treatments that work, provide diagnostic procedures that support the personalization of treatment in an integrated care environment, and enable structural consultation between primary and specialist care settings including physical and mental health care. Based on the findings we propose a model for delivering integrated care by a multidisciplinary team to people with complex multisystem conditions. These recommendations can inform improvements to integrated care for complex, multiple long term conditions and Long COVID at international level.

Employment outcomes of people with Long Covid symptoms: community-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the long-term employment consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection is lacking. We used data from a large, community-based sample in the UK to estimate associations between Long Covid and employment outcomes.

METHODS

This was an observational, longitudinal study using a pre-post design. We included survey participants from 3 February 2021 to 30 September 2022 when they were aged 16-64 years and not in education. Using conditional logit modelling, we explored the time-varying relationship between Long Covid status ≥12 weeks after a first test-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (reference: pre-infection) and labour market inactivity (neither working nor looking for work) or workplace absence lasting ≥4 weeks.

RESULTS

Of 206 299 participants (mean age 45 years, 54% female, 92% white), 15% were ever labour market inactive and 10% were ever long-term absent during follow-up. Compared with pre-infection, inactivity was higher in participants reporting Long Covid 30 to <40 weeks [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.45; 95% CI: 1.17-1.81] or 40 to <52 weeks (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.05-1.72) post-infection. Combining with official statistics on Long Covid prevalence, and assuming a correct statistical model, our estimates translate to 27 000 (95% CI: 6000-47 000) working-age adults in the UK being inactive because of Long Covid in July 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

Long Covid is likely to have contributed to reduced participation in the UK labour market, though it is unlikely to be the sole driver. Further research is required to quantify the contribution of other factors, such as indirect health effects of the pandemic.

Identifying subtypes of type 2 diabetes mellitus with machine learning: development, internal validation, prognostic validation and medication burden in linked electronic health records in 420 448 individuals

INTRODUCTION

None of the studies of type 2 diabetes (T2D) subtyping to date have used linked population-level data for incident and prevalent T2D, incorporating a diverse set of variables, explainable methods for cluster characterization, or adhered to an established framework. We aimed to develop and validate machine learning (ML)-informed subtypes for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) using nationally representative data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In population-based electronic health records (2006-2020; Clinical Practice Research Datalink) in individuals ≥18 years with incident T2D (n=420 448), we included factors (n=3787), including demography, history, examination, biomarkers and medications. Using a published framework, we identified subtypes through nine unsupervised ML methods (K-means, K-means++, K-mode, K-prototype, mini-batch, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, Birch, Gaussian mixture models, and consensus clustering). We characterized clusters using intracluster distributions and explainable artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. We evaluated subtypes for (1) internal validity (within dataset; across methods); (2) prognostic validity (prediction for 5-year all-cause mortality, hospitalization and new chronic diseases); and (3) medication burden.

RESULTS

Development: We identified four T2D subtypes: metabolic, early onset, late onset and cardiometabolic. Internal validity: Subtypes were predicted with high accuracy (F1 score >0.98). Prognostic validity: 5-year all-cause mortality, hospitalization, new chronic disease incidence and medication burden differed across T2D subtypes. Compared with the metabolic subtype, 5-year risks of mortality and hospitalization in incident T2D were highest in late-onset subtype (HR 1.95, 1.85-2.05 and 1.66, 1.58-1.75) and lowest in early-onset subtype (1.18, 1.11-1.27 and 0.85, 0.80-0.90). Incidence of chronic diseases was highest in late-onset subtype and lowest in early-onset subtype. Medications: Compared with the metabolic subtype, after adjusting for age, sex, and pre-T2D medications, late-onset subtype (1.31, 1.28-1.35) and early-onset subtype (0.83, 0.81-0.85) were most and least likely, respectively, to be prescribed medications within 5 years following T2D onset.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest study using ML to date in incident T2D, we identified four distinct subtypes, with potential future implications for etiology, therapeutics, and risk prediction.

DCRM 2.0: Multispecialty practice recommendations for the management of diabetes, cardiorenal, and metabolic diseases

The spectrum of cardiorenal and metabolic diseases comprises many disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic kidney disease (CKD), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure (HF), dyslipidemias, hypertension, and associated comorbidities such as pulmonary diseases and metabolism dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolism dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD and MASH, respectively, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NAFLD and NASH]). Because cardiorenal and metabolic diseases share pathophysiologic pathways, two or more are often present in the same individual. Findings from recent outcome trials have demonstrated benefits of various treatments across a range of conditions, suggesting a need for practice recommendations that will guide clinicians to better manage complex conditions involving diabetes, cardiorenal, and/or metabolic (DCRM) diseases. To meet this need, we formed an international volunteer task force comprising leading cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, and primary care physicians to develop the DCRM 2.0 Practice Recommendations, an updated and expanded revision of a previously published multispecialty consensus on the comprehensive management of persons living with DCRM. The recommendations are presented as 22 separate graphics covering the essentials of management to improve general health, control cardiorenal risk factors, and manage cardiorenal and metabolic comorbidities, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Prediabetes, participation in the English National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme, and associations with COVID-19-related mortality: A whole population study

AIMS

To assess the effects of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH, also known as pre-diabetes), including the impact of the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP), on COVID-19-related mortality during the pandemic.

METHODS

This study included all 61,438,225 individuals registered with General Practices in England and alive on 1st March 2020. We assessed COVID-19-related mortality in the 2,290,280(3.7 %) individuals with diagnosed NDH between March 2020 and February 2022 compared to those without diagnosed NDH or diabetes using Cox regression to adjust for demographic factors and cardiovascular comorbidities. Individuals with diagnosed NDH were further sub-categorised based on their contact with the NHS DPP (N = 376,590). Analyses were stratified by age (years) (<50, 50-69 and ≥ 70).

RESULTS

There were 158,070 COVID-19 deaths; 17,280(11 %) for people with diagnosed NDH. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 0.95(0.93-0.96),p < 0.001 for those with diagnosed NDH compared to those without diagnosed diabetes or NDH. By age (years), HRs were, 2.53(2.23-2.88),p < 0.001 for < 50, 1.29(1.24-1.35),p < 0.001 for 50-69 and 0.87(0.85-0.89),p < 0.001 for ≥ 70. NHS DPP attendance was associated with lower COVID-19 mortality with a dose-response relationship with engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger people with diagnosed NDH were at higher relative risk of COVID-19 mortality. Attendance at the NHS DPP was associated with significantly lower COVID-19-related mortality.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects ethnic-minority groups globally. Ethnic-minority groups face particularly high CVD burden and mortality, exacerbated by disparities across modifiable risk factors, wider determinants of health, and limited access to preventative interventions. This narrative review summarizes evidence on modifiable risk factors, such as physical activity, hypertension, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and the polypill for the primary prevention of CVD in ethnic minorities. Across these factors, we find inequities in risk factor prevalence. The evidence underscores that inequalities in accessibility to interventions and treatments impede progress in reducing CVD risk using primary prevention interventions for ethnic-minority people. Although culturally tailored interventions show promise, further research is required across the different risk factors. Social determinants of health and structural inequities also exacerbate CVD risk for ethnic-minority people and warrant greater attention. Additionally, we find that only limited ethnicity-specific data and guidelines are available on CVD primary prevention interventions for most risk factors. To address these gaps in research, we provide recommendations that include the following: investigating the sustainability and real-world effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions; ensuring that ethnic-minority peoples' perspectives are considered in research; longitudinal tracking of risk factors; interventions and outcomes in ethnic-minority people; and ensuring that data collection and reporting of ethnicity data are standardized.

Trends in weight gain recorded in English primary care before and during the Coronavirus-19 pandemic: An observational cohort study using the OpenSAFELY platform

BACKGROUND

Obesity and rapid weight gain are established risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and have emerged as independent risk factors for severe disease following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Restrictions imposed to reduce COVID-19 transmission resulted in profound societal changes that impacted many health behaviours, including physical activity and nutrition, associated with rate of weight gain. We investigated which clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were associated with rapid weight gain and the greatest acceleration in rate of weight gain during the pandemic among adults registered with an English National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner (GP) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

With the approval of NHS England, we used the OpenSAFELY platform inside TPP to conduct an observational cohort study of routinely collected electronic healthcare records. We investigated changes in body mass index (BMI) values recorded in English primary care between March 2015 and March 2022. We extracted data on 17,742,365 adults aged 18 to 90 years old (50.1% female, 76.1% white British) registered with an English primary care practice. We estimated individual rates of weight gain before (δ-prepandemic) and during (δ-pandemic) the pandemic and identified individuals with rapid weight gain (>0.5 kg/m2/year) in each period. We also estimated the change in rate of weight gain between the prepandemic and pandemic period (δ-change = δ-pandemic-δ-prepandemic) and defined extreme accelerators as the 10% of individuals with the greatest increase in their rate of weight gain (δ-change ≥1.84 kg/m2/year) between these periods. We estimated associations with these outcomes using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, index of multiple deprivation (IMD), and ethnicity. P-values were generated in regression models. The median BMI of our study population was 27.8 kg/m2, interquartile range (IQR) [24.3, 32.1] in 2019 (March 2019 to February 2020) and 28.0 kg/m2, IQR [24.4, 32.6] in 2021. Rapid pandemic weight gain was associated with sex, age, and IMD. Male sex (male versus female: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) [0.76, 0.76], p < 0.001), older age (e.g., 50 to 59 years versus 18 to 29 years: aOR 0.60, 95% CI [0.60, 0.61], p < 0.001]); and living in less deprived areas (least-deprived-IMD-quintile versus most-deprived: aOR 0.77, 95% CI [0.77, 0.78] p < 0.001) reduced the odds of rapid weight gain. Compared to white British individuals, all other ethnicities had lower odds of rapid pandemic weight gain (e.g., Indian versus white British: aOR 0.69, 95% CI [0.68, 0.70], p < 0.001). Long-term conditions (LTCs) increased the odds, with mental health conditions having the greatest effect (e.g., depression (aOR 1.18, 95% CI [1.17, 1.18], p < 0.001)). Similar characteristics increased odds of extreme acceleration in the rate of weight gain between the prepandemic and pandemic periods. However, changes in healthcare activity during the pandemic may have introduced new bias to the data.

CONCLUSIONS

We found female sex, younger age, deprivation, white British ethnicity, and mental health conditions were associated with rapid pandemic weight gain and extreme acceleration in rate of weight gain between the prepandemic and pandemic periods. Our findings highlight the need to incorporate sociodemographic, physical, and mental health characteristics when formulating research, policies, and interventions targeting BMI in the period of post pandemic service restoration and in future pandemic planning.

Indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnosing, monitoring, and prescribing in people with diabetes and strategies for diabetes service recovery internationally

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions in clinical services for people with chronic long-term conditions. In this narrative review, we assess the indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes services globally and the resulting adverse effects on rates of diagnosing, monitoring, and prescribing in people with type 2 diabetes. We summarise potential practical approaches that could address these issues and improve clinical services and outcomes for people living with diabetes during the recovery phase of the pandemic.

Beliefs, practices, perceptions and motivations of healthcare professionals on medication deprescribing during end-of-life care: A systematic review

AIM

Conduct a systematic review to investigate current beliefs, practices, perceptions, and motivations towards deprescribing practices from the healthcare professional perspective in older adults residing in long term care facilities with cardiometabolic conditions, using a narrative approach.

METHODS

Studies were identified using a literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL and Web of Science from inception to June 2023 Two reviewers (EH and AA) independently extracted data from each selected study using a standardised self-developed data extraction proforma. Studies reviewed included cross-sectional and observational studies. Data was extracted on baseline characteristics, motivations and beliefs and was discussed using a narrative approach.

RESULTS

Eight studies were identified for inclusion. Deprescribing approaches included complete withdrawal, dose reduction, or switching to an alternative medication, for at least one preventive medication. Most healthcare professionals were willing to initiate deprescribing strategies and stated the importance of such interventions, however many felt inexperienced and lacked the required knowledge to feel comfortable doing so.

CONCLUSION

Deprescribing is a key strategy when managing older people with cardiometabolic and multiple long term conditions (MLTC). Overall, HCPs including specialists, were happy to explore deprescribing strategies if provided with the relevant training and development to do so. Barriers that still exist include communication and consultation skills, a lack of evidence-based guidance and trust based policies, and a lack of MDT communications and involvement.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022335106.

Glycaemic control and macrovascular and microvascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials investigating intensive glucose-lowering strategies in people with type 2 diabetes

AIM

We aimed to determine the macrovascular and microvascular outcomes of intensive versus standard glucose-lowering strategies in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and investigate the relationships between these outcomes and trial arm glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we identified relevant trials from MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and bibliographies up to August 2023. Macrovascular and microvascular outcomes, along with safety outcomes, were evaluated. Pooled study-specific hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and meta-regression was employed to analyse the relationships between outcomes and HbA1c reduction.

RESULTS

We included 11 unique RCTs involving 51 469 patients with T2D (intensive therapy, N = 26 691; standard therapy, N = 24 778). Intensive versus standard therapy reduced the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75-0.94) with no difference in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.92-1.03) and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Intensive versus standard therapy reduced the risk of retinopathy (HR 0.85; 0.78-0.93), nephropathy (HR 0.71; 0.58-0.87) and composite microvascular outcomes (HR 0.88; 0.77-1.00). Meta-regression analyses showed modest evidence of inverse linear relationships between HbA1c reduction and the outcomes of major adverse cardiovascular events, non-fatal MI, stroke and retinopathy, but these were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In people with T2D, intensive glucose control was associated with a reduced risk of non-fatal MI and several microvascular outcomes, particularly retinopathy and nephropathy. The lack of an effect of intensive glucose-lowering on most macrovascular outcomes calls for a more comprehensive approach to managing cardiovascular risk factors alongside glycaemic control.

A high throughput immuno-affinity mass spectrometry method for detection and quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in human saliva and its comparison with RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, and lateral flow rapid antigen test

OBJECTIVES

Many reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods exist that can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in different matrices. RT-PCR is highly sensitive, although viral RNA may be detected long after active infection has taken place. SARS-CoV-2 proteins have shorter detection windows hence their detection might be more meaningful. Given salivary droplets represent a main source of transmission, we explored the detection of viral RNA and protein using four different detection platforms including SISCAPA peptide immunoaffinity liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SISCAPA-LC-MS) using polyclonal capture antibodies.

METHODS

The SISCAPA-LC MS method was compared to RT-PCR, RT-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), and a lateral flow rapid antigen test (RAT) for the detection of virus material in the drool saliva of 102 patients hospitalised after infection with SARS-CoV-2. Cycle thresholds (Ct) of RT-PCR (E gene) were compared to RT-LAMP time-to-positive (TTP) (NE and Orf1a genes), RAT optical densitometry measurements (test line/control line ratio) and to SISCAPA-LC-MS for measurements of viral protein.

RESULTS

SISCAPA-LC-MS showed low sensitivity (37.7 %) but high specificity (89.8 %). RAT showed lower sensitivity (24.5 %) and high specificity (100 %). RT-LAMP had high sensitivity (83.0 %) and specificity (100.0 %). At high initial viral RNA loads (<20 Ct), results obtained using SISCAPA-LC-MS correlated with RT-PCR (R2 0.57, p-value 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in saliva was less frequent than the detection of viral RNA. The SISCAPA-LC-MS method allowed processing of multiple samples in <150 min and was scalable, enabling high throughput.

Multiple Long-Term Conditions and Disability are Independently Associated with Higher Risk of Fall Among Community Adults: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Previous studies have suggested an association between falls and the presence of Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTC) or disabilities. However, there is limited understanding of how these factors independently or collectively contribute to the risk of falls and fear of falling among community-dwelling adults.

Objective

This study examined the independent association between MLTC and the presence of disability with the risk of falls among community adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study included 324 adults (age ≥ 50). Demographic and clinical data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), MLTC (≥ two chronic diseases) risk of fall (ie, history of fall in the previous 12-months, number of falls, and recurrent falls). The Barthel Index and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) were used to assess disability and fear of fall, respectively.

Results

MLTC (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [1.26, 4.95], p=0.009), and disability (OR 1.71, 95% CI [1.04, 2.79], p = 0.034) were independently associated with history of falls. MLTC (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 2.87, 95% CI [1.93, 4.29], p < 0.001) and disability (IRR 1.86 95% CI [1.46, 2.36], p < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased number of falls. MLTC (OR 4.50, 95% CI [1.78, 11.36], p = 0.001) and disability (OR 2.82, 95% CI [1.58, 5.05], p < 0.001) were independently associated with recurrent falls. MLTC (B = 6.45, p < 0.001) and disability (B = 3.05, p = 0.025) were independently associated with increased fear of falling.

Conclusion

This study indicated that both MLTC and disability are independently associated with falls, number of falls and fear of falling in this population.