Hypoglycaemia in endocrine, diabetic, and internal diseases [Hipoglikemia w schorzeniach endokrynologicznych, diabetologicznych i internistycznych]

Hypoglycemia is a decrease in blood glucose concentration below the physiological level. It occurs in healthy people and in people with various diseases with inadequate secretion of insulin by β cells, or deficiency of counterregulatory hormones secreted at the moment of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is also associated with diabetes therapy, regardless of whether behavioral therapy, oral hypoglycemic agents, or insulin are used. Distinguishing the causes of hypoglycemia is the basis for taking appropriate therapeutic actions that protect patients against subsequent episodes of lowering blood glucose and complications caused by hypoglycemia.

Take Control: A randomized trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of self- versus physician-managed titration of insulin glargine 300 U/mL in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of self- versus physician-managed titration of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in people with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Take Control (EudraCT number: 2015-001626-42) was a 24-week, multi-national, open-label, controlled, two-arm, parallel-group study in insulin-naïve and pre-treated participants, randomized 1:1 to a self- or physician-managed titration of Gla-300. The fasting self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) target was 4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L. The primary outcome was non-inferiority of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change from baseline to week 24. Secondary outcomes included SMPG target achievement without hypoglycaemia, hypoglycaemia incidence, adverse events and participant-reported outcomes (PROs).

RESULTS

At week 24, the least squares (LS) mean HbA1c reduction was 0.97% (10.6 mmol/mol) and 0.84% (9.2 mmol/mol) in the self- and physician-managed groups, respectively, with an LS mean difference of -0.13% [95% confidence interval -0.2619 to -0.0004] (-1.4 mmol/mol [-2.863 to -0.004]), demonstrating non-inferiority (P < 0.0001) and superiority (P = 0.0247) of self- versus physician-managed titration. Significantly more of the self- than physician-managed group achieved SMPG target without hypoglycaemia (67% vs 58%; P = 0.0187). Overall, hypoglycaemia incidence was similar in each group. No safety concerns were reported. In both groups, similar PRO improvements were observed for distress related to diabetes disease burden and for confidence in diabetes self-management, with even more individuals achieving a clinically relevant reduction in emotional burden and fewer individuals with high emotional burden in the self-managed group.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-managed titration of Gla-300 was superior to physician-managed titration in terms of HbA1c reduction, accompanied by similar total PRO scores, with a clinically relevant reduction in emotional burden, and similar hypoglycaemia frequency.

Aerobic as well as resistance exercises are good for patients with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To assess whether aerobic or resistance training has greater benefits in non-physically active men with a long lasting type 1 diabetes. The effects of exercise were evaluated in terms of diabetes control and risk factors for cardiovascular complications.

METHODS

21 male participants (mean age: 37 yrs, diabetes duration: 23 yrs, mean HbA1c: 7.4%) randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1-aerobic training (n = 10) and 2-resistance training (n = 11). All subjects participated in 60-min training sessions, either aerobic or resistance, twice a week for three months. At baseline and after 3 months: echocardiography, ECG and incremental exercise test, ECG and blood pressure monitoring, lipid profile, lactate and diabetes control parameters were assessed in all patients.

RESULTS

Baseline HbA1c was 7.44% in aerobic group and 7.36% in resistance group (p = 0.84). After 3 months there was no significant change in HbA1c value in any exercise group but a non-statistically significant downward trend was seen particularly in aerobic exercise group (p = 0.07) vs the resistance group (p = 0.15). There was no significant difference in body mass, risk of hypoglycemia and cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Both forms of exercise are safe in terms of glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with quite well-controlled type 1 diabetes without advanced late complications.

15 Years of Experience with Biphasic Insulin Aspart 30 in Type 2 Diabetes

Since clinical experience with biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was reviewed in 2012 after 10 years of use worldwide, additional studies have been published that highlight new aspects, including use in real-world populations. Evidence from 35 new studies confirms and builds upon previous work indicating that BIAsp 30 continues to have pharmacodynamic and clinical advantages over biphasic human insulin (BHI 30), including in real-world practice with unselected populations of patients. BIAsp 30 has also been shown to be safe and efficacious as an add-on to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Intensification with BIAsp 30 is a safe and effective way to improve glycemic control, and titration performed by patients can achieve results that are at least comparable to those when being guided by healthcare providers. Stepwise intensification using BIAsp 30 is comparable to intensification using a basal–bolus regimen, and twice-daily BIAsp 30 provides similar glycemic control to a basal-plus regimen. Data from large observational studies, in particular, have identified patient-related characteristics that are associated with improved clinical responses, suggesting that earlier initiation and intensification of therapy is warranted. Finally, new health-economic analyses continue to confirm that BIAsp 30 is cost effective versus other therapies such as BHI 30, neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH), or insulin glargine in both insulin-naïve and insulin-experienced patients. After 15 years of clinical use worldwide, analysis of more recent 5-year data indicates that BIAsp 30 remains a safe, effective, and simple-to-use insulin for initiation and intensification by diabetes specialists and primary care physicians in a variety of patients with T2DM.

Perspectives of Patients with Insulin-Treated Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes on Hypoglycemia: Results of the HAT Observational Study in Central and Eastern European Countries

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of hypoglycemia, the level of fear for hypoglycemia, and the response to hypoglycemic events among insulin-treated diabetes patients from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The impact of hypoglycemia on the use of healthcare resources and patient productivity was also assessed.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, non-interventional, two-part, patient self-reported questionnaire study that comprised both a retrospective cross-sectional evaluation and a prospective observational evaluation. Study participants were insulin-treated adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from CEE.

RESULTS

Most patients (85.4% T1DM and 83.6% T2DM) reported normal hypoglycemia awareness. The median hypoglycemia fear score was 5 out of 10 for T1DM and 4 out of 10 for T2DM patients. Patients increased glucose monitoring, consulted a doctor/nurse, and/or reduced the insulin dose in response to hypoglycemia. As a consequence of hypoglycemia, patients took leave from work/studies or arrived late and/or left early. Hospitalization was required for 31 (1.2%) patients with T1DM and 66 (2.1%) patients with T2DM.

CONCLUSION

Hypoglycemia impacts patients' personal and social functioning, reduces productivity, and results in additional costs, both direct (related to increased use of healthcare resources) and indirect (related to absenteeism.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk.

The age of developing diabetes and FTO polymorphisms (rs9939609, rs1421085, and rs9930506)

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a common complex metabolic disorder that has a strong genetic predisposition. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is one of the genes of interest to us. Hypomethylation of a CpG site in the FTO gene was significantly associated with the risk of T2DM. The aim of the study was to find the answer to the question of whether the polymorphism changes of the FTO gene in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes are comparable in young, middle aged, and elderly people.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 282 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes, who attended a primary healthcare clinic in Southern Poland. The study subjects were divided into three groups according to the age at which type 2 diabetes mellitus was diagnosed (> 40 years old, 40-60 years old, and > 60 years old). The genotyping of rs9939609, rs1421085, and rs9930506 FTO polymorphisms was conducted using TaqManPre-designed SNP Genotyping Assay.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was shown between the examined FTO polymorphism (rs9939609, rs1421085, and rs9930506) distribution between the subjects diagnosed with diabetes < 40 years , 40-60 years, and > 60 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no statistically significant relationships between the different analysed anthropometric and other parameters and distribution of examined FTO polymorphisms (rs9939609 , rs1421085, and rs9930506). The age of diabetes was not affect by the tested FTO polymorphisms (rs9939609 , rs1421085, and rs9930506).

Effect of intravenous versus subcutaneous insulin delivery on the intensity of neuropathic pain in diabetic subjects

INTRODUCTION

The effectiveness of treatment of painful diabetic polyneuropathy remains unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to compare effects of intravenous vs. subcutaneous insulin delivery in patients with diabetic symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy on pain relief, the quality of life, sleep disturbance, and the nerve conduction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (mean age 62 ± 10 years, duration 17 ± 10 years), who reached a pain score over 40 mm on the VAS scale, HbA(1c) 7.5-10%, were randomly assigned to continuous intravenous insulin infusion (examined group) and multiple injections (control subjects). Before and after five days of the insulin treatment the effects on pain relief (SFMPQ-VAS), the quality of life improvement (EuroQol EQ-5D), and sleep disturbances (AIS) were assessed.

RESULTS

Both groups experienced significant pain reduction, improvement of the quality of life, and reduction of sleep disturbances, i.e. a VAS in the study group of 69 ± 14 mm before treatment vs. 40 ± 19 mm after treatment (p < 0.001), and in control subjects 66 ± 16 mm vs. 47 ± 17 mm (p < 0.001). No difference in level of pain intensity reduction between the groups studied was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensification of insulin treatment applied for five days results in improvement of the physical condition of patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy, through pain relief, and improvement of the quality of life and sleep quality. The efficacy of insulin intravenous infusion and multiple injections is comparable.

Factors Associated With Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Myocardial Infarction

CONTEXT

Decreasing risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease remains a challenge to survival in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess the association between demographic, glycemic, and other clinical factors and CV risk in the Hyperglycemia and Its Effect After Acute Myocardial Infarction on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus trial. DESIGN, SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTION: We used discrete-time survival tree analysis to examine data collected for up to 4.6 years in 1115 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus experiencing acute myocardial infarction (MI) less than or equal to 18 days before enrollment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary objective was to identify demographic, glycemic, and CV risk factors best separating survival curves over time for a composite end point: CV death, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for acute coronary syndromes, or coronary revascularization planned after randomization.

RESULTS

Average change across visits in mean 2-hour blood glucose level after meals was associated with the greatest difference in event-free survival probability for the primary end point: mean time to 75% event-free survival for an average change across visits less than or equal to -0.14 mmol/L, 73.48 weeks; for visits with average change more -0.14 mmol/L, 29.10 weeks. An average change across visits in the hemoglobin A1c level less than or equal to -0.92% (-10.06 mmol/mol) and the absence of a history of stroke or acute MI increased CV event-free survival time further. Fasting blood glucose and randomized insulin treatment strategy were weak predicting factors of event-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Postprandial glycemia should be considered a potential target in trials to reduce CV morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Is there an impact of treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors on lymphocyte subpopulations in type 2 diabetic patients?

INTRODUCTION

Dipeptidil peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4) are a group of antihyperglycemic agents. DPP-4 is an enzyme expressed on lymphocyte surface as co-stimulatory molecule in activation processes. The aim was to assess lymphocyte subpopulations initially and after 14 days of treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors sitagliptin, saxagliptin and vildagliptin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted in three groups 10 subjects each, of type 2 diabetic patients. In subjects studied an initial tests followed by repeated ones after 14 days of treatment with sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and vildagliptin in therapeutic doses were performed. Baseline test as well as lymphocyte subpopulations (total T cells, and T-cell subsets CD4+, CD8+, CD26+, CD45RA+, CD45RO+, CD4+/CD25+) using 7-colour flow cytometry method were performed.

RESULTS

In patients receiving sitagliptin no significant increase in lymphocyte subpopulations were observed. In patients who received vildagliptin significant increase of total T-cells (p < 0.05); in patients treated with saxagliptin significant (p < 0.05) though mild increased percentage of total T-cells and CD4+, CD26+, CD45RO+ subsets were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed mild but significant increase of several T-cell subsets after treatment with saxagliptin and vildagliptin with non significant elevation after treatment with sitagliptin. It seems that changes are not expressed enough to have a clinical impact.

Incidence of Fractures in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the SAVOR-TIMI 53 Trial

OBJECTIVE

Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of bone fractures, the predisposing factors for which are unknown. Treatment with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) further increases the incidence of osteoporotic fractures. In the Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR-TIMI 53) trial, fractures were considered an adverse event of special interest, and information regarding fractures was collected.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We compared the incidence of fractures among the 8,280 patients who were assigned to treatment with saxagliptin with that in the 8,212 patients who were assigned to placebo. We further analyzed the participants' baseline characteristics and fracture risk.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 2.1 years, 241 patients (2.9%) in the saxagliptin group and 240 (2.9%) in the placebo group experienced a fracture (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00 [95% CI 0.83-1.19]). Event rates for fractures were the same in both treatment arms: 14.7 per 1,000 patient-years in the entire population and 14.0 in the on-treatment population (first event only). Fracture risk was similar in patients treated with saxagliptin or placebo across different subgroups defined by race, cardiovascular risk, and renal function. A multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that risk of fracture was associated with female sex (P < 0.0001), longer diabetes duration (P < 0.0001), older age (P = 0.002), major hypoglycemic events (P = 0.01), noncompliance with study drug (P = 0.01), and treatment with TZDs (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population of older patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment with saxagliptin was not associated with an increased risk of fractures. The association between longer diabetes duration and increased risk of bone fracture is an intriguing finding.

Recommendations for health-enhancing physical activities in type 2 diabetes patients

[Purpose] Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease of civilization with epidemiological coverage. An integral component of a comprehensive process of type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention and treatment is reasonably proportioned exercise. The aim of the study was to evaluate the weekly physical activity of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy subjects with respect to recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine and American Diabetes Association. [Subjects] The study involved 31 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (treatment duration 9 ± 0.8) and 31 healthy people. [Methods] Physical activity levels were determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A χ² test was applied to determine the percentage of people who met recommendations. [Results] Analysis of the obtained results demonstrated that the intensity of physical activity in patients with diabetes was moderate or low. The men in the control group met the recommendations for standard health-related activities significantly more often than the patients with diabetes. In women, there was no such relationship, since most of the women were insufficiently physically active. [Conclusion] The conclusion to be drawn is that there is an urgent need to develop and implement effective programs to enhance physical activity among people at risk of diseases of civilization, including type 2 diabetes.

Role of impaired glucose tolerance in patients with acute myocardial infarction in relation to sex

INTRODUCTION

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) has a negative impact on the outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of IGT on early and late prognosis in women and men with AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Based on the results of oral glucose tolerance test, 560 patients with IGT (395 men, 165 women) were selected out of a single center registry of 2733 consecutive patients with AMI. Sex‑related mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) including myocardial reinfarction, stroke, or repeat revascularization during hospitalization and long‑term follow‑up were compared in the whole study population and within the high‑risk subgroups.

RESULTS

Mortality and MACE rates were comparable between men and women except for a higher stroke rate in women (4.8% vs. 1.5%, P <0.05). No significant differences were observed in the subgroups of patients with reduced ejection fraction (<35%) and those aged above 70 years, during both short and long‑term follow‑up. However, in women compared with men, higher stroke rates were observed in the subgroup of patients with incomplete revascularization (6.9% vs. 1.1%, P <0.05) and higher total mortality rates in the subgroup with renal dysfunction (40% vs. 16%, P <0.05). Female sex was an independent risk factor for stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 2.94; P = 0.048) and MACEs (HR, 1.45; P = 0.009), but not for death, in the population of patients with AMI and IGT.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality in women and men with AMI treated with PCI with concomitant IGT is comparable, but female sex is an independent risk factor for stroke and MACEs, particularly worsening prognosis in patients with renal dysfunction.

Dapagliflozin added to glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus sustains glycemic control and weight loss over 48 weeks: a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Maintenance of drug efficacy and safety over the long term is important to investigate for progressive conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to evaluate whether efficacy of dapagliflozin added to glimepiride observed at 24 weeks was maintained at 48 weeks, and to provide further safety and tolerability data in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

This 24-week randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial with a 24-week double-blind extension period enrolled adults whose T2DM was inadequately controlled [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0-10.0%] on sulfonylurea monotherapy. Patients were randomized to placebo (n = 146) or dapagliflozin 2.5 mg (n = 154), 5 mg (n = 145), or 10 mg (n = 151) per day added to open-label glimepiride 4 mg/day.

RESULTS

In total, 519 patients (87.1%) completed the study. At 48 weeks, HbA1c adjusted mean changes from baseline for the placebo versus dapagliflozin 2.5/5/10-mg groups were -0.04% versus -0.41%, -0.56% and -0.73%, respectively. There were no meaningful differences in HbA1c changes from baseline from 24 to 48 weeks, indicating that glycemic efficacy was maintained. Improvements in fasting plasma glucose and post-challenge plasma glucose were also observed with dapagliflozin over 48 weeks. Dapagliflozin 2.5/5/10 mg produced sustained reductions in weight (-1.36/-1.54/-2.41 kg) versus placebo (-0.77 kg). Adjusted mean reductions from baseline in systolic blood pressure were also greater than placebo for all dapagliflozin doses. In the placebo versus dapagliflozin groups, serious adverse events were 8.9% versus 8.6-11.0%, hypoglycemic events were 6.8% versus 9.7-11.3%, and events suggestive of genital infection were 1.4% versus 5.2-8.6%.

CONCLUSION

Dapagliflozin added to glimepiride improved glycemic control and body weight, with short-term findings maintained during the study's extension period. Therapy was generally well tolerated over 48 weeks; hypoglycemic events and events suggestive of genital infection were reported more often in patients receiving dapagliflozin.

Association between hypoglycemia and the type of insulin in diabetic patients treated with multiple injections: an observational study

INTRODUCTION

Hypoglycemia may have serious health consequences; therefore, it is important to expand knowledge on the factors that increase its prevalence.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the type of insulin-human vs. analogue-on the incidence of mild and severe hypoglycemia, body weight, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 203 diabetic patients treated with intensive insulin therapy completed the questionnaire on hypoglycemia at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of the follow‑up. Body weight and HbA1c levels were measured at baseline and at 6 months. Incidence of mild and severe hypoglycemia, body weight, and HbA1c levels were compared between patients treated with short‑acting analogue and those treated with short‑acting human insulin (regardless of the type of long‑acting insulin used) and between patients receiving short- and long‑acting analogue insulin and those receiving short- and long‑acting human insulin. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to find independent risk factors of severe hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

At baseline, mild hypoglycemia was more common in patients receiving insulin analogue. There were no differences between the subgroups in the incidence of severe hypoglycemia, HbA1c levels, and body weight. Male sex, older age, and the dose of long‑acting insulin were independently associated with a higher incidence of severe hypoglycemia. Type 2 diabetes and higher body weight were associated with a lower risk of severe hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that use of insulin analogues may predispose to more frequent episodes of mild hypoglycemia, but it does not increase the incidence of severe hypoglycemia in patients on intensive insulin therapy. Insulin analogues are not different from human insulin in terms of the effects on HbA1c levels and body mass.

Declared and real physical activity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Caltrac accelerometer monitor: a potential tool for physical activity assessment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

The aims of this study were to assess and compare declared and real volume of physical activity (PA), and to evaluate correlations of these measurements with glycemic control (HbA1c) and body mass index (BMI), in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 31 (16 women and 15 men) type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin monotherapy, from (mean age=54 ± 3.6 years, BMI=29.7 ± 4.8 kg/m(2), T2DM treatment=9 ± 8 years, HbA1c 7 ± 1%) and not professionally active (unemployed or retired) was recruited. An assessment of energy cost (EC) of their weekly PA using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and an accelerometer assessment was performed.

RESULTS

Total energy expenditure of the declared weekly PA, calculated from the IPAQ (DPA) was 2513 ± 1349 METmin/week, and 2428 ± 1348, for male and female participants, respectively (p > 0.05). EC of the real PA (RPA), registered with the accelerometer was 4552 ± 2028 kcal/week, and 4032 ± 2288 kcal/week, for males, and females, respectively. Patients who demonstrated a high DPA, based on their IPAQ score, showed a significantly higher RPA, as registered by the accelerometer (p < 0.05). HbA1c and BMI did not correlate with their PA measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the IPAQ may serve as a potential tool for physical activity assessment with no further requirement for more sophisticated methods. Our results suggest that habitual physical activity has no impact on glycemic control and BMI in type 2 diabetic patients. However, further studies on a larger population are needed to explore these issues.

Cardiovascular therapy, diagnostic procedures, and control of risk factors in patients with diabetes or coronary artery disease in Poland: the Kardia‑Pol registry

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to compare management of high-risk patients with DM and patients with CAD in Poland.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Randomly selected primary care offices enrolled patients aged 55 years and older, with DM and no documented CAD (n = 210) or with CAD and no documented DM (n = 186).

RESULTS

Statins were given to 64% vs. 87% (P <0.05), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) to 53% vs. 84% (P <0.05), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to 70% vs. 69% (P = 0.8) of the patients with DM and CAD, respectively. Screening tests to detect glucose abnormalities in patients with CAD or to detect CAD in patients with DM were not performed in 26% of patients with DM and 24% of those with CAD (P = 0.64). Mean systolic blood pressure was 136.8 ± 13.6 vs. 131.7 ± 15.8 mmHg (P = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure was 80.4 ± 7.4 vs. 79.4 ± 11.6 mmHg (P = 0.316), and total cholesterol was 196 ± 42 vs. 183 ± 42 mg/dl (P = 0.003) in patients with DM and CAD, respectively. The percentage of patients with blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, total cholesterol below 175 mg/dl, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol below 100 mg/dl was 15% vs. 25% (P = 0.055), while the percentage of patients with blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg, total cholesterol below 175 mg/dl, and LDL cholesterol <70 mg/dl was 1% vs. 3% (P = 0.016) in the DM vs. CAD groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of statins and ASA was more frequent in patients with CAD than in patients with DM. Control of risk factors in the study population was better in the CAD group but still unsatisfactory in most patients.

The prognostic value of different glucose abnormalities in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated invasively

Background

Diabetes (DM) deteriorates the prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease. However, the prognostic value of different glucose abnormalities (GA) other than DM in subjects with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated invasively remains unclear.

Aims

To assess the incidence and impact of GA on clinical outcomes in AMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A single-center, prospective registry encompassed 2733 consecutive AMI subjects treated with PCI. In all in-hospital survivors (n = 2527, 92.5%) without the history of DM diagnosed before or during index hospitalization standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed during stable condition before hospital discharge and interpreted according to WHO criteria. The mean follow-up period was 37.5 months.

Results

The incidence of GA was as follows: impaired fasting glycaemia - IFG (n = 376, 15%); impaired glucose tolerance - IGT (n = 560, 22%); DM (n = 425, 17%); new onset DM (n = 384, 15%); and normal glucose tolerance – NGT (n = 782, 31%). During the long-term follow-up, death rate events for previously known DM, new onset DM and IGT were significantly more frequent than those for IFG and NGT (12.3; 9.6 and 9.4 vs. 5.6 and 6.4%, respectively, P < 0.05). The strongest and common independent predictors of death in GA patients were glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1,73 m^2 (HR 2.0 and 2.8) and left ventricle ejection fraction < 35% (HR 2.5 and 1.8, all P < 0.05) respectively.

Conclusions

Glucose abnormalities are very common in AMI patients. DM, new onset DM and IGT increase remote mortality. Impaired glucose tolerance bears similar long-term prognosis as diabetes.

Efficacy of short-term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline in diabetic patients--randomized study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of short-term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and chronic periodontitis (CP).

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with CP and type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the placebo-controlled, double-blind study. After scaling and root planing (SRP), patients were randomly assigned to two groups, receiving either SDD or placebo bid for 3 months. The probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), approximal plaque index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and after 3-month therapy for the estimation of matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels.

RESULTS

Clinical attachment level, PD, and BOP improved significantly in both groups after therapy (P < 0.05). The statistically significant difference between the two groups after the therapy was observed only in PD in tooth sites with initial PD ≥ 4 mm (SRP + placebo: 3.41 ± 0.6 mm vs SRP + SDD: 2.92 ± 0.5 mm, P < 0.05). GCF matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels were significantly reduced only in SRP + SDD group (P < 0.01). There were no changes in HbA1c levels after therapy.

CONCLUSION

The short-term administration of SDD gives significant benefit at tooth sites with moderate disease (PD ≥ 4 mm) when compared to SRP alone in patients with diabetes and CP.