Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes: a patient-centered approach. Position statement of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

'Patient-centered care' for complex patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-analysis of two cases

Purpose

This paper serves to apply and compare aspects of person centered care and recent consensus guidelines to two cases of older adults with poorly controlled diabetes in the context of relatively similar multimorbidity.

Methods

After review of the literature regarding the shift from guidelines promoting tight control in diabetes management to individualized person centered care, as well as newer treatment approaches emerging in diabetes care, the newer guidelines and potential treatment approaches are applied to the cases.

Results

By delving into the clinical, behavioral, social, cultural and economic aspects of the two cases in applying the new guidelines, divergent care goals are reached for the cases.

Conclusions

Primary care practitioners must be vigilant in providing individualized diabetes treatment where multiple chronic illnesses increase the complexity of care. While two older adults with multimorbidity may appear at first to have similar care goals, their unique preferences and support systems, as well as their risks and benefits from tight control, must be carefully weighed in formulating the best approach. Newer pharmaceutical agents hold promise for improving the possibilities for better glycemic control with less self-care burden and risk of hypoglycemia.

Real-world outcomes of initiating insulin glargine-based treatment versus premixed analog insulins among US patients with type 2 diabetes failing oral antidiabetic drugs

BACKGROUND

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, basal-bolus strategies can improve treatment by offering dosing flexibility, and improved satisfaction, adherence, and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare real-world outcomes between US patients initiating analog insulin therapy with insulin glargine and those initiating with a premixed analog insulin (PMX).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of data from patients (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the IMPACT® database who initiated insulin treatment with insulin glargine (GLA) or a PMX. Clinical and economic outcomes were measured over one year, including persistence and adherence, consumption of insulin, glycemic outcomes, incident hypoglycemia, and health care resource utilization and cost.

RESULTS

Data from 2,502 patients were included in the analyses (n = 834 for PMX, n = 1,668 for GLA). Compared with PMX, persistence was higher and consumption of insulin was lower for GLA (both P < 0.0001). Adherence, glycemic outcomes, and hypoglycemia-related events were similar between groups, as were health care utilization and total health care costs. Diabetes-related drug and supply costs were lower for GLA than for PMX (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.046, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In US patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, initiating insulin with once-daily GLA, rather than a PMX, is associated with increased treatment persistence and similar clinical and hypoglycemic outcomes, but lower diabetes pharmacy and supply costs. GLA may be a more flexible option than PMX. However, these results also show suboptimal glycemic control in the real-world setting despite change in treatment regimens and call for optimization in management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Efficacy and safety of insulin degludec three times a week versus insulin glargine once a day in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes: results of two phase 3, 26 week, randomised, open-label, treat-to-target, non-inferiority trials

BACKGROUND

Results of an exploratory phase 2 study showed that insulin degludec, a basal insulin with an action profile of longer than 42 h, provided similar glycaemic control when injected three times a week (IDeg 3TW) to once-daily insulin glargine (IGlar OD). To provide further evidence, we did two phase 3 trials to compare the efficacy and safety of IDeg 3TW with IGlar OD in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In two 26 week, randomised, open-label, parallel group, non-inferiority trials IDeg was injected Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before breakfast (IDeg 3TW(AM)) in the AM trial (94 sites in seven countries) or with the evening meal (IDeg 3TW(PM)) in the PM trial (89 sites in seven countries), and compared with IGlar OD. Adults with type 2 diabetes (HbA(1c) 7.0-10.0%; body-mass index ≤45 kg/m(2)) were randomly allocated (1:1) without stratification by a central interactive response system to IDeg 3TW or IGlar OD. Both groups continued taking metformin with or without dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Insulin was titrated to achieve a prebreakfast self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) concentration of between 3.9 and less than 5.0 mmol/L. The primary outcome was non-inferiority of IDeg 3TW compared with IGlar OD, as assessed by change in HbA(1c) from baseline to 26 weeks (non-inferiority limit of 0.4%) by ANOVA in an intent-to-treat analysis (full analysis set). These trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT01068678 and NCT01076647.

FINDINGS

We recruited 460 patients for the AM trial (IDeg 3TW(AM), n=230; IGlar OD, n=230) and 467 patients for the PM trial (IDeg 3TW(PM), n=233; IGlar OD, n=234). After 26 weeks, mean HbA decreased by 0.9% (IDeg 3TW(AM)) and 1.3% (IGlar OD) in the AM trial, and by 1.1% (IDeg 3TW(PM)) and 1.4% (IGlar OD) in the PM trial. Non-inferiority was not confirmed in either trial (estimated treatment difference [IDeg 3TW(AM)-IGlar OD] 0.34%, 95% CI 0.18-0.51; [IDeg 3TW(PM)-IGlar OD] 0.26%, 0.11-0.41). Across the two trials, rates of confirmed hypoglycaemia (SMBG <3.1 mmol/L or severe [needing assistance]) ranged from 1.0 to 1.6 episodes per patient-year and were similar for IDeg 3TW(AM) and IGlar OD (estimated rate ratio [ERR] 1.04, 95% CI 0.69-1.55), but higher for IDeg 3TW(PM) than for IGlar OD (ERR 1.58, 1.03-2.43). The rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia was higher for IDeg 3TW(AM) than for IGlar OD (ERR 2.12, 1.08-4.16); we noted no significant difference between IDeg 3TW(PM) and IGlar OD (ERR 0.60, 0.21-1.69).

INTERPRETATION

The inferior glycaemic control and increased risk of hypoglycaemia with IDeg 3TW compared with IGlar OD do not support a three-times-weekly dosing regimen.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk.

Acarbose plus metformin fixed-dose combination outperforms acarbose monotherapy for type 2 diabetes

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of acarbose plus metformin fixed-dose combination (FDC) versus acarbose monotherapy for type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Eligible T2D patients undergoing treatment with diet control only or oral antidiabetic medications were run-in on acarbose 50mg thrice-daily for 4 weeks, then randomised either to continue this monotherapy, or to acarbose 50mg plus metformin hydrochloride 500mg FDC (acarbose/metformin FDC), each thrice-daily for 16 weeks.

RESULTS

Acarbose/metformin FDC therapy significantly reduced HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) from baseline (all p<0.0001) with superior efficacy compared with acarbose monotherapy (between-group differences; HbA1c -1.35%; FPG -29.5mg/dl; PPG -41.6mg/dl; all p<0.0001). Proportionally more patients treated with acarbose/metformin FDC achieved HbA1c <7.0% (47.8% vs. 10.7%, p<0.0001). Both treatments reduced bodyweight (p<0.0001), with a significant between-group difference (-0.6kg, p<0.01) favouring acarbose/metformin FDC. Hypoglycaemia was not reported with either treatment, and the incidence of other adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with acarbose monotherapy, acarbose/metformin FDC has superior antihyperglycaemic efficacy, brings proportionally more T2D patients to HbA1c goal, and further reduces bodyweight. Acarbose/metformin FDC is well-tolerated without significant risk of hypoglycaemia and is a potentially advantageous therapy for T2D.

Clinical outcomes and costs for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating insulin therapy in Greece: two-year experience from the INSTIGATE study

AIMS

To evaluate the quality of metabolic control, clinical outcomes, resource costs, and quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who initiated insulin for the first time as part of routine clinical practice.

METHODS

The INSTIGATE study is a prospective, multicentric, observational study of patients initiating insulin treatment. This sub-cohort analysis focuses on Hellenic outcomes.

RESULTS

At baseline, 263 Greek patients were enrolled just before initiating insulin for the first time. At the 6-month visit, 237 patients (90.1%) remained and consented to an additional 18-month observation period. In these 237 extension patients, over the 24-month post-initiation period, HbA1c (mean(SD)) decreased from 9.7%(1.6%) to 7.1%(0.9%) and body weight and BMI increased (+3(6)kg and +1.1(2.2)kg/m(2), respectively). At each post-baseline visit approximately one in five patients reported ≥1 episodes of hypoglycaemia in the preceding 3-6 months. Median total costs fluctuated from 438€ at baseline to 538€ up to 6 months and 451€ at 24 months; mean costs were 496(383)€, 573(276)€ and 485(247)€, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, insulin treatment seems to be effective with little long-term impact on cost. Findings should be interpreted in the context of an observational study.

Alogliptin versus glipizide monotherapy in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with mild hyperglycaemia: a prospective, double-blind, randomized, 1-year study

AIM

To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of alogliptin versus glipizide in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over 1 year of treatment.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study of elderly T2DM patients (aged 65-90 years) with mild hyperglycaemia on diet/exercise therapy alone [glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 6.5-9.0%] or plus oral antidiabetic monotherapy (HbA1c 6.5-8.0%). Patients were randomized to once-daily alogliptin 25 mg or glipizide 5 mg titrated to 10 mg, if needed. Hypoglycaemic episodes were systematically captured under predefined criteria.

RESULTS

In the primary analysis, HbA1c mean changes from a baseline of 7.5% were -0.14% with alogliptin (n = 222) and -0.09% with glipizide (n = 219) at the end of the study, demonstrating non-inferiority of alogliptin to glipizide [least squares (LS) mean difference = -0.05%; one-sided 97.5% confidence interval (CI): -∞, 0.13%]. More clinically relevant HbA1c reductions occurred among patients who completed the study: -0.42 and -0.33% with alogliptin and glipizide, with non-inferiority again confirmed (LS mean difference = -0.09%; one-sided 97.5% CI: -∞, 0.07%). Overall, alogliptin was safe and well tolerated, with notably fewer hypoglycaemic episodes than glipizide [5.4% (31 episodes) vs. 26.0% (232 episodes), respectively]; three patients experienced severe hypoglycaemia, all with glipizide. Alogliptin also resulted in favourable weight changes versus glipizide (-0.62 vs. 0.60 kg at week 52; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Alogliptin monotherapy maintained glycaemic control comparable to that of glipizide in elderly patients with T2DM over 1 year of treatment, with substantially lower risk of hypoglycaemia and without weight gain.

Inpatient diabetes education is associated with less frequent hospital readmission among patients with poor glycemic control

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between inpatient diabetes education (IDE) and hospital readmissions in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with a discharge diagnosis of diabetes (ICD-9 code 250.x) and HbA1c>9% who were hospitalized between 2008 and 2010 were retrospectively identified. All-cause first readmissions were determined within 30 days and 180 days after discharge. IDE was conducted by a certified diabetes educator or trainee. Relationships between IDE and hospital readmission were analyzed with stepwise backward logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In all, 2,265 patients were included in the 30-day analysis and 2,069 patients were included in the 180-day analysis. Patients who received IDE had a lower frequency of readmission within 30 days than did those who did not (11 vs. 16%; P=0.0001). This relationship persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic and illness-related factors (odds ratio 0.66 [95% CI 0.51-0.85]; P=0.001). Medicaid insurance and longer stay were also independent predictors in this model. IDE was also associated with reduced readmissions within 180 days, although the relationship was attenuated. In the final 180-day model, no IDE, African American race, Medicaid or Medicare insurance, longer stay, and lower HbA1c were independently associated with increased hospital readmission. Further analysis determined that higher HbA1c was associated with lower frequency of readmission only among patients who received a diabetes education consult.

CONCLUSIONS

Formal IDE was independently associated with a lower frequency of all-cause hospital readmission within 30 days; this relationship was attenuated by 180 days. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.

A comparative study of the effects of a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor and sulfonylurea on glucose variability in patients with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycemic control on metformin

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the effects of sitagliptin on glycemic change and 24-h blood glucose variability with those of the sulfonylurea glimepiride.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A 4-week randomized double blind-labeled prospective design was used. We recruited 33 patients who had been treated with metformin for at least 2 months. Each participant prescribed with metformin was randomly assigned to either the sitagliptin (100 mg) or the glimepiride (2 mg) group. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was used to monitor glycemic changes for 3 successive days in both groups at baseline and at the 4-week follow-up. Glycemic changes and glucose variability were obtained using CGM, and these data were averaged over all subjects.

RESULTS

The comparison of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between baseline and the 4-week follow-up showed that HbA1c was significantly reduced in the sitagliptin group (7.0 ± 0.5% to 6.6 ± 0.4%, P<0.001) and the glimepiride group (7.3 ± 0.4% to 6.9 ± 0.4%, P<0.001). The sitagliptin and glimepiride groups had similar HbA1c levels after 4 weeks, and there were no significant differences between the two groups. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) decreased significantly in the sitagliptin group (4.9 ± 1.0 to 3.7 ± 0.9 mmol/L, P<0.001), but no significant difference was observed in the glimepiride group (5.7 ± 1.5 to 5.0 ± 1.4 mmol/L, P=0.175). The SD and oxidative stress markers did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

When sitagliptin was combined with metformin, the patients showed much more efficient blood glucose controlling effects, not only the three indexes of fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin, but also MAGE.

Comparison of the hypoglycemic effect of sitagliptin versus the combination of mitiglinide and voglibose in drug-naïve Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The postprandial glucose (PPG) level is reduced by α-GIs, glinides and DPP4Is through different pharmacological actions. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of sitagliptin (S) versus that of the combination of mitiglinide and voglibose (M+V) on markers of glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized cross-over trial was performed in 20 patients with drug-naïve type 2 diabetes. The patients were randomized to receive S (50 mg/day) or M+V (1 tablet 3 times daily). Treatment was continued for 8 weeks, after which they were switched to the other regimen and treated for another 8 weeks. At baseline, after the first regimen, and after the second regimen, a meal test was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The markers of glycemic control were examined.

RESULTS

Reduction of glucose excursion was significantly greater with M+V than with S. HbA1c did not change with either regimen. However, 1,5-anhydroglucitol showed a significant increase from baseline with both regimens (7.9 ± 4.3 μg/ml at baseline vs. 10.6 ± 5.5 with S, p < 0.05 and 15.1 ± 6.2 with M+V, p < 0.01). Compared with baseline, glycoalbumin was significantly reduced by M+V, but not S (19.6 ± 2.9% at baseline vs. 17.3 ± 3.8% with M+V, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

M+V achieved better control of PPG excursion than S.

Risk of cancer in diabetes: the effect of metformin

Cancer is the second cause of death. Association of diabetes as a growing and costly disease with cancer is a major health concern. Meanwhile, preexisting diabetes is associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortalities. Presence of diabetes related comorbidities, poorer response to cancer treatment, and excess mortality related to diabetes are among the most important explanations. Although diabetes appear to be a risk factor for cancer and is associated with the mortality risk in cancer patients, several factors such as diabetes duration, multiple drug therapy, and the presence of diabetes comorbidities make the assessment of the effect of diabetes treatment on cancer risk and mortality difficult. Metformin is the drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The available evidence from basic science, clinical, and population-based research supports the anticancer effect of metformin. However, randomized controlled clinical trials do not provide enough evidence for a strong protective effect of metformin on cancer incidence or mortality. One of the most important limitations of these trials is the short duration of the followup. Further long-term randomized controlled clinical trials specifically designed to determine metformin effect on cancer risk are needed to provide the best answer to this challenge.

Effectiveness of general practice based, practice nurse led telephone coaching on glycaemic control of type 2 diabetes: the Patient Engagement and Coaching for Health (PEACH) pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of goal focused telephone coaching by practice nurses in improving glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in Australia.

DESIGN

Prospective, cluster randomised controlled trial, with general practices as the unit of randomisation.

SETTING

General practices in Victoria, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

59 of 69 general practices that agreed to participate recruited sufficient patients and were randomised. Of 829 patients with type 2 diabetes (glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) >7.5% in the past 12 months) who were assessed for eligibility, 473 (236 from 30 intervention practices and 237 from 29 control practices) agreed to participate.

INTERVENTION

Practice nurses from intervention practices received two days of training in a telephone coaching programme, which aimed to deliver eight telephone and one face to face coaching episodes per patient.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end point was mean absolute change in HbA1c between baseline and 18 months in the intervention group compared with the control group.

RESULTS

The intervention and control patients were similar at baseline. None of the practices dropped out over the study period; however, patient attrition rates were 5% in each group (11/236 and 11/237 in the intervention and control group, respectively). The median number of coaching sessions received by the 236 intervention patients was 3 (interquartile range 1-5), of which 25% (58/236) did not receive any coaching sessions. At 18 months' follow-up the effect on glycaemic control did not differ significantly (mean difference 0.02, 95% confidence interval -0.20 to 0.24, P=0.84) between the intervention and control groups, adjusted for HbA1c measured at baseline and the clustering. Other biochemical and clinical outcomes were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A practice nurse led telephone coaching intervention implemented in the real world primary care setting produced comparable outcomes to usual primary care in Australia. The addition of a goal focused coaching role onto the ongoing generalist role of a practice nurse without prescribing rights was found to be ineffective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN50662837.

Effect of the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner on obesity and type 2 diabetes: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies

INTRODUCTION

Obese patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing bariatric surgery experience significant and lasting weight loss and improved glycaemic control. However, bariatric surgical procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are irreversible and associated with considerable short-term and long-term risks. The EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner or duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve (DJBS) is a fully reversible procedure that has been developed to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. We aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and efficacy of DJBS.

METHODS AND ANALYSES

A systematic review with meta-analysis (as per the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) of randomised controlled trials of the device (vs no intervention, sham and/or low-calorie diet) will be performed. Primary endpoints include change in body weight and glycated haemoglobin and safety. Secondary endpoints constitute changes in other glycaemic parameters and blood lipids and the proportion of patients discontinuing antidiabetic medication. MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and Science Citation Index will be sought electronically along with manual searches. The primary meta-analysis will use random effects models due to an expected intertrial heterogeneity. Fixed effect meta-analysis will be executed to assess the impact of small trials. Dichotomous data will be analysed using risk difference and continuous data using weighted mean differences, both with 95% CIs.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study will describe the impact of DJBS on obesity and type 2 diabetes and possibly contribute to clinical decision-making. The results of this study will be disseminated by peer-reviewed publication and scientific presentations.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42013004819.

Evidence-based clinical use of insulin premixtures

Brazil is expected to have 19.6 million patients with diabetes by the year 2030. A key concept in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is establishing individualized glycemic goals based on each patient's clinical characteristics, which impact the choice of antihyperglycemic therapy. Targets for glycemic control, including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (A1C), are often not reached solely with antihyperglycemic therapy, and insulin therapy is often required. Basal insulin is considered an initial strategy; however, premixed insulins are convenient and are equally or more effective, especially for patients who require both basal and prandial control but desire a more simplified strategy involving fewer daily injections than a basal-bolus regimen. Most physicians are reluctant to transition patients to insulin treatment due to inappropriate assumptions and insufficient information. We conducted a nonsystematic review in PubMed and identified the most relevant and recently published articles that compared the use of premixed insulin versus basal insulin analogues used alone or in combination with rapid-acting insulin analogues before meals in patients with T2DM. These studies suggest that premixed insulin analogues are equally or more effective in reducing A1C compared to basal insulin analogues alone in spite of the small increase in the risk of nonsevere hypoglycemic events and nonclinically significant weight gain. Premixed insulin analogues can be used in insulin-naïve patients, in patients already on basal insulin therapy, and those using basal-bolus therapy who are noncompliant with blood glucose self-monitoring and titration of multiple insulin doses. We additionally provide practical aspects related to titration for the specific premixed insulin analogue formulations commercially available in Brazil.

Providing information about the neurobiology of alcohol use disorders to close the 'referral to treatment gap'

Only a small proportion of the 18 million Americans who could benefit from alcohol treatment actually receive it. Disseminating information on the neurobiological base of alcohol disorders may be useful in removing the prevailing barriers to accepting a referral to alcohol treatment. Nurses, guided by a set of clinical strategies known as screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment, can be instrumental in closing this treatment gap.

Feasibility and effectiveness in clinical practice of a multifactorial intervention for the reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: the 2-year interim analysis of the MIND.IT study: a cluster randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an intensive, multifactorial cardiovascular risk reduction intervention in a clinic-based setting.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was a pragmatic, cluster randomized trial, with the diabetes clinic as the unit of randomization. Clinics were randomly assigned to either continue their usual care (n = 5) or to apply an intensive intervention aimed at the optimal control of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and hyperglycemia (n = 4). To account for clustering, mixed model regression techniques were used to compare differences in CVD risk factors and HbA1c. Analyses were performed both by intent to treat and as treated per protocol.

RESULTS

Nine clinics completed the study; 1,461 patients with type 2 diabetes and no previous cardiovascular events were enrolled. After 2 years, participants in the interventional group had significantly lower BMI, HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and significantly higher HDL cholesterol level than did the usual care group. The proportion of patients reaching the treatment goals was systematically higher in the interventional clinics (35% vs. 24% for LDL cholesterol, P = 0.1299; 93% vs. 82% for HDL cholesterol, P = 0.0005; 80% vs. 64% for triglycerides, P = 0.0002; 39% vs. 22% for HbA1c, P = 0.0259; 13% vs. 5% for blood pressure, P = 0.1638). The analysis as treated per protocol confirmed these findings, showing larger and always significant differences between the study arms for all targets.

CONCLUSIONS

A multifactorial intensive intervention in type 2 diabetes is feasible and effective in clinical practice and it is associated with significant and durable improvement in HbA1c and CVD risk profile.

Breaking down patient and physician barriers to optimize glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

Approximately half of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not achieve globally recognized blood glucose targets, despite the availability of a wide range of effective glucose-lowering therapies. Failure to maintain good glycemic control increases the risk of diabetes-related complications and long-term health care costs. Patients must be brought under glycemic control to improve treatment outcomes, but existing barriers to optimizing glycemic control must first be overcome, including patient nonadherence to treatment, the failure of physicians to intensify therapy in a timely manner, and inadequacies in the health care system itself. The reasons for such barriers include treatment side effects, complex treatment regimens, needle anxiety, poor patient education, and the absence of an adequate patient care plan; however, newer therapies and devices, combined with comprehensive care plans involving adequate patient education, can help to minimize barriers and improve treatment outcomes.

Insulin detemir in the management of type 2 diabetes in non-Western countries: safety and effectiveness data from the A₁chieve observational study

AIMS

This subgroup analysis of the A₁chieve study examined data from 15,545 people who started treatment with insulin detemir ± oral glucose-lowering drugs in routine clinical care.

METHODS

A₁chieve was a 24-week, international, prospective, non-interventional study of people with type 2 diabetes from non-Western nations starting treatment with basal insulin detemir, bolus insulin aspart or biphasic insulin aspart 30, alone or in combination, to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in routine clinical practice.

RESULTS

HbA₁c for the global cohort improved after 24 weeks from 9.5 ± 1.6% by -2.0 ± 1.6% [80 ± 17 by -22 ± 17 mmol/mol] (-2.1 ± 1.6% [-23 ± 17 mmol/mol] for insulin-naïve participants; -1.6 ± 1.7% [-17 ± 19 mmol/mol] for prior insulin users). Fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose were also significantly reduced (p<0.001), irrespective of prior therapy or geographical region. The incidence of major hypoglycaemia decreased significantly over 24 weeks in both the insulin-naïve and insulin-experienced groups (p<0.0001). Mean body weight decreased overall by -0.4 ± 4.0 kg and blood pressure, lipid profiles, and self-reported quality of life improved over 24 weeks for all people starting treatment with insulin detemir.

CONCLUSION

People with type 2 diabetes in poor glycaemic control starting treatment with insulin detemir reported significant improvements in glycaemic control with improved treatment tolerability, irrespective of prior treatment and geographical region, after 24 weeks.

One-year sustained glycemic control and weight reduction in type 2 diabetes after addition of liraglutide to metformin followed by insulin detemir according to HbA1c target

AIM

To investigate durability of efficacy and safety over 1 year of the sequence of liraglutide added to metformin followed by add-on insulin detemir if glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) remains ≥7.0%.

METHODS

Patients previously uncontrolled on metformin±sulfonylurea with HbA1c ≥7.0% after 12 weeks of adding liraglutide 1.8mg to metformin (run-in; sulfonylurea discontinued) were randomized 1:1 to 52 weeks' open-label add-on detemir (randomized treatment [RT] group; n=162) or continuation without detemir (randomized control [RC] group; n=161). Patients with HbA1c <7.0% continued 52 weeks' unchanged treatment (observational group; n=498).

RESULTS

Run-in HbA1c improvement from 8.3% to 7.6% (-0.6%) was further enhanced in the RT group (-0.50%) and maintained in the RC group (+0.01%) over 52 weeks; estimated treatment difference (ETD)[95%CI]: -0.51 [-0.70;-0.31]; P<0.0001. More RT (52%) than RC patients (22%) achieved HbA1c <7.0% at 52 weeks (P<0.0001). Run-in weight loss (-3.5kg) was maintained in the RT (-0.05kg) and enhanced in the RC group (-1.02kg) after 52 weeks; ETD [95%CI]: 0.97 [0.04;1.91]; P=0.04. No major hypoglycemia occurred; minor hypoglycemia rates were low across groups (0.034-0.228 events/patient-year).

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementing metformin+liraglutide with detemir for 52 weeks improved glycemic control with sustained weight loss and low hypoglycemia rate.

Quality of care of people with type 2 diabetes in eight European countries: findings from the Guideline Adherence to Enhance Care (GUIDANCE) study

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine levels of adherence in eight European countries to recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes and to investigate factors associated with key intermediate outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GUIDANCE was a cross-sectional study including retrospective data extraction from the medical records of people with type 2 diabetes recruited, using a shared protocol, from primary and specialist care sites in the following eight European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The dataset for analysis comprised 7,597 cases. Proportions meeting process and outcome criteria were determined, including between-country variations. Logistic regression was used to investigate potential predictors of meeting targets for HbA1c, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol.

RESULTS

In the total sample, adherence to process recommendations was high for some measures, for example, HbA1c recorded in past 12 months in 97.6% of cases. Target achievement for intermediate outcome measures was lower, with only 53.6% having HbA1c <7%. Considerable between-country variation was identified for both processes and outcomes. The following characteristics were associated with an increased likelihood of meeting targets for all three measures considered (HbA1c, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol): shorter diagnosis of diabetes; having one or more macrovascular complications; lower BMI; being prescribed lipid-lowering medication; and no current antihypertensive prescribing.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with earlier reports, we have suggested some encouraging positive trends in Europe in relation to meeting targets for the management of people with type 2 diabetes, but there is still scope for further improvement and greater between-country consistency.

Molecular mechanism of action of metformin: old or new insights?

Metformin is the first-line drug treatment for type 2 diabetes. Globally, over 100 million patients are prescribed this drug annually. Metformin was discovered before the era of target-based drug discovery and its molecular mechanism of action remains an area of vigorous diabetes research. An improvement in our understanding of metformin's molecular targets is likely to enable target-based identification of second-generation drugs with similar properties, a development that has been impossible up to now. The notion that 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) mediates the anti-hyperglycaemic action of metformin has recently been challenged by genetic loss-of-function studies, thrusting the AMPK-independent effects of the drug into the spotlight for the first time in more than a decade. Key AMPK-independent effects of the drug include the mitochondrial actions that have been known for many years and which are still thought to be the primary site of action of metformin. Coupled with recent evidence of AMPK-independent effects on the counter-regulatory hormone glucagon, new paradigms of AMPK-independent drug action are beginning to take shape. In this review we summarise the recent research developments on the molecular action of metformin.

Intensifying insulin therapy: what options are available to patients with type 2 diabetes?

The progressive nature of type 2 diabetes (T2D) requires practitioners to periodically evaluate patients and intensify therapy when glycemic targets become unattainable with their current treatment regimen. Traditional first- and second-line antidiabetic agents such as metformin and the sulfonylureas do not prevent the characteristic decline in beta-cell function associated with T2D; insulin replacement therapy can therefore quickly become a necessity in some patients. Basal insulin initiation provides an excellent platform to which rapid-acting prandial insulin doses can easily be added, potentially in a stepwise manner, as disease progresses. Premix insulin regimens are another effective intensification option following basal insulin initiation, but are most effective in insulin-naïve patients. The use of insulin in combination with modern T2D agents, such as the incretin-based therapies, has the potential to improve glycemic control while limiting insulin-associated weight gain and hypoglycemia. Further clinical data and approval are required before practitioners can fully endorse this novel approach.

Dysglycaemia in the critically ill - significance and management

Hyperglycaemia frequently occurs in the critically ill, in patients with diabetes, as well as those who were previously glucose-tolerant. The terminology 'stress hyperglycaemia' reflects the pathogenesis of the latter group, which may comprise up to 40% of critically ill patients. For comparable glucose concentrations during acute illness outcomes in stress hyperglycaemia appear to be worse than those in patients with type 2 diabetes. While several studies have evaluated the optimum glycaemic range in the critically ill, their interpretation in relation to clinical recommendations is somewhat limited, at least in part because patients with stress hyperglycaemia and known diabetes were grouped together, and the optimum glycaemic range was regarded as static, rather than dynamic, phenomenon. In addition to hyperglycaemia, there is increasing evidence that hypoglycaemia and glycaemic variability influence outcomes in the critically ill adversely. These three categories of disordered glucose metabolism can be referred to as dysglycaemia. While stress hyperglycaemia is most frequently managed by administration of short-acting insulin, guided by simple algorithms, this does not treat all dysglycaemic categories; rather the use of insulin increases the risk of hypoglycaemia and may exacerbate variability. The pathogenesis of stress hyperglycaemia is complex, but hyperglucagonaemia, relative insulin deficiency and insulin resistance appear to be important. Accordingly, novel agents that have a pathophysiological rationale and treat hyperglycaemia, but do not cause hypoglycaemia and limit glycaemic variability, are appealing. The potential use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (or its agonists) and dipeptyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors is reviewed.

What are the preferred strategies for control of glycaemic variability in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

The aim of therapy in type 2 diabetes in terms of blood glucose control is to reduce to target levels HbA1c and to reduce glycaemic variability in order to avoid both hypoglycaemia and wide excursions of postprandial glucose. The first approach to reduce glycaemic variability should consider a dietary and behavioural approach aiming to limit the glycaemic index and the glycaemic load of food and the prescription and implementation of a physical activity plan appropriate for the subject. From the pharmacological point of view, the diabetes specialist has now a much richer therapeutic armamentarium. The therapeutic algorithms can help the physician to choose the most appropriate drug. The traditional approach involves: i) metformin, acting mainly on fasting blood glucose; ii) sulphonylureas, that have shown a number of drawbacks, including the high risk of hypoglycemia; iii) pioglitazone, with a substantial effect on fasting and postprandial glucose and a low risk of hypoglycaemia; iv) insulin, that can be utilized with the basal or prandial approach. The new drugs belonging to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors have shown the reduction of postprandial glucose, a neutral effect on weight increase, a good safety profile and preliminary positive cardiovascular effects. When excess weight prevails, the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists may be the preferred choice for their effect on weight reduction, reduction of hyperinsulinism and glycaemic variability.

Use of insulin degludec, a new basal insulin with an ultra-long duration of action, in basal-bolus therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Insulin degludec is a new basal insulin analogue with an ultra-long duration of action that provides a flat and stable action profile with a duration of action greater than 42 hours. Two clinical trials comparing insulin degludec and insulin glargine in basal-bolus therapy have recently been published. Both were 52-week, multicentre, randomised (3:1), treat-to-target trials in patients already using insulin. In both type 1 (n=629) and type 2 diabetes (n=1006), insulin degludec was non-inferior to insulin glargine with respect to reduction in HbA1c at 52 weeks. There were also no significant differences between treatment groups with respect to fasting plasma glucose. At similar levels of glycaemic control, however, insulin degludec was associated with lower rates of hypoglycaemia than insulin glargine. In type 1 diabetes, overall confirmed hypoglycaemia (plasma glucose concentration<3.1 mmol/L or severe episodes requiring assistance) was similar in the two treatment groups, but nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia (occurring from 00h01 to 05h59) was 25% lower with insulin degludec (P=0.021). In type 2 diabetes, overall confirmed hypoglycaemia was 18% lower (P=0.0359) and nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia was 25% lower (P=0.0399) with insulin degludec. Reductions in hypoglycaemia could reduce physicians' and patients' fears and encourage them to titrate insulin more aggressively, and to adhere more closely to treatment, with consequent better glycaemic control. The results of these trials suggest that insulin degludec has a place in the French clinical setting in basal-bolus therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass: the Italian experience: outcomes from 974 consecutive cases in a multicenter review

BACKGROUND

Due to the failure of the "old Mason loop," the mini-gastric bypass (MGB) has been viewed with skepticism. During the past 12 years, a growing number of authors from around the world have continued to report excellent short- and long-term results with MGB.

METHODS

One university center, three regional hospitals, and two private hospitals participated in this study. From July 2006 to December 2012, 475 men (48.8 %) and 499 women (51.2 %) underwent 974 laparoscopic MGBs. The mean age of these patients was 39.4, and their preoperative body mass index was 48 ± 4.58 kg/m(2). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affected 224 (22.9 %) of the 974 patients, whereas 291 of the 974 patients (29.8 %) presented with hypertension. The preoperative gastrointestinal status was explored in all the patients through esophagogastroduodenoscopia. The major end points of the study were definitions of both MGB safety and efficacy in the long term as well as the endoscopic changes in symptomatic patients eventually produced by surgery.

RESULTS

The rate of conversion to open surgery was 1.2 % (12/974), and the mortality rate was 0.2 % (2/974). The perioperative morbidity rate was 5.5 % (54/974), with 20 (2 %) of the 974 patients requiring an early surgical revision. The mean hospital length of stay was 4.0 ± 1.7 days. At this writing, 818 patients are being followed up. Late complications have affected 74 (9 %) of the 818 patients. The majority of these complications (66/74, 89.1 %) have occurred within 1 year after surgery. Bile reflux gastritis was symptomatic, with endoscopic findings reported for 8 (0.9 %) and acid peptic ulcers for 14 (1.7 %) of the 818 patients. A late revision surgery was required for 7 (0.8 %) of the 818 patients. No patient required revision surgery due to biliary gastritis. At 60 months, the percentage of excess weight loss was 77 ± 5.1 %, the T2DM remission was 84.4 %, and the resolution of hypertension was 87.5 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite initial skepticism, this study, together with many other large-scale, long-term similar studies from around the world (e.g., Taiwan, United States, France, Spain, India, Lebanon) demonstrated the MGB to be a short, simple, low-risk, effective, and durable bariatric procedure.

Physiologic and weight-focused treatment strategies for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus: the metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, and insulin (MGI) approach

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising in association with an increase in obesity rates. Current treatment options for patients with T2DM include lifestyle modifications and numerous antidiabetic medications. Despite the availability of effective and well-tolerated treatments, many patients do not achieve recommended glycemic targets. Lack of efficacy is complicated by the wide range of available agents and little specificity in treatment guidelines, thus challenging clinicians to understand the relative benefits and risks of individual options for each patient. In this article, lifestyle intervention strategies and current antidiabetic agents are evaluated for their efficacy, safety, and weight-loss potential. Because of the heterogeneous and progressive nature of T2DM, physicians should advocate approaches that emphasize weight management, limit the risk of hypoglycemia and adverse events, and focus on the core pathophysiologic defects in patients with T2DM. A healthy, plant-based diet that is low in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates but high in whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits, coupled with resistance and aerobic exercise regimens, are recommended for patients with T2DM. When necessary, drug intervention, described in this article as the MGI (metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, and insulin) approach, should begin with metformin and progress to the early addition of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists because of their weight loss potential and ability to target multiple pathophysiologic defects in patients with T2DM. For most patients, treatments that induce weight gain and hypoglycemia should be avoided. Long-acting insulin should be initiated if glycemic control is not achieved with metformin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist combination therapy, focusing on long-acting insulin analogs that induce the least weight gain and have the lowest hypoglycemic risk. Ultimately, a patient-centered treatment approach that addresses the core pathologies of T2DM and obesity will not only increase overall efficacy and the likelihood that a patient adheres to treatment, but may also improve a patient's mental well-being and quality of life.

Efficacy and safety of combination therapy with vildagliptin and metformin versus metformin up-titration in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study design and rationale of the vision study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Limitations of the currently recommended stepwise treatment pathway for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially the failure of monotherapies to maintain good glycemic control, have prompted use of early, more aggressive combination therapies.The VISION study is designed to explore the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin as an add-on to metformin therapy compared with up-titration of metformin monotherapy in Chinese patients with T2DM.

METHODS

VISION, a 24-week, phase 4, prospective, randomized, multicenter, open-label, parallel-group study, will include 3312 Chinese T2DM patients aged ≥18 years who are inadequately controlled (6.5% >HbA1c ≤9%) by metformin (750-1000 mg/day). Eligible patients will be randomized to receive either vildagliptin plus metformin or up-titration of metformin monotherapy (5:1). Patients will also be subgrouped (1:1:1:1) based on their age and body mass index (BMI): <60 years and <24 kg/m²; <60 years and ≥24 kg/m²; ≥60 years and <24 kg/m²; and ≥60 years and ≥24 kg/m².

CONCLUSION

The VISION study will test the hypothesis that early use of combination therapy with vildagliptin and metformin will provide good glycemic control and will be better tolerated than up-titration of metformin monotherapy. The study will also correlate these benefits with age and BMI.

Metformin therapy and kidney disease: a review of guidelines and proposals for metformin withdrawal around the world

OBJECTIVE

We compared and contrasted guidelines on metformin treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) around the world, with the aim of helping physicians to refine their analysis of the available evidence before deciding whether to continue or withdraw this drug.

METHODS

We performed a systematic research for metformin contraindications in: (i) official documents from the world's 20 most populated countries and the 20 most scientifically productive countries in the field of diabetology and (ii) publications referenced in electronic databases from 1990 onwards.

RESULTS

We identified three international guidelines, 31 national guidelines, and 20 proposals in the scientific literature. The criteria for metformin withdrawal were (i) mainly qualitative in the most populated countries; (ii) mainly quantitative in the most scientifically productive countries (with, in all cases, a suggested threshold for withdrawing metformin); and (iii) quantitative in all, but one of the literature proposals, with a threshold for withdrawal in most cases (n = 17) and/or adjustment of the metformin dose as a function of renal status (n = 8). There was a good degree of consensus on serum creatinine thresholds; whereas guidelines based on estimated glomerular filtration rate thresholds varied from 60 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) up to stage 5 CKD. Only one of the proposals has been tested in a prospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, proposals for continuing or stopping metformin therapy in CKD involve a threshold (whether based on serum creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate) rather than the dose adjustment as a function of renal status (in stable patients) performed for other drugs excreted by the kidney.

[Insulin therapy of diabetes]

Hyperglycemia contributes to morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Thus, reaching treatment targets with regard to control of glycemia is a central goal in the therapy of diabetic patients. The present article represents the recommendations of the Austrian Diabetes Association for the practical use of insulin according to current scientific evidence and clinical studies.

Miniature short hairpin RNA screens to characterize antiproliferative drugs

The application of new proteomics and genomics technologies support a view in which few drugs act solely by inhibiting a single cellular target. Indeed, drug activity is modulated by complex, often incompletely understood cellular mechanisms. Therefore, efforts to decipher mode of action through genetic perturbation such as RNAi typically yields "hits" that fall into several categories. Of particular interest to the present study, we aimed to characterize secondary activities of drugs on cells. Inhibiting a known target can result in clinically relevant synthetic phenotypes. In one scenario, drug perturbation could, for example, improperly activate a protein that normally inhibits a particular kinase. In other cases, additional, lower affinity targets can be inhibited as in the example of inhibition of c-Kit observed in Bcr-Abl-positive cells treated with Gleevec. Drug transport and metabolism also play an important role in the way any chemicals act within the cells. Finally, RNAi per se can also affect cell fitness by more general off-target effects, e.g., via the modulation of apoptosis or DNA damage repair. Regardless of the root cause of these unwanted effects, understanding the scope of a drug's activity and polypharmacology is essential for better understanding its mechanism(s) of action, and such information can guide development of improved therapies. We describe a rapid, cost-effective approach to characterize primary and secondary effects of small-molecules by using small-scale libraries of virally integrated short hairpin RNAs. We demonstrate this principle using a "minipool" composed of shRNAs that target the genes encoding the reported protein targets of approved drugs. Among the 28 known reported drug-target pairs, we successfully identify 40% of the targets described in the literature and uncover several unanticipated drug-target interactions based on drug-induced synthetic lethality. We provide a detailed protocol for performing such screens and for analyzing the data. This cost-effective approach to mammalian knockdown screens, combined with the increasing maturation of RNAi technology will expand the accessibility of similar approaches in academic settings.

Prescribing pattern of glucose lowering drugs in the United Kingdom in the last decade: a focus on the effects of safety warnings about rosiglitazone

AIM

In the last decade, new glucose lowering drugs (GLDs) have been launched, and also several warnings regarding their safety. The cardiovascular safety of thiazolidinediones (TZD) has been questioned. We analyzed the prescription pattern of GLDs from 2000 to November 2009 in the United Kingdom (UK) using the THIN database with special focus on the effects of the safety warnings about rosiglitazone issued in May 2007 and January 2008.

METHODS

Annual prevalence and incidence of GLD prescriptions were measured. For TZD, the monthly prevalence and incidence of prescription were calculated from May 2006 to January 2009. The switching pattern around the FDA alert and the characteristics of subjects starting treatment with TZD before and after the alerts were observed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of prescriptions of GLDs increased during the 10 year period, metformin increasing more than three times. Rosiglitazone prevalence showed an increased trend until May 2007, (2.3/1000 person-years) and decreased thereafter (January 2009: 1.1/1000 person-years). The use of pioglitazone increased surpassing rosiglitazone from April 2008 onwards. The incidence of rosiglitazone use decreased sharply after May 2007 (0.8/1000 person-years). The prevalence of use of other therapies remained rather stable from 2000 to 2007 but increased afterwards. After May 2007, rosiglitazone users were increasingly switched to pioglitazone. There was an increased proportion of new users of pioglitazone with cardiovascular risk after the alerts.

CONCLUSIONS

The prescription of GLDs in the UK has increased in the last decade. For TZDs, it changed after May 2007 as well as the characteristics of the subjects treated with them.

Learning theories reveal loss of pancreatic electrical connectivity in diabetes as an adaptive response

Cells of almost all solid tissues are connected with gap junctions which permit the direct transfer of ions and small molecules, integral to regulating coordinated function in the tissue. The pancreatic islets of Langerhans are responsible for secreting the hormone insulin in response to glucose stimulation. Gap junctions are the only electrical contacts between the beta-cells in the tissue of these excitable islets. It is generally believed that they are responsible for synchrony of the membrane voltage oscillations among beta-cells, and thereby pulsatility of insulin secretion. Most attempts to understand connectivity in islets are often interpreted, bottom-up, in terms of measurements of gap junctional conductance. This does not, however, explain systematic changes, such as a diminished junctional conductance in type 2 diabetes. We attempt to address this deficit via the model presented here, which is a learning theory of gap junctional adaptation derived with analogy to neural systems. Here, gap junctions are modelled as bonds in a beta-cell network, that are altered according to homeostatic rules of plasticity. Our analysis reveals that it is nearly impossible to view gap junctions as homogeneous across a tissue. A modified view that accommodates heterogeneity of junction strengths in the islet can explain why, for example, a loss of gap junction conductance in diabetes is necessary for an increase in plasma insulin levels following hyperglycemia.

Exploring insulin analogue safety and effectiveness in a Maghrebian cohort with type 2 diabetes: results from the A₁chieve study

AIM

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of insulin analogues in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia that formed the Maghrebian cohort of the 24-week, non-interventional A₁chieve study.

METHODS

Patients starting biphasic insulin aspart, insulin detemir and insulin aspart, alone or in combination, were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of serious adverse drug reactions (SADRs), including major hypoglycaemic events. Secondary outcomes included hypoglycaemia, glycated haemoglobin A₁c (HbA₁c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and lipids. Quality of life (QoL) was evaluated using the EQ-5D questionnaire.

RESULTS

Overall, 3720 patients with a mean age of 58.6 years, body mass index of 27.7 kg/m(2) and diabetes duration of 11.5 years were enrolled. Pre-study, insulin-experienced patients had a mean ± SD dose of 0.54 ± 0.27 U/kg. In the entire cohort, the mean dose was 0.42 ± 0.27 U/kg at baseline, titrated to 0.55 ± 0.30 U/kg by Week 24. Twenty-six SADRs were reported during the study. There was a significant decrease in the proportion of patients reporting overall hypoglycaemia from baseline to Week 24 (18.3% to 13.8%, p < 0.0001). The mean HbA₁c improved significantly from 9.5 ± 1.8% to 7.9 ± 1.4% (p < 0.001). The mean FPG, PPPG, SBP, total cholesterol and QoL also improved significantly (all p < 0.001), while the mean body weight increased by 0.9 ± 3.9 kg (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Insulin analogue therapy was well-tolerated and was associated with improved glycaemic control.

Evaluation of insulin initiation on resource utilization and direct costs of treatment over 12 months in patients with type 2 diabetes in Europe: results from INSTIGATE and TREAT observational studies

OBJECTIVES

To describe the changes in resource utilization in seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Spain, and Turkey) and direct costs in four European countries (Germany, Spain, Sweden, and Greece) over the first 12 months of insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

INSTIGATE and TREAT (2005-2010) were non-interventional, prospective, observational studies in patients with T2DM and initiating insulin for the first time. A 6-month retrospective data capture was conducted at baseline (insulin initiation) followed by prospective data collections at ∼3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analyses were descriptive; estimated costs are presented as nominal values.

RESULTS

This study presents data for 1450 patients. Overall, in the first 6 months after insulin initiation, the use and cost of blood glucose monitoring and insulin increased, while the cost of oral diabetic medication decreased. Contributors to total direct costs differed between countries. Ranges of total mean direct costs over the 6-month period before insulin initiation were €489.10-€658.50 (Greece-Spain); 0-6 months after insulin initiation, €573.40-€1084.70 (Greece-Spain); and 6-12 months after insulin initiation, €495.80-€859.30 (Greece-Germany). Thus, the mean cost of treatment increased in all countries in the first 6 months after insulin initiation and then returned to baseline except in Germany.

LIMITATIONS

Overall, 15% of patients were lost to follow-up over 12 months. Costs were not pro-rated to account for variation of visits. Participating centres may not have been fully representative of all levels of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Contributors to total cost differed between countries, potentially reflecting local clinical practice patterns and insulin regimens. In each country, mean direct total costs of T2DM care increased during the first 6 months after insulin initiation and decreased thereafter.

Effect of insulin degludec versus sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on oral antidiabetic agents

AIM

The efficacy and safety of insulin degludec (IDeg), a new basal insulin with an ultra-long duration of action, was compared to sitagliptin (Sita) in a 26-week, open-label trial.

METHODS

Insulin-naïve subjects with type 2 diabetes [n = 458, age: 56 years, diabetes duration: 7.7 years, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c): 8.9% (74 mmol/mol)] were randomized (1 : 1) to once-daily IDeg or Sita (100 mg orally) as add-on to stable treatment with 1 or 2 oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs).

RESULTS

Superiority of IDeg to Sita in improving HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was confirmed [estimated treatment difference (ETD) IDeg-Sita for HbA1c: -0.43%-points [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.61; -0.24, p < 0.0001] and for FPG: -2.17 mmol/l (95% CI: -2.59; -1.74, p < 0.0001)]. HbA1c < 7% (<53 mmol/mol) was achieved by 41% (IDeg) versus 28% (Sita) of patients, estimated odds ratio IDeg/Sita: 1.60 (95% CI: 1.04; 2.47, p = 0.034). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia between IDeg and Sita [0.52 vs. 0.30 episodes/patient-year, estimated rate ratio (ERR): IDeg/Sita: 1.93 (95% CI: 0.90; 4.10, p = 0.09)]. Rates of overall confirmed hypoglycaemia were higher with IDeg than with Sita [3.1 vs. 1.3 episodes/patient-year, ERR IDeg/Sita: 3.81 (95% CI: 2.40; 6.05, p < 0.0001)]. IDeg was associated with a greater change in body weight than Sita [ETD IDeg-Sita: 2.75 kg (95% CI: 1.97; 3.54, p < 0.0001)]. The overall rates of adverse events were low and similar for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients unable to achieve good glycaemic control on OAD(s), treatment intensification with IDeg offers an effective, well-tolerated alternative to the addition of a second or third OAD.

Safety and effectiveness of insulin analogues in Moroccan patients with type 2 diabetes: a sub-analysis of the A₁chieve study

AIM

To determine the safety and effectiveness of insulin analogues in the Moroccan cohort of the prospective, multinational, non-interventional, 24-week A₁chieve study.

METHODS

Moroccan patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) starting biphasic insulin aspart 30, insulin detemir, and insulin aspart alone or in combination were included. The primary outcome was the evaluation of serious adverse drug reactions including major hypoglycaemic events. Secondary outcomes were changes in hypoglycaemic events, glycaemic parameters (HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose [FPG], postprandial plasma glucose [PPPG]), systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and lipid profile. Quality of life (QoL) was evaluated using the EQ-5D questionnaire.

RESULTS

In this analysis, 1641 patients (923 insulin-naive, 718 insulin-experienced) having a mean age 57.1 years, mean BMI 26.8 kg/m(2) and mean diabetes duration 10.3 years, were included. Baseline HbA1c in the entire cohort was poor (9.7%, 83 mmol/mol). Insulin analogues statistically significantly improved glucose control (HbA1c, FPG and PPPG, p < 0.001) at Week 24. The rate of hypoglycaemia decreased from 9.31 to 4.71 events/patient-year (change in proportion of patients affected, p = 0.0002). A statistically significant improvement in lipid parameters (except HDL cholesterol) was observed while body weight changed minimally. Additionally, QoL was positively impacted (mean change in visual analogue scores from EQ-5D was 15.8 points, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin analogue therapy resulted in improved glycaemic control and a significant overall decrease in hypoglycaemia in Moroccan T2D patients.

Correlates of health-related quality of life in French people with type 2 diabetes

AIM

Diabetes is known to impair health-related quality of life (HrQol). Our aim was to analyse a comprehensive set of potential determinants of HrQol in a large sample of patients with diabetes.

METHODS

This study is based on the ENTRED 2007 study, a representative sample of adults (18 years and older) with diabetes. Data were extracted from postal self-reported questionnaires (from patients and medical practitioners) and from reimbursements from the National health insurance data system. HrQol was assessed with the MOS SF-12 for mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component summaries. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse the variables associated with HrQol.

RESULTS

SF-12 MCS and PCS were available in 2832 patients with T2DM, with a mean age 64 years (1715 males, 56%). Lower income, severe hypoglycaemic episodes, hospitalisation ≥24 h, instrumental daily living (IADL) restriction, low satisfaction for social support and an HbA1c within the 8.1-10.0% range were associated with lower MCS rating, whereas an older age and male gender were associated with higher MCS. Older age, female sex, higher BMI, lower income, insulin treatment, macrovascular complications, severe hypoglycaemic episodes, hospitalisation ≥24 h, and IADL restriction were associated with lower PCS values whereas having no need for social support was associated with higher PCS values.

DISCUSSION

HrQol associated factors are multiple but mainly linked with socio-demographic factors, diabetes complications and satisfaction for social support. A patient centred approach should be tested to prevent impairment of HrQol and thus to decrease the burden of diabetes. Assessment of social support should be included.

Safety and effectiveness of insulin analogues in type 2 diabetic patients from Algeria: a sub-analysis of the A₁chieve study

AIM

To determine the safety and effectiveness of insulin analogues in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in the Algerian cohort of the A₁chieve study and to examine the status of T2D management across different regions in Algeria.

METHODS

Patients starting therapy with biphasic insulin aspart 30, insulin detemir, insulin aspart (IAsp) or IAsp + basal insulin at their physicians' decision were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of serious adverse drug reactions (SADRs), including major hypoglycaemia. Secondary outcomes included changes from baseline to Week 24 in hypoglycaemia, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG), weight and quality of life (QoL, evaluated using the EQ-5D questionnaire).

RESULTS

Overall, 1494 patients (mean ± SD age: 60.1 ± 10.3 years; body mass index: 28.1 ± 4.9 kg/m(2); HbA1c: 9.2 ± 1.8%) were enrolled. Poor baseline glucose control was revealed across the different Algerian regions with mean HbA1c varying from 8.9% to 9.6%. Two SADRs were reported during the study. The proportion of patients reporting major hypoglycaemic events decreased from 1.1% at baseline to 0.2% at Week 24 (p = 0.0017). Significant improvements in mean HbA1c (-1.3 ± 2.0%), FPG (-38.8 ± 79.9 mg/dL) and post-breakfast PPPG (-51.4 ± 97.1 mg/dL) were observed in the entire cohort (all p < 0.001). The mean body weight increased by 0.9 ± 3.8 kg, while QoL increased by 9.2 ± 16.7 points after 24 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin analogue therapy was well-tolerated and significantly improved blood glucose control over 24 weeks in the Algerian cohort.