6. Obesity Management for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Loss of skeletal muscle mass and its predictors in type 2 diabetes patients under a multifaceted treatment approach

Background

Weight loss, which is an effective method for reducing visceral fat, may cause a concomitant loss of skeletal muscle mass. The aim of this study was to elucidate the changes in visceral fat and skeletal muscle mass in response to diabetes treatment including weight control.

Methods

For 6 months we observed the changes in the body compositions of 72 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent multifaceted treatment including educational hospitalization. Visceral fat area (VFA) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance method and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively.

Results

During the follow-up period, VFA reduced significantly whereas the average ASM did not change. Changes in ASM were strongly positively associated with changes in body weight (r = 0.50). Additionally, in an analysis of covariance, an above-median BMI (27 kg/m²) and above-median VFA (110 cm²) at baseline were found to be independent predictors of ASM reduction prevention. Of the 55 patients who lost weight, those who had a baseline VFA of ≥110 cm² had significantly greater reductions in VFA than those with a baseline VFA of <110 cm² (p < 0.01). ASM reduced significantly in patients with a VFA of <110 cm² (p < 0.01), but not in those with a VFA of ≥110 cm² (p = 0.98).

Conclusions

Baseline accumulation of visceral fat may predict a preferential reduction of visceral fat rather than skeletal muscle during weight control programs in type 2 diabetes patients.

Increased sclerostin and bone turnover after diet-induced weight loss in type 2 diabetes: a post hoc analysis of the MADIAB trial

BACKGROUND

Sclerostin has been directly related to bone turnover increase in dietary-induced weight loss in non-diabetics. This has not been studied in type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by increased circulating sclerostin and impaired bone turnover.

PURPOSE

To study the effect of dietary weight loss and quality of the dietary intervention on changes of sclerostin and bone turnover markers in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This was a post-hoc analysis of the MADIAB trial, a 21-day randomized controlled trial on overweight/obese type 2 diabetes patients. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to the Ma-Pi2 macrobiotic diet or a control diet based on dietary guidelines for type 2 diabetes. Serum sclerostin and circulating markers of bone resorption and formation (P1NP) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 40 subjects (1:1) at baseline and after 21 days treatment.

RESULTS

Both Ma-Pi2 and the control diet groups had significant decreases in body weight (6.0 ± 0.2 vs. 3.2 ± 0.1 %, p < 0.001). Sclerostin increased significantly in the two groups (all p < 0.001) but Ma-Pi2 diet group experienced a greater increase in sclerostin (34.5 vs. 15 %; p = 0.024). Serum circulating markers of bone resorption increased in the two groups (all p < 0.001); circulating markers of bone resorption at the end of the treatment tended to be higher in Ma-Pi2 diet than the control diet group (p = 0.06). P1NP did not change significantly in the two group compared to baseline. Sclerostin changes were related to body mass index reduction (r = -0.37; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Diet-induced weight loss may induce significant and rapid changes in bone turnover and sclerostin levels. These changes may further impair bone health in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Insulin, IGF-1, and GH Receptors Are Altered in an Adipose Tissue Depot-Specific Manner in Male Mice With Modified GH Action

Growth hormone (GH) is a determinant of glucose homeostasis and adipose tissue (AT) function. Using 7-month-old transgenic mice expressing the bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene and growth hormone receptor knockout (GHR-/-) mice, we examined whether changes in GH action affect glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tolerance and AT expression of proteins involved in the interrelated signaling pathways of GH, insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and insulin. Furthermore, we searched for AT depot-specific differences in control mice. Glycated hemoglobin levels were reduced in bGH and GHR-/- mice, and bGH mice displayed impaired gluconeogenesis as judged by pyruvate tolerance testing. Serum IGF-1 was elevated by 90% in bGH mice, whereas IGF-1 and insulin were reduced by 97% and 61% in GHR-/- mice, respectively. Igf1 RNA was increased in subcutaneous, epididymal, retroperitoneal, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) depots in bGH mice (mean increase ± standard error of the mean in all five depots, 153% ± 27%) and decreased in all depots in GHR-/- mice (mean decrease, 62% ± 4%). IGF-1 receptor expression was decreased in all AT depots of bGH mice (mean decrease, 49% ± 6%) and increased in all AT depots of GHR-/- mice (mean increase, 94% ± 8%). Insulin receptor expression was reduced in retroperitoneal, mesenteric, and BAT depots in bGH mice (mean decrease in all depots, 56% ± 4%) and augmented in subcutaneous, retroperitoneal, mesenteric, and BAT depots in GHR-/- mice (mean increase: 51% ± 1%). Collectively, our findings indicate a role for GH in influencing hormone signaling in AT in a depot-dependent manner.

A comparison of antenatal classifications of 'overweight' and 'obesity' prevalence between white British, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi pregnant women in England; analysis of retrospective data

BACKGROUND

Maternal obesity increases women's risk of poor birth outcomes, and statistics show that Pakistani and Bangladeshi women (who are born or settled) in the UK experience higher rates of perinatal mortality and congenital anomalies than white British or white Other women. This study compares the prevalence of maternal obesity in Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and white British women using standard and Asian-specific BMI metrics.

METHOD

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis using routinely recorded secondary data in Ciconia Maternity information System (CMiS), between 2008 and 2013. Mothers (n = 15,205) whose ethnicity was recorded as white British, Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Indian. Adjusted standardised residuals and Pearson Chi-square.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Percentage of mothers stratified by ethnicity (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and white British) who are classified as overweight or obese using standard and revised World Health Organisation BMI thresholds.

RESULTS

Compared to standard BMI thresholds, using the revised BMI threshold resulted in a higher prevalence of obesity: 22.8% of Indian and 24.3% of Bangladeshi and 32.3% of Pakistani women. Pearson Chi-square confirmed that significantly more Pakistani women were classified as 'obese' compared with white British, Indian or Bangladeshi women (χ 2  = 499,88 df = 9, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There are differences in the prevalence of obese and overweight women stratified by maternal ethnicity of white British, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi. Using revised anthropometric measures in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women has clinical implications for identifying risks associated with obesity and increased complications in pregnancy.

Evaluation of the Short-Term Cost-Effectiveness of IDegLira Versus Continued Up-Titration of Insulin Glargine U100 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the USA

Introduction

Effective glycemic control can reduce the risk of complications and their related costs in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, many patients fail to reach glycemic targets, often because of adverse effects of treatment (including hypoglycemia or weight gain). The present analysis evaluated the short-term cost-effectiveness of IDegLira versus continued up-titration of insulin glargine U100 in patients with T2DM failing to achieve glycemic control on basal insulin in the US setting.

Methods

The cost per patient achieving treatment target (cost of control) was assessed for various single and composite endpoints for the entire trial population and in patients with baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >8.0% and HbA1c >9.0%. The proportions of patients achieving treatment targets were analyzed using data obtained in the DUAL V study. Costs were accounted based on published wholesale acquisition costs.

Results

When assessing the full trial population, IDegLira was associated with lower annual cost of control than continued up-titration of insulin glargine U100 for patients achieving HbA1c ≤6.5% without confirmed hypoglycemia (by $10,608), HbA1c ≤6.5% without weight gain (by $29,215), and HbA1c ≤6.5% without confirmed hypoglycemia and weight gain (by $57,351). A similar pattern was observed when multifactorial treatment targets were based on achieving a glycemic target of 7.0%. When only HbA1c was considered, IDegLira was associated with a lower cost per patient achieving HbA1c ≤6.5% (by $3306) but cost of control was equivalent for a target of HbA1c <7.0%. In patients with baseline HbA1c >8.0% and HbA1c >9.0%, IDegLira was associated with a lower cost of control for all treatment targets.

Conclusion

The significantly greater clinical efficacy in terms of bringing patients to treatment targets identified in the DUAL V study results in lower cost of control values for IDegLira versus continued up-titration of insulin glargine U100 in the USA. This suggests IDegLira is a cost-effective treatment option in the USA.

Funding

Novo Nordisk A/S and Novo Nordisk Inc.

Should bariatric surgery be performed in adolescents?

Adolescent obesity has markedly increased worldwide in both its extent and prevalence in recent decades and obesity prevention strategies are failing. As a result, effective treatment strategies are urgently needed. As behavioral and pharmacological treatment approaches have only moderate effects in severe obesity, bariatric surgery has begun to emerge as a treatment option. In this debate article, we offer arguments opposing and supporting bariatric surgery in the treatment of severe obesity in adolescents. Bariatric surgery has superior therapeutic outcomes with respect to weight loss and resolution of comorbid diseases over other existing treatments. However, long-term outcomes after bariatric surgery in adolescents are only just beginning to emerge. Furthermore, the procedures are generally considered irreversible, apart from gastric banding. Most importantly, not all adolescents seem to benefit greatly from bariatric surgery and we are not yet able to reliably identify those who stand to gain the greatest benefit. The authors agree that adolescent bariatric surgery should be offered exclusively within formal adolescent obesity programs, delivered by specialist multidisciplinary child/adolescent obesity teams, and within specialist centers, in order to optimize outcomes and minimize potential detrimental effects. Patients and their family/carers must be educated regarding the benefits and risks, potential side effects, expected changes in eating behavior and the lifelong requirement for regular medical follow-up after surgery. Before embarking upon a surgical treatment pathway in adolescents with severe obesity, it may also be beneficial to ensure compliance to treatment is demonstrated, in order to minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies and associated potential complications.

Gene expression signature: a powerful approach for drug discovery in diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing in prevalence at an alarming rate around the world. Much effort has gone into the discovery and design of antidiabetic drugs; however, those already available are unable to combat the underlying causes of the disease and instead only moderate the symptoms. The reason for this is that T2D is a complex disease, and attempts to target one biological pathway are insufficient to combat the full extent of the disease. Additionally, the underlying pathophysiology of this disease is yet to be fully elucidated making it difficult to design drugs that target the mechanisms involved. Therefore, the approach of designing new drugs aimed at a specific molecular target is not optimal and a more expansive, unbiased approach is required. In this review, we will look at the current state of diabetes treatments and how these target the disease symptoms but are unable to combat the underlying causes. We will also review how the technique of gene expression signatures (GESs) has been used successfully for other complex diseases and how this may be applied as a powerful tool for the discovery of new drugs for T2D.

Medical Care Costs Associated With Long-term Weight Maintenance Versus Weight Gain Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Weight loss is recommended for overweight patients with diabetes but avoidance of weight gain may be a more realistic goal. We calculated the 4-year economic impact of maintaining body weight versus gaining weight.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Among 8,154 patients with type 2 diabetes, we calculated weight change as the difference between the first body weight measure in 2010 and the last measure in 2013 and calculated mean glycated hemoglobin (A1C) from all measurements from 2010 to 2013. We created four analysis groups: weight change <5% and A1C <7%; weight gain ≥5% and A1C <7%; weight change <5% and A1C ≥7%; and weight gain ≥5% and A1C ≥7%. We compared change in medical costs between 2010 and 2013, adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Patients who maintained weight within 5% of baseline experienced a reduction in costs of about $400 regardless of A1C. In contrast, patients who gained ≥5% of baseline weight and had mean A1C ≥7% had an increase in costs of $1,473 (P < 0.001). Those who gained >5% of their baseline weight with mean A1C <7% had a modest increase in costs ($387, NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who gained at least 5% of their baseline body weight and did not maintain A1C <7% over 4 years experienced a 14% increase in medical costs, whereas those who maintained good glycemic control had a mean cost increase of 3.3%. However, patients who maintained weight within 5% of baseline had costs that were ∼5% lower than baseline. Avoidance of weight gain may reduce costs in the long-term.

Amentoflavone protects against high fat-induced metabolic dysfunction: Possible role of the regulation of adipogenic differentiation

In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of amentoflavone (AMF) against high-fat (HF) diet-induced metabolic dysfunction and focused on the influence of AMF on adipogenic differentiation during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were fed a HF diet or a HF diet with AMF (10 or 50 mg/kg). We found that AMF protected against HF diet-induced metabolic dysfunction in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by a decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels, fasting insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), as well as by a decrease in the glucose level, as shown by the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test. Moreover, the results revealed that AMF significantly inhibited the increase in body weight, the weight of perirenal adipose tissues and the serum triglyceride (TG) content of the rats fed the HF diet in a dose-dependent manner. AMF also inhibited the accumulation of oil droplets in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. The incubation of the cells with AMF for 0–8, 0–2, 2–4, or 4–8 days markedly inhibited adipogenesis. During the early phase of the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, AMF decreased CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) β expression in a concentration-dependent manner, leading to the inhibition of mitotic clonal expansion (MCE). Moreover, our results demonstrated that AMF significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the cells and the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), markedly attenuated the inhibitory effects of AMF on adipogenesis. AMF also inhibited the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and C/EBPα and the expression of downstream targets in a concentration-dependent manner. The overexpression of PPARγ and C/EBPα (by transfection with respective overexpression plasmids) attentuated the inhibitory effects of AMF on the formation of oil droplets. The inhibitory effects of AMF on adipocyte differentiation may contribute to its protective effects against HF diet-induced metabolic dysfunction. Overall, the data in our study provide novel insight into the mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of AMF against HF diet-induced metabolic dysfunction and those for its inhibitory effect on adipocyte differentiation.

Mechanisms underpinning remission of albuminuria following bariatric surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Albuminuria is a biomarker of renal injury commonly used to monitor progression of diabetic kidney disease. The appearance of excess albumin in the urine reflects alterations in the structure and permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier. The present article summarizes the clinical evidence base for remission of albuminuria after bariatric surgery. It furthermore focuses on how beneficial impacts on glomerular podocyte structure and function may explain this phenomenon.

RECENT FINDINGS

A coherent clinical evidence base is emerging demonstrating remission of albuminuria following bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and diabetes. The impaired metabolic milieu in diabetic kidney disease drives podocyte dedifferentiation and death through glucotoxic, lipotoxic proinflammatory, and pressure-related stress. Improvements in these parameters after surgery correlate with improvements in albuminuria and preclinical studies provide mechanistic data that support the existence of cause-effect relationship.

SUMMARY

The benefits of bariatric surgery extend beyond weight loss in diabetes to encompass beneficial effects on diabetic renal injury. Attenuation of the toxic metabolic milieu that the podocyte is exposed to postbariatric surgery suggests that the restitution of podocyte health is a key cellular event underpinning remission of albuminuria.

Current status of managing diabetes mellitus in Korea

Diabetes mellitus is an increasing global health problem. Guidelines for diabetic care recommend management of lifestyle and risk factors (glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol), as well as regular screening for complications associated with treatment of the conditions related to diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes increased from 8.6% to 11.0% from 2001 to 2013. According to the diabetes fact sheet 2015, the proportion of patients with diabetes treated with antihypertensive medications increased from 56.0% to 62.5% from 2006 to 2013, and 49.5% of those with diabetes were being treated with lipid-lowering medications in 2013, a 1.8-fold increase since 2006. According to the 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 45.6% of patients with diabetes achieved a hemoglobin A1c level of < 7.0%, 72.8% achieved a blood pressure of < 140/85 mmHg, and 58.0% achieved a low density lipoprotein cholesterol level of < 100 mg/dL. Only 19.7% of patients with diabetes had good control of all three of these parameters. Despite improvements in health promotion efforts, the rates of adherence to medication and risk-factor control are low. Therefore, a systematic approach to managing diabetes, including self-management education, is needed to prevent or delay complications. The government needs to establish a long-term policy to address the growing burden of diabetes.

A systematic review of commercial weight loss programmes' effect on glycemic outcomes among overweight and obese adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

We examined the glycemic benefits of commercial weight loss programmes as compared with control/education or counselling among overweight and obese adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and references cited by individual programmes. We included randomized controlled trials of ≥12 weeks duration. Two reviewers extracted information on study design, population characteristics, interventions, and mean changes in haemoglobin A1c and glucose.

RESULTS

We included 18 randomized controlled trials. Few trials occurred among individuals with T2DM. In this population, Jenny Craig reduced A1c at least 0.4% more than counselling at 12 months, Nutrisystem significantly reduced A1c 0.3% more than counselling at 6 months, and OPTIFAST reduced A1c 0.3% more than counselling at 6 months. Among individuals without T2DM, few studies evaluated glycemic outcomes, and when reported, most did not show substantial reductions.

DISCUSSION

Few trials have examined whether commercial weight loss programmes result in glycemic benefits for their participants, particularly among overweight and obese individuals without T2DM. Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem and OPTIFAST show promising glycemic lowering benefits for patients with T2DM, although additional studies are needed to confirm these conclusions. © 2016 World Obesity.

Targeting adipose tissue in the treatment of obesity-associated diabetes

Adipose tissue regulates numerous physiological processes, and its dysfunction in obese humans is associated with disrupted metabolic homeostasis, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although several US-approved treatments for obesity and T2DM exist, these are limited by adverse effects and a lack of effective long-term glucose control. In this Review, we provide an overview of the role of adipose tissue in metabolic homeostasis and assess emerging novel therapeutic strategies targeting adipose tissue, including adipokine-based strategies, promotion of white adipose tissue beiging as well as reduction of inflammation and fibrosis.

Lifestyle and Dietary Interventions in the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

NAFLD is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world with an estimated prevalence of 20-30 %. Lifestyle interventions targeted at weight loss through dietary interventions and exercise are the most effective treatment, but only a minority of patients are able to achieve and sustain the necessary intervention targets. Weight loss of 3-5 % has been associated with a reduction of hepatic steatosis while weight loss of ≥5-7 % has correlated with resolution of NASH in some studies. Greater reductions in weight loss (≥10 %) may improve hepatic fibrosis. In the absence of weight loss, no specific diet has demonstrated superiority. Physical activity can improve hepatic steatosis and metabolic indices even without weight loss. Diet coupled with exercise can produce significant weight loss and may improve histologic components of the NAFLD activity score. While formal guidelines for diet and exercise in NAFLD are lacking, adherence to diet and exercise recommendations similar to those from the American Diabetes Association for diabetic care seems reasonable. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E in non-diabetics with biopsy-proven NASH has been shown to improve NAFLD activity score. The role for other macronutrients, micronutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics in the treatment of NAFLD remains limited.

The evolving role of bariatric surgery in patients with type 1 diabetes and obesity

Bariatric surgery has emerged as a viable treatment option in morbidly obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. Concomitant with societal lifestyle changes and the increased emphasis on achieving metabolic targets, there has been a rise in the number of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) who are overweight and obese. Preliminary experience based on a limited number of observational reports points to substantial weight loss and amelioration of comorbid conditions such as blood pressure and dyslipidemia in patients with T1DM who undergo weight loss surgery. However, there is little evidence to suggest significant improvement in glycemic control and lowering of glycosylated hemoglobin, and bariatric surgical procedures do not necessarily lead to enhanced diabetes management. and improved quality of life. The potential possibility of micronutrient deficiency, weight regain, and psychobehavioral issues post-bariatric surgery also exists. An individualized evaluation of the risks and benefits should be considered, using a a multidisciplinary team approach with expertise in patient selection, surgical technique, and follow-up. A crucial component is the availability of a diabetes care specialist or endocrinologist experienced in intensive, tailored, modifiable insulin regimens who maintains close and careful monitoring during all phases of management. Reliable data from a prospective, longitudinal perspective is required to provide guidelines for clinicians and informed choices for obese patients with T1DM who are contemplating bariatric surgery.