Empagliflozin as Adjunctive to Insulin Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes: The EASE Trials

Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the end result of insulin deficiency in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Loss of insulin production leads to profound catabolism with increased gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, lipolysis, and muscle proteolysis causing hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis. High levels of counter-regulatory hormones lead to enhanced ketogenesis and the release of 'ketone bodies' into the circulation, which dissociate to release hydrogen ions and cause an overwhelming acidosis. Dehydration, hyperglycemia, and ketoacidosis are the hallmarks of this condition. Treatment is effective repletion of insulin, fluids and electrolytes. Newer approaches to early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention may diminish the risk of DKA and its childhood complications including cerebral edema. However, the potential for some technical and pharmacologic advances in the management of T1D to increase DKA events must be recognized.

Pharmacological therapies to address obesity in type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is increasing in prevalence among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is associated with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular risk. The management of obesity in this population is complicated by defects in pancreatic islet hormone secretion and the effects of exogenous insulin treatment. Here, we review the effects of antiobesity medications and adjunct-to-insulin medications on body weight in T1D.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a profound evidence gap around the use of drugs for the treatment of obesity in T1D since systematic studies have not been performed in this population. Adjunctive-to-insulin therapy with certain antihyperglycemic agents leads to modest weight loss and reductions in insulin dose in T1D. However, only pramlintide has been approved in the United States for clinical use as adjunctive therapy in T1D.

SUMMARY

The growing prevalence of obesity in T1D has created an unmet need for safe and effective therapies to treat overweight and obesity in this population. Currently, antiobesity medications are used off-label for the treatment of patients with T1D. Additional studies are needed to understand the role of these medications in the management of obesity in patients with T1D.

Non-insulin therapies in addition to insulin in Type 1 DM treatment

INTRODUCTION

Complications of Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) remain prevalent due to suboptimal glycaemic control despite advances in analogue insulin, its delivery and technological advances in glucose monitoring. Intensive insulin therapy is associated with hypoglycaemia and weight gain. Non-insulin-dependent glucose lowering strategies may provide a strategy in improving glycaemic control without hypoglycaemia and weight gain.

SOURCES OF DATA

Research papers and reviews about adjunctive treatment with insulin in T1DM in the published literature.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Non-insulin-dependent strategies may be beneficial inT1DM particularly when there is insulin resistance, but the evidence for benefit at the current time is limited. Although there have been trials with various drugs as adjunctive therapy to insulin in T1DM currently in the UK, there is only one sodium glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor with a marketing authorization for use in this indication.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Potential for harm with SGLT2 inhibitors in T1DM is a potential issue, particularly euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis. Clinical trials confirm that there is a risk albeit small, but emerging safety data have led to questions as to whether the risk of euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis is higher with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical practice.

GROWING POINTS

Patient education is paramount-the work being done in T1DM to ensure safe use of SGLT2 inhibitors may help improve safety in the prescribing of SGLT2 inhibitors in Type 2 diabetes.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

There is a need for larger clinical trials with SGLT2 inhibitors in T1DM and real world studies to clarify safety.

Comparison of mechanisms and transferability of outcomes of SGLT2 inhibition between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major chronic disease with ever-increasing prevalence and a variety of serious complications for persons with DM, such as cardiovascular and/or renal complications. New glucose-lowering therapies like DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors have undergone cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), as by the guidance of the FDA. However, CVOTs for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are generally lacking. Both, persons with T1DM and T2DM, are burdened with a high incidence of cardiovascular and renal disease such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Although pathologies of the two types of diabetes cannot be compared, similar mechanisms and risk factors like sex, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, endothelial damage and (background) inflammation have been identified in the development of CVD and DKD in T1DM and T2DM. Recent CVOTs in T2DM demonstrated that SGLT-2 inhibitors, besides exerting a glucose-lowering effect, have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal mechanisms. These mechanisms are reviewed in detail in this manuscript and evaluated for possible transferability to, and thus efficacy in, T1DM. Our review of current literature suggests that SGLT-2 inhibitors have cardioprotective benefits beyond their glucose-lowering effects. As this mainly has been observed in CVOTs in T2DM, further investigation in the adjunctive therapy for type 1 diabetes is suggested.

Euglycemic Ketoacidosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, acidosis, and ketosis. Ketoacidosis may occur with blood glucose level < 200 mg/dl (improperly defined as euglycemic ketoacidosis, euKA) and also in people without diabetes. The absence of marked hyperglycemia can delay diagnosis and treatment, resulting in potential serious adverse outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently, with the wide clinical use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), euKA has come back into the spotlight. Use of SGLT2i use can predispose to the development of ketoacidosis with relatively low or normal levels of blood glucose. This condition, however, can occur, in the absence of diabetes, in settings such as pregnancy, restriction on caloric intake, glycogen storage diseases or defective gluconeogenesis (alcohol abuse or chronic liver disease), and cocaine abuse. euKA is a challenging diagnosis for most physicians who may be misled by the presence of normal glycemia or mild hyperglycemia. In this article, we review pathophysiology, etiologies, clinical presentation and the management of euKA.

Long-term (52-week) efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin add-on therapy to insulin in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: An uncontrolled, open-label extension of a phase III study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term (52-week) efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in insulin-treated Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycemic control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this 28-week, open-label extension of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, 24-week phase III study, ipragliflozin recipients continued treatment (50 mg, once daily), and placebo recipients were switched to once-daily 50 mg ipragliflozin at the start of the extension period. The ipragliflozin dose could be increased to 100 mg if warranted. The primary end-point was change in glycated hemoglobin; secondary end-points were change in insulin dose and bodyweight. Safety outcomes were monitored as treatment-emergent adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 53 (placebo switched to ipragliflozin) and 108 (ipragliflozin) patients completed the open-label extension (treatment period 2), with 24 and 44 patients, respectively, receiving dose increases. From baseline to end of treatment, the overall mean change (standard deviation [SD]) in glycated hemoglobin was -0.33% (0.72; -3.7 mmol/mol [7.9]), with changes in basal, bolus and total insulin doses of -3.76 IU (SD 3.85 IU), -2.51 IU (SD 7.08 IU) and -6.27 IU (SD 8.16 IU), respectively. No serious drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events or deaths were reported. Treatment-emergent adverse events leading to study discontinuation occurred in zero and three (2.6%) patients in the placebo switched to ipragliflozin and ipragliflozin groups, respectively; all were considered drug-related. There were no cases of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, and no safety concerns related to dose increase.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety of 50 mg, once-daily ipragliflozin in insulin-treated type 1 diabetes mellitus patients were confirmed in this long-term, open-label extension study. No safety concerns were attributed to a dose increase to 100 mg.

An evaluation of empagliflozin and it's applicability to hypertension as a therapeutic option

INTRODUCTION

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors such as Empagliflozin are novel antihyperglycemic drugs approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition to its glucose-lowering effects, Empagliflozin promotes weight loss, blood pressure reduction, and other beneficial metabolic benefits.

AREAS COVERED

This review outlines the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of Empagliflozin and discusses its role in diabetes-associated hypertension.

EXPERT OPINION

Empagliflozin was the first in class to not only demonstrate safety of SGLT2 inhibition but also cardio- and reno-protective effects in an adequately powered cardiovascular outcome trial. The EMPA-REG study showed significant reductions in mortality from cardiovascular causes, hospitalization for heart failure, and progression of diabetic kidney disease. These benefits cannot be attributed to glycemic control alone, suggesting the involvement of other SGLT2 inhibition-mediated mechanisms. Recent data suggests the potential utility of SGLT2 inhibition in other conditions including type 1 diabetes (T1D) and non-diabetic heart failure patients with clinical trials currently being conducted. In concert with ongoing pre-clinical investigations to unravel the mechanisms contributing to cardiorenal protection, the full therapeutic potential of SGLT2 inhibition will become apparent over the next few years and promises to be one of the major success stories in clinical medicine.

ABBREVIATIONS

T1D: type 1 diabetes; T2D: type 2 diabetes; SGLT2: sodium-glucose cotransporter 2; CVD: cardiovascular disease; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; SNS: sympathetic nervous system; BP: blood pressure; CV: cardiovascular; ZDF: Zucker diabetic fatty; CKD: chronic kidney disease; FDA: Food and Drug Administration.

Genetic ablation of SGLT2 function in mice impairs tissue mineral density but does not affect fracture resistance of bone

Selective sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) are oral hypoglycemic medications utilized increasingly in the medical management of hyperglycemia among persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite favorable effects on cardiovascular events, specific SGLT2Is have been associated with an increased risk for atypical fracture and amputation in subgroups of the T2D population, a population that already has a higher risk for typical fragility fractures than the general population. To better understand the effect of SGLT2 blockade on skeletal integrity, independent of diabetes and its co-morbidities, we utilized the "Jimbee" mouse model of slc5a2 gene mutation to investigate the impact of lifelong SGLT2 loss-of-function on metabolic and skeletal phenotype. Jimbee mice maintained normal glucose homeostasis, but exhibited chronic polyuria, glucosuria and hypercalciuria. The Jimbee mutation negatively impacted appendicular growth of the femur and resulted in lower tissue mineral density of both cortical and trabecular bone of the femur mid-shaft and distal femur metaphysis, respectively. Several components of the Jimbee phenotype were characteristic only of male mice compared with female mice, including reductions: in body weight; in cortical area of the mid-shaft; and in trabecular thickness within the metaphysis. Despite these decrements, the strength of femur diaphysis in bending (cortical bone), which increased with age, and the strength of L6 vertebra in compression (primarily trabecular bone), which decreased with age, were not affected by the mutation. Moreover, the age-related decline in bone toughness was less for Jimbee mice, compared with control mice, such that by 49-50 weeks of age, Jimbee mice had significantly tougher femurs in bending than C57BL/6J mice. These results suggest that chronic blockade of SGLT2 in this model reduces the mineralization of bone but does not reduce its fracture resistance.

What have we learned about renal protection from the cardiovascular outcome trials and observational analyses with SGLT2 inhibitors?

Over the past 5 years, sodium-glucose cotransport 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been increasingly regarded as glycaemic agents with cardiovascular (CV) and renal protective effects. The CV benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors have been well established in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and a range of CV comorbidities at baseline. Subsequently, the renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors were established in the CREDENCE trial, a dedicated renal outcome trial where canagliflozin reduced the primary composite renal outcome by 30%. In light of these trials, clinical practice guidelines have rapidly evolved, recommending the use of SGLT2 inhibitors as renal and cardioprotective agents in appropriate patient populations. Accordingly, it is important to have an in-depth understanding of the evidence underlying the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2D based on published clinical trials and real-world evidence (RWE) studies, as well as information related to potential safety concerns. To accomplish this, we reviewed the evidence for renal protection and safety with SGLT2 inhibitors in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS Program and DECLARE-TIMI 58 CV safety trials, and in the growing body of evidence emerging from real-world studies. This body of work has shown that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of surrogate renal endpoints such as albuminuria and mitigate the risk of hard renal endpoints including doubling of serum creatinine and end-stage kidney disease in patients with T2D.

Comparison of the effects of insulin and SGLT2 inhibitor on the Renal Renin-Angiotensin system in type 1 diabetes mice

AIMS

SGLT2 inhibitors have been proposed as an adjunct to insulin therapy for glycemic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. However, concern has been raised due to an increase in renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) activity reported in a clinical trial in which an SGLT2 inhibitor was added while insulin dose was reduced in T1D patients. We previously reported that insulin inhibits intrarenal angiotensinogen (Agt) gene transcription and RAS activation. We hypothesized that insulin, rather than SGLT2 inhibition might regulate the intrarenal RAS.

METHODS

We compared RAS activity in non-diabetic wild type mice, Akita mice (T1D model) and Akita mice treated with insulin or the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin.

RESULTS

Treatment of Akita mice with insulin or canagliflozin produced similar reductions in blood glucose, whereas insulin, but not canagliflozin, reduced elevated systolic blood pressure. Akita mice exhibited increased renal Agt mRNA/protein expression, which was attenuated by insulin, but not by canagliflozin. Furthermore, insulin was more effective than canagliflozin in lowering kidney weight and albuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin, but not canagliflozin, lowers intrarenal RAS activity in Akita mice. Our findings can be of potential clinical importance, especially for T1D patients who are not on RAS inhibitors at the time of adding SGLT2 inhibitors.

Basic and Clinical Pharmaco-Therapeutics of SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Contemporary Update

Clinical relevance of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has been rapidly evolving across several therapy areas, apart from type 2 diabetes mellitus. While some of these developments are based on recognized scientific explanations, unexpected study findings have also shaped much of our present understanding. As the role of these agents evolves in various facets of cardiology, nephrology, hepatology and endocrinology, their optimum clinical value propositions should be realized in line with the principles of personalized medicine. An updated pharmaco-ergonomic qualification tool, based on the present evidence with these agents, would be a step in this direction. This review describes the present evidence on diverse pharmacological and therapeutic aspects for various SGLT2 inhibitors, as an attempt to provide useful guidance for optimum application in clinical practice.

Sotagliflozin Decreases Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Concentrations by Delaying Intestinal Glucose Absorption

CONTEXT

The effect of sotagliflozin (a dual sodium-glucose cotransporter [SGLT] 2 and SGLT1 inhibitor) on intestinal glucose absorption has not been investigated in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To measure rate of appearance of oral glucose (RaO) using a dual glucose tracer method following standardized mixed meals taken after single sotagliflozin or canagliflozin doses.

SETTING

Clinical research organization.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

In a double-blind, 3-period crossover study (NCT01916863), 24 healthy participants were randomized to 2 cohorts of 12 participants. Within each cohort, participants were randomly assigned single oral doses of either sotagliflozin 400 mg, canagliflozin 300 mg, or placebo on each of test days 1, 8, and 15. On test days, Cohort 1 had breakfast containing [6,6-2H2] glucose 0.25 hours postdose and lunch containing [1-2H1] glucose 5.25 hours postdose; Cohort 2 had breakfast containing no labeled glucose 0.25 hours postdose and lunch containing [6,6-2H2] glucose 4.25 hours postdose. All participants received a 10- to 15-hour continuous [U-13C6] glucose infusion starting 5 hours before their first [6,6-2H2] glucose-containing meal.

MAIN OUTCOME

RaO, postprandial glucose (PPG), and postprandial insulin.

RESULTS

Sotagliflozin and canagliflozin decreased area under the curve (AUC)0-1 hour and/or AUC0-2 hours for RaO, PPG, and insulin after breakfast and/or the 4.25-hour postdose lunch (P < .05 versus placebo). After the 5.25-hour postdose lunch, sotagliflozin lowered RaO AUC0-1 hour and PPG AUC0-5 hours versus both placebo and canagliflozin (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sotagliflozin delayed and blunted intestinal glucose absorption after meals, resulting in lower PPG and insulin levels, likely due to prolonged local inhibition of intestinal SGLT1 that persisted for ≥5 hours after dosing.

Efficacy and Safety of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 1 Diabetes After the Introduction of an Off-Label Use Protocol for Clinical Practice

Aims: We evaluated the real-life efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in combination with optimized insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: This was a prospective study, including 27 patients with T1D treated with insulin therapy to whom empagliflozin was added according to an off-label protocol approved for use in clinical practice. The primary end point was the change in HbA_1c 52 weeks after the addition of empagliflozin to insulin therapy. Blood pressure (BP), weight, and safety were also assessed. Results: At week 52, the addition of empagliflozin significantly reduced HbA_1c from 8.0% ± 0.7% to 7.2% ± 0.8% (P < 0.001). The mean percentage of time in range for capillary glucose monitoring increased from 50% to 62% (P = 0.008) in parallel to a -0.08 IU/(kg·day) reduction in insulin requirements (P = 0.031). There was also a reduction in the body weight (-8 kg) and in systolic BP from 134 to 127 mmHg (P < 0.001). The most commonly reported adverse events were genitourinary infections (10 episodes in 52 weeks of follow-up). One patient developed an episode of mild diabetic ketoacidosis that motivated empagliflozin withdrawal. No severe hypoglycemic events were registered. Conclusions: Our results suggested that the use of empagliflozin following a strict off-label protocol may represent an effective and safe option in real life among patients with T1D, improving metabolic control, and ameliorating some cardiovascular risk factors.

Low-dose empagliflozin as adjunct-to-insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes: A valid modelling and simulation analysis to confirm efficacy

AIM

To confirm the observed reduction in HbA1c for the 2.5 mg dose in EASE-3 by modelling and simulation analyses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Independent of data from EASE-3 that tested 2.5 mg, we simulated the effect of a 2.5 mg dose through patient-level, exposure-response modelling in the EASE-2 clinical study. A primary semi-mechanistic model evaluated efficacy considering clinical insulin dose adjustments made after treatment initiation that potentially limited HbA1c reductions. The model was informed by pharmacokinetic, insulin dose, mean daily glucose and HbA1c data, and was verified by comparing the simulations with the observed HbA1c change in EASE-3. One of two empagliflozin phase 3 trials in type 1 diabetes (EASE-3 but not EASE-2) included a lower 2.5 mg dose. A placebo-corrected HbA1c reduction of 0.28% was demonstrated without the increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis observed at higher doses (10 mg and 25 mg). Since only one trial included the lower dose, we aimed to confirm the observed reduction in HbA1c for the 2.5 mg dose by modelling and simulation analyses.

RESULTS

The simulated 26-week mean HbA1c change was -0.41% without insulin dose adjustment and -0.29% at 26 weeks with insulin dose adjustment. A simplified (descriptive) model excluding insulin dose and mean daily glucose confirmed the -0.29% HbA1c change that would have been observed had the EASE-2 population received a 2.5 mg dose for 26/52 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The HbA1c benefit of low-dose empagliflozin directly observed in the EASE-3 trial was confirmed by two modelling and simulation approaches.

Treatment strategies for hypertension in patients with type 1 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that is characterized by total absence of insulin production. Hypertension is a common comorbidity in T1DM with complex pathophysiology, while it is also a well-recognized risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as other microvascular diabetic complications.

AREAS COVERED

The purpose of this review is to present the current definitions, epidemiological data and prevalence rates of hypertension in T1DM, as well as to describe current therapeutic options.

EXPERT OPINION

Hypertension affects around a third of the type 1 diabetic population, with higher prevalence rates in older individuals with longer disease duration. Although hypertension affects a substantial proportion of T1DM individuals, blood pressure control rates are disappointingly low. Alongside lifestyle modification, antihypertensive treatment should be initiated in those with blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg, with a systolic blood pressure target of 130 mmHg and lower, if tolerated. In those with established CVD or diabetic nephropathy, systolic blood pressure targets below 130 mmHg should be pursued. Initial pharmacotherapy should consist of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor. There is an urgent need for good quality data regarding proper antihypertensive treatment initiation, optimal BP targets and optimal antihypertensive treatment for better clinical outcomes.

Clinical Benefit of Cardiorenal Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Changes in the regulatory guidelines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medical Agency requiring large-scale trials that study the cardiovascular safety of new glucose-lowering drugs have improved our understanding of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Unexpectedly, these trials demonstrated that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This second part of this 2-part review summarizes the findings of recent clinical trials and their clinical implications and describes ongoing trials and future areas of research.

Therapeutic Inertia in Pediatric Diabetes: Challenges to and Strategies for Overcoming Acceptance of the Status Quo

Despite significant advances in therapies for pediatric type 1 diabetes, achievement of glycemic targets remains elusive, and management remains burdensome for patients and their families. This article identifies common challenges in diabetes management at the patient-provider and health care system levels and proposes practical approaches to overcoming therapeutic inertia to enhance health outcomes for youth with type 1 diabetes.

12th Roche Diabetes Care Network Meeting: April 11-13, 2019, Copenhagen, Denmark

A panel of international experts in the field of diabetes and diabetes technology met in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the 12th Roche Diabetes Care Network Meeting. The goal of these meetings is to share current knowledge, facilitate new collaborations, and encourage further research projects that can improve the lives of people with diabetes. Specific areas of interest included use of telemedicine and mobile health technologies, behavior change, patient-centered care, and multifactorial approaches to addressing all metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes. The 2019 meeting covered a comprehensive scientific program and four keynote lectures.

Reducing Type 1 Diabetes Mortality: Role for Adjunctive Therapies?

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) frequently fail to achieve glycemic goals and have excess cardiovascular risk and premature death. Adjunctive agents may play a role in reducing morbidity, mortality, and the adverse sequelae of insulin treatment. A surge in type 2 diabetes drug development has revealed agents with benefits beyond glucose lowering, including cardiovascular risk reduction. Could these benefits translate to T1D? Specific trials for T1D demonstrate substantial hemoglobin (Hb)A1c reductions with sodium glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTis) and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)1 agonists, and modest improvements with metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i), and pramlintide. Studies exploring cardiovascular risk reduction are warranted. This review synthesizes the emerging literature for researchers and clinicians treating people with T1D. Challenges in T1D research are discussed.

The Long-Term Incidence of Hospitalization for Ketoacidosis in Adults with Established T1D-A Prospective Cohort Study

CONTEXT

The long-term natural history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and its risk factors are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term incidence and predictors of DKA in adults with longstanding type 1 diabetes (T1D).

DESIGN

All hospitalizations and deaths due to DKA between 1996 and 2016 were identified in 4758 adults with T1D from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study (FinnDiane), and a cohort of 16 224 adults with T1D from the Finnish general population.

RESULTS

Between 1996 and 2015, there were 1228 DKA events in the FinnDiane participants (1.4/100 person-years) and 4914 DKA events (1.8/100 person-years) in adults with T1D from the general population. The majority were hospitalized only once. There was a modest increase in the frequency of DKA in the FinnDiane over the follow-up (~2.4%/year [95% CI, 0.3-4.5%]; P = 0.03). Predictors of DKA were glucose control, CSII, smoking and alcohol consumption, and raised high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerides. Diabetic nephropathy and renal impairment were associated with DKA; patients with end-stage renal disease, macroalbuminuria, and microalbuminuria had 2.09-fol (95% CI, 1.40-3.12), 1.65-fold (95% CI, 1.23-2.19), and 0.87-fold (95% CI, 0.61-1.24) risk of DKA compared with patients with normal albumin excretion rate, respectively. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were also more likely to be hospitalized for DKA (HR 1.71 [95% CI, 1.26-2.67]).

CONCLUSIONS

DKA remains a common cause of hospitalization in individuals with longstanding T1D. These data suggest that the goal to use SGLT2 inhibitors for their vasculo- and renoprotective actions may be problematic, as those most likely to benefit may also have the highest risk for DKA.

Optimising the Benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors for Type 1 Diabetes

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor clinical studies in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have demonstrated reduced HbA1c and lower glucose variability with increased time in optimal glucose range as well as additional benefits of reductions in weight and insulin dose without increasing the incidence of hypoglycaemia. However, the appropriate use of SGLT2 inhibitor therapies within clinical practise to treat people with T1DM remains unclear. In this article we have used consensus expert opinion alongside the available evidence, product indication and most recent clinical guidance to provide support for the diabetes healthcare community regarding the appropriate use of SGLT2 inhibitors, focussing on specific considerations for appropriate prescribing of dapagliflozin within the T1DM management pathway. Its purpose is to provide awareness of the issues surrounding treatment with dapagliflozin in T1DM as well as offer practical guidance that also includes a checklist tool for appropriate dapagliflozin prescribing. The checklist aims to support clinicians in identifying those people with T1DM most likely to benefit from dapagliflozin treatment as well as situations where caution may be required.Funding: AstraZeneca UK Ltd.

Systematic literature review and network meta-analysis of sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors vs metformin as add-on to insulin in type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To identify and synthesize phase 3 and phase 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitors and metformin as adjuncts to insulin in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) using network meta-analysis (NMA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review (SLR) identified relevant RCTs of ≥12 Weeks duration. MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and grey literature were searched through October 2018. NMAs indirectly compared SGLT inhibitors and metformin for change from baseline in HbA1c, weight, total daily insulin dose and systolic blood pressure at Week 24 to 26 and Week 52. Safety outcomes were also explored.

RESULTS

Nine trials (N = 6780) were included in the SLR. NMAs indicated that all therapies performed better than placebo for the efficacy outcomes at both time points. Compared with metformin at Week 24 to 26, the SGLT inhibitors dapagliflozin (5 mg), sotagliflozin (200 mg) and empagliflozin (10 mg) had larger reductions in HbA1c (mean difference [MD] = -0.24, 95% credible interval [CrI], -0.41 to -0.07, MD = -0.23, 95% CrI, -0.39 to -0.08 and MD = -0.35, 95% CrI, -0.51 to -0.19, respectively) and in weight, which were sustained in sensitivity analyses. There were few differences observed in the results of safety outcomes, such as risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which should be interpreted cautiously because of wide CrIs.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive use of SGLT inhibitors in T1DM can improve glycaemic control compared with metformin while enabling weight loss, with consistent efficacy across the class. However, these results are based on indirect evidence so confirmation in a head-to-head study would be valuable.

9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2020

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and Rates of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate real-world off-label use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 1 diabetes, estimate rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and compare them with DKA rates observed in sotagliflozin clinical trials.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified initiators of SGLT2 inhibitors in the Sentinel System from March 2013 to June 2018, determined the prevalence of type 1 diabetes using a narrow and a broad definition, and measured rates of DKA using administrative claims data. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using age- and sex-specific follow-up time in Sentinel and age- and sex-specific DKA rates from sotagliflozin trials 309, 310, and 312.

RESULTS

Among 475,527 initiators of SGLT2 inhibitors, 0.50% and 0.92% met narrow and broad criteria for type 1 diabetes, respectively. Rates of DKA in the narrow and broad groups were 7.3/100 person-years and 4.5/100 person-years, respectively. Among patients who met narrow criteria for type 1 diabetes, rates of DKA were highest for patients aged 25-44 years, especially females aged 25-44 years (19.7/100 person-years). More DKA events were observed during off-label use of SGLT2 inhibitors in Sentinel than would be expected based on sotagliflozin clinical trials (SIR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.45-2.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world off-label use of SGLT2 inhibitors among patients with type 1 diabetes accounted for a small proportion of overall SGLT2 inhibitor use. However, the risk for DKA during off-label use was notable, especially among young, female patients. Although real-word rates of DKA exceeded the expectation based on clinical trials, results should be interpreted with caution due to differences in study methods, patient samples, and study drugs.

SGLT inhibitors in type 1 diabetes: weighing efficacy and side effects

Even before sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTi) became popular agents for the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), clinicians had explored their potential as adjunct therapies in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Several trials have demonstrated improved glycemic control (compared with placebo) and a decrease in glucose variability with a clinically relevant increase of time in range. In addition, weight loss and decreased systolic blood pressure are observed. The magnitude of the effects observed depends on the type of SGLTi, the dose administrated, and the duration of observation in the studies. As seen in T2DM, there was an increase in the risk of urogenital mycotic infections, but no increase in the risk of severe hypoglycemia. However, concerns arose regarding an increase in incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis. Mitigation strategies, including careful patient selection, extensive education of patients and (para)medical personnel, adequate insulin dose titration, and the adoption of a ketone-centered approach, are suggested. In different areas of the world, SGLTi are approved for use in T1DM with restrictions concerning patient selection and SGLTi dose. Real-world data on the effect of introduction of SGLTi in people with T1DM will yield insight on the robustness of glycemic effects over time, and allow us to determine whether the positive risk-benefit profile observed in clinical trials can be translated to the real world.

Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Inhibitor/Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Add-On to Insulin Therapy on Glucose Homeostasis and Body Weight in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: A Network Meta-Analysis

Many patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) do not achieve the glycemic target goal with insulin treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of add-on to insulin therapy in patients with T1D. We conducted direct and indirect network meta-analyses using Bayesian models and ranked hypoglycemic agents via mixed treatment comparison, using data from the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with T1D treated with insulin and add-on metformin or sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists from January 1970 to September 2019 were included in this study. Twenty-three RCTs with 5,151 subjects were divided into the following groups: insulin alone, insulin+metformin, insulin+canagliflozin, insulin+dapagliflozin, insulin+empagliflozin, insulin+sotagliflozin, insulin+liraglutide, and insulin+exenatide. HbA1c level in the insulin+sotagliflozin group was significantly lower than that in the insulin alone group (mean difference: -0.43, 95% credible interval: -0.62 to -0.23). Total daily insulin dose in the insulin+sotagliflozin group was significantly lower than that in the insulin alone group. Compared with that in the insulin alone group, body weight in the groups treated with insulin+add-on canagliflozin, sotagliflozin, and exenatide was significantly decreased by 4.5, 2.8, and 5.1 kg, respectively. Hypoglycemic episodes did not differ among the groups. In patients with T1D, insulin+sotagliflozin decreased the HbA1c level, daily insulin dose, and body weight without hypoglycemia compared with insulin monotherapy. Insulin+canagliflozin or insulin+exenatide was effective in reducing body weight compared with insulin alone. In conclusion, sotagliflozin treatment decreased not only the HbA1c levels and insulin dose but also the body weight without causing hypoglycemia in patients with T1D. Treatment with canagliflozin and exenatide effectively reduced body weight in patients with T1D. However, ketoacidosis associated with the use of SGLT inhibitors should be considered in these patients. Thus, our results suggest that sotagliflozin has a high probability of being ranked first as an adjunctive therapy to insulin in patients with T1D.

Safety of Ipragliflozin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Pooled Analysis of Phase II/III/IV Clinical Trials

INTRODUCTION

Ipragliflozin is a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective of this pooled analysis was to characterise the safety profile of ipragliflozin based on safety data from published randomised controlled trials.

METHODS

Safety data from 12 randomised, phase II/III/IV placebo-controlled, parallel group, comparative studies of ipragliflozin in patients with T2DM were pooled. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were analysed for patients who had received at least one dose of ipragliflozin 50 mg (n = 1209) or placebo (n = 796) in studies lasting for up to 24 weeks. TEAEs of special interest and serious adverse events (SAEs) were assessed, as well as abnormal laboratory test and vital sign measurements.

RESULTS

The overall incidences of TEAEs and SAEs between the ipragliflozin and placebo groups were similar, 63.8% vs 59.3% and 2.5% vs 3.3%, respectively. The incidence of TEAEs leading to permanent discontinuation was lower for ipragliflozin (3.6%) than placebo (6.5%). The incidences of TEAEs of special interest including those related to urinary tract infection, cardiovascular events, renal disorder, fracture, malignant tumours and hypoglycaemia were also similar between the groups. Genital infections were more frequent with ipragliflozin (2.4%) than placebo (0.6%), as were pollakiuria/polyuria (6.0% vs 2.0%), volume depletion (4.9% vs 1.8%) and skin/subcutaneous tissue disorders (7.7% vs 4.4%). There were no reported cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, fractures, lower-limb amputation or Fournier's gangrene in ipragliflozin-treated patients across the 12 studies.

CONCLUSION

In randomised, placebo-controlled trials of patients with T2DM, ipragliflozin was well tolerated, with a similar overall incidence of TEAEs to placebo. No new safety signals were observed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT01071850, NCT00621868, NCT01057628, NCT01117584, NCT01135433, NCT01225081, NCT01242215, NCT02175784, NCT01505426, NCT02452632, NCT02794792, NCT01316094.

FUNDING

Astellas Pharma Inc.

SGLT2 inhibitors as adjunctive therapy for type 1 diabetes: balancing benefits and risks

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have several beneficial effects in patients with type 2 diabetes, including glucose lowering, weight loss, blood pressure lowering, and a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. To address high unmet medical need via improved glycaemic control, several clinical trials have been done to assess the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors in combination with insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes. In this Personal View, we summarise data from eight clinical trials of canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and sotagliflozin in patients with type 1 diabetes. HbA_1c-lowering efficacy was greatest at 8-12 weeks of therapy, but the magnitude of HbA_1c lowering waned with longer duration of treatment (up to 52 weeks). Data are not yet available to establish for how long glycaemic efficacy could be sustained during long-term therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes. Moreover, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy induces serious adverse events, including a roughly six-times increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. The US Food and Drug Administration estimated that one additional case of ketoacidosis will occur for every 26 patient-years of exposure of patients with type 1 diabetes to sotagliflozin therapy. Assuming a case mortality of 0·4%, this estimate translates into 16 additional deaths per year per 100 000 patients with type 1 diabetes undergoing treatment. These considerations raise important questions about the risk-to-benefit profile of SGLT2 inhibitors when used as adjunctive therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Glycaemic variability: The under-recognized therapeutic target in type 1 diabetes care

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains one of the most challenging long-term conditions to manage. Despite robust evidence to demonstrate that near normoglycaemia minimizes, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of complications, its achievement has proved almost impossible in a real-world setting. HbA1c to date has been used as the gold standard marker of glucose control and has been shown to reflect directly the risk of diabetes complications. However, it has been recognized that HbA1c is a crude marker of glucose control. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides the ability to measure and observe inter- and intraday glycaemic variability (GV), a more meaningful measure of glycaemic control, more relevant to daily living for those with T1DM. This paper reviews the relationship between GV and hypoglycaemia, and micro- and macrovascular complications. It also explores the impact on GV of CGM, insulin pumps, closed-loop technologies, and newer insulins and adjunctive therapies. Looking to the future, there is an argument that GV should become a key determinant of therapeutic success. Further studies are required to investigate the pathological and psychological benefits of reducing GV.

Efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin add-on therapy to insulin in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of once-daily ipragliflozin 50 mg versus placebo in Japanese people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) inadequately controlled with insulin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Participants (N = 175) were randomized (2:1) to receive once-daily ipragliflozin 50 mg (n = 115) or placebo (n = 60), combined with insulin, for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); key secondary endpoints included change in insulin dose and body weight. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The ipragliflozin group demonstrated a significant decrease in HbA1c from baseline to end of treatment versus the placebo group: adjusted mean difference (AMD) -3.8 mmol/mol (95% confidence interval [CI] -6.2, -1.5) or - 0.36% (95% CI -0.57, -0.14; P = 0.001). Significant reductions in total daily insulin dose (AMD -7.35 IU [95% CI -9.09, -5.61]; P < 0.001) and body weight (AMD -2.87 kg [95% CI -3.58, -2.16]; P < 0.001) were observed for the ipragliflozin group versus placebo. Two serious TEAEs occurred (major hypoglycaemia and abdominal abscess); both were in the placebo group. All other TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. Four cases of study discontinuation occurred; three in the placebo group and one in the ipragliflozin group. No diabetic ketoacidosis was reported for any participant in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily ipragliflozin 50 mg in combination with insulin significantly reduced HbA1c, daily insulin dose and body weight versus placebo in people with T1DM. No safety concerns were identified after 24 weeks of treatment. Overall, once-daily ipragliflozin 50 mg was both efficacious and well tolerated.

The Impact of Sotagliflozin on Renal Function, Albuminuria, Blood Pressure, and Hematocrit in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

In people with type 2 diabetes, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce cardiovascular risk and progression of diabetic kidney disease. Our aim was to determine whether sotagliflozin (SOTA), a dual SGLT1i and SGLT2i, had favorable effects on clinical biomarkers suggestive of kidney protection in adults with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 52-week pooled analysis, 1,575 adults enrolled in the inTandem1 and inTandem2 trials were randomized to SOTA 200 mg, 400 mg, or placebo in addition to optimized insulin therapy. Changes in cardiorenal biomarkers were assessed.

RESULTS

At 52 weeks, in response to SOTA 200 and 400 mg, the placebo-corrected least squares mean change from baseline in estimated glomerular filtration rate was -2.0 mL/min/1.73 m² (P = 0.010) and -0.5 mL/min/1.73 m² (P = 0.52), respectively. Systolic blood pressure difference was -2.9 and -3.6 mmHg (P < 0.0001 for both); diastolic blood pressure changed by -1.4 (P = 0.0033) and -1.6 mmHg (P = 0.0008). In participants with baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g, UACR decreased by 23.7% (P = 0.054) and 18.3% (P = 0.18) for SOTA 200 and SOTA 400 mg, respectively, versus placebo. Increases in serum albumin and hematocrit and reductions in uric acid were observed throughout 52 weeks with both SOTA doses.

CONCLUSIONS

SOTA was associated with short- and long-term renal hemodynamic changes, which were similar to those seen with SGLT2i in type 2 diabetes. Further investigation around cardiorenal effects of SOTA in people with type 1 diabetes is justified.

Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors in addition to insulin therapy on glucose control and safety outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors added to insulin therapy have been proposed as treatment strategy for type 1 diabetes (T1D). We thus conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of this combination in T1D. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases and ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15. Ten eligible placebo-controlled trials involving 5961 patients were included. Compared with placebo, SGLT inhibitors were associated with a reduction in HbA1c of -0.39% (95% CI, -0.43 to -0.36), an improved mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE) of -14.81 mg/dL (95% CI, -19.08 to -10.54), and a reduction in body weight of -3.47% (95% CI, -3.78 to -3.16), as well as no increased relative risk of hypoglycaemia (1.01; 95% CI, 0.99-1.02) or severe hypoglycaemia (0.91; 95% CI, 0.77-1.07). SGLT inhibitors decreased fasting plasma glucose and insulin requirement but increased the risk of genital infection (3.57; 95% CI, 2.97-4.29) and diabetic ketoacidosis (3.11; 95% CI, 2.11-4.58). However, the very low dose empagliflozin (2.5 mg) did not increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (risk ratio [RR] 0.67; 95% CI, 0.11-3.95). SGLT inhibitors had no effect on overall adverse events, urinary tract infection, or bone fracture but slightly increased the risk of serious adverse events (1.35; 95% CI, 1.16-1.58), severe adverse events (1.84; 95% CI, 1.20-2.84), adverse events leading to discontinuation (1.50; 95% CI, 1.22-1.84), drug-related adverse events (1.78; 95% CI, 1.44-2.19), and diarrhoea (1.54; 95% CI, 1.15-2.05). Although adverse events exist, the available data provide evidence that the combination of SGLT inhibitors with basal insulin treatment is beneficial in patients with T1D.

Optimizing Postprandial Glucose Management in Adults With Insulin-Requiring Diabetes: Report and Recommendations

Faster-acting insulins, new noninsulin drug classes, more flexible insulin-delivery systems, and improved continuous glucose monitoring devices offer unprecedented opportunities to improve postprandial glucose (PPG) management and overall care for adults with insulin-treated diabetes. These developments led the Endocrine Society to convene a working panel of diabetes experts in December 2018 to assess the current state of PPG management, identify innovative ways to improve self-management and quality of life, and align best practices to current and emerging treatment and monitoring options. Drawing on current research and collective clinical experience, we considered the following issues for the ∼200 million adults worldwide with type 1 and insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes: (i) the role of PPG management in reducing the risk of diabetes complications; (ii) barriers preventing effective PPG management; (iii) strategies to reduce PPG excursions and improve patient quality of life; and (iv) education and clinical tools to support endocrinologists in improving PPG management. We concluded that managing PPG to minimize or prevent diabetes-related complications will require elucidating fundamental questions about optimal ways to quantify and clinically assess the metabolic dysregulation and consequences of the abnormal postprandial state in diabetes and recommend research strategies to address these questions. We also identified practical strategies and tools that are already available to reduce barriers to effective PPG management, optimize use of new and emerging clinical tools, and improve patient self-management and quality of life.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors, their role in type 1 diabetes treatment and a risk mitigation strategy for preventing diabetic ketoacidosis: The STOP DKA Protocol

Recent phase 3 clinical trials have evaluated the impact of adding sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitors to the type 1 diabetes armamentarium. These trials studied SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin and empagliflozin) and a dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor (sotagliflozin), and demonstrated that these oral non-insulin antihyperglycaemic medications are able not only to improve glycaemic control, but also to reduce body weight and extend time in range without increasing rates of hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a feature of type 1 diabetes and the risk is increased when SGLT inhibitors are used in type 1 diabetes. To minimize the risk of DKA and still gain the multiple benefits, we developed the "STOP DKA Protocol ", an easily accessible and practical tool, that provides a risk mitigation strategy for reducing DKA in patients with type 1 diabetes being treated with SGLT inhibitors.

Exploring Patient Preferences for Adjunct-to-Insulin Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

While sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor (SGLTi) therapy has been evaluated in type 1 diabetes (T1D) trials, patient reactions to benefits and risks are unknown. Using established methodology, we evaluated patient preferences for different adjunct-to-insulin therapy options in T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

An online survey, completed by 701 respondents with T1D (231 U.S., 242 Canada, and 228 Germany), used conjoint analysis to present six hypothetical, masked, pairwise drug profile choices composed of different benefit-risk attributes and effect ranges. Data used in analyses were derived from actual phase 3 trials of a low-dose SGLTi (comparable to oral empagliflozin 2.5 mg q.d.), a high-dose SGLTi (comparable to oral sotagliflozin 400 mg q.d.), and an available adjunct-to-insulin therapy (comparable to subcutaneous pramlintide 60 μg t.i.d.).

RESULTS

Conjoint analysis identified diabetic ketoacidosis risk as most important to patients (23% relative score; z test, P < 0.05); ranked second were HbA_1c reduction (14%), risk of severe hypoglycemia (13%), oral versus injectable treatment (12%), and risk of genital infection (12%). Next was risk of nausea (11%), followed by weight reduction (8%) and the risk of diarrhea (7%). A low-dose SGLTi drug profile was identified by conjoint analysis as the top patient preference (83% of participants; z test, P < 0.05) versus high-dose SGLTi (8%) or pramlintide (9%). Separate from conjoint analysis, when respondents were asked to choose their preferred adjunct-to-insulin therapy (masked to drug name/dose), 69%, 17%, 6%, and 9% of respondents chose low-dose SGLTi, high-dose SGLTi, pramlintide, and insulin therapy alone, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose SGLTi profile was the favored adjunct-to-insulin therapy by persons with T1D.

Defining and characterising diabetic ketoacidosis in adults

AIMS

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains one of the most frequently encountered diabetes related emergencies, and despite updates in management and increasing standardisation of care, still has an appreciable morbidity and mortality. This review focusses on the pathophysiology and epidemiology of DKA, but also on the importance of having a standardised definition.

METHODS

Relevant data were reviewed where there was available basic science or clinical papers published in peer-reviewed international journals on DKA. These included consensus documents and national or international guidelines.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DKA varies around the world, but part of this could be down to the way the condition is defined. Examples of this difference include the recent studies on sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes which have all been associated with increased rates of DKA, but have highlighted how differences in definitions can make comparisons between agents very difficult.

CONCLUSIONS

DKA should only be diagnosed when all three components are present - the 'D', the 'K' and the 'A'. In addition, the definitions used to diagnose DKA should be standardised - in particular for clinical trials.

Sotagliflozin Added to Optimized Insulin Therapy Leads to Lower Rates of Clinically Relevant Hypoglycemic Events at Any HbA1c at 52 Weeks in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Hypoglycemia rates usually increase when insulin treatment is intensified to improve glycemic control. We evaluated (post hoc) hypoglycemic rates in adult patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on sotagliflozin (a dual sodium-glucose cotransporter [SGLT] 1 and 2 inhibitor) in two phase 3, 52-week clinical trials (inTandem 1 and 2; NCT02384941 and NCT02421510). Materials and Methods: We analyzed rates of documented hypoglycemia (level 1, blood glucose ≥54 to <70 mg/dL) and clinically important hypoglycemia (level 2, glucose <54 mg/dL) in a patient-level pooled analysis (n = 1362) using a negative binomial model adjusted for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 52 weeks in patients receiving placebo, sotagliflozin 200 mg, and sotagliflozin 400 mg. Results: Rates of level 1 hypoglycemia events per patient-year were 58.25 (95% confidence interval: 50.26-67.50) with placebo, 44.86 (38.83-51.82; P = 0.0138 vs. placebo) with sotagliflozin 200 mg, and 45.68 (39.52-52.81; P = 0.0220) with sotagliflozin 400 mg. Sotagliflozin was also associated with lower rates of level 2 hypoglycemia: 15.95 (14.37-17.70), 11.51 (10.39-12.76; P < 0.0001), and 11.13 (10.03-12.35; P < 0.0001) for placebo and sotagliflozin 200 and 400 mg, respectively. The difference in rates of hypoglycemia with sotagliflozin versus placebo became more pronounced as HbA1c decreased. Conclusions: At week 52, level 1 and 2 hypoglycemia events were 22% to 30% less frequent with sotagliflozin added to optimized insulin therapy versus placebo in adults with T1D at any HbA1c level, with greater differences at lower HbA1c values. These findings support the use of sotagliflozin as an insulin adjunct in T1D.

BMI, Mortality, and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes: Findings Against an Obesity Paradox

OBJECTIVE

Low weight has been associated with increased mortality risks in type 1 diabetes. We aimed to investigate the importance of weight and weight gain/loss in the Swedish population diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 26,125; mean age 33.3 years; 45% women) registered in the Swedish National Diabetes Registry from 1998 to 2012 were followed from the first day of study entry. Cox regression was used to calculate risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD), major CVD events, hospitalizations for heart failure (HF), and total deaths.

RESULTS

Population mean BMI in patients with type 1 diabetes increased from 24.7 to 25.7 kg/m² from 1998 to 2012. Over a median follow-up of 10.9 years, there were 1,031 deaths (33.2% from CVD), 1,460 major CVD events, and 580 hospitalizations for HF. After exclusion of smokers, patients with poor metabolic control, and patients with a short follow-up time, there was no increased risk for mortality in those with BMI <25 kg/m², while BMI >25 kg/m² was associated with a minor increase in risk of mortality, major CVD, and HF. In women, associations with BMI were largely absent. Weight gain implied an increased risk of mortality and HF, while weight loss was not associated with higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of major CVD, HF, CVD death, and mortality increased with increasing BMI, with associations more apparent in men than in women. After exclusion of factors associated with reverse causality, there was no evidence of an obesity paradox.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporters as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: An Update on Phase 3 Clinical Trial Data

Objective: To review phase 3 trials of sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Data Sources: A literature search of Ovid MEDLINE databases (1946 through May 17, 2019) limited to English-language human clinical trials was conducted using the following terms: sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, sotagliflozin, ertugliflozin, ipragliflozin, or remogliflozin combined with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Results were verified via Google Scholar and clinicaltrials.gov. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles were included if they were phase 3 trials in adults with T1DM. Data Synthesis: Phase 3 trials are available for dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and sotagliflozin. All 3 drugs demonstrated statistically significant reductions in hemoglobin A1C, weight, and total daily insulin dose without an increased risk of hypoglycemia in up to 52 weeks of therapy. The incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was higher in patients on a SGLT inhibitor at all doses, with the exception of empagliflozin 2.5 mg (0.8% vs 1.2% with placebo). Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: SGLT inhibitors are potential adjuncts to insulin in T1DM patients, providing clinically meaningful benefits. Regulatory bodies have either approved or are reviewing these agents for use in T1DM. Clinicians should be familiar with the DKA risk associated with SGLT inhibitors and utilize DKA risk-mitigation strategies. Empagliflozin 2.5 mg warrants additional investigation given its efficacy without an increased incidence of DKA. Conclusions: Phase 3 trial data of SGLT inhibitors provide evidence for sustained efficacy in T1DM patients. Appropriate patient selection for therapy and routine monitoring are essential to minimize associated risks.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors: A Case Study in Translational Research

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the most recently approved class of diabetes drugs. Unlike other agents, SGLT2 inhibitors act on the kidney to promote urinary glucose excretion. SGLT2 inhibitors provide multiple benefits, including decreased HbA_1c, body weight, and blood pressure. These drugs have received special attention because they decrease the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and slow progression of diabetic kidney disease (1-3). Balanced against these impressive benefits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved prescribing information describes a long list of side effects: genitourinary infections, ketoacidosis, bone fractures, amputations, acute kidney injury, perineal necrotizing fasciitis, and hyperkalemia. This review provides a physiological perspective to understanding the multiple actions of these drugs complemented by a clinical perspective toward balancing benefits and risks.

International Consensus on Risk Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Treated With Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter (SGLT) Inhibitors

Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors are new oral antidiabetes medications shown to effectively reduce glycated hemoglobin (A1C) and glycemic variability, blood pressure, and body weight without intrinsic properties to cause hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes. However, recent studies, particularly in individuals with type 1 diabetes, have demonstrated increases in the absolute risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Some cases presented with near-normal blood glucose levels or mild hyperglycemia, complicating the recognition/diagnosis of DKA and potentially delaying treatment. Several SGLT inhibitors are currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European regulatory agencies as adjuncts to insulin therapy in people with type 1 diabetes. Strategies must be developed and disseminated to the medical community to mitigate the associated DKA risk. This Consensus Report reviews current data regarding SGLT inhibitor use and provides recommendations to enhance the safety of SGLT inhibitors in people with type 1 diabetes.