Long-term non-pharmacologic weight loss interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes

Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on body weight in adults with obesity without diabetes mellitus-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

Clinical trials have investigated the weight loss effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in adults with obesity without diabetes mellitus, but results for weight loss efficacy were varied. We aimed to provide an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis for overall weight loss effect of GLP-1 RA in adults with obesity and overweight without diabetes mellitus. We retrieved eligible randomized control trials that assessed the weight loss effect of GLP-1 RA in adults (≥18 years old) without type 1/type 2 diabetes up to September 30, 2021, using Pubmed and Embase. Of 36 clinical trials assessed for eligibility, 12 trials were included, with a combined total of 11,459 participants. Compared with control groups, a more significant weight loss was seen in GLP-1 RA groups with an overall mean difference of -7.1 kg (95% CI -9.2 to -5.0) (I²  = 99%). The overall analysis results showed that GLP-1 RA improved glycemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemic events. Better control of blood pressure and plasma levels of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides was seen with GLP-1 RA treatment. Subgroup analysis showed greater treatment effect of semaglutide than liraglutide. Vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain were GLP-1 RA-associated common adverse effects.

Effects of Diet, Lifestyle, Chrononutrition and Alternative Dietary Interventions on Postprandial Glycemia and Insulin Resistance

As years progress, we are found more often in a postprandial than a postabsorptive state. Chrononutrition is an integral part of metabolism, pancreatic function, and hormone secretion. Eating most calories and carbohydrates at lunch time and early afternoon, avoiding late evening dinner, and keeping consistent number of daily meals and relative times of eating occasions seem to play a pivotal role for postprandial glycemia and insulin sensitivity. Sequence of meals and nutrients also play a significant role, as foods of low density such as vegetables, salads, or soups consumed first, followed by protein and then by starchy foods lead to ameliorated glycemic and insulin responses. There are several dietary schemes available, such as intermittent fasting regimes, which may improve glycemic and insulin responses. Weight loss is important for the treatment of insulin resistance, and it can be achieved by many approaches, such as low-fat, low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean-style diets, etc. Lifestyle interventions with small weight loss (7–10%), 150 min of weekly moderate intensity exercise and behavioral therapy approach can be highly effective in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Similarly, decreasing carbohydrates in meals also improves significantly glycemic and insulin responses, but the extent of this reduction should be individualized, patient-centered, and monitored. Alternative foods or ingredients, such as vinegar, yogurt, whey protein, peanuts and tree nuts should also be considered in ameliorating postprandial hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. This review aims to describe the available evidence about the effects of diet, chrononutrition, alternative dietary interventions and exercise on postprandial glycemia and insulin resistance.

Rationale and design of ePPOP-ID: a multicenter randomized controlled trial using an electronic-personalized program for obesity in pregnancy to improve delivery

Background

Pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are established risk factors for adverse pregnancy, delivery and birth outcomes. Pregnancy is an ideal moment for nutritional interventions in order to establish healthier lifestyle behaviors in women at high risk of obstetric and neonatal complications.

Methods

Electronic-Personalized Program for Obesity during Pregnancy to Improve Delivery (ePPOP-ID) is an open multicenter randomized controlled trial which will assess the efficacy of an e-health web-based platform offering a personalized lifestyle program to obese pregnant women in order to reduce the rate of labor procedures and delivery interventions in comparison to standard care. A total of 860 eligible pregnant women will be recruited in 18 centers in France between 12 and 22 weeks of gestation, randomized into the intervention or the control arm and followed until 10 weeks of postpartum.

The intervention is based on nutrition, eating behavior, physical activity, motivation and well-being advices in which personalization is central, as well as the use of a mobile/tablet application. Inputs includes data from the medical record of participants (medical history, anthropometric data), from the web platform (questionnaires on dietary habits, eating behavior, physical activity and motivation in both groups), and adherence to the program (time of connection for the intervention group only). Data are collected at inclusion, 32 weeks, delivery and 10 weeks postpartum. As primary outcome, we will use a composite endpoint score of obstetrical interventions during labor and delivery, defined as caesarean section and instrumental delivery (forceps and vacuum extractor). Secondary outcomes will consist of data routinely collected as part of usual antenatal and perinatal care, such as GWG, hypertension, preeclampsia, as well as fetal and neonatal outcomes including premature birth, gestational age at birth, birth weight, macrosomia, Apgar score, arterial umbilical cord pH, neonatal traumatism, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndrome, transfer in neonatal intensive care unit, and neonatal adiposity. Post-natal outcomes will be duration of breastfeeding, maternal weight retention and child weight at postnatal visit.

Discussion

The findings of the ePPOP-ID trial will help design e-health intervention program for obese women in pregnancy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02924636 / October 5th 2016.

Effect of Ramadan fasting on glycaemic parameters & body mass index in type II diabetic patients: A meta-analysis

Background & objectives:

There has been an ongoing debate about the impact of Ramadan fasting (RF) on the health of these individuals who fast during Ramadan. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between RF and glycaemic parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods:

Search terms were decided and databases such as MEDLINE EBSCO, Google Scholar and EMBASE were searched for eligible studies. Standardized mean differences and 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) of post-prandial plasma glucose (PPG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) (%) and fructosamine levels were calculated for different treatment regimens.

Results:

Of the 40 studies, 19 were found eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Based on pooled results, significant reductions in FPG were found in single oral antidiabetics (OAD) [standardized weighted mean difference (SMD)=0.47, 95% CI=(0.20-0.74)], multi-OAD [SMD=0.36, 95% CI=(0.11-0.61)] and multitreatment subgroups [SMD=0.65, 95% CI=(0.03-1.27)] and overall [SMD=0.48, 95% CI=(0.27-0.70)]. Furthermore, HbA_1c (%) [SMD=0.26, 95% CI=(0.03-0.49)] and body mass index (BMI) [SMD=0.18, 95% CI=(0.04-0.31)] were significantly decreased in the multi-OAD group.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The meta-analysis showed that RF was not associated with any significant negative effects on PPG and fructosamine levels. However, BMI and FPG and HbA_1c (%) were positively affected by RF.

Salutogenic model of health to identify turning points and coping styles for eating practices in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

It is important for people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) to eat healthily. However, implementing dietary advice in everyday life is difficult, because eating is not a distinguishable action, but a chain of activities, embedded in social practices and influenced by previous life experiences. This research aims to understand why and how eating practices are developed over the life-course by investigating influential life experiences - turning points - and coping strategies for eating practices of people with T2DM.

METHODS

The Salutogenic Model of Health guided the study's objective, study design and analysis. Seventeen interviews were performed and analysed based on the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Narrative inquiry and the creation of timelines and food boxes were used as tools to facilitate reflection on turning points and eating practices.

RESULTS

Turning points for unhealthier eating were experiences that strongly disturbed the participants' emotional stability. These experiences included psychosocial trauma, physical health disorders, job loss, and smoking cessation. Turning points for healthier eating were experiences that significantly changed participants views on life and made participants reflective about the effects of current eating practices on future health and life goals. These turning points included confrontation with ill-health, becoming a parent, psychosocial therapy, and getting married. Notably, turning points for healthier eating seemed only to happen when life was relatively stress-free. All participants experienced turning points for healthier eating, yet, not all participants succeeded in improving their diets. Two coping styles were distinguished: active and passive coping. Active coping individuals were able to act in line with their personal intentions, whereas passive coping individuals could not. Differences between active and passive coping styles seemed to be explained by differences in available resources important for adapting and maintaining a healthy diet.

CONCLUSION

Disadvantaged childhood and later life adversities together with the inability to manage the mental stress explained the development unhealthier eating practices. All participants experienced turning points for healthier eating that caused eating to become a priority in their life. Yet, the fact that not all were able to eat as they intended, advocates for nutritional guidance for people with T2DM, with a greater emphasis on reflexivity, psycho-social well-being and social support.

Educational weight loss interventions in obese and overweight adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing, with most individuals with the disease being overweight or obese. Weight loss can reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality and weight losses of 10-15 kg have been shown to reverse type 2 diabetes. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of community-based educational interventions for weight loss in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) in obese or overweight adults, aged 18-75 years, with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Primary outcomes were weight and/or BMI. CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from inception to June 2019. Trials were classified into specified a priori comparisons according to intervention type. A pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) (from baseline to follow-up) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between trial groups (difference-in-difference) were estimated through random-effects meta-analyses using the inverse variance method. Heterogeneity was quantified using I² and publication bias was explored visually using funnel plots.

RESULTS

Some 7383 records were screened; 228 full-text articles were assessed and 49 RCTs (n = 12 461 participants) were included in this review, with 44 being suitable for inclusion into the meta-analysis. Pooled estimates of education combined with low-calorie, low-carbohydrate meal replacements (SMD = -2.48, 95% CI -3.59, -1.49, I²  = 98%) or diets (SMD = -1.25, 95% CI -2.11, -0.39, I²  = 95%) or low-fat meal replacements (SMD = -1.15, 95%CI -2.05, -1.09, I²  = 85%) appeared most effective.

CONCLUSION

Low-calorie, low-carbohydrate meal replacements or diets combined with education appear the most promising interventions to achieve the largest weight and BMI reductions in people with type 2 diabetes.

Risk prediction for breast Cancer in Han Chinese women based on a cause-specific Hazard model

Background

Considering the lack of efficient breast cancer prediction models suitable for general population screening in China. We aimed to develop a risk prediction model to identify high-risk populations, to help with primary prevention of breast cancer among Han Chinese women.

Methods

A cause-specific competing risk model was used to develop the Han Chinese Breast Cancer Prediction model. Data from the Shandong Case-Control Study (328 cases and 656 controls) and Taixing Prospective Cohort Study (13,176 participants) were used to develop and validate the model. The expected/observed (E/O) ratio and C-statistic were calculated to evaluate calibration and discriminative accuracy of the model, respectively.

Results

Compared with the reference level, the relative risks (RRs) for highest level of number of abortions, age at first live birth, history of benign breast disease, body mass index (BMI), family history of breast cancer, and life satisfaction scores were 6.3, 3.6, 4.3, 1.9, 3.3, 2.4, respectively. The model showed good calibration and discriminatory accuracy with an E/O ratio of 1.03 and C-statistic of 0.64.

Conclusions

We developed a risk prediction model including fertility status and relevant disease history, as well as other modifiable risk factors. The model demonstrated good calibration and discrimination ability.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5321-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Review of Hypertension and Diabetes Protocols for Medical Service Trips (MSTs) in Latin America and the Caribbean

BACKGROUND

Hypertension and diabetes are among the most common chronic conditions that may be managed on short-term, primary care medical service trips (MSTs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), but the quality of patient care delivered remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study summarizes protocols that Western volunteer clinicians use in managing these patients, and highlights their commonalities, differences, and potential limitations.

METHODS

A systematic web search was used to identify organizations operating MSTs in LAC. Organizations were contacted by email or through their websites to obtain clinical protocols intended for use on their brigades. These protocols were qualitatively analyzed, and recommendations were categorized into clinical assessment, non-pharmacologic recommendations, and pharmacologic recommendations.

FINDINGS

Two hundred twenty-five organizations were identified and contacted, and protocols were obtained for 20 of these. Eleven (55%) of these protocols discussed hypertension, and 10 (50%) discussed diabetes. Only one protocol provided any literature support for its recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The analyzed protocols may give insight into context-specific realities of practice on MSTs, but they often neglected key aspects of clinical management that are emphasized in international guidelines. This study is an initial step in clinical guidelines development for MSTs operating in LAC.

A Review of Hypertension and Diabetes Protocols for Medical Service Trips (MSTs) in Latin America and the Caribbean

Background:

Hypertension and diabetes are among the most common chronic conditions that may be managed on short-term, primary care medical service trips (MSTs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), but the quality of patient care delivered remains unclear.

Objective:

This study summarizes protocols that Western volunteer clinicians use in managing these patients, and highlights their commonalities, differences, and potential limitations.

Methods:

A systematic web search was used to identify organizations operating MSTs in LAC. Organizations were contacted by email or through their websites to obtain clinical protocols intended for use on their brigades. These protocols were qualitatively analyzed, and recommendations were categorized into clinical assessment, non-pharmacologic recommendations, and pharmacologic recommendations.

Findings:

Two hundred twenty-five organizations were identified and contacted, and protocols were obtained for 20 of these. Eleven (55%) of these protocols discussed hypertension, and 10 (50%) discussed diabetes. Only one protocol provided any literature support for its recommendations.

Conclusions:

The analyzed protocols may give insight into context-specific realities of practice on MSTs, but they often neglected key aspects of clinical management that are emphasized in international guidelines. This study is an initial step in clinical guidelines development for MSTs operating in LAC.

Group cognitive behavioural therapy and weight regain after diet in type 2 diabetes: results from the randomised controlled POWER trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Weight-loss programmes for adults with type 2 diabetes are less effective in the long term owing to regain of weight. Our aim was to determine the 2 year effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural group therapy (group-CBT) programme in weight maintenance after diet-induced weight loss in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes, using a randomised, parallel, non-blinded, pragmatic study design.

METHODS

We included 158 obese adults (median BMI 36.3 [IQR 32.5-40.0] kg/m²) with type 2 diabetes from the outpatient diabetes clinic of Erasmus MC, the Netherlands, who achieved ≥5% weight loss on an 8 week very low calorie diet. Participants were randomised (stratified by weight loss) to usual care or usual care plus group-CBT (17 group sessions). The primary outcomes were the between-group differences after 2 years in: (1) body weight; and (2) weight regain. Secondary outcomes were HbA_1c levels, insulin dose, plasma lipid levels, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, quality of life, fatigue, physical activity, eating disorders and related cognitions. Data were analysed using linear mixed modelling.

RESULTS

During the initial 8 week dieting phase, the control group (n = 75) lost a mean of 10.0 (95% CI 9.1, 10.9) kg and the intervention group (n = 83) lost 9.2 (95% CI 8.4, 10.0) kg (p = 0.206 for the between-group difference). During 2 years of follow-up, mean weight regain was 4.7 (95% CI 3.0, 6.3) kg for the control group and 4.0 (95% CI 2.3, 5.6) kg for the intervention group, with a between-group difference of -0.7 (95% CI -3.1, 1.6) kg (p = 0.6). The mean difference in body weight at 2 years was -1.2 (95% CI -7.7, 5.3) kg (p = 0.7). None of the secondary outcomes differed between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Despite increased treatment contact, a group-CBT programme for long-term weight maintenance after an initial ≥5% weight loss from dieting in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes was not superior to usual care alone.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trialregister.nl NTR2264 FUNDING: The study was funded by the Erasmus MC funding programme 'Zorgonderzoek' (grant 2008-8303).

Effect of peer support interventions on cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Peer support by persons affected with diabetes improves peer supporter's diabetes self-management skills. Peer support interventions by individuals who have diabetes or are affected by diabetes have been shown to improve glycemic control; however, its effects on other cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with diabetes are unknown. We aimed to estimate the effect of peer support interventions on cardiovascular disease risk factors other than glycemic control in adults with diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing peer support interventions to a control condition in adults affected by diabetes that measured any cardiovascular disease risk factors [Body Mass Index, smoking, diet, physical activity, cholesterol level, glucose control and blood pressure]. Quality was assessed by Cochrane's risk of bias tool. We calculated standardized mean difference effect sizes using random effects models.

RESULTS

We retrieved 438 citations from multiple databases including OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane database and Scopus, and author searches. Of 233 abstracts reviewed, 16 articles met inclusion criteria. A random effects model in a total of 3243 participants showed a positive effect of peer support interventions on systolic BP with a pooled effect size of 2.07 mmHg (CI 0.35 mmHg to 3.79 mmHg, p = 0.02); baseline pooled systolic blood pressure was 137 mmHg. There was a non-significant effect of peer support interventions on diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, diet and physical activity. Cardiovascular disease risk factors other than glycemic control outcomes were secondary outcomes in most studies and baseline values were normal or mildly elevated. Only one study reported smoking outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a small (2 mmHg) positive effect of peer support interventions on systolic blood pressure in adults with diabetes whose baseline blood pressure was on average minimally elevated. Additional studies need to be conducted to further understand the effect of peer support interventions on high-risk cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with diabetes.

Comparative Effectiveness of Clinic-Based Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obese Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

IN BRIEF In late 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began reimbursing for intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) in primary care settings for obese, adult beneficiaries. The effectiveness of IBT is understudied, however, with no weight loss estimates available for adults with diabetes. This study compared weight change over 1 year between obese adults with type 2 diabetes who did receive IBT to those who did not. Findings indicated that IBT was modestly effective, resulting in ∼3% weight loss over 1 year compared to 1% weight loss in the matched comparison group who did not receive IBT.

Dapagliflozin once-daily and exenatide once-weekly dual therapy: A 24-week randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II study examining effects on body weight and prediabetes in obese adults without diabetes

AIMS

To explore the effects of dual therapy with dapagliflozin and exenatide on body weight, body composition, glycaemic variables and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in obese adults without diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-centre, double-blind trial, we randomized 50 obese adults without diabetes (aged 18-70 years; body mass index 30-45 kg/m² ) to oral dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily plus subcutaneous long-acting exenatide 2 mg once weekly or placebo. MRI was used to assess change in body composition. Participants were instructed to follow a balanced diet and exercise moderately.

RESULTS

Of 25 dapagliflozin/exenatide- and 25 placebo-treated participants, 23 (92.0%) and 20 (80.0%) completed 24 weeks of treatment, respectively. At baseline, the mean participant age was 52 years, 61% were female, the mean body weight was 104.6 kg, and 73.5% of participants had prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance). After 24 weeks, for dapagliflozin/exenatide versus placebo: the difference in body weight change was -4.13 kg (95% confidence interval -6.44, -1.81; P < .001), which was mostly attributable to adipose tissue reduction without lean tissue change; 36.0% versus 4.2% of participants achieved ≥5% body weight loss, respectively; and prediabetes was less frequent with active treatment (34.8% vs 85.0%, respectively; P < .01). The difference in SBP change for dapagliflozin/exenatide versus placebo was -6.7 mm Hg. As expected, nausea and injection-site reactions were more frequent with dapagliflozin/exenatide than with placebo. Only two and three participants, respectively, discontinued because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin/exenatide dual therapy reduced body weight, frequency of prediabetes and SBP over 24 weeks and was well tolerated in obese adults without diabetes.

Short-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of a very low-calorie-ketogenic diet interventional weight loss program versus hypocaloric diet in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Brackground:The safety and tolerability of very low-calorie-ketogenic (VLCK) diets are a current concern in the treatment of obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating the short-term safety and tolerability of a VLCK diet (<50 g of carbohydrate daily) in an interventional weight loss program including lifestyle and behavioral modification support (Diaprokal Method) in subjects with T2DM.

METHODS

Eighty-nine men and women, aged between 30 and 65 years, with T2DM and body mass index between 30 and 35 kg m(-)(2) participated in this prospective, open-label, multi-centric randomized clinical trial with a duration of 4 months. Forty-five subjects were randomly assigned to the interventional weight loss (VLCK diet), and 44 to the standard low-calorie diet.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the laboratory safety parameters were found between the two study groups. Changes in the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio in VLCK diet were not significant and were comparable to control group. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen did not change significantly relative to baseline nor between groups. Weight loss and reduction in waist circumference in the VLCK diet group were significantly larger than in control subjects (both P<0.001). The decline in HbA1c and glycemic control was larger in the VLCK diet group (P<0.05). No serious adverse events were reported and mild AE in the VLCK diet group declined at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The interventional weight loss program based on a VLCK diet is most effective in reducing body weight and improvement of glycemic control than a standard hypocaloric diet with safety and good tolerance for T2DM patients.

Pedometer intervention and weight loss in overweight and obese adults with Type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

AIM

Although pedometer intervention is effective in increasing physical activity among adults with Type 2 diabetes, its impact on weight loss remains unclear. This meta-analysis was aimed to assess whether pedometer intervention promotes weight loss.

METHODS

Three different databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English up to April 2015. Studies were included if they investigated the effects of pedometer intervention on weight loss, as measured by BMI or weight. Effect sizes were aggregated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to identify potential moderators. Eleven RCTs with 1258 participants were included. All enrolled participants were overweight or obese.

RESULTS

Pedometer intervention led to significantly decreased BMI [weighted mean difference (WMD) -0.15 kg/m(2) , 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.29 to -0.02 kg/m(2) ] and reduced weight (WMD -0.65 kg, 95% CI -1.12 to -0.17 kg). Dietary counselling seemed to be a key predictor of the observed changes. However, none of the following variables had a significant influence: step goal setting, baseline age, BMI, weight, sex distribution, disease duration, intervention duration, and baseline values or change scores for total or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. After completion of the pedometer intervention, non-significant declines in BMI and weight were observed during the follow-up periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Pedometer intervention promotes modest weight loss, but its association with physical activity requires further clarification. Future studies are also required to document dietary and sedentary behaviour changes to facilitate the use of pedometers for weight loss in overweight and obese adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Perceptions of weight, diabetes and willingness to participate in randomised controlled trials of bariatric surgery for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and body mass index 30-39.9 kg/m(2)

PURPOSE

Evidence from high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is needed to establish the long-term benefit of bariatric surgery in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and body mass index (BMI) 30-39.9 kg/m(2). However, willingness amongst this group to be randomised and undergo surgery is uncertain. This study assessed UK patients' perceptions of their weight and diabetes, and associations with willingness to participate in RCTs involving bariatric surgery, amongst this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postal survey of 1820 patients from four regions in England. Eligible patients were as follows: BMI 30-39.9 kg/m(2), 18-74 years, diagnosis of T2DM ≥2 years. A reminder survey was sent after 4 weeks. Independent predictors influencing patients' willingness to consider RCT participation were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-four per cent (614/1820) of patients responded. Weight was considered to be harder to control than diabetes [468/584 (80 %) vs. 107/600 (17 %)]. More people reported a negative impact on life for weight rather than diabetes [379/579 (63 %) vs. 180/574 (31 %)]. Feeling unsatisfied/very unsatisfied with weight loss ability was common 261/578 (45 %). Sixty-four per cent (379/594, CI = 60-68) were willing to consider participating in an RCT. In multivariate analysis, negative impact of weight on life (OR = 2.55, 95 % CI = 1.68-3.89, P < 0.001) and feeling unsatisfied with weight loss ability (OR = 2.47, 95 % CI = 1.55-3.95, P < 0.001) positively influenced patients' willingness to participate in an RCT.

CONCLUSION

Strong patient interest supports the feasibility of such trials for this group. Perceptions of obesity negatively impacting on life and difficulties in achieving weight loss were common and influenced attitudes to potential participation in bariatric surgery RCTs.

Impact of Education on Weight in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: Every Little Bit Helps

Aims

Highly structured, intensive behavioral lifestyle interventions have been shown to be efficacious in research settings for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss. We sought to evaluate the benefit of participation in more limited counseling and/or education among individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in more modest real-world clinical settings.

Methods

Electronic Health Records of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients age 35–74 from a large ambulatory group practice were analyzed (n = 1,314). We examined participation in clinic-based lifestyle counseling/education and subsequent weight loss.

Results

Of the total cohort, 599 (45.6%) patients received counseling/education with (26.2%) and without (19.4%) medication, 298(22.7%) patients received a prescription for medication alone, and 417(31.7%) patients were only monitored. On average, those who participated in counseling/education attended 2.5 sessions (approximately 2–3 hours). The average weight loss of patients who received counseling/education alone during the follow-up period (up to three years post-exposure to participation) was 6.3 lbs. (3.3% of body weight), and, if received with medication prescription, 8.1lbs. (4.0% of body weight) (all at P<0.001). The weight loss associated with medication was only 3.5 lbs. (P<0.001). No significant weight change was observed in the monitoring only group.

Conclusions

While efforts to improve both the short-term and long-term effectiveness of behavioral lifestyle interventions in real-world settings are ongoing, it is important for clinicians to continue to utilize less intensive, existing resources. Even relatively small “doses” of health education may help in promoting weight loss and may potentially reduce cardiometabolic risk.

Weight Loss and the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Using Lifestyle Therapy, Pharmacotherapy, and Bariatric Surgery: Mechanisms of Action

Weight loss, whether achieved by lifestyle intervention, pharmacotherapy, or bariatric surgery, is highly effective as a primary interventional strategy in both the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. In high-risk patients with prediabetes and/or metabolic syndrome, weight loss effectively prevents progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and improves cardiovascular risk factors. These benefits are the result of improvements in insulin resistance, which is central to the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic disease. In patients with T2DM, weight loss improves glycemia, while reducing the need for conventional glucose-lowering medicines, by affecting all three processes that produce and sustain the hyperglycemic state, namely via increments in peripheral insulin sensitivity with improvements in insulin signal transduction at the cellular level, more robust insulin secretory responses, and reduced rates of hepatic glucose production. In both nondiabetic and diabetic subjects, hypocaloric feeding (e.g., treatment with very low-calorie diet or bariatric surgery) produces a rapid improvement in insulin sensitivity due to mobilization of fat from the intramyocellular, intrahepatocellular, and intra-abdominal compartments, and via a more long-term mechanism that correlates with the loss of total body fat. In diabetes, by improving glycemia, weight loss also enhances glucose homeostasis by reversing the defects in insulin action and secretion attributable to glucose toxicity. Regardless of the therapeutic approach, weight loss of ∼ 10 % maximally prevents future diabetes in patients with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. In T2DM, greater degrees of weight loss lead to progressive improvements in glucose homeostasis. Therefore, when accompanied by greater weight loss, the metabolic benefits following bariatric surgery are generally more pronounced than those achieved following lifestyle and medical treatment. In addition, the mechanisms by which bariatric operations improve diabetes may include both weight-dependent and weight-independent mechanisms, and the latter may involve changes in gut hormones, bile acids, or gut microflora.

Relation between BMI and diabetes mellitus and its complications among US older adults

OBJECTIVES

This study examined relations between elevated body mass index (BMI) and time to diagnosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications among older adults in the United States.

METHODS

Data came from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, 1991-2010. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess relations between excess BMI at the first Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey interview and time to diabetes mellitus diagnosis, complications, and insulin dependence among Medicare beneficiaries, older than 65 years of age with no prior diabetes mellitus diagnosis, and who were not enrolled in Medicare Advantage (N = 14,657).

RESULTS

Among individuals diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus, elevated BMIs were associated with a progressively higher risk of complications from diabetes mellitus. For women with a BMI ≥40, the risk of insulin dependence (hazard ratio [HR] 3.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.36-5.39) was twice that for women with 25 ≤ BMI < 27.5 (HR 1.77; 95% CI 1.33-2.33). A similar pattern was observed in risk of cardiovascular (25 ≤ BMI < 27.5: HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.15-1.54; BMI ≥40: HR 2.45; 95% CI 1.92-3.11), cerebrovascular (25 ≤ BMI < 27.5: HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.06-1.57; BMI ≥40: HR 2.00; 95% CI 1.42-2.81), renal (25 ≤ BMI < 27.5: HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.04-1.63; BMI ≥40: HR 2.23; 95% CI 1.54-3.22), and lower extremity complications (25 ≤ BMI < 27.5: HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.22-1.61; BMI ≥40: HR 2.95; 95% CI 2.35-3.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Any increase in BMI above normal weight levels is associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed as having complications of diabetes mellitus. For men, the increased risk of these complications occurred at higher BMI levels than in women. Ocular complications occurred at higher BMI levels than other complication types in both men and women.

[Pharmacological therapy versus bariatric surgery for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes]

There is strong epidemiological evidence for an association between increased body weight and a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, reduction in body weight may delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. The basic therapy of type 2 diabetes includes lifestyle modifications, such as education, nutritional advice, increased physical activity, non-smoking and strategies to cope with stress. If lifestyle modifications are not successful, antidiabetic pharmacotherapy is stepwise intensified to achieve individual therapeutic targets; however, pharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes frequently fails to prevent the progress of the disease and the manifestation of diabetes complications. Sustained weight reduction belongs to the individual treatment targets for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Because conservative weight reduction strategies are frequently not successful, bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective treatment particularly for those patients with obesity-associated type 2 diabetes in whom a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) target < 7.5% could not be achieved with pharmacological therapy. Bariatric surgery should no longer be considered as the last option for patients with obesity-associated type 2 diabetes.

"Not just another walking program": Everyday Activity Supports You (EASY) model-a randomized pilot study for a parallel randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Maintaining physical activity is an important goal with positive health benefits, yet many people spend most of their day sitting. Our Everyday Activity Supports You (EASY) model aims to encourage movement through daily activities and utilitarian walking. The primary objective of this phase was to test study feasibility (recruitment and retention rates) for the EASY model.

METHODS

This 6-month study took place in Vancouver, Canada, from May to December 2013, with data analyses in February 2014. Participants were healthy, inactive, community-dwelling women aged 55-70 years. We recruited through advertisements in local community newspapers and randomized participants using a remote web service. The model included the following: group-based education and social support, individualized physical activity prescription (called Activity 4-1-1), and use of a Fitbit activity monitor. The control group received health-related information only. The main outcome measures were descriptions of study feasibility (recruitment and retention rates). We also collected information on activity patterns (ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers) and health-related outcomes such as body composition (height and weight using standard techniques), blood pressure (automatic blood pressure monitor), and psychosocial variables (questionnaires).

RESULTS

We advertised in local community newspapers to recruit participants. Over 3 weeks, 82 participants telephoned; following screening, 68% (56/82) met the inclusion criteria and 45% (25/56) were randomized by remote web-based allocation. This included 13 participants in the intervention group and 12 participants in the control group (education). At 6 months, 12/13 (92%) intervention and 8/12 (67%) control participants completed the final assessment. Controlling for baseline values, the intervention group had an average of 2,080 [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 704, 4,918] more steps/day at 6 months compared with the control group. There was an average between group difference in weight loss of -4.3 [95% CI -6.22, -2.40] kg and reduction in diastolic blood pressure of -8.54 [95% CI -16.89, -0.198] mmHg, in favor of EASY.

CONCLUSIONS

The EASY pilot study was feasible to deliver; there was an increase in physical activity and reduction in weight and blood pressure for intervention participants at 6 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01842061.

Dietary restriction and exercise for diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are major health problems and key features to develop cardiovascular disease. Data on the effects of lifestyle interventions in diabetics with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been conflicting.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

POPULATION

Diabetes patients with CKD stage 3 to 5. SEARCH STRATEGY AND SOURCES: Medline, Embase and Central were searched to identify papers.

INTERVENTION

Effect of a negative energy balance on hard outcomes in diabetics with CKD.

OUTCOMES

Death, cardiovascular events, glycaemic control, kidney function, metabolic parameters and body composition.

RESULTS

We retained 11 studies. There are insufficient data to evaluate the effect on mortality to promote negative energy balance. None of the studies reported a difference in incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events. Reduction of energy intake does not alter creatinine clearance but significantly reduces proteinuria (mean difference from -0.66 to -1.77 g/24 h). Interventions with combined exercise and diet resulted in a slower decline of eGFR (-9.2 vs. -20.7 mL/min over two year observation; p<0.001). Aerobic and resistance exercise reduced HbA1c (-0.51 (-0.87 to -0.14); p = 0.007 and -0.38 (-0.72 to -0.22); p = 0.038, respectively). Exercise interventions improve the overall functional status and quality of life in this subgroup. Aerobic exercise reduces BMI (-0.74% (-1.29 to -0.18); p = 0.009) and body weight (-2.2 kg (-3.9 to -0.6); p = 0.008). Resistance exercise reduces trunk fat mass (-0,7±0,1 vs. +0,8 kg ±0,1 kg; p = 0,001-0,005). In none of the studies did the intervention cause an increase in adverse events.

LIMITATIONS

All studies used a different intervention type and mixed patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to evaluate the effect of negative energy balance interventions on mortality in diabetic patients with advanced CKD. Overall, these interventions have beneficial effects on glycaemic control, BMI and body composition, functional status and quality of life, and no harmful effects were observed.

[Insulin or surgery? : the perspective of a diabetologist]

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a factor of up to 9. Medical treatment of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle and pharmacological interventions frequently fails to prevent the progress of the disease and the manifestation of diabetes complications. In recent years bariatric metabolic surgery has emerged as an effective treatment for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Compared to medical treatment alone, metabolic surgery has been shown to be more effective in reducing mortality, improving hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia in randomized clinical trials among patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, surgery also has the risk for acute perioperative complications, long-term micronutrient deficiencies and psychological problems. Weighing these risks against the benefits of significant weight loss and improved glycemic control, metabolic surgery seems to be a promising treatment option for obesity-associated type 2 diabetes. However, current guidelines and treatment algorithms for the treatment of type 2 diabetes either ignore or underestimate the potential of metabolic surgery. In my opinion, metabolic surgery should be considered earlier in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity and no longer be considered as the last therapeutic option for patients with obesity-associated type 2 diabetes.

Chlorinated persistent organic pollutants, obesity, and type 2 diabetes

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic compounds that travel with lipids and accumulate mainly in adipose tissue. Recent human evidence links low-dose POPs to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Because humans are contaminated by POP mixtures and POPs possibly have nonmonotonic dose-response relations with T2D, critical methodological issues arise in evaluating human findings. This review summarizes epidemiological results on chlorinated POPs and T2D, and relevant experimental evidence. It also discusses how features of POPs can affect inferences in humans. The evidence as a whole suggests that, rather than a few individual POPs, background exposure to POP mixtures-including organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls-can increase T2D risk in humans. Inconsistent statistical significance for individual POPs may arise due to distributional differences in POP mixtures among populations. Differences in the observed shape of the dose-response curves among human studies may reflect an inverted U-shaped association secondary to mitochondrial dysfunction or endocrine disruption. Finally, we examine the relationship between POPs and obesity. There is evidence in animal studies that low-dose POP mixtures are obesogenic. However, relationships between POPs and obesity in humans have been inconsistent. Adipose tissue plays a dual role of promoting T2D and providing a relatively safe place to store POPs. Large prospective studies with serial measurements of a broad range of POPs, adiposity, and clinically relevant biomarkers are needed to disentangle the interrelationships among POPs, obesity, and the development of T2D. Also needed are laboratory experiments that more closely mimic real-world POP doses, mixtures, and exposure duration in humans.

Chlorinated persistent organic pollutants, obesity, and type 2 diabetes

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic compounds that travel with lipids and accumulate mainly in adipose tissue. Recent human evidence links low-dose POPs to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Because humans are contaminated by POP mixtures and POPs possibly have nonmonotonic dose-response relations with T2D, critical methodological issues arise in evaluating human findings. This review summarizes epidemiological results on chlorinated POPs and T2D, and relevant experimental evidence. It also discusses how features of POPs can affect inferences in humans. The evidence as a whole suggests that, rather than a few individual POPs, background exposure to POP mixtures-including organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls-can increase T2D risk in humans. Inconsistent statistical significance for individual POPs may arise due to distributional differences in POP mixtures among populations. Differences in the observed shape of the dose-response curves among human studies may reflect an inverted U-shaped association secondary to mitochondrial dysfunction or endocrine disruption. Finally, we examine the relationship between POPs and obesity. There is evidence in animal studies that low-dose POP mixtures are obesogenic. However, relationships between POPs and obesity in humans have been inconsistent. Adipose tissue plays a dual role of promoting T2D and providing a relatively safe place to store POPs. Large prospective studies with serial measurements of a broad range of POPs, adiposity, and clinically relevant biomarkers are needed to disentangle the interrelationships among POPs, obesity, and the development of T2D. Also needed are laboratory experiments that more closely mimic real-world POP doses, mixtures, and exposure duration in humans.

Clinical efficacy of a medically supervised outpatient high-protein, low-calorie diet program is equivalent in prediabetic, diabetic and normoglycemic obese patients

Objective:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects approximately 10% of Americans, while 79 million Americans are estimated to have glucose intolerance or prediabetes (pre-DM). The present study was designed to determine whether obese patients with pre-DM or T2DM would lose weight as effectively as obese normoglycemic patients, in a medically supervised high-protein, low-calorie-weight management program.

Method:

Patients enrolled in a self-paid, university-based, outpatient weight loss program using prescribed very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) (500–800 cal per day) or LCD diet (800–1200 cal per day), recommended exercise and group behavioral counseling were studied retrospectively. Patients entering the program for the first time and attending weekly clinic visits for more than 4 weeks were included in the analysis.

Results:

A total of 2093 obese patients, of whom 583 patients with pre-DM (fasting glucose ⩾100 and <126 mg dl⁻¹), 367 patients with T2DM and 1143 normoglycemic patients entered the program from 1991 to 2010, who met all the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The body weight at baseline was 104.0±20.0 kg for DM, 101.4±18.4 for pre-DM and 99.0±18.8 kg for non-DM. Weight loss and percent of weight loss within 12 months were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. There was no significant difference in weight loss between DM vs non-DM (P=0.4597) and pre-DM vs non-DM (P=0.6006) in 12 months. The length of enrollment in the program was positively correlated to weight loss rates in all patients (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that obese, pre-DM and DM patients all lost weight as effectively with VLCD or LCD over 12 months. Given the impact of weight loss on the progression of comorbid conditions, these data support the hypothesis that medically supervised diets, including VLCD and LCD, should be more widely used in the prevention and treatment of obese patients with pre-DM or T2DM.

Insulinization: A promising strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of the long-term use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), a novel regimen known as insulinization, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 150 subjects who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes were included in the study. The patients were divided into eight groups according to the treatment regimens they received and were monitored for 3 months. Insulin doses were adjusted to optimize glycemic control with the simplest possible insulin regimen. The outcomes studied included the time required for glycemic control and insulin dose reduction, the total daily insulin dose, the ratio of patients not requiring the administration of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), the rate of hypoglycemia, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma insulin (FinS) levels. Patients receiving insulinization required less time to achieve optimal glycemic control and insulin decrement compared with patients receiving other treatments. The total daily insulin dose for patients receiving insulinization therapy was 0.23±0.07 U/kg/day, which was lower than that in any other group. In patients receiving insulinization, the ratio of patients that did not require OADs (43.3%) and the concentration of FinS A were higher than those in the other groups. Furthermore, insulinization resulted in a greater reduction in HbA1c levels, as well as a reduced incidence of severe hypoglycemia. Insulinization may mimic physiological insulin secretion more effectively than other therapies. This regimen is more efficient and reduces the incidence of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, indicating that it is likely to be a promising treatment strategy for the disease.

Weight loss surgery for non-morbidly obese populations with type 2 diabetes: is this an acceptable option for patients?

AIM

To explore the views of non-morbidly obese people (BMI 30-40 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes regarding: (a) the acceptability of bariatric surgery (BS) as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, and (b) willingness to participate in randomised controlled trials comparing BS versus non-surgical intervention.

BACKGROUND

Despite weight management being a key therapeutic goal in type 2 diabetes, achieving and sustaining weight loss is problematic. BS is an effective treatment for people with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes; it is less certain whether non-morbidly obese patients (BMI 30-39.9 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes benefit from this treatment and whether this approach would be cost-effective. Before evaluating this issue by randomised trials, it is important to understand whether BS and such research are acceptable to this population.

METHODS

Non-morbidly obese people with type 2 diabetes were purposively sampled from primary care and invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews explored participants' thoughts surrounding their diabetes and weight, the acceptability of BS and the willingness to participate in BS research. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.

Improving quality of care for persons with diabetes: an overview of systematic reviews - what does the evidence tell us?

BACKGROUND

Ensuring high quality care for persons with diabetes remains a challenge for healthcare systems globally with consistent evidence of suboptimal care and outcomes. There is increasing interest in quality improvement strategies to improve diabetes management as reflected by a growing number of systematic reviews. These reviews are of varying quality and dispersed across many sources. In this paper, we present an overview of systematic reviews evaluating the impact of interventions to improve the quality of diabetes care.

METHODS

We searched for systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of any intervention intended to improve intermediate patient outcomes and process of care measures for patients with any type of diabetes. Two reviewers independently screened search results, appraised each systematic review using AMSTAR and extracted data from high quality reviews (AMSTAR score ≥ 5). Within reviews, we used vote counting by direction of effect to report the number of studies favouring an intervention for each outcome. We produced summaries of results for each intervention category.

RESULTS

We identified 125 reviews of varying methodological quality and summarised key findings from 50 high quality reviews. We categorised reviews by quality improvement intervention. Eight reviews were broad based (involving a variety of strategies). Other reviews considered: patient education and support (n = 21), telemedicine (n = 10), provider role changes (n = 7), and organisational changes (n = 4). Reviews reported intermediate patient outcomes (e.g. glycaemic control) (n = 49) and process of care outcomes (n = 9). There was evidence of considerable overlap of included studies between reviews.

CONCLUSIONS

There is consistent evidence from high quality systematic reviews that patient education and support, provider role changes, and telemedicine are associated with improvements in glycaemic and vascular risk factor control in patients. There is less evidence about the impact of quality improvement interventions on other key process measures such as screening patients for diabetic complications. This paper provides decision makers with a comprehensive overview of evidence from high quality systematic reviews about the effects of quality improvement interventions on improving diabetes care.

The Prevention Of WEight Regain in diabetes type 2 (POWER) study: the effectiveness of adding a combined psychological intervention to a very low calorie diet, design and pilot data of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Obesity is of major pathogenetic importance to type 2 diabetes, it contributes to poor glycemic control and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Over 80% of patients with diabetes type 2 are overweight. To achieve a more favourable risk profile, changes in diet and lifestyle are needed. However, current treatment programs for obese DM type 2 patients are not effective in the long term. In this RCT, we compare the effectiveness of a Combined Psychological Intervention (CPI) and usual care in maintaining the favourable effects on weight and risk profile during 2 years of follow-up after a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD).

Methods and design

In a randomised parallel group intervention study, 140 patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight (BMI>27 kg/m2) will be recruited from the outpatient department of the Erasmus Medical Centre.

After obtaining ≥5% of weight loss with a VLCD, participants will be randomly assigned to CPI or usual care for 10 weeks. CPI consists of cognitive behaviour therapy, problem solving therapy and proactive coping.

Primary outcome measure is weight change (kg).

Other outcome measures are Body Mass Index (BMI = weight (kg)/length (m)2), waist circumference (cm), systolic blood pressure (mmHg), HbA1c (mmol/mol), lipid levels (LDL, HDL, TG (mmol/l) and chol/HDL-ratio), antidiabetic agents and doses, cardiovascular risk profile (UKPDS), lifestyle and quality of life (EuroQol EQ-5D). Psychosocial parameters are also studied, as secondary outcomes as well as determinants for weight loss.

When successful, we want to conduct an analysis of the cost effectiveness of the intervention as compared to usual care.

Discussion

We expect that a CPI after a VLCD will be effective in maintaining weight loss and improving cardiovascular risk and glycaemic control, while being cost-effective and improving quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Clinical trials registration

trialregister.nl NTR2264

Designing and evaluating a web-based self-management site for patients with type 2 diabetes--systematic website development and study protocol

Background

Given that patients provide the majority of their own diabetes care, patient self-management training has increasingly become recognized as an important strategy with which to improve quality of care. However, participation in self management programs is low. In addition, the efficacy of current behavioural interventions wanes over time, reducing the impact of self-management interventions on patient health. Web-based interventions have the potential to bridge the gaps in diabetes care and self-management.

Methods

Our objective is to improve self-efficacy, quality of life, self-care, blood pressure, cholesterol and glycemic control and promote exercise in people with type 2 diabetes through the rigorous development and use of a web-based patient self-management intervention. This study consists of five phases: (1) intervention development; (2) feasibility testing; (3) usability testing; (4) intervention refinement; and (5) intervention evaluation using mixed methods. We will employ evidence-based strategies and tools, using a theoretical framework of self-efficacy, then elicit user feedback through focus groups and individual user testing sessions. Using iterative redesign the intervention will be refined. Once finalized, the impact of the website on patient self-efficacy, quality of life, self-care, HbA1c, LDL-cholesterol, blood pressure and weight will be assessed through a non-randomized observational cohort study using repeated measures modeling and individual interviews.

Discussion

Increasing use of the World Wide Web by consumers for health information and ongoing revolutions in social media are strong indicators that users are primed to welcome a new era of technology in health care. However, their full potential is hindered by limited knowledge regarding their effectiveness, poor usability, and high attrition rates. Our development and research agenda aims to address these limitations by improving usability, identifying characteristics associated with website use and attrition, and developing strategies to sustain patient use in order to maximize clinical outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of the once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide in monotherapy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes (GetGoal-Mono)

OBJECTIVE

To assess efficacy and safety of lixisenatide monotherapy in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, 12-week study of 361 patients not on glucose-lowering therapy (HbA(1c) 7-10%) allocated to one of four once-daily subcutaneous dose increase regimens: lixisenatide 2-step (10 μg for 1 week, 15 μg for 1 week, and then 20 μg; n = 120), lixisenatide 1-step (10 μg for 2 weeks and then 20 μg; n = 119), placebo 2-step (n = 61), or placebo 1-step (n = 61) (placebo groups were combined for analyses). Primary end point was HbA(1c) change from baseline to week 12.

RESULTS

Once-daily lixisenatide significantly improved HbA(1c) (mean baseline 8.0%) in both groups (least squares mean change vs. placebo: -0.54% for 2-step, -0.66% for 1-step; P < 0.0001). Significantly more lixisenatide patients achieved HbA(1c) <7.0% (52.2% 2-step, 46.5% 1-step) and ≤ 6.5% (31.9% 2-step, 25.4% 1-step) versus placebo (26.8% and 12.5%, respectively; P < 0.01). Lixisenatide led to marked significant improvements of 2-h postprandial glucose levels and blood glucose excursions measured during a standardized breakfast test. A significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose was observed in both lixisenatide groups versus placebo. Mean decreases in body weight (∼2 kg) were observed in all groups. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal-nausea was the most frequent (lixisenatide 23% overall, placebo 4.1%). Symptomatic hypoglycemia occurred in 1.7% of lixisenatide and 1.6% of placebo patients, with no severe episodes. Safety/tolerability was similar for the two dose regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily lixisenatide monotherapy significantly improved glycemic control with a pronounced postprandial effect (75% reduction in glucose excursion) and was safe and well tolerated in type 2 diabetes.

Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on weight loss: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether treatment with agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) result in weight loss in overweight or obese patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analyses.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic searches (Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science) and manual searches (up to May 2011). Review methods Randomised controlled trials of adult participants with a body mass index of 25 or higher; with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus; and who received exenatide twice daily, exenatide once weekly, or liraglutide once daily at clinically relevant doses for at least 20 weeks. Control interventions assessed were placebo, oral antidiabetic drugs, or insulin.

DATA EXTRACTION

Three authors independently extracted data. We used random effects models for the primary meta-analyses. We also did subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and sequential analyses to evaluate sources of intertrial heterogeneity, bias, and the robustness of results after adjusting for multiple testing and random errors.

RESULTS

25 trials were included in the analysis. GLP-1R agonist groups achieved a greater weight loss than control groups (weighted mean difference -2.9 kg, 95% confidence interval -3.6 to -2.2; 21 trials, 6411 participants). We found evidence of intertrial heterogeneity, but no evidence of bias or small study effects in regression analyses. The results were confirmed in sequential analyses. We recorded weight loss in the GLP-1R agonist groups for patients without diabetes (-3.2 kg, -4.3 to -2.1; three trials) as well as patients with diabetes (-2.8 kg, -3.4 to -2.3; 18 trials). In the overall analysis, GLP-1R agonists had beneficial effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, plasma concentrations of cholesterol, and glycaemic control, but did not have a significant effect on plasma concentrations of liver enzymes. GLP-1R agonists were associated with nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, but not with hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review provides evidence that treatment with GLP-1R agonists leads to weight loss in overweight or obese patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Therapy for obesity based on gastrointestinal hormones

It has long been known that peptide hormones from the gastrointestinal tract have significant impact on the regulation of nutrient metabolism. Among these hormones, incretins have been found to increase insulin secretion, and thus incretin-based therapies have emerged as new modalities for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In contrast to other antidiabetic treatments, these agents have a positive outcome profile on body weight. Worldwide there are 500 million obese people, and 3 million are dying every year from obesity-related diseases. Recently, incretin-based therapy was proposed for the treatment of obesity. Currently two different incretin therapies are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: 1) the GLP-1 receptor agonists which cause significant and sustained weight loss in overweight patients, and 2) dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors being weight neutral. These findings have led to a greater interest in the physiology of intestinal peptides with potential weight-reducing properties. This review discusses the effects of the incretin-based therapies in obesity, and provides an overview of intestinal peptides with promising effects as potential new treatments for obesity.

Multicenter evaluation of an interdisciplinary 52-week weight loss program for obesity with regard to body weight, comorbidities and quality of life--a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of a structured multidisciplinary non-surgical obesity therapy program on the basis of a temporary low-calorie-diet for 12 weeks, and additional intervention modules to enhance nutritional education, to increase physical activity and to modify eating behavior.

DESIGN

Prospective multicenter observational study in obese individuals undergoing a medically supervised outpatient-based 52-week treatment in 37 centers in Germany.

SUBJECTS

A total of 8296 participants with a body mass index (BMI) of >30 kg m(-2) included within 8.5 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Main outcome measures were body weight loss, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, quality of life and adverse events.

RESULTS

In females, initial body weight was reduced after the 1-year-intervention by 19.6 kg (95% confidence intervals 19.2-19.9 kg) and in males by 26.0 kg (25.2-26.8) according to per protocol analysis of 4850 individuals. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis revealed a weight reduction of 15.2 kg (14.9-15.6) in females and 19.4 kg (18.7-20.1) in males. Overall, the intervention resulted in mean reduction in WC of 11 cm; it reduced the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome by 50% and the frequency of hypertension from 47 to 29% of all participants (ITT, all P<0.001). The beneficial effects could be documented for up to 3 years and comprised significant improvement of health-related quality of life. The incidence of adverse effects was low; the only event repeatedly observed and possibly related to either the intervention or the underlying disease was biliary disorders.

CONCLUSION

The present non-surgical intervention program is a highly effective treatment of obesity grades I-III and obesity-related diseases, and therefore, could be a valuable basis for future weight maintenance strategies required for sustained success.

Bariatric surgery: an IDF statement for obese Type 2 diabetes

The International Diabetes Federation Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention of Diabetes convened a consensus working group of diabetologists, endocrinologists, surgeons and public health experts to review the appropriate role of surgery and other gastrointestinal interventions in the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. The specific goals were: to develop practical recommendations for clinicians on patient selection; to identify barriers to surgical access and suggest interventions for health policy changes that ensure equitable access to surgery when indicated; and to identify priorities for research. Bariatric surgery can significantly improve glycaemic control in severely obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. It is an effective, safe and cost-effective therapy for obese Type 2 diabetes. Surgery can be considered an appropriate treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity not achieving recommended treatment targets with medical therapies, especially in the presence of other major co-morbidities. The procedures must be performed within accepted guidelines and require appropriate multidisciplinary assessment for the procedure, comprehensive patient education and ongoing care, as well as safe and standardized surgical procedures. National guidelines for bariatric surgery need to be developed for people with Type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 35 kg/m(2) or more.

Optimizing weight control in diabetes: antidiabetic drug selection

CLINICAL QUESTION

Which antidiabetic drugs provide optimal weight control in patients with type 2 diabetes?

RESULTS

Metformin reduces weight gain, and may cause weight loss, when given alone or in combination with other drugs. Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone use is associated with weight gain. Use of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, liraglutide and exenatide, is associated with weight loss. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are considered weight-neutral. Results with insulin therapy are conflicting. Insulin detemir provides weight control along with glycemic control.

IMPLEMENTATION

Weight gain is considered an inevitable part of good glycemic control using conventional modalities of treatment such as sulfonylureas.1Use of metformin, weight-sparing insulin analogs such as insulin detemir, and liraglutide, should be encouraged as monotherapy, or in combination with other drugs.

The role of diet and lifestyle in primary, secondary, and tertiary diabetes prevention: a review of meta-analyses

Prevention of diabetes is crucial to lowering disease incidence, and thus minimizing the individual, familial, and public health burden. The purpose of this review is to gather current information from meta-analyses on dietary and lifestyle practices concerning reduction of risk to develop type 2 diabetes. Low glycemic index dietary patterns reduce both fasting blood glucose and glycated proteins independent of carbohydrate consumption. Diets rich in whole-grain, cereal high fiber products, and non-oil-seed pulses are beneficial. Whereas, frequent meat consumption has been shown to increase risk. Regarding non-alcoholic beverages, 4 cups/day of filtered coffee or tea are associated with a reduced diabetes risk. In contrast, the consumption of alcoholic beverages should not exceed 1-3 drinks/day. Intake of vitamin E, carotenoids, and magnesium can be increased to counteract diabetes risk. Obesity is the most important factor accounting for more than half of new diabetes' cases; even modest weight loss has a favorable effect in preventing the appearance of diabetes. Also, physical exercise with or without diet contributes to a healthier lifestyle, and is important for lowering risk. Finally, there is a positive association between smoking and risk to develop type 2 diabetes. As far as secondary and tertiary prevention is concerned, for persons already diagnosed with diabetes, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of diet or lifestyle modification on glycemic control, but further studies are necessary.

Improving physical activity and dietary behaviours with single or multiple health behaviour interventions? A synthesis of meta-analyses and reviews

Since multiple health behaviour interventions have gained popularity, it is important to investigate their effectiveness compared to single health behaviour interventions. This synthesis aims to determine whether single intervention (physical activity or dietary) or multiple interventions (physical activity and dietary) are more effective at increasing these behaviours by synthesizing reviews and meta-analyses. A sub-purpose also explored their impact on weight. Overall, reviews/meta-analyses showed that single health behaviour interventions were more effective at increasing the targeted behaviours, while multiple health behaviour interventions resulted in greater weight loss. This review may assist policies aiming at improving physical activity and nutrition and reversing the obesity epidemic.

Short-term dynamics and metabolic impact of abdominal fat depots after bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery is gaining acceptance as an efficient treatment modality for obese patients. Mechanistic explanations regarding the effects of bariatric surgery on body composition and fat distribution are still limited.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat depots were evaluated using computed tomography in 27 obese patients prior to and 6 months following bariatric surgery. Associations with anthropometric and clinical changes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Excess weight loss 6 months following surgery was 47% in male and 42.6% in female subjects. Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat were reduced by 35% and 32%, respectively, in both sexes, thus the visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio remained stable. The strongest relation between absolute and relative changes in visceral and subcutaneous fat was demonstrated for the excess weight loss following the operations (r approximately 0.6-0.7), and these relations were strengthened further following adjustments for sex, baseline BMI, and fat mass. Changes in waist circumference and fat mass had no relation to changes in abdominal fat depots. All participants met the criteria of the metabolic syndrome at baseline, and 18 lost the diagnosis on follow-up. A lower baseline visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (0.43 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.61 +/- 0.21, P = 0.02) was associated with clinical resolution of metabolic syndrome parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The ratio between visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat remains fairly constant 6 months following bariatric procedures regardless of sex, procedure performed, or presence of metabolic complications. A lower baseline visceral-to-abdominal fat ratio is associated with improvement in metabolic parameters.

Predictors of inactive lifestyle among adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

BACKGROUND

: Participation in physical activity is important for childhood cancer survivors, because inactivity may compound cancer/treatment-related late effects. However, some survivors may have difficulty participating in physical activity, and these individuals need to be identified so that risk-based guidelines for physical activity, tailored to specific needs, can be developed and implemented. The objectives of the current study were to document physical activity patterns in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) cohort, to compare the physical activity patterns with siblings in the CCSS and with a population-based sample from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and to evaluate associations between diagnosis, treatment, and personal factors in terms of the risk for an inactive lifestyle.

METHODS

: Percentages of participation in recommended physical activity were compared among survivors, siblings, and population norms. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations between cancer diagnosis and therapy, sociodemographics, and the risk for an inactive lifestyle.

RESULTS

: Participants included 9301 adult survivors of childhood cancer and 2886 siblings. Survivors were less likely than siblings (46% vs 52%) to meet physical activity guidelines and were more likely than siblings to report an inactive lifestyle (23% vs 14%). Medulloblastoma (35%) and osteosarcoma (27%) survivors reported the highest levels of inactive lifestyle. Treatments with cranial radiation or amputation were associated with an inactive lifestyle as were being a woman, black race, older age, lower educational attainment, underweight or obese status, smoking, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

: Childhood cancer survivors were less active than a sibling comparison group or an age- and sex-matched population sample. Survivors who are at risk for an inactive lifestyle should be considered high priority for developing and testing of intervention approaches. Cancer 2009. (c) 2009 American Cancer Society.

A 3-year randomized trial of lifestyle intervention for cardiovascular risk reduction in the primary care setting: the Swedish Björknäs study

BACKGROUND

Successfully transferring the findings of expensive and tightly controlled programmes of intensive lifestyle modification to the primary care setting is necessary if such knowledge is to be of clinical utility. The objective of this study was to test whether intensive lifestyle modification, shown previously in tightly-controlled clinical trials to be efficacious for diabetes risk-reduction among high-risk individuals, can reduce cardiovascular risk factor levels in the primary care setting.

METHODOLOGY / PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The Swedish Björknäs study was a randomized controlled trial conducted from 2003 to 2006 with follow-up on cardiovascular risk factors at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months. A total of 151 middle-aged men and women at moderate- to high-risk of cardiovascular disease from northern Sweden were randomly assigned to either an intensive lifestyle intervention (n = 75) or control (n = 76) group. The intervention was based broadly on the protocol of the Diabetes Prevention Program. The three-month intervention period was administered in the primary care setting and consisted of supervised exercise sessions and diet counselling, followed by regular group meetings during three years. The control group was given general advice about diet and exercise and received standard clinical care. Outcomes were changes in anthropometrics, aerobic fitness, self-reported physical activity, blood pressure, and metabolic traits. At 36 months post-randomisation, intensive lifestyle modification reduced waist circumference (-2.2 cm: p = 0.001), waist-hip ratio (-0.02: p<0.0001), systolic blood pressure (-4.9 mmHg: p = 0.036), and diastolic blood pressure (-1.6 mmHg: p = 0.005), and improved aerobic fitness (5%; p = 0.038). Changes in lipid or glucose values did not differ statistically between groups. At 36 months, self-reported time spent exercising and total physical activity had increased more in the intervention group than in the control group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION / SIGNIFICANCE

A program of intensive lifestyle modification undertaken in the primary health care setting can favourably influence cardiovascular risk-factor profiles in high-risk individuals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00486941.