Effects of a combination of oral anti-diabetes drugs with basal insulin therapy on β-cell function and glycaemic control in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Criteria, and Approaches to Type 2 Diabetes Remission

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent, life-threatening, and costly medical illness. Type 2 diabetes is defined by insulin resistance caused by persistent hyperglycemia, and it is frequently diagnosed by tests such as fasting blood glucose levels of more than 7.0 mmol/L or HbA1c values of more than 6.5%. Pathogenesis and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus are clearly varied, with genetic and environmental factors both leading to it. The attainment of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels below the diagnostic level and maintaining it for a minimum of six months without pharmacotherapy, is described as diabetes remission. Diagnosis is a two-part procedure. To begin, the diagnosis of diabetes must be confirmed, and then the type of diabetes must be determined. Even in patients who succeeded to maintain remission, follow-up with the physician and regular tests should be done to prevent any expected diabetes complications.

2'-O-Methylperlatolic Acid Enhances Insulin-Regulated Blood Glucose-Lowering Effect through Insulin Receptor Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE

Insulin receptor (InsR) sensitizers represent a new type of therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetes, with 2'-O-methylperlatolic acid (2-O-M) being a potential InsR targeting drug. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 2-O-M functions as an activator of the insulin signaling pathway, regulating glucose hemostasis through the InsR and exerting a glucose-lowering effect in an animal model of diabetes.

METHODS

SPR-based analyses were used to detect the binding of different concentrations of 2-O-M to the InsR. The protein levels of IR-β, p-IR, AKT, and p-AKT in Hepa and C2C12 cell lines and liver and muscle tissues were determined by western blotting. Glucose uptake capacity was determined in C2C12 cells. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control, insulin treated, 2-O-M treated, and combined insulin and 2-O-M treated. Mice were injected with 2-O-M or normal saline and the average blood glucose concentration after 120 min, and the serum levels of insulin, glucagon, and C-peptide were measured. Next, qRT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism in the liver and muscle tissues.

RESULTS

2-O-M binds to the extracellular domain of the InsR. Moreover, combination treatment with 2-O-M and insulin resulted in significant activation of the insulin signaling pathway in vitro and significant stimulation of the glucose uptake capacity of C2C12 myotubes. In mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, 2-O-M significantly prolonged the blood glucose-lowering effect of insulin, significantly reduced the secretion of exogenous insulin, and reduced the blood glucose concentration in vivo. In addition, treatment with 2-O-M alone significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of AKT in muscle tissue, which enhanced glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. Further, 2-O-M significantly increased glucagon secretion and enhanced liver gluconeogenesis to prevent hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

2-O-M enhances the hypoglycemic effect of insulin through the insulin signaling pathway and can be used as a complement to insulin. This synergetic effect may lower the required dose of insulin and protect β cells.

Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Following a Short-term Intensive Intervention With Insulin Glargine, Sitagliptin, and Metformin: Results of an Open-label Randomized Parallel-Design Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate remission of type 2 diabetes following a short-term intervention with insulin glargine, sitagliptin/metformin, and lifestyle approaches.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this open multicenter trial, 102 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to 1) a 12-week intervention with sitagliptin/metformin, insulin glargine, and lifestyle therapy or 2) control group. Participants with HbA1c <7.3% (<56 mmol/mol) at 12 weeks were asked to stop diabetes medications and were followed for evidence of relapse over 52 weeks. Diabetes relapse criteria included HbA1c ≥6.5% (≥48 mmol/mol), ≥50% of capillary glucose readings >10 mmol/L over 1 week, and reinitiation of diabetes medications with or without abnormal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or 2-h plasma glucose on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Time-to-relapse analysis was conducted to compare the treatment groups with (primary analysis) and without (supplementary analysis) FPG/OGTT relapse criteria.

RESULTS

With the FPG/OGTT relapse criteria included, the hazard ratio (HR) of relapse was 0.72 (95% CI 0.47-1.10) in the intervention group compared with the control group (primary analysis), and the number of participants remaining in remission was not significantly different between treatment groups at 24, 36, 48, and 64 weeks. In the supplementary analyses without these criteria, HR of relapse was 0.60 (95% CI 0.39-0.95), and the number of participants remaining in remission was significantly higher (26 vs. 10%) in the intervention group at 36 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our primary outcome was not statistically significant, the tested approach deserves further study with further optimization of its components.

A comparison study on efficacy, insulin sensitivity and safety of Glimepiride/Metformin fixed dose combination versus glimepiride single therapy on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with basal insulin therapy

AIM

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy, insulin sensitivity and safety in the event of administering sulfonylurea-based drugs and metformin in combination with basal insulin.

METHODS

A randomized, open-label, parallel, 16-week trial was conducted across four study centers. The 97 type 2 diabetic patients were selected and randomized into two groups, the insulin glargine plus fixed-dose combination glimepiride 1 mg and metformin 500 mg twice daily group (the G/M group) and the insulin glargine plus glimepiride 4 mg once daily group (the G group). The primary endpoint evaluated was change in HbA1c. The secondary endpoints evaluated were changes in fasting blood glucose (FPG), 2-h post prandial glucose (PPG 2 h), insulin, and C-peptide levels.

RESULTS

The G/M group was found to have experienced a significantly greater decrease in HbA1c, as well as PPG 2 h compared to the G group. While no significant intergroup difference was found regarding FPG in the ITT, the G/M group in the PP set experienced a significantly greater decrease in FPG.

CONCLUSION

Comparison of combined therapy consisting of either the G/M group or the G group indicated that both forms of therapy are relatively safe but that the former more effectively decreases blood glucose levels.

Use of Insulin Glargine 100 U/mL for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in East Asians: A Review

Insulin glargine (IGlar) 100 U/mL (IGlar-100) is widely used in East Asian countries for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is the gold standard of basal insulin treatment. In this review we summarize key information about clinical experience with IGlar-100 in East Asian patients with T2DM, including findings from clinical trials and postmarketing studies. We also provide recommendations and opinions on the optimal use of IGlar-100 in this population. The findings from the studies highlighted in our review indicate that IGlar-100 can be a suitable treatment option for East Asians with T2DM, from initial therapy in combination with oral antihyperglycemic medications through to different combinations and intensification models. FUNDING: Eli Lilly and Company.

Should the last be first? Questions and dilemmas regarding early short-term insulin treatment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Early short-term insulin treatment (STIT), defined as insulin administration shortly after diabetes diagnosis for only a brief period of time, is an alternative concept, aiming to entirely revise the perspective of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) management.

AREAS COVERED

The present review intends to summarize what is already known regarding early STIT in T2DM and highlight questions and dilemmas from the clinician's point of view, with a discourse on future research agenda.

EXPERT OPINION

STIT has the potential to modify the natural history of T2DM, resulting in improved drug-free remission rates by favorably affecting the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. Existing data in the field manifest significant weaknesses, mainly being the small number of trials and patients included, the lack of control groups in most studies and the wide heterogeneity between study designs and explored outcomes, which limit definitive conclusions. Therefore, before such a therapeutic strategy is incorporated into daily practice, important issues require further clarification by future trials. These issues include the optimal time point for the intervention, the ideal insulin type, the identification of patients being most likely to benefit, the STIT effects on cardiovascular and other clinical outcomes and the cost-effectiveness evaluation of this therapeutic strategy.

ABBREVIATIONS

T2DM: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; HbA_1C: Hemoglobin A_1c; OHA: Oral Hypoglycemic Agents; STIT: Short-term Insulin Treatment; CSII: Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion; MDI: Multiple Daily Injections; PPG: Postprandial Plasma Glucose; FPG: Fasting Plasma Glucose; HOMA-b: Homeostasis Model Assessment of beta-cell function; TDD: Total Daily Insulin Dose; DI: Disposition Index; HOMA-IR: Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; TNF: Tumor Necrosis Factor; GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1; GIP: Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide; BMI: Body Mass Index; CV: Cardiovascular; DR: Diabetic Retinopathy; SU: Sulfonylurea; IGI: Insulinogenic Index.

Barriers to insulin initiation in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazil

AIMS

We aimed to explore insulin initiation barriers in the Brazilian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) elderly population, according to the physician's perspective, and suggest strategies to overcome them.

METHODS

A 45-questions survey addressing issues as clinical characteristics, barriers to insulinization, and treatment strategies in elderly patients with T2DM, was sent to six endocrinologists from different Brazilian locations. Thereafter, all the respondents participated in a panel discussion to validate their responses and collect additional relevant data.

RESULTS

Endocrinologists had at least 15 years of experience, with a mean of 63 elderly patients per month. Nearly 25% of the elderly patients were treated in the Brazilian public healthcare system (SUS, Unified Health System); only a quarter presented proper glycemic control. In contrast, 55% of the patients from private healthcare system presented adequate glycemic control. The main barriers for insulin initiation for patients, according to physicians' perspective, are side effects and negative perception over treatment (100%). For endocrinologists, main barriers were lack of time to guide patients and concern over side effects (83%). Therefore, specialists considered education for both healthcare professionals and patients as one of the most important strategies to circumvent the current scenario related insulin therapy among elderly patients in the country.

CONCLUSION

Insulin therapy remains underused due to several barriers, such as concern over side effects and negative perception. Educational measures for patients and HCPs could improve the current scenario.

Future challenges and therapeutic opportunities in type 2 diabetes: Changing the paradigm of current therapy

Most algorithms for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not recommend treatment escalation until glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) fails to reach the recommended target of 7% (53 mmol/mol) within approximately 3 months on any treatment regimen ("treat to failure"). Clinical inertia and/or poor adherence to therapy contribute to patients not reaching glycaemic targets when managed according to this paradigm. Clinical inertia exists across the entire spectrum of anti-diabetes therapies, although it is most pronounced when initiating and optimizing insulin therapy. Possible reasons include needle aversion, fear of hypoglycaemia, excessive weight gain and/or the need for increased self-monitoring of blood glucose. Studies have suggested, however, that early intensive insulin therapy in newly diagnosed, symptomatic patients with T2DM with HbA1c >9% (75 mmol/mol) can preserve beta-cell function, thereby modulating the disease process. Furthermore, postprandial plasma glucose is a key component of residual dysglycaemia, evident especially when HbA1c remains above target despite fasting normoglycaemia. Therefore, to achieve near normoglycaemia, additional treatment with prandial insulin or a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) is often required. Long- or short-acting GLP-1 RAs offer effective alternatives to basal or prandial insulin in patients inadequately controlled with other therapies or basal insulin alone, respectively. This review highlights the limitations of current algorithms, and proposes an alternative based on the early introduction of insulin therapy and the rationale for the sequential or fixed combination of GLP-1 RAs with insulin ("treat-to-success" paradigm).

Piloting a Remission Strategy in Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

Medical strategies targeting remission of type 2 diabetes have not been systematically studied.

OBJECTIVE

This trial assessed the feasibility, safety, and potential to induce remission of a short-term intensive metabolic strategy.

DESIGN

A randomized, parallel, open-label pilot trial with 83 participants followed for 52 weeks.

SETTING

Ambulatory care.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with type 2 diabetes of up to 3 years in duration.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomized to: (1) an 8-week intensive metabolic intervention, (2) a 16-week intensive metabolic intervention, or (3) standard diabetes care. During the intensive intervention period, weight loss and normoglycemia were targeted using lifestyle approaches and treatment with metformin, acarbose, and insulin glargine. Diabetes drugs were then discontinued in the intervention groups and participants were followed for hyperglycemic relapse.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

On-treatment normoglycemia.

RESULTS

At 8 weeks, 50.0% of the 8-week intervention group vs 3.6% of controls achieved normoglycemia on therapy [relative risk (RR), 14.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.97 to 99.38), and at 16 weeks, these percentages were 70.4% in the 16-week group and 3.6% in controls (RR, 19.7; 95% CI, 2.83 to 137.13). Twelve weeks after completion of the intervention, 21.4% of the 8-week group compared with 10.7% of controls (RR, 2.00; 95% CI, 0.55 to 7.22) and 40.7% of the 16-week group compared with 14.3% of controls (RR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.03 to 7.87) met hemoglobin A1C criteria for complete or partial diabetes remission.

CONCLUSIONS

A short course of intensive lifestyle and drug therapy achieves on-treatment normoglycemia and promotes sustained weight loss. It may also achieve prolonged, drug-free diabetes remission and strongly supports ongoing studies of novel medical regimens targeting remission.

Plasma soluble leptin receptor levels are associated with pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aims/Introduction

A soluble form of the leptin receptor (soluble Ob‐R) in the circulation regulates leptin's bioactivity, and is inversely associated with body adiposity and circulating leptin levels. However, no study has examined the clinical impact of soluble Ob‐R on glucose metabolism in diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the association of plasma soluble Ob‐R levels with insulin resistance and pancreatic β‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 289 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the present study. Fasting plasma soluble Ob‐R levels and plasma leptin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin resistance and pancreatic β‐cell function were estimated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function and fasting C‐peptide index.

Results

The median plasma soluble Ob‐R level and plasma leptin level were 3.4 ng/mL and 23.6 ng/mL, respectively. Plasma soluble Ob‐R levels were negatively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function and the C‐peptide index, whereas plasma leptin levels were positively correlated with each index in univariate analyses. Multivariate analyses including plasma soluble Ob‐R levels, plasma leptin levels and use of sulfonylureas, along with age, sex, body mass index and other covariates, showed that soluble Ob‐R levels were independently and negatively associated with homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function and the C‐peptide index, but not significantly associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Plasma soluble Ob‐R levels are independently associated with pancreatic β‐cell function, but not with insulin resistance, in patients with type 2 diabetes. The present study implicates the role of soluble Ob‐R in pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.

Linagliptin and pioglitazone combination therapy versus monotherapy with linagliptin or pioglitazone: A randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, multinational clinical trial

Linagliptin plus pioglitazone single-pill combinations were evaluated. Patients (n = 936) with insufficient glycaemic control, despite lifestyle interventions, were randomised for 30 weeks to either monotherapy with linagliptin 5 mg; pioglitazone 15, 30 or 45 mg; or single-pill combination with linagliptin 5 mg plus pioglitazone 15, 30 or 45 mg. An extension (⩽54 weeks) planned to evaluate linagliptin plus pioglitazone 30 or 45 mg single-pill combinations was not completed due to a protocol amendment. Adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) differences in HbA1c change from baseline at week 30 for linagliptin plus pioglitazone 15, 30 and 45 mg were -0.17% (-0.41, 0.07), -0.37% (-0.60, -0.14) and -0.41% (-0.64, -0.18) versus pioglitazone monotherapies, respectively, and -0.44% (-0.67, -0.20), -0.68% (-0.91, -0.44) and -0.89% (-1.12, -0.66) versus linagliptin monotherapy, respectively. Single-pill combinations were generally well tolerated. Hypoglycaemia frequency was ⩽1.5% per group. Linagliptin plus pioglitazone combinations were efficacious, with safety profiles comparable to the individual monotherapies.

Early Treatment with Basal Insulin Glargine in People with Type 2 Diabetes: Lessons from ORIGIN and Other Cardiovascular Trials

Dysglycemia results from a deficit in first-phase insulin secretion compounded by increased insulin insensitivity, exposing β cells to chronic hyperglycemia and excessive glycemic variability. Initiation of intensive insulin therapy at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to achieve normoglycemia has been shown to reverse glucotoxicity, resulting in recovery of residual β-cell function. The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) 10-year post-trial follow-up reported reductions in cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in persons with T2DM who initially received intensive glucose control compared with standard therapy. In the cardiovascular outcome trial, outcome reduction with an initial glargine intervention (ORIGIN), a neutral effect on cardiovascular disease was observed in the population comprising prediabetes and T2DM. Worsening of glycemic control was prevented over the 6.7 year treatment period, with few serious hypoglycemic episodes and only moderate weight gain, with a lesser need for dual or triple oral treatment versus standard care. Several other studies have also highlighted the benefits of early insulin initiation as first-line or add-on therapy to metformin. The decision to introduce basal insulin to metformin must, however be individualized based on a risk-benefit analysis. The landmark ORIGIN trial provides many lessons relating to the concept and application of early insulin therapy for the prevention and safe and effective induction and maintenance of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

FUNDING

Sanofi.

Short-term intensive insulin therapy at diagnosis in type 2 diabetes: plan for filling the gaps

Short-term intensive insulin therapy is unique amongst therapies for type 2 diabetes because it offers the potential to preserve and improve beta-cell function without additional pharmacological treatment. On the basis of clinical experience and the promising results of a series of studies in newly diagnosed patients, mostly in Asian populations, an expert workshop was convened to assess the available evidence and the potential application of short-term intensive insulin therapy should it be advocated for inclusion in clinical practice. Participants included primary care physicians and endocrinologists. We endorse the concept of short-term intensive insulin therapy as an option for some patients with type 2 diabetes at the time of diagnosis and have identified the following six areas where additional knowledge could help clarify optimal use in clinical practice: (1) generalizability to primary care, (2) target population and biomarkers, (3) follow-up treatment, (4) education of patients and providers, (5) relevance of ethnicity, and (6) health economics.

Ameliorated pancreatic β cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients treated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor ipragliflozin

It remains to be seen whether pancreatic β cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients can be ameliorated just by correcting hyperglycemia. The current pilot study investigated β cell function after a four-week treatment with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ten participants (age, 51±13 years; hemoglobin A1c levels, 9.4±1.0%) took 50 mg of ipragliflozin L-proline for four weeks and thereafter discontinued the agent for one week. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at 0 (baseline), 4 (end of medication), and 5 weeks (end of washout). The β cell function was evaluated using the disposition index, which was calculated as the product of the ΔIns₀₋₁₂₀/ΔGlu₀₋₁₂₀ and the Matsuda index, where ΔIns₀₋₁₂₀/ΔGlu₀₋₁₂₀ represents the ratio of the incremental concentrations of insulin to those of glucose during the 0- to 120-min time period of the OGTT. The fasting glucose level was 182±34 mg/dL at 0 week, 137±20 mg/dL at 4 weeks (p<0.001), and 154±31 mg/dL at 5 weeks (p=0.001). Compared to baseline, the disposition index was significantly elevated not only at 4 weeks (p<0.001) but also at 5 weeks (p=0.008). In conclusion, the current pilot study showed that the β cell function assessed by the OGTT-derived disposition index was significantly improved after a four-week treatment with ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Initiating basal insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes: practical steps to optimize glycemic control

Primary care practitioners are increasingly responsible for the management of the escalating numbers of patients with type 2 diabetes. The majority of these patients will require insulin replacement therapy as their disease progresses, because glycemic control is often unsustainable using oral antidiabetic drugs. This review explains the practicalities of initiating and optimizing basal insulin in clinical practice, emphasizing the need for regular glycated hemoglobin (A1c) monitoring to allow timely initiation of insulin when the A1c target is not met. The importance of patient education in overcoming barriers to insulin is discussed, as well as the choice of available basal insulins and the necessity to optimize basal insulin dosage by self-titration. The traditional view of insulin therapy as a last resort is challenged with the modern basal insulin analogues (insulin detemir and insulin glargine), which offer simple and effective glycemic control with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia compared with older insulin formulations such as neutral protamine Hagedorn.

COST-UTILITY ANALYSIS OF LIRAGLUTIDE VERSUS GLIMEPIRIDE AS ADD-ON TO METFORMIN IN TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS IN CHINA

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term cost-utility of liraglutide versus glimepiride as add-on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), based on the results of clinical trial conducted in Asian population.

Methods: The validated UKPDS Outcomes Model was used to project life expectancy, quality adjusted life-years (QALYs), incidence of diabetes-related complication and cost of complications in patients receiving those regimens. Baseline cohort characteristics and treatment effects were derived from an Asian study. China-specific complication costs and utility score were taken from local studies. Patients’ outcomes were modeled for 30 years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated for liraglutide compared with glimepiride from the healthcare system perspective. Both future costs and clinical benefits were discounted at 3 percent. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results: Over a period of 30 years, compared with glimepiride, liraglutide 1.8 mg was associated with improvements in life expectancy (0.1 year) and quality adjusted life-year (0.168 QALY), and a reduced incidence of diabetes-related complications leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per QALY gained versus glimepiride of CNY 25,6871 (DEC 2010, 1 USD = 6.6227 CNY).

Conclusions: Long-term projections indicated that liraglutide was associated with increased life expectancy, QALYs, and reduced complication incidences comparing with glimepiride. When the UK cost of liraglutide was discounted by 38 percent, liraglutide would be a cost-effective option in China from the healthcare system perspective using the 3X GDP/capita per QALY as the WTP threshold.