The Economic Burden of Post-prandial Hyperglycemia (PPH) Among People with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Three Countries

Are New Ultra-Rapid-Acting Insulins Associated with Improved Glycemic Control and Reduced Hypoglycemia in Comparison to Conventional Rapid-Acting Insulins for Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: This study aimed to compare efficacy and safety of ultra-rapid-acting insulin analogs (URAIs; faster aspart [FAsp], ultra-rapid lispro [URLi], and technosphere insulin [TI]) with rapid-acting insulin analogs (RAI) in individuals with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Searching for randomized control trial comparing the effects of URAI versus RAI that lasted at least 12 weeks, we initially selected 15 studies for analysis. Three studies involving TI were excluded due to a high degree of heterogeneity. The final meta-analysis included only 12 studies with either FAsp or URLi. Results: Mealtime URAI significantly reduced overall early 1 h postprandial glycemia in individuals with T1D (-20.230 mg/dL [95% confidence interval, 95% CI -24.040 to -16.421]; P < 0.001; I2 = 33.42%) and those with T2D (-9.138 mg/dL [95% CI -12.612 to -5.663]; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). However, the significant reduction in 2 h postprandial glucose remained only in individuals with T1D (-17.620 mg/dL [95% CI -26.047 to -9.193]; P < 0.001; I2 = 65.88%). These benefits were lost when URAI was administered postmeal. At 24-26 weeks, there was no significant difference in HbA1c between groups, but at 52 weeks, a slight reduction in HbA1c with mealtime URAI was observed (-0.080% [95% CI -0.147 to -0.013]; P = 0.019; I2 = 0%). No difference in weight or the rate of severe or confirmed hypoglycemia was observed. Only individuals with T1D showed a small, but significant increase in early 1-h hypoglycemia with URAI (1.468 [95% CI 1.235 to 1.747]; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Mealtime URAI improves 1 and 2 h postprandial glycemic control compared to RAI without increasing hypoglycemia or weight gain.

Increased Time in Range with Ultra Rapid Lispro Treatment in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes: PRONTO-Time in Range

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate time in range metrics and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with ultra rapid lispro (URLi) using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for the first time in this population.

METHODS

This was a Phase 3b, 12-week, single-treatment study in adults with T2D on basal-bolus multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy using basal insulin glargine U-100 along with a rapid-acting insulin analog. Following a 4-week baseline period, 176 participants were newly treated with prandial URLi. Participants used unblinded CGM (Freestyle Libre). Primary endpoint was time in range (TIR) (70-180 mg/dl) during the daytime period at Week 12 compared to baseline with gated secondary endpoints of HbA1c change from baseline and 24-h TIR (70-180 mg/dl).

RESULTS

Improved glycemic control was observed at Week 12 versus baseline including mean daytime TIR (change from baseline [Δ] 3.8%; P = 0.007), HbA1c (Δ - 0.44%; P < 0.001), and 24-h TIR (Δ 3.3%; P = 0.016) with no significant difference in time below range (TBR). After 12 weeks, there was a statistically significant decrease in postprandial glucose incremental area under curve, overall, across all meals, within 1 h (P = 0.005) or 2 h (P < 0.001) after the start of a meal. Basal, bolus, and total insulin dose were intensified with increased bolus/total dose ratio at Week 12 (50.7%) versus baseline (44.5%; P < 0.001). There were no severe hypoglycemia events during the treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

In people with T2D, URLi in an MDI regimen was efficacious with improved glycemic control including TIR, HbA1c, and postprandial glucose without increased hypoglycemia/TBR. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04605991.

Postprandial glucose is correlated with an increasing risk of liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is closely related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is an important risk factor for the progression of liver fibrosis, but the role of 2-h postprandial blood glucose (PPG) as a biomarker in this process remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between PPG and liver fibrosis in Chinese NAFLD populations with or without T2DM.

METHODS

This study included three independent NAFLD populations: 1) 618 inpatients with T2DM or pre-diabetes, 2) 255 patients with T2DM or pre-diabetes who underwent liver biopsy, and 3) a prospective community-based cohort without diabetes who completed a median of 4.22 years follow-up. The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed by liver fibrosis stage in subjects with a liver biopsy, and by NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) in subjects without liver biopsy.

RESULTS

In the first population, PPG {OR 0.02, [95% CI (0.01-0.03)], P< 0.001} was positively correlated with NFS. In the second population, an increasing PPG was associated with increase in the proportion of advanced liver fibrosis (P = 0.012). Multivariate line regression revealed that PPG {OR 0.03 [95% CI (0.00-0.06)], P = 0.049}was positively associated with liver fibrosis stages. In the third population, PPG {OR 0.103, [95% CI (0.011-0.194) P = 0.028} at baseline was positively associated with NFS at follow-up. Furthermore, changes in PPG were significantly associated with NFS change after follow-up. We did not find a similar association between fasting glucose or HbA1c and liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

PPG was independently associated with the severity of liver fibrosis in the Chinese NAFLD population.

Glycemic control after switching to faster aspart in adults with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

Post-prandial hyperglycemia remains an unmet need in the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D). In randomized trials, faster insulin aspart (FIA) showed modest but significant reductions of glycemic spikes after meals. Whether such benefit is evident in routine clinical practice is unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed data of patients with T1D at the time they switched from a prior bolus insulin to FIA and at the first available follow-up. The primary endpoint was the change in the time spent in hyperglycemia > 250 mg/dl during daytime from flash glucose monitoring (FGM). Secondary outcomes included the change in HbA1c, body weight, insulin dose and other FGM metrics.

RESULTS

We included 117 patients with T1D on multiple daily injections who switched to FIA, 57 of whom had data from FGM. Patients were 41-year-old, 51.3% men, with 19.3 years diabetes duration and a baseline HbA1c of 7.7% (60 mmol/mol). Mean observation time was 4.3 months. After switching to FIA, HbA1c declined by 0.1% (1 mmol/mol) only in patients with baseline HbA1c > 7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Time spent in hyperglycemia > 250 mg/dl during daytime was significantly reduced from 14.8 to 11.9% (p = 0.006). Time in range improved from 48.3 to 51.0% (p = 0.028). Results were consistent across various patient characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Under routine care, patients with T1D who switched to FIA experienced a reduction in the time spent in hyperglycemia > 250 mg/dl during daytime and an increase in time in range. These improvements may be due to better control of post-prandial hyperglycemia, as observed in trials.

Intralesional allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells application in chronic diabetic foot ulcer: Phase I/2 safety study

BACKGROUND

Impaired wound healing is a major cause of morbidity in diabetic patients by causing chronic ulcers. This study aimed to investigate the safety and outcomes after intralesional allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection in chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

METHODS

Twenty patients (12 male and eight female) were involved in the study. We randomized the patients into two groups of 10 patients each. The study group was treated with allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection with standard diabetic wound care. The control group received only standard diabetic wound care. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, wound closure time, amputation rates and clinical scores were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age was 57.3 ± 6.6 years. The mean follow-up duration was 48.0 (range, 26-50) months. Wound closure was achieved in 17 of 20 lesions (study group, 9 lesions; control group, 8 lesions; respectively). The mean time to wound closure was 31.0 ± 10.7 (range, 22-55) days in the study group, 54.8 + 15.0 (range, 30-78) days in the control group (p = 0.002). In three patients, minor amputations were performed (one patient in study group; two patients in the control group, p = 0.531). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of postoperative Short Form 36- physical functioning (p = 0.017) and Short Form 36-general health (p = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection was found to be a safe and effective method with a positive contribution to wound-healing time in the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Ultra-Rapid Lispro Improves Postprandial Glucose Control and Time in Range in Type 1 Diabetes Compared to Lispro: PRONTO-T1D Continuous Glucose Monitoring Substudy

Background: This study evaluated glucose control by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during treatment with ultra-rapid lispro (URLi) or lispro used in combination with insulin glargine or degludec in adults with type 1 diabetes in a substudy of the PRONTO-T1D study. Methods: Ambulatory glucose profiles were evaluated in 269 patients from PRONTO-T1D assigned to double-blind URLi (n = 97) or lispro (n = 99) given 0-2 min before the start of the meal (mealtime), or open-label URLi (n = 73) given 20 min after the meal (postmeal URLi). Blinded CGM was used for up to 14 days before baseline and the 26-week primary endpoint. The primary objective was to compare mealtime URLi and lispro with respect to incremental area under the serum glucose concentration versus time curve from 0 to 2 h (iAUC_0-2h) after breakfast. Results: Mealtime URLi was superior in reducing the iAUC_0-2h when compared to lispro for breakfast (least squares mean [LSM] difference -28.1 mg·h/L, P = 0.048) and for all meals combined. iAUC_0-3h and iAUC_0-4h were also reduced. Postmeal URLi resulted in similar postprandial glucose (PPG) control to mealtime lispro, but less optimal PPG control compared to mealtime URLi. Mealtime URLi increased daytime time in range (71-180 mg/dL [3.9-10.0 mmo/L]) (LSM difference = +43.6 min, P = 0.020) and decreased nighttime time in hypoglycemia (LSM difference ≤70 mg/dL [3.9 mmol/L] = -11.5 min, P = 0.009) compared to mealtime lispro. Conclusions: Results of this CGM substudy support the improved PPG control seen with mealtime URLi in the PRONTO-T1D study and show that mealtime URLi resulted in improved daytime time in target range.

How often patients on insulin therapy measure postprandial glycemia and modify insulin doses accordingly? From an on-line survey in insulin-treated diabetes patients in Spain

INTRODUCTION

Controlling postprandial glycemia (PPG) is important to achieve optimal glycemic control, but few studies have evaluated how often is measured and evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate how often patients on insulin therapy measure PPG and modify insulin doses accordantly. As secondary objectives, we evaluated the factors conditioning elevated PPG and associated issues.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study based on a web-based survey from an unselected sample of adult insulin-treated patients. A p-value of < 0.05 was significant.

RESULTS

1251 patients (68% women, 38.9 ± 13 years [mean ± SD], body mass index (BMI) 24.2 ± 4.2 kg/m², diabetes duration 17.4 ± 12.8 years, insulin dose 38 ± 18 IU) participated, 1104 with autoinmmune disease (AD) and 147 with non-autoinmmune diabetes (NAD). 59% of patients had HbA1c ≤ 7%, 92.7% of patients with AD and 55.8% with NAD were attended by specialists (p < 0.001). People with AD did more often blood glucose monitoring (BGM) (p < 0.0001) and used continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) (p < 0.0001). 90.1% with AD and 68.0% with NAD received instructions on measuring PPG (p < 0.001), and more with AD received specific training to change the treatment (87% vs. 61.2%, p < 0.0001) and were more proactive. However, more with NAD discussed their postprandial glucose levels with their healthcare team during clinical visits (92.5% vs. 74.1%, p < 0.0001). Regarding bolus administration, 88.6% with AD and 68.7% with NAD injected the insulin bolus before meals (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AD determine PPG more frequently. Diabetes type, follow-up setting, number of injections and CGMS use were the most important predictive factors for PPG measurement. Diabetes education programs should address how to best monitor PPG and appropriate corrective actions.

Post-Basal Insulin Intensification and Healthcare Resource Use in Type 2 Diabetes: A Web-Based Physician Survey in the United States and United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION

Currently, there is limited knowledge of the healthcare resources and time needed to intensify patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with basal insulin to more complex treatment regimens. The purpose of the study was to investigate physicians' perspectives on the time and healthcare resources required for post-basal insulin intensification to basal-bolus and to basal in combination with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) regimens. The study also examined referrals to specialists for intensification and patient challenges with intensification.

METHODS

A web-based survey of physicians was conducted in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (USA).

RESULTS

A total of 458 physicians completed the survey, including general practitioners (58.5%) and specialists (endocrinologists/diabetologists; 41.5%). On average, 7.0 healthcare provider (HCP) visits (SD 3.7) over 30.1 weeks (SD 17.4) were required to intensify to a basal-bolus regimen, while 5.7 HCP visits (SD 3.8) over 23.5 weeks (SD 15.2) were needed to intensify to basal insulin in combination with GLP-1. Referral to a specialist for intensification required on average an additional 8 weeks of wait time before intensification. Physicians reported that the complexity of the basal-bolus regimen and frequent injections were key challenges for T2D patients intensifying to basal-bolus, while frequent injections and side effects were key challenges for those intensifying with GLP-1.

CONCLUSION

Less complex regimens for intensification following basal insulin may help reduce the time and healthcare resources required for intensification and address some of the challenges T2D patients face when intensifying to basal-bolus or basal with GLP-1.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk, A/S.

Towards a better understanding of postprandial hyperglycemic episodes in people with diabetes: impact on daily functioning

OBJECTIVE

Acute postprandial hyperglycemia (aPPHG) is often symptomatic and can be associated with behavioral changes such as impaired working memory and attention. However, there is little evidence of the impact of aPPHG on the daily lives of patients. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and severity of aPPHG episodes and their impact on daily functioning in people with insulin-treated diabetes.

METHODS

Adults (n = 1200) with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) or 2 (T2DM), most of whom experienced aPPHG, were recruited to complete an online cross-sectional survey in the USA and UK. The survey captured self-reported severity and frequency of aPPHG episodes and included a newly developed questionnaire (aPPHG-Q) assessing the impact of aPPHG episodes on patients' daily lives. Data was analyzed separately according to diabetes type and country. Regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between severity or frequency and scores on the aPPHG-Q.

RESULTS

Between 70% and 86% of USA, and 87% and 88% of UK participants reported experiencing aPPHG episodes. Increasing frequency and severity of aPPHG episodes were associated with worse scores on the aPPHG-Q in patients with both T1DM and T2DM in both countries (p < .014) on all subscale scores (excluding the worry and concerns scores for T1DM in the UK), although the magnitude of the association was smaller for aPPHG frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased severity and frequency of aPPHG episodes in patients with insulin-treated diabetes is associated with greater burden and experience of symptoms, and can negatively impact daily functioning.

Efficacy of Cellular Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Diabetes mellitus is a widely spread chronic disease with growing incidence worldwide, and diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. Cellular therapy has shown promise in the management of diabetic foot ulcer in many preclinical experiments and clinical researches. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cellular therapy in the management of diabetic foot ulcer. We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to May 2017 for randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of cellular therapy in diabetic foot ulcer, and a meta-analysis was conducted. A total of 6 randomized controlled clinical trials involving 241 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that cellular therapy could help accelerating the healing of diabetic foot ulcer, presented as higher ankle-brachial index (mean difference = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.11 to 0.23), higher transcutaneous oxygen pressure (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09– to 1.78), higher ulcer healing rate (relative risk [RR] = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.41 to 2.25), higher amputation-free survival (RR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.40), and lower scale of pain (SMD = −1.69; 95% CI, −2.05 to −1.33). Furthermore, cellular therapy seemed to be safe, with no serious complications and low risk of short-term slight complications. Cellular therapy could accelerate the rate of diabetic foot ulcer healing and may be more efficient than standard therapy for diabetic foot treatment.

Diabetes Management and Healthcare Resource Use When Intensifying from Basal Insulin to Basal-Bolus: A Survey of Type 2 Diabetes Patients

INTRODUCTION

Currently, there is limited knowledge about the experiences and challenges type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients face when intensifying from basal insulin to more complex regimens. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of adults with T2D who have been intensified to a basal-bolus insulin regimen, including challenges related to intensification, medication adherence issues, non-persistence, and healthcare resource use related to intensification.

METHODS

A web-based survey of adults diagnosed with T2D and currently treated with basal insulin was conducted in the UK and the USA. The analysis sample was restricted to respondents with current/recent basal-bolus treatment (n = 398) and divided into three analysis groups: (1) "basal-bolus adherent" (current basal-bolus treatment with at least 90% adherence); (2) "basal-bolus non-adherent" (current basal-bolus treatment with less than 80% adherence); and (3) "stopped bolus" (discontinued bolus in past 12 months).

RESULTS

Basal-bolus non-adherent respondents reported fewer discussions with their healthcare providers (HCPs) before starting bolus and more frequent difficulties with and worries about taking bolus insulin compared to basal-bolus adherent and stopped bolus groups. The most frequently reported reasons for discontinuing bolus were related to the complicated nature of regimen, including too complicated to calculate bolus doses (25.7%), too complicated to regulate food in relation to bolus (20.7%), and too complicated to keep track of taking two different insulins (18.6%). Respondents who stopped bolus reported more frequent HCP visits related to diabetes compared to the basal-bolus adherent and basal-bolus non-adherent groups.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that the complicated nature of basal-bolus therapy contributes to the difficulties that T2D patients have with the regimen and to non-persistence. Physician and patient education may help patients address these treatment challenges to improve basal-bolus adherence and persistence, which could reduce healthcare resource use and costs. Less complex regimens may be appropriate for patients with persistent treatment difficulties.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk A/S.

The value of fast-acting insulin aspart compared with insulin aspart for patients with diabetes mellitus treated with bolus insulin from a UK health care system perspective

BACKGROUND

Fast-acting insulin aspart is a new formulation of the rapid-acting insulin analogue insulin aspart and represents an advancement over current rapid-acting insulin analogues in terms of onset of action and postprandial glucose control. The objective of the current analysis was to demonstrate the cost impact of prescribing fast-acting insulin aspart instead of insulin aspart, to highlight the value of fast-acting insulin aspart for the treatment of people with diabetes requiring mealtime insulin.

METHODS

A cost-impact analysis was conducted from the perspective of the UK National Health Service (NHS). The analysis excluded patients' out-of-pocket expenses, carers' costs and lost productivity. The time horizon of the analysis was 1 year, and no discounting was therefore applied.

RESULTS

The displacement of insulin aspart with fast-acting insulin aspart is cost neutral for the UK NHS. Fast-acting insulin aspart is at price parity to insulin aspart in terms of the vial and Penfill® cartridge and is available in the FlexTouch® pen at the same price as the insulin aspart FlexPen® (and thus cheaper than the insulin aspart FlexTouch® pen). Patients using the insulin aspart FlexPen® will be upgraded to the FlexTouch® pen device, which is preferred by patients and healthcare professionals, on switching to fast-acting insulin aspart, at no additional cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Fast-acting insulin aspart offers additional clinical benefit but at no additional cost when compared with insulin aspart, and thus provides value to the UK NHS.

A small dose of whey protein co-ingested with mixed-macronutrient breakfast and lunch meals improves postprandial glycemia and suppresses appetite in men with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Large doses of whey protein consumed as a preload before single high-glycemic load meals has been shown to improve postprandial glycemia in type 2 diabetes. It is unclear if this effect remains with smaller doses of whey co-ingested at consecutive mixed-macronutrient meals. Moreover, whether hydrolyzed whey offers further benefit under these conditions is unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate postprandial glycemic and appetite responses after small doses of intact and hydrolyzed whey protein co-ingested with mixed-nutrient breakfast and lunch meals in men with type 2 diabetes.

Design

In a randomized, single-blind crossover design, 11 men with type 2 diabetes [mean ± SD age: 54.9 ± 2.3 y; glycated hemoglobin: 6.8% ± 0.3% (51.3 ± 3.4 mmol/mol)] attended the laboratory on 3 mornings and consumed 1) intact whey protein (15 g), 2) hydrolyzed whey protein (15 g), or 3) placebo (control) immediately before mixed-macronutrient breakfast and lunch meals, separated by 3 h. Blood samples were collected periodically and were processed for insulin, intact glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), leptin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY3-36), and amino acid concentrations. Interstitial glucose was measured during and for 24 h after each trial. Subjective appetite was assessed with the use of visual analog scales.

Results

Total postprandial glycemia area under the curve was reduced by 13% ± 3% after breakfast following the intact whey protein when compared with control (P < 0.05). Hydrolyzed whey attenuated early glucose after breakfast when compared with control (P < 0.05). Glycemia was improved postlunch after the intact whey protein only when compared with control (P < 0.05). Greater satiety was observed after the intact whey protein only after both meals when compared with control (P < 0.05). Insulin concentrations increased after both the intact and hydrolyzed whey protein, showing strong positive correlations with increases in valine and isoleucine (P < 0.05). Incretin and appetite regulatory hormone responses were similar across trials (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The consumption of a small 15-g dose of intact whey protein immediately before consecutive mixed-macronutrient meals improves postprandial glycemia, stimulates insulin release, and increases satiety in men with type 2 diabetes. This trial was registered at www.clinicialtrials.gov as NCT02903199.

Postprandial glucose and healthcare resource use: a cross-sectional survey of adults with diabetes treated with basal-bolus insulin

AIMS

Postprandial glucose (PPG) control is a well-known challenge for diabetes management, yet there is limited research on how PPG affects healthcare resource utilization. This study investigated the association between PPG levels and healthcare resource utilization among adults with diabetes treated with basal-bolus insulin.

METHODS

A web-based, cross-sectional survey (n = 940) of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and treated with basal and bolus insulins was conducted in Italy, the UK, and the US. Descriptive analyses included frequencies, cross-tabulations, and comparison of means. Incidence-rate ratios (IRR) were calculated using negative binomial regression analysis to investigate the relationship between elevated PPG and healthcare resource utilization. Models controlled for demographic characteristics, duration of diabetes, and diabetes-related complications.

RESULTS

Among respondents who measured PPG regularly and reported their two highest PPG values in the past week (n = 691), the mean average highest PPG value was 11.9 mmol/L (SD = 4.0). On average, holding other variables constant at their means, a 1 mmol/L increase in PPG was associated with an increase in healthcare resource utilization related to diabetes and elevated PPG, including the expected number of healthcare provider (HCP) visits in the past 6 months (IRR [95% CI] = 1.14 [1.08-1.21], p < .001), the expected number of calls/emails to HCPs in the past 6 months (IRR [95% CI] = 1.12 [1.06-1.19], p < .001), and the expected number of overnight hospitalizations in the past year (IRR [95% CI] = 1.14 [1.07-1.23], p < .001).

LIMITATIONS

The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias. Given the cross-sectional nature of the study, results should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased PPG levels were significantly associated with increased healthcare resource utilization among adults with diabetes. Additional education regarding PPG monitoring may help improve the day-to-day management of diabetes and reduce healthcare costs.

Pharmacological Properties of Faster-Acting Insulin Aspart

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Faster aspart is a new formulation of insulin aspart (IAsp) produced by adding the excipients niacinamide and L-arginine. As this new, "ultra-rapid insulin" is available in the EU-market and Canada, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics data is summarized.

RECENT FINDINGS

Faster aspart shows an earlier onset of appearance of insulin in the bloodstream after subcutaneous administration and an earlier onset of glucose-lowering action and a higher glycemic effect within the first 30 min. Faster aspart administered by pump is indeed faster than conventional aspart with a faster on (- 11 min), faster off (- 24 min), and more than 100% greater insulin action within the first 30 min. Tolerability of faster aspart is similar to that of Iasp; the same holds true for compatibility in pump use. Faster aspart shows a faster occurrence of insulin in the blood compared with IAsp in subcutaneous injection. Improvements over current analogs may be more pronounced in pumps than with injections. Data from phase IIIa studies confirm the reduction of postprandial glucose excursions that can be achieved with faster aspart.

Understanding bolus insulin dose timing: the characteristics and experiences of people with diabetes who take bolus insulin

OBJECTIVE

Despite the increased popularity of newer, fast-acting bolus insulin treatment options that allow for more flexibility in the timing of bolus insulin dosing in recent years, relatively little is known about people with diabetes who administer bolus insulin at differing times in relation to their meals. The purpose of this study was to investigate bolus insulin dose timing in relation to meals among people with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes, as well as to better understand the characteristics and experiences of people who bolus dose at differing times.

METHODS

A web-based survey of adults with T1D and T2D treated with bolus insulin therapy in Germany, the UK, and USA was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 906 respondents completed the survey (39% T1D; 61% T2D). A majority of respondents reported bolus dosing before meals in the previous week (57.0%), followed by after meals (18.9%), with meals (12.7%), and at varying times (11.5%). Compared to respondents who dosed with or after meals, those who dosed before meals were significantly less likely to experience hypoglycemia (before, 55.7%; with, 72.8%; after, 68.7%; p < .001) in the previous week. Respondents who bolus dosed before meals were significantly more likely to perceive bolus dose timing as flexible (45.5%) compared to those who dosed with (27.8%) or after (35.7%) meals (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Results show that many people with T1D and T2D dose their bolus insulin with or after meals. Key limitations of all self-report surveys include potential bias in responses and generalizability of findings. However, the study was designed to help mitigate these limitations. The findings have implications for clinicians and suggest opportunities for improving diabetes education and care.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), an ideal cell source for regenerative therapy with no ethical issues, play an important role in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Growing evidence has demonstrated that MSCs transplantation can accelerate wound closure, ameliorate clinical parameters, and avoid amputation. In this review, we clarify the mechanism of preclinical studies, as well as safety and efficacy of clinical trials in the treatment of DFU. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), compared with MSCs derived from other tissues, may be a suitable cell type that can provide easy, effective, and cost-efficient transplantation to treat DFU and protect patients from amputation.

Understanding Post-Prandial Hyperglycemia in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Web-based Survey in Germany, the UK, and USA

INTRODUCTION

To explore how patients with diabetes experience post-prandial hyperglycemia (PPH) or elevated blood glucose (BG) following a meal.

METHODS

A web-based survey of patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes using bolus insulin in Germany, the USA, and the UK was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 906 respondents completed the survey. PPH was a frequent occurrence among patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes; 61.9% of respondents had experienced PPH in the past week, and differences by diabetes type were not significant. More than half of the respondents reported that they knew they were experiencing PPH because they had measured their BG (64.8%) and/or because they "just didn't feel right" (51.9%). The most frequently reported reasons given for PPH were eating more fat/sugar than estimated (31.2%) and over-eating in terms of their calculated bolus insulin dose (30.4%). The most common situations/factors contributing to PPH were stress (27.4%), eating at a restaurant (24.9%), being busy (21.1%), and/or feeling tired (19.2%). The most frequent corrective actions respondents took following PPH were testing BG and taking bolus insulin based on the reading (62.0%), and/or eating less/more carefully at their next meal or snack (18.8%). Additionally, significant differences in the reasons and contributing factors given for PPH and corrective actions following PPH, as well as emotions experienced when taking bolus insulin, were found by diabetes type.

CONCLUSION

These findings shed light on how patients with diabetes experience and manage PPH on a day-to-day basis and have implications for improving diabetes self-management. Clinicians and diabetes educators should help patients address eating habits and lifestyle issues that may contribute to PPH.

FUNDING

This study was sponsored by Novo Nordisk.