Microvascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Vildagliptin vs. Sulfonylurea: A Retrospective Study Using German Electronic Medical Records

Association between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor use and diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world studies

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this review was to examine if dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) use affects the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

METHODS

Cohort studies published up to 20th July 2023 in the databases of PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The adjusted effect size was pooled to calculate the odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS

Seven studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that the use of DPP4i was not associated with any significant change in the risk of DR (OR: 0.86 95% CI: 0.70, 1.06 I2 = 78%). The pooled analysis also found that DPP4i use was not associated with any significant risk of progression of DR (OR: 0.87 95% CI: 0.47, 1.59 I2 = 86%). The results did not change during sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

Present evidence from a limited number of real-world studies shows that DPP4i may not affect the incidence and progression of DR. There is a need for further studies from different countries using accurate definitions of DR and its progression to validate the current results.

Effects of newer-generation anti-diabetics on diabetic retinopathy: a critical review

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading etiology of blindness in the working population of the USA. Its long-term management relies on effective glycemic control. Seven anti-diabetic classes have been introduced for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the past two decades, with different glucose-lowering and cardiovascular benefits. Yet, their effects specifically on DR have not been studied in detail. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to investigate this topic, focusing on the available clinical data for T2D. Published studies were evaluated based on their level of statistical evidence, as long as they incorporated at least one endpoint or adverse event pertaining to retinal health. Fifty nine articles met our inclusion criteria and were grouped per anti-diabetic class as follows: alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists (8), amylin analogs (1), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (28), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (9), and sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (9), plus one retrospective study and two meta-analyses evaluating more than one of the aforementioned anti-diabetic categories. We also reviewed publicly-announced results of trials for the recently-introduced class of twincretins. The available data indicates that most drugs in the newer anti-diabetic classes are neutral to DR progression; however, there are subclasses differences in specific drugs and T2D populations. In particular, there is evidence suggesting there may be worse diabetic macular edema with PPAR-gamma agonists, potential slight DR worsening with semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist), and potential slight increase in the incidence of retinal vein occlusion in elderly and patients with advanced kidney disease receiving SGLT-2 inhibitors. All these warrant further investigation. Longer follow-up and systematic assessment of at least one DR-related endpoint are highly recommended for all future trials in the T2D field, to ultimately address this topic.

Incretins and microvascular complications of diabetes: neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy and microangiopathy

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs, incretin mimetics) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is, incretin enhancers) are glucose-lowering therapies with proven cardiovascular safety, but their effect on microvascular disease is not fully understood. Both therapies increase GLP-1 receptor agonism, which is associated with attenuation of numerous pathological processes that may lead to microvascular benefits, including decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased inflammation and improved vascular function. DPP-4is also increase stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which is associated with neovascularisation and tissue repair. Rodent studies demonstrate several benefits of these agents in the prevention or reversal of nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy, but evidence from human populations is less clear. For nephropathy risk in human clinical trials, meta-analyses demonstrate that GLP-1RAs reduce the risk of a composite renal outcome (doubling of serum creatinine, eGFR reduction of 30%, end-stage renal disease or renal death), whereas the benefits of DPP-4is appear to be limited to reductions in the risk of albuminuria. The relationship between GLP-1RAs and retinopathy is less clear. Many large trials and meta-analyses show no effect, but an observed increase in the risk of retinopathy complications with semaglutide therapy (a GLP-1RA) in the SUSTAIN-6 trial warrants caution, particularly in individuals with baseline retinopathy. Similarly, DPP-4is are associated with increased retinopathy risk in both trials and meta-analysis. The association between GLP-1RAs and peripheral neuropathy is unclear due to little trial evidence. For DPP-4is, one trial and several observational studies show a reduced risk of peripheral neuropathy, with others reporting no effect. Evidence in other less-established microvascular outcomes, such as microvascular angina, cerebral small vessel disease, skeletal muscle microvascular disease and autonomic neuropathies (e.g. cardiac autonomic neuropathy, gastroparesis, erectile dysfunction), is sparse. In conclusion, GLP-1RAs are protective against nephropathy, whereas DPP-4is are protective against albuminuria and potentially peripheral neuropathy. Caution is advised with DPP-4is and semaglutide, particularly for patients with background retinopathy, due to increased risk of retinopathy. Well-designed trials powered for microvascular outcomes are needed to clarify associations of incretin therapies and microvascular diseases.

Dry eye disease in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A retrospective, population-based cohort study in Taiwan

Purpose

To investigate the risk and protective factors of dry eye disease (DED) in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM).

Design

A retrospective cohort study using Chang- Gung research database collecting data from 2005 to 2020.

Methods

Patients with type II DM were included, and those with previous ocular diseases were excluded. Ten thousand twenty nine developed DED (DED group), and 142,491 didn't (non-DED group). The possible risk and protective factors were compared and analyzed using the logistic regression model.

Results

A majority of the DED group were female with significantly higher initial and average glycated hemoglobin levels, and higher incidence of diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. In conditional logistic regression model, advanced age was a risk factor. After adjusting for sex, age, and DM duration; average glycated hemoglobin level, diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy with eGFR 30 ~ 59 and intravitreal injection, vitrectomy, pan-retinal photocoagulation, and cataract surgery were contributing factors of DED. Considering antihyperglycemic agents, DPP4 inhibitor, SGLT2 inhibitor, GLP-1 agonist, and insulin monotherapy and dual medications combining any two of the aforementioned agents were protective factors against DED compared with metformin alone. In the monotherapy group, SLGT2 inhibitor had the lowest odds ratio, followed by GLP1 agonist, DPP4 inhibitor, and insulin.

Conclusions

DED in patients with DM is associated with female sex, advanced age, poor diabetic control, microvascular complications and receiving ocular procedures. GLP-1 agonist, SGLT-2 inhibitor, DPP4 inhibitor, and insulin are superior to metformin alone in preventing DM-related DED. A prospective randomized control trial is warranted to clarify our results.

Role of Dipeptidyl Dipeptidase 4 Inhibitors in the Management of Diabetic Foot

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus face difficulties in wound healing. It is important to explore therapeutic options for diabetic complications such as ulcers. This study evaluates the role of dipeptidyl dipeptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in the management of diabetic foot. Methods: Literature search was conducted in electronic databases (Google Scholar, Ovid, PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer) and studies were selected for inclusion if they reported the incidence rate of diabetic foot ulcer during DPP4i treatment or evaluated the effect of DPP4i on wound healing. Incidence rates of foot ulcer, amputation and peripheral vascular disease were pooled to achieve overall estimates. Meta-analyses of odds ratios were performed to evaluate the risk of foot ulcer, amputation, and peripheral vascular disease with DPP4i, and to examine the effect of DPP4i treatment on ulcer healing. Results: Ten studies (532354 DPP4i and 2092010 non-DPP4i treated diabetes patients) were included. Incidence rates of foot ulcer, amputation, and peripheral vascular disease were 3.80 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22, 7.39], 0.82 [95%CI: 0.60, 1.05], and 22.33 [95%CI: 9.14, 35.53] per 1000 person-years respectively in patients treated with DPP4i and 3.60 [95%CI: 1.77, 5.39], 0.76 [95%CI: 0.58, 0.94], and 20.9 [95%CI: 16.04, 25.81] per 1000 person-years respectively in patients treated with non-DPP4i drugs. Risk of ulcer or amputation with DPP4i was not consistent across studies. Odds of non-healing of ulcer were significantly lower with DPP4i in comparison with controls (odds ratio: 0.27 [95%CI: 0.10, 0.71]; p = 0.008). Conclusion: Incidence rates of diabetic foot and amputation are found to be similar with DPP4i and non-DPP4i drugs. DPP4i improved wound healing of diabetic foot in 3-month randomized trials.

Characterizing shared and distinct symptom clusters in common chronic conditions through natural language processing of nursing notes

Data-driven characterization of symptom clusters in chronic conditions is essential for shared cluster detection and physiological mechanism discovery. This study aims to computationally describe symptom documentation from electronic nursing notes and compare symptom clusters among patients diagnosed with four chronic conditions-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Nursing notes (N = 504,395; 133,977 patients) were obtained for the 2016 calendar year from a single medical center. We used NimbleMiner, a natural language processing application, to identify the presence of 56 symptoms. We calculated symptom documentation prevalence by note and patient for the corpus. Then, we visually compared documentation for a subset of patients (N = 22,657) diagnosed with COPD (n = 3339), heart failure (n = 6587), diabetes (n = 12,139), and cancer (n = 7269) and conducted multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering to discover underlying groups of patients who have similar symptom profiles (i.e., symptom clusters) for each condition. As expected, pain was the most frequently documented symptom. All conditions had a group of patients characterized by no symptoms. Shared clusters included cardiovascular symptoms for heart failure and diabetes; pain and other symptoms for COPD, diabetes, and cancer; and a newly-identified cognitive and neurological symptom cluster for heart failure, diabetes, and cancer. Cancer (gastrointestinal symptoms and fatigue) and COPD (mental health symptoms) each contained a unique cluster. In summary, we report both shared and distinct, as well as established and novel, symptom clusters across chronic conditions. Findings support the use of electronic health record-derived notes and NLP methods to study symptoms and symptom clusters to advance symptom science.

Effect of exenatide on peripheral nerve excitability in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of exenatide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist), dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors, and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on measures of peripheral nerve excitability in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Patients receiving either exenatide (n = 32), a DPP-IV inhibitor (n = 31), or a SGLT-2 inhibitor (n = 27) underwent motor nerve excitability assessments. Groups were similar in age, sex, HbA_1c, diabetes duration, lipids, and neuropathy severity. An additional 10 subjects were assessed prospectively over 3 months while oral anti-hyperglycaemic therapy was kept constant. A cohort of healthy controls (n = 32) were recruited for comparison.

RESULTS

Patients receiving a DPP-IV or SGLT-2 inhibitor demonstrated abnormalities in peak threshold reduction, S2 accommodation, superexcitability, and subexcitability. In contrast, patients treated with exenatide were observed to have normal nerve excitability. In the prospective arm, exenatide therapy was associated with an improvement in nerve function as patients demonstrated corrections in S2 accommodation, superexcitability, and subexcitability at follow-up. These changes were independent of the reductions in HbA_1c following exenatide treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Exenatide was associated with an improvement in measures of nerve excitability in patients with type 2 diabetes.

SIGNIFICANCE

Exenatide may improve peripheral nerve function in type 2 diabetes.

Metformin-Insulin versus Metformin-Sulfonylurea Combination Therapies in Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Study of Glycemic Control and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare glycemic control and risk of cardiovascular outcomes of metformin-insulin versus metformin-sulfonylurea combination therapies in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study in five tertiary level hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We enrolled 321 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were on continuous treatment follow-up on either metformin-insulin or metformin-sulfonylurea combination therapy. We interviewed the participants and reviewed their medical records to investigate medication efficacy, safety, and adherence. The primary outcome measure was glycemic control and the secondary outcome measures were composite cardiovascular outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the total participants enrolled, 50.5% (n = 162) were those who received metformin-insulin and 49.5% (n = 159) metformin-sulfonylurea combination therapies for a median of 48 months follow-up. The reduction of Hb1Ac levels was comparable between the metformin-insulin (-1.04 ± 0.96%) and metformin-sulfonylurea (-1.02 ± 1.03%), p = 0.912. Patients who received metformin-sulfonylurea had 4.3 times more likely to have achieved target HbA1c level compared to those who received metformin-insulin, p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI = 4.31[1.79-10.32]. Risk of composite cardiovascular outcomes was higher in metformin-insulin group (40.5% versus 34.0%), p = 0.021. Co-morbidities, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and HbA1c had a significant association with composite cardiovascular outcomes. Reductions of bodyweight, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides levels, and microvascular complications were different between the two groups, p < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

High proportion of patients who received metformin-sulfonylurea achieved target HbA1c level and had less composite cardiovascular outcomes compared to those who received metformin-insulin. However, these findings have to be confirmed with randomized control trials to determine risks associated with insulin use, while efficacy is maintained as second-line treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Deciphering the Neuroprotective Role of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists in Diabetic Neuropathy: Current Perspective and Future Directions

Diabetic neuropathy is referred to as a subsequential and debilitating complication belonging to type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a heterogeneous group of disorders with a particularly complex pathophysiology and also includes multiple forms, ranging from normal discomfort to death. The evaluation of diabetic neuropathy is associated with hyperglycemic responses, resulting in an alteration in various metabolic pathways, including protein kinase C pathway, polyol pathway and hexosamine pathway in Schwann and glial cells of neurons. The essential source of neuronal destruction is analogous to these respective metabolic pathways, thus identified as potential therapeutic targets. These pathways regulating therapeutic medications may be used for diabetic neuropathy, however, only target specific drugs could have partial therapeutic activity. Various antidiabetic medications have been approved and marketed, which possess the therapeutic ability to control hyperglycemia and ameliorate the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy. Among all antidiabetic medications, incretin therapy, including Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, are the most favorable medications for the management of diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathic complications. Besides enhancing glucose-evoked insulin release from pancreatic β-cells, these therapeutic agents also play a vital role to facilitate neurite outgrowth and nerve conduction velocity in dorsal root ganglion. Furthermore, incretin therapy also activates cAMP and ERK signalling pathways, resulting in nerve regeneration and repairing. These effects are evidently supported by a series of preclinical data and investigations associated with these medications. However, the literature lacks adequate clinical trial outcomes related to these novel antidiabetic medications. The manuscript emphasizes the pathogenesis, current pharmacological approaches and vivid description of preclinical and clinical data for the effective management of diabetic neuropathy.

Impact of Systemic Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Use in Diabetic Macular Edema

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate impact of baseline systemic dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use in diabetic macular edema (DME).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a post hoc exploratory analysis of previously completed randomized, controlled clinical trials (VISTA and VIVID) in patients with DME evaluating intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) every 4 weeks (2q4) or every 8 weeks (2q8) or macular laser photocoagulation.

RESULTS

Overall, a small number of patients (12.2% [n = 35], 9.7% [n = 28], and 15.4% [n = 44]) in the laser control, 2q4, and 2q8 groups reported baseline DPP-4 inhibitor use. There were no differences in changes from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity, central subfield thickness, or rates of 2-or-greater-step improvement in Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale score based on DPP-4 inhibitor use within each treatment group.

CONCLUSION

DPP-4 inhibitor use at baseline did not influence the magnitude of visual and anatomic benefit in patients with DME being treated with IAI or laser. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:226-234.].

Diabetes and Its Complications: Therapies Available, Anticipated and Aspired

Worldwide, diabetes ranks among the ten leading causes of mortality. Prevalence of diabetes is growing rapidly in low and middle income countries. It is a progressive disease leading to serious co-morbidities, which results in increased cost of treatment and over-all health system of the country. Pathophysiological alterations in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) progressed from a simple disturbance in the functioning of the pancreas to triumvirate to ominous octet to egregious eleven to dirty dozen model. Due to complex interplay of multiple hormones in T2D, there may be multifaceted approach in its management. The 'long-term secondary complications' in uncontrolled diabetes may affect almost every organ of the body, and finally may lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Available therapies are inconsistent in maintaining long term glycemic control and their long term use may be associated with adverse effects. There is need for newer drugs, not only for glycemic control but also for prevention or mitigation of secondary microvascular and macrovascular complications. Increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetes has contributed to the development of novel treatments. Several new agents like Glucagon Like Peptide - 1 (GLP-1) agonists, Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, amylin analogues, Sodium-Glucose transport -2 (SGLT- 2) inhibitors and dual Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists are available or will be available soon, thus extending the range of therapy for T2D, thereby preventing its long term complications. The article discusses the pathophysiology of diabetes along with its comorbidities, with a focus on existing and novel upcoming antidiabetic drugs which are under investigation. It also dives deep to deliberate upon the novel therapies that are in various stages of development. Adding new options with new mechanisms of action to the treatment armamentarium of diabetes may eventually help improve outcomes and reduce its economic burden.

Short-term renal and metabolic effects of low dose vildagliptin treatment added-on insulin therapy in non-proteinuric patients with type 2 diabetes: open-label randomized prospective study

Objective The aim of this randomized comparative study was to assess renal and metabolic effects of vildagliptin in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients without overt chronic kidney disease. Subjects and methods We randomized 47 insulin-treated non-proteinuric patients with satisfactory controlled T2DM and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m 2 either to continue insulin therapy (control) or to receive combined insulin-vildagliptin treatment (VIG group). We assessed eGFR using serum creatinine (eGFRcreat), cystatin C (eGFRcys), and both (eGFRcreat-cys), and urinary creatinine-adjusted excretion of albumin (UACR), type IV collagen (uCol IV/Cr), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL/Cr) at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Results Study groups were comparable in terms of age and sex (60.1 ± 6.1 years and 42.9% men in control group vs. 60.8 ± 5.2 years and 39.1% in VIG group). After 6 months of treatment, there were no significant changes in main assessed parameters in control group. VIG group demonstrated significant decrease in HbA1c, diastolic blood pressure, frequency of hypoglycemia, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level as compared to the changes in control group. While eGFRcreat, UACR, and uNGAL/Cr showed no significant changes after vildagliptin addition, eGFRcys, eGFRcreat-cys, and uCol IV/Cr changed significantly in comparison with control group (+7.0% [3.7;13.3]; +5.1% [1.4;8.5]; -32,8% [-55.8;-24.4], respectively, p < 0.01 each). Correlation and regression analysis revealed glucose-independent pattern of these changes. Conclusion Addition of vildagliptin to ongoing insulin therapy in patients with T2DM was associated with a reduction in uCol IV/Cr and an increase in eGFRcys and eGFRcreat-cys, independent of T2DM control parameters.

Metformin Treatment Is Associated with a Decreased Risk of Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Population-Based Cohort Study

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between metformin use and the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to investigate the effect of metformin dosage on reducing the incidence of DR.

METHODS

The study population included patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, who were aged ≥20 years and prescribed with antidiabetic drug therapy lasting ≥90 days, as identified using the National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2012. We matched metformin users and nonusers by a propensity score. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to compute and compare the risk of developing nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in metformin users and nonusers.

RESULTS

Overall, 10,044 T2DM patients were enrolled. Metformin treatment was associated with a lower risk of NPDR (aHR 0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.87) and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR, aHR 0.29, 95% CI 0.19-0.45); however, the reduction in risk was borderline significant for STDR progression among NPDR patients (aHR 0.54, 95% CI 0.28-1.01). Combination therapy of metformin and DPP-4i exhibited a stronger but inverse relationship with NPDR development (aHR 0.32, 95% CI 0.25-0.41), especially at early (<3 months) stages of metformin prescription. These inverse relationships were also evident at different metformin doses and in adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index scores (aDCSI). Moreover, combination therapy of metformin with sulfonylureas was associated with an increased risk of NPDR.

CONCLUSION

Metformin treatment in patients with T2DM was associated with a reduced risk of NPDR, and a potential trend was found for a reduced STDR risk in patients who had previously been diagnosed with NPDR. Combining metformin with DPP-4i seemingly had a significantly beneficial effect against NPDR risk, particularly when aDCSI scores were low, and when metformin was prescribed early after T2DM diagnosis. These results may recommend metformin for early treatment of T2DM.

SGLT2 Inhibitors, GLP-1 Agonists, and DPP-4 Inhibitors in Diabetes and Microvascular Complications: A Review

The prevalence of diabetes and its associated complications is increasing throughout the decades. Promising diabetes medications were introduced to the market including GLP-1 agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors aiming to target these complications. The literature lacks sufficient data regarding these new medications and their influence on nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. This review expands on the major results of effects of the 3 drug classes on microvascular complications. In our review, both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists appear to have promising nephroprotective outcomes at this stage, with less promising outcomes seen with DPP-4 inhibitors. Moreover, the retinoprotective outcomes of both SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors were only tested on mice, while those of GLP-1 agonists were assessed in few trials. In addition, the results of both GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors showed discrepancies in these studies. On the contrary, conclusions regarding the effect of these medications on neuroprotective outcomes cannot be drawn at the time due to the lack of clinical trials targeting these complications. Hence, a clearer picture of the microvascular outcomes will manifest over time with the release of multiple upcoming clinical trials.

Association between vildagliptin and risk of angioedema, foot ulcers, skin lesions, hepatic toxicity, and serious infections in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A European multidatabase, noninterventional, postauthorization safety study

OBJECTIVES

This noninterventional, multidatabase, analytical cohort study explored whether vildagliptin is associated with an increased risk of specific safety events of interest, namely angioedema, foot ulcers, or skin lesions, adverse hepatic events, or serious infections compared with other noninsulin antidiabetic drugs (NIADs) using real-world data from five European electronic healthcare databases.

DESIGN

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥18 years on NIAD treatment were included between January 2005 and June 2014. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the outcomes of interest were estimated using negative binomial regression.

PATIENTS

Approximately 2.8% of the included patients (n = 738 054) used vildagliptin at any time during the study, with an average follow-up time of 1.4 years.

RESULTS

The adjusted IRRs (vildagliptin vs. other NIADs) were in the range of 0.87-3.71 (angioedema), 0.73-1.19 (foot ulcers), 0.37-1.18 (skin lesions), 0.24-1.14 (composite of foot ulcer or skin lesions), 0.29-0.55 (serious hepatic events), and 0.59-1.04 (serious infections), with no lower bound of the 95% CIs > 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there was no increased risk of the events of interest in association with vildagliptin use compared with other NIADs.

Factors associated with reluctance to initiate or continue oral antihyperglycemic agent (OAHA) treatments in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Japan: An observational patient-reported study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is undertreated in Japan. We sought to understand the potential factors associated with reluctance to initiate/continue oral antihyperglycemic agents (OAHA) treatment in Japan.

METHODS

A two-phase study was conducted which included cognitive interviews in the first phase (N = 12) to ensure retrieval from memory of relevant information to respond to questions. The second phase included recruitment of respondents from an internet re-contact survey (N = 560) using NHWS or other Lightspeed panels. Patients' self-reported measures were collected to identify the potential barriers to T2DM treatment initiation or continuation. All measured variables were summarized descriptively using means and standard deviations for continuous variables, and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables.

RESULTS

A total of 560 respondents were assessed. Of those who were drug-naïve and ever been recommended prescription medication, only 17.3% were satisfied with how physicians presented the treatment options compared to current users or those who discontinued treatment (47.2% and 47.6% respectively). More than 50% of respondents did not realize neuropathic pain and end organ damage as potential consequences of untreated T2DM. 34.8% and 47.6% of drug-naïve and T2DM respondents who discontinued treatment were likely to start/restart treatment after realizing potential complications. Among those who discontinued treatment, 23.1% were extremely dissatisfied with their dosing frequency and less than 15% reported that their physicians discussed the importance of staying on medication long-term.

CONCLUSION

The potential barriers addressed in this study should be considered when planning intervention strategies targeted at T2DM patients to promote their treatment in Japan.

A systematic review comparing the evidence for kidney function outcomes between oral antidiabetic drugs for type 2 diabetes

Background: The development of kidney disease is a serious complication among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, associated with substantially increased morbidity and mortality.  We aimed to summarise the current evidence for the relationship between treatments for type 2 diabetes and long-term kidney outcomes, by conducting a systematic search and review of relevant studies. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science, between 1st January 1980 and 15th May 2018 for published clinical trials and observational studies comparing two or more classes of oral therapy for type 2 diabetes. We included people receiving oral antidiabetic drugs. Studies were eligible that; (i) compared two or more classes of oral therapy for type 2 diabetes; (ii) reported kidney outcomes as primary or secondary outcomes; (iii) included more than 100 participants; and (iv) followed up participants for 48 weeks or more. Kidney-related outcome measures included were Incidence of chronic kidney disease, reduced eGFR, increased creatinine, 'micro' and 'macro' albuminuria. Results: We identified 15 eligible studies, seven of which were randomised controlled trials and eight were observational studies. Reporting of specific renal outcomes varied widely. Due to variability of comparisons and outcomes meta-analysis was not possible. The majority of comparisons between treatment with metformin or sulfonylurea indicated that metformin was associated with better renal outcomes. Little evidence was available for recently introduced treatments or commonly prescribed combination therapies. Conclusions: Comparative evidence for the effect of treatments for type 2 diabetes on renal outcomes, either as monotherapy or in combination is sparse.

Impact of dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors on cardiovascular diseases

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor is a novel group of medicine employed in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM),which improves meal stimulated insulin secretion by protecting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) from enzymatic degradation. Cardiovascular diseases are serious complications and leading causes of mortality among individuals with diabetes mellitus. Glycemic control per se seems to fail in preventing the progression of diabetic cardiovascular complications. DPP-4 has the capability to inactivate not only incretins, but also a series of cytokines, chemokines, and neuropeptides involved in inflammation, immunity, and vascular function. Pre-clinical studies suggested that DPP-4 inhibitors may have potential cardiovascular protective effects in addition to their antidiabetic actions. In recent years, a number of clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the effect of different DPP-4 inhibitors on the cardiovascular system. We herein review the available clinical studies in cardiovascular effects played by each DPP-4 inhibitor and discuss the prospective application of DPP-4 inhibitors on cardiovascular diseases.

New Glucose-Lowering Agents for Diabetic Kidney Disease

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing and is associated with a range of complications including nephropathy. New antidiabetic agents are sought which also have positive effects to diminish diabetic complications. Examples of promising new classes of such agents are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. In addition to cardiovascular protective effects such as weight loss and decreased blood pressure of some of these agents, there is evidence for renoprotective effects with these agents. This review elaborates on the main results of renoprotective effects of these 3 treatment classes. In conclusion, currently available trials have demonstrated renoprotective effects for certain glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, liraglutide and semaglutide, and the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, empagliflozin and canagliflozin. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors did not show a significant renoprotective effect. Nevertheless, larger studies with respect to renoprotective effects of these 3 drug classes are currently being performed, and thus, no conclusions for all of these agents can yet be made.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Development and Post-authorisation Programme for Vildagliptin - Clinical Evidence for Optimised Management of Chronic Diseases Beyond Type 2 Diabetes

The last decade has witnessed the role of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in producing a conceptual change in early management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by shifting emphasis from a gluco-centric approach to holistically treating underlying pathophysiological processes. DPP-4 inhibitors highlighted the importance of acknowledging hypoglycaemia and weight gain as barriers to optimised care in T2DM. These complications were an integral part of diabetes management before the introduction of DPP-4 inhibitors. During the development of DPP-4 inhibitors, regulatory requirements for introducing new agents underwent substantial changes, with increased emphasis on safety. This led to the systematic collection of adjudicated cardiovascular (CV) safety data, and, where 95% confidence of a lack of harm could not be demonstrated, the standardised CV safety studies. Furthermore, the growing awareness of the worldwide extent of T2DM demanded a more diverse approach to recruitment and participation in clinical trials. Finally, the global financial crisis placed a new awareness on the health economics of diabetes, which rapidly became the most expensive disease in the world. This review encompasses unique developments in the global landscape, and the role DPP-4 inhibitors, specifically vildagliptin, have played in research advancement and optimisation of diabetes care in a diverse population with T2DM worldwide.