A review of diabetes treatment adherence and the association with clinical and economic outcomes

A novel approach to exploit Small-Molecule glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists with high potency

Small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are recognized as promising therapeutics for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Danuglipron, an investigational small-molecule agonist, has demonstrated high efficacy in clinical trials. However, further development of danuglipron is challenged by a high rate of gastrointestinal adverse events. While these effects may be target-related, it is plausible that the carboxylic acid group present in danuglipron may also play a role in these outcomes by affecting the pharmacokinetic properties and dosing regimen of danuglipron, as well as by exerting direct gastrointestinal irritation. Therefore, this study aims to replace the problematic carboxylic acid group by exploring the internal binding cavity of danuglipron bound to GLP-1R using a water molecule displacement strategy. A series of novel triazole-containing compounds have been designed and synthesized during the structure-activity relationship (SAR) study. These efforts resulted in the discovery of compound 2j with high potency (EC50 = 0.065 nM). Moreover, docking simulations revealed that compound 2j directly interacts with the residue Glu387 within the internal cavity of GLP-1R, effectively displacing the structural water previously bound to Glu387. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that compound 2j had comparable efficacy to danuglipron in enhancing insulin secretion and improving glycemic control. Collectively, this study offers a practicable approach for the discovery of novel small-molecule GLP-1R agonists based on danuglipron, and compound 2j may serve as a lead compound to further exploit the unoccupied internal cavity of danuglipron's binding pocket.

Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes: Insights into clinical efficacy, patient-reported outcomes, and adherence challenges

Insulin therapy plays a crucial role in the management of type 2 diabetes as the disease progresses. Over the past century, insulin formulations have undergone significant modifications and bioengineering, resulting in a diverse range of available insulin products. These products show distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Consequently, various insulin regimens have em-erged for the management of type 2 diabetes, including premixed formulations and combinations of basal and bolus insulins. The utilization of different insulin regimens yields disparate clinical outcomes, adverse events, and, notably, patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PROs provide valuable insights from the patient's perspective, serving as a valuable mine of information for enhancing healthcare and informing clinical decisions. Adherence to insulin therapy, a critical patient-reported outcome, significantly affects clinical outcomes and is influenced by multiple factors. This review provides insights into the clinical effectiveness of various insulin preparations, PROs, and factors impacting insulin therapy adherence, with the aim of enhancing healthcare practices and informing clinical decisions for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Effect of Food Consumption on the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Once-Daily Orally Administered Orforglipron (LY3502970), a Non-peptide GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

INTRODUCTION

We assessed the effect of the prandial state on the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of single and multiple doses of orforglipron (LY3502970), an oral, non-peptide glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), in two studies (A and B).

METHODS

Study A and study B were phase 1, randomized, crossover studies in healthy adults aged 18-65 years and 21-70 years, respectively. Participants received single (3 mg, study A) or multiple (16 mg, study B) oral doses of orforglipron under fasted and fed conditions. Blood samples were collected pre- and postdose to assess area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), maximum observed drug concentration (Cmax), time of Cmax (tmax), and half-life (t1/2) associated with terminal rate constant. AUC and Cmax were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. Treatment differences were presented as ratios of geometric least squares means (GLSM). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), adverse events of special interest, and serious adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS

Study A included 12 participants (mean age 45.0 years; male 66.7%); study B included 34 participants (mean age 42.8 years; male 88.2%). GLSM AUC and Cmax were lower by 23.7% and 23.2% in study A, and 17.6% and 20.9% in study B, in the fed versus fasted states, respectively. In both studies, t1/2 and median tmax were comparable between fed and fasted states. The majority of TEAEs in both studies were gastrointestinal tract-related conditions. No serious adverse events or deaths were reported in either study.

CONCLUSION

The observed pharmacokinetic differences due to the prandial state are unlikely to contribute to clinically meaningful differences in the efficacy of orforglipron. The safety profile was consistent with the known profiles of other GLP-1 RAs. Given the absence of prandial restrictions, orforglipron may emerge as a convenient oral treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT03929744 and NCT05110794.

Association Between Adherence, A1C Improvement, and Type of Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in People with Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Intensive Insulin Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems by people with diabetes is associated with improved glycemic outcomes, including lower glycated hemoglobin (A1C). Less is known about adherence to CGM systems, whether glycemic outcomes are impacted by levels of adherence, or whether adherence rates differ between types of CGM systems-intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) or real-time CGM (rtCGM).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of de-identified US administrative health claims and linked laboratory data was conducted using the Merative™ MarketScan® Research Database. The cohort included CGM-naïve people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes treated with intensive insulin therapy (T2D-IIT) who initiated rtCGM or isCGM between August 1, 2019 and March 31, 2021 (defined as the index date). Adherence was calculated over a 12-month period using the proportion of days covered (PDC) with PDC ≥ 0.8 defined as adherent. A1C values were obtained within 6 months of the index date.

RESULTS

A total of 7669 individuals were identified. Subgroups included T1D using isCGM (n = 1578), T1D using rtCGM (n = 1244), T2D-IIT using isCGM (n = 3567), and T2D-IIT using rtCGM (n = 1280). After 12 months, PDC was 0.71 (0.30)-0.72 (0.31) (mean(SD)) for T1D and T2D-IIT rtCGM users and 0.55 (0.34)-0.56 (0.34) for T1D and T2D-IIT isCGM users. The proportion of adherent users (PDC ≥ 0.8) was 56.8-59.7% for rtCGM users and 36.3-37.6% for isCGM users. Overall, regardless of diabetes type, the odds of adherence were over two times higher for rtCGM users compared to isCGM users. For those with available A1C information (T1D n = 213; T2D-IIT n = 346), independent of CGM type, adherence to CGM was associated with a greater reduction in A1C and more people reaching A1C targets of < 7.0% or < 8.0%.

CONCLUSION

For people with T1D or T2D-IIT, higher adherence to CGM is associated with greater reductions in A1C, and higher adherence rates were observed with rtCGM systems than with isCGM systems.

A machine-learning assisted review of the use of habit formation in medication adherence interventions for long-term conditions

Adherence to medication in long-term conditions is around 50%. The key components of successful interventions to improve medication adherence remain unclear, particularly when examined over prolonged follow-up periods. Behaviour change theories are increasingly interested in the utility of habit formation for the maintenance of health behaviour change, but there is no documentation on how habit has been conceptualised in the medication adherence intervention literature, or what effect the key technique identified in habit formation theory (context dependent repetition) has in these studies. To examine this, a machine-learning assisted review was conducted. Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PSYCInfo and the reference list of a comprehensive systematic review of medication adherence interventions yielded 5973 articles. Machine learning-assisted title and abstract screening identified 15 independent RCTs published between 1976 and 2021, including 18 intervention comparisons of interest. Key findings indicate that conceptualisations of habit in the medication adherence literature are varied and behaviour change technique coding identified only six studies which explicitly described using habit formation. Future work should aim to develop this evidence base, drawing on contemporary habit theory and with explicit demonstration of what techniques have been used to promote habit formation.

Factors disrupting the continuity of care for patients with chronic disease during the pandemics: A systematic review

Background and Aims

Continuous routine care is necessary to prevent long-term complications of chronic diseases and improve patients' health conditions. This review study was conducted to determine the factors disrupting continuity of care for patients with chronic diseases during the pandemic.

Methods

All original articles published on factors disrupting continuity of care for patients with chronic disease during a pandemic between December 2019 and June 28, 2023, in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were searched. Selection of articles, data extraction, and qualitative evaluation of articles (through STROBE and COREQ checklist) were done by two researchers separately. Data graphing form was used to extract the data of each study and then the data were classified by thematic analysis method.

Results

Out of 1708 articles reviewed from the databases, 22 were included. The factors disrupting the continuity of care for patients with chronic diseases during the epidemics were classified into two main categories: patient-side factors and health system-side factors. Patient-side factors including psychological, individual and social, disease-related, and health system-side factors including provider access, health system institutional, and infrastructural and financial problems were among the subcategories disrupting the continuity of care for patients with chronic diseases during the pandemic. Based on the studies, psychological factors and access to the provider were among the most frequent factors affecting the continuity of care for patients with chronic diseases in the pandemic.

Conclusion

Considering the factors disrupting the continuity of care and applying appropriate interventions based on them, can guarantee the continuity of providing services to chronic patients in health crises.

5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

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

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Dose-Increasing Study on the Safety, Tolerability and PK/PD of Multiple Doses of HSK7653 by Oral Administration in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in China

INTRODUCTION

This study assessed the safety, tolerability, and PK/PD of HSK7653 tablets in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This was a Phase IIa, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and dose-increasing study with 48 Chinese diabetes patients. Subjects were randomly assigned to placebo and 10/25/50 mg dose groups, and they received oral administration once every two weeks for a total of six times. Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout this study, and PK/PD parameters were analyzed using non-compartment model with WinNonlin.

RESULTS

The three doses of HSK7653 were well tolerated, and the incidence of TEAE and ADR was not significantly increased compared with the placebo group. Cmax increased linearly with the increasing dose, and the mean t1/2 was 64.0-87.0 h. The first dose and last dose PK parameters were similar. After oral administration of 10-50 mg HSK7653 every two weeks, the average Rac_Cmax and Rac_AUC were 0.9-1.0 and 1.0-1.1 respectively; therefore, HSK7653 was not accumulated in vivo. All three doses significantly inhibited DPP-4 activity and increased plasma GLP-1 level and serum insulin levels. When the plasma concentration of HSK7653 was ≥ 20.0 ng/mL, the DPP-4 inhibition rate in all subjects was maintained at > 80.0%. In 10 and 25 mg dose groups, the HbA1c levels maintained a downward trend compared with the placebo group.

DISCUSSION

HSK7653 showed desirable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties with good safety and tolerability in Chinese T2DM patients. DPP-4 inhibition rate and plasma GLP-1 levels were higher in each dose group than in placebo group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTR20182505 (Drug Clinical Trial Registration and Information Disclosure Platform, www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn ).

The Pattern of Initial Presentation of Diabetes, Treatment Outcome and Its Predictors Among Diabetic Pediatrics Attended Service at Selected Public Hospitals of Southern Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Study

Background

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in the pediatric population. Globally the incidence of diabetes increased from 11.3 million (95% UI 10.6-12.1) in 1990 to 22.9 million (21.1-25.4) in 2017, with a 102.9% increase and there was a 3% increase in diabetes mortality rates by age between 2000 and 2019.

Objective

This study aims to assess the pattern of initial presentation of pediatric diabetes mellitus, treatment outcome, and its predictors among pediatrics who attended service at selected public hospitals in southern Ethiopia from 2015 to 2019.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 randomly selected pediatrics from October 1st, 2021 to December 30, 2021, and participants were selected randomly from 8 randomly selected public hospitals in southern Ethiopia after proportional to client flow allocation of samples. Data was extracted from clients' charts using a data extraction checklist. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24, and logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the presence of an association between dependent and independent variables, and significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

Results

In this study, most (74.6%) of the pediatrics initially presented with Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This study found that Two-thirds (67.1%) of the respondents in the study had a good treatment outcome. In this study residence, presenting signs and symptoms; poly symptoms and weight loss, history of hospitalization, and comorbidity were predictors of treatment outcome of pediatric diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus with Diabetic ketoacidosis is the predominant pattern of initial presentation in the study. The magnitude of poor treatment outcomes of diabetes mellitus among pediatrics in this study is high and unacceptable Residence, signs, and symptoms at initial presentation, history of hospitalization, and comorbidity were found to be significant independent predictors of treatment outcome of pediatric diabetes mellitus.

Guideline Development for Medical Device Technology: Issues for Consideration

Advances in the development of innovative medical devices and telehealth technologies create the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of diabetes care through collecting, aggregating, and interpreting relevant health data in ways that facilitate more informed decisions among all stakeholder groups. Although many medical societies publish guidelines for utilizing these technologies in clinical practice, we believe that the methodologies used for the selection and grading of the evidence should be revised. In this article, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the various types of research commonly used for evidence selection and grading and present recommendations for modifying the process to more effectively address the rapid pace of device and technology innovation and new product development.

Multilevel Analysis of the Relationship Between Prescribing Institutions and Medication Adherence Among Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes in Korea

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the relationship between prescribing institutions and medication adherence among patients newly diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes.

METHODS

This study investigated patients with new prescriptions for hypertension and diabetes in Korea in 2019 with using data collected from general health screenings. A multilevel logistic regression model was applied to explore the relationship between patients' first prescribing institution and their medication adherence, defined as a medication possession ratio (MPR) over 80%.

RESULTS

The overall adherence rates were 53.7% and 56.0% among patients with hypertension and diabetes, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients were 13.2% for hypertension and 13.8% for diabetes (p<0.001), implying that the first prescribing institution had a significant role in medication adherence. With clinics as the reference group, all other types of hospitals showed an odds ratio (OR) less than 1.00, with the lowest for tertiary hospitals (OR, 0.30 for hypertension; 0.45 for diabetes), and the next lowest in health screening specialized clinics (OR, 0.51 for hypertension; 0.46 for diabetes). Among individual-level variables, female sex, older age, higher insurance premium level, and residing in cities were positively associated with adherence in both the hypertension and diabetes samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the prescribing institution had a significant relationship with medication adherence. When the first prescribing institution was a clinic, newly diagnosed patients were more likely to adhere to their medication. These results highlight the important role played by primary care institutions in managing mild chronic diseases.

Association of Unmet Social Needs With Metformin Use Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between social needs and metformin use among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a prospective cohort study of adults with T2D (n = 722), we linked electronic health record (EHR) and Surescripts (Surescripts, LLC) prescription network data to abstract data on patient-reported social needs and to calculate metformin adherence based on expected refill frequency using a proportion of days covered methodology.

RESULTS

After adjusting for demographics and clinical complexity, two or more social needs (-0.046; 95% CI -0.089, 0.003), being uninsured (-0.052; 95% CI -0.095, -0.009) and while adjusting for other needs, being without housing (-0.069; 95% CI -0.121, -0.018) and lack of access to medicine/health care (-0.058; 95% CI -0.115, -0.000) were associated with lower use.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that overall social need burden and specific needs, particularly housing and health care access, were associated with clinically significant reductions in metformin adherence among patients with T2D.

Psychometric Properties of a Machine Learning-Based Patient-Reported Outcome Measure on Medication Adherence: Single-Center, Cross-Sectional, Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Medication adherence plays a critical role in controlling the evolution of chronic disease, as low medication adherence may lead to worse health outcomes, higher mortality, and morbidity. Assessment of their patients' medication adherence by clinicians is essential for avoiding inappropriate therapeutic intensification, associated health care expenditures, and the inappropriate inclusion of patients in time- and resource-consuming educational interventions. In both research and clinical practices the most extensively used measures of medication adherence are patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), because of their ability to capture subjective dimensions of nonadherence. Machine learning (ML), a subfield of artificial intelligence, uses computer algorithms that automatically improve through experience. In this context, ML tools could efficiently model the complexity of and interactions between multiple patient behaviors that lead to medication adherence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to create and validate a PROM on medication adherence interpreted using an ML approach.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, single-center, observational study was carried out a French teaching hospital between 2021 and 2022. Eligible patients must have had at least 1 long-term treatment, medication adherence evaluation other than a questionnaire, the ability to read or understand French, an age older than 18 years, and provided their nonopposition. Included adults responded to an initial version of the PROM composed of 11 items, each item being presented using a 4-point Likert scale. The initial set of items was obtained using a Delphi consensus process. Patients were classified as poorly, moderately, or highly adherent based on the results of a medication adherence assessment standard used in the daily practice of each outpatient unit. An ML-derived decision tree was built by combining the medication adherence status and PROM responses. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (NPVs), and global accuracy of the final 5-item PROM were evaluated.

RESULTS

We created an initial 11-item PROM with a 4-point Likert scale using the Delphi process. After item reduction, a decision tree derived from 218 patients including data obtained from the final 5-item PROM allowed patient classification into poorly, moderately, or highly adherent based on item responses. The psychometric properties were 78% (95% CI 40%-96%) sensitivity, 71% (95% CI 53%-85%) specificity, 41% (95% CI 19%-67%) positive predictive values, 93% (95% CI 74%-99%) NPV, and 70% (95% CI 55%-83%) accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a medication adherence tool based on ML with an excellent NPV. This could allow prioritization processes to avoid referring highly adherent patients to time- and resource-consuming interventions. The decision tree can be easily implemented in computerized prescriber order-entry systems and digital tools in smartphones. External validation of this tool in a study including a larger number of patients with diseases associated with low medication adherence is required to confirm its use in analyzing and assessing the complexity of medication adherence.

Perspectives of older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus towards medication adherence: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Better medication adherence among people with diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with improved glycaemic control. However, medication non-adherence is a significant concern in older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE

To explore the perspectives of older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus towards medication adherence.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive exploratory study.

METHODOLOGY

A purposive sample of older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus living in the community was recruited. Snowball sampling was applied in community recruitment. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used in data analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

The emerged six themes were: (a) impact of knowledge, attitudes and practices on medication adherence, (b) treatment-related barriers to medication adherence, (c) impact of age-related changes on medication adherence, (d) person-related barriers to medication adherence, (e) impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence and, (f) role of support systems in medication adherence. Knowledge of the disease process and medications, attitudes towards medication adherence, the practice of different treatment approaches, self-medication and dosing, negative experiences related to medications, polypharmacy, changes in lifestyle and roles, the influence of work-life, motivation, negligence, family support, support received from health workers, facilities available and financial capability are the main factors influence medication adherence. Age-related memory impairment, visual disturbances and physical weaknesses affect medication adherence in older people. Additionally, COVID-19-related guidelines imposed by the government and healthcare system-related issues during the COVID-19 pandemic also affected medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to medications among older people is hampered by a variety of factors, including their knowledge, attitudes and practices, person and treatment-related factors and age-related changes. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional challenges. Individualised patient care for older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve medication adherence is timely. Strengthening support mechanisms for the above population is essential.

Implementing a text message-based intervention to support type 2 diabetes medication adherence in primary care: a qualitative study with general practice staff

BACKGROUND

The Support through Mobile Messaging and digital health Technology for Diabetes (SuMMiT-D) project has developed, and is evaluating, a mobile phone-based intervention delivering brief messages targeting identified behaviour change techniques promoting medication use to people with type 2 diabetes in general practice. The present study aimed to inform refinement and future implementation of the SuMMiT-D intervention by investigating general practice staff perceptions of how a text message-based intervention to support medication adherence should be implemented within current and future diabetes care.

METHODS

Seven focus groups and five interviews were conducted with 46 general practice staff (including GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, receptionists and linked pharmacists) with a potential role in the implementation of a text message-based intervention for people with type 2 diabetes. Interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

Five themes were developed. One theme 'The potential of technology as a patient ally' described a need for diabetes support and the potential of technology to support medication use. Two themes outlined challenges to implementation, 'Limited resources and assigning responsibility' and 'Treating the patient; more than diabetes medication adherence'. The final two themes described recommendations to support implementation, 'Selling the intervention: what do general practice staff need to see?' and 'Fitting the mould; complementing current service delivery'.

CONCLUSIONS

Staff see the potential for a text message-based support intervention to address unmet needs and to enhance care for people with diabetes. Digital interventions, such as SuMMiT-D, need to be compatible with existing systems, demonstrate measurable benefits, be incentivised and be quick and easy for staff to engage with. Interventions also need to be perceived to address general practice priorities, such as taking a holistic approach to care and having multi-cultural reach and relevance. Findings from this study are being combined with parallel work with people with type 2 diabetes to ensure stakeholder views inform further refinement and implementation of the SuMMiT-D intervention.

A multi-step approach to develop a "storytelling" intervention to improve patient gout knowledge and improve outpatient follow-up

Background

"Storytelling" interventions influence knowledge, attitudes and behavior to promote chronic disease management. We aimed to describe the development of a video "storytelling" intervention to increase gout knowledge and promote adherence to medications and follow-up care after an acute gout flare visit in the emergency department.

Methods

We developed a direct-to-patient storytelling intervention to mitigate modifiable barriers to gout care and promote outpatient follow-up and medication adherence. We invited adult patients with gout as storytellers. We utilized a modified Delphi process involving gout experts to identify key themes to guide development of an intervention. Using a conceptual model, we selected stories to ensure delivery of evidence-based concepts and to maintain authenticity.

Results

Our video-based storytelling intervention consisted of segments addressing modifiable barriers to gout care. Four diverse gout patients were recruited as storytellers and interviewed with questions that covered gout diagnosis and care. Eleven international gout experts from diverse geographic locations generated and ranked items they considered important messages to promote outpatient gout care follow-up and treatment adherence. Filmed videos were truncated into segments and coded thematically. Distinct segments that captured desired messages were combined to form a cohesive narrative story based on gout patient experiences that conveyed evidence-based strategies to manage gout.

Conclusions

Using the Health Belief Model, we developed a culturally appropriate narrative intervention containing "storytelling" that can be tested as an approach to improve gout outcomes. The methods we describe may be generalizable to other chronic conditions requiring outpatient follow-up and medication adherence to improve outcomes.

Impact of prescription length supply policy on patient medication adherence in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Phramongkutklao Hospital is one of the largest military hospitals in Thailand. Beginning in 2016, an institutional policy was implemented in which medication prescription length was increased from 30 to 90 days. However, there have been no formal investigations into how this policy has impacted medication adherence among patients in hospitals. As such, this study evaluated how prescription length impacted medication adherence among dyslipidemia and type-2 diabetes patients who were treated at Phramongkutklao Hospital.

METHODS

This pre-post implementation study compared patients who received prescription lengths of 30 and 90 days based on information recorded in the hospital database between 2014 and 2017. Therein, we used the medication possession ratio (MPR) to estimate patient adherence. Focusing on patients with universal coverage insurance, we employed the difference-in-difference method to examine changes in adherence from before and after policy implementation, then conducted a logistic regression to test for associations between the predictors and adherence.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from a total of 2,046 patients, with equal amounts of 1,023 placed into the control group (no change to 90-day prescription length) and intervention group (change from 30 to 90-day prescription length). First, we found that increased prescription length was associated with 4% and 5% higher MPRs among dyslipidemia and diabetes patients in the intervention group, respectively. Second, we found that medication adherence was correlated with sex, comorbidities, history of hospitalization, and the number of prescribed medications.

CONCLUSION

Increasing the prescription length from 30 to 90 days improved medication adherence in both the dyslipidemia and type-2 diabetes patients. This shows that the policy change was successful for patients in the hospital considered for this study.

Cybervictimization of Adults With Long-term Conditions: Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

People living with chronic conditions and disabilities experience harassment both offline and on the web. Cybervictimization is an umbrella term for negative web-based experiences. It has distressing consequences on physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships. These experiences have mostly been documented among children and adolescents. However, the scope of such experiences is not well documented among adults with long-term conditions, and the potential impact has not been examined from a public health perspective.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the scope of cybervictimization among adults living with long-term conditions in the United Kingdom and the perceived impact on self-management of chronic conditions.

METHODS

This paper reports the findings of the quantitative phase of a mixed methods study in the United Kingdom. This cross-sectional study targeted adults aged ≥18 years with long-term conditions. Using a web-based link, the survey was shared on the web via 55 victim support groups, health support organizations, and social media accounts of nongovernmental organizations and activists such as journalists and disability campaigners. People with long-term conditions were asked about their health conditions, comorbidities, self-management, negative web-based experiences, their impact on them, and support sought to mitigate the experiences. The perceived impact of cybervictimization was measured using a set of questions on a Likert scale, frequency tables, and the Stanford Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Diseases Scale. Demographic data and the impact on self-management were cross-tabulated to identify the demographic characteristics of the targeted individuals and potential conditions with complications and highlight directions for future research.

RESULTS

Data from 152 participants showed that almost 1 in every 2 adults with chronic conditions was cybervictimized (69/152, 45.4%). Most victims (53/69, 77%) had disabilities; the relationship between cybervictimization and disability was statistically significant (P=.03). The most common means of contacting the victims was Facebook (43/68, 63%), followed by personal email or SMS text messaging, each accounting for 40% (27/68). Some participants (9/68, 13%) were victimized in web-based health forums. Furthermore, 61% (33/54) of victims reported that experiencing cybervictimization had affected their health condition self-management plan. The highest impact was on lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, avoiding triggers, and avoiding excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. This was followed by changes to medications and follow-ups with health care professionals. Most victims (38/55, 69%) perceived a worsened self-efficacy on the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Diseases Scale. Formal support was generally rated as poor, with only 25% (13/53) of victims having disclosed this experience to their physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Cybervictimization of people with chronic conditions is a public health issue with worrying consequences. This triggered considerable fear and negatively influenced the self-management of different health conditions. Further context- and condition-specific research is needed. Global collaborations to address inconsistencies in research are recommended.

Impact of a multicomponent healthcare intervention on glycaemic control in subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: The INTEGRA study

AIM

To evaluate whether a specially designed multicomponent healthcare intervention improves glycaemic control in subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cluster, non-randomized, controlled, pragmatic trial in subjects from 11 primary care centres with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c of more than 9% (> 75 mmol/mol) was conducted. The intervention (N = 225 subjects) was professional and patient-centred, including a dedicated monographic visit that encouraged therapeutic intensification by physicians. The sham control (N = 181) was identical to that of the intervention group except that the dedicated visit was omitted. The primary outcome was to compare the reductions in HbA1c values between the groups at 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean age at baseline was 59.5 years, mean diabetes duration was 10.7 years and mean HbA1c was 10.3% (89.0 mmol/mol). Patients in the intervention arm achieved significantly greater HbA1c reduction than those in the sham control group at 12 months (mean difference -0.62%, 95% CI = -0.2%, -1.04%; P = .002). A larger percentage of intervention participants achieved an HbA1c of less than 8% (44.8% vs. 25.5%; P = .003) and were more frequently treated with more than three antidiabetic therapies (14.4% vs. 3.5%; P = .0008). Intervention was the only variable associated with higher odds of HbA1c less than 8% (odds ratio = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.54-4.12; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A multicomponent intervention including a dedicated visit oriented at reducing therapeutic inertia by primary care physicians can improve glycaemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 2 diabetes.

A pragmatically before-after trial of tele-visits vs face-to-face visits for chronic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: patient-reported adherence

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, chronic patients are at a higher risk of contamination with the virus. Specific strategies are required to restrict these patients' exposure to contaminated areas and improve medication adherence. One suggested strategy is tele-visiting, which is effective for the continuity of care and medication adherence during the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to explore the effect of tele-visiting services via telephone on chronic patients' medication adherence before and after implementing a tele-visit program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

All patients received the tele-visit twice on the phone during the study. To compare patients' medication adherence in face-to-face visits and tele-visit, an adapted version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 was used. Paired-samples T-test was run to measure participants' medication adherence before and after the tele-visit program.

RESULTS

The tele-visit was run for 314 patients. The participants' adherence score before the intervention was 60.02, and after the intervention was 59.9. As the paired-sample T-test results showed, the difference between these two was not statistically significant. Moreover, medication adherence was not significantly associated with any of these variables: BMI, occupation, comorbidities, duration of disease, age, gender, marital status, and education level.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings showed that chronic patients' medication adherence did not differ significantly in face-to-face visits and tele-visiting. During the Covid-19 pandemic, due to the effectiveness of tele-visiting services, they can be used effectively to lower the transmission rate of the disease and reduce healthcare providers' burden.

Glucose Biosensor Based on Glucose Oxidase Immobilized on BSA Cross-Linked Nanocomposite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

Glucose sensors based blood glucose detection are of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes because diabetes has aroused wide concern in the world. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to cross-link glucose oxidase (GOD) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by a composite of hydroxy fullerene (HFs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and protected with a glutaraldehyde (GLA)/Nafion (NF) composite membrane to prepare a novel glucose biosensor. The modified materials were analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The prepared MWCNTs-HFs composite has excellent conductivity, the addition of BSA regulates MWCNTs-HFs hydrophobicity and biocompatibility, and better immobilizes GOD on MWCNTs-HFs. MWCNTs-BSA-HFs plays a synergistic role in the electrochemical response to glucose. The biosensor shows high sensitivity (167 μA·mM^-1·cm^-2), wide calibration range (0.01-3.5 mM), and low detection limit (17 μM). The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant Kmapp is 119 μM. Additionally, the proposed biosensor has good selectivity and excellent storage stability (120 days). The practicability of the biosensor was evaluated in real plasma samples, and the recovery rate was satisfactory.

Idealistic, realistic, and unrealistic expectations of pharmacological treatment in persons with type 2 diabetes in primary care

Introduction

Information on treatment expectations in diabetes is scarce for Mexican and Latino populations. We determined idealistic, realistic, and unrealistic expectations for metformin, insulin, and glyburide in primary care. We also explored the association between sociodemographic attributes, time since diagnosis, and expectations.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted during 2020-2022 in governmental primary care centers. We consecutively included persons with type 2 diabetes aged 30-70 years under pharmacological medication (n = 907). Questions were developed using information relevant to expectation constructs. Data were collected by interview. We used descriptive statistics, a test of the difference between two proportions, and multivariate ordinal logistic regression.

Results

A high percentage of participants would like to have fewer daily pills/injections or the option of temporarily stopping their medication. Realistic expectations ranged from 47% to 70%, and unrealistic expectations from 31 to 65%. More insulin users wished they could take a temporary break (p < 0.05) or would like to be able to change the route of administration (p < 0.001) than metformin users. More persons with diabetes on insulin expected realistic expectations compared to those on metformin or glyburide (p ≤ 0.01). Being able to interrupt medication upon reaching the glucose goal was higher in combined therapy users (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Time since diagnosis, place of residence, sex, and diabetes education were factors associated to expectations. Management of expectations must be reinforced in primary care persons with type 2 diabetes undergoing pharmacological medication.

Lack of Harmonized Adherence Criteria in Allergen Immunotherapy Prevents Comparison of Dosing and Application Strategies: A Scoping Review

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) involves the application of increasing doses of allergen extract (as oral, sublingual, or subcutaneous immunotherapy) until immunologic tolerance is reached. Successful AIT relies on the consistent administration of allergen extract; therefore, adherence to these treatments is vital for compelling long-term results. Our review discusses the current terminology from adherence research in general, summarizes 25 current studies on adherence research in AIT in a scoping literature review, and delineates recommendations for tools and parameters for adherence research, aiming to improve outcomes in AIT. Almost every adherence study in AIT published to date used different tools, parameters, and data sources for measuring adherence and persistence rates. Unfortunately, an easily accessible, objective parameter or biomarker for monitoring treatment adherence and success has not yet been established for AIT. This situation calls for the development of an international core outcomes set for AIT that defines what is exactly meant by AIT adherence and how AIT adherence should be consistently measured. Therefore, we exemplarily present results and conclusions from adherence research in chronic diseases other than allergology. We aim to facilitate the development of advanced methods, considering the challenging disease specificities of these parameters in a routine care setting of AIT.

The neuropeptide substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor system and diabetes: From mechanism to therapy

Diabetes is a significant public health issue known as the world's fastest-growing disease condition. It is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and subsequent chronic complications leading to organ dysfunction and, ultimately, the failure of target organs. Substance P (SP) is an undecapeptide that belongs to the family of tachykinin (TK) peptides. The SP-mediated activation of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) regulates many pathophysiological processes in the body. There is also a relation between the SP/NK1R system and diabetic processes. Importantly, deregulated expression of SP has been reported in diabetes and diabetes-associated chronic complications. SP can induce both diabetogenic and antidiabetogenic effects and thus affect the pathology of diabetes destructively or protectively. Here, we review the current knowledge of the functional relevance of the SP/NK1R system in diabetes pathogenesis and its exploitation for diabetes therapy. A comprehensive understanding of the role of the SP/NK1R system in diabetes is expected to shed further light on developing new therapeutic possibilities for diabetes and its associated chronic conditions.

5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023

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

Ethnic disparities in medication adherence? A systematic review examining the association between ethnicity and antidiabetic medication adherence

OBJECTIVES

Adherence to prescribed medication is an essential component of diabetes management to obtain optimal outcomes. Understanding the relationship between medication adherence and ethnicity is key to optimising treatment for all people with different chronic illnesses, including those with diabetes. The aim of this review is to examine whether the adherence to antidiabetic medications differed by ethnicity among people with diabetes.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted of studies reporting adherence to antidiabetic medication amongst people from different ethnic groups. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched from their inception to June 2022 for quantitative studies with a specific focus on studies assessing adherence to antidiabetic medications (PROSPERO: CRD42021278392). The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist and a second checklist designed for studies using retrospective databases were used to assess study quality. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize the results based on the medication adherence measures.

RESULTS

Of 17,410 citations screened, 41 studies that included observational retrospective database research and cross-sectional studies were selected, each of which involved diverse ethnic groups from different settings. This review identified a difference in the adherence to antidiabetic medications by ethnicity in 38 studies, despite adjustment for several confounding variables that may otherwise explain these differences.

CONCLUSION

This review revealed that adherence to antidiabetic medication differed by ethnicity. Further research is needed to explore the ethnicity-related factors that may provide an explanation for these disparities.

Cardiometabolic risk reductions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus newly treated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor versus a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor: A real-world administrative database study in Japan

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors (hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, systolic blood pressure) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We compared combined cardiometabolic effects of SGLT2i on hemoglobin A1c, body mass index and systolic blood pressure versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This Japanese retrospective cohort study used the JMDC claims database. Patients newly treated with an SGLT2i (n = 18,936) or DPP4i (n = 55,484) were enrolled (January 2015-March 2020) and matched 1:1 using the propensity score. The primary end-point was the proportion of patients achieving a composite outcome (i.e., simultaneous absolute/percent reduction in hemoglobin A1c ≥0.5%, body mass index ≥3% and systolic blood pressure ≥2 mmHg) 1 year after first SGLT2i or DPP4i prescription; Mantel-Haenszel common risk difference and its 95% confidence interval were estimated. Other end-points included treatment persistence, with the associated hazard ratio calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

After matching, patient characteristics were balanced (7,302 patients each). The proportion of patients achieving the composite outcome was significantly greater in patients receiving an SGLT2i than those receiving a DPP4i (31.0% [1,279/4,120] vs 12.9% [524/4,070], risk difference 18.6%, 95% confidence interval 16.3, 20.9, P < 0.001). Risk of treatment discontinuation was significantly lower in the SGLT2i group than in the DPP4i group (hazard ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.81, 0.90, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, SGLT2i showed favorable cardiometabolic risk reduction and longer treatment persistence than DPP4i in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Association between medication adherence and health-related quality of life of patients with diabetes

PURPOSE

The purpose was to evaluate the association between medication adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with diabetes.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 518 patients were recruited from the outpatient departments of different general public and private hospitals in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic using a consecutive sampling method. HRQoL was assessed with the EQ-5D-5L instrument and medication adherence with the corresponding subscale of the Adherence Starts with Knowledge 20 questionnaire. The relationship between HRQoL and adherence was explored by employing Spearman's correlations and multiple binary logistic and linear stepwise regressions using robust standard errors.

RESULTS

A total of 15.1 and 1.9% of the patients reported that they had taken a medicine either more or less often than prescribed in the last month and week, respectively. Statistically significant but modest correlations of medication non-adherence with the EQ-5D index (rho =  - 0.223), EQ-VAS (rho =  - 0.230), and all the HRQoL domains (rho ranging from 0.211, for pain/discomfort, to 0.136, for mobility issues) were found. These significant associations persisted even after controlling for several other known potential factors of HRQoL in the multivariable analyses, except for the mobility and anxiety/depression dimensions.

CONCLUSION

Medication non-adherence appears to be independently associated with lower HRQoL and health levels in patients with diabetes. It is crucial to plan interventions to enhance medication adherence not only to obtain greater value from the available resources, but also to improve HRQoL of patients with diabetes.

Diabetes self-care activities and perception and glycemic control in adult Puerto Rican residents with Type 2 Diabetes: The LLIPDS Study

Background

Individuals with diabetes frequently have comorbid health conditions and suffer longer term complications. The control of blood glucose relies on diabetes management/self-care behaviors. Poor glycemic control, commonly encountered in underserved populations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) often results from inadequate diabetes self-care activities and/or perception. We aimed to assess the association between diabetes self-care activities/perception and glycemic control in adult Puerto Rican residents with T2D.

Design and methods

We used a cross-sectional study design; our sample population was 260 individuals aged 40-65 years with T2D. We asked participants about their diabetes self-care over 8 weeks. High fasting blood glucose (≥130 mg/dL) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; ≥7%) measures were defined. We estimated the strength of the following associations using logistic regression: each of three self-care activities and fasting glucose or HbA1c, adjusting for confounders.

Results

Nearly 27% of the participants reported not checking their glucose levels, 7% did not take their medications as prescribed and 31% perceived their diabetes self-care as poor. Participants with less education perceived their diabetes self-care as poor more often than their counterparts (44% vs 25%; p = 0.003). Most participants had high glycemic levels (60%) or hbA1c levels (65%). Participants who perceived their diabetes self-care as poor had higher HbA1c levels than their counterparts (adj. odds ratio: 2.14, 95% CI (1.13, 4.08)).

Conclusion

Poor diabetes self-care perception, possibly related to less education, likely explains poor glycemic control among adult Puerto Rican residents with T2D.

The Impact of Integrated Behavioral Healthcare on Glycemic Control

Integrated behavioral healthcare (IBH) is the "standard of care" to address psychosocial factors impacting diabetes outcomes; it is not standard in practice. This longitudinal, retrospective, chart-review examines IBH impact on glycemic control in an adult diabetes clinic. Adults (n = 374) with ≥ 1 behavioral health encounter, ≥ 2 hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values, and HbA1c value > 8% at initial IBH visit were included. Mixed effects linear piecewise models examined differences in slope trajectories for 365 days pre- and post-IBH intervention. Pre-intervention slope was not significant (z = - 1.09, p = 0.28). The post-intervention slope was significant (z = - 6.44, p < 0.001), indicating a significant linear decrease in HbA1c values. Results demonstrated that prior to engaging with behavioral health, there was no change in HbA1c. After initial IBH visit, there was a predicted reduction of > 1% in HbA1c over the following year. These results suggest that IBH significantly improves patients' metabolic status. Next steps for IBH research are offered.

Projected Impact of the Medicare Part D Senior Savings Model on Diabetes-Related Health and Economic Outcomes Among Insulin Users Covered by Medicare

OBJECTIVE

The Medicare Part D Senior Savings Model (SSM) took effect on 1 January 2021. In this study we estimated the number of beneficiaries who would benefit from SSM and the long-term health and economic consequences of implementing this new policy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes treated with insulin were extracted from the 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. A validated diabetes microsimulation model estimated health and economic impacts of the new policy for the 5-year initial implementation period and a 20-year extended policy horizon. Costs were estimated from a health system perspective.

RESULTS

Of 4.2 million eligible Medicare beneficiaries, 1.6 million (38.3%) would benefit from the policy, and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs per year per beneficiary would decrease by 61% or $500 on average. Compared with non-White subgroups, the White population subgroups would have a higher proportion of SSM enrollees (29.6% vs. 43.7%) and a higher annual OOP cost reduction (reduction of $424 vs. $531). Among the SSM enrollees, one-third (605,125) were predicted to have improved insulin adherence due to lower cost sharing and improved health outcomes. In 5 years, the SSM would 1) avert 2,014 strokes, 935 heart attacks, 315 heart failure cases, and 344 end-stage renal disease cases; 2) gain 3,220 life-years and 3,381 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY); and 3) increase insulin cost and total medical cost by $3.5 billion and $2.8 billion. In 20 years, the number of avoided clinical outcomes, number of life-years and QALY gained, and the total and insulin cost would be larger.

CONCLUSIONS

The Medicare SSM may reduce the OOP costs for approximately one-third of the Medicare beneficiaries treated with insulin, improving health outcomes via increased insulin adherence. However, the SSM will also increase overall Medicare spending for insulin and overall medical costs, which may impact future premiums and benefits. Our findings can inform policy makers about the potential impact of the new Medicare SSM.

Rising cost of insulin: A deterrent to compliance in patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The rapid increase in burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), poses a huge medico-economic challenge, especially when the cost of care is funded by out-of-pocket expenses. The aim of this review is to highlight various issues associated with rising cost of insulin, prevalence of cost-related insulin underuse, insulin related cost-saving behaviors, and viable solutions for the benefit of patients with T2DM receiving insulin.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from 2000 to 2020 were searched using the key terms uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy, glycemic control, direct cost, indirect cost, out-of-pocket expenses, cost-related insulin underuse, cost-saving behaviors, and biosimilar insulin in developed countries and India.

RESULTS

In majority of the patients with T2DM on monotherapy, addition of another oral antidiabetic agent is required. Despite these measures, the target glycemic goals are not achieved in majority of the patients resulting in various complications. These complications can be prevented and target glycemic goals can be achieved with early initiation of insulin therapy. However, rising cost is a major deterrent to the lifelong use of insulin. This results in non-compliance and further deterioration of glycemic control. Recently, biosimilar insulins have revolutionized the management of T2DM and look promising from the economic point of view.

CONCLUSIONS

Biosimilar insulins are likely to further enhance the compliance of patients and should be used whenever feasible in patients with DM. However, the patient, along with prescriber should be allowed to make shared, informed decisions regarding the insulin they wish to use.

How use of continuous glucose monitoring can address therapeutic inertia in primary care

A significant proportion of individuals with diabetes have suboptimal glycemic management. Studies have shown that persistent hyperglycemia significantly increases the risks for both acute and long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes. A key contributor to suboptimal glycemic management is therapeutic inertia in which clinicians delay intensifying therapy when patients are not meeting their glycemic goals. During the past five years, an increasing number of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D) have adopted use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for daily measurement of glucose levels. As demonstrated in numerous clinical trials and real-world observational studies, use of CGM improves glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and reduces the occurrence and severity of hypoglycemia. However, for primary care clinicians who are unfamiliar with using CGM, integrating this technology into clinical practice can be daunting. In this article, we discuss the benefits and rationale for using CGM compared with traditional blood glucose monitoring (BGM), review the evidence supporting the clinical value of CGM in patients with T1D and T2D, and describe how use of CGM in primary care can facilitate appropriate and more timely therapy adjustments.

Can Smart Pens Help Improve Diabetes Management?

Smart pen technology has evolved over the past decade with new features such as Bluetooth connectivity, bolus dose calculators, and integration with mobile apps and continuous glucose monitors. While similar in appearance to a traditional insulin pen, smart pens have the ability to record and store data of insulin injections. These devices have the potential to transform diabetes management for clinicians, and patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy by improving adherence, glycemic control, and addressing barriers to diabetes management. Smart pens can also highlight the relationship between insulin, food, and physical activity, and provide insight into optimizing insulin regimens. Education of clinicians and patients, and more clinical studies showing the benefits of smart pens and cost-effectiveness, are needed.

Impact of Medication Adherence and Glycemic Control on the Risk of Micro- and Macrovascular Diseases in Patients with Diabetes

PURPOSE

Our purpose in the research was to clarify the impact of medication adherence to oral hypoglycemic agents during a 1-year period and subsequent glycemic control on the risk of micro- and macrovascular diseases.

METHODS

Examined was a nationwide claims database on 13,256 individuals with diabetic eye disease without requiring prior treatment, 7,862 without prior initiation of dialysis, 15,556 without prior coronary artery disease, 16,243 without prior cerebrovascular disease, and 19,386 without prior heart failure from 2008 to 2016 in Japan. Medication adherence was evaluated by the proportion of days covered. Patients were considered to have poor adherence if the proportion of days covered was <80%. Multivariate Cox regression model identified risks of micro- and macrovascular diseases.

RESULTS

In each group, mean age was 53 to 54 years, HbA1c was 7.1% to 7.2%, and median follow-up period was 4.6 to 5.1 years, and the percentage of poor adherence was approximately 30%. During the study period, 532 treatment-requiring diabetic eye disease, 75 dialysis, 389 coronary artery disease, 316 cerebrovascular disease, and 144 heart failure events occurred. Multivariate Cox regression model revealed that the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of dialysis in the poor adherence group was 2.04 (1.27-3.30) compared with the good adherence group. The hazard ratios in the poor adherence/poor glycemic control group were 3.34 (2.63-4.24) for treatment-requiring diabetic eye disease, 4.23 (2.17-8.26) for dialysis, 1.69 (1.23-2.31) for coronary artery disease, and 2.08 (1.25-3.48) for heart failure compared with the good adherence/good glycemic control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor medication adherence was an independent risk factor for the initiation of dialysis, suggesting that clinicians must pay close attention to these patients.

Does the SDMQ-9 Predict Changes in HbA1c Levels? An Ecuadorian Cohort

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus affects 422 million people around the world, positioning it as a major health problem. According to the WHO(World Health Organization), 90% corresponds to type 2. The shared-decision making (SDM) is a method used to facilitate patient control, medication, maintenance, and assessment of health status according to their priorities and preferences. With the application of SDM in patients with diabetes, it is expected there will be an increase in treatment adherence and a reduction in HbA1c levels. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of the change in HbA1c. Material and Methods: A sample of 76 participants attending as endocrinology outpatients was obtained. Data collected within the sample included: sex, age, educational level, body mass index, and the level of SDM using the SDMQ-9. In addition, HbA1c levels were measured twice: at baseline and three months after the first measurement. Results: The linear regression indicates that the level of SDM is a significant predictor of the change in HbA1c, specifically in men. However, the direction of the relationship was a somewhat opposite trend than we expected. Higher levels of SDM imply an increase in HbA1c rather than a reduction. Conclusions: Contrary to the literature, our results shows that elevated levels of perceived SDM may be associated with worse diabetic control. However, more investigation is needed as these results are not generalizable, due to the specific population used and the sample size. Furthermore, to better understand the effect of SDM on the change in HbA1c in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

Cost-Related Medication Nonadherence in Adults With Diabetes in the United States: The National Health Interview Survey 2013-2018

OBJECTIVE

Health-related expenditures resulting from diabetes are rising in the U.S. Medication nonadherence is associated with worse health outcomes among adults with diabetes. We sought to examine the extent of reported cost-related medication nonadherence (CRN) in individuals with diabetes in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied adults age ≥18 years with self-reported diabetes from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) (2013-2018), a U.S. nationally representative survey. Adults reporting skipping doses, taking less medication, or delaying filling a prescription to save money in the past year were considered to have experienced CRN. The weighted prevalence of CRN was estimated overall and by age subgroups (<65 and ≥65 years). Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic characteristics independently associated with CRN.

RESULTS

Of the 20,326 NHIS participants with diabetes, 17.6% (weighted 2.3 million) of those age <65 years reported CRN, compared with 6.9% (weighted 0.7 million) among those age ≥65 years. Financial hardship from medical bills, lack of insurance, low income, high comorbidity burden, and female sex were independently associated with CRN across age groups. Lack of insurance, duration of diabetes, current smoking, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were associated with higher odds of reporting CRN among the nonelderly but not among the elderly. Among the elderly, insulin use significantly increased the odds of reporting CRN (odds ratio 1.51; 95% CI 1.18, 1.92).

CONCLUSIONS

In the U.S., one in six nonelderly and one in 14 elderly adults with diabetes reported CRN. Removing financial barriers to accessing medications may improve medication adherence among these patients, with the potential to improve their outcomes.

The impact of COVID-19 on chronic therapies: the Pescara (ASL) local health authority experience in Italy

INTRODUCTION

At this time in history fraught with restrictions and issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the care and management of chronic therapies is a major concern for society. The objective of the following study was to assess whether adherence and persistence in patients treated with hypoglycaemic drugs and statins during 2020 changed in comparison with pre-pandemic years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted, taking into account the drugs dispensed at pharmacies in the territory of the ASL (Local Health Authority) of Pescara from January 1, 2011 to December 2020 of all patients treated with ATC A10B (hypoglycaemic group) and ATC C10A (statin group). Adherence was calculated using the Proportion of days covered (PDC) method. Persistence to treatment was calculated as the difference in days between the start and end of therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 12,030 patients treated with hypoglycaemic drugs and 19,699 with statins were analysed. Adherence data ranged from values of 0.79 and 0.75 in 2012 to 0.92 and 0.79 in 2020 for the hypoglycaemic group and statin group, respectively. Persistence curves stratified by year showed a statistically significant difference for both groups under analysis (p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The adherence figure did not change much, unlike the persistence figure. In fact, during 2020, the great impact that COVID-19 had on follow-up visits, on the availability of drugs, and on the difficulty of access to health facilities resulted in chronic patients abandoning therapy.

Predictors of poor medication adherence of older people with hypertension

Aims

To explore the risk factors for poor medication adherence in older people with hypertension.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Participants were administered with a self‐report questionnaire about their demographic characteristics; additionally, their four‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale scores were calculated. The STROBE checklist was applied as the reporting guideline for this study (File S1).

Results

Univariate analysis indicated that the following five factors were statistically significantly associated with medication adherence: education level (χ² = 8.073, p = .045), co‐living (χ² = 11.364, p = .010), hypertension complications (χ² = 10.968, p = .001), admission blood pressure (χ² = 8.876, p = .003), and falls (χ² = 6.703, p = .010). Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed that there were four statistically significant predictors, such as people who lived with spouses and offspring (OR = 3.004, p = .017), and those who had high admission blood pressure (OR = 1.910, p = .003) had a greater risk of poor medication adherence, whereas those without hypertension complications (OR = 0.591, p = .026) and those without falls (OR = 0.530, p = .046) had a lower risk.

Relevance to clinical practice

We believe that these findings contribute to the identification of high‐risk people with poor adherence, allowing nurses to identify people with poor adherence in a timely manner, and pay attention to the people's medication.

Adherence and persistence rates of major antidiabetic medications: a review

The objective of this paper was to review the adherence and persistence rates of major antidiabetic medication classes (i.e., metformin, sulfonylureas, sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and thiazolidinediones) by summarizing the major findings of the studies published since 2017. In addition, we reported the potential causes for low adherence and persistence of antidiabetic medications. Based on the literature, the highest rate of adherence and persistence was consistently observed in metformin users. Second to metformin were sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Injectable therapies such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists trailed low on the adherence and persistence rates. To the best of our knowledge, no studies published since the year 2017 analyzed the adherence and persistence of thiazolidinediones independently. The most frequently cited cause for low adherence and persistence was the severity of adverse events. Baseline characteristics (e.g., baseline HbA1c level), demographic information (e.g., age, gender, or ethnicity), and comorbidity profiles also had significant impacts on adherence and persistence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Assessment of the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ) in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

Performing self-care behaviors by diabetic patients is essential to achieve optimal glycemic control, reduction of complications, and improvement in the quality of life. The Diabetes Self-care Questionnaire (DSMQ) is designed to assess self-care behaviors that can predict glycemic control. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the DSMQ in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The present methodological cross-sectional study investigated 460 patients with T2DM referred to the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan, Iran through the convenience sampling procedure. The translation process of the DSMQ was carried out based on the guidelines suggested by Beaton et al. We assessed the reliability (internal consistency), content validity, convergent validity and construct validity. Construct validity was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (calibration sample = 230) and confirmatory factor analysis (validation sample = 230). Furthermore, a linear regression analysis was used to determine the prediction power of self-care behaviors in explaining the variance of the HbA1c level.

Results

In the EFA with Varimax rotation, we extracted four factors that could explain 67.46% of the total variance of the DSMQ scale. The CFA exhibited a satisfactory fit level for the four-factor structure extracted from EFA with the following measures. CFI: 0.980, IFI: 0.980, NFI: 0.956, TLI: 0.974, RMSEA: 0.042). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole scale: 0.84; the subscales: 0.75-0.91). The convergent validity showed significant negative correlations (GM: -0.53; DC: -0.22; PA: -0.16; HU: -0.17; SS: -0.45; p < 0.01) between DSMQ subscales and HbA1c. However, only two factors of glucose management and diet control in the statistical model obtained from regression analysis (stepwise) were able to explain 30% of the HbA1c level (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Persian version of the DSMQ is a valid and reliable instrument to assess self-care behaviors associated with glycemic control in Iranian patients with T2DM. Therefore, this instrument can be used in both future research and clinical practices.

Remote Pharmacist-Assisted Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring Improves Glycemic Outcomes in Patients With Poorly Controlled Diabetes: A Retrospective Case Series

This article reports on a retrospective case series evaluating glycemic outcomes using a flash continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system in pharmacist-managed diabetes cases. The flash CGM system was used during initial assessment of patients' diabetes control and then continued throughout the intervention to ensure the safety and efficacy of the glycemic interventions. The Cloud-based CGM software was used to monitor patients remotely and assess their glycemic metrics. Action plans were created to address areas of most pressing concern, ensuring reduction or elimination of hypoglycemia, correction of hyperglycemia, and minimization of glycemic variability. In these complex cases, use of the flash CGM system in conjunction with lifestyle and medication interventions safely and effectively improved diabetes management and achieved targeted glucose outcomes.

Patient Preferences for Pharmacological Diabetes Treatment Among People with Diabetes in Spain: A Discrete Choice Experiment

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the project was to describe the preferences related to the medication attributes of people with diabetes mellitus (DM) treated in Spain.

METHODS

The project was carried out in four different phases. In phase A, a Steering Committee defined and selected a total of 18 attributes for treating DM and grouped them into four categories: health outcomes, adverse events, treatment characteristics and cost of treatment. In phase B, a questionnaire according to a discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology was developed. In phase C, the online DCE survey was sent to members of associations of people with DM from the Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE). Finally, in phase D, the results were discussed in a deliberative process.

RESULTS

Of the 238 participants who completed the questionnaire (May-September 2020), 231 were included (mean age, 58 years; males, 62%). The DCE results showed that the best-valued category was health outcomes (39.67%), followed by adverse events (26.85%), treatment characteristics (21.70%) and treatment costs (11.77%). Ten of 18 attributes had a significant effect on participants' choice (p < 0.05) and the highest relative importance value: blood pressure reduction (12.82%), hypoglycaemia (12.77%), HbA_1c level reduction (8.54%), cost of the medication (8.13%), needle/tablet size (7.20%), weight change (6.72%), risk of genitourinary infections (6.36%), gastrointestinal problems (5.82%), improved kidney function (5.53%) and administration route (5.41%).

CONCLUSIONS

People with DM prefer a treatment that generates benefits in measurable health effects (reducing blood pressure and HbA_1c level, while not risking hypoglycaemia) and a convenient route of administration. Considering the preferences of people with DM could generate better clinical results and therapeutic adherence, reducing morbidity, mortality and disease burden.

Cardiovascular Disease and Medication Adherence Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in an Underserved Community

Optimal management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) is impeded by widespread nonadherence to efficacious medication regimens. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among persons with Type 2 DM. In this work we evaluated the relationship between CVD and medication adherence to antihypertensives, oral hypoglycemic agents, and antidepressants among patients with Type 2 DM. We also sought to understand how patients perceived barriers to and facilitators of adherence to medications. Adherence to medications was measured in 72 primary care patients from the West Philadelphia area using electronic monitoring (Medication Event Monitoring System caps) over 12 weeks. Standard questions assessed the presence of CVD. Participants answered open-ended questions about barriers to and facilitators of medication adherence. Participants who had CVD were significantly less likely to achieve ≥80% adherence to an antidepressant, oral hypoglycemic agent, and antihypertensive medications at 12 weeks. Participants identified four themes related to medication adherence: Interference from Psychosocial Demands, Need for Technological Innovation, Awareness of Disease Severity, and Integrating Community Linkages. Interventions to improve medication adherence among persons with Type 2 DM in underserved communities may aim to address social determinants of health, create community linkages, emphasize disease severity and utilize apps which are integrated with existing primary care services.

Association between adherence to oral therapies in cancer patients and clinical outcome: A systematic review of the literature

AIMS

Adherence to therapy is a key factor in successful treatment. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the extent to which patients with better adherence to oral therapy have better clinical outcomes among cancer patients.

METHODS

All studies published in PubMed up to 20 October 2020, which considered the use of oral anticancer drugs for cancer patients and which correlated treatment adherence with a clinical outcome, were considered.

RESULTS

From the 42 studies considered in the systematic review, 14 were for oncological indications and 28 for haematological indications. There was considerable variance in calculation methods, outcomes considered, and in the definitions of adherence. However, it emerged that most studies reported a significant correlation between adherence to therapy and clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

As adherence to therapy is a key factor in achieving a better clinical outcome, future studies with large samples, robust endpoints and the use of at least two methods of assessing adherence would be desirable in order to produce more robust evidence.

Impact of Electronic Medication Reminder Caps on Patient Adherence and Blood Pressure

Background: Medication adherence is widely recognized as an essential component of chronic disease management, yet only 50% of patients take their medication as prescribed. Newer technologies have the potential to improve medication adherence. Objective: To conduct a pilot study estimating the impact of a pharmacy-dispensed electronic reminder cap (SMARxT cap), which also records cap openings, on medication adherence and blood pressure (BP). Methods: After a 30-day run-in period, 28 individuals were randomized to receive a SMARxT or placebo cap on each BP medication. The primary outcome was adherence measured via (1) the medication possession ratio, (2) number of cap openings, and (3) self-report. The secondary outcome was the average of 2 BP readings at 6 months. Mean changes from baseline to 6 months were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The medication possession ratio increased 2.7% in the SMARxT cap group and decreased 1.1% in the control group (P = .13), and cap openings increased 11.9% in the SMARxT cap group and 9.9% in the control group (P = .83). Self-reported adherence increased 1.1 points in the SMARxT cap group and 0.8 points in the control group (P = .64). Systolic BP decreased 8.2 mm Hg in the SMARxT cap group and 2.8 mm Hg in the placebo cap group (P = .35), and diastolic BP decreased to 6.2 mm Hg in the SMARxT cap group and was unchanged in the placebo cap group (P = .06). Conclusions: Use of SMARxT cap showed nonsignificant improvement in medication adherence and BP lowering. This technology has potential to characterize and improve medication-taking behavior.

Digital messaging to support control for type 2 diabetes (StAR2D): a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Background

Failure to take medicines for diabetes as prescribed contributes to poor outcomes from the condition. Mobile phones are ubiquitous and short message service (SMS) texts have shown promise as a low-cost intervention. We tested the effectiveness of SMS-text messaging in improving outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

StAR2D was a 12-month two-arm randomised trial of SMS-text messaging and usual care in Cape Town, South Africa and Lilongwe, Malawi. Messages used behaviour change theory and were developed with patients and staff. The intervention group received four messages each week. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients who collected > 80% medication and changes in systolic blood pressure, lipids, cardiovascular risk, and the proportion of the participants reaching treatment goals.

Results

The trial took place between 1 October, 2016 and 1 October 2018, 1186 participants were randomised to intervention (593) and control (593) groups. 91% of participants completed follow-up. There was a reduction in HbA1c (DCCT) in both groups but not in mean change (95% CI) between groups (− 0.08% (− 0.31 to 0.16) (IFCC − 0.82 mmol/mol (− 3.44 to 1.79). There was a small but not significant increase in the proportions of participants likely to have collected 80% or more of medication (Relative risk 1.11 (0.84 to 1.47; P = 0.47). There was a significant difference between groups in change in systolic blood pressure from baseline of 3.46 mmHg (1.48 to 5.44, P = 0.001) in favour of the intervention group. The between group difference in change in 10-year risk of coronary heart disease was − 0.71% (− 1.46 to 0.04, P = 0.064). The proportion of participants meeting treatment goals in the intervention group was 36.0% and in the control group 26.8% (Relative risk 1.36 (1.13 to 1.63, P = 0.001). Participants reported many challenges to adherence despite finding messages acceptable and useful.

Conclusions

Whilst SMS text messages do not lead to improved glycaemia in these low-resource settings there appeared to be an impact on blood pressure and achievement of treatment goals but the mechanisms for this are unclear. Text messages alone, may be unsuccessful unless accompanied by health system strengthening and other forms of self-management support for type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN70768808. Registered 1 July 2015, http://www.isrctn.com/I ISRCTN70768808.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11874-7.

Cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of spironolactone or eplerenone in combination with ACEI/ARBs in patients with diabetic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) when combined with either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may provide additional benefits of cardiovascular and kidney disease risk reduction in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and hypertension. We evaluated the effectiveness of combination therapy (MRAs, either spironolactone or eplerenone, plus ACEI/ARB) compared with monotherapy (ACEI/ARB only) in patients with DKD and hypertension.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study was performed in patients (age ≥ 18 years) with hypertension, diabetes, and albuminuria between 2008 and 2018 within an integrated health system. MRA with ACEI/ARB compared to ACEI/ARB alone was evaluated on composite of cardiovascular events, progression to end-stage kidney disease, or all-cause mortality. Hyperkalemia was compared as a safety outcome.

RESULTS

We identified 1282 patients who received MRAs with ACEI/ARBs and 5484 patients who received ACEI/ARBs alone. Median exposure time for combination therapy was 126 days. The rates per 100 person-years of cardiovascular, kidney, or all-cause mortality outcomes were 12.2 and 9.2 for combination therapy and monotherapy, respectively (hazard ratios = 1.24, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):0.94, 1.63). Patients receiving combination therapy had greater reduction in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio compared with monotherapy (Mean reduction: 823 and 585 mg/g; p < 0.001, respectively). Hyperkalemia was more frequent in combination therapy versus monotherapy (22.3 vs. 10.9 per 100 person-years for combination and monotherapy, respectively; hazard ratios = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.42, 2.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with DKD and hypertension, the short-term use of MRAs, either spironolactone or eplerenone, in combination with ACEI/ARBs, was not associated with lower risk of cardiovascular or kidney outcomes compared with ACEI/ARB monotherapy. The risk of hyperkalemia and the short duration of combination therapy may suggest a real-world clinical challenge for MRA with ACEI/ARB combination therapy.