Turkish nationwide survEy of glycemic and other Metabolic parameters of patients with Diabetes mellitus (TEMD study)

Type 1 diabetes management: Room for improvement

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Optimal diabetes care and risk factor management are important to delay micro- and macrovascular complications in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Ongoing improvement of management strategies requires the evaluation of target achievement and identification of risk factors in individuals who do (or do not) achieve these targets.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected from adults with T1D visiting six diabetes centers in the Netherlands in 2018. Targets were defined as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <53 mmol/mol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) <2.6 mmoL/L (no cardiovascular disease [CVD] present) or <1.8 mmoL/L (CVD present), or blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mm Hg. Target achievement was compared for individuals with and without CVD.

RESULTS

Data from 1737 individuals were included. Mean HbA1c was 63 mmol/mol (7.9%), LDL-c was 2.67 mmoL/L, and BP 131/76 mm Hg. In individuals with CVD, 24%, 33%, and 46% achieved HbA1c, LDL-c, and BP targets respectively. In individuals without CVD these percentages were 29%, 54%, and 77%, respectively. Individuals with CVD did not have any significant risk factors for HbA1c, LDL-c, and BP target achievement. In comparison, individuals without CVD were more likely to achieve glycemic targets if they were men and insulin pump users. Smoking, microvascular complications, and the prescription of lipid-lowering and antihypertensive medication were negatively associated with glycemic target achievement. No characteristics were associated with LDL-c target achievement. Microvascular complications and antihypertensive medication prescription were negatively associated with BP target attainment.

CONCLUSION

Opportunities for improvement of diabetes management exist for the achievement of glycemic, lipid, and BP targets but may differ between individuals with and without CVD.

Critical questions in diabetes management: What are the most compelling challenges and how can we handle them?

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is growing worldwide, showing almost a 10-fold increase in the last five decades. Despite advances in the understanding of the disease mechanisms, preventive measures, and treatment options, morbidity and mortality remain high. Moreover, the burden of uncontrolled glycemia and associated complications have a significant impact on healthcare costs. To be ready for the future and emerging issues in the management of diabetes and related disorders, a holistic approach is essential for the prevention of the next generations. So many challenges in the management of diabetes exist globally, which differ according to the health infrastructure, and cultural, economic, and sociodemographic status of the nations.

Conclusions

In this minireview and commentary on previously unaddressed needs relating to the management of diabetes, we discuss the ubiquitous and most compelling challenges and suggest potential solutions in the care of patients with diabetes.

Glycemic control and its influencing factors in type 2 diabetes patients in Anhui, China

Objective

To investigate the status of glycemic control and analyze its influencing factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Anhui, China.

Methods

1,715 T2D patients aged 18-75 years old were selected from 4 counties or districts in Anhui Province in 2018, using a convenience sampling method. All patients have undergone a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test. According to the 2022 American Diabetes Association criteria, HbA1c was used to evaluate the glycemic control status of patients, and HbA1c < 7.0% was defined as good glycemic control. The influencing factors of glycemic control were analyzed by multivariate unconditional logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of good glycemic control among people with T2D in the Anhui Province was low (22.97%). On univariate analysis, gender, education level, occupation, region, smoking, drinking, waist circumference and disease duration (all P < 0.05) were significantly associated with glycemic control. The factors associated with pool glycemic control were female gender [OR = 0.67, 95%CI (0.52, 0.86), P = 0.001], higher level of education [OR = 0.47, 95%CI (0.27, 0.83), P = 0.001], living in rural areas [OR = 1.77, 95%CI (1.39, 2.26), P < 0.001], central obesity [OR = 1.58, 95%CI (1.19, 2.09), P = 0.001] and longer duration of disease [OR = 2.66, 95%CI (1.91, 3.69), P < 0.001].

Conclusions

The prevalence of good glycemic control in people with T2D in Anhui Province was relatively low, and gender, region, education level, central obesity and course of the disease were influencing factors. The publicity and education on the importance of glycemic control should be further strengthened in T2D patients, and targeted intervention measures should be carried out for risk groups.

Characteristics and Treatment Patterns of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Middle East and Africa Cohort of the DISCOVER Study Program: a Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Despite the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and suboptimal glycemic control in the Middle East and Africa, comprehensive data on the management of T2D remain scarce. The main aim of this study is to describe the characteristics and treatment of patients with T2D initiating second-line glucose-lowering therapy in these regions.

METHODS

DISCOVER is a global, 3-year, prospective observational study of patients with T2D enrolled at initiation of second-line glucose-lowering therapy. Baseline characteristics and treatments are presented for patients from 12 countries divided into three regions: Mediterranean, Gulf Cooperation Council, and South Africa.

RESULTS

Among 3525 patients (52.5% male, mean age 54.3 years), mean time since T2D diagnosis was 6.2 years [across-region range (ARR) 5.8-7.5 years] and mean glycated hemoglobin levels were 8.7% (72.0 mmol/mol) [ARR 8.6-9.0% (68-75 mmol/mol)]. At first line, metformin was prescribed for 88.1% (ARR 85.4-90.3%) of patients and a sulfonylurea for 34.4% (ARR 12.7-45.4%). Sulfonylureas and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors were prescribed at second line for 55.5% (ARR 48.6-82.5%) and 49.0% (ARR 3.7-73.8%) of patients, respectively. Main reasons for choice of second-line therapy were efficacy (73.2%; ARR 60.1-77.7%) and tolerability (26.8%; ARR 3.7-31.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate considerable inter-region variations in the management of T2D, likely affected by multiple factors (health system, physician behavior, and patient compliance), all of which should be addressed to optimize outcomes.

Current gaps in management and timely referral of cardiorenal complications among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Middle East and African countries: Expert recommendations

The upsurge of type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Africa (AFR) region, with cardiorenal complications (CRCs) being the predominant cause of premature morbidity and mortality. High prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, lack of awareness among patients and physicians, deficient infrastructure, and economic constraints lead to a cascade of CRCs at a significantly earlier age in MENA and AFR. In this review, we present consensus recommendations by experts in MENA and AFR, highlighting region-specific challenges and potential solutions for management of CRCs. Health professionals who understand sociocultural barriers can significantly increase patient awareness and encourage health-seeking behavior through simple educational tools. Increasing physician knowledge on early identification of CRCs and personalized treatment based on risk stratification, alongside optimum glycemic control, can mitigate therapeutic inertia. Early diagnosis of high-risk people with regular and systematic monitoring of cardiorenal parameters, development of region-specific care pathways for timely referral to specialists, followed by guideline-recommended care with novel antidiabetics are imperative. Adherence to guideline-recommended care can catalyze utilization of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists with demonstrated cardiorenal benefits-thus paving the way for overcoming care gaps in a cost-effective manner. Leveraging digital technology like electronic medical records can help generate real-world data and provide insights on voids in adoption of newer antidiabetic medications. A patient-centric approach, collaborative care among physicians from different specialties, alongside involvement of policy makers are key for improving patient outcomes and quality of care in MENA and AFR.

Efficacy and safety of adding ipragliflozin to insulin in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study

Advances in insulin preparations and administration methods have produced a gradual improvement in glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Nevertheless, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with type 1 DM are still poor compared to those in patients with type 2 DM. Here, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ipragliflozin (IPRA) in patients with type 1 DM. This study was retrospectively conducted with data from type 1 DM patients who had a history of IPRA therapy. The primary endpoint was HbA1c level at 24 weeks. The baseline characteristics of a total of 12 subjects were as follows: age, 50.1 ± 13.2 years; diabetes duration, 17.3 ± 10.5 years; body mass index (BMI), 22.9 ± 2.1 kg/m²; HbA1c, 8.8 ± 1.3%; and daily insulin dose, 0.60 ± 0.21 units/kg. IPRA decreased HbA1c levels to 8.2 ± 1.2% (p < 0.05) and reduced insulin dose to 0.52 ± 0.17 units/kg (p < 0.01) after 24 weeks. HbA1c value was particularly reduced in subjects with preserved C-peptide index. IPRA significantly reduced body weight by -1.4 ± 1.4 kg (p < 0.01) 16 weeks after starting treatment, with no further weight loss after 24 weeks. There were no instances of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia. IPRA exerted beneficial effects on glycemic control without any severe adverse effects, and should be safe and effective when used in patients with type 1 DM with understanding of correspondence in sick day.

Rates and associates of influenza and pneumococcus vaccination in diabetes mellitus: A nationwide cross-sectional study (TEMD vaccination study)

BACKGROUND

Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus is effective in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations and to search for the independent associates of vaccination in Turkish patients with diabetes.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional, nationwide, multicenter study, adult patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) (n = 454) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (n = 4721), who were under follow-up for at least a year in the outpatient clinics, were consecutively enrolled. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters of patients were recorded. Vaccination histories were documented according to the self-statements of the patients.

RESULTS

Patients with T1DM and T2DM had similar vaccination rates for influenza (23.6% vs 21.2%; P = 0.240) and pneumococcus (8% vs 7%; P = 0.451) vaccinations. Longer diabetes duration and older age were the common independent associates of having vaccination for both types of diabetes patients. Higher education level, using statin treatment, and having optimal hemoglobin A1c levels were the common independent associates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in patients with T2DM.

CONCLUSION

TEMD Vaccination Study shows that patients with T1DM and T2DM had very low influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates in Turkey. The lower rates of vaccination in certain populations urges the necessity of nationwide vaccination strategies targeting these populations.

Evaluation of Turkey diabetes self-management education in geriatrics with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the diabetes education efficiency of individuals over 65 years old in Turkey, which has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Europe.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 320 patients who attended Turkey diabetes self-management group education program (TDSMEP) between 2016 and 2020 in a secondary hospital. Participants who have been followed up for a maximum of 9 months are grouped as over 65 years old and under.

RESULTS

Of the 320 patients, 114 formed the geriatric group and 206 the non-geriatric group. After the training, the number of patients who had HbA1c ≤7% increased significantly in both the geriatric (28.1%-45.6%) and non-geriatric (19.9%-42.2%) (p = 0.001) groups. After the training, similar HbA1c goals were achieved in the geriatric and non-geriatric groups. The most significant HbA1c decrease was observed at the 3rd month of follow-up and remained stable until the 9th month. In logistic regression analysis, the factors affecting HbA1c failure (HbA1c >7%) after training in the geriatric group were long diabetes duration (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.13, p = 0.01), high basal HbA1c levels (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03-1.67, p = 0.03), and low education level (OR = 3.88, 95% CI = 1.54-9.76, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of TDSMEP for geriatric individuals whose HbA1c ≤7% increased from 28% to 45.6% during follow-up after the training. TDSMEP is recommended for all adult age groups, regardless of age range.

The Compatibility of the Treatment Modalities to the Recommendations of the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Guideline in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Diabetes

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are global growing health problems. Since DM is the major cause for CKD etiology, its development can be prevented with simple measures, like achievements of glycemic, lipid and blood pressure targets. This study aimed to evaluate whether the treatment goals for CKD patients with DM are achieved under the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guideline.

Methods:

Overall, 160 CKD patients with DM were enrolled in the study performed in Usak, Turkey from Jan 2016 to Jan 2018. Compatibility with treatment goals defined in KDOQI 2012 guideline for HbA1c levels, hypertension and dyslipidemia were evaluated retrospectively.

Results:

Of 160 CKD patients [15 (9.4%) in stage 3a, 53 (33.1%) stage 3b, 51 (31.9%) stage 4 and 41 (25.6%) stage 5], 23 patients in stage 5 were on hemodialysis. Total compliance rate to hyperglycemia treatment was 94 of 160 patients (58.8%). Compatibility rates between different stages of CKD were similar. Hypertension was detected only in 134 patients. Sixty-six (49.3%) patients were compatible with the treatment goals, and as the CKD stages progressed, the rate of patients achieving hypertension treatment goals was declined (P=0.001). One-hundred and thirty-seven patients were not on hemodialysis and fifty-four (39.9%) of 137 patients achieved dyslipidemia goal. There was no difference between different stages of CKD.

Conclusion:

Under KDOQI 2012 guideline, treatment goal for hyperglycemia was better achieved than the treatment goals for hypertension and dyslipidemia. In CKD patients with DM the physicians should be also focused on the treatment of hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Role of hypertension in the association of overweight and obesity with diabetes among adults in Bangladesh: a population-based, cross-sectional nationally representative survey

AIMS

Overweight and obesity (OWOB) is a modifiable risk factor for both hypertension and diabetes. However, the association between OWOB and diabetes among Bangladeshi adults and how hypertension may mediate this relationship are not well explored. This study aimed to examine (1) whether OWOB is independently associated with diabetes among Bangladeshi adults, (2) whether this association is mediated by hypertension, and (3) the effect modification by wealth status and place of residence in the relationships.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used data of 9305 adults aged ≥18 years from the most recent nationally representative cross-sectional study of Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018. Design-based logistic regression was used to assess the association between OWOB and diabetes, and counterfactual framework-based weighting approach was used to evaluate the mediation effect of hypertension in the OWOB-diabetes relationship. We used stratified analyses for the effect modifications.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OWOB, diabetes and hypertension was 48.5%, 11.7% and 30.3%, respectively. We observed a significant association between OWOB and diabetes and a mediating role of hypertension in the OWOB-diabetes association. The odds of diabetes was 51% higher among adults with OWOB than those without OWOB (adjusted OR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.77). We observed that 18.64% (95% CI 9.84% to 34.07%) of the total effect of OWOB on the higher odds of diabetes was mediated through hypertension, and the mediation effect was higher among adults from non-poor households and from both rural and urban areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Adult OWOB status is independently associated with diabetes in Bangladesh, and hypertension mediates this association. Therefore, prevention policies should target adults with both OWOB and hypertension, particularly those from non-poor households and from both rural and urban areas, to reduce the growing burden of diabetes and its associated risk.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey: A nationwide study (TurCoviDia)

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to be associated with a more severe course in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, severe adverse outcomes are not recorded in all patients. In this study, we assessed disease outcomes in patients with and without T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19.

METHODS

A nationwide retrospective cohort of patients with T2DM hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection from 11 March to 30 May 2020 in the Turkish Ministry of Health database was investigated. Multivariate modeling was used to assess the independent predictors of demographic and clinical characteristics with mortality, length of hospital stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

A total of 18 426 inpatients (median age [interquartile range, IQR]: 61 [17] years; males: 43.3%) were investigated. Patients with T2DM (n = 9213) were compared with a group without diabetes (n = 9213) that were matched using the propensity scores for age and gender. Compared with the group without T2DM, 30-day mortality following hospitalization was higher in patients with T2DM (13.6% vs 8.7%; hazard ratio 1.75; 95% CI, 1.58-1.93; P < .001). The independent associates of mortality were older age, male gender, obesity, insulin treatment, low lymphocyte count, and pulmonary involvement on admission. Older age, low lymphocyte values, and pulmonary involvement at baseline were independently associated with longer hospital stay and/or ICU admission.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study from the Turkish national health care database showed that patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 are at increased risk of mortality, longer hospital stay, and ICU admission.

Characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results from the Turkish Nationwide SurvEy of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (TEMD Hypertension Study)

BACKGROUND

The present survey aimed to find out the demographical and clinical characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Turkey.

METHODS

Patients with T2DM who were followed-up in tertiary endocrine units for at least last one year were recruited. Demographic, clinical and biochemical data of the patients were collected. Hypertension was defined as taking anti-hypertensive medications or having office arterial blood pressure (ABP) ≥140/90 mmHg or home ABP ≥ 130/80 mmHg.

RESULTS

A total of 4756 (58.9% women) diabetic patients were evaluated. The percentage of patients with hypertension was 67.5% (n = 3212). Although 87.4% (n = 2808) of hypertensive patients were under treatment, blood pressure was on target in 52.7% (n = 1479) of patients. Hypertension proportions were higher in woman (p = 0.001), older, more obese, and those who had longer diabetes duration, lower education levels, higher frequency of hypoglycemic events (all p < 0.001) and higher triglyceride levels (p = 0.003). LDL cholesterol level and the percentage of smokers were lower in hypertensive group than in non-hypertensive group (both p < 0.001). The percentage of macro and microvascular complications was higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive one (both p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a woman (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.51, p = 0.016), smoking (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.80, p = 0.020), regular physical activity (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.53, p = 0.039) and the presence of macrovascular complications (OR: 1.38 95% CI: 1.15-1.65, p = 0.001) were the significant predictors of good ABP regulation. The ratios of masked and white coat hypertension were 41.2% and 5.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that two-thirds (67.5%) of adult patients with T2DM have hypertension. Co-existence of hypertension increases the frequency of macro and microvascular diabetic complications in these patients. Despite the critical role of hypertension in morbidity and mortality, only half of the patients have favorable ABP levels. Masked hypertension seems to be another important issue in this population.

Patterns and preferences of antidiabetic drug use in Turkish patients with type 2 diabetes - A nationwide cross-sectional study (TEMD treatment study)

AIMS

The treatment preferences in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are affected by multiple factors. This survey aims to find out the profiles of the utilization of antidiabetics and their determinants.

METHODS

The nationwide, multicenter TEMD survey consecutively enrolled patients with T2DM (n = 4678). Medications including oral antidiabetics (OAD) and injectable regimens were recorded. Multiple injectable regimens with or without OADs were defined as complex treatments.

RESULTS

A total of 4678 patients with T2DM (mean age: 58.5 ± 10.4 years, 59% female) were enrolled. More than half of patients (n = 2372; 50.7%) were using injectable regimens with or without OADs, and others (n = 2306, 49.3%) were using only OADs. The most common OADs were metformin (93.5%), secretagogues (40.1%), and DPP-4 inhibitors (37.2%). The rates of the use of basal, basal-bolus and premix insulin were 26.5%, 39.5% and 22.4%, respectively. Patients using OADs achieved better glycemia, blood pressure and weight control (p < 0.001 for all) but poorer LDL-C control (p < 0.001). The independent associates of complex treatments were diabetes duration, obesity, eGFR, glycated haemoglobin, macro and microvascular complications, education level, and self-reported hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first nationwide report to show that almost half of the patients with T2DM are using injectable regimens in Turkey.

Utilization of statins and LDL-cholesterol target attainment in Turkish patients with type 2 diabetes - a nationwide cross-sectional study (TEMD dyslipidemia study)

BACKGROUND

Attaining acceptable levels of LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly improves cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The LDL-C target attainment and the characteristics of patients attaining these targets were investigated in this study. Furthermore, the reasons for not choosing statins and the physicians' attitudes on the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia were also examined.

METHODS

A nationwide, cross-sectional survey was conducted in tertiary centers for diabetes management. Adult patients with T2DM, who were under follow-up for at least a year in outpatient clinics, were consecutively enrolled for the study. LDL-C goals were defined as below 70 mg/dL for patients with macrovascular complications or diabetic nephropathy, and below 100 mg/dL for other patients. Data about lipid-lowering medications were self-reported.

RESULTS

A total of 4504 patients (female: 58.6%) were enrolled for the study. The mean HbA1c and diabetes duration was 7.73 ± 1.74% and 10.9 ± 7.5 years, respectively. The need for statin treatment was 94.9% (n = 4262); however, only 42.4% (n = 1807) of these patients were under treatment, and only 24.8% (n = 448) of these patients achieved LDL-C targets. The main reason for statin discontinuation was negative media coverage (87.5%), while only a minority of patients (12.5%) mentioned side effects. Physicians initiated lipid-lowering therapy in only 20.3% of patients with high LDL-C levels. It was observed that the female gender was a significant independent predictor of not attaining LDL-C goals (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Less than 50 % of patients with T2DM who need statins were under treatment, and only a quarter of them attained their LDL-C targets. There exists a significant gap between the guideline recommendations and the real-world evidence in the treatment of dyslipidemia in T2DM.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Overtreatment and Deintensification of Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Medications in Diabetes Mellitus: The TEMD Overtreatment Study

INTRODUCTION

Targeting better glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure (BP) goals may endanger older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Overtreatment of T2DM and hypertension is a trending issue, although undertreatment is still common. We investigated the rates and predictors of overtreatment and undertreatment of glycemia and BP in older adults with T2DM and physicians' attitudes to deintensify or intensify treatment.

METHODS

Data from older adults (≥ 65 years) enrolled in a large nationwide T2DM survey in 2017 across Turkey were analyzed. Overtreatment of glycemia was defined as HbA1c < 6.5% plus the use of ≥ 2 oral antihyperglycemics or insulin, and BP overtreatment was defined as systolic BP (SBP) < 120 mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP) < 65 mmHg plus the use of ≥ 2 drugs. Undertreatment of glycemia was defined as HbA1c > 9%, and BP undertreatment was defined as SBP > 150 mmHg or DBP > 90 mmHg. Deintensification or intensification rates were calculated according to treatment modification initiated by the treating physician(s).

RESULTS

The rate of overtreatment in the glycemia group (n = 1264) was 9.8% (n = 124) and that in the BP group (n = 1052) was 7.3% (n = 77), whereas the rate of undertreatment was 14.2% (n = 180) and 15.2% (n = 160), respectively. In the adjusted model, use of oral secretagogues (sulfonylureas or glinides) (odds ratio [OR] 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-3.1) and follow-up at a private clinic (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.0-3.3) were predictors of glycemia overtreatment. BP overtreatment was independently associated with the use insulin-based diabetes therapies (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.14-3.04). There was no independent association of BP undertreatment to the study confounders. The deintensification and intensification rates were 25 and 75.6%, respectively, for glycemia and 10.9 and 9.2%, respectively, for BP.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that one in ten older adults with T2DM are overtreated while one in four require modification of their current antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive treatments. Physicians are eager to intensify medications while they largely ignore deintensification in diabetes management. These results warrant enforced measures to improve the care of older adults with T2DM.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03455101.

EMPAGLIFLOZIN IS MORE EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING MICROALBUMINURIA AND ALT LEVELS COMPARED WITH DAPAGLIFLOZIN: REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE

CONTEXT

Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are oral antidiabetic agents that can be used with insulin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, known for cardiovascular and renal benefits. Dapagliflozin and empagliflozin are available in Turkey and we aimed to evaluate real-life data of using these two molecules with other oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) or insulin.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

119 patients (59 women, 60 men) files who had started SGLT2i between 2017-2019 were examined retrospectively until 6 months after the treatment change. Patients' weight, body mass index (BMI), insulin doses, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio, e-GFR values, ALT, AST, uric acid levels were evaluated at baseline, 3 months and 6 months.

RESULTS

41.2% of patients were using dapagliflozin and 58.8% were using empagliflozin. After 6 months of follow-up, HbA1c decreased from 8.27% to 7.45% (p<0.001). Daily total insulin dose decreased from 84.75 to 75.58 U/day in 3 months (p<0.004). Weight and BMI decreased significantly at 6 months. ALT, AST decreased significantly in patients using insulin (p 0.001 and 0.007), whereas spot urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio decreased at 3 and 6 months (p 0.005 and 0.020). A significant decrease was also observed in uric acid levels (p: 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin and empagliflozin have beneficial effects on decreasing glycemic parameters, weight, transaminases, uric acid and microalbuminuria in the real life environment. We also observed that SGLT2i and insulin combination is as safe and effective as combination with OAD.

Cost-Effectiveness of Sensor-Augmented Insulin Pump Therapy Versus Continuous Insulin Infusion in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Turkey

Background and Aims: Sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAP) combines continuous glucose monitoring with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). SAP is costlier than CSII but provides additional clinical benefits relative to CSII alone. A long-term cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to determine whether SAP is cost-effective relative to CSII in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Turkey. Methods: Analyses were performed in two different patient cohorts, one with poor glycemic control at baseline (mean glycated hemoglobin 9.0% [75 mmol/mol]) and a second cohort considered to be at increased risk of hypoglycemic events. Clinical input data and direct medical costs were sourced from published literature. The analysis was performed from a third-party payer perspective over patient lifetimes and future costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 3.5% per annum. Results: In both patient cohorts, SAP was associated with a gain in quality-adjusted life expectancy but higher costs relative to CSII (incremental gain of 1.40 quality-adjusted life years [QALYs] in patients with poor baseline glycemic control and 1.73 QALYs in patients at increased risk of hypoglycemic events). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for SAP versus CSII were TRY 76,971 (EUR 11,612) per QALY gained for patients with poor baseline glycemic control and TRY 69,534 (EUR 10,490) per QALY gained for patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia. Conclusions: SAP is associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes versus CSII, and in Turkey, SAP is likely to represent good value for money compared with CSII in T1D patients with poor glycemic control and/or with frequent severe hypoglycemic events.

Metabolic health in the Middle East and north Africa

The Middle East and north Africa are home to different populations with widely varying cultures, histories, and socioeconomic settings. Hence, their health status, health management, and access to appropriate health care differ accordingly. In this Review, we examine data on the historical and prospective status of metabolic diseases in this region including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Women in the Middle East and north Africa have the highest risk of metabolic diseases of all women globally, whereas men rank second of all men in this respect. Metabolic risk factors are responsible for more than 300 deaths per 100 000 individuals in this region, compared with a global mean of fewer than 250. Physical inactivity, especially in women, and an unhealthy diet (ie, low consumption of whole grains, nuts, and seafoods) stand out. More than one in every three women are obese in most countries of the region. Prevention programmes have not fully been achieved in most of these countries and the projected future is not optimistic. Comprehensive surveillance and monitoring of metabolic diseases, robust multisectoral systems that support primordial and primary preventions, continuous education of health-care providers, as well as collaboration between countries for joint projects in this region are urgently needed to overcome the paucity of data and to improve the metabolic health status of inhabitants in the Middle East and north Africa.

Impact of Obesity on the Metabolic Control of Type 2 Diabetes: Results of the Turkish Nationwide Survey of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (TEMD Obesity Study)

BACKGROUND

Obesity is the main obstacle for metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Turkey has the highest prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Europe. The effect of obesity on the metabolic control, and the macro- and microvascular complications of patients are not apparent.

OBJECTIVES

This nationwide survey aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes and to search for the impact of obesity on the metabolic control of these patients. We also investigated the independent associates of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled patients who were under follow-up for at least 1 year in 69 tertiary healthcare units in 37 cities. The demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data including medications were recorded. Patients were excluded if they were pregnant, younger than 18 years, had decompensated liver disease, psychiatric disorders interfering with cognition or compliance, had bariatric surgery, or were undergoing renal replacement therapy.

RESULTS

Only 10% of patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 4,648) had normal body mass indexes (BMI), while the others were affected by overweight (31%) or obesity (59%). Women had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity (53.4 vs. 40%) and severe obesity (16.6 vs. 3.3%). Significant associations were present between high BMI levels and lower education levels, intake of insulin, antihypertensives and statins, poor metabolic control, or the presence of microvascular complications. Age, gender, level of education, smoking, and physical inactivity were the independent associates of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The TEMD Obesity Study shows that obesity is a major determinant of the poor metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results underline the importance of prevention and management of obesity to improve health care in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, the results point out the independent sociodemographic and clinical associates of obesity, which should be the prior targets to overcome, in the national fight with obesity.