Concentrated insulins in current clinical practice

Using insulin pump for glycemic control in patients with severe insulin resistance

BACKGROUND

Patients with type 2 diabetes using a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) often require large doses of insulin and need to change their insulin administration sets frequently. A proposed solution to this problem is to use concentrated insulin in their insulin pump; however, insulin pumps are programmed to administer U-100 insulin. Therefore, these patients are at greater risk of hypoglycemia and are responsible for adjusting daily doses.

CASE SUMMARY

The solution for our patient encountering this problem was to administer half of his daily basal insulin via subcutaneous injection and allow the CSII to administer the remainder through automated insulin delivery (AID). When this strategy was initiated, the patient's A1C was > 14%. After 5 months of follow-up, the patient's A1C was 8.3% and he reported improved quality of life.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This technique allows patients with high insulin requirements to benefit from AID without the safety risks associated with using concentrated insulin.

Insulin Therapy for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review of Innovative Treatment Strategies

The discovery of insulin was presented to the international medical community on May 3, 1922. Since then, insulin has become one of the most effective pharmacological agents used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the initiation and intensification of insulin therapy is often delayed in people living with type 2 diabetes due to numerous challenges associated with daily subcutaneous administration. Reducing the frequency of injections, using insulin pens instead of syringes and vials, simplifying treatment regimens, or administering insulin through alternative routes may help improve adherence to and persistence with insulin therapy among people living with diabetes. As the world commemorates the centennial of the commercialization of insulin, the aims of this article are to provide an overview of insulin therapy and to summarize clinically significant findings from phase 3 clinical trials evaluating less frequent dosing of insulin and the non-injectable administration of insulin.

Trajectory of glycated haemoglobin over time, using real-world data, in type 2 diabetes patients with obesity on a U-100 basal-bolus insulin regimen

AIMS

To identify patient clusters with poor glucose control among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with obesity who are receiving basal-bolus insulin and to identify the potential therapeutic inertia factors associated with poor control.

METHODS

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) trajectories across a 3-year period were structured at 6-month intervals for a retrospective cohort of T2DM patients with obesity on basal-bolus insulin from the Veterans' Health Administration database. Based on each patient's longitudinal HbA1c features, an unsupervised clustering procedure was used to determine the numbers of clusters and associated trajectory patterns. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association between HbA1c trajectory clusters and patient characteristics/treatment patterns.

RESULTS

A total of 51 273 patients were included, of whom 11.2% were in a subgroup with persistent missingness of HbA1c values. For those with sufficient HbA1c observations, cluster analysis indicated six distinct HbA1c trajectories: stable low (35.8%); stable high (20.8%); descending low (10.5%); ascending low (10.2%); descending high (5.7%); and ascending high (5.7%). Being of Black ethnicity, not initiating noninsulin antihyperglycaemic agents (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or thiazolidinediones) or concentrated insulin, low adherence (measured by proportion of days covered), and reduced insulin prescription refills were factors associated with poorer HbA1c clusters; similar factors were associated with persistent HbA1c missingness.

CONCLUSION

The present study found the potential for therapeutic inertia among a significant proportion of T2DM patients with obesity on basal-bolus insulin. Subgrouping T2DM patients based on HbA1c missingness and HbA1c trajectories can inform disease management strategies.

Insulin edema after initiation of hybrid closed-loop insulin pump therapy with continuous glucose monitoring: a case report

BACKGROUND

Insulin edema is a rare complication which can present after initiation or intensification of insulin therapy in people with diabetes. Initiation of closed-loop hybrid insulin pump therapy can result in rapid improvement in glycemic control for people with diabetes. We present a case in which transition to a closed-loop hybrid insulin pump system, followed by significant improvement in glycemic control, led to development of insulin edema in a person with type 1 diabetes.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a 51-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes of 16 years duration, on insulin pump therapy for more than 10 years, who presented for follow-up 7 weeks after transitioning to a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump system with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). She complained of weight gain and bilateral lower extremity edema which had started two weeks after the change in pump modality. Laboratory studies and echocardiogram did not reveal any etiology of the acute edema. HbA1c was 3.3% lower than the previous measurement 15 weeks earlier, and there was a significant increase in the daily total insulin dose. With exclusion of other causes of acute edema, the patient was diagnosed with insulin edema and started on hydrochlorothiazide. On follow up, her lower extremity edema significantly improved although her weight did not return to baseline.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case of insulin edema reported in a person with type 1 diabetes using CGM and a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump system. The increase in total daily insulin dose, rapid improvement of glycemic control, and lack of hypoglycemic episodes were important factors to consider in evaluation of this case. Use of hybrid closed-loop systems can help achieve rapid improvement in glycemic control in people with diabetes. This case suggests that consideration should be given to adjusting initial blood glucose targets when starting these remarkable new technologies in people with baseline poor glycemic control.

Profile of Patients with Diabetes Treated with Insulin Lispro 200 U/ml: A Real-World Study from Spain

INTRODUCTION

Insulin lispro 200 U/ml (IL200) is a rapid-acting concentrated insulin used for the treatment of adults with diabetes requiring daily doses of > 20 units of rapid-acting insulin. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical/demographic and treatment characteristics of patients who initiated insulin IL200 therapy in Spain in a real-world setting (PROFILE-IL200).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study based on the IQVIA database included adult (≥ 18 years) patients with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 (T2D) diabetes who initiated IL200 between June 2015 and December 2019. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

Main characteristics for the T1D/T2D groups (N = 65/167) were as follows: male, 63.1/55.7%; mean (standard deviation [SD]) age, 46.5 (15.5)/62.6 (12.8) years; time since first diabetes record, 6.6 (4.2)/7.9 (2.9) years; body mass index (BMI), 30.9 (5.8)/33.1 (5.5) kg/m²; glycated hemoglobin, 8.3 (2.1)/8.8 (1.8)%; and diabetes-associated comorbidity, 55.4/92.8%. Among patients with T1D/T2D and a prior diagnosis (N = 54/164), 96.3/90.2% had received previous insulin (rapid insulin in 81.5/62.2%), and 13.0/97.6% had received previous noninsulin antihyperglycemic therapy. The mean (SD) total insulin dose before IL200 initiation for T1D/T2D was 98.0 (73.9)/95.2 (59.8) U/day; IL200 was initiated at a dose of 56.3 (43.8)/51.5 (34.3) U/day, with basal insulin in 86.2/83.2% of the patients. IL200 was first prescribed by an endocrinologist or a primary care physician in 48.7% and 46.6% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PROFILE-IL200 described the profile of patients treated with IL200 in clinical practice in Spain. Patients were middle-aged, with poor glycemic control, high BMI and associated comorbidities, and received high doses of insulin at IL200 initiation.

J. Schreiber L, Wallace EJ, Wylie R, O'Sullivan J, Dolan EB, Duffy GP. Medical devices, smart drug delivery, wearables and technology for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of metabolic disorders which affect how the body uses glucose impacting approximately 9% of the population worldwide. This review covers the most recent technological advances envisioned to control and/or reverse Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), many of which will also prove effective in treating the other forms of diabetes mellitus. Current standard therapy for T1DM involves multiple daily glucose measurements and insulin injections. Advances in glucose monitors, hormone delivery systems, and control algorithms generate more autonomous and personalised treatments through hybrid and fully automated closed-loop systems, which significantly reduce hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes and their subsequent complications. Bi-hormonal systems that co-deliver glucagon or amylin with insulin aim to reduce hypoglycaemic events or increase time spent in target glycaemic range, respectively. Stimuli responsive materials for the controlled delivery of insulin or glucagon are a promising alternative to glucose monitors and insulin pumps. By their self-regulated mechanism, these "smart" drugs modulate their potency, pharmacokinetics and dosing depending on patients' glucose levels. Islet transplantation is a potential cure for T1DM as it restores endogenous insulin and glucagon production, but its use is not yet widespread due to limited islet sources and risks of chronic immunosuppression. New encapsulation strategies that promote angiogenesis and oxygen delivery while protecting islets from recipients' immune response may overcome current limiting factors.

Insulin analogs in the treatment of type II diabetes and future perspectives

The discovery of insulin by Banting and Best marked 100 years in 2021, and it was a life-saving treatment modality for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Insulin is a natural hormone that has been used extensively in T2DM patients since its discovery. Currently, insulin analogs are also available in different formulations for T2DM management, overcoming the limitations of human insulin with better safety and side effect profiles. The insulin analogs like the rapid-acting analogs (Aspart, lispro, glulisine), the long-acting basal analogs (Glargine, detemir), the ultra-long acting (Insulin degludec), and the premixed insulin analog formulations (75% Neutral protamine lispro, 25% lispro; 50% neutral protamine lispro, 50% lispro; 70% protamine aspart, 30% aspart) have been prepared through genetic engineering while preserving the basic insulin profile. A large number of studies have demonstrated their clinical effects on glycated hemoglobin test (HbA1c) in achieving glycemic control and thereby lowering the microvascular and macrovascular complications of T2DM with less traditional side effects of regular human insulin, mainly the risk of hypoglycemia, postprandial glycemic excursions, and weight gain. This review explores the currently available insulin analogs, their clinical implications, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), safety profile, and cost-effectiveness. We also discuss the future developments in the management of T2DM, especially the scientific advancements surrounding the novel insulin formulations, including the biosimilar insulin, and the innovative insulin delivery methods, such as oral and inhaled insulin.

New Horizons: Next-Generation Insulin Analogues: Structural Principles and Clinical Goals

Design of "first-generation" insulin analogues over the past 3 decades has provided pharmaceutical formulations with tailored pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties. Application of a molecular tool kit-integrating protein sequence, chemical modification, and formulation-has thus led to improved prandial and basal formulations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Although PK/PD changes were modest in relation to prior formulations of human and animal insulins, significant clinical advantages in efficacy (mean glycemia) and safety (rates of hypoglycemia) were obtained. Continuing innovation is providing further improvements to achieve ultrarapid and ultrabasal analogue formulations in an effort to reduce glycemic variability and optimize time in range. Beyond such PK/PD metrics, next-generation insulin analogues seek to exploit therapeutic mechanisms: glucose-responsive ("smart") analogues, pathway-specific ("biased") analogues, and organ-targeted analogues. Smart insulin analogues and delivery systems promise to mitigate hypoglycemic risk, a critical barrier to glycemic control, whereas biased and organ-targeted insulin analogues may better recapitulate physiologic hormonal regulation. In each therapeutic class considerations of cost and stability will affect use and global distribution. This review highlights structural principles underlying next-generation design efforts, their respective biological rationale, and potential clinical applications.

Treatment Patterns and Outcomes Before and After Humulin R U-500 Initiation Among US Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Previously Prescribed ≤ 200 Units/day of U-100 Insulin

INTRODUCTION

Humulin R U-500 (U-500R) utilization has increased in the past few years, raising concerns as U-500R is indicated only for patients requiring > 200 units of insulin. Thus, evidence of dispensed total daily dose (dTDD) > 200 units of prior U-100 insulin based on pharmacy claims is increasingly used as a criterion to determine appropriate switching to U-500R by payers. The study compared the treatment patterns and outcomes before and after U-500R initiation among patients who were identified with ≤ 200 units/day U-100 insulin fill in order to understand the appropriateness of switching.

METHODS

Patients with type 2 diabetes who initiated U-500R (index date = first fill) with ≤ 200 units/day pre-index dTDD and > 200 units/day post-index dTDD were identified in a Veterans Health Administration dataset between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2017. Descriptive analysis was conducted on treatment patterns (dTDD, insulin dosage [units/kg], adherence, number of prescription fills) and clinical outcomes (HbA1c, symptomatic hypoglycemic events). Associations between U-500R exposure and outcomes were evaluated using mixed-effects models. Subgroups of U-500R syringe and KwikPen users were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

Among 1191 U-500R initiators identified in the study the mean dTDD increased from the pre- to post-index periods (147.2 vs 346.3; p < 0.0001). The mean HbA1c decreased from pre- to post-initiation (9.6% vs 8.6%; p < 0.0001), and symptomatic hypoglycemia events per patient per year increased (2.0 vs 3.3, p < 0.0001). Mixed-effects models confirmed the significance of the changes (p < 0.0001). Device subgroups followed similar trends.

CONCLUSIONS

U-500R initiation was associated with large dTDD increases, improved glycemic control, and modest increases in hypoglycemia events, suggesting U-500R initiation may have corrected previous treatment compliance issues. Imposing dTDDs > 200 units before switching to U-500R criterion could hurt the opportunities for patients who need a simplified regimen for better outcomes.

Satisfaction, Preference and Injection Habits of Switching to 200 Units/ml Insulin Lispro Pen from 100 Units/ml: A Patient Survey in Germany

INTRODUCTION

The study was designed to assess patient satisfaction, preferences and injection habits for patients using insulin lispro 200 units/ml pen (IL200) compared to their previously used disposable 100 units/ml mealtime insulin pen ("MTI-100 pen") in Germany.

METHODS

A site-based, cross-sectional study involving a self-reported survey and medical record extraction in patients with diabetes currently using IL200 for between 3 and 12 months and had previously used any disposable MTI-100 pen.

RESULTS

Of 114 patients included, 83.3% were satisfied with IL200 and 3.5% were dissatisfied; 70.2% preferred IL200 over their previous MTI-100 pen and 4.4% preferred their previous MTI-100 pen. The main reasons for IL200 preference were the amount of insulin the pen carries, longer use before discarding, number of non-empty pens discarded, injection volume and frequency replacing pens. Patients discarded (median) 4 IL200 pens per month with 5.3% discarding more than 10 units in their last pen. When insufficient insulin remained to complete a dose, 74.6% injected the remainder and completed with a new pen, 19.3% discarded the pen with remaining insulin, 7.0% saved it for future use and 1.8% left the dose incomplete.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfaction and preference for IL200 was high in this sample of patients using IL200 for 3-12 months. Reasons were consistent with IL200 features, explaining the better patient experience and potential resource saving transitioning from a disposable MTI-100 pen.

Treatment patterns and outcomes before and after human regular U-500 insulin initiation via KwikPen® among US veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

A dedicated Humulin R U-500 (U-500R) prefilled disposable insulin pen (KwikPen) became available in 2016, yet limited evidence exists on treatment patterns and outcomes of U-500R via KwikPen (U500-KP).

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study among adults with ≥2 claims for type 2 diabetes initiating U500-KP (index date: first claim) identified in Veterans Health Administration database. Treatment patterns and outcomes were evaluated in 9-month pre- and post-index periods, including dispensed total daily insulin dosage derived from claims expressed in units (dTDD) and units/kg, HbA1c, symptomatic hypoglycemia, and body weight. Multivariable modeling was used to confirm the associations between U500-KP initiation and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 647 U500-KP initiators were identified. The mean age was 64 years, and mean Quan-Charlson Comorbidity-index score was 3.8. Before U500-KP initiation, 62% of patients had dTDD ≤ 200 units with mean A1c 9.5%. Mean dTDD increased from 188.2 to 269.9 units after U500-KP initiation with mean A1c decreased by 0.83% (SD = 1.67) and mean weight gain of 1.5 kg (SD = 6.74). Hypoglycemia events increased from 4.3 to 5.3 (p < 0.05) per person per year.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiation of U500-KP brought significant improvement in dispensed insulin dose and glycemic control accompanied by moderate increases in hypoglycemia and weight.

Structural principles of insulin formulation and analog design: A century of innovation

BACKGROUND

The discovery of insulin in 1921 and its near-immediate clinical use initiated a century of innovation. Advances extended across a broad front, from the stabilization of animal insulin formulations to the frontiers of synthetic peptide chemistry, and in turn, from the advent of recombinant DNA manufacturing to structure-based protein analog design. In each case, a creative interplay was observed between pharmaceutical applications and then-emerging principles of protein science; indeed, translational objectives contributed to a growing molecular understanding of protein structure, aggregation and misfolding.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Pioneering crystallographic analyses-beginning with Hodgkin's solving of the 2-Zn insulin hexamer-elucidated general features of protein self-assembly, including zinc coordination and the allosteric transmission of conformational change. Crystallization of insulin was exploited both as a step in manufacturing and as a means of obtaining protracted action. Forty years ago, the confluence of recombinant human insulin with techniques for site-directed mutagenesis initiated the present era of insulin analogs. Variant or modified insulins were developed that exhibit improved prandial or basal pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Encouraged by clinical trials demonstrating the long-term importance of glycemic control, regimens based on such analogs sought to resemble daily patterns of endogenous β-cell secretion more closely, ideally with reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Next-generation insulin analog design seeks to explore new frontiers, including glucose-responsive insulins, organ-selective analogs and biased agonists tailored to address yet-unmet clinical needs. In the coming decade, we envision ever more powerful scientific synergies at the interface of structural biology, molecular physiology and therapeutics.

Treatment Patterns and Outcomes, Before and After Humulin R U-500 Initiation, Among High-Dose Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in the United States

OBJECTIVE

Severely insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients face unique treatment challenges. Humulin R U-500 (U-500R) as insulin monotherapy with both basal/bolus properties addresses these challenges, although it remains understudied. This retrospective study compared real-world patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes before and after U-500R initiation.

METHODS

Adults with T2D on dispensed doses of >180 units/d U-500R monotherapy (index date=first fill) with ≥9-month continuous enrollment both pre- and post-index date and ≥180 units/d insulin pre-index were identified using Veterans Health Administration data (January 1, 2014-January 30, 2017). Overall group was further stratified into elderly and 201 to 300 units dispensed total daily dose (dTDD) subgroups. Syringe and KwikPen users were separately analyzed as subcohorts. Treatment patterns (dTDD), insulin dosage (units/kg), proportion of days covered (PDC) with insulins, and outcomes (HbA1c and hypoglycemic events) were descriptively evaluated, with regression models used to confirm associations between exposure and outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 951 U-500R initiators (overall group), mean dTDD (248.5 vs 392.1), percentage of patients with insulin dosage >2 units/kg (38.6% vs 88.1%), and mean PDC (73% vs 77%) significantly increased from the pre- to post-index periods (all P<.001). Changes in HbA1c (9.3% vs 8.5%; P<.0001) and hypoglycemia events per patient per year (2.1 vs 3.1, P<.0001) were statistically significant and confirmed by regression models (P<.0001). Subgroups (elderly, 492; 201 to 300 units, 148) and device subcohorts (syringe, 714; KwikPen, 244) showed similar trends.

CONCLUSION

U-500R initiation was associated with significantly improved treatment compliance patterns and glycemic control, with modest increase in hypoglycemia events.

Clinical Impact of Initiation of U-500 Insulin vs Continuation of U-100 Insulin in Subjects With Diabetes

Background

The prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) has each increased drastically according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Growth of severe insulinresistant DM is predicted. U-500 insulin is highly concentrated and can replace less concentrated formulations in patients that need high insulin dosages. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of U-500 and U-100 insulin regimens in veterans with obesity and insulin resistance.

Methods

A single-site retrospective chart analysis of adult subjects was conducted from July 2002 to June 2011. Data for repeated measures spanned a period from 3 months before the intervention (baseline) through 12 months afterward. The main outcome was the variation in hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c). Other outcomes included incidence of severe hypoglycemia, weight changes, cardiovascular events, and number of injections.

Results

A total of 142 subjects (68 taking U-500 and 74 taking U-100) were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups, except for weight, which was higher among U-500 subjects. Mean HbA_1c was reduced by 0.84% and 0.56% in U-500 and U-100, respectively (P = .003). Severe hypoglycemia occurred in 5 subjects in the U-500 group and 1 in the U-100 group (P = .08). No significant difference was noted in the number of cardiovascular events. The mean number of daily injections was 2 in the U-500 group, and 4 in the U-100 group (P < .001).

Conclusions

U-500 insulin, when compared with U-100 insulin regimens, led to a statistically significant reduction in HbA_1c and number of insulin injections. Additional research is necessary to assess the risk of severe hypoglycemia in U-500 users. Neither regimen was associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Monoclonal Antibodies Carried in Drug Delivery Nanosystems as a Strategy for Cancer Treatment

Monoclonal antibodies carried in nanosystems have been extensively studied and reported as a promising tool for the treatment of various types of cancers. Monoclonal antibodies have great advantages for the treatment of cancer because their protein structure can bind to the target tissue; however, it has some challenges such as denaturation following heat exposure and extreme values of pH, temperature and solvents, the ability to undergo hydrolysis, oxidation and deamination and the formation of non-native aggregates, which compromise drug stability to a large extent. In addition to these characteristics, they suffer rapid elimination when in the blood, which results in a short half-life and the production of neutralizing antibodies, rendering the doses ineffective. These challenges are overcome with encapsulation in nanosystems (liposomes, polymer nanoparticles, cyclodextrins, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, dendrimers and micelles) due to the characteristics of improving solubility, permeability, and selectivity only with tumor tissue; with that, there is a decrease in side effects beyond controlled release, which is critical to improving the therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatment. The article was divided into different types of nanosystems, with a description of their definitions and applications in various types of cancers. Therefore, this review summarizes the use of monoclonal antibodies encapsulated in nanosystems and the description of clinical studies with biosimilars. Biosimilars are defined as products that are similar to monoclonal antibodies which are produced when the patent for the monoclonal antibodies expires.

The Effect of Prestudy Insulin Therapy on Safety and Efficacy of Human Regular U-500 Insulin by Pump or Injection: A Posthoc Analysis

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a posthoc analysis of the VIVID study (Safety and Efficacy of Human Regular U-500 Insulin Administered by Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Versus Multiple Daily Injections in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Open-Label, Parallel Clinical Trial), comparing 2 delivery methods of human regular U-500 insulin (U-500R), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus multiple daily injection (MDI), in type 2 diabetes requiring high insulin, to determine influence of prestudy insulin on glycemic outcomes.

METHODS

We compared A1C, total daily insulin dose (TDD), weight, and hypoglycemia by subgroups of prestudy insulin (prestudy U-500R vs non-U-500R) and treatment (CSII vs MDI).

RESULTS

At baseline, prestudy U-500R had higher TDD, higher body mass index, lower A1C and fasting plasma glucose, and higher rate of hypoglycemia compared to non-U-500R. Active titration of U-500R reduced A1C in both subgroups, with maximum benefit at 8 weeks. At 26 weeks, CSII provided the greatest reduction in A1C in both subgroups, with a greater reduction in non-U-500R. MDI provided an A1C reduction in both subgroups, with the greater reduction in non-U-500R. At 8 weeks, prestudy U-500R reached its lowest A1C; thereafter, A1C rebounded with MDI and remained stable with CSII. In non-U-500R, A1C continued to decrease to study end. In non-U-500R, hypoglycemia increased during active titration, but then decreased in the posttitration maintenance period. In both subgroups, TDD increased from baseline with MDI but not with CSII. Body weight increased in both subgroups but was greater in prestudy U-500R with CSII compared to MDI.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of previous insulin, people on high-dose insulin could lower A1C with U-500R, with additional benefit from CSII. These results may provide guidance for use of U-500R in clinical practice.

An assessment of physician reasons for prescribing Insulin Lispro 200 units/ml in Germany

OBJECTIVE

To understand physicians' reasons for prescribing Insulin Lispro 200 units/ml (IL200) and their experience with IL200 treatment in Germany.

METHODS

The survey consisted of 28 questions on physician's profile, average IL200 patients' characteristics and rationales for prescribing IL200. Questions were rated on a scale of 0 ('not at all important'/'strongly disagree') to 4 ('absolutely important'/'strongly agree').

RESULTS

The surveyed physicians had a mean (SD) experience of 18.1 (7.0) years managing diabetes, consulted an average of 226.8 patients with diabetes/month and prescribed IL200 to 56.1% of their patients on mealtime insulin (MTI). About 80.0% of IL200 patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus, were overweight/obese, and received >20 units/day of MTI. More than 70.0% of physicians rated patient's insulin dose, pattern of self-measured glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (clinical); adherence, hypoglycemia knowledge, motivation to improve lifestyle, desire to reduce injection volume and emotional struggle with controlling HbA1c (behavioral) as 'very important'/'absolutely important' factors when prescribing IL200.

CONCLUSION

Physicians considered IL200 a promising treatment option that reduces the injection burden for patients on MTI. Physicians adopted a patient-centered perspective by aligning IL200 prescribing decisions with each patient's medical needs and non-clinical preferences, with an aim to encourage treatment adherence through resorting to IL200's advantageous attributes.

Insulin Edema With Use of U-500 Regular Insulin in a Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Pump

Insulin edema is a rare complication of insulin therapy which has been described in known or newly diagnosed people with diabetes, following initiation or intensification of insulin treatment. Here we present a 63-year-old man with complaints of weight gain, shortness of breath, and lower extremity edema starting two weeks after the change of his insulin pump to the hybrid closed-loop insulin pump system and substitution of U-100 aspart insulin with U-500 regular insulin. Laboratory studies, imaging, and electrocardiogram (EKG) were performed to evaluate the cause of acute edema and were all normal. Hemoglobin A1C showed remarkable improvement after the pump change and the insulin pump download showed a significant increase in the amount of total daily insulin administered. With the exclusion of other causes of acute edema, the patient was diagnosed with insulin edema. He was started on spironolactone 50 mg/daily and showed a desirable improvement of edema on follow-up. 

This case shows that although the use of the hybrid insulin-pump system helps to obtain better control of diabetes in many patients, the rapid improvement in glycemic control may precipitate the development of insulin edema. Furthermore, the use of high concentration insulin in insulin pumps is off-label and their use might increase the rate of complications of insulin therapy including insulin edema.

Patient characteristics of insulin lispro 200 units/mL users in real world setting in Germany

OBJECTIVE

Insulin lispro 200 U/mL (IL200) is a treatment choice for people with diabetes who have daily mealtime insulin (MTI) requirements of >20 U/day. We report clinical characteristics of real world IL200 users in Germany to understand clinical settings and the type of patients who would benefit from IL200 treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective database analysis used the patient-level data from "IMS Disease Analyzer" in Germany from February 2015 to June 2016. Clinical and demographic information were collected and analyzed for IL200 users alongside that of those who were using more than 20 U a day of 100 U/mL analog MTI.

RESULTS

Of the 17,261 patients using insulin, 811 were identified in IL200 group. The IL200 group had 60% men, mean ± SD age of 63.6 ± 11.9 years, and BMI of 36.2 ± 6.7 kg/m². Of these, 63.5% (n = 515) were seen by diabetologists, while 36.5% (n = 296) were seen by general practitioners (GPs). In the IL200 group, 77.7% used basal insulin concomitantly, >90% had ≥1 comorbidity, and 52% had ≥4 comorbidities; the most common being hypertension (75.2%), neuropathy (66.0%), and nephropathy (59.6%). Diabetologist-treated IL200 users were more likely to have multiple comorbidities as compared with those treated by GPs (15.0% vs. 12.9% for >5 comorbidities).

CONCLUSIONS

IL200 is prescribed to people with diabetes who need more than 20 U/day of mealtime insulin and tend to be more obese, older, and with multiple comorbidities. Future research should explore how concentrated MTI can impact adherence and long-term glycemia.

CONCENTRATED INSULINS: CLINICAL UPDATE OF THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS

Improved glycemic control is associated with a reduced risk of diabetic complications. Optimal management of patients with type 2 diabetes includes nutritional therapy, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy for glycemic control. Most patients with type 2 diabetes are initially managed with oral antidiabetic agents, but as β-cell function declines and the disease progresses, insulin therapy is frequently needed to maintain glycemic control. Insulin therapy given with multidose insulin injection regimen or by continuous insulin infusion is needed for patients with type 1 diabetes to achieve control. Obesity and its associated insulin resistance contribute to greater insulin requirements in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes to achieve glycemic control, creating a need for concentrated insulin. Concentrated insulin formulations can be prescribed as an alternative to 100 unit/mL insulin and provide the advantage of low injection volume, leading to less pain and possibly fewer insulin injections. This review includes a stepwise analysis of all currently available concentrated insulin products, analyzes the most up-to-date evidence, and presents this in combination with expert guidance and commentary in an effort to provide clinicians with a thorough overview of the characteristics and benefits of concentrated insulins in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes-instilling confidence when recommending, prescribing, and adjusting these medications. Abbreviations: A1C = glycated hemoglobin; β-cell = pancreatic betacell; BG = blood glucose; CI = confidence interval; CSII = continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion; MDI = multiple daily injections; NHANES = National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; PD = pharmacodynamic; PK = pharmacokinetic; TDD = total daily dose; U100 = 100 units/mL; U200 = 200 units/mL; U300 = 300 units/mL; U500 = 500 units/mL; USD = United States dollars.

Insulin Therapy and Diabetic Pregnancy

BACKGROUND

A good metabolic control before conception and throughout pregnancy with diabetes decreases the risk of short- and long-term adverse outcomes of the mothers and their offsprings. Insulin treatment remains the gold standard treatment recommended for any type of diabetes. New technologies including new insulins and insulin analogues, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion without and with sensors, the low-glucose predictive suspension function, and closed-loop systems that persistently and automatically self-adjust according to patients' continuous glucose monitoring readings have expanded the offer to clinicians for achieving tight glucose control.

AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY

Unsafe effects of insulin and insulin analogues in pregnancy with diabetes could be linked with changes in insulin immunogenicity, teratogenicity, and mitogenicity. Second-generation insulin analogues need to be tested and proven. Effectiveness and safety of new insulin delivery systems in real life of diabetic women in pregnancy need further confirmations.

SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, randomized controlled trials, systematic review and meta-analysis, observational prospective and retrospective studies, case series reports for the most recent insulin analogues, published in English impacted journals, and consensus statements from scientific societies I excluded 60 from 221 papers as not suitable for the purpose of the subject.

RESULTS

Subcutaneous insulin infusion can be safely used during pregnancy and delivery of well-trained women. Sensors are increasingly accurate tools that improve the efficacy and safety of integrated systems' functioning. Continuous glucose monitoring provides metrics ("time in range" time in "hypoglycemia" and in "hyperglycemia," glucose variability, average glucose levels in different time intervals) used as a guide to diabetes management; these new metrics are object of discussion in special populations. Randomized controlled trials have shown that sensor-augmented pump therapy improves pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes. Closed-loop insulin delivery provides better glycemic control than sensor-augmented pump therapy during pregnancy, before, and after delivery.

CONCLUSION

Second-generation insulin analogues and newer insulin infusion systems that automatically self-adjust according to patients continuous glucose monitor readings are important tools improving the treatment and quality of life of these women. Multi-institutional and disciplinary teams are working to develop and evaluate a pregnancy-specific artificial pancreas.