The Health and Health Care of Adults With Type 1 And 2 Diabetes Across the Spectrum of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rates

Mental health and addiction service utilization among people living with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively impact quality of life, treatment adherence and mortality. However, the degree to which mental health and addiction services are utilized by those with CKD is unknown. We examined the history of mental health and addiction service use of individuals across levels of kidney function.

METHODS

We performed a population-based cross-sectional study using linked healthcare databases from Ontario, Canada from 2009 to 2017. We abstracted the prevalence of individuals with mental health and addiction service use within the previous 3 years across levels of kidney function [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60, 45 to <60, 30 to <45, 15 to <30, <15 ml/min/1.73 m2 and maintenance dialysis]. We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) to compare prevalence across kidney function strata, while adjusting for age, sex, year of cohort entry, urban versus rural location, area-level marginalization and Charlson comorbidity index.

RESULTS

Of 5 956 589 adults, 9% (n = 534 605) had an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or were receiving maintenance dialysis. Fewer individuals with an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 had a history of any mental health and addiction service utilization (crude prevalence range 28-31%) compared with individuals with an eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (35%). Compared with an eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, the lowest prevalence of individuals with any mental health and addiction service utilization was among those with an eGFR of 15 to <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 {adjusted PR 0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85 to 0.88]}, an eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m2 [adjusted PR 0.81 (95% CI 0.76-0.86)] and those receiving maintenance dialysis [adjusted PR 0.83 (95% CI 0.81-0.84)]. Less use of outpatient services accounted for differences in service utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health and addiction service utilization is common but less so in individuals with advanced CKD in Ontario, Canada.

Supporting Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Care in the Hemodialysis Unit: A Quality-improvement Initiative Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

People living with diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease can have difficulty attending multiple appointments to receive DM care. We developed and studied the utility of a DM outreach program to offer in the hemodialysis (HD) unit.

METHODS

We conducted a quality improvement project in a satellite HD unit in London, Ontario, Canada, between August 1, 2019, and July 31, 2022. We assessed for baseline gaps in DM care among those with DM, performed root-cause analysis with key stakeholders to identify critical drivers of gaps, and conceptualized a certified diabetes educator-led outreach program to offer in the HD unit. We aimed to improve DM self-monitoring, hypo- and hyperglycemia, and DM-related screening. We used run and control charts to track outcome measures over time and modified our outreach program iteratively.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight persons with DM receiving HD participated in our program. Support spanned multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 4 tests of change, we observed improvement in DM self-monitoring with a modest decline in self-reported hyperglycemia. There were no adverse consequences, and satisfaction with our program was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we did not meet all measures of success during the pandemic, outreach DM support in the HD unit appeared to improve self-monitoring and self-reported hyperglycemia. Similar programs could be modified and implemented in other centres.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: The Canadian REgistry of Chronic Kidney Disease in Diabetes Outcomes (CREDO) Study

PURPOSE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an elevated risk of end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and death. As the breadth of treatment options for CKD in patients with T2D (CKD in T2D) continues to expand, an analysis of the current use of therapies and cardiovascular and kidney outcomes is necessary. The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of CKD in T2D among a contemporary cohort of patients, to describe patient characteristics and treatment patterns, and to examine health care practitioner rationale for initiating therapies.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective, observational study (module A) with a prospective component (module B). For module A, sociodemographic data, medical history, prescription information, and laboratory investigations for patients seen by an endocrinologist in 2019 were retrieved from the LMC Diabetes Registry. Module B included a subset of patients for health care practitioner surveys to understand rationale for administering angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). Descriptive analyses were conducted.

FINDINGS

The study included 14,873 patients (59% male). Mean patient age was 67 years, mean body mass index was 31 kg/m², and mean glycosylated hemoglobin was 7.6%. Mean diabetes duration was 16 years. The prevalence of CKD in patients with T2D was 47.9%. Common comorbidities were hypertension (76%), dyslipidemia (71%), and obesity (51%). CVD was reported in 22%. The proportion of kidney medications and emerging therapies varied, with 76% of patients using an ACEi or ARB, 48% using an SGLT2i, 30% using a GLP-1RA, and 3% using a steroidal MRA. In module B, physicians identified that ACEis/ARBs, SGLT2is, GLP-1RAs, or steroidal MRAs were administered to primarily treat CKD in 33%, 12%, 0%, and 4% of the patients (n = 500), respectively.

IMPLICATIONS

These findings improved our understanding of the current landscape and treatment patterns of CKD inT2D and highlighted the importance of considering treatments that will provide a comprehensive strategy for cardiovascular and kidney risk protection. Despite the high prevalence of CKD and comorbidities reported in a large, Canadian T2D specialist population, ACEis/ARBs, SGLT2is, and GLP-1RAs were underused, especially considering recent clinical trial reports. The relative use of steroidal MRAs was expectedly low. With an immense burden of CKD progression and among patients with T2D, the use of treatments that provide a comprehensive strategy for kidney protection will transform the landscape of CKD in T2D. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04445181.

A retrospective observational population-based study to assess the prevalence and burden of illness of type 2 diabetes with an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Ontario, Canada

AIM

To better understand the healthcare burden of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 mL/min/1.73 m² in Ontario, Canada.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used administrative data to evaluate the prevalence of T2D, eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m² and adverse cardiovascular co-morbidities in individuals aged ≥ 30 years living in Ontario, Canada. We also examined incremental healthcare costs and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) for these patients with specific incident cardiovascular and renal outcomes, in comparison with controls without these outcomes.

RESULTS

While the prevalence of T2D in the general population aged ≥ 30 years in Ontario increased by 1.8% over a 5-year period (2011-2012 to 2015-2016), the prevalence of eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m² among people with T2D increased by 35%. In comparison with corresponding controls without these outcomes, the per patient average total costs (Canadian dollars) over a 2-year analysis period were higher for patients with cardiovascular disease/chronic kidney disease related death ($69 827; n = 32 407), doubling of serum creatinine ($52 260; n = 22 825), those who started dialysis ($150 627; n = 3499) or received a kidney transplant ($50 664; n = 651). Similarly, HCRU was significantly greater for patients with these incident outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world retrospective study highlights an increasing prevalence of T2D, eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m² , and the substantially higher healthcare costs and HCRU when these patients have adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes. The existence of such a large economic burden underpins the importance of preventing these diabetes-related complications.

Providing diabetes education to patients with chronic kidney disease: A survey of diabetes educators in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have complex diabetes care needs. Diabetes educators can play an important role in their clinical care.

AIM

To understand diabetes educators' experience providing diabetes support to patients with CKD and elicit their view on the additional care needs of this population.

METHODS

We conducted a quantitative online survey of diabetes educators between May 2019 and May 2020. We surveyed English-speaking educators actively practicing in Ontario, Canada for at least 1 year. We recruited them through provincial Diabetes Education Programs and Diabetes Education Section Chairs of Diabetes Canada.

RESULTS

We made email contact with 219/233 (94%) Diabetes Education Programs and 11/12 (92%) provincial Diabetes Canada Section Chairs. 122 unique diabetes educators submitted complete surveys (survey participation rate ∼79%). Most worked in community education programs (91%). Almost half were registered nurses (48%), and 39% had practiced for more than 15 years. Respondents noted difficulty helping patients balance complex medical conditions (19%), faced socioeconomic barriers (17%), and struggled to provide dietary advice (16%). One-third were uncertain of how to support those receiving dialysis. Eighty-five percent felt they needed more training and education to care for this high-risk group. When asked about the care needs of patients with CKD, almost all (90%) felt that patients needed more diabetes support in general. Improvement in care coordination was most commonly suggested (38%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of the diabetes educators' experience treating patients with diabetes and CKD, respondents noted numerous challenges. There may be opportunities to better support both diabetes care professionals, and patients who live with multiple medical comorbidities.

Cultivating Innovative Pragmatic Cluster-Randomized Registry Trials Embedded in Hemodialysis Care: Workshop Proceedings From 2018

Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for persons with kidney failure. However, those on hemodialysis still face a poor quality of life and a short life expectancy. High-quality research evidence from large randomized controlled trials is needed to identify interventions that improve the experiences, outcomes, and health care of persons receiving hemodialysis. With the support of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and its Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research, the Innovative Clinical Trials in Hemodialysis Centers initiative brought together Canadian and international kidney researchers, patients, health care providers, and health administrators to participate in a workshop held in Toronto, Canada, on June 2 and 3, 2018. The workshop served to increase knowledge and awareness about the conduct of innovative, pragmatic, cluster-randomized registry trials embedded into routine hemodialysis care and provided an opportunity to discuss and build support for new trial ideas. The workshop content included structured presentations, facilitated group discussions, and expert panel feedback. Partnerships and promising trial ideas borne out of the workshop will continue to be developed to support the implementation of future large-scale trials.

Characteristics of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Category of Chronic Kidney Disease and Presence of Cardiovascular Disease in Alberta Canada: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an excess risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although CVD, CKD, and use of antihyperglycemic treatments are all key drivers of the costs and consequences experienced by people with diabetes, no recent Canadian data describe these characteristics among adults with diabetes.

Objective:

To describe prevalence of CVD, CKD, and use of antihyperglycemic treatments among adults with diabetes.

Design:

Retrospective population-based, cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Alberta, Canada.

Patients:

All adults with T2DM as of March 31, 2017.

Measurements:

We described the demographic and clinical characteristics by CKD stage and CVD status and type. CKD stage was categorized according to international guidelines and based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and severity of albuminuria.

Methods:

Clinical and demographic characteristics were defined using provincial administrative data; medication use was based on data from the provincial drug plan. Additional analyses examined subgroups based on demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and medication use.

Results:

There were 260 903 participants, all of whom had T2DM. Median age was 64 years; 53.6% were male; and 10.9% lived in rural communities. Median duration of diabetes was 7.7 years. Half of the participants had A1C <7%. Overall, 33.0% had CKD; among these most had eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²; 11.1%, 5.6%, and 2.9% had CKD stages 3a, 3b, and 4/5, respectively. The overall prevalence of CVD (prior myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, or peripheral artery disease) was 22.5%; prevalence increased in parallel with the presence of CKD: 14.4%, 28.8%, 35.7%, 44.3%, and 50.9% for stages 1, 2, 3a, 3b, and 4/5, respectively. Prescriptions for antihyperglycemic medications were more common in people with CKD as compared with those without. However, the use of all antihyperglycemic medications except insulin and meglitinide was progressively lower in the presence of more severe CKD.

Limitations:

The study is based on administrative data; therefore, the findings could be influenced by measurement error (eg, accuracy of diagnostic and procedural codes and prescription drug codes used).

Conclusions:

These findings will be useful to policy makers seeking to understand the burden of diabetes-related kidney disease as well as the potential budget implications and potential clinical benefits of expanded use of antihyperglycemic use in this population.

Clinical care gaps and solutions in diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease: a patient-oriented qualitative research study

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease face a high health care burden. As part of a patient-oriented research initiative to identify ways to better support patients' diabetes care, we explored their health care experience and solutions for patient-centred diabetes care.

METHODS

We engaged 2 patients with advanced kidney disease and diabetes to join our multidisciplinary team as full research partners. They were involved in our design and conduct of the study, the analysis of the results and knowledge translation. We conducted qualitative interviews (1:1 semistructured interviews and focus groups) with patients with a history of both diabetes (type 1 or 2) and advanced kidney disease including those using dialysis. We identified overarching themes using individual and team analysis and conducted interviews until data saturation was reached.

RESULTS

Twelve participants were interviewed between October 2017 and February 2018. Six people were interviewed in 2 separate focus groups (consisting of 4 and 2 participants) and 6 participated in 1:1 interviews with our team. Participants described being burdened by medical appointments, strict conflicting diets, costly diabetes therapies and fragmented, siloed health care. They indicated that self-management support, education and coordinated diabetes care might better support their diabetes care.

INTERPRETATION

Patients with complex medical comorbidities face many challenges traversing a health care system organized around single diseases. Researchers and policy-makers should study and develop patient-centred diabetes care strategies to better support these high-risk patients.