Comparison of demographic factors and cardiovascular risk factor control among U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes by insulin treatment classification

Bias correction models for electronic health records data in the presence of non-random sampling

Electronic health records (EHRs) contain rich clinical information for millions of patients and are increasingly used for public health research. However, non-random inclusion of subjects in EHRs can result in selection bias, with factors such as demographics, socioeconomic status, healthcare referral patterns, and underlying health status playing a role. While this issue has been well documented, little work has been done to develop or apply bias-correction methods, often due to the fact that most of these factors are unavailable in EHRs. To address this gap, we propose a series of Heckman type bias correction methods by incorporating social determinants of health selection covariates to model the EHR non-random sampling probability. Through simulations under various settings, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method in correcting biases in both the association coefficient and the outcome mean. Our method augments the utility of EHRs for public health inferences, as we show by estimating the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its correlation with risk factors in the New York City network of EHRs.

Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly Adults in Korea: Based on Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019 to 2020

BACKGRUOUND

We evaluated the prevalence and management of diabetes mellitus (DM) in elderly Korean patients based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

METHODS

A total of 3,068 adults aged 65 years and older (19.8% of total population) were analyzed using KNHANES from 2019 to 2020. Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates, and comorbidities were analyzed. Lifestyle behaviors and energy intake were also measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DM and prediabetes was 29.6% and 50.5%, respectively. The awareness, treatment and control rates were 76.4%, 73.3%, and 28.3%, respectively. The control rate was 77.0% if A1C <7.5% criteria was used. The mean A1C value of individuals with known DM was 7.1%, and 14.5% of the known DM patients had A1C ≥8.0%. Abdominal obesity, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were combined with DM in 63.9%, 71.7%, and 70.7%, respectively, and the rate of integrated management was 36.0% (A1C <7.5% criteria). A total of 40.1% of those with DM walked regularly. The percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates was higher in those with DM than in those without DM (P=0.044), while those of fat (P=0.003) and protein (P=0.025) were lower in those with DM than in those without DM in women.

CONCLUSION

In 2019 to 2020, three of 10 adults aged 65 years and older in Korea had DM, and approximately 70% of them had comorbidities. A strategy for more individualized comprehensive care for the elderly patients with DM is urgently needed.

Development and External Validation of a Nomogram and a Risk Table for Prediction of Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease Progression Based on a Retrospective Cohort Study in China

PURPOSE

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Risk assessment provides information about patient prognosis, contributing to the risk stratification of patients and the rational allocation of medical resources. We aimed to develop a model for individualized prediction of renal function decline in patients with type 2 DKD (T2DKD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective observational study, we followed 307 T2DKD patients and evaluated the determinants of 1) risk of doubling in serum creatinine (Scr), 2) risk of eGFR<15 mL/min/1.73m² using potential risk factors at baseline. A prediction model represented by a nomogram and a risk table was developed using Cox regression and externally validated in another cohort with 206 T2DKD patients. The discrimination and calibration of the prediction model were evaluated by the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve, respectively.

RESULTS

Four predictors were selected to establish the final model: Scr, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, plasma albumin, and insulin treatment. The nomogram achieved satisfactory prediction performance, with a C-index of 0.791 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.762-0.820] in the derivation cohort and 0.793 (95% CI 0.746-0.840) in the external validation cohort. Then, all predictors were scored according to their weightings. A risk table with the highest score of 11.5 was developed. The C-index of the risk table was 0.764 (95% CI: 0.731-0.797), which was similar to the external validation cohort (0.763; 95% CI: 0.714-0.812). Additionally, the patients were divided into two groups based on the risk table, and significant differences in the probability of outcome events were observed between the high-risk (score >2) and low-risk (score ≤2) groups in the derivation and external validation cohorts (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The nomogram and the risk table using readily available clinical parameters could be new tools for bedside prediction of renal function decline in T2DKD patients.

Effect of bariatric surgery versus medical therapy on long-term cardiovascular risk in low BMI Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Reducing the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important direction for diabetes prevention and treatment. The Chinese population with type 2 diabetes (T2D) has a high risk of developing CVD at relatively low body mass index (BMI) levels. Currently, no studies have evaluated the effect of bariatric surgery versus medical therapy on long-term CVD risk in patients with T2D and low BMI.

OBJECTIVES

To compare bariatric surgery versus medical therapy for long-term CVD risk in Chinese patients with T2D and low BMI by using the China Prediction for ASCVD Risk equations and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study risk engine.

SETTING

University hospital, China.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with T2D with a BMI <35 kg/m² undergoing bariatric surgery or medical therapy from May 2010 to December 2018 were reviewed. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed by using 7 preoperative characteristics. Variables for calculating CVD risk scores over the 5-year follow-up were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 684 patients with T2D underwent bariatric surgery (n = 75) or medical therapy (n = 609), and 52 pairs of matched subjects were selected from both groups after propensity score matching. The 10-year and lifetime atherosclerotic CVD risk by using the China Prediction for ASCVD Risk equation at 5 years follow-up period in the bariatric surgery group improved significantly compared with the medical therapy group. In the fifth year of follow-up, the 10-year risk of coronary heart disease, fatal coronary heart disease, stroke, and fatal stroke by using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study risk engine were much lower in the bariatric surgery group than in the medical therapy group (10.37 ± 5.64% versus 27.25 ± 7.28%, P = .004; 6.3 ± 4.5% versus 22.3 ± 7.35%, P = .002; 4.97 ± 3.73% versus 15.05 ± 3.63%, P = .001; .59 ± .45% versus 1.52 ± .14%, P < .001. respectively). The use of glucose-lowering medications, including insulin, was reduced from baseline in both groups, and patients in the bariatric surgery group required significantly fewer of these medications than those in the medical therapy group.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery in patients with T2D and low BMI conferred a lower calculated risk of CVD compared with medical therapy over 5 years of follow-up.

Diabetes remission after bariatric surgery

Over the last decade, obesity rates have continued to rise in the United States as well as worldwide and are showing no signs of slowing down. This rise is in parallel with the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Given the association between obesity and T2DM and their strong correlation with increased morbidity and mortality in addition to healthcare expenditure, it is important to recognize the most effective ways to combat them. Thus, we performed a review of literature that focused on assessing the outcomes of T2DM following bariatric surgery. Available evidence suggests that bariatric surgery provides better T2DM resolution in obese patients when compared to best medical management alone. Additionally, Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch as well as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have demonstrated higher rates of T2DM resolution when compared with other bariatric procedures.

Feasibility of a New Approach to Initiate Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Treatment inertia and prescription complexity are among reasons that people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not reach glycemic targets. This study investigated feasibility of a new approach to basal insulin initiation, where the dose needed to reach a glycemic target is estimated from two weeks of insulin and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data.

METHODS

This was an exploratory single arm study with a maximum length of 84 days. Eight insulin naïve people with T2D, planning to initiate basal insulin, wore a CGM throughout the study period. A predetermined regime was followed for the first two weeks after which the end dose was estimated. The clinician decided whether to follow this advice and continued the titration until target was reached using a twice weekly stepwise titration algorithm. The primary outcome was the comparison between the estimated and the actual end doses.

RESULTS

Median age of participants was 57 years (range: 50-77 years), duration of diabetes was 16 years (range: 5-29 years), and Bodi Mass Index (BMI) was 30.2 kg/m² (range: 22.0-36.0 kg/m²). The median study end dose was 37 U (range: 20-123 U). The estimated end dose was smaller than or equal to the study end dose in all cases, with median error of 26.7% (range: 0.0%-75.8% underestimation). No self-monitoring of blood glucose values were below 70 mg/dL and no severe hypoglycemia occurred.

CONCLUSION

While accuracy may be improved, it was found safe to predict the study end dose of insulin degludec from two weeks of data.

Long-term outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Asia

AIM

To assess the outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients in Asia with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The treatment outcomes of 1999 patients from the Asian Diabetes Surgery Summit database were analysed. The changes in treatment effects across time were assessed with respect to the surgical procedures performed by using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

The most commonly performed procedure was the single-anastomosis gastric bypass (32.6%). Weight (from 106.2 ± 25.1 to 77.9 ± 18.8 kg), body mass index (BMI; from 38.7 ± 7.9 to 28.5 ± 5.9 kg/m² ), blood sugar (from 9.3 ± 4.1 to 5.7 ± 1.8 mmol/L) and HbA1c (from 8.4% ± 1.8% to 6.0% ± 1.1%) significantly improved from baseline to 1 year (P < .001) and remained stable at 5 years (weight, 86.3 ± 23.3 kg; BMI, 31.7 ± 7.9 kg/m² ; blood sugar, 5.8 ± 1.8 mmol/L, and HbA1c, 6.4% ± 1.2%; all P < .001 vs. baseline). Blood pressure and most lipid disorders also improved significantly. Of the treatment procedures, single-anastomosis gastric bypass had the most satisfactory outcomes with statistical significance for most disorders, whereas adjustable gastric banding displayed the least satisfactory outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic surgery remarkably improved body weight, T2D and other metabolic disorders in Asian patients. However, the efficacy of individual procedures varied substantially.

Efficacy of Bolus Calculation and Advanced Carbohydrate Counting in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Carbohydrate counting and use of automated bolus calculators (ABCs) can help reduce HbA_1c in type 1 diabetes but only limited evidence exists in type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the efficacy of advanced carbohydrate counting (ACC) and use of an ABC compared with manual insulin bolus calculation (MC) in persons with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A 24-week open-label, randomized clinical study was conducted in 79 persons with type 2 diabetes treated with basal-bolus insulin (mean age 62.5 ± 9.6 years, HbA_1c 8.7% ± 1.0% [72 ± 11 mmol/mol], diabetes duration 18.7 ± 7.6 years). Participants were randomized 1:1 into two groups: ABC group received training in ACC and use of an ABC; MC group received training in ACC and manual calculation of insulin bolus. Participants wore blinded continuous glucose monitors for 6 days at baseline and at study end. Primary endpoint was change in HbA_1c. Results: After 24 weeks, HbA_1c decreased 0.8% (8.8 mmol/mol) in ABC group and 0.8% (9.0 mmol/mol) in MC group with no between-group difference (P = 0.96) and without increase in time in hypoglycemic range (sensor glucose <3.9 mmol/L). Glycemic variability decreased significantly in both groups, whereas the total insulin dose and body mass index (BMI) remained unchanged during the study. Treatment satisfaction increased significantly in both groups after 24 weeks. Conclusion: ACC is an effective, low-cost tool to reduce HbA_1c and glycemic variability in persons with basal-bolus insulin-treated type 2 diabetes without increase in hypoglycemia or BMI. Similar effects were seen with use of an ABC and with use of manual bolus calculation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02887898.

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Status in Hospitalized Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in China

BACKGROUND

Controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipid is of great importance for patients with type 2 diabetes, not only for cardiovascular disease, but also for other complications. Previous studies mainly focused on the control rate of outpatients, and the results were suboptimal, but few studies aimed at the inpatients.

METHOD

The present study involved 3,245 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes from 2013 to 2017 in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. The percentages of inpatients who attained the goals of the China Diabetes Society and the American Diabetes Association were calculated for major cardiovascular risk factors (HbA1c, blood pressure, and blood lipid). The prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications was also assessed.

RESULT

The percentages of patients who met the Chinese Diabetes Society goals-HbA1c <7%, blood pressure <130/80 mmHg, normal lipids, and all three goals-were 26.7, 14.8, 10.4, and 0.2% in 2013 and 30.5, 16.2, 8.0, and 0.9% in 2017, respectively. The percentage of patients who met all three American Diabetes Association goals (HbA1c<7%, blood pressure <140/90 mmHg, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <2.6 mmol/L) increased from 4.3% in 2013 to 9.0% in 2017. The prevalence of major diabetes complications including coronary heart disease (31.7 vs. 31.9%), stroke (16.7 vs. 14.8%), diabetic kidney disease (37.9 vs. 35.8%), diabetic retinopathy (48.0 vs. 46.5%), neuropathy (63.1 vs. 61.9%), and diabetic foot (0.8 vs. 1.2%) were stable from 2013 to 2017.

CONCLUSION

During 2013 to 2017, control rates of major cardiovascular risk factors including HbA1c, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were improved among hospitalized patients in Tianjin, China.

Duodenal mucosal resurfacing: Multicenter experience implementing a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and study aims  Duodenal mucosal resurfacing (DMR) is an endoscopic procedure which improves insulin resistant metabolic disease, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this report was to evaluate the feasibility and procedural aspects of DMR and to provide more specific DMR procedural guidance for endoscopists. Patients and methods  In this international multicenter, prospective, open-label study, patients on oral anti-diabetic agents for treating T2DM underwent single DMR. DMR entails circumferential submucosal lifting followed by circumferential mucosal hydrothermal ablation using an over-the-guidewire balloon catheter for lifting and ablation. For the first 28 patients a dual catheter system was used. During the study, a new integrated catheter was developed which was used for the latter 18 patients. During DMR, procedure success (complete DMR: duodenal ablation length ≥ 9 cm) and procedure duration were captured. Results  Forty-six patients underwent DMR. Using the dual catheter system, a complete DMR was performed in 22 of 28 patients (79 %). In the next eighteen patients who underwent DMR with the integrated catheter, a complete DMR was performed in 15 of 18 patients (83 %). The integrated catheter facilitated the DMR procedure and resulted in a reduction in procedure time. A detailed table and video are provided for future endoscopists. Conclusions  In our multicenter study, DMR was found to be feasible in the hands of experienced endoscopists. The integrated DMR catheter was a welcome modification during the study, allowing for easier ablation administration. Further optimization of the technique would be valuable prior to widespread dissemination.

Bariatric Surgery and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Assessing Factors Leading to Remission. A Systematic Review

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a health problem of paramount proportions and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to review data published on the effects of different types of bariatric surgeries on T2DM remission, compared to lifestyle and medical intervention (LMI) exclusively, along with a comprehensive finding of numerous preoperative factors that lead to remission. We used PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), and MEDLINE to search for literature. Our criteria included peer-reviewed, English language articles published in 2010 and onwards, consisting of adults with T2DM and a body mass index (BMI) of >30 kg/m2 as the population of interest. Twenty-four articles with 5,411 patients were selected for this systematic review, which included nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 15 observational studies. The primary endpoint was T2DM remission. Based on the review, bariatric surgery is superior to LMI in inducing remission in T2DM, especially when employing the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) technique. Lower age of onset and shorter duration of T2DM, along with a high BMI are some of the factors that can lead to greater remission rates. Further research in RCTs is needed by incorporating double/triple-blind protocols, a standard definition of T2DM remission, long follow-up periods to evaluate for relapses in remission and any side effects, with a focus on inflammatory markers (eg, osteopontin), scoring systems (eg, DiaRem), and benefits of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) over other modalities, to advance our understanding of T2DM remission.

A treatment-based algorithm for identification of diabetes type in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

In epidemiology studies, identification of diabetes type (type 1 vs. type 2) among study participants with diabetes is important; however, conventional diabetes type identification approaches that include age at diabetes diagnosis as an initial criterion introduces biases. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we have developed a novel algorithm which does not include age at diagnosis to identify participants with self-reported diagnosed diabetes as having type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 5457 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants between cycles 1999-2000 and 2015-2016 reported that a health professional had diagnosed them as having diabetes at a time other than during pregnancy and had complete information on diabetes-related questions. After developing an algorithm based on information regarding the treatment(s) they received, we classified these participants as having type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Results

The treatment-based algorithm yielded a 6-94% split for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which is consistent with reports from the Centers for Disease Control and other resources. Moreover, the demographics and clinical characteristics of the assigned type 1 and type 2 cases were consistent with contemporary epidemiologic findings.

Conclusion

Applying diabetes treatment information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, as formulated in our treatment-based algorithm, may better identify type 1 and type 2 diabetes cases and thus prevent the specific biases imposed by conventional approaches which include the age of diabetes diagnosis as an initial criterion for diabetes type classification.

Relationship Between Number of Multiple Risk Factors and Coronary Artery Disease Risk With and Without Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE

To determine the degree of control of multiple risk factors under real-world conditions for coronary artery disease (CAD) according to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and to determine whether reaching multifactorial targets for blood pressure (BP), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), HbA1c, and current smoking is associated with lower risks for CAD.

METHODS

We investigated the effects on subsequent CAD of the number of controlled risk factors among BP, LDL-C, HbA1c, and current smoking in a prospective cohort study using a nationwide claims database of 220,894 individuals in Japan. Cox regression examined risks over a 4.8-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The largest percentage of participants had two risk factors at target in patients with DM (39.6%) and subjects without DM (36.4%). Compared with those who had two targets achieved, the risks of CAD among those who had any one and no target achieved were two and four times greater, respectively, regardless of the presence of DM. The effect of composite control was sufficient to bring CAD risk in patients with DM below that for subjects without DM with any two targets achieved, whereas the risk of CAD in the DM group with all four risk factors uncontrolled was 9.4 times more than in the non-DM group who had achieved two targets.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that composite control of modifiable risk factors has a large effect in patients with and without DM. The effect was sufficient to bring CAD risk in patients with DM below that in the non-DM group who had two targets achieved.

Metabolic effects and safety of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery vs. conventional medication in obese Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To assess metabolic effects and safety of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus conventional medication (CM) in obese Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 40 patients who underwent RYGB (mean age 44.1 years, body mass index [BMI] 33.3 kg/m² ) and 36 patients administered CM (mean age 49.4 years, BMI 32.1 kg/m² ). The primary endpoint was achievement of the triple endpoint (haemoglobin A1C [HbA1c] < 7.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 2.6 mmol/L, and systolic blood pressure < 130 mmHg). Changes in weight, BMI, medication usage, complications, and adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS

After 1-year follow-up, 35% of RYGB patients and 8% of CM patients achieved the triple endpoint (P = 0.005). More patients in the RYGB group achieved complete (48% vs 3%, P < 0.001) and partial (23% vs 0%, P = 0.007) remission of diabetes, and complete remission of hypertension (58% vs 24%, P = 0.019). Patients in the RYGB group had greater weight loss and decrease in BMI, waist circumference, fasting and postprandial of blood glucose and insulin levels, HbA1c, blood pressure, triglycerides, and increased high-density cholesterol (P < 0.001- < 0.05). A lower proportion of the RYGB group received antidiabetics, antihypertensives, or antilipemic treatments, and had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) than the CM group during follow-up. More patients had nutrient deficiency-related diseases in the RYGB group over 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

For obese Chinese patients with T2DM, RYGB resulted in better metabolic control, greater weight loss, and lower medication usage and NAFLD, but more frequently resulted in diseases related to nutrient deficiency.

Therapeutic medications against diabetes: What we have and what we expect

Diabetes has become one of the largest global health and economic burdens, with its increased prevalence and high complication ratio. Stable and satisfactory blood glucose control are vital to reduce diabetes-related complications. Therefore, continuous attempts have been made in antidiabetic drugs, treatment routes, and traditional Chinese medicine to achieve better disease control. New antidiabetic drugs and appropriate combinations of these drugs have increased diabetes control significantly. Besides, novel treatment routes including oral antidiabetic peptide delivery, nanocarrier delivery system, implantable drug delivery system are also pivotal for diabetes control, with its greater efficiency, increased bioavailability, decreased toxicity and reduced dosing frequency. Among these new routes, nanotechnology, artificial pancreas and islet cell implantation have shown great potential in diabetes therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine also offer new options for diabetes treatment. Our paper aim to overview these therapeutic methods for diabetes therapy. Proper combinations of these existing anti-diabetic medications and searching for novel routes are both necessary for better diabetes control.

Characteristics of Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes in Chinese Older Adults: A National Prospective Cohort Study

AIM

To investigate the metabolic profiles of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (NEW2D) in Chinese older adults (≥65 years) and assess the proportion of patients who achieved the targeted goals of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipid.

METHODS

NEW2D study was an observational, longitudinal, prospective cohort study involving patients who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) within the past 6 months and had a follow-up of 12 months. Participants were divided into younger NEW2D group (aged 20-65 years old) and older NEW2D group (aged ≥65 years old) according to age of diabetes onset. The baseline metabolic profiles were compared and the proportion of patients achieving adequate control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids in reference to target goals were assessed during treatment.

RESULTS

The older NEW2D (n = 1362) had a lower BMI, HbA1c%, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol, higher systolic blood pressure, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at baseline. 47.8%, 66.7%, and 39.4% reached the target of HbA1c < 7.0%, BP < 140/90 mmHg, and LDL - C < 2.6 mmol/L, respectively. After 12 months, the proportion achieving above three targets increased to 70.2%, 76.1%, and 47.5%, respectively. The proportions of patients achieving three combined therapeutic targets doubled from 13.5% to 26.7%.

CONCLUSION

The older NEW2D patients have special metabolic profiles compared with younger patients. The control of cardiovascular disease risk factors was suboptimal in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: a systematic literature review of scientific evidence from across the world in 2007-2017

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common comorbidity in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). CVD's prevalence has been growing over time.

PURPOSE

To estimate the current prevalence of CVD among adults with T2DM by reviewing literature published within the last 10 years (2007-March 2017).

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, and proceedings of major scientific meetings for original research documenting the prevalence of CVD in T2DM. CVD included stroke, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular death. No restrictions were placed on country of origin or publication language. Two reviewers independently searched for articles and extracted data, adjudicating results through consensus. Data were summarized descriptively. Risk of bias was examined by applying the STROBE checklist.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 57 articles with 4,549,481 persons having T2DM. Europe produced the most articles (46%), followed by the Western Pacific/China (21%), and North America (13%). Overall in 4,549,481 persons with T2DM, 52.0% were male, 47.0% were obese, aged 63.6 ± 6.9 years old, with T2DM duration of 10.4 ± 3.7 years. CVD affected 32.2% overall (53 studies, N = 4,289,140); 29.1% had atherosclerosis (4 studies, N = 1153), 21.2% had coronary heart disease (42 articles, N = 3,833,200), 14.9% heart failure (14 studies, N = 601,154), 14.6% angina (4 studies, N = 354,743), 10.0% myocardial infarction (13 studies, N = 3,518,833) and 7.6% stroke (39 studies, N = 3,901,505). CVD was the cause of death in 9.9% of T2DM patients (representing 50.3% of all deaths). Risk of bias was low; 80 ± 12% of STROBE checklist items were adequately addressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Globally, overall CVD affects approximately 32.2% of all persons with T2DM. CVD is a major cause of mortality among people with T2DM, accounting for approximately half of all deaths over the study period. Coronary artery disease and stroke were the major contributors.

Epidemiological characteristics of lower extremity arterial disease in Chinese diabetes patients at high risk: a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study

AIMS

To determine the epidemiological characteristics of lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) in high-risk patients and identify practical gaps in LEAD management.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study consecutively enrolled 10681 patients with type 2 diabetes from 30 hospitals across China from June 2016 to January 2017. All patients were assessed for LEAD by the Ankle-Brachial Index in conjunction with lower limb ultrasonography according to local guidelines.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 64.2 years, and the median duration of diabetes was 9.0 years. The overall prevalence of LEAD was 21.2%, with 10.6% of patients diagnosed with LEAD before enrollment and 11.8% newly diagnosed at the present visit. Patients with older age, hypertension and dyslipidemia as well as those who smoked were at higher risk of developing LEAD. Only 55.0%, 28.2%, and 42.5% of participating patients reached the guideline-recommended goals for glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control, respectively. Anti-hypertensive agents, lipid lowering therapies, anti-platelet agents, and vasodilators were underused, especially in newly diagnosed LEAD patients (44.1%, 46.2%, 35.3%, and 31.7%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the high prevalence of LEAD, it was still found to be underdiagnosed and undertreated in Chinese diabetes patients. More efforts should be directed at encouraging awareness of early LEAD and achieving guideline-recommended goals in type 2 diabetes patients.

Lifestyle Intervention and Medical Management With vs Without Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Control of Hemoglobin A1c, LDL Cholesterol, and Systolic Blood Pressure at 5 Years in the Diabetes Surgery Study

IMPORTANCE

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is effective in achieving established diabetes treatment targets, but durability is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To compare durability of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass added to intensive lifestyle and medical management in achieving diabetes control targets.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Observational follow-up of a randomized clinical trial at 4 sites in the United States and Taiwan, involving 120 participants who had a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 8.0% or higher and a body mass index between 30.0 and 39.9 (enrolled between April 2008 and December 2011) were followed up for 5 years, ending in November 2016.

INTERVENTIONS

Lifestyle-intensive medical management intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program and LookAHEAD trials for 2 years, with and without (60 participants each) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery followed by observation to year 5.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The American Diabetes Association composite triple end point of hemoglobin A1c less than 7.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL, and systolic blood pressure less than 130 mm Hg at 5 years.

RESULTS

Of 120 participants who were initially randomized (mean age, 49 years [SD, 8 years], 72 women [60%]), 98 (82%) completed 5 years of follow-up. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups: mean (SD) body mass index 34.4 (3.2) for the lifestyle-medical management group and 34.9 (3.0) for the gastric bypass group and had hemoglobin A1c levels of 9.6% (1.2) and 9.6% (1.0), respectively. At 5 years, 13 participants (23%) in the gastric bypass group and 2 (4%) in the lifestyle-intensive medical management group had achieved the composite triple end point (difference, 19%; 95% CI, 4%-34%; P = .01). In the fifth year, 31 patients (55%) in the gastric bypass group vs 8 (14%) in the lifestyle-medical management group achieved an HbA1c level of less than 7.0% (difference, 41%; 95% CI, 19%-63%; P = .002). Gastric bypass had more serious adverse events than did the lifestyle-medical management intervention, 66 events vs 38 events, most frequently gastrointestinal events and surgical complications such as strictures, small bowel obstructions, and leaks. Gastric bypass had more parathyroid hormone elevation but no difference in B12 deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In extended follow-up of obese adults with type 2 diabetes randomized to adding gastric bypass compared with lifestyle and intensive medical management alone, there remained a significantly better composite triple end point in the surgical group at 5 years. However, because the effect size diminished over 5 years, further follow-up is needed to understand the durability of the improvement.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00641251.

Multidisciplinary treatment of patients with diabetes and hypertension: experience of a Brazilian center

BACKGROUND

Although multidisciplinary treatment is recommended for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension (HTN), there is a lack of scientific literature supporting the hypothesis of extending this treatment strategy to patients with both diabetes and HTN. Aiming to report results of long-term multidisciplinary treatment for these patients and identify strategies to improve their management, we conducted this study.

METHODS

Data of patients with diabetes and HTN with regular follow-up visits in a multidisciplinary HTN treatment center from Brazil's Midwest were retrospectively assessed. Patients ≥ 18 years enrolled in the service by June 2017 with a minimum of three visits were included. Anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), laboratory, pharmacological treatment, lifestyle, and cardiovascular events data were collected from first (V1), intermediate (V2) and most recent (V3) visits to the service. BP < 130 × 80 mmHg, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) < 70 mg/dL and HbA1C < 7.0% were defined as treatment targets. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare variables along study visits. A linear regression model was built to identify variables associated with better overall patient control.

RESULTS

A total of 162 patients were included (mean age of 56.5 ± 10.8 years). Median follow-up time was 60 (IQR 40-109) months, 80.2% of the sample was female and 83.3% had no cardiovascular event history. BP, total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides and HbA1C values showed a significant trend to improve along the study visits (p < 0.001). Growing trend in aspirin (p = 0.045) and statins (p < 0.001) use was found, in addition to treatment compliance increase (p < 0.001). Significant improvement trends in BP (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p = 0.004) and HbA1C (p = 0.002) control were also found across visits. Control rates of BP, LDL-C and HbA1C in combination were low in V1, V2 and V3 (1.2, 1.9 and 6.8%, respectively), but showed significant improvement trend (p < 0.001). Treatment compliance (β-coefficient = 1.20; 95% CI 1.07-1.34; p < 0.001) was positively associated with better overall patients control.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary treatment of patients with diabetes and HTN significantly improved clinical and laboratory parameters, despite ageing of population evaluated. Although combined control of HbA1C, BP and LDL-cholesterol increased along follow-up, management of all these three conditions needs to improve, and focus on treatment compliance should be given to attain this goal.

Attainment of recommended therapeutic targets of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus screened at a diabetes clinic in Sri Lanka

INTRODUCTION

Implementation of effective measures to control rising burden of cardiovascular diseases among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires information on the adequacy of control and identification of specific groups with suboptimal control of blood glucose, lipids and blood pressure.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of patients with T2DM referred from primary care to a diabetes center was carried out to estimate the proportion of patients achieving the recommended therapeutic targets of four major modifiable cardiovascular risk factors: glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c <7%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure (SBP) <130 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <80 mmHg and their associations with age, gender, duration of diabetes and body mass index were studied.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) age and the duration of the sample of 2422 (65% males) were 52 (11) and 9 (3), respectively. Percentages with optimal HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SBP and DBP were 25.2%, 24.3%, 32% and 56.7%, respectively. Only 2% had achieved optimal control of all four risk factors. Significantly higher percentages of males were having optimal HbA1C, SBP and DBP, and regression analysis revealed that male gender was significantly associated with optimal control of SBP.

CONCLUSION

Control of cardiovascular risk diseases factors among patients with T2DM managed in the primary care settings needs further improvements in target achievement in all four modifiable risk factors.

National Differences in Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery-Subgroup Analysis of 2-Year Results of the Diabetes Surgery Study Comparing Taiwanese with Americans with Mild Obesity (BMI 30-35 kg/m2)

Background

The purpose of this study is to compare effects of different nations on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) vs. intensive medical management (IMM) in achieving remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

Between April 2008 and December 2011, this randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted at four teaching hospitals in the United States and Taiwan involving 71 participants with mild obesity (BMI 30–35 kg/m²). Thirty-six of 71 participants were randomly assigned to the RYGB group, and the others were in IMM group. Partial or complete remission of T2DM was defined as blood HbA1c < 6.5 % (48 mmol/mol) or <6 % (42 mmol/mol) without any antihyperglycemic medication for at least 1-year duration, respectively.

Results

At baseline, Taiwanese participants had a lower BMI, younger age, and shorter duration of T2DM than American participants. At 24 months, weight loss was greater in the RYGB group in both populations than in the IMM group. No IMM participant of either population had partial or complete remission of T2DM. In the RYGB group, a substantial proportion of the subjects achieved complete or partial remission (57 % in Taiwanese and 27 % in American participants, P = 0.08). Logistic regression revealed stimulated C-peptide (Odds ratio 2.22, P = 0.02) but not nationality as a significant predictor of diabetes remission.

Conclusion

Adding RYGB to lifestyle and medical management was associated with a greater likelihood of remission of T2DM in both Taiwanese and American subjects with mild obesity with type 2 diabetes. Residual beta-cell function at baseline appears to be the major factor predicting remission of T2DM.

Trial registry number: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00641251

Association between Knowledge-Attitude-Practices and Control of Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure, and Blood Lipids in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Shanghai, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge-attitude-practices (KAP) significantly impact the outcome of self-management in patients with diabetes, yet the association between KAP and the combined control of the levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids in these patients remains uncertain. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2014 to December 2016 on 3977 patients with type 2 diabetes in Shanghai. KAP were evaluated using the modified Chinese version of the Diabetes, Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia (DHL) Knowledge Instrument, Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form (DES-SF), and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Clinical and biochemical measurements were performed at each sampling site. The association between KAP scores and achieving the combined target goal was assessed by multiple logistic regression. Patients having a higher score of knowledge were more likely to achieve the combined target goal. Furthermore, a turning point of knowledge score was found that the possibility of achieving the combined target goal presented a sharp increase when the knowledge score was more than 70. However, the scores of attitude and practices had no significant relations with achieving the combined target goal. Health intervention strategies, especially increasing integrated diabetes knowledge, should be targeted to patients with type 2 diabetes in communities.

Durability of Addition of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass to Lifestyle Intervention and Medical Management in Achieving Primary Treatment Goals for Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes in Mild to Moderate Obesity: A Randomized Control Trial

OBJECTIVE

We compared 3-year achievement of an American Diabetes Association composite treatment goal (HbA1c <7.0%, LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dL, and systolic blood pressure <130 mmHg) after 2 years of intensive lifestyle-medical management intervention, with and without Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with one additional year of usual care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 120 adult participants, with BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m(2) and HbA1c ≥8.0%, were randomized 1:1 to two treatment arms at three clinical sites in the U.S. and one in Taiwan. All patients received the lifestyle-medical management intervention for 24 months; half were randomized to also receive gastric bypass.

RESULTS

At 36 months, the triple end point goal was met in 9% of lifestyle-medical management patients and 28% of gastric bypass patients (P = 0.01): 10% and 19% lower than at 12 months. Mean (SD) HbA1c values at 3 years were 8.6% (3.5) and 6.7% (2.0) (P < 0.001). No lifestyle-medical management patient had remission of diabetes at 36 months, whereas 17% of gastric bypass patients had full remission and 19% had partial remission. Lifestyle-medical management patients used more medications than gastric bypass patients: mean (SD) 3.8 (3.3) vs. 1.8 (2.4). Percent weight loss was mean (SD) 6.3% (16.1) in lifestyle-medical management vs. 21.0% (14.5) in gastric bypass (P < 0.001). Over 3 years, 24 serious or clinically significant adverse events were observed in lifestyle-medical management vs. 51 with gastric bypass.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric bypass is more effective than lifestyle-medical management intervention in achieving diabetes treatment goals, mainly by improved glycemic control. However, the effect of surgery diminishes with time and is associated with more adverse events.

Major adverse cardiovascular events with basal insulin peglispro versus comparator insulins in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To identify possible differences in cardiovascular (CV) risk among different insulin therapies, we performed pre-specified meta-analyses across the clinical program for basal insulin peglispro (BIL), in patients randomized to treatment with BIL or comparator insulin [glargine (IG) or NPH].

METHODS

One phase 2 (12-week) and 6 phase 3 (26 to 78-week) randomized studies of BIL compared to IG or NPH, in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, were included. The participants were diverse with respect to demographics, baseline glycemic control, and concomitant disease or medications, but treatment groups were comparable in each study. For any potential CV or neurovascular event, relevant medical information was provided to a blinded external clinical events committee (C5Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA) for adjudication. Cox regression analysis was used to compare treatment groups. The primary endpoint was a composite of adjudicated MACE+ [CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina].

RESULTS

The pooled population included 5862 patients in the safety evaluation, with randomization to BIL:IG:NPH of 3578:2072:212. Mean age was 54.1 years, 27 % had type 1 diabetes, 56 % were male, and 88 % were white. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, including use of statins or other lipid-lowering drugs, were comparable between BIL and comparators. A total of 83 patients experienced at least 1 MACE+ and 70 patients experienced at least 1 MACE (CV death, MI, or stroke). Overall, there were no treatment-associated differences in time to MACE+ [hazard ratio (HR) for BIL versus comparator insulin (95 % CI): 0.82 (0.53-1.27)] or MACE [0.83 (0.51-1.33)]. In 4297 patients with type 2 diabetes, there were 71 MACE+ events [HR: 1.02 (95 % CI: 0.63-1.65), p = 0.94]. In 1565 patients with type 1 diabetes, there were only 12 MACE+ [0.24 (0.07-0.85), p = 0.027]. There were no differences in all-cause death between BIL and comparators. Sub-group analyses did not identify any sub-population with increased risk with BIL versus comparator insulins.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with BIL versus comparator insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes was not associated with increased risk for major CV events in the studies analyzed.

Gastric bypass surgery vs intensive lifestyle and medical intervention for type 2 diabetes: the CROSSROADS randomised controlled trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Mounting evidence indicates that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) ameliorates type 2 diabetes, but randomised trials comparing surgical vs nonsurgical care are needed. With a parallel-group randomised controlled trial (RCT), we compared RYGB vs an intensive lifestyle and medical intervention (ILMI) for type 2 diabetes, including among patients with a BMI <35 kg/m(2).

METHODS

By use of a shared decision-making recruitment strategy targeting the entire at-risk population within an integrated community healthcare system, we screened 1,808 adults meeting inclusion criteria (age 25-64, with type 2 diabetes and a BMI 30-45 kg/m(2)). Of these, 43 were allocated via concealed, computer-generated random assignment in a 1:1 ratio to RYGB or ILMI. The latter involved ≥45 min of aerobic exercise 5 days per week, a dietitian-directed weight- and glucose-lowering diet, and optimal diabetes medical treatment for 1 year. Although treatment allocation could not be blinded, outcomes were determined by a blinded adjudicator. The primary outcome was diabetes remission at 1 year (HbA1c <6.0% [<42.1 mmol/mol], off all diabetes medicines).

RESULTS

Twenty-three volunteers were assigned to RYGB and 20 to ILMI. Of these, 11 withdrew before receiving any intervention. Hence 15 in the RYGB group and 17 in the IMLI group were analysed throughout 1 year. The groups were equivalent regarding all baseline characteristics, except that the RYGB cohort had a longer diabetes duration (11.4 ± 4.8 vs 6.8 ± 5.2 years, p = 0.009). Weight loss at 1 year was 25.8 ± 14.5% vs 6.4 ± 5.8% after RYGB vs ILMI, respectively (p < 0.001). The ILMI exercise programme yielded a 22 ± 11% increase in [Formula: see text] (p<0.0001), whereas [Formula: see text] after RYGB was unchanged. Diabetes remission at 1 year was 60.0% with RYGB vs 5.9% with ILMI (p = 0.002). The HbA1c decline over 1 year was only modestly more after RYGB than ILMI: from 7.7 ± 1.0% (60.7 mmol/mol) to 6.4 ± 1.6% (46.4 mmol/mol) vs 7.3 ± 0.9% (56.3 mmol/mol) to 6.9 ± 1.3% (51.9 mmol/mol), respectively (p = 0.04); however, this drop occurred with significantly fewer or no diabetes medications after RYGB. No life-threatening complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Compared with the most rigorous ILMI yet tested against surgery in a randomised trial, RYGB yielded greater type 2 diabetes remission in mild-to-moderately obese patients recruited from a well-informed, population-based sample.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01295229.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for diabetes (the Diabetes Surgery Study): 2-year outcomes of a 5-year, randomised, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Conventional treatments for patients with type 2 diabetes are often inadequate. We aimed to assess outcomes of diabetes control and treatment risks 2 years after adding Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to intensive lifestyle and medical management.

METHODS

We report 2-year outcomes of a 5-year randomised trial (the Diabetes Surgery Study) at four teaching hospitals (three in the USA and one in Taiwan). At baseline, eligible participants had to have HbA1c of at least 8·0% (64 mmol/mol), BMI between 30·0 and 39·9 kg/m(2), and type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months, and be aged 30-67 years. We randomly assigned participants to receive either intensive lifestyle and medical management alone (lifestyle and medical management), or lifestyle and medical management plus standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (gastric bypass). Staff from the clinical centres had access to data from individual patients, but were masked to other patients' data and aggregated data until the 2-year follow-up. Drugs for hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia were prescribed by protocol. The primary endpoint was achievement of the composite treatment goal of HbA1c less than 7·0% (53 mmol/mol), LDL cholesterol less than 2·59 mmol/L, and systolic blood pressure less than 130 mm Hg at 12 months; here we report the composite outcome and other pre-planned secondary outcomes at 24 months. Analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis, with multiple imputations for missing data. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00641251, and is still ongoing.

FINDINGS

Between April 21, 2008, and Nov 21, 2011, we randomly assigned 120 eligible patients to either lifestyle and medical management alone (n=60) or with the addition of gastric bypass (n=60). One patient in the lifestyle and medical management group died (from pancreatic cancer), thus 119 were included in the primary analysis. Significantly more participants in the gastric bypass group achieved the composite triple endpoint at 24 months than in the lifestyle and medical management group (26 [43%] vs eight [14%]; odds ratio 5·1 [95% CI 2·0-12·6], p=0·0004), mainly through improved glycaemic control (HbA1c <7·0% [53 mmol/mol] in 45 [75%] vs 14 [24%]; treatment difference -1·9% (-2·5 to -1·4); p=0·0001). 46 clinically important adverse events occurred in the gastric bypass group and 25 in the lifestyle and medical management group (mainly infections in both groups [four in the lifestyle and medical management group, eight in the gastric bypass group]). With a negative binomial model adjusted for site, the event rate for the gastric bypass group was non-significantly higher than the lifestyle and medical management group by a factor of 1·67 (95% CI 0·98-2·87, p=0·06). Across both years of the study, the gastric bypass group had seven serious falls with five fractures, compared with three serious falls and one fracture in the lifestyle and medical management group. All fractures happened in women. Many more nutritional deficiencies occurred in the gastric bypass group (mainly deficiencies in iron, albumin, calcium, and vitamin D), despite protocol use of nutritional supplements.

INTERPRETATION

The addition of gastric bypass to lifestyle and medical management in patients with type 2 diabetes improved diabetes control, but adverse events and nutritional deficiencies were more frequent. Larger and longer studies are needed to investigate whether the benefits and risk of gastric bypass for type 2 diabetes can be balanced.

FUNDING

Covidien, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Nutrition Obesity Research Centers, and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Weight change in patients with type 2 diabetes starting basal insulin therapy: correlates and impact on outcomes

BACKGROUND

An increase in body weight is a commonly perceived effect of insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus, and this may serve as a barrier to insulin initiation and usage.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the baseline clinical and demographic factors associated with weight gain during insulin glargine therapy, and the implications of weight change on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patient-level data from phase 3 or 4 randomized controlled, treat-to-target (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] ≤ 100 mg/dL) trials evaluating basal insulin glargine for ≥ 24 weeks. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Cochran-Armitage trend statistic were used to calculate the existence of a trend between absolute and relative weight change, and relative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) change from baseline; likelihood of achieving target HbA1c < 7.0%; change from baseline FPG; insulin dose requirements; incidence of hypoglycemia; and adverse events.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included, encompassing a total of 2140 patients. Patients starting insulin glargine treatment gained a mean ± standard deviation 1.8 ± 3.7 kg (4.0 ± 8.2 lb). Most patients had limited weight change (± 2.5 kg or 5.5 lb). Younger age, higher baseline HbA1c, and higher baseline FPG were predictive of greater weight gain (P < 0.0001). Those who gained more weight experienced the largest decrease from baseline in HbA1c and FPG. More weight gain was associated with higher insulin dose requirements, an increased risk of experiencing either symptomatic or glucose-confirmed (< 70 mg/dL) hypoglycemia, and more adverse events. Older patients (> 65 years) were less likely to gain weight or to experience glucose-confirmed hypoglycemia, but more likely to experience severe hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective analysis of patient-level data, most patients had a stable weight (defined as ± 2.5 kg) after 24 weeks of insulin glargine, and weight gain varied with patient demographics. Therefore, insulin glargine can be used in these patient groups with type 2 diabetes without expectation of significant weight gain.

Assessing the obese diabetic patient for bariatric surgery: which candidate do I choose?

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising in association with an increasing frequency of overweight and obesity. Bariatric-metabolic procedures are considered as additional therapeutic options, allowing improved diabetes control in most patients. Multiple factors play in concert to achieve the improvements in diabetic remission observed after bariatric-metabolic surgery. Several studies have demonstrated that bariatric-metabolic surgery is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes when compared with conventional nonsurgical medical treatment. Because the best results are achievable in patients with a relatively short history of diabetes and less advanced controlled disease, the surgical option could be considered early, especially in morbid obese subjects (BMI ≥35 kg/m(2)) after failure of medical treatment. Patients with extensive weight loss are more likely to achieve type 2 diabetes remission after bariatric surgery. At present, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass seems the surgical procedure of choice because it has fewer risks than biliopancreatic diversion, and it is associated with higher weight loss and metabolic improvements compared with adjustable gastric banding. Recent evidences regarding the effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy in diabetes remission have to be confirmed by controlled trials with longer follow-up.

Diabetes and weight in comparative studies of bariatric surgery vs conventional medical therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis of weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of bariatric surgery vs conventional medical therapy. English articles published through June 10, 2013 that compared bariatric surgery with conventional therapy and included T2DM endpoints with ≥12-month follow-up were systematically reviewed. Body mass index (BMI, in kilogram per square meter), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C, in degree), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG, in milligram per deciliter) were analyzed by calculating weighted mean differences (WMDs) and pooled standardized mean differences and associated 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Aggregated T2DM remission event data were analyzed by calculating the pooled odds ratio (POR) and 95 % CI. Random effects assumptions were applied throughout; I(2) ≥ 75.0 % was considered indicative of significant heterogeneity. Systematic review identified 512 articles: 47 duplicates were removed, 446 failed inclusion criteria (i.e., n < 10 per arm, animal studies, reviews, case reports, abstracts, and kin studies). Of 19 eligible articles, two not focused on diagnosed T2DM and one with insufficient T2DM data were excluded. In the final 16 included papers, 3,076 patients (mean BMI, 40.9; age, 47.0; 72.0 % female) underwent bariatric surgery; 3,055 (39.4; 48.6, 69.0 %) received conventional or no weight-loss therapy. In bariatric surgery vs conventional therapy groups, the mean 17.3 ± 5.7 month BMI WMD was 8.3 (7.0, 9.6; p < 0.001; I(2) = 91.8), HbA(1C) was 1.1 (0.6, 1.6; p < 0.001; I(2) = 91.9), and FPG, 24.9 (15.9, 33.9; p < 0.001; I(2) = 84.8), with significant differences favoring surgery. The overall T2DM remission rate for surgery vs conventional group was 63.5 vs 15.6 % (p < 0.001). The Peto summary POR was 9.8 (6.1, 15.9); inverse variance summary POR was 15.8 (7.9, 31.4). Of the included studies, 94.0 % demonstrated a significant statistical advantage favoring surgery. In a meta-analysis of 16 studies (5 RCTs) with 6,131 patients and mean 17.3-month follow-up, bariatric surgery was significantly more effective than conventional medical therapy in achieving weight loss, HbA(1C) and FPG reduction, and diabetes remission. The odds of bariatric surgery patients reaching T2DM remission ranged from 9.8 to 15.8 times the odds of patients treated with conventional therapy.

Contemporary treatment strategies for Type 2 diabetes-related macrovascular disease

Type 2 diabetes mellitus poses a major challenge to healthcare providers in the coming years as its prevalence increases across the globe. The disease doubles the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with 70% of sufferers dying from a cardiac cause. Large clinical trials of current glucose-lowering therapies for Type 2 diabetes have shown no benefit in reducing the risk of macrovascular events. Blood pressure control, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy and improvement of dyslipidemia with statins have proven benefit in reducing cardiovascular risk in Type 2 diabetes. A growing understanding of the importance of pathological processes including endothelial dysfunction, abnormal growth factor biology, oxidative stress, dysregulation of adipokines and deficient vascular repair and regeneration in insulin-resistant states promises new treatments to combat the problem.

Preventable coronary heart disease events from control of cardiovascular risk factors in US adults with diabetes (projections from utilizing the UKPDS risk engine)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) carries significant risks for coronary heart disease (CHD). We examined the potential US population impact of single and composite risk factor control. Among US adults with diagnosed T2DM aged≥30 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007 to 2012, we assessed CHD events preventable using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study CHD risk engine. We examined in all those not at goal the impact of statistical control of smoking, glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, and total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, according to the predefined criteria setting risk factors at different levels of control representing (1) "All to Goal," (2) at "Nominal Control," or (3) at "Aggressive Control." Preventable CHD events represented the difference between the number of events estimated from the control of these risk factors versus current levels of the risk factors. Of 606 men (representing 6.2 million) and 603 women (6.3 million) with DM and no previous CHD, 1.3 million men and 0.7 million women would develop a CHD event within 10 years if left uncontrolled. Controlling all risk factors to goal was projected to prevent 35% and 45% of CHD events in men and women, respectively. Nominal risk factor control was projected to prevent 36% and 38% and aggressive control 51% and 61% of CHD events, respectively. In conclusion, a significant proportion of CHD events in adults with T2DM could be prevented from composite control of risk factors often not at goal.

Trends in control of cardiovascular risk factors among US adults with type 2 diabetes from 1999 to 2010: comparison by prevalent cardiovascular disease status

BACKGROUND

Most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) suffer from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether CVD risk factors have improved in those with DM with and without CVD is not established. We compared risk factor levels and goal attainment in US adults with diabetes with and without CVD.

METHODS

We examined 2403 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) in the United States with T2DM (n = 654, 27% with CVD) across 1999-2010 using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and evaluated control of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and body mass index (BMI) in those with DM with versus without CVD.

RESULTS

The proportions controlled for HbA1c, BP and LDL-C have improved (p < 0.001) overall between 1999 and 2010, but only 24% were at goal for all three factors in 2009-2010. There were improvements in BP, triglycerides and LDL-C in those with CVD, and in those without CVD, there were also improvements in control of all parameters, although changes in mean levels of risk factors were less impressive.

CONCLUSION

Despite modest improvement over time, in most CVD risk factors, only one-fourth of those with T2DM are at goal for HbA1c, BP and LDL-C, with improvements seen in those without CVD more often than those with CVD.

Association of hypoglycemic treatment regimens with cardiovascular outcomes in overweight and obese subjects with type 2 diabetes: a substudy of the SCOUT trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of hypoglycemic treatment regimens with cardiovascular adverse events and mortality in a large population of type 2 diabetic patients at increased cardiovascular risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This analysis included 8,192 overweight patients with type 2 diabetes from the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes (SCOUT) trial randomized to lifestyle intervention with or without sibutramine for up to 6 years. Patients were grouped according to hypoglycemic treatment at baseline. The primary end point was the time from randomization to the first occurrence of a primary outcome event (POE), nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, resuscitation after cardiac arrest, or cardiovascular death. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the impact of antiglycemic treatment on POE and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Treatments for type 2 diabetes were as follows: diet alone (n = 1,394 subjects), metformin monotherapy (n = 1,631), insulin monotherapy (n = 1,116), sulfonylurea monotherapy (n = 1,083), metformin plus sulfonylurea (n = 1,565), and metformin plus insulin (n = 1,000); 905 subjects experienced a POE and 708 died. Metformin monotherapy was associated with lower risk of POE than insulin (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.95; P = 0.02). Diet alone also was associated with lower risk of POE (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.87; P = 0.004). Metformin monotherapy also was associated with lower mortality (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54-0.99; P < 0.05), whereas no other monotherapies or combination therapies were significantly associated with POE or all-cause mortality compared with insulin as monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In obese patients with type 2 diabetes and high risk of cardiovascular disease, monotherapy with metformin or diet-only treatment was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events than treatment with insulin.

Primacy of the 3B approach to control risk factors for cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes patients

BACKGROUND

Individually, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. While traditional management of Type 2 diabetes has focused mainly on glycemic control, robust evidence supports the integration of hypertension and dyslipidemia management to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The primary objective of this study was to assess the level of control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids (3Bs) among patients with type 2 diabetes. An additional objective was to investigate the impact of hospital type, physician specialty, treatment pattern, and patient profile on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, multicenter observational study. A nationally representative sample of outpatients with established type 2 diabetes were enrolled at hospitals representative of geographic regions, tiers, and physician specialties in China. Main clinical measurements were the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, and total serum cholesterol in reference to target goals.

RESULTS

A total of 25,817 adults with type 2 diabetes (mean age 62.6 years, 47% male) were enrolled at 104 hospitals. Seventy-two percent reported comorbid hypertension, dyslipidemia, or both. Patients with concurrent type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 6 times more likely to report a prior history of cardiovascular disease compared with those with type 2 diabetes alone. The mean HbA1c level was 7.6%. While 47.7%, 28.4%, and 36.1% of patients achieved the individual target goals for control of blood glucose (HbA1c <7%), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure <130 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure <80 mm Hg), and blood lipids (total cholesterol <4.5 mmol/L), respectively, only 5.6% achieved all 3 target goals. Lower body mass index (<24 kg/m(2)), no active smoking or drinking, higher education, and diabetes duration <5 years were independent predictors of better cardiovascular disease risk control.

CONCLUSION

Achieving adequate control of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes remains a clinical challenge. Interventions to achieve control of 3Bs coupled with modification of additional cardiovascular disease predictors are crucial for optimization of clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass vs intensive medical management for the control of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia: the Diabetes Surgery Study randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE

Controlling glycemia, blood pressure, and cholesterol is important for patients with diabetes. How best to achieve this goal is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To compare Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with lifestyle and intensive medical management to achieve control of comorbid risk factors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A 12-month, 2-group unblinded randomized trial at 4 teaching hospitals in the United States and Taiwan involving 120 participants who had a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 8.0% or higher, body mass index (BMI) between 30.0 and 39.9, C peptide level of more than 1.0 ng/mL, and type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months. The study began in April 2008.

INTERVENTIONS

Lifestyle-intensive medical management intervention and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Medications for hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were prescribed according to protocol and surgical techniques that were standardized.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Composite goal of HbA1c less than 7.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL, and systolic blood pressure less than 130 mm Hg.

RESULTS

All 120 patients received the intensive lifestyle-medical management protocol and 60 were randomly assigned to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. After 12-months, 28 participants (49%; 95% CI, 36%-63%) in the gastric bypass group and 11 (19%; 95% CI, 10%-32%) in the lifestyle-medical management group achieved the primary end points (odds ratio [OR], 4.8; 95% CI, 1.9-11.7). Participants in the gastric bypass group required 3.0 fewer medications (mean, 1.7 vs 4.8; 95% CI for the difference, 2.3-3.6) and lost 26.1% vs 7.9% of their initial body weigh compared with the lifestyle-medical management group (difference, 17.5%; 95% CI, 14.2%-20.7%). Regression analyses indicated that achieving the composite end point was primarily attributable to weight loss. There were 22 serious adverse events in the gastric bypass group, including 1 cardiovascular event, and 15 in the lifestyle-medical management group. There were 4 perioperative complications and 6 late postoperative complications. The gastric bypass group experienced more nutritional deficiency than the lifestyle-medical management group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In mild to moderately obese patients with type 2 diabetes, adding gastric bypass surgery to lifestyle and medical management was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving the composite goal. Potential benefits of adding gastric bypass surgery to the best lifestyle and medical management strategies of diabetes must be weighed against the risk of serious adverse events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00641251.

Associations between complications and health-related quality of life in individuals with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes and associated complications adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, it is unclear whether different complications have the same or different associations with HRQoL. We examined associations between retinopathy, nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy (microvascular), coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease (macrovascular) in diabetes and HRQoL.

DESIGN

This study was a follow-up examination between 2004 and 2007 of participants from four previous cross-sectional population-based studies in Singapore.

METHODS

Health-related quality of life was assessed through self-administered SF-36 health survey version 2. Diabetes and complications status were assessed through self-report, clinical and laboratory examinations. About 2601 individuals, 2205 healthy and 396 with diabetes, were studied.

RESULTS

Lower physical component scores (PCS) were associated with microvascular (2.96 points, P < 0.001) and both macro- and microvascular complications (4.67 points, P < 0.001), but not diabetes alone. Coronary heart disease (3.86 points, P = 0.007), peripheral neuropathy (11.46 points, P < 0.001) and severe retinopathy (4.46 points, P < 0.001) were associated with lower PCS. The greatest reduction in scores was seen in peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality of life in patients with diabetes is affected mainly by presence of complications, and not diabetes per se. Peripheral neuropathy was associated with the greatest reduction in quality of life. Improved management to prevent or delay onset of complications may reduce the effect on quality of life in patients with diabetes.

Thermogenesis-based interventions for obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Obesity is one of the key noncommunicable diseases leading to significant comorbidities. In recent years, obesity has become a major public health issue and has threatened the wellbeing of millions of patients. Although there are multiple reasons for people becoming obese, sustained positive energy balance - energy intake is greater than energy expenditure - is the key for accumulating excess bodyfat. Prevention of obesity by lifestyle changes, healthy eating and increased physical activity are more cost effective than pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery or ultimately treating complications of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Not all patients with obesity experience complications such as T2DM. The distribution of bodyfat is important in determining whether a person is obese and healthy or needs medical attention; however, the use of BMI alone will not differentiate this. Obesity patients with excess abdominal fat have the highest risk for T2DM, insulin resistance and thus, higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Obesity-associated complications can be reversed through healthy eating habits and increased duration and intensity of physical activity. Increasing work- and leisure-related physical activities increase the energy expenditure, having salutary effects on weightloss programs. Although treating symptoms of obesity and related disorders is important, it is not a solution for the obesity epidemic. Causes that lead to weight-gain need to be identified in individual patients, who should be educated about the causes of weight gain and ways to prevent it, and be provided with simple and practical interventions to lose weight.

Differentiating sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). By inhibiting SGLT2, they prevent renal glucose reabsorption, resulting in glucosuria.

AREAS COVERED

The rationale for development of SGLT2 inhibitors is reviewed, with particular focus on the nine SGLT2 inhibitors currently in development. The authors compare the potency and SGLT2 selectivity of the agents, as well as the results from both animal and clinical studies, considering the potential implications they may have for clinical use.

EXPERT OPINION

Current evidence suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors have similar efficacy in terms of glycemic control and also demonstrate benefits beyond glycemic reductions, including reductions in body weight and modest reductions in blood pressure. Additionally, they appear to preserve beta-cell function and improve insulin sensitivity. Their mechanism of action allows for combination of SGLT2 inhibitors with other antidiabetic drugs and use across the treatment continuum for T2DM. Potential differences in safety and efficacy based on observed differences in potency and selectivity among the SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly versus SGLT1, remain to be seen. Further long-term data, including post-marketing surveillance, are required to fully determine the safety profile of SGLT2 inhibitors in large patient groups.