Hypoglycemia, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus

Hyperkalemia Management with Intravenous Insulin in Patients with Reduced Kidney Function

Background: Insufficient kidney function increases the risk of hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia, particularly in hemodialysis-dependent patients. Hypoglycemia is a common complication of insulin-based hyperkalemia treatment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperkalemia treatment in hemodialysis-dependent and -non-dependent patients and identify risk factors associated with hypoglycemia. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of hyperkalemia treatment including patients with reduced kidney function and hyperkalemia treated with intravenous insulin. The decline rate of potassium and glucose levels were compared between hemodialysis-dependent and non-dependent patients. In addition, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with hypoglycemia. Results: A total of 172 patients with hyperkalemia and reduced kidney function were included. The steepest reduction of serum potassium levels happened within the first 6 h after insulin administration, at 1.1 and 0.9 mmol/L for hemodialysis-dependent and non-dependent patients, respectively. The incidence of hypoglycemia was 18%, and no significant difference was found between cohorts. Hemodialysis-dependent patients were more likely to be readmitted within one month with hyperkalemia, while all-cause ICU admission was more likely for non-dependent patients. Older patients, and those who had heart failure or received a second dose of insulin to treat hyperkalemia, were more likely to experience hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Monitoring blood glucose levels following insulin administration is essential given the complexity of patients' factors associated with hypoglycemia resulting from hyperkalemia treatment in patients with insufficient kidney function.

Manipulation of Post-Prandial Hyperglycaemia in Type 2 Diabetes: An Update for Practitioners

This review paper explores post-prandial glycemia in type 2 diabetes. Post-prandial glycemia is defined as the period of blood glucose excursion from immediately after the ingestion of food or drink to 4 to 6 hours after the end of the meal. Post-prandial hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease with glucose "excursions" being more strongly associated with markers of oxidative stress than the fasting or pre-prandial glucose level. High blood glucose is a major promoter of enhanced free radical production and is associated with the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes. Oxidative stress impairs insulin action creating a vicious cycle where repeated post-prandial glucose spikes are key drivers in the pathogenesis of the vascular complications of type 2 diabetes, both microvascular and macrovascular. Some authors suggest post-prandial hyperglycemia is the major cause of death in type 2 diabetes. Proper management of post-prandial hyperglycemia could yield up to a 35% cut in overall cardiovascular events, and a 64% cut in myocardial infarction. The benefits of managing post-prandial hyperglycemia are similar in magnitude to those seen in type 2 diabetes patients receiving secondary prevention with statins - prevention which today is regarded as fundamental by all practitioners. Given all the evidence surrounding the impact of post-prandial glycemia on overall outcome, it is imperative that any considered strategy for the management of type 2 diabetes should include optimum dietary, pharma, and lifestyle interventions that address glucose excursion. Achieving a low post-prandial glucose response is key to prevention and progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. Further, such therapeutic interventions should be sustainable and must benefit patients in the short and long term with the minimum of intrusion and side effects. This paper reviews the current literature around dietary manipulation of post-prandial hyperglycemia, including novel approaches. A great deal of further work is required to optimize and standardize the dietary management of post-prandial glycemia in type 2 diabetes, including consideration of novel approaches that show great promise.

Machine learning-based prediction of risk factors for abnormal glycemic control in diabetic cancer patients receiving nutrition support: a case-control study

PURPOSE

To date, risk factors affecting abnormal glycemic control have not been investigated. This study aimed to analyze risk factors for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in diabetic cancer patients receiving nutritional support by using machine learning methods.

METHODS

This retrospective two-center study was performed using medical records. Odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios were estimated from univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. Machine learning algorithms, including five-fold cross-validated multivariate logistic regression, elastic net, and random forest, were developed to predict risk factors for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

RESULTS

Data from 127 patients were analyzed. The use of sulfonylurea (SU) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level > 20 mg/dL increased hypoglycemia by 6.3-fold (95% CI 1.30-30.47) and 5.0-fold (95% CI 1.06-23.46), respectively. In contrast, patients who received an actual energy intake/total energy expenditure (TEE) ≥ 120% and used dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors had a higher risk of hyperglycemia by 19.3- (95% CI 1.46-254.78) and 3.3-fold (95% CI 1.23-8.61), respectively. An initial blood glucose level ≥ 182.5 mg/dL also increased the risk of hyperglycemia by 15.3-fold. AUROC values for all machine learning methods indicated acceptable and excellent performance for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSION

The use of SU and BUN level > 20 mg/dL increased the risk of hypoglycemia, whereas an initial blood glucose level ≥ 182.5 mg/dL, a supplied actual energy intake/ TEE ≥ 120%, and the use of DPP-4 inhibitors increased the risk of hyperglycemia.

The effects of glucose-free and glucose-containing dialysate during dialysis in MHD patients: a prospective cross-over study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of glucose-free and glucose-containing dialysates during dialysis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients by the prospective cross-over study, and detect glucose control methods in MHD patients.

METHODS

A total of 66 MHD 18-75 years old patients in our hospital from Nov. 2019 to Mar. 2020 were recruited. All patients underwent HD with 4 hours per time, three times per week. Glucose-free dialysate (glucose-free group) and then 5.55 mmol/L glucose-containing dialysate (glucose-5.55 group) were used alternately in dialysis. The demographics and parameters of pre- and post-dialysis were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were analyzed, and 28 patients among them had type 2 diabetes. Serum glucose pre and post dialysis were 8.64 ± 4.18 mmol/L versus 5.74 ± 1.82 mmol/L (p < 0.01) in glucose-free dialysate, and 9.31 ± 4.89 mmol/L versus 7.80 ± 2.59 mmol/L (p < 0.01) in glucose-5.55 dialysate. The post-dialysis blood glucose of glucose-free group was lower than glucose-5.55 group (5.74 ± 1.82 vs 7.80 ± 2.59, p < 0.01). About 18 (30.00%) patients in glucose-free group and 1 patient (1.67%) in glucose-5.55 group whose blood glucose was lower than 4.44 mmol/L (p < 0.01). About 29 patients (48.33%) in glucose-free group and 17 patients (28.33%; p = 0.02) in glucose-5.55 group have hunger feeling. Serum sodium level in the glucose-free group was higher than that in Glucose-5.55 group (137.92 ± 1.64 vs 136.70 ± 1.64, p < 0.01). Post-dialysis blood glucose had no significant differences between patients not using diabetes-related medication (13 patients) and patients using diabetes-related medication (15 patients) in glucose-free group (7.13 ± 1.78 mmol/L vs 6.08 ± 2.84 mmol/L, p = 0.23) and glucose-5.55 group (9.22 ± 2.59 mmol/L vs 9.35 ± 2.88 mmol/L, p = 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose-free and glucose-5.55 dialysate both decrease the blood glucose post-dialysis. Dialysates containing 5.55 mmol/L glucose can reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia and lower serum sodium, but have no effect on blood pressure during dialysis. Stopping insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs once before dialysis may not affect the control of blood glucose.

Use of Second-Generation Basal Insulin Gla-300 in Special Populations: A Narrative Mini-Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hypoglycemia and insulin-related adverse events are crucial barriers to effective diabetes management, particularly in the elderly, people with renal impairment, people with diabetes fasting during Ramadan, or people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). There is a scarcity of clinical and real-world evidence assessing the effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in these special populations. To understand the entirety of evidence, this mini-review elaborates on the use of Gla-300 in diabetes management among special populations.

METHODS

Clinical and real-world evidence related to the use of Gla-300 among special populations with diabetes were retrieved using PUBMED and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Gla-300 has shown improved glycemic control with stable insulin action and low risk of hypoglycemia in diverse groups with diabetes. It also appears to have an acceptable safety profile during Ramadan fasting. However, adequate monitoring and adjustment of insulin dose on an individual basis should be considered.

CONCLUSION

Gla-300 is a second-generation basal insulin with proven benefits of reduced risk of hypoglycemia and improved glycemic control in special populations of people with diabetes.

Interconnection between cardiovascular, renal and metabolic disorders: A narrative review with a focus on Japan

Insights from epidemiological, clinical and basic research are illuminating the interplay between metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and kidney dysfunction, termed cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) disease. Broadly defined, CRM disease involves multidirectional interactions between metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), various types of CVD and chronic kidney disease (CKD). T2D confers increased risk for heart failure, which-although well known-has only recently come into focus for treatment, and may differ by ethnicity, whereas atherosclerotic heart disease is a well-established complication of T2D. Many people with T2D also have CKD, with a higher risk in Asians than their Western counterparts. Furthermore, CVD increases the risk of CKD and vice versa, with heart failure, notably, present in approximately half of CKD patients. Molecular mechanisms involved in CRM disease include hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, hyperactivity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, production of advanced glycation end-products, oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, calcium-handling abnormalities, mitochondrial malfunction and deficient energy production, and chronic inflammation. Pathophysiological manifestations of these processes include diabetic cardiomyopathy, vascular endothelial dysfunction, cardiac and renal fibrosis, glomerular hyperfiltration, renal hypoperfusion and venous congestion, reduced exercise tolerance leading to metabolic dysfunction, and calcification of atherosclerotic plaque. Importantly, recognition of the interaction between CRM diseases would enable a more holistic approach to CRM care, rather than isolated treatment of individual conditions, which may improve patient outcomes. Finally, aspects of CRM diseases may differ between Western and East Asian countries such as Japan, a super-ageing country, with potential differences in epidemiology, complications and prognosis that represent an important avenue for future research.

Frequency of adrenal insufficiency in patients with hypoglycemia in an emergency department: A cross-sectional study

Context

In most patients presenting with hypoglycemia in emergency departments, the etiology of hypoglycemia is identified. However, it cannot be determined in approximately 10% of cases.

Objective

We aimed to identify the causes of unknown hypoglycemia, especially adrenal insufficiency.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the etiology of hypoglycemia among patients in our emergency department with hypoglycemia (plasma glucose level &lt;70 mg/dL [3.9 mmol/L]) between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2021, using a rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test.

Results

There were 528 cases with hypoglycemia included (52.1% male; median age 62 years [range 19 to 92]). The majority (389 [73.7%]) of patients were using anti-diabetes drugs. Additionally, 33 (6.3%) consumed alcohol, 17 (3.2%) suffered from malnutrition, 13 (2.5%) liver dysfunction, 12 (2.3%) severe infectious disease, 11 (2.1%) malignancy, 9 (1.7%) heart failure, 4 (0.8%) insulin autoimmune syndrome, 3 (0.6%) insulinoma, 2 (0.4%) were using hypoglycemia-relevant drugs, and 1 (0.2%) suffered from non-islet cell tumor. Rapid ACTH tests revealed adrenal insufficiency in 32 (6.1%). In those patients, serum sodium levels were lower (132 vs. 139 mEq/L, P&lt;0.01), eosinophil counts were higher (14 vs. 8%, P&lt;0.01), and systolic blood pressure was lower (120 vs. 128 mmHg, P&lt;0.05) at baseline than in patients with the other etiologies, respectively.

Conclusion

The frequency of adrenal insufficiency as a cause of hypoglycemia was much higher than what we anticipated. When protracted hypoglycemia of unknown etiology is recognized, we recommend that the patient is checked for adrenal function using a rapid ACTH test.

A comprehensive risk assessment for nocturnal hypoglycemia in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes: A single-center case-control study

AIMS

To evaluate the overall association between clinically significant nocturnal hypoglycemia (CsNH) and risk factors in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Overall, 606 geriatric with type 2 diabetes were evaluated for CsNH using Freestyle Libre Pro® (Abbott Diabetes Care, Tokyo, Japan) during October 2018-February 2020. We defined CsNH as blood glucose level <54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L). We investigated clinical characteristics and efficacies of hypoglycemic agents and insulin and analyzed CsNH risk factors using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

We enrolled 152 patients each for the CsNH and non-nocturnal hypoglycemia groups. Insulin use (OR = 3.77 [95 % CI: 1.92-7.67]; P = 0.0002), age (OR = 1.06 [95 % CI: 1.01-1.12]; P = 0.0492), estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR = 0.97 [95 % CI: 0.95-0.98]; P = 0.0492), and fasting blood glucose level (OR = 0.94 [95 % CI: 0.91-0.94]; P < 0.0001) were independent CsNH risk factors. The combined results demonstrated a higher predictability of CsNH than each of the individual risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified risk factors that could help predict CsNH in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes and demonstrated a comprehensive risk factor assessment.

Nanodisc delivery of liver X receptor agonist for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Dyslipidemia is recognized to be an important contributor to the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), leading to lipoprotein dysregulation, excessive mesangium expansion as well as inflammation in the glomeruli. Thus, dual targeting of abnormal cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory responses of mesangial cells represents an alternative approach for DN treatment. Herein, we sought to develop a renal-targeting therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy by modifying synthetic high-density lipoprotein (sHDL) nanodiscs with a kidney targeting ligand (KT peptide) and encapsulating a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist in the modified sHDL. LXR agonists delivered by sHDL can facilitate the removal of excessive lipids from mesangial cells, ameliorate inflammation and restore normal renal function. Overall, our data suggests that our optimized KT-targeted sHDL/TO nanodiscs (KT-sHDL/TO) generate potent therapeutic efficacy not only by more efficient cholesterol efflux, but also by suppressing mesangial cell proliferation. Most importantly, in a DN murine model, KT-sHDL/TO ameliorated dyslipidemia and inflammation superior to blank sHDL and non-targeting sHDL/TO formulations, showing promise for future clinical translation in DN treatment.

Insulin use in chronic kidney disease and the risk of hypoglycemic events

BACKGROUND

We examined in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) whether the use of insulin and the risk of serious hypoglycemic events with insulin is higher in persons with more advanced CKD.

METHODS

In a national cohort of 855,133 veterans with T2D seen at Veteran Affairs clinics between Jan 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 with at least two serum creatinine measurements, we defined insulin use from pharmacy records and serious hypoglycemic events by ICD-9/10 codes from emergency room visits or hospitalizations that occurred until December 31, 2016.

RESULTS

Mean age was 66 ± 11 years and 97% were men. Mean baseline eGFR was 73 ± 22 ml/min/1.73 m². In a multivariable Cox regression model of those without insulin use at baseline (N = 653,200), compared to eGFR ≥90 group, eGFR < 30 group had higher hazard (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.74 to 1.88) of subsequent insulin use. In a multivariable Cox model with propensity score matching for baseline insulin use (N = 305,570), both insulin use (HR 2.34, 95% CI 2.24 to 2.44) and advanced CKD (HR 2.28, 95% CI 2.07 to 2.51 for comparison of eGFR < 30 to eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m² groups) were associated with increased risk of subsequent serious hypoglycemic events.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In T2D, more advanced CKD was associated with greater insulin use. Both insulin use and advanced CKD were risk factors for serious hypoglycemic events. The safety of insulin compared to newer glycemic agents in more advanced CKD needs further study.

Risk of pregabalin-induced hypoglycemia: Analysis of the Japanese Adverse Event Report database

Pregabalin is a first-line treatment option for neuropathic pain. Recently, some cases of pregabalin-induced hypoglycemia have been reported, which can complicate the treatment of neuropathic pain and worsen patient outcomes. Therefore, a better understanding of the clinical condition of patients with pregabalin-induced hypoglycemia is desirable. In this study, we evaluated the risk of hypoglycemia in patients administered pregabalin, using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database. All patients on pregabalin not taking any antidiabetic agents were screened from April 2004 to July 2020, and data on adverse events related to hypoglycemia, sex, age, weight, and the presence of chronic kidney disease were collected. Gabapentin and duloxetine, which are usually indicated for neuropathic pain, were used for comparison. Among 242,275 patients, 4,287 were administered pregabalin, which included 37 patients who reported hypoglycemic incidents. Disproportionality of hypoglycemia was observed in patients administered pregabalin (reporting odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.16-3.13; P < 0.01), whereas this was not the case in patients taking gabapentin and duloxetine. Multivariate logistic regression showed that hypoglycemia in patients on pregabalin was associated with age ≥ 70 years (odds ratio, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.29-5.91; P < 0.01) and weight < 40 kg (odds ratio, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.32-6.71; P < 0.01). These findings suggest that pregabalin may be associated with a higher risk of hypoglycemia, especially in elderly individuals with low body weight. Healthcare providers may need to be aware of pregabalin-induced hypoglycemia in patients with these risk factors during therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Nursing interventions for people with type 1 diabetes and frequent hypoglycaemia

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects all age ranges, for reasons unknown, and the UK has one of the highest incidences of this complex condition in the world. Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune damage to the insulin-producing β-cells found in the pancreatic islet cells, leading to severe insulin deficiency. People with diabetes need to achieve a target glyosylated haemoglobin level to avoid macro- and microvascular complications, but there is the associated risk of hypoglycaemic events. These can vary in severity and consequences but will likely always cause worry for the person living with diabetes. There are many risk factors and reasons to be explored when looking at hypoglycaemia. This case study explores the nursing interventions that can be safely worked through and prioritised, within the community setting, to allow people with diabetes to be safe from severe hypoglycaemia, thus improving their quality of life and safety, as well as reducing costs for the NHS.

The risk factors and predictive nomogram of human albumin infusion during the perioperative period of posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a study based on 2015-2020 data from a local hospital

BACKGROUND

Perioperative hypoalbuminemia of the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) can increase the risk of infection of the incision site, and it is challenging to accurately predict perioperative hypoproteinemia. The objective of this study was to create a clinical predictive nomogram and validate its accuracy by finding the independent risk factors for perioperative hypoalbuminemia of PLIF.

METHODS

The patients who underwent PLIF at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2015 and December 2020 were selected in this study. Besides, variables such as age, gender, BMI, current and past medical history, indications for surgery, surgery-related information, and results of preoperative blood routine tests were also collected from each patient. These patients were divided into injection group and non-injection group according to whether they were injected with human albumin. And they were also divided into training group and validation group, with the ratio of 4:1. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in the training group to find the independent risk factors. The nomogram was developed based on these independent predictors. In addition, the area under the curve (AUC), the calibration curve and the decision curve analysis (DCA) were drawn in the training and validation groups to evaluate the prediction, calibration and clinical validity of the model. Finally, the nomograms in the training and validation groups and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of each independent risk factor were drawn to analyze the performance of this model.

RESULTS

A total of 2482 patients who met our criteria were recruited in this study and 256 (10.31%) patients were injected with human albumin perioperatively. There were 1985 people in the training group and 497 in the validation group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed 5 independent risk factors, including old age, accompanying T2DM, level of preoperative albumin, amount of intraoperative blood loss and fusion stage. We drew nomograms. The AUC of the nomograms in the training group and the validation group were 0.807, 95% CI 0.774-0.840 and 0.859, 95% CI 0.797-0.920, respectively. The calibration curve shows consistency between the prediction and observation results. DCA showed a high net benefit from using nomograms to predict the risk of perioperative injection of human albumin. The AUCs of nomograms in the training and the validation groups were significantly higher than those of five independent risk factors mentioned above (P < 0.001), suggesting that the model is strongly predictive.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative low protein, operative stage ≥ 3, a relatively large amount of intraoperative blood loss, old age and history of diabetes were independent predictors of albumin infusion after PLIF. A predictive model for the risk of albumin injection during the perioperative period of PLIF was created using the above 5 predictors, and then validated. The model can be used to assess the risk of albumin injection in patients during the perioperative period of PLIF. The model is highly predictive, so it can be clinically applied to reduce the incidence of perioperative hypoalbuminemia.

Screening, prevalence, treatment and control of kidney disease in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in low-to-middle-income countries (2005-2017): the International Diabetes Management Practices Study (IDMPS)

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease worldwide. There is limited information on screening, treatment and control of kidney disease in patients with diabetes in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).

METHODS

The International Diabetes Management Practices Study is an ongoing, non-interventional study of clinical profiles and practices among patients receiving outpatient care mainly by internal medicine physicians and endocrinologists in LMICs. We examined screening, prevalence, treatment and control of kidney disease across seven waves (W) of data collection between 2005 and 2017.

RESULTS

Among 15,079 patients with type 1 and 66,088 patients with type 2 diabetes, screening for kidney disease increased between W2 and W3 followed by a plateau (type 1 diabetes: W2, 73.7%; W3, 84.1%; W7, 83.4%; type 2 diabetes: W2, 65.1%; W3, 82.6%; W7, 86.2%). There were also decreasing proportions of patients with microalbuminuria (type 1 diabetes: W1, 27.1%; W3, 14.7%; W7, 13.8%; type 2 diabetes: W1, 24.5%; W3, 12.6%; W7, 11.9%) and proteinuria (type 1 diabetes: W1, 14.2%; W3, 8.7%; W7, 8.2%; type 2 diabetes: W1, 15.6%; W3, 9.3%; W7, 7.6%). Fewer patients were reported as receiving dialysis for both type 1 diabetes (W2, 1.4%; W7, 0.3%) and type 2 diabetes (W2, 0.9%; W7, 0.2%) over time. While there was no change in mean HbA1c or prevalence of diagnosed hypertension (type 1 diabetes: W1, 22.7%; W7, 19.9%; type 2 diabetes: W1, 60.9%; W7, 66.2%), the use of statins had increased among patients diagnosed with dyslipidaemia (type 1 diabetes: W1, 77.7%; W7, 90.7%; type 2 diabetes: W1, 78.6%; W7, 94.7%). Angiotensin II receptor blockers (type 1 diabetes: W1, 18.0%; W7, 30.6%; type 2 diabetes: W1, 24.2%; W7, 43.6%) were increasingly used over ACE inhibitors after W1 (type 1 diabetes: W1, 65.0%; W7, 55.9%; type 2 diabetes: W1, 55.7%, W7, 41.1%) among patients diagnosed with hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In LMICs, real-world data suggest improvement in screening and treatment for kidney disease in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes attending non-nephrology clinics. This was accompanied by decreasing proportions of patients with microalbuminuria and proteinuria, with fewer patients who reported receiving dialysis over a 12-year period.

Impaired insulin secretion predicting unstable glycemic variability and time below range in type 2 diabetes patients regardless of glycated hemoglobin or diabetes treatment

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

To identify the coefficient of variation (CV) threshold for unstable glucose variability (GV) and hypoglycemia, and to characterize a patient population with unstable GV and hypoglycemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an observational study that enrolled 284 Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes who underwent continuous glucose monitoring. The C-peptide index (CPI = [(fasting serum C-peptide) / (plasma glucose)] × 100) was used as a marker of endogenous insulin secretion. The CV threshold between stable and unstable GV was defined as the upper limit of the CV distribution in the subgroup of patients who did not receive insulin nor insulin secretagogues (relatively stable GV subgroup, n = 104). The optimal CV range corresponding to time below target range ≥4% was determined for all patients using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Various characteristics of patients with unstable GV and hypoglycemia were extracted using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The upper limit of the CV in the relatively stable GV subgroup was 40. The optimal CV range corresponding to time below target range ≥4% was also defined as CV ≥40 (area under the curve 0.85) for all patients. The CPI was an independent risk for CV ≥40 (odds ratio 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.50, P < 0.01). The optimal cut-off point for CPI to predict a CV cut-off value of 40 was equivalent to 0.81 (area under the curve 0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

A CV of 40 discriminates unstable GV and hypoglycemia from stable GV in Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes. Impaired insulin secretion might affect the stability of GV.

Sudden Death Associated with Severe Hypoglycemia in a Diabetic Patient During Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy with the Predictive Low Glucose Management System

BACKGROUND Hypoglycemia is a frequent complication observed in diabetic patients under treatment. This metabolic complication is associated with an increased mortality rate in diabetic patients. The use of sensor-augmented pump therapy with predictive low glucose management systems has improved blood glucose level control and reduced the incidence of hypoglycemic attacks. However, this therapy may be associated with adverse events. CASE REPORT A 65-year-old Japanese woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus underwent hemodialysis with end-stage renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy. The patient received sensor-augmented pump therapy with the predictive low glucose management system to prevent recurrent severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia was infrequent when the sensor-augmented pump therapy with a predictive low-glucose management system was properly working. However, the patient suddenly died 3 months after starting the treatment. A record of continuous glucose monitoring showed that hypoglycemia occurred before the sudden death of the patient. CONCLUSIONS The current case shows that sudden death associated with severe hypoglycemia may also occur during sensor-augmented pump therapy with a predictive low glucose management system. This case report underscores the need for close follow-up of diabetic patients receiving sensor-augmented pump therapy with the predictive low glucose management system and the critical importance of patient education on diabetes technology in high-risk patients.

Incidence and risk factors associated with hypoglycemia among patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review

Hypoglycemia is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), more so if they have diabetes as well. The occurrence of hypoglycemia in CKD is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, both of which are treatable and preventable. This review summarizes the incidence and risk factors associated with hypoglycemia among patients with CKD. The meta-analysis was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A search was done on PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for cohort studies in English published between January 2000 and August 2019 using search terms related to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), chronic kidney disease (chronic renal failure OR renal failure), and incidence (risk OR epidemiology OR risk factors). Summary measures were calculated using random-effects model. A total of 5 studies involving 311,817 persons were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of hypoglycemia in patients with CKD was 0.188 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.097-0.287). The incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly higher in patients with CKD than in patients without CKD (Relative risk [RR] = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.86-1.92, P < 0.0001). No heterogeneity was reported between the studies (I² = 0%, P > 0.05), and publication bias was also found. Females, patients who had diabetes mellitus of long duration, and those on antidiabetic drugs such as insulin and sulfonylureas were at risk of developing hypoglycemia in CKD as per narrative review. The incidence of hypoglycemia in patients with CKD is high. Therefore, there is need to closely monitor affected individuals so that appropriate management protocols could be set up. Further probing of various risk factors for hypoglycemia in CKD patients is necessary for early detection and initiation of timely preventive and curative measures.

Differential glycaemic control with basal insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus degludec 100 U/mL according to kidney function in type 2 diabetes: A subanalysis from the BRIGHT trial

AIMS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) challenges diabetes management and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We examined whether clinical outcomes with insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) and insulin degludec 100 U/mL (IDeg-100) are affected by renal function in a prespecified subgroup analysis from the BRIGHT trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BRIGHT (NCT02738151) was a multicentre, open-label, randomized, active-controlled, two-arm, parallel-group, 24-week study in insulin-naïve uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants were randomized 1:1 to evening Gla-300 (n = 466) or IDeg-100 (n = 463) and stratified based on baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for this analysis.

RESULTS

Heterogeneity of treatment effect across renal function subgroups was observed (P = .02), reflecting a greater mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction from baseline to week 24 with Gla-300 versus IDeg-100 in the eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² subgroup (least squares mean difference: -0.43% [95% confidence interval: -0.74% to -0.12%]), while there were no differences in hypoglycaemia incidence or rates over 24 weeks in that subgroup. HbA1c reductions were similar between treatments in the other eGFR subgroups. However, heterogeneity was observed for annualized rates of anytime (24 hours) or nocturnal (00:00-05:59 hours) confirmed hypoglycaemia (≤70 mg/dL [≤3.9 mmol/L]) over 24 weeks showing less hypoglycaemia with Gla-300 versus IDeg-100 in the ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m² .

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney function seems to affect the glucose-lowering effects of Gla-300 versus IDeg-100 in insulin-naïve T2D. Greater HbA1c reductions with Gla-300 without increase in hypoglycaemia risk, were observed in patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² .

Association between reduced kidney function and incident hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes: The Stockholm Creatinine Measurements (SCREAM) project

AIM

To evaluate possible associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hypoglycaemia in adults with diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study in adults with diabetes from the Stockholm Creatinine Measurement (SCREAM) project, a Swedish healthcare utilization cohort during 2007 to 2011. We evaluated diagnoses and outpatient glucose tests for incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of hypoglycaemia (overall and by severity) in outpatient care by eGFR strata using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. We identified clinical predictors through ordinal logistic regression and assessed 7-day and 30-day mortality from hypoglycaemia in relation to eGFR with Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

We identified 29 434 people with diabetes (13% with type 1 diabetes). Their mean age was 66 years, 43% were women and the median eGFR was 80 mL/min/1.73 m² . During 2 years of follow-up, 1812 patients (6.2%) had hypoglycaemia registered at least once. The risk of hypoglycaemia increased linearly with lower eGFR, with an IRR of 1.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.4) for eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m² and 5.8 (95% CI 3.8-9.0) for eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m² compared to eGFR 90 to 104 mL/min/1.73 m² . This trend was observed for both mild and severe hypoglycaemia. Both 7-day and 30-day post-hypoglycaemia mortality increased with lower eGFR, peaking in those with eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m² (hazard ratio 21.2, 95% CI 5.1-87.9) as compared to those with eGFR 90 to 104 mL/min/1.73 m² . Lower eGFR categories, type 1 diabetes, previous hypoglycaemia, liver disease, presence of diabetic complications and use of insulin and sulphonylureas increased the odds of hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSION

In this large, observational study, low eGFR was strongly associated with the occurrence, severity and fatality of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes.

Efficacy and safety of trelagliptin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease: Results from a randomized, phase 3 study

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the efficacy and safety of trelagliptin 25 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter, randomized, phase 3 study comprised a 12-week double-blind phase followed by a 40-week open-label phase. Patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease (undergoing hemodialysis), and were receiving diet and/or exercise therapy with/without one antidiabetic drug.

RESULTS

Patients were randomized to trelagliptin (A/A, n = 55) or placebo (P/A, n = 52; double-blind phase). Both groups received trelagliptin in the open-label phase. The least square mean change (95% confidence interval [CI]) from baseline in hemoglobin A1c at the end of the double-blind phase was -0.71% (95% CI -0.885, -0.542) and 0.01% (95% CI -0.170, 0.183) in the A/A and P/A groups, respectively (intergroup least square means difference -0.72%, 95% CI -0.966, -0.473; P < 0.0001). Mean hemoglobin A1c decreased after trelagliptin treatment in the P/A group to similar levels observed in the A/A group and remained comparable in both groups versus baseline up to week 52. In the double-blind phase, the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was 72.7% and 61.5% in the A/A and P/A group, respectively; most TEAEs were mild-to-moderate, except in one patient (P/A group), who experienced two severe TEAEs. The incidence of serious TEAEs was 7.3% and 3.8% in the A/A and P/A group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-weekly trelagliptin 25 mg was efficacious, with no major safety concerns, and represents a meaningful treatment option in this patient population.

Hypoglycemic episodes are associated with an increased risk of incident frailty among new onset diabetic patients

AIMS

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at risk for developing frailty due to the complex interplay between different cardiometabolic factors. We examined whether hypoglycemia could independently increase frailty risk besides these factors.

METHODS

From the Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetic Patients, 210,254 patients with new onset DM between 2004 and 2011 were identified, among whom 2119 non-frail patients had at least 1 hypoglycemic episode within 3 years of DM diagnosis. They were propensity score-matched to 8432 non-frail ones without hypoglycemia throughout the study period. Both groups were followed up longitudinally for incident physical frailty according to a modified FRAIL scale (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of weight). We analyzed the risk of frailty (primary) and mortality (secondary outcome) introduced by hypoglycemia, adjusted for known risk factors of frailty.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients (46.2% male) was 65.9 ± 14 years; diabetic patients with hypoglycemia had significantly higher comorbidity burden than those without. After 2.68 years, 172 (1.6%) patients with hypoglycemia developed incident frailty, representing a 60% higher risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.599, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.42). After adjusting for other risk factors, those with hypoglycemia had a significantly higher risk of frailty than those without (HR 1.443, 95% CI 1.01-2.05). Additionally, the mortality of those with hypoglycemia was 2-fold higher than those without, and the risk persisted despite confounder adjustment (HR 1.462, 95% CI 1.3-1.65).

CONCLUSION

In this population-based cohort, hypoglycemic episodes among diabetic patients increased the risk of incident frailty and mortality.

First-trimester blood urea nitrogen and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

Prior studies indicated that urea increased insulin resistance and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was associated with incident diabetes mellitus. However, it remains unclear whether BUN during the first trimester of pregnancy increases risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to investigate the association between first‐trimester BUN and risk of incident GDM. We conducted a prospective, multicenter cohort study of pregnant women. A total of 13 448 eligible pregnant women with measured first‐trimester BUN levels were included in this analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between BUN and GDM. Discrimination and reclassification for GDM by BUN were analysed. A total of 2973 (22.1%) women developed GDM. Compared with the lowest quartile of BUN, the third and fourth quartiles were associated with increased risk of GDM (adjusted odds ratios 1.21 [95% CI 1.07‐1.37] and 1.50 [95% CI 1.33‐1.69], respectively, P for trend <.001). The addition of BUN to conventional factor model improved discrimination (C statistic 0.2%, P = .003) and reclassification (net reclassification index 14.67%, P < .001; integrated discrimination improvement 0.12%, P < .001) for GDM. In conclusion, higher BUN concentrations during the first trimester of pregnancy were associated with increased risk of GDM, suggesting that BUN could be a potential predictor for GDM.

Delphinidin-induced autophagy protects pancreatic β cells against apoptosis resulting from high-glucose stress via AMPK signaling pathway

Hyperglycemia, a diagnostic characteristic of diabetes mellitus, is detrimental to pancreatic β cells. Delphinidin, a member of the anthocyanin family, inhibits glucose absorption, increases glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, and improves insulin secretion in diabetes. However, whether delphinidin plays a protective role in pancreatic β-cell mass and function is not clear. In this study, delphinidin was found to decrease the high-glucose-induced apoptosis of RIN-m5F pancreatic β cells. In addition, delphinidin induced autophagy in RIN-m5F cells under the normal and high-glucose conditions, while 3-methyladenine (3-MA) inhibition of autophagy significantly diminished the protective role of delphinidin against high-glucose-induced apoptosis of pancreatic β cells. Delphinidin also decreased the level of cleaved caspase 3 and increased the phosphorylation level of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) Thr172. Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, was found to decrease the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I, and the apoptotic rate of high-glucose-injured cells was increased after treatment with delphinidin, indicating that delphinidin attenuated the negative effects of high-glucose stress to cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that delphinidin protects pancreatic β cells against high-glucose-induced injury by autophagy regulation via the AMPK signaling pathway. These findings might shed light on the underlying mechanisms of diabetes and help improve the prevention and therapy of this common disease.

Optimizing Postprandial Glucose Management in Adults With Insulin-Requiring Diabetes: Report and Recommendations

Faster-acting insulins, new noninsulin drug classes, more flexible insulin-delivery systems, and improved continuous glucose monitoring devices offer unprecedented opportunities to improve postprandial glucose (PPG) management and overall care for adults with insulin-treated diabetes. These developments led the Endocrine Society to convene a working panel of diabetes experts in December 2018 to assess the current state of PPG management, identify innovative ways to improve self-management and quality of life, and align best practices to current and emerging treatment and monitoring options. Drawing on current research and collective clinical experience, we considered the following issues for the ∼200 million adults worldwide with type 1 and insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes: (i) the role of PPG management in reducing the risk of diabetes complications; (ii) barriers preventing effective PPG management; (iii) strategies to reduce PPG excursions and improve patient quality of life; and (iv) education and clinical tools to support endocrinologists in improving PPG management. We concluded that managing PPG to minimize or prevent diabetes-related complications will require elucidating fundamental questions about optimal ways to quantify and clinically assess the metabolic dysregulation and consequences of the abnormal postprandial state in diabetes and recommend research strategies to address these questions. We also identified practical strategies and tools that are already available to reduce barriers to effective PPG management, optimize use of new and emerging clinical tools, and improve patient self-management and quality of life.

Effectiveness and safety of sotagliflozin adjuvant therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus: A protocol for Systematic review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) has long required insulin treatment. Sotagliflflozin (SOTA), as a dual SGLT-1/2 inhibitor, has the potential to be the first oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) to be approved for T1DM in the US market. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of SOTA for T1DM.

METHODS

Web of Science, PubMed datebase, Cochrane Library, Embase, Clinical Trials, and CNKI will be searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring SOTA adjuvant therapy for T1DM. Strict screening and quality evaluation will be performed on the obtained literature independently by 2 researchers; outcome indexes will be extracted. The bias risk of the included studies will be evaluated based on Cochrane assessment tool. Meta-analysis will be performed on the data using Revman 5.3 software.

RESULT

We will provide practical and targeted results assessing the efficacy and safety of SOTA for T1DM patients, to provide reference for clinical use of SOTA.

CONCLUSION

The stronger evidence about the efficacy and safety of SOTA for T1DM patients will be provided for clinicians.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42019133099.

Acupuncture attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis via the TGF‑β/Smad pathway

Acupuncture is one of the most useful tools in complimentary medicine, and has demonstrated potential value for treating chronic renal failure (CRF). However, the underlying mechanisms for its therapeutic effect remain unknown. In the present study, the effects of acupuncture on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) were explored in a rabbit model of CRF. Rabbits were assigned to the following five groups: sham, model, losartan potassium (Posi), acupuncture (Acup) and acupuncture+inhibitor (Acup+Inhib) groups. The CRF rabbits were administered a drug or/and acupuncture on Shenshu, Mingmen and Pishu. The body weights, urine protein, serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels of the rabbits were measured. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and Smad3 expression were detected by qRT-PCR. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression were analyzed by western blot methods. The concentrations of TGF-β, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-1β in blood serum were detected using ELISA kits. In addition, pathological characteristics of the rabbit tissues were evaluated by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining methods, and TGF-β expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. Results showing decreased body weights and increased urine protein, SCr and BUN levels confirmed that the CRF model had been successfully constructed. It was also found that acupuncture significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α, Smad3, ILK and TGF-β expression, dramatically decreased the concentrations of TGF-β, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-1β in blood serum, and significantly increased eNOS expression in the CRF model rabbits by affecting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. In addition, it was demonstrated that acupuncture could relieve RIF by affecting the TGF-β/Smad pathway. These observations indicate that acupuncture may be useful for treating CRF, and suggest the TGF-β/Smad pathway as a target for CRF therapy.

Salvianolic Acid A Protects the Kidney against Oxidative Stress by Activating the Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats

Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a bioactive polyphenol extracted from Salviae miltiorrhizae Bunge, which possesses a variety of pharmacological activities. In our previous study, we have demonstrated that SAA effectively attenuates kidney injury and inflammation in an established animal model of 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) rats. However, there has been limited research regarding the antioxidative effects of SAA on chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we examined the antioxidative effects and underlying mechanisms of SAA in 5/6Nx rats. The rats were injected with SAA (2.5, 5, and 10 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹, ip) for 28 days. Biochemical, flow cytometry, and Western blot analyses showed that SAA significantly increased the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) and lowered the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4) in a dose-dependent manner in 5/6Nx rats and in H₂O₂-induced HK-2 cells in vitro. Moreover, SAA enhanced the activation of the protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2) signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner and subsequently increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the kidney of 5/6Nx rats, which were consistent with those obtained in H₂O₂-induced HK-2 cells in vitro shown by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, SAA significantly increased the expression of intranuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins compared to HK-2 cells stimulated by LPS on the one hand, which can be enhanced by QNZ to some extent; on the other hand, SAA significantly lowered the expression of p-NF-κB p65 and ICAM-1 proteins compared to HK-2 cells stimulated by H₂O₂, which can be abrogated by ML385 to some extent. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that SAA effectively protects the kidney against oxidative stress in 5/6Nx rats. One of the pivotal mechanisms for the protective effects of SAA on kidney injury was mainly related with its antioxidative roles by activating the Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Utilization patterns of insulin for patients with type 2 diabetes from national health insurance claims data in South Korea

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that requires long-term therapy and regular check-ups to prevent complications. In this study, insurance claim data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) of Korea were used to investigate insulin use in T2DM patients according to the economic status of patients and their access to primary physicians, operationally defined as the frequently used medical care providers at the time of T2DM diagnosis. A total of 91,810 participants were included from the NHIS claims database for the period between 2002 and 2013. The utilization pattern of insulin was set as the dependent variable and classified as one of the following: non-use of antidiabetic drugs, use of oral antidiabetic drugs only, or use of insulin with or without oral antidiabetic drugs. The main independent variables of interest were level of income and access to a frequently-visited physician. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed. Insulin was used by 9,281 patients during the study period, while use was 2.874 times more frequent in the Medical-aid group than in the highest premium group [hazard ratio (HR): 2.874, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.588-3.192]. Insulin was also used ~50% more often in the patients managed by a frequently-visited physician than in those managed by other healthcare professionals (HR: 1.549, 95% CI: 1.434-1.624). The lag time to starting insulin was shorter when the patients had a low income and no frequently-visited physicians. Patients with a low level of income were more likely to use insulin and to have a shorter lag time from diagnosis to starting insulin. The likelihood of insulin being used was higher when the patients had a frequently-visited physician, particularly if they also had a low level of income. Therefore, the economic statuses of patients should be considered to ensure effective management of T2DM. Utilizing frequently-visited physicians might improve the management of T2DM, particularly for patients with a low income.

Salvianolic acid A attenuates kidney injury and inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in 5/6 nephrectomized rats

Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a minor phenolic carboxylic acid extracted from Salviae miltiorrhizae Bunge (Danshen). SAA exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidative, anti-thrombotic, neuroprotective, and anti-fibrotic effects, as well as protection from myocardial ischemia and prevention of diabetes and other diseases. Furthermore, SAA has shown renal-protective effects in doxorubicin-induced nephropathy. However, there has been limited research regarding the effects of SAA and underlying mechanisms in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we examined the effects and molecular mechanisms of SAA in an established animal model of 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) rats. The rats were injected with SAA (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg per day, intraperitoneally (ip)) for 28 days. SAA dose-dependently lowered the levels of urine protein, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, plasma total cholesterol, and plasma triglycerides in 5/6Nx rats. Histological examination revealed that SAA dose-dependently attenuated renal pathological lesions, evidenced by reduced renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by decreasing the expression levels of tumor growth factor-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin in 5/6Nx rats. Moreover, SAA dose-dependently inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, subsequently attenuating the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β and inhibiting the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in kidneys of 5/6Nx rats. The above results were consistent with those obtained in lipopolysaccharide-induced HK-2 cells in vitro (a recognized in vitro inflammatory model). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that SAA effectively attenuates kidney injury in 5/6Nx rats. The therapeutic effects of SAA on kidney injury can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory activities through inhibition of the activation of the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

Improved glycemic control with minimal systemic metformin exposure: Effects of Metformin Delayed-Release (Metformin DR) targeting the lower bowel over 16 weeks in a randomized trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes

Objective

Metformin use is restricted in patients with renal impairment due to potential excess systemic accumulation. This study evaluated the glycemic effects and safety of metformin delayed-release (Metformin DR), which targets metformin delivery to the ileum to leverage its gut-based mechanisms of action while minimizing systemic exposure.

Research designs and methods

Participants (T2DM [HbA1c 7–10.5%], eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m², not taking metformin for ≥2 months) were randomized to QD placebo (PBO); QD Metformin DR 600, 900, 1200, or 1500 mg; or to single-blind BID Metformin immediate-release (IR) 1000 mg. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c for Metformin DR vs. PBO at 16 weeks in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population (≥ 1 post-baseline HbA1c while on study drug), using a mixed-effects repeated measures model.

Results

571 subjects were randomized (56 years, 53% male, 80% white; BMI 32.2±5.5 kg/m²; HbA1c 8.6±0.9%; 51% metformin naive); 542 were in the mITT population. Metformin DR 1200 and 1500 mg significantly reduced HbA1c (-0.49±0.13% and -0.62±0.12%, respectively, vs. PBO -0.06±0.13%; p<0.05) and FPG (C_{average Weeks 4–16}: -22.3±4.2 mg/dL and -25.1±4.1 mg/dL, respectively vs. -2.5±4.2 mg/dL p<0.05). Metformin IR elicited greater HbA1c improvement (-1.10±0.13%; p<0.01 vs. Placebo and all doses of Metformin DR) but with ~3-fold greater plasma metformin exposure. Normalizing efficacy to systemic exposure, glycemic improvements with Metformin DR were 1.5-fold (HbA1c) and 2.1-fold (FPG) greater than Metformin IR. Adverse events were primarily gastrointestinal but these were less frequent with Metformin DR (<16% incidence) vs. Metformin IR (28%), particularly nausea (1–3% vs 10%).

Conclusion

Metformin DR exhibited greater efficacy per unit plasma exposure than Metformin IR. Future studies will evaluate the effects of Metformin DR in patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced renal disease.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02526524.

The clinical usefulness of glycated albumin in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease: Progress and challenges

Prolonged hyperglycemia leads to a non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, and produces Amadori products, such as glycated albumin (GA) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The utility of HbA1c in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be problematic since altered lifespan of red blood cells, use of iron and/or erythropoietin therapy, uremia and so on. Therefore, as an alternative marker, GA has been suggested as a more reliable and sensitive glycemic index in patients with CKD. In addition to the mean plasma glucose concentration, GA also reflects postprandial plasma glucose and glycemic excursion. Besides, with a half-life of approximately 2-3 weeks, GA may reflect the status of blood glucose more rapidly than HbA1c. GA is also an early precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which cause alterations in various cellular proteins and organelles. Thus, high GA levels may correlate with adverse outcomes of patients with CKD. In this review, the clinical usefulness of GA was discussed, including a comparison of GA with HbA1c, the utility and limitations of GA as a glycemic index, its potential role in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and the correlations between GA levels and outcomes, specifically in patients with diabetes and CKD.

Xiaokeping-induced autophagy protects pancreatic β-cells against apoptosis under high glucose stress

Xiaokeping (XKP), a prescribed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used to treat patients with type Ⅱ diabetes mellitus for many years; however, the molecular mechanism of its effects is unknown. As the only insulin producer, the pancreatic β cell plays an important role in diabetes. Whether XKP influences the viability of pancreatic β cells remains to be substantiated. In the present study, autophagy/apoptosis analyses were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of XKP on pancreatic β-cells induced by high glucose levels and to investigate a potential causal molecular mechanism of XKP effect on the cells. The pancreatic β-cell lines MIN-6 were divided into four groups: control, high glucose (33.3 mmol/L), high glucose with XKP, high glucose with XKP and 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). Immunofluorescence assay was employed to determine autophagosome formation and flow cytometry was used to determine apoptotic rates of the β cells by the detecting expression of autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins. High glucose increased the apoptotic rate of β-cells from 5.37% to 23.24%; however addition of XKP mitigated the rate at 10.92%. Data indicate that autophagy of β-cells was induced by XKP via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Where the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was added, the apoptotic rate was 23.94%, similar to the high glucose group rate. The results suggest a potential cytoprotective effect of XKP from high glucose toxicity by its induction of autophagy which may be linked to mTOR-mediated autophagy.

Glycemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus across stages of renal impairment: information for primary care providers

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a frequent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and elevates individuals' risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in T2DM. Achieving and maintaining tight glycemic control is key to preventing development or progression of CKD; however, improving glycemic control may be limited by effects of renal impairment on the efficacy and safety of T2DM treatments, necessitating dosing adjustments and careful evaluation of contraindications. Understanding the treatment considerations specific to each class of T2DM medication is important in individualizing therapy and improving glycemic, renal, and cardiovascular outcomes. Traditional glucose-lowering treatments include insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and thiazolidinediones. Each of these agents exhibits altered pharmacokinetics in patients with renal impairment except for the thiazolidinediones, which are metabolized by the liver and do not accumulate appreciably in patients with renal impairment. Newer glucose-lowering treatments include GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors. Of these, only the DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin can be used across all stages of renal impairment without dosing restrictions or concerns regarding dose escalation, and all SGLT2 inhibitors are contraindicated when eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73m². Several of the newer treatments have also been investigated for effects on renal and cardiovascular outcomes, demonstrating potential benefits of the GLP-1 agonists liraglutide and semaglutide, as well as the SGLT2 inhibitors canagliflozin and empagliflozin, in reducing risk for some adverse renal and cardiovascular events. In addition, some DPP-4 inhibitors have been shown to reduce albuminuria, an indicator of glomerular dysfunction. Consideration of this information is useful in informing optimal management strategies for patients with T2DM and concomitant CKD. More clinical data from future and ongoing clinical trials, including data regarding potential renal and cardiovascular benefits, will be important in clarifying the safety and efficacy profiles of each of these agents in patients with CKD.

Effects of Intensive Control of Glycemia on Clinical Kidney Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Compared with Standard Control: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Association between poor control of glycemia and the onset of microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is a hard issue. However, it seems that the impact of pharmacological treatment is important only in early stages of diabetic nephropathy. We sought to examine whether intensive glycemic control is associated with improvement of clinical Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) outcomes compared to standard glycemic control. Methods: Meta-analysis of published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (RCT) and post-hoc analysis of RCTs comparing anti-diabetic drugs and/or insulin (intensive control) vs. dietary measures (standard control) for relevant outcomes related to progression of CKD clinically manifest was undertaken. Summary estimates obtained by random effects model and funnel plots for assessing reporting bias are presented. Results: Our analysis was based on four RCTs representing 27,391 adult T2DM patients with CKD from around the world. The pooled OR for the outcomes of doubling of serum creatinine and need of dialysis were, respectively, of 0.98 with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.81-1.19, and 0.84 with 95% CI 0.69-1.02. The pooled OR for the outcome of death from kidney failure was 0.62 with 95% CI 0.39-0.98. Clinical differences between studies were not translated in statistical heterogeneity. Reporting bias may be present. Conclusions: Intensive glycemic control has an effect on death from kidney failure compared to standard glycemic control. Better comprehension of glycemic control effects on both T2DM patients with and without CKD is important for individualization of these two treatment modalities.

Risk Factors for Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in Insulin-treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of Observational Data Derived From an Integrated Clinical Trial Database

PURPOSE

A trade-off exists in most diabetes therapies between the benefits of good glycemic control and the morbidity of hypoglycemia. Balancing these factors to achieve desired outcomes is a key consideration for personalized diabetes therapy. Hypoglycemia at night (nocturnal hypoglycemia [NH]) is a common but often under-reported problem in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. To better understand the risk for NH, we pooled data from multiple clinical trials of insulin treatment and specifically examined NH risk factors in relation to glycemic goals.

METHODS

Of 53 randomized trials involving insulin treatment, 18 trials that collected NH data were included. Risk factors associated with NH were identified by using gradient-boosting methods. A proportional hazards model was used to quantify the hazard ratio (HR) for risk factors. By modeling with individual patient data, a patient-level NH risk score distribution was created. Finally, results of the model were used to quantify an adjustment to the glycemic goal that would fully offset each risk factor, all other factors being equal.

FINDINGS

Data pooling resulted in the inclusion of 7341 patients with type 2 diabetes from 18 randomized clinical trials. In the mean 6-month treatment period, 43% of patients experienced at least 1 episode of NH (mean [SD], 1.1 [1.5] events/month). Reduction of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels during the trial was a risk factor for NH (HR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.38-1.43] per -1% of HbA_1c). Higher baseline HbA_1c level was a protective factor against NH (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.74-0.77] per +1% of HbA_1c); and the adjustment to HbA_1c goal required to offset 1% higher baseline HbA_1c was -0.825%. Patient characteristics for risk of NH included older age (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01-1.02]) per 1-year increase), female sex (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.15-1.22]), black or African-American race (HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.33-1.50] vs white race), longer diabetes duration (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01-1.02] per 1-year increase), diabetic nephropathy (HR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.27-1.54]), and concomitant sulfonylurea use (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.05-1.15]). Asian race was associated with a lower risk of NH (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.48-0.53] vs white race); this finding could be offset with a 2.03% adjustment to the HbA_1c goal.

IMPLICATIONS

Data on NH are scarce. By pooling multiple clinical trials, this study was able to evaluate patient-level data. A quantitative understanding of the trade-off between individual risk factors for NH and glycemic reduction may help clinicians to personalize patients' glycemic goals, while effectively managing NH risk. Limitations of the study include that patients were selected through inclusion/exclusion criteria and that patient compliance may be better in a trial setting. Validating the findings in the real world will be helpful.

Epidemiology and outcomes of hypoglycemia in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease on dialysis: A national cohort study

Background

Patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease (DKD) behave differently to diabetic patients without kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the associations of hypoglycemia and outcomes after initiation of dialysis in patients with advanced DKD on dialysis.

Methods

Using National Health Insurance Research Database, 20,845 advanced DKD patients beginning long-term dialysis between 2002 and 2006 were enrolled. We investigated the incidence of severe hypoglycemia episodes before initiation of dialysis. Patients were followed from date of first dialysis to death, end of dialysis, or 2008. Main outcomes measured were all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and subsequent severe hypoglycemic episodes after dialysis.

Results

19.18% patients had at least one hypoglycemia episode during 1-year period before initiation of dialysis. Advanced DKD patients with higher adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index (aDCSI) scores were associated with more frequent hypoglycemia (P for trend < 0.001). Mortality and subsequent severe hypoglycemia after dialysis both increased with number of hypoglycemic episodes. Compared to those who had no hypoglycemic episodes, those who had one had a 15% higher risk of death and a 2.3-fold higher risk of subsequent severe hypoglycemia. Those with two or more episodes had a 19% higher risk of death and a 3.9-fold higher risk of subsequent severe hypoglycemia. However, previous severe hypoglycemia was not correlated with risk of MI after dialysis.

Conclusions

The rate of severe hypoglycemia was high in advanced DKD patients. Patients with higher aDCSI scores tended to have more hypoglycemic episodes. Hypoglycemic episodes were associated with subsequent hypoglycemia and mortality after initiation of dialysis. We studied the associations and further study is needed to establish cause. In addition, more attention is needed for hypoglycemia prevention in advanced DKD patients, especially for those at risk patients.

Current therapeutic approaches in the management of hyperglycemia in chronic renal disease

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are intricately intertwined. DM is the most common cause of CKD. Adequate control of DM is necessary for prevention of progression of CKD, while careful management of the metabolic abnormalities in CKD will assist in achieving better control of DM. Two of the key organs involved in glucose production are the kidney and the liver. Furthermore, the kidney also plays a role in glucose filtration and reabsorption. In CKD, monitoring of glycemic control using traditional methods such as Hemoglobin A1c (Hba1c) must be done with caution secondary to associated hematological abnormalities in CKD. With regard to medication management in the care of patients with DM, CKD has significant effects. For example, the dosages of oral and non-insulin anti-hyperglycemic agents often need to be modified according to renal function. Insulin metabolism is altered in CKD, and a reduction in insulin dose is almost always needed. Dialysis also affects various aspects of glucose homeostasis, necessitating appropriate changes in therapy. Due to the aforementioned factors glycemic management in patients with DM and CKD can be quiet challenging.

Systematic Literature Review of DPP-4 Inhibitors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Renal Impairment

INTRODUCTION

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are widely used in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and renal impairment (RI). A systematic literature review was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with T2DM and RI.

METHODS

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (cut-off, June 2015) to identify ≥12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trials on DPP-4 inhibitors in ≥50 patients with T2DM and RI. Outcomes of interest included change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), overall safety, and incidence of hypoglycemic events (HEs).

RESULTS

Seven trials of ≤52-54 weeks duration were retrieved, which included one study each on vildagliptin, saxagliptin, and sitagliptin, two on linagliptin, and the remaining two were extension studies of vildagliptin and saxagliptin. Majority of patients were on insulin at baseline (53-86%), except in the sitagliptin study, where approximately 11% received insulin during the placebo-controlled phase. After 52 weeks, vildagliptin and saxagliptin reduced HbA1c levels by 0.6-0.7% (baseline 7.8-8.4%) versus placebo in the overall population. HbA1c reductions were similar at weeks 12 and 52. In the 12-week, placebo-controlled phase, sitagliptin and linagliptin reduced mean HbA1c by approximately 0.4% (baseline 7.7-8.1%) versus placebo. Rates of HEs with DPP-4 inhibitors were not significantly different versus placebo in any study. Rates of adverse events (AEs) and changes involving renal function were similar in the active- and placebo-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that DPP-4 inhibitors have the potential to improve glycemic control in patients with RI without increasing the risk of HEs or overall AEs.

FUNDING

Novartis Pharma AG.

Glycaemic changes in patients with chronic kidney disease

In Argentina, there have been no studies aimed at establishing the prevalence of dysglycaemia (impaired fasting glucose [IFG], impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] and diabetes mellitus [DM]) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our group decided to conduct an observational study to evaluate the frequency with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in CKD patients with no previous data for dysglycaemia in their medical records. OGTT was performed in 254 patients (60.62% male) with stage 3, 4 and 5 CKD under conservative treatment, haemodialysis or transplantation. Results for DM were found in 10 patients according to fasting glucose alone (3.94%; 95% CI: 1.35-6.53%), 11 patients with exclusively the second hour criterion (4.33%; 95% CI: 1.63-7.03%), 15 with both criteria (5.91%; 95% CI: 2.81-9.00%) and 36 patients with at least one criteria (14.17%; 95% CI: 9.69-18.66%). In a multivariate analysis, DM was associated with waist circumference (OR=1.033 per cm; 95% CI, 1.005 to 1.062; P=.019) and with conservative treatment vs. replacement therapy (OR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.19-0.92; P=.028). IGT was evident in 24.6% and 20.3 on conservative vs. replacement therapy, with no statistically significant difference. IFG (ADA criteria) was 19.75 vs. 9.24% in conservative vs. replacement therapy, with a statistically significant difference. OGTT is suggested for all CKD patients since it is able to detect the full range of unknown dysglycaemias, which avoids underdiagnoses and favours performing treatments to prevent progression in DM risk groups (IFG and/or IGT). It also aids in the selection of the most appropriate medication for transplantation or treatment initiation in new cases of undiagnosed DM to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Effects of exercise on brain functions in diabetic animal models

Human life span has dramatically increased over several decades, and the quality of life has been considered to be equally important. However, diabetes mellitus (DM) characterized by problems related to insulin secretion and recognition has become a serious health problem in recent years that threatens human health by causing decline in brain functions and finally leading to neurodegenerative diseases. Exercise is recognized as an effective therapy for DM without medication administration. Exercise studies using experimental animals are a suitable option to overcome this drawback, and animal studies have improved continuously according to the needs of the experimenters. Since brain health is the most significant factor in human life, it is very important to assess brain functions according to the different exercise conditions using experimental animal models. Generally, there are two types of DM; insulin-dependent type 1 DM and an insulin-independent type 2 DM (T2DM); however, the author will mostly discuss brain functions in T2DM animal models in this review. Additionally, many physiopathologic alterations are caused in the brain by DM such as increased adiposity, inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, uncontrolled hyperphagia, insulin and leptin resistance, and dysregulation of neurotransmitters and declined neurogenesis in the hippocampus and we describe how exercise corrects these alterations in animal models. The results of changes in the brain environment differ according to voluntary, involuntary running exercises and resistance exercise, and gender in the animal studies. These factors have been mentioned in this review, and this review will be a good reference for studying how exercise can be used with therapy for treating DM.

Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes and Renal Disease

This article summarizes our current knowledge of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and morbidity of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetic kidney disease and reviews therapeutic limitations in this situation.