Diabetes in China: a societal solution for a personal challenge

Temporal trends and disparities of population attributable fractions of modifiable risk factors for dementia in China: a time-series study of the China health and retirement longitudinal study (2011-2018)

Background

In China, dementia poses a significant public health challenge, exacerbated by an ageing population and lifestyle changes. This study assesses the temporal trends and disparities in the population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of modifiable risk factors (MRFs) for new-onset dementia from 2011 to 2018.

Methods

We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), covering 75,214 person-waves. We calculated PAFs for 12 MRFs identified by the Lancet Commission (including six early-to mid-life factors and six late-life factors). We also determined the individual weighted PAFs (IW-PAFs) for each risk factor. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, socio-economic status (SES), and geographic location.

Findings

The overall PAF for dementia MRFs had a slight increase from 45.36% in 2011 to 52.46% in 2018, yet this change wasn't statistically significant. During 2011-2018, the most contributing modifiable risk was low education (average IW-PAF 11.3%), followed by depression, hypertension, smoking, and physical inactivity. Over the eight-year period, IW-PAFs for risk factors like low education, hypertension, hearing loss, smoking, and air pollution showed decreasing trends, while others increased, but none of these changes were statistically significant. Sex-specific analysis revealed higher IW-PAFs for traumatic brain injury (TBI), social isolation, and depression in women, and for alcohol and smoking in men. The decline in IW-PAF for men's hearing loss were significant. Lower-income individuals had higher overall MRF PAFs, largely due to later-life factors like depression. Early-life factors, such as TBI and low education, also contributed to SES disparities. Rural areas reported higher overall MRF PAFs, driven by factors like depression, low education, and hearing loss. The study also found that the gap in MRF PAFs across different SES groups or regions either remained constant or increased over the study period.

Interpretation

The study reveals a slight but non-significant increase in dementia's MRF PAF in China, underscoring the persistent relevance of these risk factors. The findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies, considering the demographic and regional differences, to effectively tackle and reduce dementia risk in China's diverse population.

Funding

This work was supported by the PKU Young Scholarship in Global Health and Development.

Evaluation of the role of atherogenic index of plasma in the reversion from Prediabetes to normoglycemia or progression to Diabetes: a multi-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is closely linked with glucose metabolism. We aimed to investigate the role of the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in the reversal of prediabetes to normal blood glucose levels or its progression to diabetes.

METHODS

This multi-center retrospective cohort study included 15,421 prediabetic participants from 32 regions across 11 cities in China, under the aegis of the Rich Healthcare Group's affiliated medical examination institutions. Throughout the follow-up period, we monitored changes in the glycemic status of these participants, including reversal to normal fasting glucose (NFG), persistence in the prediabetic state, or progression to diabetes. Segmented regression, stratified analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were performed based on the multivariable Cox regression model to evaluate the association between AIP and the reversal of prediabetes to NFG or progression to diabetes.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 2.9 years, we recorded 6,481 individuals (42.03%) reverting from prediabetes to NFG, and 2,424 individuals (15.72%) progressing to diabetes. After adjusting for confounders, AIP showed a positive correlation with the progression from prediabetes to diabetes [(Hazard ratio (HR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.24-1.64)] and a negative correlation with the reversion from prediabetes to NFG (HR 0.89, 95%CI:0.81-0.98); further RCS demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between AIP and the reversion from prediabetes to NFG/progression to diabetes, identifying a turning point of 0.04 for reversion to NFG and 0.17 for progression to diabetes. In addition, we observed significant differences in the association between AIP and reversion from prediabetes to NFG/progression to diabetes across age subgroups, specifically indicating that the risk associated with AIP for progression from prediabetes to diabetes was relatively higher in younger populations; likewise, a younger age within the adult group favored the reversion from prediabetes to NFG in relation to AIP.

CONCLUSION

Our study, for the first time, reveals a negative correlation between AIP and the reversion from prediabetes to normoglycemia and validates the crucial role of AIP in the risk assessment of prediabetes progression. Based on threshold analysis, therapeutically, keeping the AIP below 0.04 was of paramount importance for individuals with prediabetes aiming for reversion to NFG; preventatively, maintaining AIP below 0.17 was vital to reduce the risk of diabetes onset for those with prediabetes.

Role of Gut Microbiota, Immune Imbalance, and Allostatic Load in the Occurrence and Development of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevailing complication arising from diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, there are no trustworthy and efficacious treatment modalities currently available. In recent times, compelling evidence has emerged regarding the intricate correlation between the kidney and the gut microbiota, which is considered the largest immune organ within the human physique. Various investigations have demonstrated that the perturbation of the gut microbiota and its associated metabolites potentially underlie the etiology and progression of DKD. This phenomenon may transpire through perturbation of both the innate and the adaptive immunity, leading to a burdensome allostatic load on the body and ultimately culminating in the development of DKD. Within this literature review, we aim to delve into the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota, its metabolites, and the immune system in the context of DKD. Furthermore, we strive to explore and elucidate potential chemical interventions that could hold promise for the treatment of DKD, thereby offering invaluable insights and directions for future research endeavors.

An AI Dietitian for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management Based on Large Language and Image Recognition Models: Preclinical Concept Validation Study

BACKGROUND

Nutritional management for patients with diabetes in China is a significant challenge due to the low supply of registered clinical dietitians. To address this, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based nutritionist program that uses advanced language and image recognition models was created. This program can identify ingredients from images of a patient's meal and offer nutritional guidance and dietary recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the competence of the models that support this program.

METHODS

The potential of an AI nutritionist program for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was evaluated through a multistep process. First, a survey was conducted among patients with T2DM and endocrinologists to identify knowledge gaps in dietary practices. ChatGPT and GPT 4.0 were then tested through the Chinese Registered Dietitian Examination to assess their proficiency in providing evidence-based dietary advice. ChatGPT's responses to common questions about medical nutrition therapy were compared with expert responses by professional dietitians to evaluate its proficiency. The model's food recommendations were scrutinized for consistency with expert advice. A deep learning-based image recognition model was developed for food identification at the ingredient level, and its performance was compared with existing models. Finally, a user-friendly app was developed, integrating the capabilities of language and image recognition models to potentially improve care for patients with T2DM.

RESULTS

Most patients (182/206, 88.4%) demanded more immediate and comprehensive nutritional management and education. Both ChatGPT and GPT 4.0 passed the Chinese Registered Dietitian examination. ChatGPT's food recommendations were mainly in line with best practices, except for certain foods like root vegetables and dry beans. Professional dietitians' reviews of ChatGPT's responses to common questions were largely positive, with 162 out of 168 providing favorable reviews. The multilabel image recognition model evaluation showed that the Dino V2 model achieved an average F1 score of 0.825, indicating high accuracy in recognizing ingredients.

CONCLUSIONS

The model evaluations were promising. The AI-based nutritionist program is now ready for a supervised pilot study.

Phytochemicals for the treatment of metabolic diseases: Evidence from clinical studies

With the continuous improvement of people's living standard, the incidence of metabolic diseases is gradually increasing in recent years. There is growing interest in finding drugs to treat metabolic diseases from natural compounds due to their good efficacy and limited side effects. Over the past few decades, many phytochemicals derived from natural plants, such as berberine, curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, rutin, and hesperidin, have been shown to have good pharmacological activity against metabolic diseases in preclinical studies. More importantly, clinical trials using these phytochemicals to treat metabolic diseases have been increasing. This review comprehensively summarizes the clinical progress of phytochemicals derived from natural plants in the treatment of several metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Accumulating clinical evidence shows that a total of 18 phytochemicals have good therapeutic effects on the three metabolic diseases by lowering blood glucose and lipid levels, reducing insulin resistance, enhancing insulin sensitivity, increasing energy expenditure, improving liver function, and relieving inflammation and oxidative stress. The information will help us better understand the medicinal value of these phytochemicals and promote their clinical application in the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Association of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Cognitive Function in Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Cognitive role of untreated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been less well substantiated.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to explore the prospective association of T2DM and untreated T2DM with cognitive function among middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

METHODS

Data of 7,230 participants without baseline brain damage, mental retardation, or memory-related diseases in China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011- 2012 to 2015, were analyzed. Fasting plasma glucose and self-reported information on T2DM diagnosis and treatment were assessed. Participants were categorized into normoglycemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and T2DM (including untreated and treated T2DM) groups. Episodic memory and executive function were assessed by modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status every two years. We used generalized estimating equation model to examine the association of baseline T2DM status with cognitive function in succeedingyears.

RESULTS

Compared to those with normoglycemia, T2DM was associated with worse overall cognitive function after controlling for demographic variables, lifestyles, follow-up time, major clinical factors, and baseline cognitive function, although the associations were statistically non-significant (β= -0.19, 95% CI: -0.39, 0.00). However, a significant association was mainly observed for those with untreated T2DM (β= -0.26, 95% CI: -0.47, -0.04), especially in the domain of executive function (β= -0.19, 95% CI: -0.35, -0.03). In general, IFG and treated T2DM individuals had similar levels of cognitive function with normoglycemia participants.

CONCLUSION

Our findings supported a detrimental role of untreated T2DM on cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults. Screening and early treatment for T2DM are warranted for maintaining better cognitive function in later life.

Predictive Efficiency of Prediabetes for Diabetes Among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Populations: a 5-Year National Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Limited studies have explored the predictive efficiency of prediabetes based on two definitions for diabetes among Chinese middle-aged and older populations with prediabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive efficiency of prediabetes based on two definitions for diabetes and the clinical and public health benefit in Chinese middle-aged and older populations.

DESIGN

A 5-year cohort study from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5208 participants who had blood sample data at baseline in 2011.

MAIN MEASURES

The exposure was prediabetes based on American Diabetes Association (ADA) and World Health Organization (WHO) definition. The main outcome was incident diabetes. The ability of prediabetes for predicting diabetes was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to explore the associations between prediabetes and the 5-year risk of diabetes and all-cause mortality.

KEY RESULTS

Among those with prediabetes according to the ADA definition, only 426 (15.45%) with baseline prediabetes progressed to total diabetes, while according to the WHO definition, 208 (21.89%) progressed to total diabetes. In terms of the ability of predicting the incident total diabetes in 5 years, the ADA definition has a higher sensitivity than the WHO definition (70.76% versus 34.55%, P < 0.001), while the WHO definition has a higher specificity than the ADA definition (84.09% versus 49.35%, P < 0.001). Positive predictive values based on the two definitions were low (< 24%); negative predictive values were high (> 90%).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither definition of prediabetes is robust for predicting diabetes development in Chineses middle-aged and older populations.

Are we overlooking the neurodegeneration in the early stage of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus without Visual Impairment or Diabetic Retinopathy: is it probably occurred before retinal vasculature dysfunction?

PURPOSE

Using electrophysiology (ERG) to investigate the early alterations of retinal function in diabetic children and adolescents without diabetic retinopathy (DR) or visual impairment (VI).

METHODS

We recorded and compared the data of full-field flicker ERGs between 59 normal subjects and 60 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai.

RESULTS

In both groups, patients with diabetes and healthy controls were matched for age, gender, weight, height, BMI, intraocular pressure (IOP), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Among the parameters of the outcomes of ERG, the implicit time in eyes in DM patients was significantly prolonged compared to normal eyes (p = .008, 16 Td-s; p = .000, 32 Td-s). In the case group, we found significantly positive correlation between implicit time and BMI (p < .05), as well as implicit time and axial length (AL).

CONCLUSIONS

The study reveals that the dysfunction of retina in DM children can be detected with ERGs. It also shows that hyperglycemia has an impact on the occurrence of neurodegeneration in the early stage of DM.

Incentives Promoting Contracted Family Doctor Service Policy to Improve Continuity and Coordination in Diabetes Patient Management Care in China

Background

As the first step toward building a gatekeeping system in China, the governments have introduced a contracted family doctor service (CFDS) policy in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. This study was to examine the association between apply of incentive to improve the implementation of CFDS and the performance on diabetes management care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 72 PHC facilities in 6 cities that piloted the CFDS. Multivariate regression models were applied, based on a sample of 827 PHC providers and 420 diabetic patients.

Results

PHC providers who reported the performance being linked with increased income were 168.1 and 78.0% more likely to have good continuity and coordination of diabetes patient management care, respectively. Additional one-point percentage of PHC providers whose performance on CFDS was assessed was associated with 7.192 times higher probability of patients with control of blood glucose.

Discussion

Inclusion of incentives rewarding better performance on CFDS were associated with better delivery process and outcome performance on diabetes management care.

Conclusion

Design and implementation of the incentive should be accompanied with the policy of CFDS, in order to increase the proportion of performance-related income of PHC providers, thereby improving the quality of diabetes management care.

Early-Life Exposure to the Chinese Famine of 1959-1961 and Type 2 Diabetes in Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The fast-growing literature suggests that the Chinese famine of 1959-1961 drives current and future type 2 diabetes (T2D) epidemics in China. This conclusion may be premature, as many Chinese famine studies have major methodological problems. We examine these problems, demonstrate how they bias the study results, and formulate recommendations to improve the quality of future studies.

METHODS

We searched English and Chinese databases for studies that examined the relationship between prenatal exposure to the Chinese famine and adult T2D from inception to 8 February 2022. We extracted information on T2D cases and study populations of individuals born during the famine (famine births), before the famine (prefamine births), and after the famine (postfamine births). We used random-effects models to compare the odds of T2D in famine births to several control groups, including postfamine births, combined pre- and postfamine births, and prefamine births. We used meta-regressions to examine the impacts of age differences between comparison groups on famine effect estimates and the role of other characteristics, including participant sex, age, and T2D assessments; famine intensity; residence; and publication language. Potential sources of heterogeneity and study quality were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies met our inclusion criteria. The sample sizes ranged from less than 300 to more than 360,000 participants. All studies defined the famine exposure based on the participants' dates of birth, and 18 studies compared famine births and postfamine births to estimate famine effects on T2D. The famine and postfamine births had an age difference of three years or more in all studies. The estimates of the famine effect varied by the selection of controls. Using postfamine births as controls, the OR for T2D among famine births was 1.50 (95% CI 1.34-1.68); using combined pre- and postfamine births as controls, the OR was 1.12 (95% CI 1.02-1.24); using prefamine births as controls, the OR was 0.89 (95% CI 0.79-1.00). The meta-regressions further showed that the famine effect estimates increased by over 1.05 times with each one-year increase in ignored age differences between famine births and controls. Other newly identified methodological problems included the poorly assessed famine intensity, unsuitable study settings for famine research, and poor confounding adjustment.

INTERPRETATION

The current estimates of a positive relationship between prenatal exposure to the Chinese famine and adult T2D are mainly driven by uncontrolled age differences between famine births and postfamine births. Studies with more rigorous methods, including age-balanced controls and robust famine intensity measures, are needed to quantify to what extent the famine exposure is related to current T2D patterns in China.

Pathophysiology, phenotypes and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Indian and Chinese populations

Nearly half of all adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) live in India and China. These populations have an underlying predisposition to deficient insulin secretion, which has a key role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. Indian and Chinese people might be more susceptible to hepatic or skeletal muscle insulin resistance, respectively, than other populations, resulting in specific forms of insulin deficiency. Cluster-based phenotypic analyses demonstrate a higher frequency of severe insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus and younger ages at diagnosis, lower β-cell function, lower insulin resistance and lower BMI among Indian and Chinese people compared with European people. Individuals diagnosed earliest in life have the most aggressive course of disease and the highest risk of complications. These characteristics might contribute to distinctive responses to glucose-lowering medications. Incretin-based agents are particularly effective for lowering glucose levels in these populations; they enhance incretin-augmented insulin secretion and suppress glucagon secretion. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors might also lower blood levels of glucose especially effectively among Asian people, while α-glucosidase inhibitors are better tolerated in east Asian populations versus other populations. Further research is needed to better characterize and address the pathophysiology and phenotypes of T2DM in Indian and Chinese populations, and to further develop individualized treatment strategies.

Combined Effects of Obesity and Dyslipidaemia on the Prevalence of Diabetes Amongst Adults Aged ≥45 Years: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the combined effects of different types of obesity and dyslipidaemia on the prevalence of diabetes in middle-aged and elderly residents. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Studydatabase, and 5023 valid participants were included after excluding those with missing data. A Chi-square test was used to test the difference in the prevalence of diabetes between the groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between different types of obesity combined with dyslipidaemia and the prevalence of diabetes. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with those with a body mass index <24/ortholiposis, the subgroup with systemic obesity/dyslipidaemia had 4.37 times the risk of diabetes (OR = 4.37, 95% CI = 2.36−8.10, p < 0.001). In addition, compared with those with a normal waist circumference (WC)/ortholiposis, the subgroup with abdominal obesity/dyslipidaemia had 3.58 times the risk of diabetes (OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 2.49−5.13, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The coexistence of obesity and dyslipidaemia can significantly increase the risk of diabetes, suggesting that the strict control of weight, WC and lipid level is beneficial to the prevention of diabetes.

Prevalence and In-hospital outcomes of diabetes among acute ischemic stroke patients in china: results from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance

Background

Patients with ischemic stroke and diabetes are classified as extreme risk for secondary prevention, with much attention and specific management. However, the up-to-date information regarding the burden of diabetes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients is lacking in China, and evidence for an association between diabetes and in-hospital outcomes after AIS remains controversial.

Methods

This quality improvement study was conducted at 1,476 participating hospitals in the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance between 2015 and 2019. Prevalence of diabetes was evaluated in the overall study population and different subgroups. The association between diabetes and in-hospital outcomes in AIS patients was analyzed by using multivariable logistic regression analysis and propensity score-matched analysis.

Results

Of 838,229 patients with AIS, 286,252 (34.2%) had diabetes/possible diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes/possible diabetes was higher in women than in men (37.6% versus 32.1%). Patients with diabetes/possible diabetes had higher rates of adverse in-hospital outcomes than those without. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant association between diabetes/possible diabetes and adverse in-hospital outcomes (all-cause mortality: odds ratio [OR], 1.30 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–1.38]; major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs): OR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.06–1.10]) in AIS patients. The excess risk of in-hospital outcomes still remained in AIS patients with diabetes/possible diabetes after propensity score-matching analysis (all-cause mortality: OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.17–1.35]; MACEs: OR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.05–1.10]).

Conclusion

Diabetes was highly prevalent among AIS patients in China and associated with worse in-hospital outcomes. Greater efforts to increase targeted approach to secondary prevention treatments of diabetes in AIS patients are warranted.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-022-11112-z.

Web-Based TangPlan and WeChat Combination to Support Self-management for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

China has the largest number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the world. However, owing to insufficient knowledge of self-management in patients with diabetes, blood glucose (BG) control is poor. Most diabetes-related self-management applications fail to bring significant benefits to patients with T2DM because of the low use rate and difficult operation.

Objective

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the combination of the self-designed web-based T2DM management software TangPlan and WeChat on fasting BG (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), body weight, blood pressure (BP), and lipid profiles in patients with T2DM over a 6-month period.

Methods

Participants were recruited and randomized into the TangPlan and WeChat or control groups. Participants in the control group received usual care, whereas the TangPlan and WeChat participants received self-management guidance with the help of TangPlan and WeChat from health care professionals, including BG self-monitoring; healthy eating; active physical exercise; increasing medication compliance; and health education during follow-ups, lectures, or web-based communication. They were also asked to record and send self-management data to the health care professionals via WeChat to obtain timely and effective guidance on diabetes self-management.

Results

In this study, 76.9% (120/156) of participants completed the 6-month follow-up visit. After the intervention, FBG (mean 6.51, SD 1.66 mmol/L; P=.048), HbA_1c (mean 6.87%, SD 1.11%; P<.001), body weight (mean 66.50, SD 9.51 kg; P=.006), systolic BP (mean 127.03, SD 8.00 mm Hg; P=.005), diastolic BP (mean 75.25, SD 5.88 mm Hg; P=.03), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean 2.50, SD 0.61 mmol/L; P=.006), and total cholesterol (mean 4.01, SD 0.83 mmol/L; P=.02) in the TangPlan and WeChat group were all significantly lower, whereas serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean 1.20, SD 0.25 mmol/L; P=.01) was remarkably higher than in those in the control group. Compared with the baseline data, significance was found in the mean change in FBG (95% CI −0.83 to −0.20; P=.002), HbA_1c (95% CI −1.92 to −1.28; P<.001), body weight (95% CI −3.13 to −1.68; P<.001), BMI (95% CI −1.10 to −0.60; P<.001), systolic BP (95% CI −7.37 to −3.94; P<.001), diastolic BP (95% CI −4.52 to −2.33; P<.001), triglycerides (95% CI −0.16 to −0.03; P=.004), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95% CI −0.54 to −0.30; P<.001), and total cholesterol (95% CI −0.60 to −0.34; P<.001) in the TangPlan and WeChat group but not in the control group (P=.08-.88).

Conclusions

Compared with usual care for patients with T2DM, the combination of TangPlan and WeChat was effective in improving glycemic control (decrease in HbA_1c and BG levels) and serum lipid profiles as well as reducing body weight in patients with T2DM after 6 months.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000028843; https://tinyurl.com/559kuve6

Establishing and evaluating physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics to manage patients with type 2 diabetes in primary hospitals in Hunan province: study protocol of a multi-site randomized controlled trial in the era of COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted an unprecedented and universal impact on global health system, resulting in noticeable challenges in traditional chronic disease care, of which diabetes was reported to be most influenced by the reduction in healthcare resources in the pandemic. China has the world’s largest diabetes population, and current diabetes management in China is unsatisfactory, particularly in rural areas. Studies in developed countries have demonstrated that physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics are efficient and cost-effective for diabetes management, but little is known if this mode could be adapted in primary hospitals in China. The aim of this proposed study is to develop and evaluate physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary hospitals in Hunan province.

Methods

A multi-site randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics compared with usual care for Chinese patients with T2DM. Six primary hospitals will participate in the study, which will recruit 600 eligible patients. Patients in the intervention group will receive services from both physicians and pharmacists in the collaborative clinics, while the control group will receive usual care from physicians. Patients will be followed up at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th month. Comparison between the two groups will be conducted by assessing the clinical parameters, process indicators and costs on diabetes. A satisfaction survey will also be carried out at the end of the study.

Discussion

If effective, the physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics can be adapted and used in primary hospitals of China to improve glycemic control, enhance medication adherence, decrease incidence of complications and reduce patients’ dependence on physicians. Findings from the present study are meaningful for developing evidence-based diabetes care policy in rural China, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic era.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000031839, Registered 12 April 2020.

MicroRNA-193b impairs muscle growth in mouse models of type 2 diabetes by targeting the PDK1/Akt signalling pathway

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Type 2 diabetes is associated with a reduction in skeletal muscle mass; however, how the progression of sarcopenia is induced and regulated remains largely unknown. We aimed to find out whether a specific microRNA (miR) may contribute to skeletal muscle atrophy in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated skeletal muscle miR-193b overexpression in C57BLKS/J mice, and skeletal muscle miR-193b deficiency in db/db mice were used to explore the function of miR-193b in muscle loss. In C57BL/6 J mice, tibialis anterior-specific deletion of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1), mediated by in situ AAV injection, was used to confirm whether miR-193b regulates muscle growth through PDK1. Serum miR-193b levels were also analysed in healthy individuals (n = 20) and those with type 2 diabetes (n = 20), and correlations of miR-193b levels with HbA_1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), body composition, triacylglycerols and C-peptide were assessed.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that serum miR-193b levels increased in individuals with type 2 diabetes and negatively correlated with muscle mass in these participants. Functional studies further showed that AAV-mediated overexpression of miR-193b induced muscle loss and dysfunction in healthy mice. In contrast, suppression of miR-193b attenuated muscle loss and dysfunction in db/db mice. Mechanistic analysis revealed that miR-193b could target Pdk1 expression to inactivate the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6 kinase (S6K) pathway, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. Therefore, knockdown of PDK1 in healthy mice blocked miR-193b-induced inactivation of the Akt/mTOR/S6K pathway and impairment of muscle growth.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our results identified a previously unrecognised role of miR-193b in muscle function and mass that could be a potential therapeutic target for treating sarcopenia.

Predicting Diabetes and Estimating Its Economic Burden in China Using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model

Objectives: To predict the number of people with diabetes and estimate the economic burden in China.

Methods: Data from natural logarithmic transformation of the number of people with diabetes in China from 2000 to 2018 were selected to fit the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, and 2019 data were used to test it. The bottom-up and human capital approaches were chosen to estimate the direct and indirect economic burden of diabetes respectively.

Results: The number of people with diabetes in China would increase in the future. The ARIMA model fitted and predicted well. The number of people with diabetes from 2020 to 2025 would be about 94, 96, 97, 98, 99 and 100 m respectively. The economic burden of diabetes from 2019 to 2025 would be about $156b, $160b, $163b, $165b, $167b, $169b and $170b respectively.

Conclusion: The situation of diabetes in China is serious. The ARIMA model can be used to predict the number of people with diabetes. We should allocate health resources in a rational manner to improve the prevention and control of diabetes.

Prevalence and Treatment of Diabetes in China, 2013-2018

IMPORTANCE

Recent data on prevalence, awareness, treatment, and risk factors of diabetes in China is necessary for interventional efforts.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and risk factors of diabetes in China based on national data.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional nationally representative survey data collected in adults aged 18 years or older in mainland China from 170 287 participants in the 2013-2014 years and 173 642 participants in the 2018-2019 years.

EXPOSURES

Fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels were measured for all participants. A 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test was conducted for all participants without diagnosed diabetes.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcomes were diabetes and prediabetes defined according to American Diabetes Association criteria. Secondary outcomes were awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes and prevalence of risk factors. A hemoglobin A1c level of less than 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) among treated patients with diabetes was considered adequate glycemic control.

RESULTS

In 2013, the median age was 55.8 years (IQR, 46.4-65.2 years) and the weighted proportion of women was 50.0%; in 2018, the median age was 51.3 years (IQR, 42.1-61.6 years), and the weighted proportion of women was 49.5%. The estimated prevalence of diabetes increased from 10.9% (95% CI, 10.4%-11.5%) in 2013 to 12.4% (95% CI, 11.8%-13.0%) in 2018 (P < .001). The estimated prevalence of prediabetes was 35.7% (95% CI, 34.2%-37.3%) in 2013 and 38.1% (95% CI, 36.4%-39.7%) in 2018 (P = .07). In 2018, among adults with diabetes, 36.7% (95% CI, 34.7%-38.6%) reported being aware of their condition, and 32.9% (95% CI, 30.9%-34.8%) reported being treated; 50.1% (95% CI, 47.5%-52.6%) of patients receiving treatment were controlled adequately. These rates did not change significantly from 2013. From 2013 to 2018, low physical activity, high intake of red meat, overweight, and obesity significantly increased in prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this survey study, the estimated diabetes prevalence was high and increased from 2013 to 2018. There was no significant improvement in the estimated prevalence of adequate treatment.

Geographic, Gender, and Seasonal Variation of Diabetes: A Nationwide Study With 1.4 Million Participants

CONTEXT

China has experienced a rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the prevalence of diabetes among Chinese adults who attended preventive physical examinations and analyzed geographical and gender difference in seasonal variation of fasting blood glucose (FBG).

METHODS

The study used data from 1 390 088 participants attending preventive health examination at 430 health screening centers in 220 cities. Diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes were based on FBG and glycated hemoglobin A1c and self-reported physician's diagnosis. We calculated age- and sex-standardized prevalence of diabetes according to the sixth Chinese population census data in 2010. Geographical distribution of diabetes and prediabetes were represented on a country map. FBG levels were analyzed to detect seasonal variation adjusted for age and gender by geographic location.

RESULTS

The standardized prevalence of diabetes was 8.70% (95% CI, 8.22%-9.19%), 10.7% in men and 6.61% in women. Among those with diabetes, 43.7% (95% CI, 40.9%-46.5%) were aware of their conditions and 38.5% (95% CI, 36.0%-41.1%) were treated. Only 49.3% (95% CI, 47.0%-51.6%) of treated patients achieved glycemic control. The mean level of FBG was higher in winter than summer and in the northern than the southern region.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of diabetes was high while the percentages of awareness, treatment, and glycemic control were low among adults. Effective measures are needed to prevent and manage diabetes in China. Geographic and seasonal variation of diabetes should be considered for its prevention and control.

Decision models in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

AIMS

To reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the disease decision model plays a vital role in supporting decision-making. Currently, there is no comprehensive summary and assessment of the existing decision models for T2DM. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the characteristics and capabilities of published decision models for T2DM. We also discuss which models are suitable for different study demands.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) were electronically searched for papers published from inception to August 2020. Search terms were: "Diabetes-Mellitus, Type 2", "cost-utility", "quality-of-life", and "decision model". Reference lists of the included studies were manually searched. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. If there was insufficient information to include or exclude a study, then a full-text version was sought. The extracted information included basic information, study details, population characteristics, basic modeling methodologies, model structure, and data inputs for the included applications, model outcomes, model validation, and uncertainty.

RESULTS

Fourteen unique decision models for T2DM were identified. Markov chains and risk equations were utilized by four and three models, respectively. Three models utilized both. Except for the Archimedes model, all other models (n = 13) implemented an annual cycle length. The time horizon of most models was flexible. Fourteen models had differences in the division of health states. Ten models emphasized macrovascular and microvascular complications. Six models included adverse events. Majority of the models (n = 11) were patient-level simulation models. Eleven models simulated annual changes in risk factors (body mass index, glycemia, HbA1c, blood pressure (systolic and/or diastolic), and lipids (total cholesterol and/or high-density lipoprotein)). All models reported the main data sources used to develop health states of complications. Most models (n = 11) could deal with the uncertainty of models, which were described in varying levels of detail in the primary studies. Eleven studies reported that one or more validation checks were performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing decision models for T2DM are heterogeneous in terms of the level of detail in the classification of health states. Thus, more attention should be focused on balancing the desired level of complexity against the required level of transparency in the development of T2DM decision models.

Migration and diabetes incidence among Chinese adults in Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan: An international population-based comparative study from 2000 to 2017

AIMS

We conducted an international population-based study comparing the incidence of young- (age 20-39 years) and usual- (age ≥ 40 years) onset diabetes among Chinese-Canadian immigrants; their source populations (mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan); and other Canadians.

METHODS

Using population-based data (2000-17; n = 3.4 million cases), we calculated incidence rates and incidence rate ratios comparing the average incidence for each cohort.

RESULTS

The average incidence of young-onset diabetes (YOD) among immigrants from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan was 165.5, 121.0, and 78.4 per 100,000 person-years respectively. Immigrants from China and Hong Kong had higher YOD incidence than their source populations (RR China: 2.59, 2.44-2.74; Hong Kong: 1.64, 1.49-1.81), while immigrants from Taiwan had lower rates versus Taiwan (RR 0.63, 0.45-0.86). YOD incidence among immigrants from China increased sharply by 8.3% (3.3-13.6%) per year from 2011 onward-over twice the annual increase among non-Chinese Canadians. The average incidence rates of usual-onset diabetes among immigrants from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan were higher than (RR 1.77, 1.73-1.81), similar to (0.98, 0.96-1.01), and lower than (0.36, 0.32-0.40) those in each source population respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes incidence among Chinese migrants is unexpectedly heterogeneous, varying according age at migration, territory of origin, and the occurrence of diabetes in the source population.

Automated detection of severe diabetic retinopathy using deep learning method

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the intelligent diagnosis of severe DR with lesion recognition based on color fundus photography.

METHODS

The Kaggle public dataset for DR grading is used in the project, including 53,576 fundus photos in the test set, 28,101 in the training set, and 7,025 in the validation set. We randomly select 4,192 images for lesion annotation. Inception V3 structure is adopted as the classification algorithm. Both 299 × 299 pixel images and 896 × 896 pixel images are used as the input size. ROC curve, AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and their harmonic mean are used to evaluate the performance of the models.

RESULTS

The harmonic mean and AUC of the model of 896 × 896 input are higher than those of the 299 × 299 input model. The sensitivity, specificity, harmonic mean, and AUC of the method with 896 × 896 resolution images as input for severe DR are 0.925, 0.907, 0.916, and 0.968, respectively. The prediction error mainly occurs in moderate NPDR, and cases with more hard exudates and cotton wool spots are easily predicted as severe cases. Cases with preretinal hemorrhage and vitreous hemorrhage are easily identified as severe cases, and IRMA is the most difficult lesion to recognize.

CONCLUSIONS

We have studied the intelligent diagnosis of severe DR based on color fundus photography. This artificial intelligence-based technology offers a possibility to increase the accessibility and efficiency of severe DR screening.

Prevalence and characteristics of alcohol consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural China

Background

The study aimed to characterize the prevalence of alcohol consumption and further investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We studied 39,259 participants aged 18 to 79 years of the Henan Rural Cohort study. The associations between alcohol consumption and T2DM were examined using the logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline.

Results

For men, alcohol abstinence was associated with an increased risk of T2DM (1.491(1.265, 1.758)), whereas current drinkers were not associated with T2DM (1.03(0.91, 1.15)). Further analysis of alcohol drinkers revealed that only high-risk drinkers of WHO drinking risk levels increased the risk of T2DM (1.289(1.061,1.566)) compared to never drinkers. The risk of T2DM increased as the age of starting to consume alcohol decreased and as the number of years of consuming alcohol and the alcohol intake increased only in men. We further found that the risk of T2DM decreased as the number of years of abstinence increases and no association between alcohol abstinence and T2DM was found after more than 10 years of abstinence among men.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that reducing the amount of alcohol consumed and adhering to abstinence from alcohol consumption are beneficial in reducing the risk of T2DM.

Trial registration

The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 2015-07-06. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11681-0.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 attenuated carboxymethyl lysine induced neuronal apoptosis via peroxisome proliferation activated receptor-γ

Backgrounds and aims: The role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in neuronal apoptosis remains unclear. We aim to investigate the role of PPAR-γ in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) alleviated neuronal apoptosis induced by carboxymethyl-lysine (CML).

Materials and Methods: In vitro, PC12 cells were treated by CML/GLP-1. Moreover. the function of PPAR-γ was blocked by GW9662. In vivo, streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce diabetic rats with neuronal apoptosis. The cognitive function of rats was observed by Morris water maze. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. Bcl2, Bax, PPAR-γ and receptor of GLP-1 (GLP-1R) were measured by western blotting or immunofluorescence.

Results: In vitro experiment, CML triggered apoptosis, down-regulated GLP-1R and PPAR-γ. Moreover, GLP-1 not only alleviated the apoptosis, but also increased levels of PPAR-γ. GW9662 abolished the neuroprotective effect of GLP-1 on PC12 cells from apoptosis. Furthermore, GLP-1R promoter sequences were detected in the PPAR-γ antibody pulled mixture. GPL-1 levels decreased, while CML levels increased in diabetic rats, compared with control rats. Additionally, we observed elevated bax, decreased bcl2, GLP-1R and PPAR-γ in diabetic rats.

Conclusions: GLP-1 could attenuate neuronal apoptosis induced by CML. Additionally, PPAR-γ involves in this process.

Trends and geographic variations in self-reported diabetes incidence: A prospective open cohort study of Chinese men and women, 1997-2015

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the trends and geographic variations of incident diabetes as well as the corresponding sex differences in China.

METHODS

The open cohort study derived data of 16,610 individuals from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1997-2015. Direct standardisation was employed to calculate the age-standardised diabetes incidence. Mixed effects logistic regression models with interaction terms were performed to examine variations in incident diabetes. Socio-demographic (age, sex, marital status, racial compositions and educational attainment) and lifestyle attributes (smoking history, BMI and waist circumference) were sequentially included as covariates.

RESULTS

Overall age-standardised diabetes incidence increased from 2.94 per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 2.44-3.44) in 1997-2004 to 5.54 (95% CI, 4.94-6.14) in 2009-2015. Models with interaction terms suggest that the increase among men was higher than that among women (wave 2006-2009 × Female: OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.28-0.72). Age-standardised incidence of diabetes varied across regions, ranging from 5.67 (95% CI, 4.95-6.40) in Eastern China to 2.69 (95% CI 2.19-3.19) in Western China. Subsequent modelling analyses suggest that the geographic variations could be mostly explained by the variations in the BMI and waist circumference across regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the incidence of self-reported diabetes approximately doubled during the study period. The increase among men was steeper than that among women. Public interventions reducing the population's obesity level hold promise to alleviate geographic variations and flatten the growth curve.

Factors affecting health care users' first contact with primary health care facilities in north eastern China, 2008-2018

Background

China set out the vision to establishing a hierarchical medical system, with primary health care (PHC) facilities serving health care users’ first contact. Common ailments were listed, supported by a series of auxiliary policy measures. We aim to assess whether these policies were effective to prompt users’ preference to PHCs within these contexts.

Methods

Using data from three waves of National Health Service Survey, we examined trends in care users’ first contact with PHC facilities in Jilin, a north eastern province, during 2008–2018. We analysed trends and factors affecting care users’ choices, stratified by type of diseases and urban–rural settings.

Results

From 38 823 respondents, the survey identified 3302 health care users who sought outpatient care. 54.92% and 82.49% with diseases recommended to PHC, in urban and rural Jilin, respectively, contacted PHC facilities first. While 33.51% and 61.19% with diseases not recommended to PHC did so. Care users’ first contact with PHC facilities followed an inverse U shape during 2008–2018. Such trends were more profound among care users with hypertension and/or diabetes. Neither social health insurance coverage nor contracting with family doctors was associated with care users’ first contacts. Only 1.25% care users had referral experiences. Low perceived quality was the main barrier to choose PHC facilities.

Conclusion

Health care users sought PHC in a chaotic manner in Jilin. None of the recent efforts seemed effective in prompting their preference to PHC facilities. Without levering quality of PHC, an effective hierarchical medical system could be hardly forged in China.

Irisin plays an important role in the outcomes of newly diagnosed prediabetes in adults in Guiyang, China

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

To explore the potential role of irisin in the outcomes of newly diagnosed prediabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from the Guiyang subcenter of the Risk Evaluation of cAncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals: a lONgitudinal (REACTION) study. A total of 2,530 participants had newly diagnosed prediabetes at baseline and completed follow up. The nested 1:1 case-control study included 161 participants who developed diabetes mellitus at follow up, and 161 age- and sex-matched controls. The follow-up study included 86 matched case-control pairs. Fasting serum irisin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Baseline serum irisin levels were higher in the cases than in the controls (P = 0.002); high baseline serum irisin levels were an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes (odds ratio 1.235, 95% confidence interval 1.025-1.488). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), smoking, exercise, and family history of diabetes, subjects in the highest quartile of irisin levels had a higher risk of diabetes than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio 3.065, 95% confidence interval 1.511-6.218). The extent of decrease in irisin levels during follow-up was greater in the cases than in the controls (P < 0.001). Baseline serum irisin levels were positively correlated with the extent of decrease in irisin during follow-up (r = 0.773, P < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, subjects with a decrease of irisin above the median had much higher risk for diabetes (odds ratio 5.077, 95% confidence interval 2.112-12.206).

CONCLUSIONS

Irisin might play an important role in the outcomes of newly diagnosed prediabetes in adults in Guiyang, and can predict the risk for developing diabetes in these individuals.

Discovery and validation of hsa_circ_0001953 as a potential biomarker for proliferative diabetic retinopathy in human blood

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine whether circular RNAs (circRNAs) in whole blood could be served as novel non-invasive biomarkers for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study comprised 34 healthy participants, 34 PDR patients and 34 non-proliferative DR (NPDR) patients. High-throughput whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to explore the expression profile of circRNAs in the whole blood, and the candidate circRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis evaluated the ability of these candidate circRNAs in discriminating PDR patients from NPDR patients and healthy subjects. Finally, the networks of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA based on the candidate circRNAs were constructed.

RESULTS

Using sequencing and qRT-PCR, hsa_circ_0001953 was found to be elevated in PDR patients in contrast with the other two groups. Statistical analysis showed that the expression levels of hsa_circ_0001953 in PDR patients were positively related to the duration of diabetes and HbAc1. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that hsa_circ_0001953 was associated with a high diagnostic accuracy in discriminating PDR patients from NPDR patients and healthy controls, resulting in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 and 0.92, respectively. The circRNA-miRNA-target gene networks for hsa_circ_0001953 showed that hsa_circ_0001953 could interact with dozens of miRNAs and some targeted mRNAs have been potentially involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The present findings indicate that hsa_circ_0001953 in the whole blood may serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for PDR.

Unmet needs as indicator of improving chronic care delivery system in China

In 2009, China strengthened its public health service system. Since then, the country has made remarkable achievements in community-based chronic disease prevention and control; however, certain groups still have unmet needs. During 2019 to 2029, China will consolidate the top-level design of its medical health system. During this period, the coordination of department policies, improvement of service delivery mechanisms, building an integrated health service system, and other issues will be highlighted. This study will provide a basis for designing China's chronic disease prevention and control system during the next stage of development. We will consider the unmet needs of patients with chronic diseases as an indicator for remodeling the prediction system in combination with the elements and structural theories of complex health systems. In this article, we first introduce the definition and measurement methods of unmet needs. Second, we identify the existing unmet needs found among patients with chronic diseases with reference to the chronic disease prevention and control policies of China as well as current service items. Finally, we propose the design of community chronic disease service package for the next development stage based on unmet needs of patients with chronic diseases. We also provide suggestions for how to improve China's chronic care delivery system.

The clinical profiles and outcomes of HIV-negative cryptococcal meningitis patients in type II diabetes mellitus

Background

The clinical profiles and outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis have been shown to vary depending on the underlying condition. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with and without type II diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed. Clinical data of HIV-negative cryptococcal meningitis patients with type II diabetes mellitus (n = 26) and without type II diabetes mellitus (n = 52) referring to the Jiangxi Chest Hospital between January 2012 to December 2018 were analyzed. The data were analyzed using chi square, none-parametric tests, and logistic regression. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

In this study, cryptococcal meningitis patients suffering from type II diabetes mellitus had a higher mortality (23.08% vs. 7.69%; P = 0.055), and required longer hospitalization (59.58 vs. 42.88 days; P = 0.132). Moreover, cerebrospinal fluid examinations revealed that cryptococcal meningitis patients with type II diabetes mellitus had higher opening pressure (271.54 vs. 234.23 mmH₂O; P = 0.125).The results of multivariate regression analysis revealed that cryptococcal meningitis patients with type II diabetes were more often presented with visual disorders (28.54% vs. 11.54%; [95% CI 0.056–0.705]; p = 0.012), and had higher cerebrospinal fluid protein levels (1027.62 ± 594.16 vs. 705.72 ± 373.88 mg/l; [95% CI 1.000–1.002]; p = 0.016). Among patients with type II diabetes mellitus, nausea and vomiting was more frequent at the initial visit in those died (100% vs. 50%; p = 0.027), and 66% of died type II diabetes mellitus patients were poorly controlled blood glucose level, compared with 30% in survival type II diabetes mellitus patients.

Conclusion

This study suggests that cryptococcal meningitis patients with type II diabetes mellitus differ significantly from cryptococcal meningitis patients without type II diabetes mellitus with respect to clinical symptoms such as visual disorders and cerebrospinal fluid examination. The presence of nausea and vomiting among type II diabetes mellitus patients could have implication in mortality.

Genetic Risk Score Increased Discriminant Efficiency of Predictive Models for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Machine Learning: Cohort Study

Background: Previous studies have constructed prediction models for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but machine learning was rarely used and few focused on genetic prediction. This study aimed to establish an effective T2DM prediction tool and to further explore the potential of genetic risk scores (GRS) via various classifiers among rural adults.

Methods: In this prospective study, the GRS for a total of 5,712 participants from the Henan Rural Cohort Study was calculated. Cox proportional hazards (CPH) regression was used to analyze the associations between GRS and T2DM. CPH, artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine (GBM) were used to establish prediction models, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and net reclassification index (NRI) were used to assess the discrimination ability of the models. The decision curve was plotted to determine the clinical-utility for prediction models.

Results: Compared with the individuals in the lowest quintile of the GRS, the HR (95% CI) was 2.06 (1.40 to 3.03) for those with the highest quintile of GRS (P_trend < 0.05). Based on conventional predictors, the AUCs of the prediction model were 0.815, 0.816, 0.843, and 0.851 via CPH, ANN, RF, and GBM, respectively. Changes with the integration of GRS for CPH, ANN, RF, and GBM were 0.001, 0.002, 0.018, and 0.033, respectively. The reclassifications were significantly improved for all classifiers when adding GRS (NRI: 41.2% for CPH; 41.0% for ANN; 46.4% for ANN; 45.1% for GBM). Decision curve analysis indicated the clinical benefits of model combined GRS.

Conclusion: The prediction model combined with GRS may provide incremental predictions of performance beyond conventional factors for T2DM, which demonstrated the potential clinical use of genetic markers to screen vulnerable populations.

Clinical Trial Registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides modulates gut microbiota and restores pancreatic function in diabetic rats

Anemarrhena asphodeloides is an herb widely used to treat symptoms associated with diabetes in traditional Chinese medicine. However, its key components and metabolites have low bioavailability and poor host absorption. To clarify the anti-diabetic mechanism of A. asphodeloides extract (AAE), we examined the anti-diabetic effects of AAE in rats with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Faeces levels of the main components and metabolites of AAE were significantly higher than levels in plasma, which indicated that gut microbiota might play important roles in its anti-diabetic effect. Microbiological studies showed that unabsorbed components increased the diversity of the gut microbiota, enriched potentially beneficial bacteria, and suppressed potentially harmful bacteria. In vitro studies showed that AAE promoted the proliferation of Blautia coccoides, a bacterium with positive implication for diabetes, in a dose-dependent manner. AAE also promoted pancreatic cell regeneration and restored the function of pancreatic islet cells via peroxiredoxin 4 overexpression. Overall, these results suggest that AAE alleviates diabetes via modulating gut microbiota and protein expression.

Cost-Effectiveness of Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 Inhibitors Added to Metformin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in China

PURPOSE

Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, including linagliptin, alogliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, and vildagliptin, are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in China. This study assessed the economic outcomes of different DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin in the Chinese context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the validated Chinese Outcomes Model for T2DM (COMT) was conducted to project economic outcomes from the perspective of Chinese healthcare service providers. Efficacy and safety, medical expenditure, and utility data were derived from the literature, which were assigned to model variables. The primary outputs of the model included the lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). One-way and probability sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the potential uncertainties of parameters.

RESULTS

Of the five competing strategies, alogliptin 25 mg strategy yielded the most significant health outcome, which associated with improvements in discounted QALY of 0.007, 0.014, 0.011, and 0.022 versus linagliptin 5 mg, saxagliptin 5 mg, sitagliptin 100 mg and vildagliptin50 mg, respectively. The sitagliptin 100 mg strategy was the cheapest option. The ICER of alogliptin 25 mg against sitagliptin 100 mg strategy was $6,952 per additional QALY gained, and the rest of the strategies were dominated or extended dominated. The most influential parameters were the cost of DPP-4 inhibitors and their treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that alogliptin was a preferred treatment option compared with other DPP-4 inhibitors for Chinese patients whose T2DM are inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy.

Assessing the quality of primary healthcare for diabetes in China: multivariate analysis using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) Database

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of primary healthcare (PHC) for patients with diabetes in China from 2011 to 2015.

SETTING

This study analysed data on 1006, 1472 and 1771 participants with diabetes who were surveyed in 2011, 2013 and 2015, respectively, in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationally representative survey conducted in 29 provinces of China.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The study measured the proportions of patients with diabetes who received diabetes-related health education, examinations and treatments, as well as the hospital admission rate due to diabetes of these patients. Multilevel logistic regression was used to adjust sociodemographic variables.

RESULTS

According to the multivariate analysis, the proportion of patients who received diabetes-related health education decreased significantly (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.90), and the proportion of those receiving examinations and treatments remained unchanged from 2011 to 2015. Diabetes-related hospitalisation increased from 4.01% in 2011 to 6.08% in 2013 (OR=1.47, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.22), and recurrent hospitalisations increased from 18.87% in 2011 to 28.45% in 2015 (OR=1.78, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.20). The proportions of patients with diabetes-related and recurrent hospitalisations in western China were higher than those in the east (OR=1.80, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.87; OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Nationally, the analysis of patient-reported process and outcome indicators cannot confirm that the quality of PHC has improved in China during 2011-2015. Regional disparities in primary diabetes care require urgent resource allocation to western China. Establishing a national quality registry for PHC, which transparently reports outcomes by region and social-economic position, is essential for countries sharing the challenge of improving both quality and equity of PHC.

A Mobile-Based Intervention for Dietary Behavior and Physical Activity Change in Individuals at High Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Intensive lifestyle modifications have proved effective in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet the efficiency and effectiveness of these modifications need to be improved. Emerging social media interventions are considered useful in promoting these lifestyles; nevertheless, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of combining them with behavior theory.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a 6-month mobile-based intervention (DHealthBar, a WeChat applet) combined with behavioral theory compared with a printed intervention in improving dietary behaviors, physical activity, and intention to change these behaviors among populations at high risk for T2DM.

METHODS

Participants aged 23 to 67 years were recruited offline in Beijing, China, and were randomized into the intervention group or the control group, which received educational content via DHealthBar or a printed handbook, respectively. Educational materials were culturally tailored recommendations on improving dietary behaviors, physical activity, and intention to change based on the transtheoretical model. Participants in the intervention arm received push notifications twice per week on WeChat and had access to the educational content for the 6-month study period. Participants in the control arm received the same intervention content through printed materials. The outcomes of participants' behavior change, intention to change behavior, and anthropometric characteristics were collected via online measuring tools at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

RESULTS

In this study, 79 enrolled individuals completed baseline information collection (control: n=38 vs intervention: n=41), and 96% (76/79) completed the 6-month follow-up visit. Attrition rates did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (χ²₁=0.0, P=.61). Baseline equivalence was found. Participants in both groups reported a statistically significant decrease in energy intake at the 2 follow-up assessments compared with baseline (3 months, control: exp[β]=0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.92 vs intervention: exp[β]=0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.85; 6 months, control: exp[β]=0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.96 vs intervention: exp[β]=0.57, 95% CI 0.51-0.64). At 6 months, a significantly larger decrease was observed in the intervention group in energy, fat, and carbohydrate intake, accompanied with a significantly larger increase in moderate-intensity physical activity compared with the control group (energy: exp[β]=0.66, 95% CI 0.56-0.77; fat: exp[β]=0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.95; carbohydrates: exp[β]=0.83, 95% CI 0.66-1.03; moderate-intensity physical activity: exp[β]=2.05, 95% CI 1.23-3.44). After 6 months of the intervention, participants in the intervention group were more likely to be at higher stages of dietary behaviors (exp[β]=26.80, 95% CI 3.51-204.91) and physical activity (exp[β]=15.60, 95% CI 2.67-91.04) than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

DHealthBar was initially effective in improving dietary behavior, physical activity, and intention to change these behaviors among populations who were at high risk of developing T2DM, with significant differences in the changes of outcomes over the 6-month intervention period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000032323; https://tinyurl.com/y4h8q4uf.

Not Scared of Sugar™: Outcomes of a structured type 2 diabetes group education program for Chinese Australians

Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects the Chinese population yet there are no structured diabetes education programs specifically designed for this community in Australia. This project aimed to develop and evaluate a pilot type 2 diabetes group education program designed specifically for Chinese migrants living in Australia. A non-randomised pre- versus post-intervention trial was conducted between March 2017 and November 2018. A culturally tailored group education program (Not Scared of Sugar™) was developed and piloted with Melbourne-based Cantonese-speaking people with type 2 diabetes. Program teaching styles were aligned with the Confucian cultural process of learning and incorporated culturally specific strategies to promote healthy behaviour change. Thirty-four individuals (35% male) attended five education sessions over ten weeks, delivered by a Cantonese-speaking facilitator and multidisciplinary clinicians. Data were collected from participants at baseline, on program completion and at 6 months follow-up. Mean (SD) participant age was 69 (9) years, with a mean time of 25.7 (10.8) years in Australia and a median duration of diabetes of 10 (IQR = 2.8-20.5) years. At program completion, mean participant waist circumference (90.5 versus 89.2 cm, p < .001) and waist-to-height ratio (0.574 vs. 0.566, p < .001) was significantly reduced and both were further reduced at 6-month follow-up (p < .05). There was a significant increase in the median frequency of diabetes self-care behaviours undertaken, with American Association of Diabetes Educators Questionnaire Score: 30 (22-32.3) versus 33 (29.8-35.0), p < .001 at 6-month follow-up. Diabetes-related distress assessed by PAID-C was also significantly reduced at 6-month follow-up (p < .05). Mean HbA1c was unchanged after 6 months; 51 (7.9) versus 50 (7.8) mmol/mol, p = .316. Program attrition was 6%. Not Scared of Sugar™ successfully reduced waist circumference, increased diabetes self-management behaviours and reduced diabetes distress in Cantonese-speaking Australians, which may positively impact long-term risk of vascular complications.

The value of WeChat application in chronic diseases management in China

The prevalence of chronic diseases in China has increased rapidly in recent decades. Although the management rate of chronic diseases has improved, there is still no unified and effective management measure for chronic diseases at present. This highlights the importance of effectively managing chronic diseases. With the development of e-health, the ways of getting medical consultation have changed. WeChat is an extremely popular social application in China. It is easy to operate and can offer multiple functions. Many researches have reported the effectiveness of WeChat in chronic diseases management. Based on the status of WeChat application in chronic diseases management and the characteristics of WeChat technology, we firstly focused on the WeChat application on the management of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer. Then we discussed the value of WeChat in chronic diseases management and analyzed the potential reasons. Lastly, we discussed the limitations of present researches. WeChat can be an effective tool for the management of chronic diseases, but the promotion of this mode needs support and efforts from various aspects to eventually realize improving public health.

Assessment of Dietary Acculturation in East Asian Populations: A Scoping Review

East Asian immigrants face multiple challenges upon arrival in their destination country, including an increased risk of future diabetes and cardiovascular disease development. The adoption of food and eating patterns of their host country (i.e., dietary acculturation) may contribute to this increased disease risk. To effectively examine the dietary acculturation-disease risk relationship in East Asian immigrants, sensitive tools are necessary; however, there has been no systematic review of the methods used to assess dietary acculturation in this population. A systematic scoping review of the literature was undertaken to address this gap. A systematic search was conducted in December 2019 and returned a total of 6140 papers. Manuscripts were screened independently by 2 reviewers, resulting in the final inclusion of 30 papers reporting on 27 studies. Robust measures of dietary acculturation were lacking, with only 6 studies using validated tools. Most studies used self-reported cross-sectional surveys to determine how the individual's diet had changed since immigrating, with responses provided on Likert scales. Only 3 quantitative longitudinal studies used prospective measures of diet change, through serial food-frequency questionnaires. Qualitative studies explored dietary acculturation and factors influencing change in diet through semi-structured interviews and focus groups.  This review found there is no consensus in the literature on how to most effectively measure the magnitude and process of dietary acculturation in East Asian populations. There is a need for robust, longitudinal, and mixed-method study designs to address the lack of evidence and develop more comprehensive tools measuring dietary acculturation. Improving the assessment methods used to measure dietary acculturation is critical in helping to monitor the impact of interventions or policies aimed at reducing diet-related disease risk in East Asian immigrant populations.

Resveratrol treatment promotes titanium implant osseointegration in diabetes mellitus rats

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common metabolic disorder; it is characterized by hyperglycemia and causes implant failure by influencing implant osseointegration. Resveratrol promotes bone formation, but it is unclear if resveratrol improves implant osseointegration. Thirty 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (CTL), diabetes mellitus (DM), and resveratrol treatment (DM + Res) groups. In the DM and DM + Res groups (n = 10 each), T2DM was induced via streptozotocin injections; the remaining 10 rats were considered the CTL group. Eight weeks after the insertion of a rod-like Ti implant with a 12-mm length and 1-mm diameter in the left leg, the rats were euthanized. We analyzed implant osseointegration using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), histological analyses, and biomechanical tests. The parameters showed that T2DM negatively influenced implant osseointegration in the tibia. Compared to that in the DM group, the bone loss of peri-implant bone mass in the DM + Res group was decreased significantly. However, resveratrol still did not induce the same level of implant osseointegration as that observed in the CTL group according to the histological and micro-CT analyses. These results indicated that resveratrol reduced the influence of DM in implant osseointegration, resulting in increased peri-implant bone density, improved trabecular architecture, and enhanced biomechanical fixation.

Mediatory role of abdominal obesity in the association of early menopause with diabetes among middle-aged and older Chinese women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the association of early menopause with diabetes and the mediating effect of abdominal obesity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 5,693 participants. The data from the second follow-up (2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were used. Participants self-reported their age at menopause and were divided into three age groups (<45, 45-54, and >54 years) according to the 10th, 10th to 90th, and 90th percentiles, with a menopausal age of 45 to 54 years serving as reference. The total effect was decomposed into direct and indirect (mediating) effects using logistic regression based on the Karlson-Holm-Breen method.

RESULTS

Compared to the menopausal age of 45 to 54 years, early menopause (<45 years) was associated with diabetes (odds ratio  = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.29-3.69) among Chinese women. The mediating effect of early menopause (<45 years) on diabetes was 4.98% (P = 0.321) for abdominal obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Early menopause may be associated with diabetes among Chinese women. Moreover, the mediating effect of abdominal obesity makes up a small percentage and has no statistical significance. Further studies are needed to examine other mechanisms behind the association of early menopause with diabetes.

The intentions to get vaccinated against influenza and actual vaccine uptake among diabetic patients in Ningbo, China: identifying motivators and barriers

BACKGROUND

Health authorities recommend influenza vaccination to diabetic patients. Nevertheless, the vaccination coverage of adults was low in China. This study aimed to estimate influenza vaccination intentions and actual uptake among diabetic patients in China and identify the motivators and barriers associated with vaccination.

METHODS

During Nov 2016-Jan 2017, 1960 diabetic patients were invited to participate in the investigation about influenza vaccination based on health belief model (HBM). To link vaccination intention to behavior, a follow-up survey was conducted to collect vaccination records of the 2016-2017 season. Predictors of the motivation to obtain influenza vaccination were assessed using logistic regressions.

RESULTS

1914 diabetic patients completed the survey. 46.13% participants reported intentions to be vaccinated against influenza and 7.84% actually received vaccination. In the multivariate models, while all the domains of HBM constructs were associated with intentions, age, increasing numbers of comorbidity, urban residents, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, free vaccination, and vaccination history displayed positive associations with vaccine uptake while increasing income and perceptions of barriers were negative predictors of vaccine uptake. Besides, interactions between perceived susceptibility and healthcare workers' (HCW's) recommendation, perceived severity and benefits, perceived severity and health-seeking behaviors, perceived benefits, and influence of family/friends had a significant positive effect modification on the vaccine uptake.

CONCLUSION

To improve diabetic patients' influenza vaccination and close the intention-behavior gap, multipronged strategies are required not only to increase vaccination intention by promoting HCW's recommendation to improve perceptions about influenza vaccination but also facilitate a follow through on initial intentions by implementing free influenza vaccination program funded by the government.

Sedentary Behavior Research in the Chinese Population: A Systematic Scoping Review

Background: The negative effects of sedentary behavior (SB) on public health have been extensively documented. A large number of studies have demonstrated that high prevalence of SB is a critical factor of all-cause mortality. Globally, the frequency of SB research has continued to rise, but little is known about SB in the Chinese population. Therefore, this review was conducted to scope the research situation and to fill the gaps related to the effects of SB in the Chinese population. Methods: Using a scoping review based on York methodology, a comprehensive search of published journal articles and grey literature was carried out through 12 databases. The literature research was conducted by two authors in July 2019, and included journal articles that targeted on the Chinese population were published between 1999 and 2019. The two authors screened the records independently and included those research topics related to SB in the Chinese population. Results: The number of included studies increased from 1 to 29 per year during the analyzed period, during which, a remarkable climb happened from 8 in 2013 to 19 in July 2019. Out of the 1303 screened studies, a total of 162 studies (81 English and 81 Chinese journal articles) met the inclusion criteria in this review. Most of the included studies (66.0%) reported the overall estimated prevalence of SB, in which, 43.2% of studies reported the average time of SB, and 40.0% of studies reported the cutoff point of SB. Besides this, 54.9% and 23.5% of studies focused on the outcomes and correlates/determinants of SB, and the proportions of studies based on testing the validation of measurement tools and on interventions were 3.7% and 4.9%, respectively. Nearly all of the reviewed articles used data from cross-sectional studies (75.9%) and longitudinal studies (13.6%), while intervention trials are less developed. The majority of the studies (64.8%) used self-reported surveys, and only 3.7% studies used device-based measurement tools. Furthermore, 35.8% of the included studies were focused on children and adolescents, while only a few studies investigated infants/toddlers and older adults. Both female and male were examined in most studies, and non-clinical populations were investigated in the context of SB in a relatively large number of studies. Conclusions: The number of research articles on SB in the Chinese population published per year has increased year by year, indicating a growing interest in this research area. More studies using population subgroup samples are needed, particularly among infants/toddlers, older adults, and clinical populations. To provide stronger evidence of the determinants and outcomes of SB, longitudinal studies using device-based measures of SB are required.

Opportunistic invasive fungal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from Southern China: Clinical features and associated factors

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

A retrospective study was carried out to investigate the clinical characteristics and associated factors for invasive fungal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Associated factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Invasive fungal disease was diagnosed in 120 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (prevalence, 0.4%). Yeast infection (56/120, 46.7%), including candidiasis (31/56, 55.4%) and cryptococcosis (25/56, 44.6%), was the most common. The urinary tract was mainly involved in candidiasis (12/31, 38.7%). More than half of the cryptococcosis (16/25, 64.0%) presented as pneumonia. Mold infection accounted for 40.8% of the cases, and predominantly involved the lung (34/49, 69.4%). A total of 15 (12.5%) patients had mixed fungal infection. Candida albicans (24/111, 21.6%), Cryptococcus neoformans (19/111, 17.1%) and Aspergillus fumigatus (14/111, 12.6%) were the leading agents. Co-infection occurred in 58 (48.3%) patients, mainly presenting as pneumonia caused by Gram-negative bacteria. The inpatient mortality rate of invasive fungal disease was 23.3% (28/120). Glycated hemoglobin levels were higher in non-survivors than survivors (8.8 ± 2.5 vs 7.7 ± 2.1%, P = 0.02). Anemia (adjusted odds ratio, 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.95-6.27, P < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (adjusted odds ratio, 5.42, 95% confidence interval 3.14-9.36, P < 0.001) and elevated serum creatinine (adjusted odds ratio, 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.07-4.04, P = 0.03) were associated with invasive fungal disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Invasive fungal disease is a life-threatening complication in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. C. a albicans, C. neoformans, and A. fumigatus are the leading agents. Prolonged hyperglycemia results in unfavorable outcomes. Correction of anemia and hypoalbuminemia might improve prognosis.

Prevalence of diabetes recorded in mainland China using 2018 diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association: national cross sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of diabetes and its risk factors.

DESIGN

Population based, cross sectional study.

SETTING

31 provinces in mainland China with nationally representative cross sectional data from 2015 to 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

75 880 participants aged 18 and older-a nationally representative sample of the mainland Chinese population.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of diabetes among adults living in China, and the prevalence by sex, regions, and ethnic groups, estimated by the 2018 American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and history of disease were recorded by participants on a questionnaire. Anthropometric and clinical assessments were made of serum concentrations of fasting plasma glucose (one measurement), two hour plasma glucose, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).

RESULTS

The weighted prevalence of total diabetes (n=9772), self-reported diabetes (n=4464), newly diagnosed diabetes (n=5308), and prediabetes (n=27 230) diagnosed by the ADA criteria were 12.8% (95% confidence interval 12.0% to 13.6%), 6.0% (5.4% to 6.7%), 6.8% (6.1% to 7.4%), and 35.2% (33.5% to 37.0%), respectively, among adults living in China. The weighted prevalence of total diabetes was higher among adults aged 50 and older and among men. The prevalence of total diabetes in 31 provinces ranged from 6.2% in Guizhou to 19.9% in Inner Mongolia. Han ethnicity had the highest prevalence of diabetes (12.8%) and Hui ethnicity had the lowest (6.3%) among five investigated ethnicities. The weighted prevalence of total diabetes (n=8385) using the WHO criteria was 11.2% (95% confidence interval 10.5% to 11.9%).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of diabetes has increased slightly from 2007 to 2017 among adults living in China. The findings indicate that diabetes is an important public health problem in China.

Impact of unknown diabetes and prediabetes on clinical outcomes in "nondiabetic" Chinese patients after a primary coronary intervention

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To explore the prevalence of unknown diabetes (DM) or prediabetes (pre-DM) in "nondiabetic" patients and its association with 2-year clinical outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

5202 consecutive "nondiabetic" patients who underwent primary PCI at Fuwai Hospital from January to December 2013 were prospectively enrolled. The patients were grouped according to their glycemia status: unknown DM (HbA1c ≥ 47 mmol/L; FPG≥ 7.0 mmol/L), pre-DM (HbA1c 39-47 mmol/L; FPG: 5.6-6.9 mmol/L) and normoglycemia (NG, HbA1c < 39 mmol/L; FPG < 5.6 mmol/L). The main endpoint was 2-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. A total of 905 patients had unknown DM, and 3407 patients had pre-DM. Unknown DM and pre-DM were associated with aging (p < 0.001); a greater proportion of hypertension (p < 0.001), previous myocardial infarction (p < 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (p = 0.004). During the 2-year follow-up, the rate of MACE was significantly higher in the unknown DM and pre-DM groups than in the NG group (8.1% vs. 5.8% vs. 4.1%, respectively, p = 0.001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that unknown DM was associated with a 1.9-fold higher event risk compared to NG (95% CI: 1.2-2.8).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism was high in "nondiabetic" Chinese PCI patients. Patients with unknown DM and pre-DM had higher event risks than those with NG. In "nondiabetes" patients requiring PCI, routine assessment of HbA1c and FPG appears to be of value to identify patients with an increased event risk.

Economic evaluation of dapagliflozin versus metformin in Chinese patients whose diabetes is inadequately controlled with diet and exercise

Background

To investigate the long-term economic outcome of dapagliflozin versus metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) whose diet and exercise have not provided sufficient glycemic control.

Methods

An economic analysis of dapagliflozin versus metformin was conducted by using the Chinese Outcomes Model for T2DM with a time horizon of lifetime, which was developed and validated based on the Chinese population. The efficacy data of lowering HbA1c of dapagliflozin and metformin was derived from a network meta-analysis. Other clinical, cost and utility inputs were obtained from published sources. Lifetime discounted quality-adjusted life-years, cost, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were measured. The uncertainty was facilitated by one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

The comparison of metformin and dapagliflozin in Chinese patients with insufficient glycemic control by diet and exercise showed that dapagliflozin was more costly and produced fewer health benefits in our simulated cohort. The sensitivity analyses indicated that the results were robust.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin is not likely to be cost-effective compared with metformin for Chinese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.

Associations between the exposure to persistent organic pollutants and type 2 diabetes in East China: A case-control study

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been associated with a high risk of type 2 diabetes in different regions, although few studies from China have been published. We aimed to investigate the associations between POP exposure and type 2 diabetes in Chinese population. A total of 158 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and 158 participants without the disorder from Shandong Province were enrolled in this case-control study during 2016-2017. Nine polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs) and 2 polybrominated diphenyl ethers with detectable levels in ≥75% of the participants were selected for data analysis. The results showed that POP exposure was significantly and positively associated with the risk of diabetes after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, triglycerides and total cholesterol. However, we did not observe an obvious modified effect of adiposity on the associations between POP exposure and diabetes in the present study, as strong associations between POPs and diabetes were observed in both the higher-BMI (BMI≥25 kg/m²) and the lower-BMI (BMI<25 kg/m²) groups. POPs showed stronger associations with diabetes in males than in females. The odds ratio (OR) for the highest quartile of ∑POPs was 6.97 for males, nearly two times higher than that for females (OR = 3.58). All these findings suggest that POP exposure may impact the risk of diabetes in Chinese population.