Non-insulin drugs to treat hyperglycaemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Adiposity in Chinese people with type 1 diabetes

Adiposity, synonymous with obesity, is prevalent among both children and adults with type 1 diabetes in China. Recent literature underscored the patho-physiological and socioeconomic factors associated with adiposity, and consistently highlighted its impact on cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases among Chinese individuals with type 1 diabetes. Addressing and managing adiposity in individuals with type 1 diabetes are complicated and entail comprehensive approaches including lifestyle modifications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, insulin dose titration, and other diabetes treatment medications. The condition calls for coordination among policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and patients.

Effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, DWP16001, as an add-on therapy to insulin for diabetic dogs: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of anti-hyperglycaemic agents.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and the adjuvant glycaemic control effect of an SGLT2 inhibitor, DWP16001, in diabetic dogs receiving insulin treatment.

METHODS

Nineteen diabetic dogs receiving insulin treatment (NPH, porcine lente and glargine insulin) were divided into two groups according to dosing frequency: DWP TOD group (n = 10) and DWP SID group (n = 9). In the DWP TOD group, 0.025 mg/kg of DWP16001 was administered once every 3 days, whereas, in the DWP SID group, 0.025 mg/kg of DWP16001 was administered once a day. Food intake was maintained during the trial period. Hypoglycaemia, ketoacidosis or unexpected life-threatening reactions were assessed as adverse effects before and after DWP16001 administration. We compared insulin requirement reduction and blood glucose level control between two groups.

RESULTS

No specific adverse effects were observed during the clinical trial, and haematological parameter remained unchanged. Moreover, the fasting glucose levels and daily insulin dose in the DWP TOD group were lower than the pre-administration values, but not significantly different for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure, fructosamine and insulin dose decreased significantly in the DWP SID group compared to the DWP TOD group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05) without affecting food consumption. Among these patients, 10 patients were monitored while receiving DWP16001 for 12 months (DWP TOD group n = 5, DWP SID group n = 5). The fasting glucose and fructosamine levels and daily insulin dose were reduced in both groups at 12 months compared with those before receiving DWP16001.

CONCLUSION

When DWP16001, an SGLT2 inhibitor, was supplied to dogs with type 1 diabetes, no adverse effects were observed, and it was confirmed that the administered insulin dose can be reduced in controlling blood glucose.

Linagliptin in combination with insulin suppresses apoptotic unfolded protein response in ovaries exposed to type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the main causes of ovarian atresia, but its molecular effect on the ovaries is not fully understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that T1DM causes excessive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and insufficient adaptive unfolded protein response that triggers proapoptotic signaling pathways in ovarian tissue. In addition, problems such as amenorrhea and infertility, which are frequently seen in women with T1DM, continue despite the intensification of insulin therapy and improvement of metabolic control. Therefore new, and adjunctive treatments for women with T1DM need to be explored. We aimed to examine how the use of linagliptin, which has blood sugar-lowering effects and high antioxidant activity, together with insulin affects the expression levels of proteins and genes that play a role in ER stress in type 1 diabetic mouse ovaries. Eighty-four Balb/C 6-week-old female mice were randomly divided into seven groups: control, vehicle, diabetes + insulin, diabetes + linagliptin, diabetes + linagliptin + insulin, diabetes + TUDCA, and diabetes + TUDCA + insulin. TUDCA (an inhibitor of ER stress) groups are positive control groups created to compare linagliptin groups in terms of ER stress. Linagliptin and TUDCA were given by oral gavage and 1U insulin was administered subcutaneously for 2 weeks. A significant decrease was observed in the MDA and NOX1 levels and the number of atretic follicles in the ovaries of the diabetes + linagliptin + insulin group compared to the diabetes + insulin group. The use of linagliptin and insulin increased the expression of pro-survival XBP1s transmembrane protein and decreased the expression of proapoptotic ATF4, pJNK1/2, cleaved caspase 12, and cleaved caspase 3 in mouse ovaries. Our study provides new therapeutic evidence that linagliptin administered in addition to insulin induces ER stress mechanism-dependent survival in ovaries with type 1 diabetes.

Treating obesity in type 1 diabetes mellitus - review of efficacy and safety

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States with serious concomitant co-morbid conditions; people living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) are not immune to the risk either. Weight gain in T1D is likely multifactorial, due to genetic, environmental and treatment-related factors. FDA-approved and other adjunctive weight loss therapies may benefit people living with T1D but there are risks to consider when providing recommendations or prescribing medications.

RECENT FINDINGS

We performed a PubMed search of studies assessing clinical outcomes of both approved and off-label medications used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Search terms included 'type 1 diabetes, obesity' and the following: (1) metformin, (2) pramlintide, (3) glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, (4) dual GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) agonists, (5) sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, (6) surgical treatment of obesity, (7) insulin pump, (8) insulin, (9) medical nutrition therapy, (10) diabetes self-management education, (11) exercise, (12) naltrexone-buproprion, (13) orlistat, and (14) phentermine-topiramate.

SUMMARY

Weight loss treatments provide a wide-range of benefits in reducing both morbidity and mortality in those who are obese. Treatments also have varying adverse effect profiles which may impact T1D treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize study outcomes in people with T1D, including risks and benefits, of on- and off-label weight loss treatments.

Targeting IL-12 family cytokines: A potential strategy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is a common metabolic disease characterized by an imbalance in blood glucose levels. The pathogenesis of diabetes involves the essential role of cytokines, particularly the IL-12 family cytokines. These cytokines, which have a similar structure, play multiple roles in regulating the immune response. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of IL-12 family cytokines in the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a result, they hold promise as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of these conditions. This review focuses on the potential of targeting IL-12 family cytokines for diabetes therapy based on their roles in the pathogenesis of both types of diabetes. We have summarized various therapies that target IL-12 family cytokines, including drug therapy, combination therapy, cell therapy, gene therapy, cytokine engineering therapy, and gut microbiota modulation. By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of these therapies, we have evaluated their feasibility for clinical application and proposed possible solutions to overcome any challenges. In conclusion, targeting IL-12 family cytokines for diabetes therapy provides updated insights into their potential benefits, such as controlling inflammation, preserving islet β cells, reversing the onset of diabetes, and impeding the development of diabetic complications.

Dioscin: Therapeutic potential for diabetes and complications

Diabetes mellitus is a widespread metabolic disorder with increasing incidence worldwide, posing a considerable threat to human health because of its complications. Therefore, cost-effective antidiabetic drugs with minimal side effects are urgently needed. Dioscin, a naturally occurring compound, helps to reduce the complications of diabetes mellitus by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, protecting islet β cells, improving insulin resistance, and inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Plant-derived dioscin reduces the risk of toxicity and side effects associated with chemically synthesized drugs. It is a promising option for treating diabetes mellitus because of its preventive and therapeutic effects, which may be attributed to a variety of underlying mechanisms. However, data compiled by current studies are preliminary. Information about the molecular mechanism of dioscin remains limited, and no high-quality human experiments and clinical trials for testing its safety and efficacy have been conducted. As a resource for research in this area, this review is expected to provide a systematic framework for the application of dioscin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications.

The effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors as an adjunct to insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes assessed by continuous glucose monitoring: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Patients undergoing insulin-based therapy for type 1 diabetes often experience poor glycemic control characterized by significant fluctuations. This study was undertaken to analyze the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is), as an adjunct to insulin, on time in range (TIR) and glycemic variability in patients with type 1 diabetes, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). In addition, we examined which type of SGLT2I yielded a superior effect compared to others.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and clinical trial registry websites, retrieving all eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 2023. We analyzed the mean TIR, mean amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE), mean daily glucose (MDG), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), standard deviation (SD), total insulin dose, and severe hypoglycemia to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SGLT2Is. A random-effects model was also employed.

RESULTS

This study encompassed 15 RCTs. The meta-analysis revealed that the use of SGLT2Is as an adjuvant therapy to insulin led to a significant increase in TIR (MD = 10.78, 95%CI = 9.33-12.23, I2 = 42 %, P < 0.00001) and a decrease in SD (MD = -0.38, 95%CI = -0.50 to -0.26, I2 = 0 %, P < 0.00001), MAGE (MD = -0.92, 95%CI = -1.17 to -0.67, I2 = 19 %, P < 0.00001), MDG(MD = -1.01, 95%CI = -1.32 to -0.70, I2 = 48 %, P < 0.00001), and total insulin dose (MD = -5.81, 95%CI = -7.81 to -3.82, I2 = 32 %, P < 0.00001). No significant increase was observed in the rate of severe hypoglycemia (RR = 1.04, 95 % CI = 0.76-1.43, P = 0.80). However, SGLT2I therapy was associated with increased DKA occurrence (RR = 2.79, 95 % CI = 1.42-5.48; P = 0.003, I2 = 16 %). In addition, the subgroup analyses based on the type of SGLT2Is revealed that dapagliflozin might exhibit greater efficacy compared to other SGLT2Is across most outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2Is exhibited a positive effect on improving blood glucose level fluctuations. Subgroup analysis showed that dapagliflozin appeared to have more advantages. However, giving due consideration to preventing adverse effects, particularly DKA, is paramount.

REGISTRATION

Prospero CRD42023408276.

Concept for a Unidirectional Release Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablet for Oral Delivery of Antidiabetic Peptide Drugs Such as Insulin, Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1), and their Analogs

Injectable peptides such as insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and their agonists are being increasingly used for the treatment of diabetes. Currently, the most common route of administration is injection, which is linked to patient discomfort as well as being subjected to refrigerated storage and the requirement for efficient supply chain logistics. Buccal and sublingual routes are recognized as valid alternatives due to their high accessibility and easy administration. However, there can be several challenges, such as peptide selection, drug encapsulation, and delivery system design, which are linked to the enhancement of drug efficacy and efficiency. By using hydrophobic polymers that do not dissolve in saliva, and by using neutral or positively charged nanoparticles that show better adhesion to the negative charges generated by the sialic acid in the mucus, researchers have attempted to improve drug efficiency and efficacy in buccal delivery. Furthermore, unidirectional films and tablets seem to show the highest bioavailability as compared to sprays and other buccal delivery vehicles. This advantageous attribute can be attributed to their capability to mitigate the impact of saliva and inadvertent gastrointestinal enzymatic digestion, thereby minimizing drug loss. This is especially pertinent as these formulations ensure a more directed drug delivery trajectory, leading to heightened therapeutic outcomes. This communication describes the current state of the art with respect to the creation of nanoparticles containing peptides such as insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and their agonists, and theorizes the production of mucoadhesive unidirectional release buccal tablets or films. Such an approach is more patient-friendly and can improve the lives of millions of diabetics around the world; in addition, these shelf-stable formulations ena a more environmentally friendly and sustainable supply chain network.

Pharmacotherapy for chronic obesity management: a look into the future

Substantial leaps have been made in the drug discovery front in tackling the growing pandemic of obesity and its metabolic co-morbidities. Greater mechanistic insight and understanding of the gut-brain molecular pathways at play have enabled the pursuit of novel therapeutic agents that possess increasingly efficacious weight-lowering potential whilst remaining safe and tolerable for clinical use. In the wake of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) based therapy, we look at recent advances in gut hormone biology that have fermented the development of next generation pharmacotherapy in diabesity that harness synergistic potential. In this paper, we review the latest data from the SURPASS and SURMOUNT clinical trials for the novel 'twincretin', known as Tirzepatide, which has demonstrated sizeable body weight reduction as well as glycaemic efficacy. We also provide an overview of amylin-based combination strategies and other emerging therapies in the pipeline that are similarly providing great promise for the future of chronic management of obesity.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine alleviates FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy by regulating mitochondrial dynamics in type 1 diabetic nephropathy canine

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia and hypertension are the main risk factors for the development of DN. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) has a variety of effects, interfering with the production and scavenging of free radicals and regulating the metabolic activity of tissue cells. However, the efficacy of NAC on DN treatment is unclear. Thus, this study investigated the protective mechanism of NAC combined with insulin on renal injury in dogs with DN. The forty dogs were selected and divided into control group, DM group, INS group, INS + NAC group and NAC group to establish the model for a trial period of 4 months. The results revealed that INS + NAC was effective in reducing and stabilizing blood glucose levels. Biochemical results showed that INS + NAC treatment significantly regulated the stability of UREA, CREA and fructosamine indicators. Meanwhile, histopathology staining showed significant glomerular wrinkling and fibrosis in the DM group, which could be reversed after INS + NAC treatment. In addition, INS + NAC could restore mitochondria homeostasis by upregulating the levels of mitochondrial fission (MFN1, MFN2 and OPA1) and inhibiting of mitochondrial fusion (DRP1, FIS1 and MFF) related indicators. Further studies revealed that INS + NAC regulated the expression levels of renal BNIP3, NIX and FUNDC1 in the DM group, thereby alleviating mitophagy. Collectively, these results suggested that NAC combined with insulin protects DN by regulating the mitochondrial dynamics and FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy.

Effects of Adjuvant Medications on A1C, Body Mass Index, and Insulin Requirements among Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that noninsulin medications used to treat type 2 diabetes can improve health outcomes among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study assessed the effects of adjuvant diabetes medications on glycated hemoglobin (A1C), body mass index (BMI), or total daily insulin (TDI) among patients with T1D in a real-world setting. This was an analysis of the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry, using the study periods of 2010−2012, 2015−2016, and 2016−2017, to assess differences in A1C, BMI, and TDI between patients with and without adjuvant medications. The relationships between characteristics and A1C in 2015−2016 and 2016−2017 were determined. Analysis included 517 patients in the adjuvant medication cohort and 4968 in the insulin-only cohort. No significant improvement in A1C was observed. A significant difference in BMI and TDI between the insulin-only (median BMI: 25.5, 26.2, 26.4 and median TDI: 45, 44 units) and adjuvant medication cohorts (median BMI: 29.8, 30.5, 30.5 and median TDI: 51, 52 units) (p < 0.001) was observed. Patients with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), higher education level, higher annual income, and older age were associated with lower A1C (p ≤ 0.001). Higher BMI and self-description as African American/Black were associated with higher A1C (p ≤ 0.01). Insulin pump use was associated with lower A1C (p < 0.01) in 2015−2016. Patients who used adjuvant medications did not demonstrate significant improvement in disease control. These data suggest that findings from well-designed research studies may not be consistently reproducible in real-world settings, due to patient-specific factors.

Long-acting amylin analogues for the management of obesity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize recent developments of long-acting amylin analogues for the treatment of obesity and to outline their mode of action.

RECENT FINDINGS

Amylin is a pancreatic hormone acting to control energy homeostasis and body weight. Activity at the calcitonin and amylin receptors in the area postrema seems to - at least partly - be responsible for these effects of amylin. Both preclinical and early-stage clinical studies investigating long-acting amylin receptor analogues demonstrate beneficial effects on body weight in obesity. Cagrilintide, a novel amylin analogue suitable for once-weekly administration, is in phase II clinical development and has shown promising body weight reducing effects alone and in combination with the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist semaglutide.

SUMMARY

Long-acting amylin analogues have emerged as a possible pharmacotherapy against obesity, but more studies are needed to support the utility and long-term effects of this strategy in relevant populations.

A Network Meta-Analysis of the Dose-Response Effects of Dapagliflozin on Efficacy and Safety in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Most patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) do not reach the blood glucose goal with treatment of insulin. In our research, we intended to estimate the therapeutic effect and safety of additional different doses of dapagliflozin on insulin treatment in T1DM.

METHODS

We performed direct and indirect network meta-analysis using Bayesian models and graded different dosages of dapagliflozin by mixed therapy contrasts. We retrieved information from the PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine (CBM) disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and WEIPU Data. Our research included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including T1DM treated with insulin and additional dapagliflozin 5 mg or dapagliflozin 10 mg from January 2012 to June 2021. Thirteen RCTs with 10,701 participants were divided into three groups as below: insulin alone, dapagliflozin 5 mg + insulin, and dapagliflozin 10 mg + insulin.

RESULTS

Dapagliflozin dose-dependently exhibited reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total insulin daily dose (TDD), and body weight. Neither dapagliflozin 5 mg nor 10 mg could induce hypoglycemia or severe hypoglycemia. However, both doses of dapagliflozin increased the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and genital infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin 10 mg could achieve a better outcome in efficacy and could not increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Although it may induce a higher risk of DKA and genital infection, there was no significant difference between dapagliflozin 10 mg and 5 mg. Our outcomes indicate that dapagliflozin 10mg has a high reliability of being graded prior as a supplementary treatment to insulin in T1DM.

Clinical characteristics and management of type 1 diabetes in Spain. The SED1 study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the sociodemographic and clinical profile of a representative sample of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) in Spain and identify factors associated with glycemic control.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in adults and children with DM1 treated in 75 Spanish public hospitals, geographically distributed in order to be representative of the Spanish population. Within each center, the patients were included on a consecutive basis as they visited the clinic. They were interviewed, and their clinical histories were reviewed. A descriptive statistical analysis was made, and factors associated with HbA_1c were analysed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 647 patients were included: 55.3% females, aged 36.6 ± 14.4 years, 97.2% Caucasians, BMI 24.7 ± 4.4 kg/m² (12.1% ≥ 30 kg/m²), and 74.0% had secondary / university education. A total of 20.2% were active smokers. The mean time from the diagnosis of DM1 was 17.9 ± 12.0 years. A total of 48.7% presented comorbidities: 19.3% retinopathy and 16.4% hypothyroidism. As regards treatment for DM1, 76.5% received basal-bolus insulin therapy and 20.7% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII); 51.0% of the patients used an insulin/carbohydrate ratio (ICR), with 4.6 ± 1.6 self-monitored capillary blood glucose (SMCBG) measurements a day, and 24.8% used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The mean HbA_1c value was 7.6 ± 1.1% (30% below 7%). Metabolic control improved (lower HbA_1c) with more daily SMCBG (B = -0.053; p = 0.009), a higher educational level (B = 0.461; P < 0.001), greater number of hypoglycemia episodes (B = -0.253; P = 0.018) and carbohydrate counting (B = -0.190; P = 0.048), and worsened the longer the duration of the disease (B = 0.010; P = 0.010), higher total dose of insulin (B = 0.010; P < 0.0001), poorer adherence to diet (B = 0.650; P < 0.0001) and a family history of DM (B = -0.233; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The management of patients with DM1 in Spain, as well as the treatment they receive, is similar to that seen in other Western countries. Blood glucose control is associated with educational level, disease duration, and the characteristics of treatment and self-care.

Prolonged Honeymoon Period in a Thai Patient with Adult-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective

To describe a usual case of adult-onset T1DM with prolonged honeymoon period for more than 5 years.

Methods

Repeated mixed meal stimulation tests for a period of 6–12 months together with monitoring pancreatic autoantibodies and laboratory data were followed following the onset of diagnosis.

Results

We report a 24-year-old Thai patient with T1DM with sustained remission without antidiabetic medication for more than 5 years while maintaining low-carbohydrate intake and regular exercise. Repeated mixed meal stimulation tests for a period of 6–12 months revealed preserved beta-cell functions. Interestingly, repeated pancreatic autoantibodies at 5 years after diagnosis still showed positive anti-GAD, anti-IA2, and anti-ZnT8.

Conclusion

Restored beta-cell function with complete insulin withdrawal in new-onset T1DM has been reported in very few cases with some common factors as in our patient (low-carbohydrate intake with regular exercise). Delaying autoimmune activity by reducing metabolic load in newly diagnosed T1DM might play a role in maintaining the honeymoon period and could lead to an innovative therapeutic option in new-onset T1DM.

Effects of Dapagliflozin Adjunct to Insulin on Glycemic Variations in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Labeled Trial

Background

This study is aimed at investigating whether dapagliflozin adjunct to insulin therapy further improves glycemic control compared to insulin therapy alone in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

This single-centre, randomized, controlled, open-labeled trial recruited newly diagnosed T2D patients. Subjects were randomized 1 : 1 to the dapagliflozin add-on to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) group (DAPA) or the CSII therapy group for 5 weeks. Standard meal tests were performed 3 times at days -3, 7, and 35 for glucose, C-peptide, and insulin level determination. Two-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was performed at baseline and at the end of the study. The primary endpoint was the difference in the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGEs) between the groups.

Results

A total of 66 subjects completed the study, with 34 and 32 patients in the DAPA and CSII groups, respectively. Patients in the DAPA group exhibited significant decreases in MAGE levels at the endpoint. We also observed that patients in the DAPA group had a lower homoeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and a higher homoeostasis model assessment B (HOMA-B) value at 1 week and 5 weeks compared to those with insulin therapy, respectively. In addition, our data showed that patients in the DAPA group showed a significantly lower insulin dose (0.07 U/kg) and weighed less than those in the CSII group.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that dapagliflozin adjunct to insulin is a safe and effective therapy for improving glycemic variations, insulin sensitivity, and weight loss in newly diagnosed T2D patients.

Wearable Glucose Monitoring and Implantable Drug Delivery Systems for Diabetes Management

The global cost of diabetes care exceeds $1 trillion each year with more than $327 billion being spent in the United States alone. Despite some of the advances in diabetes care including continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps, the technology associated with managing diabetes has largely remained unchanged over the past several decades. With the rise of wearable electronics and novel functional materials, the field is well-poised for the next generation of closed-loop diabetes care. Wearable glucose sensors implanted within diverse platforms including skin or on-tooth tattoos, skin-mounted patches, eyeglasses, contact lenses, fabrics, mouthguards, and pacifiers have enabled noninvasive, unobtrusive, and real-time analysis of glucose excursions in ambulatory care settings. These wearable glucose sensors can be integrated with implantable drug delivery systems, including an insulin pump, glucose responsive insulin release implant, and islets transplantation, to form self-regulating closed-loop systems. This review article encompasses the emerging trends and latest innovations of wearable glucose monitoring and implantable insulin delivery technologies for diabetes management with a focus on their advanced materials and construction. Perspectives on the current unmet challenges of these strategies are also discussed to motivate future technological development toward improved patient care in diabetes management.

Using adjuvant pharmacotherapy in the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Introduction: Insulin and its analogues have so far been the only approved treatment for type 1 diabetes in Europe, while in the U.S. the amylin analog pramlintide is approved for adjuvant use with insulin. However, in clinical practice, various drugs against type 2 diabetes have been used off label with insulin for type 1 diabetes. Recently, the EMA approved the SGLT inhibitors dapagliflozin and sotagliflozin as adjuvant treatments to insulin for type 1 diabetes in adults.Areas covered: This article is a survey of adjuvant treatments used against type 1 diabetes, focusing on SGLT inhibitors.Expert opinion: While GLP-1R agonists and metformin may reduce weight gain associated with insulin therapy and possibly also confer non-glycemic benefits, only the SGLT inhibitors dapagliflozin and sotagliflozin have been approved in Europe as adjunctive to insulin for type 1 diabetes. Since these drugs act independently of insulin, they are very valuable additions to the armamentarium against type 1 diabetes. However, they should be used judiciously in select patients to mitigate the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients should be instructed to avoid risk situations and be taught to measure blood ketones themselves.

Non-Insulin Antidiabetes Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In order to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of the non-insulin antidiabetes medications as an adjunct treatment in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), we conducted systematic searches in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials published between the date of inception and March 2020 to produce a systematic review and meta-analysis. Overall, 57 studies were included. Compared with placebo, antidiabetes agents in adjunct to insulin treatment resulted in significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.30%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.34 to -0.25%; P<0.01) and body weight (WMD, -2.15 kg; 95% CI, -2.77 to -1.53 kg; P<0.01), and required a significantly lower dosage of insulin (WMD, -5.17 unit/day; 95% CI, -6.77 to -3.57 unit/day; P<0.01). Compared with placebo, antidiabetes agents in adjunct to insulin treatment increased the risk of hypoglycemia (relative risk [RR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.08; P=0.02) and gastrointestinal side effects (RR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.46; P<0.01) in patients with T1DM. Compared with placebo, the use of non-insulin antidiabetes agents in addition to insulin could lead to glycemic improvement, weight control and lower insulin dosage, while they might be associated with increased risks of hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal side effects in patients with T1DM.

Diagnosis and treatment of type 1 diabetes at the dawn of the personalized medicine era

Type 1 diabetes affects millions of people globally and requires careful management to avoid serious long-term complications, including heart and kidney disease, stroke, and loss of sight. The type 1 diabetes patient cohort is highly heterogeneous, with individuals presenting with disease at different stages and severities, arising from distinct etiologies, and overlaying varied genetic backgrounds. At present, the “one-size-fits-all” treatment for type 1 diabetes is exogenic insulin substitution therapy, but this approach fails to achieve optimal blood glucose control in many individuals. With advances in our understanding of early-stage diabetes development, diabetes stratification, and the role of genetics, type 1 diabetes is a promising candidate for a personalized medicine approach, which aims to apply “the right therapy at the right time, to the right patient”. In the case of type 1 diabetes, great efforts are now being focused on risk stratification for diabetes development to enable pre-clinical detection, and the application of treatments such as gene therapy, to prevent pancreatic destruction in a sub-set of patients. Alongside this, breakthroughs in stem cell therapies hold great promise for the regeneration of pancreatic tissues in some individuals. Here we review the recent initiatives in the field of personalized medicine for type 1 diabetes, including the latest discoveries in stem cell and gene therapy for the disease, and current obstacles that must be overcome before the dream of personalized medicine for all type 1 diabetes patients can be realized.

Nanoparticulate tablet dosage form of lisofylline-linoleic acid conjugate for type 1 diabetes: in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) studies and pharmacokinetics in rat

Lisofylline (LSF) is an anti-inflammatory molecule with high aqueous solubility and rapid metabolic interconversion to its parent drug, pentoxifylline (PTX) resulting in very poor pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, necessitating high dose and dosing frequency. In the present study, we resolved the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic limitations associated with LSF and designed its oral dosage form as a tablet for effective treatment in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Self-assembling polymeric micelles of LSF (lisofylline-linoleic acid polymeric micelles (LSF-LA PLM)) were optimized for scale-up (6 g batch size) and lyophilized followed by compression into tablets. Powder blend and tablets were evaluated as per USP. LSF-LA PLM tablet so formed was evaluated for in vitro release in simulated biological fluids (with enzymes) and for cell viability in MIN-6 cells. LSF-LA PLM in tablet formulation was further evaluated for intestinal permeability (in situ) along with LSF and LSF-LA self-assembled micelles (SM) as controls in a rat model using single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) study. SPIP studies revealed 1.8-fold higher oral absorption of LSF-LA from LSF-LA PLM as compared to LSF-LA SM and ~5.9-fold higher than LSF (alone) solution. Pharmacokinetic studies of LSF-LA PLM tablet showed greater C_max than LSF, LSF-LA, and LSF-LA PLM. Designed facile LSF-LA PLM tablet dosage form has potential for an immediate decrease in the postprandial glucose levels in patients of T1D.

Clinical characteristics and management of type 1 diabetes in Spain. The SED1 study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the sociodemographic and clinical profile of a representative sample of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) in Spain and identify factors associated with glycemic control.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in adults and children with DM1 treated in 75 Spanish public hospitals, geographically distributed in order to be representative of the Spanish population. Within each center, the patients were included on a consecutive basis as they visited the clinic. They were interviewed, and their clinical histories were reviewed. A descriptive statistical analysis was made, and factors associated with HbA1c were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 647 patients were included: 55.3% females, aged 36.6±14.4 years, 97.2% Caucasians, BMI 24.7±4.4kg/m2 (12.1% ≥30kg/m2), and 74.0% had secondary / university education. A total of 20.2% were active smokers. The mean time from the diagnosis of DM1 was 17.9±12.0 years. A total of 48.7% presented comorbidities: 19.3% retinopathy and 16.4% hypothyroidism. As regards treatment for DM1, 76.5% received basal-bolus insulin therapy and 20.7% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII); 51.0% of the patients used an insulin/carbohydrate ratio (ICR), with 4.6±1.6 self-monitored capillary blood glucose (SMCBG) measurements a day, and 24.8% used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The mean HbA1c value was 7.6±1.1% (30% below 7%). Metabolic control improved (lower HbA1c) with more daily SMCBG (B=-0.053; p=0.009), a higher educational level (B=0.461; P<0.001), greater number of hypoglycemia episodes (B=-0.253; P=0.018) and carbohydrate counting (B=-0.190; P=0.048), and worsened the longer the duration of the disease (B=0.010; P=0.010), higher total dose of insulin (B=0.010; P<0.0001), poorer adherence to diet (B=0.650; P<0.0001) and a family history of DM (B=-0.233; P=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The management of patients with DM1 in Spain, as well as the treatment they receive, is similar to that seen in other Western countries. Blood glucose control is associated with educational level, disease duration, and the characteristics of treatment and self-care.

Comparative efficacy and safety of glucose-lowering drugs as adjunctive therapy for adults with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of glucose-lowering drugs used as an adjunct to insulin therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 24 January 2020 for randomized controlled trials. Our primary outcome was change in HbA1c. We additionally assessed eight efficacy and six safety secondary endpoints. We performed random effects frequentist network meta-analysis to estimate mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs), alongside 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed risk of bias and evaluated confidence in the evidence for the primary outcome.

RESULTS

We included 58 trials comprising 13 216 participants. Overall, sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitors, liraglutide, glibenclamide, acarbose and metformin reduced HbA1c compared with placebo (MDs ranging from -0.46% [95% CI -0.64% to -0.29%] for empagliflozin to -0.20% [-0.35% to -0.06%] for metformin). SGLT inhibitors, exenatide daily, liraglutide and metformin reduced body weight and total daily insulin dose, while liraglutide and SGLT inhibitors reduced blood pressure. Diabetic ketoacidosis and genital infections were more frequent with SGLT inhibitors, while exenatide, liraglutide, pramlintide and metformin increased the incidence of nausea. No drug increased the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia. Confidence in evidence was mainly moderate to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific drugs may improve glycaemic control and reduce body weight, blood pressure and total daily insulin dose in patients with type 1 diabetes. However, low quality of evidence and an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, genital infections or gastrointestinal adverse events should be taken into consideration by healthcare providers and patients. Future long-term trials are needed to clarify their benefit-to-risk profile and elucidate their role in clinical practice.

Adjunctive therapies in type 1 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Insulin is the mainstay of treatment in people living with type 1 diabetes mellitus due to an immune-mediated loss of beta cells. Yet despite advances in insulin therapy and other technological advances, glycemic control remains difficult to achieve. Therefore, we aim to highlight risks and benefits of adjunctive therapies that may improve type 1 diabetes care.

RECENT FINDINGS

We identified studies assessing clinical outcomes of adjunctive therapies that are both Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and off-label in type 1 diabetes. Adjunctive therapies reviewed included metformin, pramlintide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors.

SUMMARY

Although insulin is required in people living with type 1 diabetes mellitus, adjunctive therapies may positively impact glycemic control, reduce insulin requirements and lead to weight loss. In addition, the risk of hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal side effects and diabetes ketoacidosis may be increased with the use of these adjunctive therapies. Pramlintide is currently the only FDA-approved adjunctive therapy, whereas others require continued research to better understand risk-to-benefit ratio.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce day-to-day glucose variability in patients with type 1 diabetes

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are used worldwide because of their multiple benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in patients with type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with type 1 diabetes who had been treated with SGLT2i for >12 weeks were included in this retrospective observation study. We recorded the changes in body mass, insulin dose, blood and urine test data, and adverse events. The changes in day-to-day glucose variability, as the primary end-point, was evaluated using the interquartile range (P25/P75) of the ambulatory glucose data obtained using continuous glucose monitoring.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients (37 women; mean age 52.7 years) were included. Glycated hemoglobin and body mass significantly decreased by 0.4% and 1.6 kg, respectively. The total required insulin dose decreased by 9.4% (42.7 ± 26.6-38.7 ± 24.3 units/day). Continuous glucose monitoring data were obtained from 30 patients. P25/P75 decreased by 17.6 ± 20.7% during SGLT2i treatment (P < 0.001). The percentage of time per day within the target glucose range of 70-180 mg/dL significantly increased (from 42.2 to 55.5%, P < 0.001), without an increase in the percentage of time spent in the hypoglycemic range (<70 mg/dL). Urinary ketone bodies were detected in four patients (7.8%), but none developed ketoacidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2i improved day-to-day glucose variability and time in the target glucose range, without increasing frequency of hypoglycemia, in patients with type 1 diabetes, and reduced glycated hemoglobin, body mass and the required insulin dose.

A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on the efficacy of dapagliflozin in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Formulation of insulin analogs and its delivery are developed in over recent years but glycemic control in most patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is not adequate yet. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of dapagliflozin in patients with type-1 DM. The MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science databases were searched up to Aug 2020 to identify the potential literature. Random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird method) was used to estimate the pooled effect size as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Five randomized placebo-controlled trials with 11 arms were included in the quantitative analysis. The pooled results suggested a significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C; WMD: -0.36 %, 95 % CI: -0.55, -0.18), body weight (WMD: -4.02 kg, 95 % CI: -4.78, -3.25), and total daily insulin dose (TDID; WMD: -10.36 %, 95 % CI: -13.42, -7.29), as well as an increase in 24-h urinary glucose excretion (24-h UGE; WMD: 90.02 g/24-h, 95 % CI: 72.96, 107.09) in dapagliflozin group compared to control group. Dose of dapagliflozin had a significant effect on body weight reduction (Coef = -3.7, p = 0.01) and 24-h UGE (coef = 0.85, p = 0.005). Pooled results of this meta-analysis identified a significant reduction in HbA1c levels, body weight, and TDID, and a substantial increase in 24-h UGE in patients who received dapagliflozin versus placebo.

Effect of eugenol treatment in hyperglycemic murine models: A meta-analysis

Diabetes is a highly prevalent health condition affecting many people worldwide. In vitro studies have described the positive effects of cloves and its major compound, eugenol, in the treatment of diabetes. However, it is unclear whether the effects of this compound are negative, neutral, or positive, on hyperglycemic animals. Therefore, a meta-analytical review was conducted to determine the magnitude of effects of eugenol on variables directly and indirectly related to diabetes. This study revealed that eugenol treatment decreased the glucose levels and the activity of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, ameliorated the lipid profile, and reduced the oxidative, renal, and hepatic damages in hyperglycemic rodents. Moreover, eugenol alleviated the weight loss and restored the activity of the antioxidant defense system. Insulin levels was not affected by eugenol treatment. Also, mixed model analyses revealed that the use of purified or non-purified eugenol and the concentrations administered significantly affected the treatment outcome. In conclusion, our findings indicate that eugenol may have potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of diabetes. Furthermore, this study can direct future preclinical and clinical trials, with important implications for human health.

Current status of metformin in addition to insulin therapy in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: An analysis from the Guangdong Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Translational Medicine Study

BACKGROUND

Limited data on the efficacy of the additional metformin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) under real-life conditions have been available so far.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥18 years with a duration of T1DM for at least 1 year were included in this multicenter observational study. Patients with insulin combined with metformin therapy (MET group) were compared with those with insulin therapy only (INS group).

RESULTS

A total of 76 patients in the MET group were compared with 655 patients in the INS group. At baseline, patients with dyslipidemia were more prevalent in the MET group (17.6% vs 9.0%; P = .006), and they also had a higher body mass index (BMI) (21.7 ± 3.2 kg/m² vs 20.4 ± 2.6 kg/m² ; P < .001) than those in the INS group. But glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and daily insulin dose were not significantly different between the two groups. After 1-year follow-up, HbA1c decreased in both groups, while the daily insulin dose decreased in the MET group, but did not change in the INS group (-0.02 IU/kg [-0.16, 0.09] vs 0 IU/kg [-0.09, 0.09]; P = .029). The additional metformin therapy led to no change of BMI and weight in the MET group, while the body weight increased from 53.7 ± 8.6 kg to 55.0 ± 7.9 kg in the INS group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin is initiated more in T1DM patients with dyslipidemia or higher BMI in current practice in China. The addition of metformin is effective in maintaining weight and reducing the insulin dosage without improving glycemic control in patients with T1DM.

Effect of short-acting exenatide administered three times daily on markers of cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

AIMS

To investigate the effect of adding the short-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) exenatide to insulin treatment on markers of cardiovascular risk in type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial, 108 individuals with type 1 diabetes aged ≥18 years on multiple daily injection therapy with a body mass index >22.0 kg/m² and glycated haemoglobin concentration of 59 to 88 mmol/mol (7.5%-10.0%) were randomized (1:1) to preprandial subcutaneous injection of 10 μg exenatide (Byetta®) or placebo three times daily over 26 weeks as add-on treatment to existing insulin therapy. Reported markers of cardiovascular risk were secondary endpoints and were analyzed in a baseline-adjusted linear mixed model in the intention-to-treat population. The primary results of this study, the MAG1C (Meal-time Administration of exenatide for Glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes Cases) trial, were previously reported.

RESULTS

Exenatide changed total fat mass by -2.6 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] -3.6; -1.6; P < 0.0001) and lean body mass by -1.1 kg (95% CI -1.9; -0.4; P = 0.01) compared with placebo, as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fat mass reductions were similar for central and peripheral fat mass. Exenatide did not change levels of interleukin-2 or -6; tumour necrosis factor-α; C-reactive protein; N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide; or 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (RNA oxidation marker) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (DNA oxidation marker).

CONCLUSIONS

Exenatide added to insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes for 26 weeks resulted in body weight loss primarily from fat mass reduction, but had no effect on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk.

RETRACTED: NF-κB inhibits the occurrence of type 1 diabetes through microRNA-150-dependent PUMA degradation

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy) This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Concern was raised about the reliability of the Western blot results in Figures 1D,E+H, 2E+H, 3F,H+K, and 4B+E which appear to have a similar phenotype as many other publications, as detailed here: https://pubpeer.com/publications/C6FD5C041268DBBCDA521AEC112FA4 and here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r0MyIYpagBc58BRF9c3luWNlCX8VUvUuPyYYXzxWvgY/edit#gid=262337249. The journal requested the corresponding author comment on these concerns and provide the raw Western blot data. However, the authors were not able to satisfactorily fulfill this request and therefore the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article.

Urocortin 2 Gene Transfer Improves Glycemic Control and Reduces Retinopathy and Mortality in Murine Insulin Deficiency

Type 1 diabetes affects 20 million patients worldwide. Insulin is the primary and commonly the sole therapy for type 1 diabetes. However, only a minority of patients attain the targeted glucose control and reduced adverse events. We tested urocortin 2 gene transfer as single-agent therapy for insulin deficiency using two mouse models. Urocortin 2 gene transfer reduced blood glucose for months after a single intravenous injection, through increased skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, increased insulin release in response to glucose stimulation, and increased plasma insulin levels before and during euglycemic clamp. The combined increases in both insulin availability and sensitivity resulted in improved glycemic indices-events that were not anticipated in these insulin-deficient models. In addition, urocortin 2 gene transfer reduced ocular manifestations of long-standing insulin deficiency such as vascular leak and improved retinal function. Finally, mortality was reduced by urocortin 2 gene transfer. The mechanisms for these beneficial effects included increased activities of AMP-activated protein kinase and Akt (protein kinase B) in skeletal muscle, increased skeletal muscle glucose uptake, and increased insulin release. These data suggest that urocortin 2 gene transfer may be a viable therapy for new onset type 1 diabetes and might reduce insulin needs in later stage disease.

Efficacy and Safety of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 1 Diabetes After the Introduction of an Off-Label Use Protocol for Clinical Practice

Aims: We evaluated the real-life efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in combination with optimized insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: This was a prospective study, including 27 patients with T1D treated with insulin therapy to whom empagliflozin was added according to an off-label protocol approved for use in clinical practice. The primary end point was the change in HbA_1c 52 weeks after the addition of empagliflozin to insulin therapy. Blood pressure (BP), weight, and safety were also assessed. Results: At week 52, the addition of empagliflozin significantly reduced HbA_1c from 8.0% ± 0.7% to 7.2% ± 0.8% (P < 0.001). The mean percentage of time in range for capillary glucose monitoring increased from 50% to 62% (P = 0.008) in parallel to a -0.08 IU/(kg·day) reduction in insulin requirements (P = 0.031). There was also a reduction in the body weight (-8 kg) and in systolic BP from 134 to 127 mmHg (P < 0.001). The most commonly reported adverse events were genitourinary infections (10 episodes in 52 weeks of follow-up). One patient developed an episode of mild diabetic ketoacidosis that motivated empagliflozin withdrawal. No severe hypoglycemic events were registered. Conclusions: Our results suggested that the use of empagliflozin following a strict off-label protocol may represent an effective and safe option in real life among patients with T1D, improving metabolic control, and ameliorating some cardiovascular risk factors.

Development and validation of multivariable clinical diagnostic models to identify type 1 diabetes requiring rapid insulin therapy in adults aged 18-50 years

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate multivariable clinical diagnostic models to assist distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 18-50.

DESIGN

Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop classification models integrating five pre-specified predictor variables, including clinical features (age of diagnosis, body mass index) and clinical biomarkers (GADA and Islet Antigen 2 islet autoantibodies, Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score), to identify type 1 diabetes with rapid insulin requirement using data from existing cohorts.

SETTING

UK cohorts recruited from primary and secondary care.

PARTICIPANTS

1352 (model development) and 582 (external validation) participants diagnosed with diabetes between the age of 18 and 50 years of white European origin.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Type 1 diabetes was defined by rapid insulin requirement (within 3 years of diagnosis) and severe endogenous insulin deficiency (C-peptide <200 pmol/L). Type 2 diabetes was defined by either a lack of rapid insulin requirement or, where insulin treated within 3 years, retained endogenous insulin secretion (C-peptide >600 pmol/L at ≥5 years diabetes duration). Model performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC), and internal and external validation.

RESULTS

Type 1 diabetes was present in 13% of participants in the development cohort. All five predictor variables were discriminative and independent predictors of type 1 diabetes (p<0.001 for all) with individual ROC AUC ranging from 0.82 to 0.85. Model performance was high: ROC AUC range 0.90 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.93) (clinical features only) to 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.98) (all predictors) with low prediction error. Results were consistent in external validation (clinical features and GADA ROC AUC 0.93 (0.90 to 0.96)).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical diagnostic models integrating clinical features with biomarkers have high accuracy for identifying type 1 diabetes with rapid insulin requirement, and could assist clinicians and researchers in accurately identifying patients with type 1 diabetes.

Safety and efficacy of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors combined with insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in a dose-dependent manner for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are unclear.

METHODS

Randomized clinical trials (RCT) were searched from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials until August 2018.

RESULTS

Thirteen RCT with 5397 participants were included. SGLT2 inhibitors were proved to be effective in glycemic control and weight loss in T1DM. In the subgroups of different doses, SGLT2 inhibitors exhibited reductions in glycated haemoglobin, bodyweight, fasting plasma glucose, mean daily glucose, basal insulin dose, bolus insulin dose, estimated glomerular filtration rate and systolic blood pressure, and elevations in the mean amplitude of glucose excursions, and percentage of time in target glucose range in a dose-dependent manner. Reductions in total insulin dose and urinary glucose excretion were dose-independent. SGLT2 inhibitors did not induce hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia, cardiovascular events, bone fracture and all-cause mortality, but increased the risk of adverse events (AE), adverse events related to the drug treatment, infections, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and renal disease correlated with dosage.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitors in high and moderate doses can achieve a better outcome on efficacy, but may induce a higher risk of adverse events, especially DKA.

Brain signalling systems: A target for treating type I diabetes mellitus

From early to later stages of Type I Diabetes Mellitus (TIDM), signalling molecules including brain indolamines and protein kinases are altered significantly, and that has been implicated in the Metabolic Disorders (MD) as well as impairment of retinal, renal, neuronal and cardiovascular systems. Considerable attention has been focused to the effects of diabetes on these signalling systems. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of these signals are not completely understood in TIDM, but it is likely that hyperglycemia, acidosis, and insulin resistance play significant roles. Insulin maintains normal glycemic levels and it acts by binding to its receptor, so that it activates the receptor's tyrosine kinase activity, resulting in phosphorylation of several substrates. Those substrates provide binding/interaction sites for signalling molecules, including serine/threonine kinases and indolamines. For more than two decades, our research has been focused on the mechanisms of protein kinases, CaM Kinase and Serotonin transporter mediated alterations of indolamines in TIDM. In this review, we have also discussed how discrete areas of brain respond to insulin or some of the pharmacological agents that triggers or restores these signalling molecules, and it may be useful for the treatment of specific region wise changes/disorders of diabetic brain.

Changing the Concept of Type 2 Diabetes: Beta Cell Workload Hypothesis Revisited

BACKGROUND

Despite a number of innovations in anti-diabetic drugs and substantial improvement in diabetes care, the number of people with diabetes continues to increase, suggesting further need to explore novel approaches to prevent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is characterized by beta cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. However, insulin resistance, usually a consequence of obesity, is often emphasized and the role of beta cell dysfunction in T2DM is less appreciated.

OBJECTIVE AND RESULTS

This paper summarizes recent evidence showing the importance of beta cell dysfunction in T2DM and refines the "beta cell workload hypothesis", emphasizing the importance of beta cell preservation for the prevention and management of T2DM.

CONCLUSION

It is hoped that this novel concept will foster a better understanding of the pathophysiology of T2DM by not only medical staff and patients with diabetes, but also the general population, and encourage more people to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, eventually resulting in "stopping diabetes".

Altered T-cell subsets and transcription factors in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults taking sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor: A 1-year open-label randomized controlled trial

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor has been proven to improve glycemic control and β-cell function in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). The potential immune modulation mechanism is still unknown. Thus, we tested T-lymphocyte subsets and expression of relevant transcription factors in LADA patients with sitagliptin intervention for up to 1-year.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 LADA patients were randomly assigned to sitagliptin and/or insulin treatment (SITA group; n = 20) or insulin alone treatment (CONT group; n = 20). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. The percentage of T-lymphocyte subsets (T helper 1, T helper 2, T helper 17 and regulatory T cells) tested by flow cytometry, and the messenger ribonucleic acid expression (T box expressed in T cells [T-BET], GATA binding protein 3 [GATA3], forkhead box protein 3 [FOXP3] and related orphan receptor C [RORC]) tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction were determined at baseline, 6 months and 12 months.

RESULTS

The percentage of regulatory T cells in the SITA group was significantly lower than that of the CONT group at baseline. The percentage of T helper 2 cells was higher than that of the CONT group at 6 months and 12 months. At 12 months, the percentage of T helper 17 cells was lower in the SITA group than that of the CONT group. After a 1-year visit, the messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of T-BET expressed in T cells and RORC in the SITA group were significantly lower than at baseline. Whereas that of RORC in the CONT group were significantly lower than that at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

The data confirmed that sitagliptin altered the phenotype of T cells and downregulated the expression of T-BET and RORC in LADA patients, and ameliorated glycemic control in LADA patients.

Isolation, characterization, and therapeutic activity of bergenin from marlberry (Ardisia colorata Roxb.) leaf on diabetic testicular complications in Wistar albino rats

Bergenin is one of the phytochemical constituents in marlberry (Ardisia colorata Roxb.) having antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. A. colorata has been used as an herbal medicine in Southeast Asia particularly in Northeast India to treat diabetes. Bergenin was isolated from methanol extract of A. colorata leaf (MEACL) by column chromatography and TLC profiling. Characterization and structural validation of bergenin were performed by spectroscopic analyses. A LC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitation of bergenin and validated as per the guidelines of FDA and EMA. The validated method was successfully utilized to quantify bergenin concentration in MEACL samples. Therapeutic efficacy of bergenin was investigated on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by following standard protocols. Bergenin supplementation significantly improved the physiological and metabolic processes and in turn reverses diabetic testicular dysfunction via increasing serum testosterone concentrations and expression pattern of PCNA, improving histopathological and histomorphometric manifestations, modulating spermatogenic events and germ cell proliferation, restoring sperm quality, reducing sperm DNA damage, and balancing the antioxidant enzymes levels. Hence, A. colorata leaf is one of the alternate rich resources of bergenin and could be used as a therapeutic agent for diabetic testicular complications.

Oral formulation of DPP-4 inhibitor plus Quercetin improves metabolic homeostasis in type 1 diabetic rats

This study aimed to investigate the potential of an oral formulation (QV formulation) containing Quercetin and a Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor (DPP-4 inhibitor), Vildagliptin, in improving metabolic homeostasis in type 1 diabetes model. Female albino Fischer rats were divided into four groups: untreated control animals (C), untreated diabetic animals (D), diabetic animals treated with QV formulation (DQV), and diabetic animals treated with insulin (DI). Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan (135 mg kg body mass)^-1 and confirmed by glycemic test. After the 30-day treatment period, biochemical parameters were analyzed in the pancreas, liver, and serum. Histopathological changes in pancreatic tissue were examined by Hematoxyline & Eosin staining and the insulin content in the islet measured by immunohistochemistry with anti-insulin antibody. The glycogen content in the hepatocytes was quantified by Periodic Schiff Acid staining. The QV formulation reduced the glycemia, preserved the pancreatic architecture, increased insulin levels, furthermore ameliorated lipid profile and to promote higher survival rate of animals. Together, our data suggest that the QV formulation treatment was able to normalize metabolic homeostasis in type 1 diabetic rats.

Empagliflozin as adjunct to insulin in Japanese participants with type 1 diabetes: Results of a 4-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial

AIMS

This phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02702011) with 4 sites in Japan investigated the pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety profile of empagliflozin in Japanese participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as adjunctive therapy to insulin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants using multiple daily injections of insulin for ≥12 months, with HbA1c of 7.5%-10.0%, entered a 2-week, open-label, placebo run-in period, followed by a 4-week, double-blind period during which participants were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive empagliflozin 2.5 mg (n = 13), empagliflozin 10 mg (n = 12), empagliflozin 25 mg (n = 12) or placebo (n = 11). The primary objective was to assess the effect of empagliflozin vs placebo on urinary glucose excretion (UGE) after 7 days of treatment.

RESULTS

PD: Empagliflozin resulted in a dose-dependent significant increase in 24-hour UGE compared with placebo (UGE placebo-corrected mean [95% confidence interval] change from baseline: 2.5 mg, 65.10 [43.29, 86.90] g/24 h; 10 mg, 81.19 [58.80, 103.58] g/24 h; 25 mg, 98.11 [75.91, 120.31] g/24 h). After 4 weeks of treatment, UGE increase was associated with improved glycaemic control, reduced body weight and decreased insulin needs. Empagliflozin treatment also resulted in dose-dependent increases in serum ketone bodies and free fatty acids. PK: Plasma empagliflozin levels increased in a dose-dependent manner and peaked at 1.5 hours. In this short study, empagliflozin was well tolerated, with no increase in rate of hypoglycaemia and no diabetic ketoacidosis events reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this short-duration phase 2 study, the PK/PD profile of empagliflozin in Japanese participants with T1DM is comparable to that of non-Japanese participants.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4(DPP-4) inhibitors: promising new agents for autoimmune diabetes

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors constitute a novel class of anti-diabetic agents confirmed to improve glycemic control and preserve β-cell function in type 2 diabetes. Three major large-scale studies, EXAMINE, SAVOR-TIMI 53, and TECOS, have confirmed the cardiovascular safety profile of DPP-4 inhibitors. Based on these results, DPP-4 inhibitors have gained widespread use in type 2 diabetes treatment. It is currently unknown, however, whether DPP-4 inhibitors have similar therapeutic efficacy against autoimmune diabetes. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have addressed this issue, but the results remain controversial. In this review, we summarize experimental findings and preliminary clinical trial results, and identify potentially effective immune modulation targets of DPP-4 inhibitors for autoimmune diabetes.

Protocol for Meal-time Administration of Exenatide for Glycaemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes Cases (The MAG1C trial): a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Persons with type 1 diabetes require intensive insulin therapy to achieve glycaemic control, but side effects, including hypoglycaemia and weight gain, may reduce treatment compliance. We hypothesise that add-on treatment of the short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, exenatide, to insulin therapy in persons with type 1 diabetes will reduce insulin requirements, glycaemic excursions and body weight and improve glycaemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia. The present article describes a protocol developed to test this hypothesis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

One-hundred adult persons with type 1 diabetes for more than 1 year, insufficient glycaemic control (glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between 58 and 86 mmol/mol) and body mass index >22.0 kg/m² will be randomised to either exenatide 10 µg three times per day (at meal times) or placebo as add-on therapy to regular basal-bolus insulin treatment for 26 weeks. Primary endpoint is change in HbA1c between the two groups at end of treatment. Secondary endpoints include change in glycaemic excursions (assessed by continuous glucose monitoring); insulin dose; hypoglycaemic and adverse events; body weight, lean body and fat mass; dietary patterns; quality of life and treatment satisfaction; cardiovascular-disease risk profile; metabolomics; and arginine-tested plasma glucose, glucagon and C-peptide levels.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study is approved by the Danish Medicines Agency, the Regional Scientific Ethics Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark and the Data Protection Agency. The study will be carried out under the surveillance and guidance of the good clinical practice (GCP) unit at Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg in accordance with the ICH-GCP guidelines and the Helsinki Declaration. Positive, negative as well as inconclusive results will be sought disseminated at scientific meetings and in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03017352.

Pramlintide but Not Liraglutide Suppresses Meal-Stimulated Glucagon Responses in Type 1 Diabetes

CONTEXT

Postprandial hyperglycemia remains a challenge in type 1 diabetes (T1D) due, in part, to dysregulated increases in plasma glucagon levels after meals.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to examine whether 3 to 4 weeks of therapy with pramlintide or liraglutide might help to blunt postprandial hyperglycemia in T1D by suppressing plasma glucagon responses to mixed-meal feedings.

DESIGN

Two parallel studies were conducted in which participants underwent mixed-meal tolerance tests (MMTTs) without premeal bolus insulin administration before and after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment with either pramlintide (8 participants aged 20 ± 3 years, hemoglobin A1c 6.9 ± 0.5%) or liraglutide (10 participants aged 22 ± 3 years, hemoglobin A1c 7.6 ± 0.9%).

RESULTS

Compared with pretreatment responses to the MMTT, treatment with pramlintide reduced the peak increment in glucagon from 32 ± 16 to 23 ± 12 pg/mL (P < 0.02). In addition, the incremental area under the plasma glucagon curve from 0 to 120 minutes dropped from 1988 ± 590 to 737 ± 577 pg/mL/min (P < 0.001), which was accompanied by a similar reduction in the meal-stimulated increase in the plasma glucose curve from 11,963 ± 1424 mg/dL/min pretreatment vs 2493 ± 1854 mg/dL/min after treatment (P < 0.01). In contrast, treatment with liraglutide had no effect on plasma glucagon and glucose responses during the MMTT.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive treatment with pramlintide may provide an effective means to blunt postmeal hyperglycemia in T1D by suppressing dysregulated plasma glucagon responses. In contrast, plasma glucose and glucagon responses were unchanged after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment with liraglutide.

Safety and efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are currently FDA approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. Our objective was to review the available evidence of the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on HbA_1c, body weight, and total daily insulin dose, as well as their safety profile in patients with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by conducting a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane library databases through August 2017. Data on study design, sample size, mean ± standard deviation of HbA_1c, body weight, and total daily insulin dose, as well as reported adverse events were extracted. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Relative to placebo, therapy with SGLT2 inhibitors led to significant reductions in HbA_1c (WMD 0.39; 95% CI 0.27, 0.51), body weight (WMD 2.76; 95% CI 1.11, 4.40), and total daily insulin dose (WMD 5.03; 95% CI 1.83, 8.23). In addition, there was no significant difference in the rate of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study lends supports for the development of SGLT2 inhibitors in combination with insulin as a treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes.