Early intensive insulin treatment for induction of long-term glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes

Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Since the discovery of insulin, it was the only drug available for the treatment of diabetes until the development of sulfonylureas and biguanides 50 years later. But even with the availability of oral glucose-lowering drugs, insulin supplementation was often needed to achieve good glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Insulin NPH became the basal insulin therapy of choice and adding NPH to metformin and/or sulfonylureas became the standard of care until basal insulin analogs were developed and new glucose-lowering drugs became available.

AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY

The advantages in cost-benefit of insulin analogs and their combination with new glucose-lowering drugs are still a matter of debate. There is no general agreement on how to avoid inertia by prescribing insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes when really needed, as reflected by the diversity of recommendations in the current clinical practice guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

When necessary for this review, a systematic search of the evidence was done in PubMed and Cochrane databases.

THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES

Adding new oral glucose-lowering drugs to insulin such as DPP-4 inhibitors lead to a modest HbA1c reduction without weight gain and no increase in hypoglycemia. When SGLT-2 inhibitors are added instead, there is a slightly higher HbA1c reduction, but with body weight and blood pressure reduction. The downside is the increase in genital tract infections. GLP-1 receptor agonists have become the best alternative when basal insulin fails, particularly using fixed ratio combinations. Rapid-acting insulins via the inhaled route may also become an alternative for insulin supplementation and/or intensification. "Smart insulins" are under investigation and may become available for clinical use in the near future.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive weight loss strategies together with the new glucose-lowering drugs which do not cause hypoglycemia nor weight gain should limit the number of patients with type 2 diabetes needing insulin. Nevertheless, because of therapeutic inertia and the progressive nature of the disease, many need at least a basal insulin supplementation and insulin analogs are the best choice as they become more affordable. Fixed ratio combinations with GLP1 receptor agonists are a good choice for intensification of insulin therapy.

Characteristics Predictive for a Successful Switch from Insulin Analogue Therapy to Oral Hypoglycemic Agents in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate clinical and laboratory parameters that could predict which patients could maintain adequate glycemic control after switching from initial insulin therapy to oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 275 patients with T2D who had been registered in 3 cohorts of initiated insulin therapy and followed up for 33 months. The participants were divided into 2 groups according to whether they switched from insulin to OHAs (Group I) or not (Group II), and Group I was further classified into 2 sub-groups: maintenance on OHAs (Group IA) or resumption of insulin (Group IB).

RESULTS

Of 275 patients with insulin initiation, 63% switched to OHAs (Group I) and 37% continued insulin (Group II). Of these, 44% were in Group IA and 19% in Group IB. The lowest tertile of baseline postprandial C-peptide-to-glucose ratio (PCGR), higher insulin dose at switching to OHAs, and higher HbA1c level at 6 months after switching to OHAs were all associated with OHA failure (Group IB; p=0.001, 0.046, and 0.014, respectively). The lowest tertile of PCGR was associated with ultimate use of insulin (Group IB and Group II; p=0.029).

CONCLUSION

Higher baseline level of PCGR and lower HbA1c levels at 6 months after switching to OHAs may be strong predictors for the successful maintenance of OHAs after switching from insulin therapy in Korean patients with T2D.

The treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in youth : which therapies?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents is becoming an increasingly important public health concern throughout the world. This epidemic is closely associated with the increased prevalence of obesity among youth of all ethnic backgrounds, as increased visceral adipose tissue produces adipokines that increase insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes represents one arm of the metabolic syndrome, which includes abdominal obesity, disturbed glucose regulation and insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The treatment of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome poses a challenge for pediatric endocrinologists. This review provides information regarding diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in children, as well as prevention strategies, such as lifestyle modification and pharmacologic options for weight loss, including metformin, orlistat, and sibutramine. Pharmacologic treatment options, their modes of action, and clinical indications for use are also reviewed. Treatment regimens for youth-onset type 2 diabetes that are discussed include metformin, sulfonylureas, glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, glucagon-like peptide-1, and insulin.

Glucose-responsive artificial promoter-mediated insulin gene transfer improves glucose control in diabetic mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of insulin gene therapy using a glucose-responsive synthetic promoter in type 2 diabetic obese mice.

METHODS: We employed a recently developed novel insulin gene therapy strategy using a synthetic promoter that regulates insulin gene expression in the liver in response to blood glucose level changes. We intravenously administered a recombinant adenovirus expressing furin-cleavable rat insulin under the control of the synthetic promoter (rAd-SP-rINSfur) into diabetic Lepr^db/db mice. A recombinant adenovirus expressing β-galactosidase under the cytomegalovirus promoter was used as a control (rAd-CMV-βgal). Blood glucose levels and body weights were monitored for 50 d. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to investigate islet morphology and insulin content.

RESULTS: Administration of rAd-SP-rINSfur lowered blood glucose levels and normoglycemia was maintained for 50 d, whereas the rAd-CMV-βgal control virus-injected mice remained hyperglycemic. Glucose tolerance tests showed that rAd-SP-rINSfur-treated mice cleared exogenous glucose from the blood more efficiently than control virus-injected mice at 4 wk [area under the curve (AUC): 21  508.80 ± 2248.18 vs 62  640.00 ± 5014.28, P < 0.01] and at 6 wk (AUC: 29  956.60 ± 1757.33 vs 60  016.60 ± 3794.47, P < 0.01). In addition, insulin sensitivity was also significantly improved in mice treated with rAd-SP-rINSfur compared with rAd-CMV-βgal-treated mice (AUC: 9150.17 ± 1007.78 vs 11  994.20 ± 474.40, P < 0.05). The islets from rAd-SP-rINSfur-injected mice appeared to be smaller and to contain a higher concentration of insulin than those from rAd-CMV-βgal-injected mice.

CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we suggest that insulin gene therapy might be one therapeutic option for remission of type 2 diabetes.

Efficacy and safety of insulin detemir once daily in combination with sitagliptin and metformin: the TRANSITION randomized controlled trial

AIM

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of once-daily insulin detemir (IDet) and sitagliptin (SITA) versus SITA ± sulphonylurea (SU), both in combination with metformin (MET) in insulin-naive subjects.

METHODS

In a 26-week, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study in type 2 diabetes, insulin-naive subjects concomitantly treated with MET ± second oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) were randomized 1 : 1 to IDet + SITA + MET or SITA + MET ± SU. All continued with MET treatment, and those treated with SU continued if randomized to SITA + MET ± SU. Efficacy endpoints included glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 9-point self-measured plasma glucose (SMPG), weight, body mass index (BMI). Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs) and hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

Significantly higher reductions in HbA1c, FPG and SMPG were achieved with IDet + SITA + MET compared with SITA + MET ± SU. Estimated HbA1c decreased by 1.44% in the IDet + SITA + MET group versus 0.89% in SITA + MET ± SU, p < 0.001. FPG decreased by 3.7 mmol/l (66.3 mg/dl) versus 1.2 mmol/l (22.2 mg/dl), p < 0.001, respectively. Small decreases in weight and BMI were observed in both arms, with no significant differences. AEs were mild or moderate and were more common in the SITA + MET ± SU arm than in the IDet + SITA + MET arm. There was no major hypoglycaemia. Observed rates of hypoglycaemia were very low (1.3/1.7 episodes/patient year) in both arms. The subgroup treated with MET and SUs prior to the trial achieved similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of once-daily IDet with SITA showed a clinically and significantly better improvement in glycaemic control than SITA in combination with or without SUs. Both regimens were associated with a low rate of hypoglycaemia and slight weight reduction.

Metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes in youth: from diagnosis to treatment

Overweight and obesity in youth is a worldwide public health problem. Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescents have a substantial effect upon many systems, resulting in clinical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, early atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Obesity and the type of body fat distribution are still the core aspects of insulin resistance and seem to be the physiopathologic links common to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and T2D. The earlier the appearance of the clustering of risk factors and the higher the time of exposure, the greater will be the chance of developing coronary disease with a more severe endpoint. The age when the event may occur seems to be related to the presence and aggregation of risk factors throughout life.The treatment in this age-group is non pharmacological and aims at promoting changes in lifestyle. However, pharmacological treatments are indicated in special situations.The major goals in dietary treatments are not only limited to weight loss, but also to an improvement in the quality of life. Modification of risk factors associated to comorbidities, personal satisfaction of the child or adolescent and trying to establish healthy life habits from an early age are also important. There is a continuous debate on the best possible exercise to do, for children or adolescents, in order to lose weight. The prescription of physical activity to children and adolescents requires extensive integrated work among multidisciplinary teams, patients and their families, in order to reach therapeutic success.The most important conclusion drawn from this symposium was that if the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity continues at this pace, the result will be a population of children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome. This would lead to high mortality rates in young adults, changing the current increasing trend of worldwide longevity. Government actions and a better understanding of the causes of this problem must be implemented worldwide, by aiming at the prevention of obesity in children and adolescents.

Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents

The emergence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents parallels the rising rates of childhood obesity. As a condition of impaired insulin sensitivity and relative insulin deficiency resulting in hyperglycemia, T2D has a complex underlying physiology that is reflected by the multiple approaches used to optimize medical care and prevent the myriad of diabetes-related complications. T2D diagnosed in children and adolescents represents a distinct and challenging condition to evaluate and treat. Here, we highlight the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation and diagnosis, treatment and public health impact of T2D in children and adolescents.

Secondary diabetes associated with principal endocrinopathies: the impact of new treatment modalities

The secondary occurrence of type 2 diabetes with various hormonal diseases (e.g. pituitary, adrenal and/or thyroid diseases) is a recurrent observation. Indeed, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and overt diabetes mellitus are frequently associated with acromegaly and hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome). The increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with acromegaly and Cushing syndrome may partly be a consequence of increased insulin resistance that normally accompanies hormone excess. Acromegalic patients are insulin resistant, both in the liver and in the periphery, displaying hyperinsulinemia and increased glucose turnover in the basal post-absorptive states. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and that of IGT in acromegaly is reported to range 16-56%, whereas the degree of glucose tolerance seems correlated with circulating growth hormone (GH) levels, age, and disease duration. Moreover, a family history of diabetes and concomitant presence of arterial hypertension have been found to predispose to diabetes as well. GH has physiological effects on glucose metabolism, stimulating gluconeogenesis and lipolysis, which results in increased blood glucose and free fatty acid levels. Conversely, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) enhances insulin sensitivity primarily on skeletal muscles. However, in acromegaly, increased IGF-I levels are unable to counteract the insulin-resistance status determined by GH excess. Therapy with somatostatin analogues (SSAs) induce control of GH and IGF-I excess in the majority of patients, but their inhibitory effect on pancreatic insulin secretion might complicate the overall effect of this treatment on glucose tolerance. Hypercortisolism produces visceral obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia that together with hypertension, hypercoagulability, and ventricular morphologic and functional abnormalities increase cardiovascular risk, and persist up to 5 years after resolution of hypercortisolism. Hypercortisolism leads to hyperglycaemia and reduced glucose tolerance, determines insulin resistance, stimulates hepatic gluconeogenesis and glicogenolisis. In Cushing syndrome the prevalence of diabetes varies between 20 and 50%, but probably this prevalence is underestimated, as not always an oral glucose tolerance test is performed in the presence of an apparently normal fasting glycaemia. Again, disease duration, rather than hormone levels, seems to be the major determinant in the occurrence of systemic complications in Cushing syndrome. Due to the impact they have on mortality and morbidity in both acromegaly and Cushing syndrome, these complications should be treated aggressively. In patients with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) the occurrence of altered glucose tolerance may be due to a decreased insulin secretion, like it happens in patients who underwent pancreatic surgery and in those with pheochromocytoma, or to an altered counterbalance between hormones, such as in patients with glucagonoma and somatostatinoma. Moreover, SSAs represent a valid therapeutic choice in the symptomatic treatment of NETs, and also in this case the medical therapy of the primary disease, may have a significant impact on the prevalence of glucose metabolism imbalance. In thyroid disorders, an abnormal glucose tolerance may be principally encountered in hyperthyroidism. The pathogenesis is complex and scant data on prevalence and severity are found in the literature. Adequate treatment for glucose imbalance is mandatory in these peculiar patients in line with the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes consensus statement. In particular, since traditional insulins have two features that may complicate therapy (absorption profiles, delayed onset of action and peak activity), the new insulin analogues could be of particular interest in the management of the secondary diabetes associated with endocrinopathies, considering the frailty of these patients. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that insulin glargine, given once daily, reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia compared with other formulations, and can facilitate a more aggressive insulin treatment in this class of patients.

Comparison of continual insulin or secretagogue treatment in type 2 diabetic patients with alternate insulin-secretagogue administration

BACKGROUND

To compare the compliance and efficacy among three treatment modalities in patients of type 2 diabetes with fairly good islet function.

METHODS

This 38-month open, randomized, prospective study enrolled 536 subjects (HbA1c 9.4+/-0.8%). Patients were divided into three groups including continual insulin injection (I), continual secretagogue administration (S) and alternation of two-month insulin injection and four-month secretagogue treatment (A). At baseline and every three months, HbA1c was measured and a standard bread meal test (100g) was performed.

RESULTS

HbA1c were better controlled in both groups I and A than in S (6.9+/-0.3%, 6.8+/-0.3% vs. 7.6+/-0.5%). Hypoglycemia incidence was much lower in group A than that in I (0.8 times/patient/month vs. 2.4 times/patient/month) also with less weight gain (1.6 kg vs. 2.8 kg/patient/year). From the standard bread meal test, patients in group A got the greatest increment of 2-h C-peptide. Inquiry from all subjects showed that alternate strategy was welcomed by most of them considering for convenience and efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Alternate insulin-secretagogue treatment can effectively reduce HbA1c and help to improve islet function with reduced risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain under good compliance.

Insulin detemir improves glycaemic control without weight gain in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes: subgroup analysis from the PREDICTIVE study

OBJECTIVE

Predictable Results and Experience in Diabetes through Intensification and Control to Target: an International Variability Evaluation (PREDICTIVE) is a multi-national, open-label, prospective, observational study assessing the safety and efficacy of insulin detemir in clinical practice. This post hoc subanalysis evaluates insulin-naïve patients on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) who were initiated on insulin detemir as basal therapy (+/- OADs).

METHODS

The European cohort of the PREDICTIVE study currently includes 20,531 patients (12,981 with type 2 diabetes) who were prescribed insulin detemir and followed up for 12, 26 or 52 weeks. Here, we report data from a subgroup of 2377 OAD-treated, insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes patients for a mean follow-up of 14.4 weeks. Patients were prescribed insulin detemir as basal therapy (+/- OADs) by their physician, as part of routine clinical care. Results were reported in comparison with baseline observations.

RESULTS

One serious adverse drug reaction was reported, which was a major hypoglycaemic episode. Treatment with insulin detemir (+/- OADs) significantly reduced mean haemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) (-1.3%; p < 0.0001), fasting glucose (-3.7 mmol/l; p < 0.0001), and within-patient fasting glucose variability (-0.5 mmol/l; p < 0.0001). In the majority of patients (82%), these improvements in glycaemic control were achieved with once daily administration of insulin detemir. There was a small reduction in mean body weight (-0.7 kg; p < 0.0001), which was most apparent in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) at baseline. A significant negative relationship between weight change and baseline BMI was observed (greater the BMI, greater the weight reduction). Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI and HbA(1c) at baseline, and change in HbA(1c), were all predictors for weight change (p < 0.0001 for all), with BMI being the strongest predictor.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 2 diabetes naïve to insulin can be effectively treated with once-daily insulin detemir (+/- OADs) to achieve improved glycaemic control with no adverse effect on weight and a low risk of hypoglycaemia. These short-term results are consistent with the findings of clinical trials.

Lifestyle interventions

Lifestyle intervention for the self-management of diabetes is complex and will constantly evolve as the patient's life changes and the diabetes progresses. Although the patient ultimately makes the most important decisions with regard to self-management, the primary care provider plays a critical role as expert consultant to the patient in this effort. Involving a multidisciplinary team in the care and education of the patient with diabetes is an effective approach that capitalizes on each profession's expertise. The team must work collaboratively to ensure that patients are provided the educational underpinnings and taught the behavior change skills that will empower them to effectively master their diabetes.

Effect of biphasic insulin aspart 30 combined with metformin on glycaemic control in obese people with type 2 diabetes

Combination therapy consisting of biphasic insulin aspart 30 bid with metformin provide better glycaemic control in obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. In our study, patients who were treated with 2550 mg of metformin, administered in three daily doses had poor glycaemic control. Three months after switching from metformin therapy to treatment with biphasic insulin aspart 30 + metformin twice a day, glycaemic control improved with significant reduction in hemoglobin HbA1c, fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose levels. Biphasic insulin aspart 30 in combination with metformin administered twice a day may be recommended as a starting insulin treatment in obese diabetic persons whose glycaemic control remained poor while on oral metformin therapy alone.

Paediatric diabetes: achieving practical, effective insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can occur in children and adolescents. Type 1 diabetes is the most common chronic disease in children in the developed countries and the number of adolescents with type 2 diabetes is rising as a consequence of the obesity epidemic. As they grow, children and adolescents with diabetes have special and changing needs; these must be recognized and addressed as there are major physiological, medical, psychological, social and emotional differences in adults with diabetes. Glycaemic control is important to prevent or delay long-term complications also in the paediatric age group. This goal is often achieved using insulin. However, practical issues associated with insulin use in paediatric patients include attainment of target glycaemic levels without increased risk of hypoglycaemia, hormone-driven fluctuations in insulin requirements, and the psychological and social impacts of weight gain and puberty. This article reviews the advances that are helping to overcome these issues and enable paediatric patients to achieve their treatment goals.

CONCLUSION

Advanced insulin formulations, particularly insulin analogues, tailored insulin regimens and delivery systems combined with age-appropriate education, patient/carer involvement and ongoing support from the wider diabetes team will assist in the effective management of diabetes among children and adolescents.

Prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in youth

Parallel to the increase in obesity worldwide, there has been a rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents. The etiology of T2DM in youth, similar to adults, is multifactorial including genetic and environmental factors, among them obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history of the disease, high-risk ethnicity and insulin resistance phenotype playing major roles. Treatment of T2DM should not have a glucocentric approach; it should rather target improving glycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, weight management and the prevention of short- and long-term complications. Prevention strategies, especially in high-risk groups, should focus on environmental change involving participation of families, schools, the food and entertainment industries and governmental agencies. Presently, limited pharmacotherapeutic options need to be expanded both for childhood T2DM and obesity. The coming decades will prove very challenging for healthcare providers battling socioeconomic waves conducive to obesity and T2DM. Evidence-based research and clinical experience in pediatrics, possibly modeled after adult trials, need to be developed if this public health threat is to be contained.

Diabetes and dyslipidaemia

The risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher and the prognosis poorer for diabetic than for non-diabetic individuals. Diabetic dyslipidaemia is characterized by hypertriglyceridaemia, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and the presence of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Increased physical activity and weight loss are the first steps in managing diabetic dyslipidaemia. A secondary goal is to achieve non-HDL-C targets with cholesterol-lowering therapy. Improved glycaemic control, the first priority in managing hypertriglyceridaemia, can also aid in lowering levels of LDL-C. Lipid-lowering therapy should be initiated if lifestyle changes and glycaemic control fail to reduce LDL-C levels to <100 mg/dl (5.5 mmol/l), regardless of the status of CVD, coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease, and to reduce triglyceride levels of > or =150 mg/dl (8.3 mmol/l). Many diabetic patients may need oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin to achieve adequate glycaemic control. Intensive insulin therapy can provide tight glycaemic control and reduce elevated triglyceride levels.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in youth: the complete picture to date

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous condition in which the clinical manifestation of hyperglycemia is a reflection of the impaired balance between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. Clinical experience and research in youth type 2 diabetes mellitus are in an early stage because of the relative novelty of the condition in pediatrics. This article discusses the amassed information in type 2 diabetes mellitus of youth to date with respect to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, screening, and management strategies.

Childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Until recently, the majority of cases of diabetes mellitus among children and adolescents were immune-mediated type 1a diabetes. Obesity has led to a dramatic increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among children and adolescents over the past 2 decades. Obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance, which, when coupled with relative insulin deficiency, leads to the development of overt T2DM. Children and adolescents with T2DM may experience the microvascular and macrovascular complications of this disease at younger ages than individuals who develop diabetes in adulthood, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and sudden death; renal insufficiency and chronic renal failure; limb-threatening neuropathy and vasculopathy; and retinopathy leading to blindness. Health care professionals are advised to perform the appropriate screening in children at risk for T2DM, diagnose the condition as early as possible, and provide rigorous management of the disease.

Strategies for insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes

Chronic hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes is responsible for an array of microvascular and macrovascular complications that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Several well-conducted large clinical studies have shown that normalizing blood glucose levels can help prevent the onset and slow the progression of complications from diabetes. As many as 25% of patients treated with oral hypoglycemic agents require the addition of insulin therapy to compensate for the progression of beta-cell failure and an inability to maintain glycemic control. Various strategies incorporating the use of insulin early in the course of the disease have been developed to meet this goal, and include the use of basal-bolus insulin regimens as well as bedtime insulin injections. The pharmacokinetic properties of the new insulin analogs (eg, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glargine) offer significant advantages, such as improved control of nocturnal hypoglycemia with basal insulin glargine, and improved postprandial glucose control, with insulin lispro or insulin aspart.

The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents

The medical community faces an emerging epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in children and adolescents with a disproportionate increase among certain ethnic groups. DM2 represents one arm of the metabolic syndrome and parallels an increasing prevalence of obesity. The metabolic syndrome includes insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension with a consequent risk of early cardiovascular disease. Thus, treatment of DM2 and the metabolic syndrome poses a challenge for pediatric endocrinologists and represents a huge public health issue. This review presents information about treatment of childhood DM2 with emphasis on indications for the use of insulin in management and normalization of blood glucose.

Thiazolidinediones and Insulin

The range of therapeutic modalities to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus has broadened in recent years. Biguanides and thiazolidinediones are the two currently available classes of anti-hyperglycemic agents with insulin-sensitizing properties. Thiazolidinediones, in particular, have received much attention, not only for the well documented hepatotoxicity of troglitazone that led to its removal from the market in 2000, but also for the emerging data that support the beneficial effects of the thiazolidinedione class of drugs on beta-cell rejuvenation and cardiovascular risk reduction. In the US, thiazolidinediones are indicated either as monotherapy or in combination with a sulfonylurea, metformin, or insulin in cases where diet, exercise, and a single drug fail. In contrast, the UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence included in its re-appraisal of 'glitazones' in August 2003 the continued exclusion from licensed use in the UK of combination therapy with thiazolidinediones and insulin. When added to insulin therapy, thiazolidinediones appear to effectively lower glucose levels and reduce insulin dosage in clinical trials involving individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. However, weight gain, hypoglycemia, and fluid retention pose problems in certain patients. The fluid retention may exacerbate or even precipitate congestive heart failure, which usually necessitates discontinuation of the drug. Risk stratification and careful management of patients at risk for heart failure, including those taking insulin concomitantly, allow healthcare providers to safely administer combination therapy with thiazolidinediones in patients with type 2 diabetes. Hepatic toxicity with currently available thiazolidinediones has been found to be minimal overall.

New strategies for basal insulin treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

The clinical progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is well understood. Glycemic control gradually deteriorates, and progression of DM eventually leads to an increased risk for microvascular and macrovascular complications. Reassessment of current insulin treatment strategies leading to restoration of glycemic control is essential to prevent or stop the progression of type 2 DM and its complications.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article was to review the importance of instituting a strategy of basal insulin therapy in patients with type 2 DM.

METHODS

Relevant articles were obtained through an online search of PubMed and MEDLINE for literature published from 1990 to 2003. The search terms used were insulin therapy, combination oral therapy, treatment failure, glycemic control, insulin analogues, insulin glargine, basal insulin, and microvascular complications.

RESULTS

Large-scale intervention trials, such as the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), have reported that patients with type 2 DM treated with oral combination therapy are unable to maintain glycemic control. These observations have led to a reassessment of the role of insulin therapy in type 2 DM. The importance of tight glycemic control through the aggressive use of insulin early in the course of the disease is apparent from the UKPDS, Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, and other, smaller studies. Considerable evidence indicates that initiating a basal insulin-replacement strategy with an existing oral regimen can result in regaining glycemic control. Evidence emerging from recent studies indicates that use of intensive insulin therapy early in the course of the disease may have a positive clinical impact on outcome and slow the progression of complications. The availability of basal insulin analogues has expanded treatment options and improved the efficacy of therapeutic regimens for type 2 DM.

CONCLUSIONS

The available data suggest using an earlier transition from monotherapy to combination therapy to minimize disease-associated morbidity. The availability of new insulin analogues has expanded therapeutic options and offers the potential to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic regimens for type 2 DM as well as improve the ease and safety of treatment when glycosylated hemoglobin cannot be maintained <7% on > or =1 oral antidiabetic agent.

Decreased beta-cell mass in diabetes: significance, mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Increasing evidence indicates that decreased functional beta-cell mass is the hallmark of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This underlies the absolute or relative insulin insufficiency in both conditions. In this For Debate, we consider the possible mechanisms responsible for beta-cell death and impaired function and their relative contribution to insulin insufficiency in diabetes. Beta-cell apoptosis and impaired proliferation consequent to hyperglycaemia is one pathway that could be operating in all forms of diabetes. Autoimmunity and other routes to beta-cell death are also considered. Recognition of decreased functional beta-cell mass and its overlapping multifactorial aetiology in diabetic states, leads us to propose a unifying classification of diabetes.

Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To review the increasingly common use of insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and the practical aspects of initiating insulin therapy in these patients.

DATA SOURCES

Recent scientific and clinical literature identified through MEDLINE searches for the years 1995-2001 using the terms oral agents, type 2 diabetes, insulin therapy, glycemic control and diabetic complications, glucose toxicity, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glargine. STUDY SECTION: Reports of key large (1,000 patients or more) and significant smaller, randomized, controlled clinical trials were reviewed. For studies comparing insulin analogs, the authors reviewed a sampling of the identified trials for their characteristics and clinical importance.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Tight blood glucose control can help reduce the risk of diabetes complications. Evidence suggests that early insulin therapy can help correct the underlying pathogenetic abnormalities in type 2 diabetes and improve long-term glycemic control. For these reasons, some diabetes experts advocate the initiation of insulin therapy earlier in the course of type 2 diabetes than has been common in the past. Insulin regimens should be designed to mimic the body's natural physiologic secretion of insulin, including the basal amounts released continuously by the pancreas and the insulin surges produced in response to glucose loads. Using new insulin analogs is a useful approach to achieving this ideal. Insulin glargine provides a nearly constant, peakless release of insulin when injected subcutaneously once daily. Two new rapid-acting insulin analogs, insulin lispro (Humalog--Lilly) and insulin aspart (NovoLog--Novo Nordisk), enhance patients' flexibility in terms of meals by permitting injection immediately before meals, rather than 30 minutes before meals, as with regular insulin.

CONCLUSION

Patients should be reassured that early initiation of insulin therapy is a positive event that should improve their long-term health and does not represent a decline in the course of their disease.