Achievement of goals in U.S. diabetes care, 1999-2010

Life's Essential 8 and risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

The association of cardiovascular health levels, as measured by the Life's Essential 8 score, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

This cohort study included 15,118 participants with T2D from the UK Biobank who were free of CVD and cancer at baseline. The cardiovascular health of participants was evaluated using the Life's Essential 8 score, categorizing their health levels into low, moderate, and high based on this assessment.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 13.0 years, we observed a total of 4421 cases of CVD, comprising 3467 cases of coronary heart disease (CHD), 811 cases of stroke, 1465 cases of heart failure (HF), and 523 cases of CVD mortality. Compared to participants with low cardiovascular health, those with high cardiovascular health had a 52 %, 50 %, 47 %, 67 %, and 51 % lower risk of CVD, CHD, stroke, HF, and CVD mortality, respectively. Among the components of the Life's Essential 8 score, body mass index showed the highest population attributable risk of 12.1 %. Similar findings were observed in joint analyses of cardiovascular health and diabetes severity status.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health among individuals with T2D to reduce their risk of CVD incidence and mortality.

Failure to control conventional cardiovascular risk factors in women with type 2 diabetes might explain worse mortality

INTRODUCTION

The standardised mortality rate (SMR) for people with diabetes in England is 1.5-1.7, with differences in outcomes between sexes. There has been little work examining the factors that could have an impact on this or on what may determine sex differences in outcome.

METHODS

Data were extracted for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Salford (England) in 2010 for the years up to 2020, including any deaths recorded. Expected deaths were calculated from annual Office of National Statistics mortality rate and life expectancy by age and gender, adjusted for the local Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). This provided the SMR deprivation (SMRd), and life expectancy years lost per death (LEYLD). The effects of treatment type, and clinical features on SMRd relative to sex were examined by univariable and multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Data from n = 11,806 (F = 5184; M = 6622) patients were included. Of these, n = 5540 were newly diagnosed and n = 3921 died (F = 1841; M = 2080). In total, n = 78,930 patient years. The expected deaths numbered n = 2596 (adjusted for age, sex, and IMD). Excess deaths were n = 1325 (F = 689; M = 636). Life expectancy years lost (LEYL) 18,989 (F = 9714; M = 9275). SMRd 1.51 (F = 1.60; M = 1.44) and LEYLD 4.84 years (F = 5.28; M = 4.46). The impact of risk factors was not different by sex. However, women had higher prevalence of % diagnosed >65 years of age; % last eGFR <60 mLs/min/1.73 m2 , and lower prevalence of % prescribed ACE-inhibitor/ARB, DPP4-inhibitor and SGLT2-inhibitor. Applying the male prevalence rate to the female population and expected mortality suggested n = 437 (55%) of excess T2D female deaths were attributed to sex difference in the prevalence of these risk and protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes in women with T2DM are worse than in men, contributed to by greater prevalence of adverse factors and less prescribing of cardioprotective medication.

Comparative efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

In this study, the summarized WMDs and RRs were calculated using a pairwise analysis and a network meta-analysis with a random effects model, to compare and rank the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2i for renal outcomes in patients with T2DM. Among 1894 identified articles, 30 trials including 50,244 patients with T2DM were evaluated. Network analysis revealed that the administration of canagliflozin was associated with a reduced risk of renal impairment (surface under the cumulative ranking: 90.8%). Further, although the administration of SGLT-2i was not associated with the risk of renal impairment (RR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.68-1.15, p = 0.354), the administration of empagliflozin was associated with a reduced risk of renal impairment compared to that with the administration of placebo (RR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.62-0.90, p = 0.002). Moreover, compared with the administration of a placebo, the administration of 50, 100, and 200 mg of canagliflozin was associated with lower serum creatinine levels. Furthermore, compared with the administration of a placebo, the administration of 100 mg canagliflozin, 2.5 mg dapagliflozin, and 25 mg empagliflozin was associated with a lower reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Except for 300 mg canagliflozin, all SGLT-2i were associated with greater increases in blood urea nitrogen levels (WMD = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.20-1.59, p < 0.001). Finally, the administration of all SGLT-2i significantly increased the ratio of urinary glucose to creatinine compared with the ratio upon administration of placebo (WMD = 36.21, 95%CI = 31.50-40.92, p < 0.001). Briefly, canagliflozin exerts the greatest therapeutic effect in terms of reducing the risk of renal impairment. Empagliflozin and canagliflozin may be more effective than other SGLT-2i in preventing renal impairment.

Recent Advances in the Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Diabetic Kidney Diseases

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common causes of end-stage renal disease worldwide. The treatment of DKD is strongly associated with clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus. Traditional therapeutic strategies focus on the control of major risk factors, such as blood glucose, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors have been the main therapeutic measures in the past, but the emergence of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, incretin mimetics, and endothelin-1 receptor antagonists has provided more options for the management of DKD. Simultaneously, with advances in research on the pathogenesis of DKD, some new therapies targeting renal inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress have gradually entered clinical application. In addition, some recently discovered therapeutic targets and signaling pathways, mainly in preclinical and early clinical trial stages, are expected to provide benefits for patients with DKD in the future. This review summarizes the traditional treatments and emerging management options for DKD, demonstrating recent advances in the therapeutic strategies for DKD.

Assessment of quality of care provided to adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus at public hospitals in Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia: Facility based Cross‐Sectional study

Purpose

Proactive management of type 2 diabetes is important for restoring beta‐cell function and improving sustained blood glucose control. Evidence on quality of diabetes care in Ethiopia is inadequate.

Method

Facility‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted to assess level of quality of care provided to adult type 2 diabetes patients at three public hospitals in Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Results

A total of 210 adult type 2 diabetes patients were included. The mean age of patients was 44.1 ± 9.94 years. Fifty‐one (24.3%) of patients adhered to prescribed medicines. Sixty‐seven (31.9%) patients could benefit from neuropathy screening and referral. Diabetes‐specific evidence‐based guidelines, operational plan to reduce overweight and obesity were not available. There was no periodic lipid profile, renal function and glycated haemoglobin testing. Sixty‐three (30%) patients achieved fasting blood glucose (FBG) level. Only 41 (19.5%) achieved the recommended target value for composite intermediate outcomes. All three sub‐components of quality care structure, process and outcome (SPO) were below the agreed minimum score and the quality of care provided to adult type 2 diabetes was poor. Only 41 (19.5%) achieved agreed quality indicator targets for type 2 diabetes (fasting blood glucose blood pressure and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol).

Conclusion

The quality of care provided to adult type 2 diabetes patients was poor particularly in areas such as availability of evidence‐based guidelines, operational plan to reduce obesity, monitoring of lipid profile and glycaemic control. Therefore, developing strategies for addressing structure, process and outcome‐related gaps by involving all stakeholders is critical for improving the quality of care provided to these patients.

Evaluating Natural Experiments that Impact the Diabetes Epidemic: an Introduction to the NEXT-D3 Network

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetes is an ongoing public health issue in the USA, and, despite progress, recent reports suggest acute and chronic diabetes complications are increasing.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Natural Experiments for Translation in Diabetes 3.0 (NEXT-D3) Network is a 5-year research collaboration involving six academic centers (Harvard University, Northwestern University, Oregon Health & Science University, Tulane University, University of California Los Angeles, and University of California San Francisco) and two funding agencies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health) to address the gaps leading to persisting diabetes burdens. The network builds on previously funded networks, expanding to include type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention and an emphasis on health equity. NEXT-D3 researchers use rigorous natural experiment study designs to evaluate impacts of naturally occurring programs and policies, with a focus on diabetes-related outcomes. NEXT-D3 projects address whether and to what extent federal or state legislative policies and health plan innovations affect T2D risk and diabetes treatment and outcomes in the USA; real-world effects of increased access to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act; and the effectiveness of interventions that reduce barriers to medication access (e.g., decreased or eliminated cost sharing for cardiometabolic medications and new medications such as SGLT-2 inhibitors for Medicaid patients). Overarching goals include (1) expanding generalizable knowledge about policies and programs to manage or prevent T2D and educate decision-makers and organizations and (2) generating evidence to guide the development of health equity goals to reduce disparities in T2D-related risk factors, treatment, and complications.

Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Oral Insulin Administration in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 1 Trial

Oral delivery is an ideal method of insulin administration and is currently a promising research field. Here, we evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic characteristics of oral administration of an insulin capsule (ORMD-0801) with 2 different sources of recombinant human insulin. This was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating phase 1 trial. Single dosing of the oral insulin capsule was administered in 70 healthy Chinese subjects. In stage 1, four dose groups (8, 16, 32, and 48 mg) for capsules containing Sanofi insulin and in stage 2, three dose groups (8, 32, and 48 mg) containing Hefei Tianmai insulin were evaluated consequently. The results showed that the oral insulin formulations with either source in the dose range 8 to 48 mg were safe, and no serious adverse events were observed. After a standard breakfast 45 minutes after dosing, the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time 0 to time t and AUC from time 0 to infinity for insulin in the 8-mg and 48-mg dose groups in stage 1 and for 8- to 48-mg groups in stage 2 were slightly increased compared with placebo, but no significant dose-related changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters were observed for either stage. The peak-valley difference and the change in value of the AUC for glucose from baseline showed a dose-related increase in the dose range from 8 to 48 mg in both stages. Together, this study indicated that in healthy Chinese subjects, this oral capsule containing 2 different insulin formulations was safe and well tolerated after a single-dose administration.

Understanding the quality of diabetes care in Japan: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Among chronic diseases, diabetes is a frequent focus of performance measurement. Disease-specific indicators based on evidence-based clinical guidelines have been used to evaluate the quality of care. There are worldwide efforts to improve the quality of diabetes care. Measuring the gap is an essential first step toward improving the quality of care.

METHODS

In order to better understand the status of quality of diabetes care in Japan, a country with a universal healthcare system, we performed a literature search looking for all studies reporting on quality indicators. In this review, we summarized the studies that have looked at the status of the quality of diabetes care over the last decade.

RESULTS

There were a total of 6 studies that reported on process including HbA1c, blood pressure, lipid screening, retinopathy and nephropathy screening and intermediate clinical measures which included percentages of patients reaching targets for HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL-C. Overall, the process measures continue to improve, however the clinical intermediate outcome measures remain suboptimal.

CONCLUSION

Despite the improvement in diabetes related process measures, there is limited data on clinical measures. It is necessary to shed more light on the assessment of the quality of diabetes care.

Changes in excess mortality among adults with diabetes-related end-stage kidney disease: a comparison between the USA and Australia

BACKGROUND

The number of people with diabetes-related end-stage kidney disease (ESKD-DM) has doubled in the last two decades. We examined changes in excess mortality for people with ESKD-DM in the USA and Australia.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we included adults (ages 20-84 years) receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) for ESKD-DM in the USA (n = 1 178 860 from the United States Renal Data System, 2002-17) and Australia (n = 10 381 from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, 2002-13). ESKD-DM was defined as those with diagnosed diabetes at time of RRT initiation and mortality status was captured from national death registries. Annual standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were stratified by treatment modality, and age, sex and race (USA only). Trends were assessed using join point regression and annual percent change (APC) was reported.

RESULTS

Overall, in the dialysis population SMR decreased from 2006 to 2014 in the USA (from 12.0 to 10.1; APC -2.1) and from 2002 to 2013 in Australia (from 12.0 to 9.4; APC -3.4). In the transplant population, SMR decreased from 6.2 to 4.0 from 2002 to 2013 in the USA, and did not significantly change from 2002 to 2013 in Australia. By subgroup, excess mortality was higher in women (versus men), younger (versus older) adults, dialysis (versus transplant) patients, and in Asian or Pacific Islanders and American Indian or Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) (versus Whites and Blacks). SMRs declined similarly across all subgroups excluding AI/AN (USA) and transplant patients (Australia), where relative declines were smaller.

CONCLUSIONS

Excess mortality for people with ESKD-DM treated with dialysis or transplant has decreased in the USA and Australia, but progress has stalled from ∼2013 in the USA. Nevertheless, mortality remains more than nine times higher in ESKD-DM versus the general population, with important variations by subgroups. Given the increasing burden of diabetes in the population, a focus on reducing excess mortality risk in the ESKD-DM population is needed.

Diabetes care quality according to facility setting: A cross-sectional analysis in six Peruvian regions

OBJECTIVE

To characterize diabetes care across healthcare facilities in six Peruvian regions.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), ranging from primary care facilities to hospital-based facilities, in six Peruvian regions. Data was collected by health staff trained between 2012 and 2016. We studied six diabetes care outcomes and four adequate diabetes care outcomes considering the healthcare facility as the exposure of interest. We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using Poisson regression with robust variance.

RESULTS

Data from 8879 patients with T2DM, mean age 59.1 years (SD ± 12.2), 53.6% males, was analyzed. Of these, 8096 (91.2%) were treated at primary care facilities. The proportions of patients who had HbA1c, LDL-c, and creatinine/microalbumin test performed increased with the setting of the healthcare facility. Overall, 39%-56% of patients had an adequate HbA1c control, being higher in hospital-based facilities with specialists in comparison to primary care facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that the higher the setting of the facility, the higher the rate of the assessed diabetes care outcomes and adequate diabetes care for four of the six targets (fasting glucose, HbA1c, LDL-c and creatinine or microalbumin) and for three of the four targets (glucose≤130 mg/dL, HbA1c ≤7%(53 mmol/mol) and LDL-c <100 mg/dL), respectively. Substantial gaps were observed at the primary care facilities, calling for the strengthening of diabetes care.

Insulin Dosing, Glycemic Control, and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancies Complicated by Type-2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of severe insulin resistance (insulin requirements ≥2 units/kg) at delivery and the relationship between severe insulin resistance, glycemic control, and adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of women with type-2 diabetes mellitus who delivered between January 2015 and December 2017 at a tertiary academic medical center. Maternal demographic information, self-monitored blood sugars, and insulin doses were abstracted from the medical record. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify maternal baseline characteristics associated with severe insulin resistance at delivery.

RESULTS

Overall 72/160 (45%) of women had severe insulin resistance. Women in the severe insulin resistance group demonstrated evidence of suboptimal glycemic control as evidenced by higher mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values (7.2 [ ±  1.1] vs. 6.6 [ ±  1.3%], p = 0.003), higher mean fasting (104.0 [ ±  17.4] vs. 95.2 [ ±  11.7 mg/dL], p < 0.001) and postprandial glucose values (132.4 [ ±  17.2] vs. 121.9 [ ± 16.9 mg/dL]), p < 0.001), and a higher percentage of total glucose values that were elevated above targets (37.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 26.8-50] vs. 25.6 [95% CI: 13.3-41.3%], p < 0.001). Maternal HbA1c ≥6.5% and insulin use prior to pregnancy were associated with a higher prevalence of severe insulin resistance, while Hispanic ethnicity and non-White race were associated with a lower prevalence of severe insulin resistance. The rates of adverse perinatal outcomes including large for gestational age (LGA) birth weight, cesarean delivery, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Severe insulin resistance is common among pregnant women with type-2 diabetes, and it is associated with suboptimal glycemic control. Future studies are necessary to develop strategies to identify women with severe insulin resistance early in pregnancy and facilitate adequate insulin dosing.

KEY POINTS

· Severe insulin resistance is common.. · BMI does not predict severe insulin resistance.. · Suboptimal glycemic control is common..

Change in Hemoglobin A1c and Quality of Life with Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use by People with Insulin-Treated Diabetes in the Landmark Study

Background: Initiating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can affect hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and patients' relationship with their diabetes. We used real-world HbA1c data to quantify short-term changes in glycemia and validated psychosocial questionnaires to assess changes in quality-of-life indicators in people during their first few months of CGM use. Methods: Eligibility was assessed during calls to Dexcom sales regarding its G6 CGM System. Eligibility criteria included ages 25-65 years, type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) on intensive insulin therapy (IIT), and no prior CGM use. Participants used a web-based portal to complete the 17-item Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and the 14-item Hypoglycemia Attitudes and Behavior Scale (HABS); provided validated HbA1c measurements; and shared their CGM data pre- and 3-5 months post-CGM initiation. Satisfaction and ease of use with the G6 System were also assessed. Results: Data were available from 248 patients (182 with T1D, 66 with T2D; 57% male, 88% non-Hispanic white). Mean (standard deviation) HbA1c fell significantly from 8.2% (1.9%) at baseline to 7.1% (1.1%) at the end of the study (P < 0.001); more than half (54.4%) of those with initial HbA1c values >7% experienced absolute HbA1c reductions of >1%. Significant reductions in diabetes distress (DDS) and hypoglycemic concerns (HABS) were observed (P < 0.001). Most (93%) participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the G6 System and 73% found it very easy to use. Conclusions: The first 3 months of CGM use was correlated with improvements in psychosocial outcomes and improved HbA1c levels for people with T1D or T2D who use IIT.

Trend in the clinical profile of type 2 diabetes in India - Study from a diabetes care centre in South India

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Study the changing clinical and therapeutic profiles of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients during a 10-year period in a diabetes care centre in Southern India.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional data of newly registered and review patients at four periods between 2009 and 2018 were analysed (n = 50,322). Clinical findings, anthropometry, blood pressure (BP), glycaemia, lipids, treatment, and co-morbid conditions were analysed. We studied the trends in age and gender distributions, body mass index (BMI), glycaemia, (Glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels), BP, cholesterol, triglycerides and therapeutic regimen during this period. Trend analyses were done.

RESULTS

Approximately 60% of patients were men. Percentages in 30-40 years increased, ∼60% were aged 50-69 years and proportion of older patients decreased (p < 0.0001). In 10 years, 85.9% was overweight, obesity increased from 22.1% to 25.0% (p < 0.0001) and <13% maintained normal BMI. HbA1c <7.0% remained approximately at 22%, percentage with moderate glycaemic control (HbA1c 7.0-7.9%) increased significantly, HbA1c of ≥9.0% decreased from 35.1% to 29.1% (p < 0.0001). Use of monotherapy decreased. Prevalence of hypertension increased from 16.2% to 21.6% (p < 0.0001); use of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) and calcium channel blockers increased, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and thiazides decreased (p < 0.0001). Increased use of statins paralleled with reduction in total cholesterol and LDLc.

CONCLUSION

Increasing percentages of younger patients and obesity, use of multiple drugs and reduction in HbA1c were the important observations. Rising prevalence of hypertension, increased use of ARB and statins with better control of dyslipidaemia was observed. Achievement of ideal HbA1c and BP were suboptimal.

Clinical Parameters, Fuel Oxidation, and Glucose Kinetics in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Dapagliflozin Plus Saxagliptin

OBJECTIVE

To examine the mechanisms responsible for improved glycemia with combined sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) plus dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor therapy in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifty-six patients (HbA_1c 8.9 ± 0.2% [74 ± 2 mmol/mol]) were randomized to dapagliflozin (DAPA) 10 mg, DAPA/saxagliptin (SAXA) 10/5 mg, or placebo (PCB) for 16 weeks. Basal endogenous glucose production (EGP) (3-³H-glucose), urinary glucose excretion, glucose/lipid oxidation, HbA_1c, and substrate/hormone levels were determined before treatment (Pre-Tx) and after treatment (Post-Tx).

RESULTS

At week 16, HbA_1c decrease was greater (P < 0.05) in DAPA/SAXA (-2.0 ± 0.3%) vs. DAPA (-1.4 ± 0.2%) and greater than PCB (0.2 ± 0.2%). Day 1 of drug administration, EGP (∼2.40 mg/kg/min) decreased by -0.44 ± 0.09 mg/kg/min in PCB (P < 0.05) but only by -0.21 ± 0.02 mg/kg/min in DAPA and DAPA/SAXA (P < 0.05 vs. PCB). At week 16, EGP increased to 2.67 ± 0.09 mg/kg/min (DAPA) and 2.61 ± 0.08 mg/kg/min (DAPA/SAXA), despite reductions in fasting plasma glucose by 47 and 77 mg/dL, respectively, and no changes in PCB. Baseline plasma free fatty acids rose by 40 µmol/L with DAPA but declined by -110 with PCB and -90 µmol/L with DAPA/SAXA (P < 0.05, Pre-Tx vs. Post-Tx). In DAPA, carbohydrate oxidation rates decreased from 1.1 ± 0.1 to 0.7 ± 0.1 mg/kg/min, whereas lipid oxidation rates increased from 0.6 ± 0.1 to 0.8 ± 0.1 mg/kg/min (P < 0.01). In DAPA/SAXA, the shift in carbohydrate (1.1 ± 0.1 to 0.9 ± 0.1 mg/kg/min) and lipid (0.6 ± 0.1 to 0.7 ± 0.1 mg/kg/min) oxidation was attenuated (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of SAXA to DAPA resulted in superior glycemic control compared with DAPA monotherapy partly because of increased glucose utilization and oxidation. Although the decrease in insulin/glucagon ratio was prevented by SAXA, EGP paradoxical elevation persisted, indicating that other factors mediate EGP changes in response to SGLT2i-induced glucosuria.

Descriptions of diabetes burnout from individuals with Type 1 diabetes: an analysis of YouTube videos

AIM

The purpose of the study was to analyse self-descriptions of diabetes burnout in individuals with Type 1 diabetes via YouTube videos.

METHODS

In this qualitative descriptive study, a systematic approach was used to search YouTube videos with a title, description or content specifically about diabetes burnout dated between 2007 and 2017. Irrelevant or duplicated videos were excluded using eligibility criteria. All videos meeting inclusion criteria (n = 32) from individuals with Type 1 diabetes were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse video characteristics.

RESULTS

The four major themes associated with diabetes burnout were: (i) feeling mentally drained and physically tired of dealing with self-care; (ii) experiencing a detachment from self, diabetes care and support system; (iii) being powerless and paralysed to 'climb out' of diabetes burnout; and (iv) contributing potential factors to diabetes burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-descriptions of diabetes burnout suggest that it is a combination of emotions and behaviours on a spectrum from exhaustion to detachment accompanied by an overwhelming sense of powerlessness. More studies are needed to further clarify diabetes burnout and its distinction from, or overlap with, other related psychosocial concepts in diabetes care.

Cost-effectiveness of Interventions to Manage Diabetes: Has the Evidence Changed Since 2008?

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize updated evidence on the cost-effectiveness (CE) of interventions to manage diabetes, its complications, and comorbidities.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review of studies from high-income countries evaluating the CE of diabetes management interventions recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and published in English between June 2008 and July 2017. We also incorporated studies from a previous CE review from the period 1985-2008. We classified the interventions based on their strength of evidence (strong, supportive, or uncertain) and levels of CE: cost-saving (more health benefit at a lower cost), very cost-effective (≤$25,000 per life year gained [LYG] or quality-adjusted life year [QALY]), cost-effective ($25,001-$50,000 per LYG or QALY), marginally cost-effective ($50,001-$100,000 per LYG or QALY), or not cost-effective (>$100,000 per LYG or QALY). Costs were measured in 2017 U.S. dollars.

RESULTS

Seventy-three new studies met our inclusion criteria. These were combined with 49 studies from the previous review to yield 122 studies over the period 1985-2017. A large majority of the ADA-recommended interventions remain cost-effective. Specifically, we found strong evidence that the following ADA-recommended interventions are cost-saving or very cost-effective: In the cost-saving category are 1) ACE inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for intensive hypertension management compared with standard hypertension management, 2) ACEI/ARB therapy to prevent chronic kidney disease and/or end-stage renal disease in people with albuminuria compared with no ACEI/ARB therapy, 3) comprehensive foot care and patient education to prevent and treat foot ulcers among those at moderate/high risk of developing foot ulcers, 4) telemedicine for diabetic retinopathy screening compared with office screening, and 5) bariatric surgery compared with no surgery for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). In the very cost-effective category are 1) intensive glycemic management (targeting A1C <7%) compared with conventional glycemic management (targeting an A1C level of 8-10%) for individuals with newly diagnosed T2D, 2) multicomponent interventions (involving behavior change/education and pharmacological therapy targeting hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, nephropathy/retinopathy, secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease with aspirin) compared with usual care, 3) statin therapy compared with no statin therapy for individuals with T2D and history of cardiovascular disease, 4) diabetes self-management education and support compared with usual care, 5) T2D screening every 3 years starting at age 45 years compared with no screening, 6) integrated, patient-centered care compared with usual care, 7) smoking cessation compared with no smoking cessation, 8) daily aspirin use as primary prevention for cardiovascular complications compared with usual care, 9) self-monitoring of blood glucose three times per day compared with once per day among those using insulin, 10) intensive glycemic management compared with conventional insulin therapy for T2D among adults aged ≥50 years, and 11) collaborative care for depression compared with usual care.

CONCLUSIONS

Complementing professional treatment recommendations, our systematic review provides an updated understanding of the potential value of interventions to manage diabetes and its complications and can assist clinicians and payers in prioritizing interventions and health care resources.

Glycemic management and clinical outcomes in underserved minority kidney transplant recipients with type 2 and posttransplantation diabetes: A single-center retrospective study

AIMS

Little is known about glycemic management, particularly with novel cardio-nephroprotecive agents, in underserved minority kidney transplant recipients with pre-transplant type 2 (T2DM) and posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM). We assessed glycemic management and outcomes in this high-risk population.

METHODS

We reviewed records of patients who received kidney transplants between June 2012 and December 2014 at a single center. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and prescribed glucose-lowering medications were examined, and mortality was compared between T2DM, PTDM, and no diabetes (NoDM) patients.

RESULTS

We followed 302 patient records (41.1% Hispanic, 41.1% non-Hispanic black) for a median (IQR) of 45.5 (37.0, 53.0) months post-transplant. Pre-transplant T2DM was present in 152 (50.3%), while 58 (19.2%) developed PTDM and 92 (30.4%) remained NoDM. At 1-year post-transplant, the average HbA1c was 8.1 ± 1.8% in T2DM and 6.6 ± 1.3% in PTDM. No glucose-lowering agents were prescribed in 3.4% of T2DM and 44.8% of PTDM. When treated, both received mostly insulin and metformin. Diabetes, HbA1c and insulin therapy were not independently associated with risk of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycemic management was suboptimal and relied on older medications. Further studies are needed to assess longer-term outcomes of more rigorous glycemic management, and the value of novel cardio-nephroprotective agents in kidney transplant recipients.

The Role of Physician and Practice Characteristics in the Quality of Diabetes Management in Primary Care: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence-based guidelines, high-quality diabetes care is not always achieved. Identifying factors associated with the quality of management in primary care may inform service improvements, facilitating the tailoring of quality improvement interventions to practice needs and resources.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science from January 1990 to March 2019. Eligible studies were cohort studies, cross-sectional studies and randomised controlled trials (baseline data) conducted among adults with diabetes, which examined the relationship between any physician and/or practice factors and any objective measure(s) of quality. Studies which examined patient factors only were ineligible. Where possible, data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 82 studies were included. The range of individual quality measures and the construction of composite measures varied considerably. Female physicians compared with males ((odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.10), 8 studies), physicians with higher diabetes volume compared with lower volume (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05-1.47, 4 studies) and practices with Electronic Health Records (EHR) versus practices without (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.11-1.84, 4 studies) were associated with a higher quality of care. There was no association between physician experience, practice location and type of practice and quality. Based on the narrative synthesis, increasing physician age and higher practice socio-economic deprivation may be associated with lower quality of care.

DISCUSSION

Identification of physician- and practice-level factors associated with the quality of care (female gender, younger age, physician-level diabetes volume, practice deprivation and EHR use) may explain differences across practices and physicians, provide potential targets for quality improvement interventions and indicate which practices need specific supports to deliver improvements in diabetes care.

Bridging the Gap for Patients with Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Through Cardiometabolic Collaboration

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) have established sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1 RA) as powerful medications that can lower glucose as well as reduce the risk of complications of CVD in many individuals with T2D. The combination of glycemic and cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2i and GLP1 RA has highlighted the importance of collaborative care of patients by diabetes and cardiovascular specialists. We review several models of cardiometabolic care for patients with diabetes and CVD and discuss practical ways in which diabetes and cardiovascular specialists can work together to improve cardiometabolic care.

RECENT FINDINGS

CVOTs for SGLT2i and GLP1 RA have demonstrated a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in individuals with T2D and CVD, in addition to their beneficial effects on glucose lowering and weight loss. Additionally, several models of care, including population health screening models with or without a remote management intervention, multidisciplinary clinics, and combined cardiometabolic training, have been proposed to better facilitate the multifaceted care that individuals with diabetes and CVD require. Innovative models of cardiometabolic care have the potential to improve the quality of care that individuals with diabetes and CVD receive. Through collaboration and co-management, diabetes specialists, cardiovascular specialists, and primary care providers have the ability to optimize diabetes and cardiovascular care.

New research directions on disparities in obesity and type 2 diabetes

Obesity and type 2 diabetes disproportionately impact U.S. racial and ethnic minority communities and low-income populations. Improvements in implementing efficacious interventions to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes are underway (i.e., the National Diabetes Prevention Program), but challenges in effectively scaling-up successful interventions and reaching at-risk populations remain. In October 2017, the National Institutes of Health convened a workshop to understand how to (1) address socioeconomic and other environmental conditions that perpetuate disparities in the burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes; (2) design effective prevention and treatment strategies that are accessible, feasible, culturally relevant, and acceptable to diverse population groups; and (3) achieve sustainable health improvement approaches in communities with the greatest burden of these diseases. Common features of guiding frameworks to understand and address disparities and promote health equity were described. Promising research directions were identified in numerous areas, including study design, methodology, and core metrics; program implementation and scalability; the integration of medical care and social services; strategies to enhance patient empowerment; and understanding and addressing the impact of psychosocial stress on disease onset and progression in addition to factors that support resiliency and health.

The War on Diabetic Retinopathy: Where Are We Now?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major cause of blindness in working-age adults, is emerging as a major public health issue worldwide, in particular in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Traditionally, the management of DR has been on tertiary-level treatment (eg, laser, anti-VEGF injections and surgery) in specialized settings by highly trained ophthalmologists on individual patients. To win the war on DR, a paradigm shift in strategic focus and resources must be made from such tertiary treatment toward primary and secondary prevention, which are broader, more impactful, and cost-effective for the larger population. These include improving education and awareness of risk of DR among people initially diagnosed with diabetes, promoting behavioral modifications such as physical activity and medication adherence for improving glycemic and blood pressure control, setting up systematic screening programs for DR to detect the onset or progression of the disease, and implementing cost-effective, evidence-based policies and guidelines for managing DR. Additionally, there is a need to leverage on novel technology including the application of digital big data to predict people at risk of diabetes and DR, the use of wearable devices and smart phone apps, behavioral techniques including social media for self-management of diabetes, and telemedicine-based DR screening incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to broaden access to screening in all settings. To turn the tide on the war on DR, we must reframe DR not only as a specific condition that can be managed by ophthalmologists, but fundamentally, as a preventable condition by shifting the weight of strategies from tertiary to secondary and primary battlegrounds.

Impact of Pharmacist Interventions on the Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Background

Controlling modifiable risk factors (MRFs) in patients with cardiovascular diseases has been shown to be effective in reducing re-hospitalization rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the rates of controlled MRFs and clinical outcomes after pharmacist interventions in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) after hospital discharge.

Methods

This prospective randomized clinical study was conducted at one medical center in Taiwan, and enrolled patients with MI from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014. Patients received medication reconciliation and education from a pharmacist before hospital discharge. The intervention group (IG) received continuous consultations from the pharmacist after discharge, whereas the control group (CG) did not. Primary outcomes included achieving blood pressure < 140/70 mmHg, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) < 70 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 7% targets. The secondary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as re-hospitalization due to MI, unstable angina and stroke.

Results

Two hundred and eight patients completed the study protocol (106 in the IG and 102 in the CG). The rate of achieving blood pressure goal was similar between the two groups. More patients in the IG achieved LDL-C and HbA1c goals than those in the CG at 1 year and 2 years post discharge. However, there was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of MACEs between the two groups (5.7% vs. 9.8%) (p = 0.262). Diabetes was the only independent predictor of re-hospitalization due to a MACE.

Conclusions

Pharmacist interventions led to a higher rate of optimal controlled MRFs but did not significantly reduce the MACE rate in the patients with MI.

Impact of a Community Pharmacist-Delivered Information Program on the Follow-up of Type-2 Diabetic Patients: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Study

Introduction

Low-quality communication between patients and care providers and limited patient knowledge of the disease and the therapy are important factors associated with poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. We conducted a multicenter study to determine whether structured and tailored information delivered by pharmacists to type 2 diabetic patients could improve patient treatment adherence, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and knowledge about diabetes.

Methods

One hundred seventy-four pharmacies were randomized to deliver an educational program on diet, drug treatment, disease and complications during three 30-min interviews over a 6-month period, or to provide no intervention, to type 2 diabetic patients treated with oral antidiabetic agents. Medication adherence was assessed by measuring the medication possession ratio and diabetes control by collecting HbA1c values. Levels of patient treatment self-management and disease knowledge were assessed using self-questionnaires.

Results

Three hundred seventy-seven patients were analyzed. The medication possession ratio, already very high at baseline in the intervention (94.8%) and control (92.3%) groups, did not vary significantly after 6 months with no difference between the two groups. Significant decreases in HbA1c were observed in both groups at 6 months (p < 0.001) and 12 months (p < 0.01), with significantly greater changes from baseline in the intervention group than in the control group at 6 months (− 0.5% vs. − 0.2%, p = 0.0047) and 12 months (− 0.6% vs. − 0.2%, p = 0.0057). Patients in the intervention group showed greater improvement in their ability to self-manage treatment (+ 4.86 vs. + 1.58, p = 0.0014) and in the extent of their knowledge about diabetes (+ 0.6 vs. + 0.2, p < 0.01) at 6 months versus baseline compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Tailored information provided by the pharmacist to patients with type 2 diabetes did not significantly improve the already high adherence rates, but was associated with a significant decrease in HbA1c and an improvement of patient knowledge about diabetes.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN33776525.

Funding

MSD France.

Electronic Supplementary Material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-019-00957-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The extent to which statins have improved cardiovascular outcomes: Lessons from randomized trials and observational studies of "real world" practice in people with diabetes

Statins are the mainstay of therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with diabetes mellitus. It is estimated that there are more than half a billion patients with diabetes mellitus worldwide and the numbers of prevalent cases of diabetes are expected to increase in both developed and developing countries in the next decade. Statins reduce risk of mortality and morbidity mainly by reducing blood low density cholesterol. Statins, along with other medical treatments, are responsible for about half of the decrease in cardiovascular mortality over the past several decades. Multiple clinical trials have found evidence for statin use in patients with diabetes, for both primary prevention and secondary prevention. The benefit of statins in patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes in terms of absolute risk reduction is twice as much as compared to the risk in patients with coronary heart disease but no diabetes. The proportion of patients with diabetes treated with statins has increased steadily over the past few decades with concurrent decrease in cardiovascular deaths in this high-risk population. However, there are significant unmet needs in cardiovascular risk reduction, due to underutilization of statins and due to residual cardiovascular risk despite maximal statin therapy. Future strategies in population risk reduction in diabetics should include maximal statin therapy, additional treatment with nonstatin therapy and new paradigms of prevention with early intervention with shorter, more intensive therapy to potentially "reverse" atherosclerosis with goals of reducing clinical cardiovascular disease later in life.

More than A1C: Types of success among adults with type-2 diabetes participating in a technology-enabled nurse coaching intervention

OBJECTIVE

Success in diabetes research and self-management is often defined as a significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin (A1C). The aim of this article is to explore different types of successes experienced by adults with type-2 diabetes participating in a health technology and nurse coaching clinical trial.

METHODS

A qualitative analysis was conducted using surveys and documentation from motivational interview-based coaching sessions between study nurses and intervention participants.

RESULTS

Of the 132 cases reviewed, types of success predominantly fell into five categories: 1) change in health behaviors; 2) change in mindset or awareness; 3) change in engagement with healthcare resources; 4) change in physical or emotional health; and 5) change in health indicators.

CONCLUSION

Experiences of success in diabetes are more varied than traditional A1C-based outcome models. Our findings suggest coaching and technology can assist patients to achieve a range of successes in diabetes management through goal setting, health tracking, resolving barriers, and aligning goals with factors that impact change.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

While A1C reduction is a critical factor in decreasing risk of diabetes-related complications, when healthcare professionals focus on A1C as the main indicator of diabetes management success, important changes in individuals' health and well-being may be overlooked or undervalued.

Current status of treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ningbo, China

BACKGROUND

The treatment status of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Ningbo has not been reported in the past. To evaluate the current status of T2DM in Ningbo and provide evidence to formulate more policies, a multicenter investigation was needed.

METHODS

The Ningbo Clinical Research Group of Diabetes constituted nine hospitals. Participants included 3015 patients who visited the nine hospitals from June to December 2016. General characteristics, the medication situation, the laboratory indexes in nearly 3 months consisting of glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and fasting blood glucose (FBG), and the results of ophthalmologic examination were investigated. The evaluation criteria were defined based on 2013 China guideline for T2DM.

RESULTS

The 3015 subjects included 1685 men and 1330 women. The average age was 63.3 ± 13.0 years. The prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia was 58.7% and 56.7%, respectively. In the examinees, nephropathy appeared in 11.6% and retinopathy in 14.5%. More than half (50.9%) of the subjects were overweight. The achievement rate of blood pressure (BP) was 39.6% (<140/80 mm Hg), FBG was 46.0% (4.4-7.0 mmol/L), HbA1c was 41.7% (<7.0%), and LDL-C was 51.7% (<1.8 mmol/L; and if accompanied by CHD, <2.6).

CONCLUSION

Ningbo City T2DM status is not optimistic, and there is a big gap with the indicators.

Integrated personalized diabetes management improves glycemic control in patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: Results of the PDM-ProValue study program

AIMS

Globally, many patients with insulin-treated type-2 diabetes are suboptimally controlled. The PDM-ProValue study program evaluated whether integrated personalized diabetes management (iPDM) has the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

METHODS

101 practices with 907 patients participated in the 12-month, prospective, controlled, cluster-randomized study program. HbA1c levels, therapy changes, frequency of hypoglycemic episodes, patient reported outcomes, and physician satisfaction were assessed.

RESULTS

iPDM led to a greater reduction in HbA1c after 12 months vs. usual care (-0.5%, p < 0.0001 vs. -0.3%, p < 0.0001), (Diff. 0.2%, p = 0.0324). Most of the HbA1c reduction occurred after 3 months and remained stable thereafter. The percentage of patients with therapy adjustments was higher in the iPDM group at all visits (p < 0.01 at week 3, month 3, month 6). Patient adherence at month 12 was higher in the iPDM group compared to baseline (Odds ratio = 2.39; p = 0.0003); also, patient treatment satisfaction (DTSQc: 12.2 vs. 10.4, δ = 1.78, p = 0.004; DTSQs: 31.0 vs. 30.0, δ = 0.924, p = 0.02), and physician satisfaction was higher in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

iPDM improved the use of diagnostic data leading to better glycemic control, more timely treatment adjustments (indicating reduced clinical inertia), and increased patient adherence and treatment satisfaction among patients and physicians.

Battle of GLP-1 delivery technologies

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) belong to an important therapeutic class for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Six GLP-1 RAs, each utilizing a unique drug delivery strategy, are now approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and additional, novel GLP-1 RAs are still under development, making for a crowded marketplace and fierce competition among the manufacturers of these products. As rapid elimination is a major challenge for clinical application of GLP-1 RAs, various half-life extension strategies have been successfully employed including sequential modification, attachment of fatty-acid to peptide, fusion with human serum albumin, fusion with the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of a monoclonal antibody, sustained drug delivery systems, and PEGylation. In this review, we discuss the scientific rationale of the various half-life extension strategies used for GLP-1 RA development. By analyzing and comparing different approved GLP-1 RAs and those in development, we focus on assessing how half-life extending strategies impact the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, patient usability and ultimately, the commercial success of GLP-1 RA products. We also anticipate future GLP-1 RA development trends. Since similar drug delivery strategies are also applied for developing other therapeutic peptides, we expect this case study of GLP-1 RAs will provide generalizable concepts for the rational design of therapeutic peptides products with extended duration of action.

Understanding the Meaning of Food in People With Type 2 Diabetes Living in Northern Appalachia

PURPOSE

Food and eating convey memories and feelings and serve important functions in creating and maintaining relationships. Given the increasing rate of diabetes in the United States, research understanding the meaning of food may shed light on how patients negotiate everyday food choices while managing type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the meaning of food among adults with type 2 diabetes living in Northern Appalachia.

METHODS

In-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with type 2 diabetes patients. Interviews were coded and analyzed via thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Nineteen adults with type 2 diabetes (mean age 68.7 ± 10.6 years, mean A1C 7.4 ± 1.4%, mean diabetes duration 10.9 ± 11.9 years, 52.6% female, 100% white) participated in the study. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: 1) "Sustaining Life:" Food and the Demands of Diabetes Management, in which participants described the role of food as operational and said that eating was dictated by time rather than hunger or pleasure; 2) "Diabetes Feels Like a Yield Sign:" Diabetes Changes Perceptions of Food, Enjoyment, and Social Relationships, in which most participants described a negative or ambivalent relationship with food after their diabetes diagnosis; and 3) "Food is Everywhere; It's Seducing:" Struggling With Diabetes Management in a Fast-Food Culture, in which participants discussed how the American fast-food culture was in direct conflict with the demands of diabetes and described how they struggled to follow a healthful diet in a culture that advertised the opposite in many venues.

CONCLUSION

Adults with diabetes may benefit from education that addresses both the personal and sociocultural factors that guide food choices.

Declining Rates of Hospitalization for Selected Cardiovascular Disease Conditions Among Adults Aged ≥35 Years With Diagnosed Diabetes, U.S., 1998-2014

OBJECTIVE

Reductions in heart attack and stroke hospitalizations are well documented in the U.S. population with diabetes. We extended trend analyses to other cardiovascular disease (CVD) conditions, including stroke by type, and used four additional years of data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using 1998-2014 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) data, we estimated the number of discharges having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (ICD-9 codes 410-411), cardiac dysrhythmia (427), heart failure (428), hemorrhagic stroke (430-432), or ischemic stroke (433.x1, 434, and 436) as first-listed diagnosis and diabetes (250) as secondary diagnosis. Hospitalization rates for adults aged ≥35 years were calculated using estimates from the population with and the population without diabetes from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze trends and calculate an average annual percentage change (AAPC) with 95% confidence limits (CLs).

RESULTS

From 1998 to 2014, in the population with diabetes, age-adjusted hospitalization rates declined significantly for ACS (AAPC -4.6% per year [95% CL -5.3, -3.8]), cardiac dysrhythmia (-0.7% [-1.1, -0.2]), heart failure (-3.6% [-4.6, -2.7]), hemorrhagic stroke (-1.1% [-1.4, -0.7]), and ischemic stroke (-2.9% [-3.9, -1.8]). In the population without diabetes, rates also declined significantly for these conditions, with the exception of dysrhythmia. By 2014, rates in the population with diabetes population remained two to four times as high as those for the population without diabetes, with the largest difference in heart failure rates.

CONCLUSIONS

CVD hospitalization rates declined significantly in both the population with diabetes and the population without diabetes. This may be due to several factors, including new or more aggressive treatments and reductions in CVD risk factors and CVD incidence.

Racial differences in spatial patterns for poor glycemic control in the Southeastern United States

PURPOSE

Evidence consistently shows poor outcomes in racial minorities, but there is limited understanding of differences that are explained by spatial variation. The goal of this analysis was to examine contribution of spatial patterns on disparities in diabetes outcomes in the Southeastern United States.

METHODS

Data on 64,022 non-Hispanic black (NHB) and non-Hispanic white (NHW) veterans with diabetes living in Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina were analyzed for 2014. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was categorized as controlled (less than 8%) and uncontrolled (greater than or equal to 8%). Logistic regression was used to understand the additional explanatory capability of spatial random effects over covariates such as demographics, service connectedness, and comorbidities. Data aggregated at the county level were used to identify hotspots in distribution of uncontrolled HbA1c and tested using local Moran's I test.

RESULTS

Overall percent uncontrolled HbA1c was 36.5% (40.8% in NHB and 33.4% in NHW). In unadjusted analyses, NHB had 37% higher odds of uncontrolled HbA1c (odds ratio [OR]: 1.37, 95% confidence interval, 1.32, 1.41). After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, the OR decreased to 1.09 but remained significant (95% confidence interval, 1.05, 1.13). The OR further decreased after incorporating spatial effects (OR: 1.07, 95% confidence interval, 1.03, 1.11) but remained statistically significant. Hotspots of high HbA1c were detected, and spatial patterns differed across racial groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in spatial patterns in glycemic control exists between NHB and NHW veterans with type 2 diabetes. Incorporating spatial effects helps explain more of the disparity in uncontrolled HbA1c than adjusting only for demographics and comorbidities, but significant differences in uncontrolled HbA1c remained.

Rethinking the Viability and Utility of Inhaled Insulin in Clinical Practice

Despite considerable advances in pharmacotherapy and self-monitoring technologies in the last decades, a large percentage of adults with diabetes remain unsuccessful in achieving optimal glucose due to suboptimal medication adherence. Contributors to suboptimal adherence to insulin treatment include pain, inconvenience, and regimen complexity; however, a key driver is hypoglycemia. Improvements in the PK/PD characteristics of today's SC insulins provide more physiologic coverage of basal and prandial insulin requirements than regular human insulin; however, they do not achieve the rapid on/rapid off characteristics of endogenously secreted insulin seen in healthy, nondiabetic individuals. Pulmonary administration of prandial insulin represents an attractive option that overcomes limitations of SC insulin by providing more a rapid onset of action and a faster return of action to baseline levels than SC administration of rapid-acting insulin analogs. This article reviews the unique PK/PD properties of a novel inhaled formulation that support its use in patient populations with T1D or T2D.

Use of a Novel, Remotely Connected Diabetes Management System Is Associated with Increased Treatment Satisfaction, Reduced Diabetes Distress, and Improved Glycemic Control in Individuals with Insulin-Treated Diabetes: First Results from the Personal Diabetes Management Study

BACKGROUND

The ability to automatically transfer data to clinicians and receive timely guidance in therapy adjustments through remote and in-office consults can positively impact patients' perceptions about quality of care, which is positively associated with clinical outcomes. We assessed the impact of using the Accu-Chek Connect diabetes management system on treatment satisfaction, diabetes distress, and glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This 6-month, prospective, multicenter, single-arm study assessed the impact of using the system on treatment satisfaction and glycemic control among 87 adults with insulin-treated diabetes (multiple daily insulin injections and basal only), with 8.8% ± 1.6% glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline. The Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire-status (DTSQs) and Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) were administered at baseline, and the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire-change (DTSQc) and DDS at 6 months. Changes in HbA1c, average blood glucose (BG), and other metrics were also assessed.

RESULTS

Improvements in DTSQc scores were observed at 6 months with a total mean (standard deviation) score of 14.3 ± 5.1. Significant reductions in total mean DDS scores from baseline to 6 months were also observed, from 2.0 ± 0.8 to 1.7 ± 0.7, P < 0.0001. A significant reduction in regimen-related distress was notable, from "moderate distress" (2.4 ± 1.0) to "not distressed" (1.9 ± 0.9), P < 0.0001). Significant reductions in mean HbA1c (-0.9 ± 1.6, P < 0.0001) and mean BG (-24.8 ± 50.8, P < 0.0001) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the Accu-Chek Connect diabetes management system is associated with increased treatment satisfaction and improved glycemic control among individuals with insulin-treated diabetes. NCT02600845 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ).

Comparative risk of serious hypoglycemia with oral antidiabetic monotherapy: A retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To examine and compare risks of serious hypoglycemia among antidiabetic monotherapy-treated adults receiving metformin, a sulfonylurea, a meglitinide, or a thiazolidinedione.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of apparently new users of monotherapy with metformin, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, nateglinide, or repaglinide within a dataset of Medicaid beneficiaries from California, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. We did not include users of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, or sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. We identified serious hypoglycemia outcomes within 180 days following new use using a validated, diagnosis-based algorithm. We calculated age- and sex-standardized outcome occurrence rates for each drug and generated propensity score-adjusted hazard ratios vs metformin using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

The ranking of standardized occurrence rates of serious hypoglycemia was glyburide > glimepiride > glipizide > repaglinide > nateglinide > rosiglitazone > pioglitazone > metformin. Rates were increased for all study drugs at higher average daily doses. Adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) vs metformin were 3.95 (3.66-4.26) for glyburide, 3.28 (2.98-3.62) for glimepiride, 2.57 (2.38-2.78) for glipizide, 2.03 (1.64-2.52) for repaglinide, 1.21 (0.89-1.66) for nateglinide, 0.90 (0.75-1.07) for rosiglitazone, and 0.80 (0.68-0.93) for pioglitazone.

CONCLUSIONS

Sulfonylureas were associated with the highest rates of serious hypoglycemia. Among all study drugs, the highest rate was seen with glyburide. Pioglitazone was associated with a lower adjusted hazard for serious hypoglycemia vs metformin, while rosiglitazone and nateglinide had hazards similar to that of metformin.

Type 2 diabetes specialty clinic model for the accountable care organization era

AIMS

A third of the patients with Type 2 diabetes have an advance disease that requires complex pharmacotherapies and advanced expertise, dependent on multiple clinical interactions. Unfortunately, limited providers availability enables only sporadic interactions. Additionally, the expanding Accountable Care Organization (ACO) concept enhances providers' compensation when clinical performance is improving while limiting face-to-face clinic visits.

METHODS

We developed an advanced type 2 specialty clinic model, geared toward frequent remote clinical interventions while limiting face-to-face clinic visits. The model was tested in a 1-year, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. N=60, patients were randomized 1:1, to the experimental or standard endocrinology clinics.

RESULTS

Average A1c in the experimental arm decreased from 9.6±0.9% to 7.9±1.3%(p<0.0001). Whereas in the control it decreased from 8.9±0.8% to 8.6±1.9%(non-significant). More patients were treated with statins in the experimental arm compared to the control (93.3% vs. 66.7%; p=0.01). Face-to-face clinic visits occurred 1.5±0.7 times per year in the experimental arm compared to 3.6±4.0 in the control (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the presented model for a modified type 2 diabetes specialty clinic may enhance providers accessibility and patients' outcomes while improving reimbursement in the ACO model.

Addressing Disparities in Diabetes Management Through Novel Approaches to Encourage Technology Adoption and Use

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the nation’s leading drivers of disability and health care utilization, with elevated prevalence among individuals with lower education, income, and racial/ethnic minorities. Health information technology (HIT) holds vast potential for helping patients, providers, and payers to address T2D and the skyrocketing rates of chronic illness and associated health care costs. Patient portals to electronic health records (EHRs) serve as a gateway to consumer use of HIT. We found that disparities in portal use portend growing T2D disparities. Little progress has been made in addressing identified barriers to technology adoption, especially among populations with elevated risk of T2D. Patients often lack digital literacy skills and continuous connectivity and fear loss of the relationship with providers. Providers may experience structural disincentives to promoting patient use of HIT and apply hidden biases that inhibit portal use. Health care systems often provide inadequate training to patients and providers in use of HIT, and lack resources devoted to obtaining and optimizing use of data generated by HIT. Lastly, technology-related barriers include inadequate consideration of user perspectives, lack of evidence for patient-focused apps, and lack of features to enable providers and health care systems to readily obtain aggregate data to improve care and facilitate research. After discussing these barriers in detail, we propose possible solutions and areas where further research is needed to ensure that individuals and health care systems obtain the full benefit of the nation’s planned $38 billion HIT investment. A digital inclusion framework sheds new light on barriers posed for patients with social health inequalities. We have determined that partnerships with community organizations focused on digital inclusion could help health systems explore and study new approaches, such as universal screening and referral of patients for digital skills, health literacy, and Internet connectivity.

Factors Associated With Having a Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant as Primary Care Provider for Veterans With Diabetes Mellitus

Expanded use of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) is a potential solution to workforce issues, but little is known about how NPs and PAs can best be used. Our study examines whether medical and social complexity of patients is associated with whether their primary care provider (PCP) type is a physician, NP, or PA. In this national retrospective cohort study, we use 2012-2013 national Veterans Administration (VA) electronic health record data from 374 223 veterans to examine whether PCP type is associated with patient, clinic, and state-level factors representing medical and social complexity, adjusting for all variables simultaneously using a generalized logit model. Results indicate that patients with physician PCPs are modestly more medically complex than those with NP or PA PCPs. For the group having a Diagnostic Cost Group (DCG) score >2.0 compared with the group having DCG <0.5, odds of having an NP or a PA were lower than for having a physician PCP (NP odds ratio [OR] = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-0.88; PA OR = 0.85, CI: 0.80-0.89). Social complexity is not consistently associated with PCP type. Overall, we found minor differences in provider type assignment. This study improves on previous work by using a large national dataset that accurately ascribes the work of NPs and PAs, analyzing at the patient level, analyzing NPs and PAs separately, and addressing social as well as medical complexity. This is a requisite step toward studies that compare patient outcomes by provider type.

Retrospective Study on the Impact of Adherence in Achieving Glycemic Goals in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Receiving Canagliflozin

INTRODUCTION

Adherence is poor among patients taking antihyperglycemic agents (AHAs) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Inadequate adherence has been linked to decreased glycemic control and increased healthcare costs and hospitalizations. We examined the impact of real-world adherence on glycemic control in T2DM patients treated with canagliflozin.

METHODS

This retrospective study used US administrative claims data from commercial and Medicare Advantage healthcare enrollees. Study subjects were adult T2DM patients with baseline HbA1c ≥7.0% and a pharmacy claim for canagliflozin between April 01, 2013 and August 31, 2014. Outcomes included treatment patterns, HbA1c reductions and goal attainment, pharmacy costs, and patient characteristics. Adherence, measured by the proportion of days covered (PDC), was calculated as the number of days of canagliflozin availability divided by the length of the follow-up period. Results were analyzed overall and compared between patients who were highly adherent (HA) (PDC ≥0.8) versus less than highly adherent (LHA) (PDC <0.8).

RESULTS

The study population included 2261 patients. At the end of follow-up, patients had an overall mean reduction in HbA1c of 0.97%. Those HA had larger reductions in HbA1c than those LHA (1.17% versus 0.73%, respectively, p < 0.001); 24.6% and 59.4% of patients achieved HbA1c goals of <7.0% and <8.0%, respectively. Highly adherent patients were more likely to achieve goals than those LHA. Less than highly adherent patients increased insulin use by 5.4% in the follow-up period, while HA patients decreased the use of most oral AHAs and had no change in insulin use.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients had an HbA1c reduction of 0.97% in the 12 months following the first canagliflozin fill. Highly adherent patients achieved a greater reduction in HbA1c at the end of the follow-up period and were more likely to reach HbA1c goals. Highly adherent patients also had reductions in the use of most oral AHAs, while LHA patients saw a small increase in insulin use.

Patient perceptions of a comprehensive telemedicine intervention to address persistent poorly controlled diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We studied a telemedicine intervention for persistent poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (PPDM) that combined telemonitoring, self-management support, and medication management. The intervention was designed for practical delivery using existing Veterans Affairs (VA) telemedicine infrastructure. To refine the intervention and inform the delivery of the intervention in other settings, we examined participants' experiences.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with 18 Veterans who completed the intervention. We analyzed interview text using directed content analysis and categorized themes by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) improvement (<1% or ≥1%).

RESULTS

Participants generally reported greater awareness of their blood glucose levels; however, they described dissatisfaction with the telemonitoring interface and competing demands during the intervention. Participants with <1% HbA1c improvement reported that these challenges interfered with their engagement. Participants with ≥1% HbA1c improvement reported new self-management routines despite challenges.

CONCLUSION

Despite competing demands and frustration with the telemonitoring interface, many participants demonstrated intervention engagement and substantial improvement in HbA1c ($1%). Differences in engagement may reflect differing capacity to manage treatment burden. Because it relies on existing infrastructure, this intervention is a promising model for addressing PPDM within VA. Future work should focus on optimizing systems' telemedicine infrastructure; while reliance on existing infrastructure may facilitate practical delivery, and it may also limit intervention engagement by excessively contributing to treatment burden.

The Role of the Pharmacist in Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists as Add-On Therapy

The prevalence and associated clinical burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing in the USA and other countries. As a consequence, the role of the pharmacist in managing T2D is expanding, and it is becoming increasingly important for pharmacists to have a complete understanding of the disease course and treatment options. Pharmacists have a key role in the use of injectable therapies, including incretin-based treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). This article discusses the role of the pharmacist in the management of patients with T2D, particularly with respect to the use of GLP-1RAs to achieve glycemic control. GLP-1RAs are a class of injectable agents used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D. GLP-1RAs have been shown to lower glucose levels, slow gastric emptying, enhance satiety, and reduce body weight without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. GLP-1RAs currently approved in the USA include exenatide twice daily, liraglutide once daily, and albiglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide once weekly. Pharmacists can work with physicians to help identify patients for whom GLP-1RA therapy is appropriate. In addition, pharmacists can educate patients regarding medication storage, preparation, and injection techniques, glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) targets, pre- and post-meal blood glucose goals, adverse events and management strategies, and the long-term benefits of reducing HbA_1c. As members of the diabetes care team, pharmacists play an important role in improving patient outcomes.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

Multi-ethnic differences in HbA1c, blood pressure, and low-density-lipid cholesterol control among South Africans living with type 2 diabetes, after a 4-year follow-up

Purpose

Our study set out to examine if disparities in control of glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), blood pressure (BP), and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) existed among an urban multi-ethnic cohort of South Africans, living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Patients and methods

This longitudinal, retrospective study consisted of 261 men and women with previously diagnosed T2DM who attended Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, South Africa across two time periods 2009 and 2013. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from consecutive medical records. The primary outcome was to determine achievements in HbA_1c, BP, and LDL-C among ethnic groups using evidence-based goals.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 64 (±10.6) years, females represented 55%, and the self-reported diabetes duration was 16 (±10.6) years as at 2013. Black Africans (42.9%, n=112 of 261) were more likely to reach the HbA_1c target (<7%) and less likely to have had retinopathy, nephropathy, or cardiovascular disease. Over two-thirds of mixed-ancestry patients attained the BP target (<140/80 mmHg), while 90.2% of Caucasians achieved LDL-C goals (<2.5 mmol/L). Overall, across the ethnic groups studied, we found that HbA_1c control deteriorated over time, although BP levels remained the same and LDL-C levels drastically improved.

Conclusion

There was poor control of HbA_1c, BP, and LDL-C across all ethnic groups. Although a minority achieved recommended targets, some ethnic groups appeared to have worse control than others. Timely aggressive actions in particularly high-risk ethnic groups will prevent/delay the complications commonly associated with T2DM.

Calcium signalling and ER stress in insulin resistance and atherosclerosis

The burden of type 2 diabetes and its major complication cardiovascular disease is rapidly increasing worldwide. Understanding the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases is crucial to develop novel therapeutics. Recent work using genetic and biochemical methods in mouse models and human samples have identified disturbed calcium signalling and endoplasmic reticulum stress as emerging factors involved in the pathogenesis of many metabolic diseases. In this review, we will highlight the specific roles of calcium signalling and endoplasmic reticulum stress response in the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.

Macronutrient Composition and Management of Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM): A New Paradigm for Individualized Nutritional Therapy in Diabetes Patients

Medical nutrition therapy constitutes an important lifestyle intervention in diabetes management. Several nutrition patterns have been effective in improving diabetes control, but there has been a debate about the optimal macronutrient composition in diabetes meal planning. For many years, the recommended diets for persons with and without diabetes were similar, i.e. heart-healthy and low in fat. For almost three decades, carbohydrates have been lauded, lipids demonized, and proteins considered of little importance. However, in the past few years, this concept has been questioned and reassessed. Modern nutritional recommendations for people with diabetes are headed towards individualization, but lack specific guidelines. Nutritional algorithms may help nutritionists in diabetes meal planning. This review aims to discuss: 1) the effects of the three major macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) on glucose levels, 2) current recommendations for macronutrient intake for people with diabetes, and 3) specific parameters that need to be taken into consideration when determining the macronutrient composition for a person with diabetes, for example body mass index, degree of insulin resistance, HbA1c value, and lipid profile (especially triglycerides and HDL cholesterol). These aspects are analyzed in the context of the results of recent studies, especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Finally, we introduce an individualized nutritional concept that proposes carbohydrate over lipid restriction, substitution of SFAs with MUFAs and PUFAs, and adequate intake of dietary fiber, which are key factors in optimizing diabetes management.

Compression of disability between two birth cohorts of US adults with diabetes, 1992-2012: a prospective longitudinal analysis

BACKGROUND

The life expectancy of the average American with diabetes has increased, but the quality of health and functioning during those extra years are unknown. We aimed to investigate the net effect of recent trends in diabetes incidence, disability, and mortality on the average age of disability onset and the number of healthy and disabled years lived by adults with and without diabetes in the USA. We assessed whether disability expanded or was compressed in the population with diabetes and compared the findings with those for the population without diabetes in two consecutive US birth cohorts aged 50-70 years.

METHODS

In this prospective longitudinal analysis, we analysed data for two cohorts of US adults aged 50-70 years from the Health and Retirement Study, including 1367 people with diabetes and 11 414 without diabetes. We assessed incident disability, remission from disability, and mortality between population-based cohort 1 (born 1931-41, follow-up 1992-2002) and cohort 2 (born 1942-47, follow up 2002-12). Disability was defined by mobility loss, difficulty with one or more instrumental activities of daily living, and difficulty with one or more activities of daily living. We entered age-specific probabilities representing the two birth cohorts into a five-state Markov model to estimate the number of years of disabled and disability-free life and life-years lost by age 70 years.

FINDINGS

In people with diabetes, compared with cohort 1 (n=1067), cohort 2 (n=300) had more disability-free and total years of life, later onset of disability, and fewer disabled years. Simulations of the Markov models suggest that in men with diabetes aged 50 years, this difference between cohorts amounted to a 0·8-2·3 year delay in disability across the three metrics (mobility, 63·0 [95% CI 62·3-63·6] to 64·8 [63·6-65·7], p=0·01; instrumental activities of daily living, 63·5 [63·0-64·0] to 64·3 [63·0-65·3], p=0·24; activities of daily living, 62·7 [62·1-63·3] to 65·0 [63·5-65·9], p<0·0001) and 1·3 fewer life-years lost (ie, fewer remaining life-years up to age 70 years; from 2·8 [2·5-3·2] to 1·5 [1·3-1·9]; p<0·0001 for all three measures of disability). Among women with diabetes aged 50 years, this difference between cohorts amounted to a 1·1-2·3 year delay in disability across the three metrics (mobility, 61·3 [95% CI 60·5-62·1] to 63·2 [61·5-64·5], p=0·0416; instrumental activities of daily living, 63·0 [62·4-63·7] to 64·1 [62·7-65·2], p=0·16; activities of daily living, 62·3 [61·6-63·0] to 64·6 [63·1-65·6], p<0·0001) and 0·8 fewer life-years lost by age 70 years (1·9 [1·7-2·2] to 1·1 [0·9-1·5]; p<0·0001 for all three measures of disability). Parallel improvements were gained between cohorts of adults without diabetes (cohort 1, n=8687; cohort 2, n=2727); within both cohorts, those without diabetes had significantly more disability-free years than those with diabetes (p<0·0001 for all comparisons).

INTERPRETATION

Irrespective of diabetes status, US adults saw a compression of disability and gains in disability-free life-years. The decrease in disability onset due to primary prevention of diabetes could play an important part in achieving longer disability-free life-years.

FUNDING

US Department of Health & Human Services and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Outpatient diabetes clinical decision support: current status and future directions

Outpatient clinical decision support systems have had an inconsistent impact on key aspects of diabetes care. A principal barrier to success has been low use rates in many settings. Here, we identify key aspects of clinical decision support system design, content and implementation that are related to sustained high use rates and positive impacts on glucose, blood pressure and lipid management. Current diabetes clinical decision support systems may be improved by prioritizing care recommendations, improving communication of treatment-relevant information to patients, using such systems for care coordination and case management and integrating patient-reported information and data from remote devices into clinical decision algorithms and interfaces.