Effects of Insulin Treatment with Glargine or Premixed Insulin Lispro Programs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Glycaemia in low-premixed insulin analogue type 2 diabetes patients in a real-world setting: are the CGM targets met?

BACKGROUND

There are insufficient data on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in nonintensive insulin therapy patients. Using CGM and the recommended CGM targets, we wanted to evaluate low-premix insulin analogue therapy (biphasic aspart/NovoMix 30 and biphasic lispro 25/Humalog Mix 25) in real-world type 2 diabetes patients for glycaemic efficacy and especially hypoglycaemia.

METHODS

The prospective observational study was performed on 35 patients who were treated with a low-premixed insulin. We used the Dexcom G6 system for CGM (9.6 ± 1 days) to measure the clinically relevant CGM parameters: glycaemic variability (%CV), TBR (time below range) < 3.0 mmol/l = 54 mg/dl (level 2 hypoglycaemia), TBR 3.0-3.8 (= 54-69 mg/dl), TIR (time in range) 3.9-10-0 mmol/l (70-180 mg/dl), TAR (time above range) 10-13.9 mmol/l (180-250 mg/dl) and TAR > 13.9 mmol/l (250 mg/dl). We also assessed clinical and demographic characteristics, laboratory HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, peak postprandial glucose values, and the percentage of hypoglycaemia between 00:00 and 06:00.

RESULTS

In our patients, the average ± SD age was 70.4 ± 9.2 years, diabetes duration 17.4 ± 7.1 years, 51% were females, average daily insulin dose was 46.4 units (80% received biphasic aspart). The average ± SD TIR was 62.1 ± 12.2%, TBR < 3.0 mmol/l 0.8 ± 2.0%, TBR 3.0-3.8 mmol/l 1.5 ± 1.5%, TAR 10-13.9 mmol/l 29.2 ± 12.4%, TAR > 13.9 mmol/l 6.4 ± 7.2% and %CV 29.9 ± 7.1%. The average time in hypoglycemia was 33.1 min daily in our patients (11.5 min in the level 2 range). In the older/high-risk population, the TBR/TIR/TAR/level 2 TAR targets were met in 40/80/77/80%, respectively. For the general T2D people, level 2 TBR/TBR/TIR/TAR/level 2 TAR would be met in 74/83/34/77/49%. Average fasting blood glucose was 8.0 ± 2.5 mmol/l (144 ± 45 mg/dl), BMI 31.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2, daily insulin dose 46.4 ± 12.1 units, HbA1c 57.4 ± 5.4 mmol/mol (7.4 ± 0.7%). The glycaemic variability goal was met in 80% (with 66% meeting the lower 33% CV goal). 17 ± 12% of hypoglycaemia was nocturnal. People with TBR > 4% were significantly older.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of our type 2 diabetes patients, treated with low-premixed insulin, did not meet the recommended TBR target for older/high-risk patients while meeting the TIR and TAR targets. Nevertheless, the time spent in (total and nocturnal) hypoglycemia was short. The study indicates that the general type 2 diabetes population targets would mostly be met for TBR and %CV in our patients but not the TIR and TAR targets. CGM appears to be a useful clinical tool in these patients.

Factors Correlated With Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Cancer Survivors: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most common and aversive psychological phenomena among cancer survivors. Understanding the independent and potentially modifiable risk factors that contribute toward FCR seen in cancer survivors would inform future interventional trials aimed at reducing this risk.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide an evidence synthesis of factors correlated with FCR to inform the development of preventive interventions.

METHODS

A literature search was performed of the PsycINFO, EMBASE, and MEDLINE (PubMed) databases. Reports published from inception to 2020 focusing on the correlates of FCR with physical, psychological, and social factors were identified. Authors assessed the studies' risk of bias in accordance with the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Quantitative Studies (QualSyst criteria) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. After extracting data and assessing the quality of the included studies, meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Thirty-four articles were included in this study with a total sample of more than 13 000 cancer patients. Fear of cancer recurrence was positively correlated with anxiety, depression, avoidance, chemotherapy, distress, intrusive thoughts, fatigue, rumination, and neuroticism. It was negatively correlated with optimism, age, social support, quality of life, time since diagnosis, well-being, and self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 16 factors that are correlated with FCR, 9 positively correlated with FCR and 7 negatively correlated with FCR.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings of this study provide direction for the development of precise interventions for FCR in cancer survivors and lay the foundation for the further construction of an FCR-related nursing theoretical framework.

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.

Efficacy and safety of long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of once weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) dulaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to August 18, 2019. Revman5.3 and Stata13.0 software were used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one trials including 20,367 patients were analyzed. Compared with control group, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in 0.75 mg dulaglutide group and 1.5 mg dulaglutide group were reduced by 0.29% and 0.55%, respectively. More patients treated with 0.75 mg dulaglutide [RR 1.24, 95% CI (1.08, 1.42), p = 0.002] and 1.5 mg dulaglutide [RR 1.66, 95% CI (1.40, 1.99), p < 0.00001] had reached the target of HbA1c 7.0%. In patients with T2DM, 0.75 mg dulaglutide and 1.5 mg dulaglutide had a statistically higher adverse events (AEs) incidence than control, whereas the risk of hypoglycaemia was lower in 0.75 mg dulaglutide group and 1.5 mg dulaglutide group than in control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current evidence, 0.75 and 1.5 mg dulaglutide are associated with better glycemic control and lower rate of hypoglycemia in patients with T2DM.

Comparative prevention potential of 10 mouthwashes on intolerable oral mucositis in cancer patients: A Bayesian network analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a wide variety of mouthwashes currently available for the prevention of intolerable oral mucositis (OM) onset. Because of a lack of evidence from head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the relative effects of these mouthwashes in intolerable OM patients remain unclear. This study compared the preventive effect of ten mouthwashes in intolerable OM.

METHODS

A literature search was performed of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, and MEDLINE (PubMed) databases. Reports published from 1990 to 2019 focusing on mouthwashes for preventing OM were identified. Authors assessed the studies' risk of bias in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and followed the PRISMA for Network Meta-Analyses Statement. Authors estimated summary odds ratios (ORs) using pairwise and Bayesian network meta-analysis with random effects.

RESULTS

Thirty-six RCTs, with a total of 2594 patients, were included in the present study. Bayesian network analysis showed that honey (Odd Ratio [OR] 0.17, 95%CI 0.09 to 0.30), chamomile (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.52), curcumin (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.67) and benzydamine (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.54) mouthwashes were superior to placebo. Honey mouthwashes were more efficacious than chlorhexidine (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.92), sucralfate (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.96) and povidone-iodine (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.82) mouthwashes. Other mouthwashes showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the analysis of rank probabilities, chamomile, honey, curcumin and benzydamine mouthwashes may be the most advantageous in terms of the prevention of intolerable OM.

Does synbiotic supplementation affect body weight, body mass index, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in patients with type 2 diabetes? Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is surging currently. Synbiotic as a supplement based on gut microbiota may be beneficial to improve the metabolism of T2DM. However, the results of clinical studies show that the role of synbiotic in weight management in patients with T2DM is controversial. In this context, we have formulated this protocol. The study will evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library will be searched for relevant literature from inception. Literature search, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment will be carried out independently by two researchers. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the criteria will be included. A meta-analysis will be conducted using weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect measures.

RESULTS

This systematic review and meta-analysis will mainly assess the effects of synbiotic supplementation on body weight and BMI in T2DM patients. Secondary outcome indicators will include hs-CRP.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis will quantify the value of synbiotic supplement in weight management of patients with T2DM through a comprehensive evaluation of the current clinical evidence, so as to provide a basis for clinical application.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019132974.

Comparative efficacy of nine different dressings in healing diabetic foot ulcer: A Bayesian network analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a wide variety of dressings currently available for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Because of a lack of evidence from head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the relative effects of these dressings in DFU patients remain unclear. This study compared the efficacy of nine dressings in healing DFU.

METHODS

A literature search was performed of the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. Reports published from 1993 to 2017 focusing on dressings for healing DFU were identified.

RESULTS

Twenty-one RCTs, with a total of 2159 patients, were included in the present study. Bayesian network analysis showed that amniotic membrane dressings were superior to alginate, basic wound contact, foam, honey-impregnated, hydrocolloid, and iodine-impregnated dressings. Hydrogel dressings were better than basic wound contact dressings. Other dressings showed no significant differences. According to the probability of ranking results, amniotic membrane and hydrogel dressings are preferred for healing DFUs.

CONCLUSIONS

The nine dressings evaluated in this study had different advantages in promoting the healing of DFU, but most differences among the dressings were not significant. According to the analysis of rank probability, amniotic membrane and hydrogel dressings are the most advantageous in terms of promoting DFU healing. It is recommended that the most suitable dressing should be selected taking into consideration exudate control, comfort, and cost.

A brief interactive training with medical students improves their diabetes knowledge about hypoglycemia

BACKGROUND

Hypoglycemia is a severe clinical problem with physical and psychosocial implications for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Medical students would benefit from formal education on how to treat hypoglycemia as well as how to administer glucagon in case of a severe hypoglycemic emergency. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a brief training to improve medical students' knowledge and attitudes about diabetes, hypoglycemia, and glucagon administration.

METHODS

We conducted a feasibility study to assess the effectiveness of an interactive training session on diabetes education with an emphasis on hypoglycemia. We measured medical students' knowledge and attitudes toward diabetes, hypoglycemia, and glucagon before and after the training. We performed Chi-Square tests, paired t-tests, determined effect sizes using Cohen's d, and analyzed short answer responses via content and thematic analyses.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventeen participants (age = 25.1 ± 2.3 years, 45.2% female, 78.3% white, 36.4% planned to pursue primary care, response rate of 94.3%) completed surveys. Following the training, participants' total knowledge scores improved by five percentage points to 82.6 ± 11.0% (t-value = 7.119, p < 0.001). We also observed positive improvements in the General Test scores to 82.3 ± 12.6% (t-value = 5.844, p < 0.001) and Insulin Use Test scores to 82.4 ± 17.4% (t-value = 4.103, p < 0.001). For the hypoglycemia test, participants averaged 55.7 ± 24.8% pre-training and 83.0 ± 22.4% post-training (t-value = 14.258, p < 0.001). Lastly, participants scored 87.6 ± 18.5% on the glucagon test after the training session. In addition, we observed positive improvements in all five diabetes attitudes subscales after the training, with the largest magnitude of change in the "Psychosocial impact of diabetes" subscale (t-value = 9.249, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.60). Qualitatively, more participants recognized the severity of hypoglycemia after the training. They also learned how to approach diabetes from the patient's perspective and valued the clinically relevant and practical information provided during the training session, such as the "15-15 Rule."

CONCLUSIONS

Medical students need to learn about patients' everyday experiences of diabetes in order to have an understanding of and confidence to assess and treat hypoglycemia. These findings underscore the importance of training medical students on how to actively assess and manage the risk of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes.