Glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia with new insulin glargine 300 U/ml versus insulin glargine 100 U/ml in people with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin and oral antihyperglycaemic drugs: the EDITION 2 randomized 12-month trial including 6-month extension

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL in people with type 2 diabetes in China: The INITIATION study

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in people with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D) in China.

METHODS

INITIATION (NCT05002933) was a prospective, interventional, multicentre, single-arm, phase IV study conducted in China. Individuals with suboptimally controlled T2D who were insulin naïve or switching from another basal insulin (insulin experienced) were included. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24. Safety assessments included hypoglycaemia and adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

In total, 568 participants were enrolled and 562 initiated Gla-300 treatment (189 in the insulin-naïve subgroup; 373 in the insulin-experienced subgroup). At week 24, the mean ± standard error (SE) change in HbA1c from baseline was -0.91% ± 0.05% (-9.9 ± 0.5 mmol/mol; P < .0001). Significant HbA1c reductions were also observed in the insulin-naïve (mean ± SE change: -1.38% ± 0.09% [-15.1 ± 1.0 mmol/mol]) and insulin-experienced (-0.68% ± 0.05% [-7.4 ± 0.5 mmol/mol]) subgroups (both P < .0001). During the 24-week treatment period, the incidence of confirmed hypoglycaemia (plasma glucose ≤ 3.9 mmol/L) was 39.7% for all hypoglycaemia and 13.3% for nocturnal hypoglycaemia; the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia was low (0.5%). Overall, treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) were reported in 126 participants (22.4%), with no serious treatment-related TEAEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Gla-300 was effective in improving glycaemic control and had a relatively low risk of hypoglycaemia in people with suboptimally controlled T2D who were insulin naïve or switching from another basal insulin in China.

A dose titration protocol for once-daily insulin glargine 300 U/mL for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs

BACKGROUND

In purpose-bred dogs, insulin glargine 300 U/mL (IGla300) has long duration of action, peakless time-action profile, and low potency, making it suitable for use as a basal insulin.

HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate IGla300 in client-owned diabetic dogs monitored using a flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS).

ANIMALS

Ninety-five client-owned diabetic dogs, newly diagnosed or previously treated with other insulin formulations, with or without concurrent diseases.

METHODS

Prospective multi-institutional study. Clinical signs and standardized assessment of FGMS data, using treatment and monitoring guidelines established a priori, guided dose adjustments and categorization into levels of glycemic control.

RESULTS

The initial IGla300 dose was 0.5 U/Kg q24h for newly diagnosed dogs and (median dose [range]) 0.8 U/Kg (0.2-2.5) q24h for all dogs. Glycemic control was classified as good or excellent in 87/95 (92%) dogs. The IGla300 was administered q24h (1.9 U/kg [0.2-5.2]) and q12h (1.9 U/kg/day [0.6-5.0]) in 56/95 (59%) and 39/95 (41%) dogs, respectively. Meal-time bolus injections were added in 5 dogs (0.5 U/kg/injection [0.3-1.0]). Clinical hypoglycemia occurred in 6/95 (6%) dogs. Dogs without concurrent diseases were more likely to receive IGla300 q24h than dogs with concurrent diseases (72% vs 50%, respectively; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Insulin glargine 300 U/mL can be considered a suitable therapeutic option for once-daily administration in diabetic dogs. Clinicians should be aware of the low potency and wide dose range of IGla300. In some dogs, twice-daily administration with or without meal-time bolus injections may be necessary to achieve glycemic control. Monitoring with FGMS is essential for dose titration of IGla300.

Real-World Outcomes of Individualized Targeted Therapy with Insulin Glargine 300 Units/mL in Insulin-Naïve Korean People with Type 2 Diabetes: TOBE Study

INTRODUCTION

The TOujeo BEyond glucose control (TOBE) study evaluated clinical outcomes with insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) in insulin-naïve Korean people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This 24-week, prospective, non-interventional, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, observational study included adults aged ≥ 20 years with T2DM suboptimally controlled with oral hypoglycemic agents and/or glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists who require basal insulin. Eligible participants were assigned to either general target glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c < 7%) or individualized target groups as per physician's discretion considering guidelines and participants' characteristics. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants achieving the HbA1c target (individualized or general) at 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Among 369 participants, 19.5% (72/369) of participants achieved the HbA1c target at week 24; 37.5% (33/88) in the individualized and 13.9% (39/281) in the general target group. In both target groups, similar reductions in fasting plasma glucose and body weight were observed, with low incidence of hypoglycemia, and T2DM duration was significantly shorter in participants who did versus those who did not achieve the target HbA1c (individualized target group: 9.6 ± 8.0 versus 13.1 ± 8.4 years, P = 0.0454; general target group: 10.2 ± 8.6 versus 12.8 ± 7.4 years, P = 0.0378).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that initiation of insulin therapy with Gla-300 in people with T2DM using an individualized approach is more effective in achieving an HbA1c target. Moreover, earlier initiation of insulin therapy in people with suboptimally controlled T2DM may increase the success rate of glycemic control. A graphical abstract is available with this article.

Efficacy and safety of basal insulins in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Aim

The comparative effectiveness of basal insulins has been examined in several studies. However, current treatment algorithms provide a list of options with no clear differentiation between different basal insulins as the optimal choice for initiation.

Methods

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, ISI, and Scopus, and a reference list of retrieved studies and reviews were performed up to November 2023. We identified phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of basal insulin regimens. The primary outcomes evaluated were HbA1c reduction, weight change, and hypoglycemic events. The revised Cochrane ROB-2 tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A random-effects frequentist network meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals considering the critical assumptions in the networks. The certainty of the evidence and confidence in the rankings was assessed using the GRADE minimally contextualized approach.

Results

Of 20,817 retrieved studies, 44 RCTs (23,699 participants) were eligible for inclusion in our network meta-analysis. We found no significant difference among various basal insulins (including Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH), ILPS, insulin glargine, detemir, and degludec) in reducing HbA1c. Insulin glargine, 300 U/mL (IGlar-300) was significantly associated with less weight gain (mean difference ranged from 2.9 kg to 4.1 kg) compared to other basal insulins, namely thrice-weekly insulin degludec (IDeg-3TW), insulin degludec, 100 U/mL (IDeg-100), insulin degludec, 200 U/mL (IDeg-200), NPH, and insulin detemir (IDet), but with low to very low certainty regarding most comparisons. IDeg-100, IDeg-200, IDet, and IGlar-300 were associated with significantly lower odds of overall, nocturnal, and severe hypoglycemic events than NPH and insulin lispro protamine (ILPS) (moderate to high certainty evidence). NPH was associated with the highest odds of overall and nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to others. Network meta-analysis models were robust, and findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

The efficacy of various basal insulin regimens is comparable. However, they have different safety profiles. IGlar-300 may be the best choice when weight gain is a concern. In contrast, IDeg-100, IDeg-200, IDet, and IGlar-300 may be preferred when hypoglycemia is the primary concern.

Clinical impact after implementing an insulin protocol involving a switch to insulin glargine 300 U/ml as basal insulin for inpatient glycaemic control: A retrospective single-centre study

AIMS

To evaluate the benefit and safety of a switch in the basal insulin protocol to glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) on inpatients' overall dysglycemic events. Efficacy and safety data on insulin Gla-300 in the inpatient setting are limited.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study conducted on 7455 patients admitted to acute care (n = 5414) or geriatric and social healthcare (n = 2041) units of the Regional Hospital of Amposta (Spain) between January 2017 and December 2020 who received basal insulin during hospitalization. Hypo- and hyperglycaemic events were indirectly assessed through hospital pharmacy usage of intravenous glucose and vials of rapid-acting intravenous insulin for 27 months after the switch, and the impact on overall dysglycemic events was analysed.

RESULTS

After protocol implementation, patients were mostly treated with Gla-300 (83.06 % in acute care; and 83.44 % in geriatric and social healthcare), and presented a significant decrease in the use of intravenous insulin (-60.80 %, P = 0.005) and glucose (-62.13 %, P < 0.001), which translated into a significantly reduced overall dysglycemic events (-62.25 %, P < 0.001), with a good safety and tolerability profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall inpatient dysglycemic events were improved upon the introduction of the new insulin protocol, which calls for the use of Gla-300 as one of the choices of basal insulin for inpatient care.

Real-World Effects of Second-Generation Versus Earlier Intermediate/Basal Insulin Analogues on Rates of Hypoglycemia in Adults with Type 1 and 2 Diabetes (iNPHORM, US)

INTRODUCTION

Second-generation basal insulin analogues have been shown to reduce hypoglycemia in several trials and observational studies of select populations; however, it remains unclear whether these results persist in real-world settings. Using self-reported hypoglycemia events, we assessed whether second-generation basal insulin analogues reduce rates of hypoglycemia events (non-severe/severe; overall/daytime/nocturnal) compared to earlier intermediate/basal insulin analogues among people with insulin-treated type 1 or 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We used prospectively collected data from the Investigating Novel Predictions of Hypoglycemia Occurrence Using Real-World Models (iNPHORM) panel survey. This US-wide, 1-year internet-based survey assessed hypoglycemia experiences and related sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with diabetes (February 2020-March 2021). We estimated population-average rate ratios for hypoglycemia comparing second-generation to earlier intermediate/basal insulin analogues using negative binomial regression, adjusting for confounders. Within-person variability of repeated observations was addressed with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Among iNPHORM participants with complete data, N = 413 used an intermediate/basal insulin analogue for ≥ 1 month during follow-up. After adjusting for baseline and time-updated confounders, average second-generation basal insulin analogue users experienced a 19% (95% CI 3-32%, p = 0.02) lower rate of overall non-severe hypoglycemia and 43% (95% CI 26-56%, p < 0.001) a lower rate of nocturnal non-severe hypoglycemia compared to earlier intermediate/basal insulin users. Overall severe hypoglycemia rates were similar among second-generation and earlier intermediate/basal insulin users (p = 0.35); however, the rate of severe nocturnal hypoglycemia was reduced by 44% (95% CI 10-65%, p = 0.02) among second-generation insulin users compared to earlier intermediate/basal insulin users.

CONCLUSION

Our real-world results suggest second-generation basal insulin analogues reduce rates of hypoglycemia, especially nocturnal non-severe and severe events. Whenever possible and feasible, clinicians should prioritize prescribing these agents over first-generation basal or intermediate insulin in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Comparative clinical efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Toujeo) versus insulin glargine 100 U/ml in type 2 diabetes and type 1 diabetes: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

AIM

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of glargine-U100 (Lantus/Gla-100) with glargine-U300 (Toujeo/Gla-300) in adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and type 1 diabetes (T1D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search on Gla-300/Gla-100 in diabetes management was conducted using the MEDLINE/Embase/Cochrane databases from inception to 10 January 2021. Eligible studies considered for inclusion were parallel-design, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The random-effects model was applied for interpretation of the results.

RESULTS

Of 5348 records screened, 592 were assessed for eligibility and 15 RCTs were considered for data extraction and meta-analysis (T2D [N = 10; n = 7082]; T1D [N = 5; n = 2222]). In patients with T1D, all safety parameters were comparable between Gla-100 and Gla-300. In T2D, statistically significant differences were observed in favour of Gla-300 over Gla-100 for nocturnal and total hypoglycaemia. For efficacy parameters, a statistically and clinically significant difference favouring Gla-100 in basal insulin dose requirement was observed for both T2D and T1D. Change in HbA1c showed a statistically but not clinically significant reduction with Gla-100 compared with Gla-300 in T1D. Statistically significant but clinically less relevant differences favoured Gla-300 for control of body weight in T1D and T2D and Gla-100 for fasting blood glucose in T2D.

CONCLUSIONS

Gla-100 and Gla-300 had comparable efficacy and safety profiles in both T1D and T2D populations. Gla-300 showed a lower risk of nocturnal and total hypoglycaemia, significant in insulin-experienced/exposed patients with T2D. Patients on Gla-300 required significantly more units of insulin daily than the Gla-100 group to achieve equivalent efficacy.

The economic value of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in people ≥18 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a value-based economic model from a U.S. payer perspective

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the value and affordability of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in a budget impact model from a United States (U.S.) payer perspective by leveraging recent real-world evidence (RWE) studies and incorporating the recent insulin price caps where applicable.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An economic model for a hypothetical one million U.S. health-plan population was developed to assess the budgetary impact of therapeutic interchanges in either direction between the two long- and longer-acting basal insulins (BIs) for patients with type 2 diabetes over a three-year model horizon. The utilization of long-acting BIs, longer-acting BIs, biosimilar BIs, and insulin degludec (IDeg-100) were informed by IQVIA data and internal forecasting at Sanofi. The DELIVER-2 and DELIVER-naïve studies provided healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) parameters. In the model base case, 24% of patients switched from long-acting BIs to insulin glargine biosimilars, IDeg-100, and other longer-acting BIs (Gla-300) by projected year 3.

RESULTS

The base case total costs were $10,145 per patient per year (PPPY) in year 3 for the cumulative population. When all patients switched to Gla-300, the total costs in year 3 were $8,799, reflecting a net savings of -$660 PPPY compared to the budget increase of $686 PPPY in the base case. However, the longer-acting to long-acting BIs reversal scenario demonstrated a budgetary decrease of $676 PPPY over the model horizon. The reduction in incremental PPPY cost of $93 was observed using net drug costs rather than wholesale acquisition costs (WAC).

LIMITATIONS

The market shares for years 1-3 were based on expectations supported by the clinicians' expert opinions and were not obtained from real-world data.

CONCLUSIONS

The economic value of increased utilization of Gla-300 was driven by the reduction in HCRU, costs and market shares assumptions. Budgetary reductions were achieved by switching patients from long-acting BIs to Gla-300.

9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/ml in insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes in the Latin America region: A subgroup analysis of the ATOS

AIM

To evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) in achieving glycaemic goals in insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Mexico, Colombia and Peru (Latin America region) in the A Toujeo Observational Study (ATOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ATOS was a multicentre, prospective, 12-month observational study, which included 4422 insulin-naïve adults (age ≥ 18 years) with T2D uncontrolled (HbA1c > 7% and ≤11%) on at least one oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) who initiated Gla-300 treatment as per routine practice. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants achieving their predefined individualized HbA1c goal at month 6. Key secondary endpoints included change from baseline in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), body weight and incidence of hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

In this subgroup analysis, a total of 314 participants with T2D received Gla-300. At baseline, mean ± SD age was 56.0 ± 11.6 years, duration of diabetes was 9.7 ± 6.6 years and 65.9% of participants were on at least two OADs. The individualized HbA1c target was achieved by 25.8% of participants (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.3-31.9) at month 6 and by 35.3% (95% CI: 28.5-42.5) at month 12. Gla-300 treatment improved glycaemic control with meaningful reductions in mean HbA1c, FPG and fasting SMBG. The incidence of hypoglycaemia reported was low and body weight remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world setting in the Latin America region, the initiation of Gla-300 in people with T2D uncontrolled on OADs resulted in improved glycaemic control with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia and no change in body weight.

Breaking Barriers With Basal Insulin Biosimilars in Type 2 Diabetes

Despite increases in the availability and effectiveness of other therapies, insulin remains an essential treatment for approximately 30 million people with type 2 diabetes worldwide. The development of biosimilars has created the potential for significant health care cost savings and may lead to greater access to basal insulin for vast populations. In this review, we discuss evidence demonstrating equipoise between basal insulin biosimilars and the patented analogs they may replace.

Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in People with Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on Basal Insulin: The 26-Week Interventional, Single-Arm ARTEMIS-DM Study

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy and safety of switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) uncontrolled on basal insulin (BI) has been demonstrated in the North American and Western European populations; however, there is limited data from other geographical regions with different ethnicities. The ARTEMIS-DM study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Gla-300 in people with T2DM uncontrolled on BI from Asia, Latin America and Middle East Africa.

METHODS

The ARTEMIS-DM was a 26-week, prospective, interventional, single-arm, phase IV study (NCT03760991). Adults with T2DM previously uncontrolled (glycated haemoglobin [HbA_1c] 7.5-10%) on BI were switched to Gla-300. The primary endpoint was change in HbA_1c from baseline to 26 weeks. Key secondary endpoints were changes in HbA_1c (week 12), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) and BI dose from baseline to week 26. The safety and tolerability of Gla-300 were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 372 (50% male) participants were included, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 60.9 (10.0) years, duration of diabetes 13.11 (7.48) years and baseline HbA_1c 8.67 (0.77)% (71.22 [8.44] mmol/mol). A total of 222 (59.7%) participants were using insulin glargine 100 U/mL and 107 (28.8%) were using neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin as previous BI. There were clinically significant reductions in mean HbA_1c (- 0.82%; primary endpoint), FPG and SMPG levels at week 26. With a pre-defined titration algorithm, mean Gla-300 dose increased from 27.48 U (0.35 U/kg) at baseline to 39.01 U (0.50 U/kg) at week 26. Hypoglycaemia events occurred in 20.4% of the participants; 1 (0.3%) participant had a severe hypoglycaemia event.

CONCLUSION

In people with T2DM uncontrolled on previous BI, switching to Gla-300 with optimal titration guided by an algorithm was associated with improved glycaemic control and low incidence of hypoglycaemia across multiple geographic regions.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03760991.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in Insulin-Naïve People with Type 2 Diabetes: the ATOS Study

INTRODUCTION

The clinical benefits of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) have been confirmed in randomised clinical trials (EDITION programme and BRIGHT) and real-world studies in the USA and Western Europe. ATOS evaluated the real-world effectiveness and safety of Gla-300 in wider geographic regions (Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe).

METHODS

This prospective observational, international study enrolled adults (≥ 18 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) uncontrolled [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) > 7% to ≤ 11%] on one or more oral anti-hyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) who had been advised by their treating physician to add Gla-300 to their existing treatment. The primary endpoint was achievement of a pre-defined individualised HbA1c target at month 6.

RESULTS

Of the 4550 participants included, 4422 (51.8% female) were eligible for assessment. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 57.2 ± 10.8 years, duration of diabetes was 10.2 ± 6.2 years and baseline HbA1c was 9.28 ± 1.0%. The proportion of participants reaching their individualised glycaemic target was 25.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.8-26.6%] at month 6 and 44.5% (95% CI 42.9-46.1%) at month 12. At months 6 and 12, reductions were observed in HbA1c (-1.50% and -1.87%) and fasting plasma glucose (-3.42 and -3.94 mmol/L). Hypoglycaemia incidence was low, and body weight change was minimal. Adverse events were reported in 283 (6.4%) participants, with 57 (1.3%) experiencing serious adverse events.

CONCLUSION

In a real-world setting, initiation of Gla-300 in people with T2DM uncontrolled on OADs resulted in improved glycaemic control and low rates of hypoglycaemia with minimal weight change.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT03703869.

Insulin glargine 300 U/ml for the treatment of feline diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/ml (IGla-U300) in cats with variable duration of diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

Thirteen client-owned cats with DM completed a prospective clinical trial. Four cats were highly suspected of hypersomatotropism and excluded from the insulin efficacy evaluation. All cats were treated with IGla-U300 SC at a starting dosage of 0.5 U/kg q12h and fed with a low carbohydrate diet. Cats were monitored for 8 weeks with a once-weekly at-home 16 h blood glucose curve (BGC) and a questionnaire evaluating the presence of DM-related clinical signs. In-clinic evaluations, including serum fructosamine measurement, were scheduled within 3 days of the first, third, sixth and eighth BGC. Glycemic variability was assessed by calculating the SD of each BGC.

RESULTS

Excluding four cats suspected of hypersomatotropism, at the time of the eighth BGC, improved or absent polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, lethargy and improved or normal general demeanor were reported in 8/9 (88%), 8/9 (88%), 7/9 (77%), 7/9 (77%), 7/9 (77%) and 8/9 (88%) cats, respectively. Two cats achieved remission after 29 and 53 days. Another two cats went into remission after the end of the study (days 82 and 96). All cats that achieved remission were newly diagnosed diabetics. Median (range) serum fructosamine concentration significantly decreased when comparing the time of enrollment (604 [457-683] µmol/l) with the eighth week of treatment (366 [220-738] µmol/l) (P = 0.02). In all 13 cats, biochemical hypoglycemia (blood glucose <60 mg/dl; <3.3 mmol/l) was detected in 13/104 (12.5%) BGCs, while clinical signs suggesting hypoglycemic episodes were not reported. Glycemic variability was significantly lower at the fifth BGC when comparing cats that achieved remission with cats that did not achieve remission (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

IGla-U300 seems effective and safe for the treatment of feline diabetes, but more long- term and comparative clinical trials are needed.

9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

The ongoing evolution of basal insulin therapy over 100 years and its promise for the future

The evolution of basal insulin therapy over the past 100 years since the discovery of insulin is a testimony to the biomedical bench-to-bedside process, wherein incremental advances in the basic sciences are progressively translated over time into a series of enhancements in clinical care, each building upon the success of its predecessors. The emergence of recombinant DNA technology and the resultant biosynthesis of human insulin in the 1980s provided the critical capacity to bioengineer designer insulin analogues with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that can better mimic, although not fully replicate, the effects of endogenous insulin secretion. Through these efforts, basal insulin therapy has progressed over this time from first-generation analogues (glargine U-100, detemir) to second-generation analogues (glargine U-300, degludec) to ultra-long-acting formulations that are suitable for administration once weekly (icodec). Each iteration in this progression has represented a step closer towards the goal of replicating the continuous secretion of insulin that normally comprises the basal output of the pancreatic beta-cells between meals, during episodes of fasting and overnight. However, it may be that we may have reached the achievable limit in the context of an "open-loop" approach, such that only with the addition of closed loop control will we be able to achieve physiologic basal insulin replacement. In this review, we will examine the evolution of basal insulin therapy over the past 100 years and its implications for patient care and outcomes in current practice and the future.

Switching the basal insulin to insulin glargine 300 U/ml in people with type 2 diabetes under basal insulin supported oral therapy: Observational trial on effectiveness and safety

AIMS

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of switching the basal insulin (BI) in a BI-supported oral therapy (BOT) to insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) in adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a non-interventional, multicentre, prospective 12-month study, conducted in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The study documented people with T2D with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between 7.5% and 10.0%, currently treated by a non-Gla-300 BOT regimen, after the physician had decided to switch the BI to Gla-300. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving the fasting plasma glucose (FPG; ≤110 mg/dl) target.

RESULTS

In total, 1194 participants comprised the full analysis set, of which 793 completed documentation of 12 months Gla-300 treatment (FAS-M12). The main previous BI was insulin glargine 100 U/ml (Gla-100; 47.2%). Twelve months after switching to Gla-300, 27.0% of FAS-M12 participants achieved the FPG target and 44.8% their individualized HbA1c target. The greatest FPG target achievements were seen in previous Gla-100 (29.3%), and greatest HbA1c target achievements in previous insulin detemir users (57.7%). The mean FPG decreased by -36.3 ± 51.2 mg/dl to 135.5 ± 36.9 mg/dl and mean HbA1c by -0.79 ± 1.01% to 7.45 ± 0.94%. Symptomatic and nocturnal hypoglycaemia incidence significantly decreased over 12 months of Gla-300 treatment. Body weight remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching the BI to Gla-300 in a BOT regimen improved metabolic control and treatment satisfaction in a substantial proportion of patients with T2D and inadequate target achievement within 12 months in clinical practice with a decreased risk of symptomatic and nocturnal hypoglycaemia and without weight gain.

Efficacy and safety of different basal and prandial insulin analogues for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

The aim of the present network meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy and safety across different long and short-acting analogs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases search (20th May, 2020) for all trials with a duration ≥24 weeks comparing an analogue with another or human insulin was performed. Indirect comparisons were performed by NMA choosing glargine U100 and human regular insulin, as the reference for long- and short-acting analogues, respectively. Primary endpoints were HbA1c at 24, 52, and 104 weeks. The weighted difference in means (WDM) and Mantel-Haenzel Odds Ratio [MH-OR] with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.

RESULTS

Fifty trials (n = 43) and 7 for basal and prandial analogues, respectively, enrolling 25,554 and 3184 patients with type 2 and 1 diabetes, respectively, were included. At NMA, detemir was less effective than glargine U-100 at 52 weeks. A significant reduction of 24-week HbA1c (WMD [IC]: -0.10 [-0.17, -0.03]%); and risk of total (MH-OR [IC]: 0.80 [0.70, 0.91]), and nocturnal hypoglycemia (MH-OR [IC]: 0.57 [0.45, 0.73]) was observed for basal analogues versus NPH insulin. At NMA, glargine U300 and degludec were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia. No significant differences across different short-acting insulin were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper supports the use of long-acting analogues, rather than NPH insulin, as basal insulin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, without any preferences for any individual long-acting analogue over the others. The evidence on short acting analogues is limited.

Day-to-day variability of porcine lente, insulin glargine 300 U/mL and insulin degludec in diabetic dogs

Background

Day‐to‐day variability impacts safety of insulin therapy and the choice of monitoring strategies. Side‐by‐side comparisons of insulin formulations in diabetic dogs are scarce.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Insulin glargine 300 U/mL (IGla300) and insulin degludec (IDeg) are associated with less day‐to‐day glucose variability compared to porcine lente (PL) in diabetic dogs.

Animals

Seven intact male purpose‐bred beagles with toxin‐induced diabetes.

Methods

In this repeated measured study, PL, IGla300 and IDeg were compared in 2 phases: once‐daily (q24h) and twice‐daily (q12h) administration. Interstitial glucose concentrations (IG) were measured continuously throughout the study. For each formulation, maximal q24h dose was determined using the same algorithm (while avoiding hypoglycemia) and then maintained for 72 hours. In phase 2, 70% of the maximal q24h dose was administered q12h and maintained for 5 days regardless of hypoglycemia. Coefficient of variation (CV) and glycemic variability percentage (GVP) were calculated to determine day‐to‐day and intraday variability, respectively.

Results

There was no difference in day‐to‐day variability between PL, IGla300, and IDeg in the q24h phase. In the q12h phase, day‐to‐day variability was higher (P = .01) for PL (CV = 42.6 ± 6.8%) compared to IGla300 and IDeg (CV = 30.1 ± 7.7%, 25.2 ± 7.0%, respectively). The GVP of PL was lower (P = .02) compared to IGla300. There was no difference between PL, IGla300 and IDeg in %time IG < 70 mg/dL.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Insulin degludec and IGla300 administered q12h were associated with lower day‐to‐day variability, which might be advantageous in minimizing monitoring requirements without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Comparison of insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus glargine 100 U/mL on glycemic control and hypoglycemic events in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes: A Patient-level meta-analysis of phase 3 studies

AIMS

To evaluate efficacy and safety of Gla-300 with Gla-100 in a patient-level meta-analysis among large East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A patient level meta-analysis of three EDITION studies with similar design and endpoints were conducted over 6-months treatment period. The analysis included 547 patients treated with Gla-300 and 348 patients treated with Gla-100.

RESULTS

Over 6-month treatment period, mean change in HbA1c was similar for Gla-300 [Least square (LS) mean, (SE): -1.13 (0.05) % and Gla-100: -1.14 (0.05) %], showing non-inferiority of Gla-300 to Gla-100 (LS mean difference: 0.02%, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.11). Gla-300 was associated with reduced risk of hypoglycemic event (confirmed ≤ 3.9 mmol/L or severe) vs Gla-100 at any time of day or at night (00:00-05:59 h). The event rates of hypoglycemia were consistently lower with Gla-300 than Gla-100. Severe hypoglycemia was rare in both treatment groups. Weight gain was minimal in both treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Gla-300 provides comparable glycemic control to Gla-100 in East Asian patients with broad clinical spectrum of T2DM, with consistently less hypoglycemia at any time of the day and night.

Comparison of pharmacodynamics between insulin glargine 100 U/mL and insulin glargine 300 U/mL in healthy cats

Insulin glargine (IGla) is a synthetic human-recombinant insulin analog that is used routinely in people as a q24h basal insulin. The 300 U/mL (U300) formulation of IGla is associated with longer duration of action and less within-day variability, making it a better basal insulin compared with the 100 U/mL (U100) formulation. We hypothesized that in healthy cats, IGlaU300 has a flatter time-action profile and longer duration of action compared with IGlaU100. Seven healthy neutered male, purpose-bred cats were studied in a randomized, crossover design. Pharmacodynamics of IGlaU100 and IGlaU300 (0.8 U/kg, subcutaneous) were determined by the isoglycemic clamp method. The time-action profile of IGlaU300 was flatter compared with IGlaU100 as demonstrated by lower peak (5.6 ± 1.1 mg/kg/min vs 8.3 ± 1.9 mg/kg/min, respectively; P = 0.04) with no difference in total metabolic effect (ME; P = 0.7) or duration of action (16.8 h ± 4.7 h vs 13.4 h ± 2.6 h; P = 0.2). The greater fraction of ME in the 12- to 24-h period postinjection (35 ± 23% vs 7 ± 8% respectively; P = 0.048) and lower intraday GIR% variability (7.8 ± 3.7% vs 17.4 ± 8.2% respectively; P = 0.03) supports a flatter time-action profile of IGlaU300. There were no differences in onset and end of the action. In summary, although both formulations have a similar duration of action that is well below 24 h, the ME of IGlaU300 is more evenly distributed over a 24 h period in healthy cats, making it a better candidate for once-daily injection in diabetics compared with IGlaU100.

9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2021

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Recent Advances in Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy has advanced remarkably over the past few decades. Ultra-rapid-acting and ultra-long-acting insulin analogs are now commercially available. Many additional insulin formulations are in development. This review outlines recent advances in insulin therapy and novel therapies in development.

Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Synopsis of the 2020 American Diabetes Association's Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Clinical Guideline

DESCRIPTION

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) updates the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes annually to provide clinicians, patients, researchers, payers, and other interested parties with evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of diabetes.

METHODS

To develop the 2020 Standards, the ADA Professional Practice Committee, comprising physicians, adult and pediatric endocrinologists, diabetes educators, registered dietitians, epidemiologists, pharmacists, and public health experts, continuously searched MEDLINE (English language only) from 15 October 2018 through August-September 2019 for pertinent studies, including high-quality trials that addressed pharmacologic management of type 2 diabetes. The committee selected and reviewed the studies, developed the recommendations, and solicited feedback from the larger clinical community.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This synopsis focuses on guidance relating to the pharmacologic treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. Recommendations address oral and noninsulin injectable therapies, insulin treatment, and combination injectable therapies. Results of recent large trials with cardiovascular and renal outcomes are emphasized.

Insulin glargine 300 U/mL and insulin degludec: A review of the current evidence comparing these two second-generation basal insulin analogues

For most people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), treatment intensification with the addition of basal insulin therapy is required to maintain glycaemic control. However, this often does not happen in real-life practice promoting the development of long-term diabetes-related complications. The second-generation basal insulin analogues glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) and degludec (IDeg) provide pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic improvements that may allow them to be more effective in appropriately managing diabetes compared with first-generation basal insulin analogues. Both Gla-300 and IDeg have been extensively studied vs the first-generation basal insulin glargine 100 U/mL, demonstrating comparable efficacy in terms of glycaemic control, and a lower risk of hypoglycaemia. The BRIGHT randomized controlled trial is the first direct comparison of the efficacy and safety profiles of Gla-300 and IDeg in patients with T2D. Moreover, real-world data have been used to assess the effectiveness of these basal insulins during routine clinical practice. Further research is required to determine if the properties of Gla-300 and IDeg may lead to improvements in healthcare-related costs and the quality of life of patients, which are important factors for informing clinical decisions.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) during hospitalization and therapy intensification at discharge in patients with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes: results of the phase IV COBALTA trial

INTRODUCTION

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) during hospitalization and therapy intensification at discharge in insufficiently controlled people with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

COBALTA (for its acronym in Spanish, COntrol Basal durante la hospitalizacion y al ALTA) was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase IV trial including 112 evaluable inpatients with type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled (glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8%-10%) with basal insulin and/or non-insulin antidiabetic drugs. Patients were treated with a basal-bolus-correction insulin regimen with Gla-300 during the hospitalization and with Gla-300 and/or non-insulin antidiabetics for 6 months after discharge. The primary endpoint was the HbA1c change from baseline to month 6 postdischarge.

RESULTS

HbA1c levels decreased from 8.8%±0.6% at baseline to 7.2%±1.1% at month 6 postdischarge (p<0.001, mean change 1.6%±1.1%). All 7-point blood glucose levels decreased from baseline to 24 hours predischarge (p≤0.001, mean changes from 25.1±66.6 to 63.0±85.4 mg/dL). Fasting plasma glucose also decreased from baseline to 24 hours predischarge (p<0.001), month 3 (p<0.001) and month 6 (p<0.001) postdischarge (mean changes 51.5±90.9, 68.2±96.0 and 77.6±86.4 mg/dL, respectively). Satisfaction was high and hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia perception was low according to the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire at month 6 postdischarge. The incidence of confirmed (glucose<70 mg/dL)/severe hypoglycemia was 25.0% during hospitalization and 59.1% 6 months after discharge. No safety concerns were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Inpatient and intensification therapy at discharge with Gla-300 improved significantly glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled with other basal insulin and/or non-insulin antidiabetic medication, with high treatment satisfaction. Gla-300 could therefore be a treatment choice for hospital and postdischarge diabetes management.

Persistence with Basal Insulin and Frequency of Hypoglycemia Requiring Hospitalization in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

A second-generation basal insulin analogue insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) has been marketed in France since June 2016. This real-world study was designed to assess persistence with Gla-300 and the prevalence of related hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization as compared to first-generation basal insulins, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted using data in the large French comprehensive national healthcare system claims databases. Patients with T2DM newly treated with insulin in 2016 and 2017 (2-year period) were included. Three basal insulins [Gla-300, glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100; both branded and biosimilar) and insulin detemir (IDet)] were compared for (1) persistence until treatment discontinuation using adjusted Cox models and (2) hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization over the period of insulin exposure.

RESULTS

During the 2-year study period, in France, 181,263 patients initiated basal insulin therapy (in a basal scheme or a more complex insulin scheme), of whom 74% initiated Gla-100, 14.2% initiated IDet and 11.8% initiated Gla-300. Patient characteristics varied according to the insulin regimen in terms of age, gender, social coverage, insulin scheme, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Overall, 72% of patients were still treated with any basal insulin after 1 year (75% in basal scheme). In all insulin treatment regimens, patients were less likely to discontinue Gla-300 as compared to Gla-100 [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.41], with similar results when only the basal scheme was considered (adjusted OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.35-0.40). Persistence with IDet was similar to that with Gla-100. Patients treated with Gla-100 had higher crude hospitalization rates for hypoglycemia than those receiving Gla-300 (1.4 for 100 patients-years; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55-0.81); however, this difference was not statistically significant after adjustment for patient characteristics. Emergency Room (ER) visits were less frequent in patients treated with Gla-300 versus Gla-100 with or without adjustment for patient characteristics (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Real-world persistence for basal insulin therapy in patients with T2DM was significantly better in those on Gla-300 compared with those on Gla-100 and IDet. A trend to a lower frequency of hospitalization for hypoglycemia and ER visits, whatever the cause, was also observed in patients on Gla-300.

Patient-Reported Outcomes with Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in People with Type 2 Diabetes: The MAGE Multicenter Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

MAGE was a Multicenter, single-Arm, observational 6-month (plus 6-month extension) study that aimed to assess treatment satisfaction, efficacy, and safety of insulin Glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) receiving basal-bolus insulin in a rEal-world setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants were at least 18 years old, with T2DM for more than 1 year, HbA_1c 7.0-10.0%. The primary endpoint was change in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs) total score (baseline to month 6). Secondary endpoints included reasons for starting Gla-300, changes in the DTSQ change version (DTSQc) total score, Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II (HFS-II) total behavior and worry scores at months 6 and 12, HbA_1c changes at months 3, 6, 9, and 12, and safety.

RESULTS

MAGE included 87 adults (mean T2DM duration 17 years). The primary endpoint of DTSQs mean (standard deviation) total score improvement at month 6 was achieved (2.80 [5.46] points; p < 0.0001). The main reasons for Gla-300 initiation were to decrease HbA_1c (89.7% of participants) and reduce the number of hypoglycemic events (35.6% of participants). Significant improvements were observed in the DTSQc total score and perceived hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia (baseline to month 6, p < 0.05). Significant changes in HFS-II behavior, worry, and total scores at 6 and 12 months were also observed (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in HbA_1c. Safety outcomes, including hypoglycemia, were comparable to previously reported trials.

CONCLUSIONS

The MAGE study indicates that Gla-300, as part of a basal-bolus regimen, results in improved treatment satisfaction and reduced hypoglycemia fear in people with advanced T2DM.

Differential glycaemic control with basal insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus degludec 100 U/mL according to kidney function in type 2 diabetes: A subanalysis from the BRIGHT trial

AIMS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) challenges diabetes management and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We examined whether clinical outcomes with insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) and insulin degludec 100 U/mL (IDeg-100) are affected by renal function in a prespecified subgroup analysis from the BRIGHT trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BRIGHT (NCT02738151) was a multicentre, open-label, randomized, active-controlled, two-arm, parallel-group, 24-week study in insulin-naïve uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants were randomized 1:1 to evening Gla-300 (n = 466) or IDeg-100 (n = 463) and stratified based on baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for this analysis.

RESULTS

Heterogeneity of treatment effect across renal function subgroups was observed (P = .02), reflecting a greater mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction from baseline to week 24 with Gla-300 versus IDeg-100 in the eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² subgroup (least squares mean difference: -0.43% [95% confidence interval: -0.74% to -0.12%]), while there were no differences in hypoglycaemia incidence or rates over 24 weeks in that subgroup. HbA1c reductions were similar between treatments in the other eGFR subgroups. However, heterogeneity was observed for annualized rates of anytime (24 hours) or nocturnal (00:00-05:59 hours) confirmed hypoglycaemia (≤70 mg/dL [≤3.9 mmol/L]) over 24 weeks showing less hypoglycaemia with Gla-300 versus IDeg-100 in the ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m² .

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney function seems to affect the glucose-lowering effects of Gla-300 versus IDeg-100 in insulin-naïve T2D. Greater HbA1c reductions with Gla-300 without increase in hypoglycaemia risk, were observed in patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² .

Effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 unit/mL in Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a 12-month post-marketing surveillance study (X-STAR study)

BACKGROUND

With limited real-world insulin glargine 300 unit/mL (Gla-300) data available, we assessed the effectiveness and safety of Gla-300 in the Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

X-STAR was a prospective, observational, 12-month post-marketing study of Gla-300 from 2015 to 2018. T2DM patients received Gla-300 as the first insulin (insulin-naïve) or after treatment with another type of insulin (insulin-experienced).

RESULTS

We identified 1,227 insulin-naïve and 3,394 insulin-experienced patients. Insulin-naïve group increased the Gla-300 starting dose by 2.80 U/day during 12 months (7.49 to 10.29 U/day). Mean HbA1c reduced by 1.99% (9.82 to 7.83%), and 28.4% showed HbA1c < 7.0%. Insulin-experienced group had a baseline insulin dose of 14.86 U/day, which increased by 0.73 U/day. Mean HbA1c reduced by 0.18% (7.99 to 7.81%), and 24.6% showed HbA1c < 7.0%. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 3.42% (insulin-naïve) and 4.45% (insulin-experienced); symptomatic hypoglycemia (2.93% and 3.86%, respectively) was the most common in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Gla-300, in clinical practice, provides an effective and safe therapy as HbA1c was reduced/maintained in insulin-naïve/experienced Japanese T2DM patients without new safety signal. This study provides insights into the current Japanese clinical practices where insulin use is delayed and conservative despite relatively low HbA1c achievement.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Glargine U300 and Glargine U100 for the Inpatient Management of Medicine and Surgery Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Glargine U300 Hospital Trial

OBJECTIVE

The role of U300 glargine insulin for the inpatient management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has not been determined. We compared the safety and efficacy of glargine U300 versus glargine U100 in noncritically ill patients with T2D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective, open-label, randomized clinical trial included 176 patients with poorly controlled T2D (admission blood glucose [BG] 228 ± 82 mg/dL and HbA1c 9.5 ± 2.2%), treated with oral agents or insulin before admission. Patients were treated with a basal-bolus regimen with glargine U300 (n = 92) or glargine U100 (n = 84) and glulisine before meals. We adjusted insulin daily to a target BG of 70-180 mg/dL. The primary end point was noninferiority in the mean difference in daily BG between groups. The major safety outcome was the occurrence of hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

There were no differences between glargine U300 and U100 in mean daily BG (186 ± 40 vs. 184 ± 46 mg/dL, P = 0.62), percentage of readings within target BG of 70-180 mg/dL (50 ± 27% vs. 55 ± 29%, P = 0.3), length of stay (median [IQR] 6.0 [4.0, 8.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0, 7.0] days, P = 0.06), hospital complications (6.5% vs. 11%, P = 0.42), or insulin total daily dose (0.43 ± 0.21 vs. 0.42 ± 0.20 units/kg/day, P = 0.74). There were no differences in the proportion of patients with BG <70 mg/dL (8.7% vs. 9.5%, P > 0.99), but glargine U300 resulted in significantly lower rates of clinically significant hypoglycemia (<54 mg/dL) compared with glargine U100 (0% vs. 6.0%, P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital treatment with glargine U300 resulted in similar glycemic control compared with glargine U100 and may be associated with a lower incidence of clinically significant hypoglycemia.

Low Blood Glucose Index and Hypoglycaemia Risk: Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL Versus Insulin Glargine 100 U/mL in Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

We examined differences in hypoglycaemia risk between insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) and insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using the low blood glucose index (LBGI).

METHODS

Daily profiles of self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) from the EDITION 2, EDITION 3 and SENIOR treat-to-target trials of Gla-300 versus Gla-100 were used to compute the LBGI, which is an established metric of hypoglycaemia risk. The analysis also examined documented (blood glucose readings < 3.0 mmol/L [54 mg/dL]) symptomatic hypoglycaemia (DSH).

RESULTS

Overall LBGI in EDITION 2 and SENIOR and night-time LBGI in all three trials were significantly (p < 0.05) lower with Gla-300 versus Gla-100. The largest differences between Gla-300 and Gla-100 were observed during the night. In all three trials, individual LBGI results correlated with the observed number of DSH episodes per participant (EDITION 2 [r = 0.35, p < 0.001]; EDITION 3 [r = 0.26, p < 0.001]; SENIOR [r = 0.30, p < 0.001]). Participants at moderate risk of experiencing hypoglycaemia (defined as LBGI > 1.1) reported 4- to 8-fold more frequent DSH events than those at minimal risk (LBGI ≤ 1.1) (p ≤  0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The LBGI identified individuals with T2DM at risk for hypoglycaemia using SMPG data and correlated with the number of DSH events. Using the LBGI metric, a lower risk of hypoglycaemia with Gla-300 than Gla-100 was observed in all three trials. The finding that differences in LBGI are greater at night is consistent with previously published differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of Gla-300 and Gla-100, which provides the physiological foundation for the presented results.

Risk of hypoglycaemia with insulin degludec versus insulin glargine U300 in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes: the randomised, head-to-head CONCLUDE trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

A head-to-head randomised trial was conducted to evaluate hypoglycaemia safety with insulin degludec 200 U/ml (degludec U200) and insulin glargine 300 U/ml (glargine U300) in individuals with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin.

METHODS

This randomised (1:1), open-label, treat-to-target, multinational trial included individuals with type 2 diabetes, aged ≥18 years with HbA_1c ≤80 mmol/mol (9.5%) and BMI ≤45 kg/m². Participants were previously treated with basal insulin with or without oral glucose-lowering drugs (excluding insulin secretagogues) and had to fulfil at least one predefined criterion for hypoglycaemia risk. Both degludec U200 and glargine U300 were similarly titrated to a fasting blood glucose target of 4.0-5.0 mmol/l. Endpoints were assessed during a 36 week maintenance period and a total treatment period up to 88 weeks. There were three hypoglycaemia endpoints: (1) overall symptomatic hypoglycaemia (either severe, an event requiring third-party assistance, or confirmed by blood glucose [<3.1 mmol/l] with symptoms); (2) nocturnal symptomatic hypoglycaemia (severe or confirmed by blood glucose with symptoms, between 00:01 and 05:59 h); and (3) severe hypoglycaemia. The primary endpoint was the number of overall symptomatic hypoglycaemic events in the maintenance period. Secondary hypoglycaemia endpoints included the number of nocturnal symptomatic events and number of severe hypoglycaemic events during the maintenance period.

RESULTS

Of the 1609 randomised participants, 733 of 805 (91.1%) in the degludec U200 arm and 734 of 804 (91.3%) in the glargine U300 arm completed the trial (87.3% and 87.8% completed on treatment, respectively). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two treatment arms. For the primary endpoint, the rate of overall symptomatic hypoglycaemia was not significantly lower with degludec U200 vs glargine U300 (rate ratio [RR] 0.88 [95% CI 0.73, 1.06]). As there was no significant difference between treatments for the primary endpoint, the confirmatory testing procedure for superiority was stopped. The pre-specified confirmatory secondary hypoglycaemia endpoints were analysed using pre-specified statistical models but were now considered exploratory. These endpoints showed a lower rate of nocturnal symptomatic hypoglycaemia (RR 0.63 [95% CI 0.48, 0.84]) and severe hypoglycaemia (RR 0.20 [95% CI 0.07, 0.57]) with degludec U200 vs glargine U300.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

There was no significant difference in the rate of overall symptomatic hypoglycaemia with degludec U200 vs glargine U300 in the maintenance period. The rates of nocturnal symptomatic and severe hypoglycaemia were nominally significantly lower with degludec U200 during the maintenance period compared with glargine U300.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03078478 FUNDING: This trial was funded by Novo Nordisk (Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

Real-world outcomes of treatment with insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus standard-of-care in people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To compare real-world outcomes with newer (insulin glargine 300 U/mL; Gla-300) versus standard of care (SoC) basal insulins (BIs) in the REACH (insulin-naïve; NCT02967224) and REGAIN (basal insulin-treated; NCT02967211) studies in participants with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Europe and Brazil.Methods: In these open-label, parallel-group, pragmatic studies, patients (HbA_1c > 7.0%) were randomized to Gla-300 or SoC BI for a 6-month treatment period (to demonstrate non-inferiority of Gla-300 vs SoC BIs for HbA_1c change [non-inferiority margin 0.3%]) and a 6-month extension period (continuing with their assigned treatment). Insulin titration/other medication changes were at investigator/patient discretion post-randomization.Results: Overall, 703 patients were randomized to treatment in REACH (Gla-300, n = 352; SoC, n = 351) and 609 (Gla-300, n = 305, SoC, n = 304) in REGAIN. The primary outcome, non-inferiority of Gla-300 versus SoC for HbA_1c change from baseline to month 6, was met in REACH (least squares [LS] mean difference 0.12% [95% CI -0.046 to 0.281]) but not REGAIN (LS mean difference 0.17% [0.015-0.329]); no between-treatment difference in HbA_1c change was shown after 12 months in either study. BI dose increased minimally from baseline to 12 months in REACH (Gla-300, +0.17 U/kg; SoC, +0.15 U/kg) and REGAIN (Gla-300, +0.11 U/kg; SoC, +0.07 U/kg). Hypoglycemia incidence was low and similar between treatment arms in both studies.Conclusions: In both REACH and REGAIN, no differences in glycemic control or hypoglycemia outcomes with Gla-300 versus SoC BIs were seen over 12 months. However, the suboptimal insulin titration in REACH and REGAIN limits comparisons of outcomes between treatment arms and suggests that more titration instruction/support may be required for patients to fully derive the benefits from newer basal insulin formulations.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus insulin glargine 100 U/mL in Asia Pacific insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes: The EDITION AP randomized controlled trial

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of Gla-300 versus Gla-100 in insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes in Asia Pacific.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this open-label, randomized, active-controlled, 26-week study, insulin-naïve participants with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with non-insulin antihyperglycaemic drugs were randomized (2:1) to Gla-300 or Gla-100. The initial daily dose of basal insulin was 0.2 U/kg and was adjusted at least weekly for 8-12 weeks to a target fasting self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) of 4.4-5.6 mmol/L.

RESULTS

Of the 604 participants randomized, 570 (Gla-300, n = 375; Gla-100, n = 195) completed the study. Non-inferiority of Gla-300 versus Gla-100 in HbA1c reduction from baseline to week 26 was confirmed. In the Gla-300 and Gla-100 groups, 51.1% and 52.2% of participants achieved the HbA1c target of <7.0% (rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.98 [0.84 to 1.14]) and 19.1% and 21.9% achieved the target without hypoglycaemia during the last 12 weeks of treatment (rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.87 [0.63 to 1.20]). Changes in fasting plasma glucose and 24-hour average eight-point SMPG were comparable between groups. Incidence of hypoglycaemia at any time of day was similar between treatment groups at week 26, but incidence of any nocturnal hypoglycaemia was numerically lower with Gla-300 than Gla-100 over the initial 12-week titration period and 26-week on-treatment period. Rates of adverse events were similar between groups and low for serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycaemic control of Gla-300 is non-inferior to Gla-100 with a similar or lower incidence and proportion of hypoglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes in Asia Pacific, reinforcing the results in the global EDITION programme.

9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2020

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Titration of insulin glargine 100 U/mL when added to oral antidiabetic drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes: results of the TOP-1 real-world study

AIMS

Adequate insulin titration is crucial for optimal glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to explore the factors and outcomes associated with titration of glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) in patients uncontrolled on oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) and initiating insulin therapy.

METHODS

Patients from the Titration and Optimization (TOP)-1 registry were stratified by the magnitude of Gla-100 up-titration during the first month (no [< 1 Units (U)/day (d)], minimal [≥ 1 and < 5 U/d], moderate [≥ 5 and ≤ 8 U/d] and strong [> 8 U/d]). The primary endpoint was a fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≤ 110 mg/dL on ≥ 2 occasions and/or individual HbA1c target by 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 2308 patients, 905, 715, 409 and 279 underwent no, minimal, moderate and strong titration, respectively. Age decreased across increasing titration groups (p = 0.02) while body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.0001), FBG (p < 0.0001), and HbA1c (p < 0.0001) increased. At 12 months, the proportions of patients achieving the primary endpoint were comparable across groups (66.1% overall), though a smaller proportion of no titration patients met both their individual HbA1c target and FBG ≤ 110 mg/dL compared to moderate and strong titration patients (20.1% vs. 27.2% and 26.2%, p = 0.033 and 0.023, respectively). HbA1c was also comparable, though FBG was higher in the no titration group (126.2 vs. 122.6, 121.5 and 120.9 mg/dL, p < 0.02). A similar, small reduction in body weight occurred in all groups; hypoglycaemia rates were comparable across groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In real-world, titration of Gla-100 during the first month appears to coincide with a number of baseline factors. Insulin dose to meet HbA1c and FBG targets remains suboptimal in the majority of T2D patients.

Improving Type 2 Diabetes Management in General Practice Using a Second-Generation Basal Insulin Analogue Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL: A Practical Guide

Type 2 diabetes management can be improved by the use of second-generation basal insulin analogues as the first choice on commencement of insulin, in this instance focussing on insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300). The clinical application of the use of Gla-300 include advantages such as less intra- and interpatient variability in glucose control resulting in rather less hypoglycaemia, longer duration of action and greater flexibility in the timing of administration thus suiting a wide range of patient presentations.Funding: Sanofi Australia.

Switching to insulin glargine 300 units/mL in real-world older patients with type 2 diabetes (DELIVER 3)

AIM

To compare the second-generation basal insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) and first-generation basal insulins on glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia risk in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DELIVER 3 was a retrospective observational cohort study of electronic medical records. A total of 1176 older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) with T2D and ≥1 HbA1c value during 6 month baseline and 3 to 6 month follow-up who switched from basal insulin to Gla-300 were propensity score-matched to 1176 older adults who switched to a first-generation basal insulin [insulin detemir (IDet) or insulin glargine 100 units/mL (Gla-100)]. Outcomes were follow-up HbA1c, achievement of HbA1c <7% and <8%, hypoglycaemia incidence and event rates, and healthcare resource utilization.

RESULTS

Following basal insulin switching, HbA1c reductions were greater/similar with Gla-300 versus IDet/Gla-100 (variable follow-up: -0.45% ± 1.40% vs. -0.29% ± 1.57%; P = .021; fixed follow-up: -0.48% ± 1.49% vs. -0.38% ± 1.59%; P = .114), while HbA1c goal attainment was similar in both cohorts. Gla-300 was associated with less hypoglycaemia [event rate: adjusted rate ratio (aRR): 0.63, 95% CI: 0.53-0.75; P < .001] and inpatient/emergency department-associated hypoglycaemia (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.90; P = .016; aRR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31-0.60; P < .001) by variable follow-up. By fixed follow-up, hypoglycaemia results significantly or numerically favoured Gla-300.

CONCLUSION

Among older adults with T2D, switching to Gla-300 versus Gla-100/IDet was associated with greater/similar improvements in glycaemic control, and generally less hypoglycaemia.

[Insulin therapy-new insulin analogues]

A multitude of short-acting and long-acting insulin analogues are currently available for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, which mimic physiological insulin secretion better than normal insulins. By the use of ultrarapid insulin analogues postprandial glucose increases can be significantly reduced. Newer long-acting insulin analogues have a very stable action profile and reduce the rate of hypoglycemia, especially nocturnal hypoglycemia, even more than first generation long-acting insulin analogues. Future developments focus on a further acceleration of prandial insulin effects with a simultaneous shorter effect time and an even more prolonged action of long-acting insulin analogues.

Achieving Glycaemic Control with Concentrated Insulin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

The recent introduction of the second-generation long-acting analogue insulins degludec and insulin glargine U300 have increased the choice of basal insulin therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these insulins result in a flatter profile that lasts over 24 h and provides an increased window of administration of 6 h once daily. Large-scale multicentre randomised clinical trial programmes (BEGIN for degludec U100 and U200 and EDITION for glargine U300) evaluating these insulin therapies against glargine U100 have demonstrated that they are either non-inferior or superior for glycaemic efficacy and safety, but less likely to result in severe or nocturnal hypoglycaemia than glargine U100. The disposable pen devices for these insulins have been designed with patient satisfaction and convenience in mind. No concerns have arisen with adverse events with insulin analogues or cardiovascular safety from the ORIGIN and DEVOTE trials. As they demonstrate equivalent glycaemic efficacy to other basal insulins, they should be considered more in selected patient groups including those with recurrent or increased risk of hypoglycaemia, especially severe or nocturnal episodes, in the elderly or those living alone, and in patients with multiple co-morbidities such as cardiovascular or renal disease.

Reporting of hypoglycaemia in clinical trials of basal insulins: A need for consensus

Hypoglycaemia is a common side-effect of diabetes therapies, particularly insulin, and imposes a substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Consequently, regulatory approval of newer basal insulin (BI) therapies has relied on demonstration of a balance between achievement of good glycaemic control and less hypoglycaemia. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for assessing efficacy and safety, including hypoglycaemia risk, of BIs and are invaluable for obtaining regulatory approval. However, their highly selected patient populations and their conditions lead to results that may not be representative of real-life situations. Real-world evidence (RWE) studies are more representative of clinical practice, but they also have limitations. As such, data both from RCTs and RWE studies provide a fuller picture of the hypoglycaemia risk with BI therapies. However, substantial differences exist in the way hypoglycaemia is reported across these studies, which confounds comparisons of hypoglycaemia frequency among different BIs. This problem is ongoing and persists in recent trials of second-generation BI analogues. Although they provide a lower risk of hypoglycaemia when compared with earlier BIs, they do not eliminate it. This review describes differences in the way hypoglycaemia is reported across RCTs and RWE studies of second-generation BI analogues and examines potential reasons for these differences. For studies of BIs, there is a need to standardize aspects of design, analysis and methods of reporting to better enable interpretation of the efficacy and safety of such insulins among studies; such aspects include length of follow-up, glycaemic targets, hypoglycaemia definitions and time intervals for determining nocturnal events.

Differentiating Basal Insulin Preparations: Understanding How They Work Explains Why They Are Different

Since the introduction of insulin as a life-saving agent for patients with type 1 diabetes, insulin preparations have evolved to approximate physiologic insulin delivery profiles to meet prandial and basal insulin needs. While prandial insulins are designed to have quick time–action profiles that minimize postprandial glucose excursions, basal insulins are designed to have a protracted time–action profile to facilitate basal glucose control over 24 h. Given that all insulins have the same mechanism of action at the target tissue level, the differences in time–action profiles are achieved through different mechanisms of protraction, resulting in different behaviors in the subcutaneous space and different rates of absorption into the circulation. Herein, we evaluate the differences in basal insulin preparations based on their differential mechanisms of protraction, and the resulting clinical action profiles. Multiple randomized control trials and real-world evidence studies have demonstrated that the newer second-generation basal insulin analogs, insulin glargine 300 units/mL and insulin degludec 100 or 200 units/mL, provide stable glycemic control with once-daily dosing and are associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia compared with previous-generation basal insulin analogs insulin glargine 100 units/mL and insulin detemir. These advantages can lead to decreased healthcare resource utilization and cost. With this collective knowledge, healthcare providers and payers can make educated and well-informed decisions when determining which treatment regimen best meets the needs of each individual patient.

Funding: Sanofi US, Inc.

Efficacy and safety of the second generation basal insulin analogs in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A critical appraisal

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease, which requires insulin treatment when other management is no longer effective. Although, insulin plays a vital role in the treatment of diabetes, conventional basal insulins have certain limitations, which have led to the development of more stable and peak less analogues.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the efficacy and safety of second generation vs. first generation basal insulins, and the efficacy and safety of second generation vs. second generation basal insulins, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, from the evidence provided by head-to-head randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed and MEDLINE, Scopus, BIOSIS, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, and Springer Online Archives Collection, from January 1966 to October 2018. Articles resulting from these searches and relevant references cited in those articles were examined.

RESULTS

The efficacy among insulins evaluated was similar, however, second generation insulins cause a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to first generation insulins. A single study showed similar metabolic control with subtle differences in the risk of hypoglycemia among second generation insulins.

CONCLUSIONS

The second-generation basal insulins result in metabolic control similar to first generation insulins, with lower risk of hypoglycemia. Second-generation insulins have comparable efficacy, with some differences in the risk of hypoglycemia.

Basal insulin therapy: Unmet medical needs in Asia and the new insulin glargine in diabetes treatment

Diabetes remains a global epidemic and a tremendous health challenge, especially in the Asian population. Dramatic increases in the prevalence of diabetes across different countries or areas in Asia have been reported in recent epidemiological studies. Although clinical guidelines have strengthened appropriate antihyperglycemic medications and lifestyle modifications for optimal diabetes management, inadequate glycemic control still occurs in many patients with an increased risk of developing microvascular and macrovascular complications. Insulin administration is the main therapy for diabetes in response to the inability to secrete insulin, and is recommended in current guidelines to treat patients with type 2 diabetes after failure of oral antidiabetic drugs. Clinical studies have shown that long-acting insulin analogs improve basal glycemic control with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. In the present review, we discuss previous challenges with basal insulin therapy in Asia, the pharmacological development of insulin analogs to overcome the unmet medical needs and recent clinical studies of the new ultra-long-acting insulin analog, insulin glargine U300. Furthermore, relevant findings of current real-world evidence are also included for the comparison of the efficacy and safety of different insulin formulations. Based on the accumulating evidence showing a low incidence of hypoglycemia and technical benefits of dose titration, treatment with glargine U300 can be a promising strategy for Asian diabetes patients to achieve glycemic targets with favorable safety.