Glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line therapy: Results from the global DISCOVER study programme

Global Validation of a Model to Predict Reduced Estimated GFR in People With Type 2 Diabetes Without Diagnosis of CKD

Introduction

A minimal-resource model for predicting reduced kidney function among people with type 2 diabetes and no diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 to 5 was previously developed in a UK population to pre-screen for undiagnosed CKD. This study aims to evaluate the performance of the model on a global population and assess its adequacy with and without regional adjustment.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed using data collected from the iCaReMe global registry (NCT03549754) and the DISCOVER study (NCT02322762 and NCT02226822). Patients were grouped by their World Health Organization classified region. An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 was the marker of reduced kidney function. A regional-intercept recalibration was applied to adjust for regional variation. Discrimination and calibration were evaluated for the UK-developed and recalibrated models.

Results

A total of 14,180 patients (46 countries, 6 regions) were identified with type 2 diabetes, no previous diagnosis of CKD stages 3 to 5, and had a serum creatinine measurement or eGFR recorded. The UK model underestimated risk when applied globally and was deemed inadequate. The model with regional adjustment achieved the target sensitivity (80.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 78.8%-82.3%) and demonstrated a relative improvement of 51.5% (95% CI: 48.1%-55.1%) in the positive predictive value (PPV), compared to a screen-all approach.

Conclusion

The regional-adjusted model demonstrated adequate performance globally. Incorporating the model within practice could help clinicians to risk-stratify and prioritize patients at high risk. This could enable improved efficiency via risk-tailored screening, particularly in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs).

Efficacy of telemedicine intervention in the self-management of patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

We aimed to report the latest and largest pooled analyses and evidence updates to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions for self-management (DSM) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science in December 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults (≥18 years of age) diagnosed with T2DM where the intervention was the application of telemedicine. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment was used to evaluate quality. The study's main outcome indicators were glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes self-management (DSM) capacity.

Results

A total of 17 eligible articles, comprising 20 studies and 1,456 patients (734 in the intervention group and 722 in the control group), were included in the evidence synthesis. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar in all outcomes. Comprehensive analyses showed post-intervention decreases in HbA1c, 2-h postprandial glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increases in Diabetes Self- Care activities, DSM competencies based on dietary and medication adherence, and improvements in overall DSM scores, all of which were statistically significant. While no statistically significant differences were observed in body mass index, lipids, and other DSM dimensions. Based on subgroup analyses, app-based experimental interventions targeting under 60 years old populations in Asia and North America were found to be more effective and less heterogeneity in the short term (<6 months of intervention).

Conclusion

Telemedicine interventions may assist patients with T2DM in enhancing their DSM and improving their HbA1c levels. Clinician can use various telemedicine interventions to enhance DSM in T2DM patients, considering local circumstances.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42024508522.

Mandatory monthly outpatient visits could improve therapeutic inertia in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Delayed intensification of treatment, or therapeutic inertia, increases the risk of diabetic complications and death. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mandatory monthly outpatient visits on therapeutic inertia in patients with suboptimal control of type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used data from the Chang Gung Research Database and defined two study periods: the baseline period and the intervention period. The intervention period began when the Kaohsiung branch initiated a mandatory monthly outpatient visits program. Type 2 diabetes patients with baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >7% and a follow-up HbA1c measurement were enrolled in each period, and divided into a Kaohsiung branch (intervention) group and the other branches (control) group. Therapy intensification was evaluated by comparing prescriptions after the follow-up HbA1c measurement with the prescriptions after the baseline HbA1c measurement.

RESULTS

A total of 5,045 patients at the Kaohsiung branch and 13,400 participants at other branches were enrolled in the baseline period; and 5,573 and 15,603 patients, respectively, were enrolled in the intervention period. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for therapy intensification in patients with baseline HbA1c ≥9% was not significantly higher at 1.21 (95% CI, 1.00-1.47) in the intervention period at the Kaohsiung branch, but was significantly higher (AOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.02-2.30) in the subgroup with worsened HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

Mandatory monthly outpatient visits could improve therapeutic inertia in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, especially in those with worsened control. The trajectory of HbA1c could significantly influence the assessment of the prevalence of therapeutic inertia.

Impact of hemoglobin A1c level on the association between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes: A population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used cautiously in patients with type 2 diabetes. We examined whether the cardiovascular risks associated with NSAID use depended on HbA1c level in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study of all adult Danes with a first-time HbA1c measurement ≥48 mmol/mol during 2012-2020 (n = 103 308). We used information on sex, age, comorbidity burden, and drug use to calculate time-varying inverse probability of treatment weights. After applying these weights in a pooled logistic regression, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) of the association between use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac) and cardiovascular events (a composite of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation or flutter, and all-cause death). We stratified all analyses by HbA1c level (<53 or ≥53 mmol/mol).

RESULTS

For ibuprofen use, the HR of a cardiovascular event was 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-1.75) in patients with HbA1c <53 and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.00-1.53) in patients with HbA1c ≥53 mmol/mol. For naproxen use, the HR was 1.14 (95% CI: 0.59-2.21) in patients with HbA1c <53 and 1.30 (95% CI: 0.49-3.49) in patients with HbA1c ≥53 mmol/mol. For diclofenac use, the HR was 2.40 (95% CI: 1.62-3.56) in patients with HbA1c <53 and 2.89 (95% CI: 1.65-5.04) in patients with HbA1c ≥53 mmol/mol.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes, glycemic dysregulation did not affect the cardiovascular risk associated with NSAID use.

Diabetic control and compliance using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) testing guidelines in public healthcare facilities of Gauteng province, South Africa

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at evaluating diabetic control and compliance with testing guidelines, across healthcare facilities of Gauteng Province, South Africa, as well as factors associated with time to achieve control. South Africa's estimated total unmet need for care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is 80%.

RESEARCH DESIGN, METHODS AND FINDINGS

The data of 511 781 patients were longitudinally evaluated. Results were reported by year, age category, race, sex, facility and test types. HbA1C of ≤7% was reported as normal, >7 - ≤9% as poor control and >9% as very poor control. The chi-squared test was used to assess the association between a first-ever HbA1C status and variables listed above. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess probability of attaining control among those who started with out-of-control HbA1C. The extended Cox regression model assessed the association between time to attaining HbA1C control from date of treatment initiation and several covariates. We reported hazard ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values. Data is reported for 511 781 patients with 705 597 laboratory results. Poorly controlled patients constituted 51.5%, with 29.6% classified as very poor control. Most poorly controlled patients had only one test over the entire study period. Amongst those who started with poor control status and had at least two follow-up measurements, the likelihood of achieving good control was higher in males (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) = 1.16; 95% CI:1.12-1.20; p<0.001) and in those attending care at hospitals (aHR = 1.99; 95% CI:1.92-2.06; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights poor adherence to guidelines for diabetes monitoring.

Clinical and Economic Assessment of MyDiaCare, Digital Tools Combined With Diabetes Nurse Educator Support, for Managing Diabetes in South Africa: Observational Multicenter, Retrospective Study Associated With a Budget Impact Model

BACKGROUND

In South Africa, diabetes prevalence is expected to reach 5.4 million by 2030. In South Africa, diabetes-related complications severely impact not only patient health and quality of life but also the economy.

OBJECTIVE

The Diabetes Nurse Educator (DNE) study assessed the benefit of adding the MyDiaCare program to standard of care for managing patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in South Africa. An economic study was also performed to estimate the budget impact of adding MyDiaCare to standard of care for patients with type 2 diabetes older than 19 years treated in the South African private health care sector.

METHODS

The real-world DNE study was designed as an observational, retrospective, multicenter, single-group study. Eligible patients were older than 18 years and had at least 6 months of participation in the MyDiaCare program. The MyDiaCare program combines a patient mobile app and a health care professional platform with face-to-face visits with a DNE. The benefit of MyDiaCare was assessed by the changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, the proportion of patients achieving clinical and biological targets, adherence to care plans, and satisfaction after 6 months of participating in the MyDiaCare program. A budget impact model was performed using data from the DNE study and another South African cohort of the DISCOVERY study to estimate the economic impact of MyDiaCare.

RESULTS

Between November 25, 2019, and June 30, 2020, a total of 117 patients (8 with type 1 diabetes and 109 with type 2 diabetes) were enrolled in 2 centers. After 6 months of MyDiaCare, a clinically relevant decrease in mean HbA1c levels of 0.6% from 7.8% to 7.2% was observed. Furthermore, 54% (43/79) of patients reached or maintained their HbA1c targets at 6 months. Most patients achieved their targets for blood pressure (53/79, 67% for systolic and 70/79, 89% for diastolic blood pressure) and lipid parameters (49/71, 69% for low-density-lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, 41/71, 58% for high-density-lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, and 59/71, 83% for total cholesterol), but fewer patients achieved their targets for triglycerides (32/70, 46%), waist circumference (12/68, 18%), and body weight (13/76, 17%). The mean overall adherence to the MyDiaCare care plan was 93%. Most patients (87/117, 74%) were satisfied with the MyDiaCare program. The net budget impact per patient with type 2 diabetes, older than 19 years, treated in the private sector using MyDiaCare was estimated to be approximately South African Rands (ZAR) 71,023 (US $4089) during the first year of introducing MyDiaCare.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of using MyDiaCare program, which combines digital tools for patients and health care professionals with DNE support, suggest that it may be a clinically effective and cost-saving solution for diabetes management in the South African private health care sector.

Roadmap for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension in the Middle East: Review of the 2022 EVIDENT Summit

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are leading risk factors for death and disability in the Middle East. Both conditions are highly prevalent, underdiagnosed and poorly controlled, highlighting an urgent need for a roadmap to overcome the barriers to optimal glycaemic and blood pressure management in this region. This review provides a summary of the Evidence in Diabetes and Hypertension Summit (EVIDENT) held in September 2022, which discussed current treatment guidelines, unmet clinical needs and strategies to improve treatment outcomes for patients with T2DM and hypertension in the Middle East. Current clinical guidelines recommend strict glycaemic and blood pressure targets, presenting several treatment options to achieve and maintain these targets and prevent complications. However, treatment targets are infrequently met in the Middle East, largely due to high clinical inertia among physicians and low medication adherence among patients. To address these challenges, clinical guidelines now provide individualised therapy recommendations based on drug profiles, patient preferences and management priorities. Efforts to improve the early detection of prediabetes, T2DM screening and intensive, early glucose control will minimise long-term complications. Physicians can use the T2DM Oral Agents Fact Checking programme to help navigate the wide range of treatment options and guide clinical decision-making. Sulfonylurea agents have been used successfully to manage T2DM; a newer agent, gliclazide MR (modified release formulation), has the advantages of a lower incidence of hypoglycaemia with no risk of cardiovascular events, weight neutrality and proven renal benefits. For patients with hypertension, single-pill combinations have been developed to improve efficacy and reduce treatment burden. In conjunction with pragmatic treatment algorithms and personalised therapies, greater investments in disease prevention, public awareness, training of healthcare providers, patient education, government policies and research are needed to improve the quality of care of patients with T2DM and/or hypertension in the Middle East.

The Profile of Glucose Lowering Therapy in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in an Aging Russian Population

We aimed to analyze the profile of glucose lowering therapy (GLT) in persons with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) in an aging Russian population. A random population sample (n = 3898, men/women, 55−84) was examined in Novosibirsk, during 2015−2018 (HAPIEE Project). The design of the present work is a cross-sectional study. DM2 was defined in those with a history of DM2 receiving GLT, or at a level of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥7.0 mmol/L. The entire DM2 group was included in the analysis (n = 803); of these, 476 persons were taking GLT and were included in the analysis at stage 2. Regular GLT medication intake for 12 months was coded with ATC. In studied sample, the prevalence of DM2 was 20.8%. Among subjects with DM2, 59% of individuals received GLT, 32% did not. Glycemic control (FPG < 7.0 mmol/L) was achieved in every fifth participant with DM2 (35% in those receiving GLT). In frequency of GLT use, biguanides ranked in first place (75%), sulfonylurea derivatives in second (35%), insulins in third (12%), and iDPP-4 in fourth (5%). Among those receiving GLT, 24% used combined oral therapy, and 6% used insulin-combined therapy. In conclusion, in a population sample aged 55−84 examined in 2015−2018, glycemic control was achieved in every fifth participant with DM2, and in every third participant receiving GLT. The proportion of participants using new GLT drugs was small, and there was a lack of HbA1c monitoring for intensive glycemic control.

Risk factors for cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Brazil: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients are twice as likely to develop dementia. The study's goal was to evaluate cognitive performance and risk factors for cognitive decline in this population.

METHODS

Prospective observational study was conducted with 400 T2DM adults, of whom, during routine baseline and follow-up appointments, had socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data collected, and underwent physical examination, screening for depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionaire-9-PHQ-9), and cognitive tests: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Semantic Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Test A/B, and Word Memory Tests. Each cognitive test score was converted to a z-score and its average resulted in a new variable called Global Cognitive z-Score [GCS(z)]. Averages of the cognitive test scores and GCS(z) at both moments were compared by the Student's T-Test for paired samples. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were built to assess the association of GCS(z) < zero with risk factors for cognitive decline at the baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 251 patients were eligible, being 56.6% female, mean age of 61.1 (± 9.8) years, 12.6 (± 8.9) years of DM duration, and 7.6 (± 4.2) years of school education. Follow-up had 134 patients reevaluated and took place after a mean of 18.4(± 5.0) months. Eleven (14%) patients with a GCS(z) ≥ 0 at baseline turned into a GCS(z) < 0 at follow-up. There were no significant differences between the means of cognitive test scores and GCS(z) at the two evaluation moments. At the baseline, the multivariate logistic regression model identified five risk factors associated with GCS(z) < zero: age ≥ 65 years, schooling ≤ 6 years, arterial hypertension, depression symptoms, and diabetic retinopathy (DR), with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI95%) respectively: 5.46 (2.42-12.34); 12.19 (5.62-26.46); 2.55 (0.88-7.39); 3.53 (1.55-8.07) e 2.50 (1.18-5.34). At follow-up, the risk factors for GCS(z) < zero were: schooling ≤ 6 years, DM duration ≥ 10 years, depression symptoms, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), OR and CI95% respectively: 10.15 (3.68-28.01); 2.68 (0.96-7.48); 4.92 (1.77-13.70); 7.21 (1.38-35.71) e 5.76 (1.93-17.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, cognitive evaluation and follow-up should be incorporated on the routine of T2DM patients, especially for those with advanced age, low education level, prolonged DM duration, arterial hypertension, depression symptoms, CVD, and DR.

Current gaps in management and timely referral of cardiorenal complications among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Middle East and African countries: Expert recommendations

The upsurge of type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Africa (AFR) region, with cardiorenal complications (CRCs) being the predominant cause of premature morbidity and mortality. High prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, lack of awareness among patients and physicians, deficient infrastructure, and economic constraints lead to a cascade of CRCs at a significantly earlier age in MENA and AFR. In this review, we present consensus recommendations by experts in MENA and AFR, highlighting region-specific challenges and potential solutions for management of CRCs. Health professionals who understand sociocultural barriers can significantly increase patient awareness and encourage health-seeking behavior through simple educational tools. Increasing physician knowledge on early identification of CRCs and personalized treatment based on risk stratification, alongside optimum glycemic control, can mitigate therapeutic inertia. Early diagnosis of high-risk people with regular and systematic monitoring of cardiorenal parameters, development of region-specific care pathways for timely referral to specialists, followed by guideline-recommended care with novel antidiabetics are imperative. Adherence to guideline-recommended care can catalyze utilization of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists with demonstrated cardiorenal benefits-thus paving the way for overcoming care gaps in a cost-effective manner. Leveraging digital technology like electronic medical records can help generate real-world data and provide insights on voids in adoption of newer antidiabetic medications. A patient-centric approach, collaborative care among physicians from different specialties, alongside involvement of policy makers are key for improving patient outcomes and quality of care in MENA and AFR.

With or Without Residual C-Peptide, Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Realize Glycemic Benefits from Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) is superior to blood glucose monitoring (BGM) for adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the utility of C-peptide levels for predicting the magnitude of the glycemic benefits is controversial. Data were from a subset of 147 participants in the MOBILE study who were treated with basal-only insulin and who had baseline C-peptide levels ≥0.5 ng/mL. Participants were randomized to treatment with either RT-CGM (n = 100) or BGM (n = 47). Between-group differences in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and time in range (TIR) changes were assessed. The between-group difference in HbA1c favored the RT-CGM group (by 0.58 percentage points, P = 0.004 at 3 months and by 0.42 percentage points, P = 0.04 at 8 months). TIR was 16% higher, and time >180 mg/dL was 16% lower, in the RT-CGM group at 8 months (P = 0.002 for each). In T2D managed with basal insulin, RT-CGM benefits occur for those with residual insulin secretory capacity. Clinical Trial Identifier: NCT03566693.

Three-Year Glycaemic Control and Management in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Initiating Second-Line Treatment in Japan: A Prospective Observational Study, J-DISCOVER

INTRODUCTION

J-DISCOVER is a prospective, observational cohort study that aimed to understand characteristics, glycaemic control, comorbidities and real-world management of patients with early-stage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Japan, by enrolling patients initiating second-line treatment from both diabetes specialist and non-specialist care settings.

METHODS

As part of the global DISCOVER programme, J-DISCOVER enrolled 1798 patients with T2DM aged at least 20 years old from 142 sites across Japan, from September 2014 to December 2015, and followed these patients for 3 years. Glycaemic control, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profiles, treatment patterns, and prevalence of CKD and retinopathy were examined from baseline to 6, 12, 24 and 36 months, stratified by class of second-line treatment.

RESULTS

At baseline, the median time after T2DM diagnosis was 3.1 years and mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.7%. The mean individualized HbA1c target was 6.7 ± 0.5%, and 55.3% of patients were set the target of < 7.0%. HbA1c reductions were noted from 6 months and mean HbA1c was 7.1% at 36 months. The proportion of patients with HbA1c < 7.0% increased from 28.8% at baseline to 53.3% at 36 months, and the achievement rate of individualized HbA1c targets increased from 6.1% to 30.3%. Only two cases of severe hypoglycaemia occurred during the study. No major changes in BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile or prescription of antihypertensive or dyslipidaemia medications were observed. The frequencies of screening to detect retinopathy and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were 17.0-21.0% and 14.5-16.0%, respectively, during the follow-up period. The prevalence of CKD, but not retinopathy, increased over the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided an overview of the 3-year management of early-stage T2DM in patients initiating second-line treatment. Contemporary management improved glycaemic control with an acceptable risk-benefit balance, although hurdles remain to sufficient implementation of guideline-recommended treatments in current clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02226822.

Greater Glycemic Burden Is Associated with Further Poorer Glycemic Control in Newly-Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Aims: hyperglycemia impairs pancreatic β-cell function instantly, also known as glucotoxicity. It is unknown whether this insult is temporary or sustained, and little real-world evidence needs to reflect the relationship between hyperglycemic burden, per se, and glycemic durability. Materials and Methods: a retrospective observational cohort study was conducted to recruit newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Durability was defined as the episode from first glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) below 7.0% to where it exceed 8.0% (with treatment failure) or where study ended (without treatment failure). Glycemic burden was defined with the area above a burden value line (HbA1c = 6.5%) but under the HbA1c curve (AUC), and it was then divided into two compartments with the demarcation timepoint once HbA1c was treated below or equal to 7.0%; the former AUC' represented the initial insult; the latter AUC" represented the residual part. Multivariable regression models assessed factors associated with durability in whole participants and two distinct subgroups: patients with baseline HbA1c > 7.0% or ≤7.0%. Results: 1048 eligible participants were recruited and analyzed: 291 patients with treatment failure (durability 26.8 ± 21.1 months); 757 patients without treatment failure (durability 45.1 ± 31.8 months). Besides age, glycemic burden was the only constant determinant in the two subgroups. AUC' or AUC" increased treatment failure, respectively, in baseline HbA1c > 7.0% or ≤7.0% subgroup [per 1%/90 days hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.026 (1.018-1.034) and 1.128 (1.016-1.253)]. Other determinants include baseline HbA1c, initial OAD, and education level. Conclusions: in patients with newly-diagnosed T2DM, glycemic durability was negatively associated with greater glycemic burden.

Patients' Preference Between DPP4i and SGLT2i for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation

PURPOSE

Despite newer type 2 diabetes (T2D) medications, patients do not always achieve metabolic targets, remaining at risk for cardiorenal complications. Therapeutic decisions are generally made by the healthcare team without considering patients' preferences. We aimed to evaluate patients' T2D treatment preference in two Latin-American countries between two different oral medication profiles, one resembling dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and another resembling sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional, multicenter study from June to September 2020, patients with T2D from Argentina and Mexico (n = 390) completed a discrete choice experiment questionnaire to identify preferences between DPP4i (medication profile A) and SGLT2i (medication profile B). The reason behind patients' choice, and the association between their baseline characteristics and their preference were evaluated using logistic regression methods.

RESULTS

Most participants (88.2%) preferred SGLT2i's profile. Participants with older age (p = 0.0346), overweight or obesity (p < 0.0001), high blood pressure (BP; p < 0.0001), high total cholesterol (p = 0.0360), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7% (p = 0.0001) were more likely to choose SGLT2i compared with DPP4i's profile. The most and least important reasons to choose either drug profile were HbA1c reduction and genital infection risk, respectively. The likelihood of selecting the SGLT2i's profile significantly increased in participants with increased body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR] = 8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.5-22.5, p < 0.05), high BP (OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.9-12.4, p < 0.05), and lower education level (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.0-12.6, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Latin-American patients with T2D preferred medication with a profile resembling SGLT2i over one resembling DPP4i as a treatment option. A patient-centered approach may aid the healthcare team in decision-making for improved outcomes.

What are the factors associated with long-term glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated glycated haemoglobin (≥7.0%) at initiation of second-line therapy? Results from the DISCOVER study

AIMS

Glycaemic control is a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. We assessed factors associated with good long-term glycaemic control in patients with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.0% at initiation of second-line glucose-lowering therapy, using data from DISCOVER, a global, prospective, 3-year observational study of patients with T2D.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This analysis included patients with HbA1c ≥7.0% at baseline (initiation of second-line therapy). Multivariable regression models assessed factors associated with having HbA1c <7.0% at 3 years in two distinct groups: patients with (a) HbA1c ≥7.0% and <9.0%, and (b) HbA1c ≥9.0% at baseline.

RESULTS

In total, 7575 patients with baseline HbA1c ≥7.0% were included (2233 with baseline HbA1c ≥9.0%). At 6 months, 43.7% and 24.2% of patients had an HbA1c level <7.0% in groups a and b, respectively; the corresponding proportions at 3 years were 45.8% and 29.3%. Having HbA1c <7.0% at 6 months (vs. ≥7.0%) was the strongest predictor of having HbA1c <7.0% at 3 years in both group a and group b [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.01 (1.77-2.27) and 2.68 (2.10-3.41), respectively]. Longer T2D duration was associated with a decreased likelihood of having HbA1c <7.0% at 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with poor glycaemic control at initiation of second-line therapy, early attainment of HbA1c <7.0% appears predictive of long-term glycaemic control, suggesting that timely modification of treatment strategies in patients with elevated HbA1c after 6 months is important to minimize therapeutic inertia.

Advances in GLP-1 treatment: focus on oral semaglutide

BACKGROUND

There is currently a large arsenal of antidiabetic drugs available to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, this is a serious chronic disease that affects millions of adults worldwide and is responsible for severe complications, comorbidities, and low quality of life when uncontrolled due mainly to delays in initiating treatment or inadequate therapy. This review article aims to clarify the therapeutic role of the oral formulation of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) semaglutide in treating typical T2D patients. The discussion focused on metabolic, glycemic, and weight alteration effects and the safety of the therapy with this drug.

MAIN TEXT

Therapy with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) promotes strategic changes in the pathophysiological pathway of T2D and improves the secretion of glucagon and insulin, which results in a reduction in blood glucose levels and the promotion of weight loss. Until recently, the only route for semaglutide administration was parenteral. However, an oral formulation of GLP-1 RA was recently developed and approved by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on the Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment (PIONEER) program results. A sequence of 10 clinical studies compared oral semaglutide with placebo or active standard-of-care medications (empagliflozin 25 mg, sitagliptin 100 mg, or liraglutide 1.8 mg) in different T2D populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral semaglutide effectively reduces glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and body weight in a broad spectrum of patients with T2D and shows cardiovascular safety. Oral semaglutide broadens therapy options and facilitates the adoption of earlier GLP-1 RA treatment once T2D patients present low rates of treatment discontinuation. The main adverse events reported were related to the gastrointestinal tract, common to GLP-1 RA class drugs.

Early versus late intensification of glucose-lowering therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: Results from the DISCOVER study

AIMS

To assess the effects of glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels at time of glucose-lowering treatment intensification in DISCOVER, a global observational study of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating second-line therapy. Outcomes of interest were glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia, and need for further intensification during 3 years of follow-up.

METHODS

We included patients who intensified treatment (add-on or insulin initiation) upon initiation of second-line therapy (baseline). Outcomes were assessed according to baseline HbA_1c: HbA_1c ≤ 7·5% (early intensification) or HbA_1c > 7·5% (late intensification). Factors associated with early or late intensification were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 9575 patients included, 3275 (34·2%) intensified treatment early and 6300 (65·8%) intensified treatment late. During follow-up, mean (SD) HbA_1c was lower in the early- than in the late-intensification group (6·9% [0·95%] vs 7·5% [1·28%] at 36 months). More patients had HbA_1c < 7·0% in the early- than in the late-intensification group (61·8% vs 37·9% at 36 months; p < 0·001). The risk of further intensification was higher in the late-intensification group (hazard ratio 1·88 [95% confidence interval 1·68-2·09]). Occurrence of hypoglycaemia was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Late intensification of glucose-lowering therapy after first-line treatment failure reduces the likelihood of reaching recommended treatment goals.

Cardiovascular outcomes with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors vs other glucose-lowering drugs in 13 countries across three continents: analysis of CVD-REAL data

Background

Randomized, controlled cardiovascular outcome trials may not be fully representative of the management of patients with type 2 diabetes across different geographic regions. We conducted analyses of data from the multinational CVD-REAL consortium to determine the association between initiation of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and cardiovascular outcomes, including subgroup analyses based on patient characteristics.

Methods

De-identified health records from 13 countries across three continents were used to identify patients newly-initiated on SGLT-2i or other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLDs). Propensity scores for SGLT-2i initiation were developed in each country, with 1:1 matching for oGLD initiation. In the matched groups hazard ratios (HRs) for hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), all-cause death (ACD), the composite of HHF or ACD, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke were estimated by country, and pooled using a weighted meta-analysis. Multiple subgroup analyses were conducted across patient demographic and clinical characteristics to examine any heterogeneity in treatment effects.

Results

Following matching, 440,599 new users of SGLT-2i and oGLDs were included in each group. Mean follow-up time was 396 days for SGLT-2i initiation and 406 days for oGLDs initiation. SGLT-2i initiation was associated with a lower risk of HHF (HR: 0.66, 95%CI 0.58–0.75; p < 0.001), ACD (HR: 0.52, 95%CI 0.45–0.60; p < 0.001), the composite of HHF or ACD (HR: 0.60, 95%CI 0.53–0.68; p < 0.001), MI (HR: 0.85, 95%CI 0.78–0.92; p < 0.001), and stroke (HR: 0.78, 95%CI 0.72–0.85; p < 0.001); regardless of patient characteristics, including established cardiovascular disease, or geographic region.

Conclusions

This CVD-REAL study extends the findings from the SGLT-2i clinical trials to the broader setting of an ethnically and geographically diverse population, and across multiple subgroups.

Trial registration NCT02993614

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01345-z.

Glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line therapy: Results from the global DISCOVER study programme

AIM

To assess glycaemic control and factors associated with poor glycaemic control at initiation of second-line therapy in the DISCOVER programme.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DISCOVER (NCT02322762 and NCT02226822) comprises two similar prospective observational studies of 15 992 people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating second-line glucose-lowering therapy in 38 countries across six regions (Africa, Americas, South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe and Western Pacific). Data were collected using a standardized case report form. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured according to standard clinical practice in each country, and factors associated with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c >8.0%) were evaluated using hierarchical regression models.

RESULTS

HbA1c levels were available for 80.9% of patients (across-region range [ARR] 57.5%-97.5%); 92.2% (ARR 59.2%-99.1%) of patients had either HbA1c or fasting plasma glucose levels available. The mean HbA1c was 8.3% (ARR 7.9%-8.7%). In total, 26.7% of patients had an HbA1c level ≥9.0%, with the highest proportions in South-East Asia (35.6%). Factors associated with having HbA1c >8.0% at initiation of second-line therapy included low education level, low country income, and longer time since T2D diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The poor levels of glycaemic control at initiation of second-line therapy suggest that intensification of glucose-lowering treatment is delayed in many patients with T2D. In some countries, HbA1c levels are not routinely measured. These findings highlight an urgent need for interventions to improve monitoring and management of glycaemic control worldwide, particularly in lower-middle- and upper-middle-income countries.