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

Treatment intensification following glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes: Comparative effectiveness analyses between different basal insulins. RESTORE-G real-world study

AIM

To compare the effectiveness of different basal insulins (BI) prescribed as an add-on to or switch from glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective, real-world data from electronic medical records of 32 Italian diabetes clinics were used, after propensity score adjustment, to compare effectiveness after 6 months of treatment with second- versus first-generation BI (2BI vs. 1BI) or glargine 300 U/ml versus degludec 100 U/ml (Gla-300 vs. Deg-100), when added to (ADD-ON) or in substitution of (SWITCH) GLP-1 RA. Only comparisons, including a minimum of 100 patients per group, were performed to ensure adequate robustness of the analyses.

RESULTS

In the ADD-ON cohort (N = 700), greater benefits of 2BI versus 1BI were found in glycated haemoglobin {HbA1c; estimated mean difference: -0.32% [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.62; -0.02]; p = .04} and fasting blood glucose [FBG; -20.73 mg/dl (95% CI -35.62; -5.84); p = .007]. In the SWITCH cohort (N = 2097), greater benefits of 2BI versus 1BI were found in HbA1c [-0.22% (95% CI -0.42; -0.02); p = .03], FBG [-10.15 mg/dl (95% CI -19.04; -1.26); p = .03], and body weight [-0.67 kg (95% CI -1.30; -0.04); p = .04]. In the SWITCH cohort starting 2BI (N = 688), marked differences in favour of Gla-300 versus Deg-100 were documented in HbA1c [-0.89% (95% CI -1.26; -0.52); p < .001] and FBG [-17.89 mg/dl (95% CI -32.45; -3.33); p = .02]. Using propensity score matching as a sensitivity analysis, the benefit on HbA1c was confirmed [-0.55% (95% CI -1.02; -0.08); p = .02]. BI titration was suboptimal in all examined cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

2BI are a valuable option to intensify GLP-1 RA therapy. Switching to Gla-300 versus Deg-100 was associated with greater HbA1c improvement.

Expert Opinion on Current Trends in the Use of Insulin in the Management of People with Type 2 Diabetes from the South-Eastern European Region and Israel

Despite the availability of various antihyperglycaemic therapies and comprehensive guidelines, glycaemic control in diabetes management has not improved significantly during the last decade in the real-world clinical setting. Treatment inertia arising from a complex interplay among patient-, clinician- and healthcare-system-related factors is the prime reason for this suboptimal glycaemic control. Also, the key factor leading to inadequate glycaemic levels remains limited communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and people with type 2 diabetes (PwT2D). Early insulin administration has several advantages including reduced glucotoxicity, high efficacy and preserved β-cell mass/function, leading to lowering the risk of diabetes complications. The current publication is based on consensus of experts from the South-Eastern European region and Israel who reviewed the existing evidence and guidelines for the treatment of PwT2D. Herein, the experts emphasised the timely use of insulin, preferably second-generation basal insulin (BI) analogues and intensification using basal-plus therapy, as the most-potent glucose-lowering treatment choice in the real-world clinical setting. Despite an increase in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), the experts urged timely insulin initiation for inadequate glycaemic control in PwT2D. Furthermore, the combination of BI and GLP-1 RA addressing both fasting plasma glucose and post-prandial excursions as a free- or fixed-ratio combination was identified to reduce treatment complexity and burden. To minimise discontinuation and improve adherence, the experts reiterated quality, regular interactions and discussions between HCPs and PwT2D/carers for their involvement in the diabetes management decision-making process. Clinicians and HCPs should consider the opinions of the experts in accordance with the most recent recommendations for diabetes management.

The role of basal insulins in the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A narrative review

The majority of cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide are driven by the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), resulting in an increase in CKD rates over the past few decades. The existence of CKD alongside diabetes is associated with increased burden of cardiovascular disease and increased risk of death. Optimal glycaemic control is essential to prevent progression of CKD, but achieving glycaemic targets in people with CKD and diabetes can be challenging because of increased risk of hypoglycaemia and limitations on glucose-lowering therapeutic options. This review considers the challenges in management of T2D in people with impaired kidney function and assesses evidence for use of basal insulin analogues in people with CKD.

Treatment intensification following glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment in type 2 diabetes: The RESTORE-G real-world study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To assess intensification approaches with basal insulin (BI) following glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) treatment in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Real-world data were collected in electronic medical records by 32 Italian diabetes clinics between 2011 and 2021. Primary endpoint was the proportion of insulin-naïve T2D patients treated with GLP-1 RA who initiated (add-on or switch) BI. Secondary endpoints were: treatment approaches, mean time to BI start, effectiveness and safety. Among 7,962 eligible patients, BI was prescribed to 3,164 (39.7%; 95%CI 38.7; 40.8): 67.6% switched to BI (22.1% also starting 1-3 injections of short-acting insulin), 22.7% added BI while maintaining GLP-1 RA, and 9.7% switched to a fixed-ratio combination of GLP-1 RA and BI (FRC). Median time since the first GLP-1 RA to BI/FRC prescription was 27.4 (IQ range 11.8-53.5) months. In this study 60.3% of patients did not start BI/FRC, among whom 15.2% intensified GLP-1 RA therapy with other oral agents. Effectiveness and safety were documented in all intensification approaches with BI/FRC, but HbA1c level at intensification time of ≥9.0% and suboptimal BI titration suggested clinical inertia. Use of second generation BI and add-on to GLP-1 RA schemes increased over time and effectiveness improved.

CONCLUSION

Clinical inertia should be overcome using innovative insulin options. Timely combination therapy of BI and GLP-1 RA is a valuable choice.

Glycaemic control, risk of hypoglycaemia and all-cause mortality in new users of second-generation basal insulin with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: a nationwide register-based cohort study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the second-generation basal insulins, insulin degludec 100 U/ml (Deg-100) and insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300), in terms of change in HbA1c, hospitalisation for hypoglycaemia and all-cause mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes and concurrent chronic kidney disease.

METHODS

This register-based cohort study, based on the entire Danish diabetes population, included 6519 new users of Deg-100 and Gla-300 with type 2 diabetes and moderate to end-stage chronic kidney disease. HbA1c trajectories, from initiation of either Deg-100 (2013) or Gla-300 (2015) to end of follow-up (2020), were modelled with mixed-effect models while rates of hospitalisation for hypoglycaemia and all-cause mortality were modelled in separate models using Poisson likelihood.

RESULTS

Of the 6519 (44% women) individuals included in the study, 3747 were exposed to Deg-100 and 2772 to Gla-300. Both mean (SD) type 2 diabetes duration (14.4 [6.6] years vs 15.2 [6.7] years) and median (IQR) chronic kidney disease duration (2.3 [1.3, 3.9] years vs 2.8 [1.6, 4.6] years) were significantly shorter in the Gla-300 group. The median (IQR) follow-up time was similar between groups: 1.0 (0.5-1.6) year for Gla-300 and 1.0 (0.3-1.5) year for Deg-100. In both groups mean HbA1c levels were reduced by 13-14 mmol/mol (1.2-1.3%) from initiation to end of follow-up, with the largest reduction (of 8-9 mmol/mol [0.7-0.8%]) occurring during the first year. There was no significant difference in HbA1c reduction between Deg-100 and Gla-300. Both the rate of hospitalisation for hypoglycaemia (rate ratio 1.02 [95% CI 0.70, 1.49], Deg-100 vs Gla-300) and the rate of all-cause mortality (rate ratio 0.98 [95% CI 0.84, 1.15], Deg-100 vs Gla-300) were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

We found no difference in HbA1c reduction, hospitalisation for hypoglycaemia or all-cause mortality between Gla-300 and Deg-100 in a real-world population of new users with type 2 diabetes and moderate to end-stage chronic kidney disease. Therefore, we conclude that these two treatment options are equally effective and safe in this vulnerable population.

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.

Effectiveness, safety, initial optimal dose, and optimal maintenance dose range of basal insulin regimens for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analysis

AIMS

To investigate the effectiveness, safety, optimal starting dose, optimal maintenance dose range, and target fasting plasma glucose of five basal insulins in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 to February 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was adopted. The registration ID is CRD42022319078 in PROSPERO.

RESULTS

Among 11 163 citations retrieved, 35 publications met the planned criteria. From meta-analyses and network meta-analyses, we found that when injecting basal insulin regimens at bedtime, the optimal choice in order of most to least effective might be glargine U-300 or degludec U-100, glargine U-100 or detemir, followed by neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH). Injecting glargine U-100 in the morning may be more effective (ie, more patients archiving glycated hemoglobin < 7.0%) and lead to fewer hypoglycemic events than injecting it at bedtime. The optimal starting dose for the initiation of any basal insulins can be 0.10-0.20 U/kg/day. There is no eligible evidence to investigate the optimal maintenance dose for basal insulins.

CONCLUSIONS

The five basal insulins are effective for the target population. Glargine U-300, degludec U-100, glargine U-100, and detemir lead to fewer hypoglycemic events than NPH without compromising glycemic control.

Clinical Evidence and Practice-Based Guidelines on the Utility of Basal Insulin Combined Oral Therapy (Metformin and Glimepiride) in the Current Era

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Basal insulin combined oral therapy consisting of insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs (OADs) is recommended for type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on OADs. There is a lack of clear evidence and recommendations on the combined use of basal insulin analogues to more than one OADs (glimepiride plus metformin) in effective control of glycemic parameters and its safety in terms of reduced hypoglycemic events, weight gain and cardiovascular risk. In this context, a group of clinical experts discussed the utility of basal insulin combined oral therapy with metformin and glimepiride in the current era.

METHODS

The clinical experts discussed and provided their inputs virtually. The expert panel included clinical experts comprising endocrinologists and diabetologists from India and Nepal.

RESULTS

The panel thoroughly reviewed existing literature on the subject and proposed clinical evidence and practice-based guidelines.

CONCLUSION

These current clinical practice guidelines highlight the efficacy and safety of basal insulin combination therapy with various available basal insulins including neutral protamine hagedorn, detemir, glargine and degludec in addition to metformin and glimepiride therapy.

Use of Second-Generation Basal Insulin Gla-300 in Special Populations: A Narrative Mini-Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hypoglycemia and insulin-related adverse events are crucial barriers to effective diabetes management, particularly in the elderly, people with renal impairment, people with diabetes fasting during Ramadan, or people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). There is a scarcity of clinical and real-world evidence assessing the effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in these special populations. To understand the entirety of evidence, this mini-review elaborates on the use of Gla-300 in diabetes management among special populations.

METHODS

Clinical and real-world evidence related to the use of Gla-300 among special populations with diabetes were retrieved using PUBMED and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Gla-300 has shown improved glycemic control with stable insulin action and low risk of hypoglycemia in diverse groups with diabetes. It also appears to have an acceptable safety profile during Ramadan fasting. However, adequate monitoring and adjustment of insulin dose on an individual basis should be considered.

CONCLUSION

Gla-300 is a second-generation basal insulin with proven benefits of reduced risk of hypoglycemia and improved glycemic control in special populations of people with diabetes.

Pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes: An update and future directions

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a widely prevalent disease with substantial economic and social impact for which multiple conventional and novel pharmacotherapies are currently available; however, the landscape of T2D treatment is constantly changing as new therapies emerge and the understanding of currently available agents deepens. This review aims to provide an updated summary of the pharmacotherapeutic approach to T2D. Each class of agents is presented by mechanism of action, details of administration, side effect profile, cost, and use in certain populations including heart failure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and older individuals. We also review targets of novel therapeutic T2D agent development. Finally, we outline an up-to-date treatment approach that starts with identification of an individualized goal for glycemic control then selection, initiation, and further intensification of a personalized therapeutic plan for T2D.

The 2021-2022 position of Brazilian Diabetes Society on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) management: an evidence-based guideline to clinical practice. Screening and treatment of hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia in the patient with DKD

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This review is an authorized literal translation of part of the Brazilian Diabetes Society (SBD) Guidelines 2021-2022. This evidence-based guideline provides guidance on the correct management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) in clinical practice.

METHODS

The methodology was published elsewhere in previous SBD guidelines and was approved by the internal institutional Steering Committee for publication. Briefly, the Brazilian Diabetes Society indicated 14 experts to constitute the Central Committee, designed to regulate methodology, review the manuscripts, and make judgments on degrees of recommendations and levels of evidence. SBD Renal Disease Department drafted the manuscript selecting key clinical questions to make a narrative review using MEDLINE via PubMed, with the best evidence available including high-quality clinical trials, metanalysis, and large observational studies related to DKD diagnosis and treatment, by using the MeSH terms [diabetes], [type 2 diabetes], [type 1 diabetes] and [chronic kidney disease].

RESULTS

The extensive review of the literature made by the 14 members of the Central Committee defined 24 recommendations. Three levels of evidence were considered: A. Data from more than 1 randomized clinical trial or 1 metanalysis of randomized clinical trials with low heterogeneity (I² < 40%). B. Data from metanalysis, including large observational studies, a single randomized clinical trial, or a pre-specified subgroup analysis. C: Data from small or non-randomized studies, exploratory analyses, or consensus of expert opinion. The degree of recommendation was obtained based on a poll sent to the panelists, using the following criteria: Grade I: when more than 90% of agreement; Grade IIa 75-89% of agreement; IIb 50-74% of agreement, and III, when most of the panelist recommends against a defined treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent or at least postpone the advanced stages of DKD with the associated cardiovascular complications, intensive glycemic and blood pressure control are required, as well as the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blocker agents such as ARB, ACEI, and MRA. Recently, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists have been added to the therapeutic arsenal, with well-proven benefits regarding kidney protection and patients' survival.

Clinical Use of Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Hypothetical Case Studies

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a progressive disease, with many individuals eventually requiring basal insulin therapy to maintain glycaemic control. However, there exists considerable therapeutic inertia to the prompt initiation and optimal titration of basal insulin therapy due to barriers that include fear of injections, hypoglycaemia, weight gain, and burdensome regimens. Hypoglycaemia is thought to be a major barrier to optimal glycaemic control and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Newer second-generation basal insulin analogues provide comparable glycaemic control with lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared with first-generation basal insulin analogues. The present review article discusses clinical evidence for one such second-generation basal insulin analogue, insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300), in the context of hypothetical case studies that are representative of individuals who may attend routine clinical practice. These case studies discuss individualised treatment needs for people with T2D who are insulin-naïve or pre-treated. Clinical characteristics such as older age, frequent nocturnal hypoglycaemia, and renal impairment, which are known risk factors for hypoglycaemia, are also considered.

Clinical practice guidelines for management of hyperglycaemia in adults with diabetic kidney disease

A significant percentage of people with diabetes develop chronic kidney disease and diabetes is also a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The term diabetic kidney disease (DKD) includes both diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (DM CKD). DKD is associated with high morbidity and mortality, which are predominantly related to cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycaemia is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular complications and progression of DKD. Recent clinical trials of people with DKD have demonstrated improvement in clinical outcomes with sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. SGLT-2 inhibitors have significantly reduced progression of DKD and onset of ESKD and these reno-protective effects are independent of glucose lowering. At the time of this update Canagliflozin and Dapagliflozin have been approved for delaying the progression of DKD. The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) and UK Kidney Association (UKKA) Diabetic Kidney Disease Clinical Speciality Group have undertaken a literature review and critical appraisal of the available evidence to inform clinical practice guidelines for management of hyperglycaemia in adults with DKD. This 2021 guidance is for the variety of clinicians who treat people with DKD, including GPs and specialists in diabetes, cardiology and nephrology.

Basal insulin analogues in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) worldwide. ESKD has a high prevalence in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). CKD increases the chances of hypoglycaemia by different mechanisms, causes insulin resistance and a decrease in insulin metabolism. Both the "Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes" (KDIGO) and "American Diabetes Association" (ADA) guidelines recommend the use of insulin as part of treatment, but the type of basal insulin is not specified.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature to determine whether first- and second-generation basal insulins are effective and safe in CKD patients. We reviewed specific pivotal studies conducted by pharmaceutical laboratories, as well as independent studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Basal insulins are safe and effective in patients with CKD and diabetes mellitus but we do not have specific studies. Given that CKD is one of the main complications of type 2 DM, and insulin specific treatment in the final stages, the absence of studies is striking. Real-life data are also important since trials such as pivotal studies do not fully represent actual patients. Treatment should be individualized until we have specific trials in this type of population.

Glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia risk with insulin glargine 300 U/mL and insulin degludec 100 U/mL in older participants in the BRIGHT trial

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) versus insulin degludec 100 U/mL (IDeg-100) in predefined (</≥65 years) and post hoc (</≥70 years) age groups of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the BRIGHT trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BRIGHT was the first head-to-head randomized trial comparing Gla-300 and Deg-100 in insulin-naïve adults with T2D. In this subanalysis, endpoints were studied by predefined (</≥65 years, N = 596/333) and post hoc (</≥70 years, N = 768/161) age groups.

RESULTS

Heterogeneity of treatment effect was observed for HbA1c reductions across the </≥70 years subgroups, but not across the </≥ 65 years subgroups, with greater HbA1c reductions with Gla-300 versus IDeg-100 in those 70 years or older (least squares mean -0.34% [95% confidence interval: -0.589% to -0.100%]). There was no significant heterogeneity of treatment effect for incidence and rates of confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) hypoglycaemia across any age subgroups over 24 weeks, but numerically lower incidence and rates were consistently observed for Gla-300 versus IDeg-100 in the 65 years or older and 70 years or older age groups in the initial 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Gla-300 may be a suitable treatment option in the growing population of older people with T2D. Further investigation is required to determine Gla-300 glycaemic benefits in high-risk populations without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Similar glycaemic control and risk of hypoglycaemia with patient- versus physician-managed titration of insulin glargine 300 U/mL across subgroups of patients with T2DM: a post hoc analysis of ITAS

AIMS

The Italian Titration Approach Study (ITAS) demonstrated comparable HbA_1c reductions and similarly low hypoglycaemia risk at 6 months in poorly controlled, insulin-naïve adults with T2DM who initiated self- or physician-titrated insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in the absence of sulphonylurea/glinide. The association of patient characteristics with glycaemic and hypoglycaemic outcomes was assessed.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis investigated whether baseline patient characteristics and previous antihyperglycaemic drugs were associated with HbA_1c change and hypoglycaemia risk in patient- versus physician-managed Gla-300 titration.

RESULTS

HbA_1c change, incidence of hypoglycaemia (any type) and nocturnal rates were comparable between patient- and physician-managed arms in all subgroups. Hypoglycaemia rates across subgroups (0.03 to 3.52 events per patient-year) were generally as low as observed in the full ITAS population. Small increases in rates of 00:00-pre-breakfast and anytime hypoglycaemia were observed in the ≤ 10-year diabetes duration subgroup in the patient- versus physician-managed arm (heterogeneity of effect; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Comparably fair glycaemic control and similarly low hypoglycaemia risk were achieved in almost all patient subgroups with patient- versus physician-led Gla-300 titration. These results reinforce efficacy and safety of Gla-300 self-titration across a range of phenotypes of insulin-naïve people with T2DM.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT 2015-001167-39.

Glycaemic Control with Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A REALI European Pooled Data Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with chronic kidney disease is complex. Using the REALI European pooled database, we determined the impact of baseline renal function on the effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) initiated in adults with inadequately controlled T2DM.

METHODS

Data from 1712 patients with available estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline were pooled from six 24-week prospective studies. Patients who received once-daily subcutaneous injections of Gla-300 were classified into four renal function subgroups, according to baseline eGFR: ≥ 90 (N = 599), 60-89 (N = 786), 45-59 (N = 219), and 15-44 mL/min/1.73 m² (N = 108).

RESULTS

Compared to those with baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m², patients with lower eGFR values tended to be older, had a longer T2DM duration, and were more likely to present diabetic complications. After 24 weeks of Gla-300 therapy, the least-squares mean (95% confidence interval) decrease in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline (- 1.14% [- 1.28 to - 1.00], - 1.21% [- 1.34 to - 1.08], - 1.19% [- 1.36 to - 1.01], and - 0.99% [- 1.22 to - 0.76]) and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7.5% (53.3%, 51.3%, 49.5%, and 51.5%) were comparable in the ≥ 90, 60-89, 45-59, and 15-44 mL/min/1.73 m² subgroups, respectively. Although the incidence of hypoglycaemia was overall low, more patients in the eGFR 15-44 mL/min/1.73 m² subgroup experienced hypoglycaemia at night or at any time of the day compared with higher eGFR subgroups. There were no notable differences between the renal function subgroups in the changes in Gla-300 daily dose and body weight from baseline to week 24.

CONCLUSION

Although an eGFR of 15-44 mL/min/1.73 m² was associated with a slightly increased risk of hypoglycaemia among patients with inadequately controlled T2DM, Gla-300 provided glycaemic improvement with an overall favourable safety profile regardless of baseline eGFR.

Risk of hypoglycemia in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who initiated or switched to insulin glargine 300 U/mL: A subgroup analysis of 12-month post-marketing surveillance study (X-STAR study)

AIMS

This study investigated the hypoglycemia risk in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who initiated or switched to insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) by stratifying them by age and renal function.

METHODS

We examined data from 4621 people with T2D (1227 insulin-naïve and 3394 insulin-experienced) of the X-STAR study, a prospective, observational, 12-month study conducted from December 2015 to August 2018 in Japan. Participants were stratified by age (<65, 65 to <75, and ≥75 years) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (≥90, 60 to <90, 30 to <60, and <30 mL/min/1.73 m²). Hypoglycemia was defined according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare manual of Japan.

RESULTS

No apparent increase in the proportion of people who experienced hypoglycemia was found in all subgroups. The proportions were 2.9-3.5% and 2.7-5.2% of insulin-naïve and insulin-experienced people, respectively, for age subgroups, and 2.4-4.7% and 4.6-4.8%, respectively, for eGFR subgroups. The result was similar for HbA1c levels below and at or above 7.0% in all age subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found no apparent increase in the hypoglycemia risk in people with older age and renal impairment who were administered Gla-300. These results would provide reassuring information on Gla-300 use.

[Insulin therapy is a personalized approach to glycemic management in diabetes]

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and varying degrees of insulin resistance and insulinopenia. Achieving targeted glycemic control in diabetic patients is important to reduce the risk of late complications, and many patients with type 2 diabetes ultimately require insulin therapy to maintain adequate glycemic control. Timely administration of insulin can prevent the progression of diabetes, reduce the development of complications, and have fewer side effects. Basal insulin is the preferred option in most cases when glycemic control is not achieved. However, there is considerable therapeutic inertia in clinical practice, both with respect to initiation of insulin therapy and titration of the basal insulin dose. The longer duration of action, reduced glucose variability and a lower risk of hypoglycemia seen with the latest generation of basal insulin analogs compared to the previous generation simplify titration and may increase patient compliance.

The Safety and Efficacy of Second-Generation Basal Insulin Analogues in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes at Risk of Hypoglycemia and Use in Other Special Populations: A Narrative Review

Hypoglycemia is a major barrier impeding glycemic control in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus and creates a substantial burden on the healthcare system. Certain populations that require special attention, such as older adults and individuals with renal impairment, a longer duration of diabetes or those who have experienced prior hypoglycemia, may be at a higher risk of hypoglycemia, particularly with insulin treatment. Second-generation basal insulin analogues (insulin glargine 300 U/mL and degludec) have demonstrated reductions in hypoglycemia compared with insulin glargine 100 U/mL although evidence of this benefit across specific populations is less clear. In this review we summarize the literature with respect to the efficacy and safety data for second-generation basal insulin analogues in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are at risk of hypoglycemia or who require special attention. Randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses and real-world evidence demonstrate that the use of second-generation basal insulin analogues is associated with less hypoglycemia compared with insulin glargine 100 U/mL without compromising glycated hemoglobin control. A reduced risk of hypoglycemia with second-generation basal insulin analogues was evident in older adults and in individuals with obesity, renal impairment, a history of cardiovascular disease or a long duration of insulin use. Further studies are needed in other populations, including those with more severe renal impairment or hepatic dysfunction, the hospitalized population and those with cognitive impairment. Overall, less hypoglycemia associated with second-generation basal insulin analogues may help reduce barriers for insulin use, improve adherence and offset the costs of hypoglycemia-related healthcare resource utilization.

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 .