Efficacy and safety of insulin degludec in Japanese patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: 24-week results from the observational study in routine clinical practice

Clinical course of different long-acting insulin therapies-glargine U100, U300, degludec, and insulin degludec/insulin aspart-among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a multicenter retrospective observational study (JDDM65 study)

This study aimed to retrospectively compare the clinical efficacy of different types of long-acting insulin therapies-glargine U100, glargine U300, degludec, and insulin degludec/insulin aspart-among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes after insulin use was initiated in an outpatient setting. The study consisted of 822 insulin-naïve patients in Japan who started using long-acting insulin for treatment of type 2 diabetes and continued for over 12 months. In addition, the impact of insulin type on insulin withdrawal was investigated by dividing the participants into two groups: those who achieved insulin withdrawal and those who did not, during the 12-month observation period based on a Cox proportional hazards model. As a result, HbA1c was decreased, and BMI was increased in all participants regardless of the insulin type used. A total of 185 participants succeeded in insulin withdrawal. After adjustment was made for several confounders, the positive determinant factors for withdrawal were short duration of diabetes and the choice of IDegAsp when compared with Gla100; the negative determinant factor was use of insulin secretagogues at the start of the study. In conclusion, all long-acting insulins were a powerful tool for treatment of type 2 diabetes, and patients with short duration of diabetes and/or no usage of insulin secretagogues resulted in favorable outcomes in terms of insulin withdrawal within a year in an outpatient setting. In addition, insulin degludec/insulin aspart was found to possibly be a better choice for treatment when it was compared with glargine U100 among the four types of insulin.

Clinical Characteristics of Withdrawal of Basal Insulin Therapy Among Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to examine retrospectively the clinical backgrounds of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who successfully withdrew from insulin use after being started on basal insulin in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

The study population comprised 376 insulin-naïve patients who were started on basal insulin (glargine U100, glargine U300, or degludec) for the management of T2D and followed the treatment regimen for at least 6 months in 13 institutions in Japan. The clinical courses of the study participants were compared based on outpatient clinic medical records for the three different types of basal insulin prescribed by categorizing the participants into two groups retrospectively: those who successfully withdrew from insulin therapy and those who did not, during a 6-month observation period. The clinical determinants for insulin withdrawal were assessed using a Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Glycated hemoglobin was improved in all participants regardless of basal insulin type. Of the 376 study participants, 61 successfully withdrew from basal insulin therapy. After adjustment was made for several confounders, the positive determinant factors for successful withdrawal of insulin were short duration of diabetes and high body mass index at the start of study, and the negative determinant factor was use of insulin secretagogues at the start. The types of basal insulin used by the study participants were not significant determinants of successful insulin withdrawal in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of basal insulin is a powerful option for the treatment of T2D. In patients with high BMI and/or short duration of diabetes, short-term insulin therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of T2D before the initiation of insulin secretagogues, since such patients have the potential to successfully withdraw from basal insulin use even in an outpatient setting.

Efficacy and safety of fast-acting insulin aspart compared with insulin aspart in combination with insulin degludec in Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes: a subgroup analysis of the randomized onset 8 trial

This study aimed to confirm the efficacy and safety of mealtime and post-meal fast-acting insulin aspart versus insulin aspart, both with basal insulin degludec, in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes. This was a subgroup analysis of onset 8, a randomized multicenter, treat-to-target trial of mealtime fast-acting insulin aspart (subgroup n = 73), mealtime insulin aspart (n = 83), or open-label post-meal fast-acting insulin aspart (n = 89), all for 26 weeks. Change from baseline in HbA_1c was considered the primary endpoint. After 26 weeks, the estimated treatment difference (ETD, 95% CI) for change from baseline in HbA_1c between mealtime fast-acting insulin aspart or post-meal fast-acting insulin aspart vs. insulin aspart was 0.01% (-0.16;0.19) and 0.10% (-0.07;0.27), respectively. Following a standardized meal test, ETD for change from baseline in postprandial glucose (PPG) increment at 1 hour was -16.91 mg/dL (-32.15;-1.68) for mealtime fast-acting insulin aspart and 40.16 mg/dL (25.46;54.87) for post-meal fast-acting insulin aspart, both versus insulin aspart. Mean self-measured blood glucose 1-hour PPG increments also showed a trend towards improved PPG control with mealtime fast-acting insulin aspart versus insulin aspart. Rates of overall hypoglycemia (35.56, 37.72 and 38.75 per patient-year of exposure with mealtime fast-acting insulin aspart, post-meal fast-acting insulin aspart and insulin aspart, respectively) and meal-related hypoglycemia were similar between treatment arms. Consistent with findings of onset 8, this analysis confirmed mealtime and post-meal fast-acting insulin aspart provided effective HbA_1c and PPG control versus insulin aspart, with similar safety profiles, in Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes.

Reduced Rates of Hypoglycemia in Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes After Switching to Insulin Degludec: Results from the Italian Cohort of the ReFLeCT Study

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate in an Italian real-world setting the safety and effectiveness of insulin degludec 100 units/mL, given once daily in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after switching from other basal insulins.

METHODS

ReFLeCT was a multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted across seven European countries which involved adult patients whose physician planned to switch their medication from basal insulin to insulin degludec. The primary outcome was the change in the number of hypoglycemic episodes before and after the switch to insulin degludec. Results are expressed as 12-month follow-up/baseline incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

The Italian cohort of the ReFLect study comprised 148 patients with T1DM and 311 patients with T2DM. In patients with T1DM, the switch to insulin degludec was associated with significantly lower rates of overall (IRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.82), non-severe (IRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60-0.85), and nocturnal hypoglycemia (IRR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31-0.69). Following the switch, hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) levels decreased significantly by 0.35% (95% CI - 0.50 to  - 0.20), with no significant changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and basal insulin dose. Body weight increased by 0.83 kg (95% CI 0.16-1.50). In patients with T2DM, significant reductions in the rates of overall (IRR 0.40, 95% CI 0.29-0.55), non-severe (IRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.34-0.63), and nocturnal hypoglycemia (IRR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.86) were documented. HbA_1c and FPG decreased significantly by 0.45% (95% CI - 0.58 to - 0.31) and 0.90 mmol/L (95% CI - 1.21 to - 0.59], respectively, with no significant changes in basal insulin dose or body weight. Treatment satisfaction significantly improved in both diabetes types.

CONCLUSION

In Italian routine clinical practice, switching from other basal insulins to insulin degludec reduced the total episodes of hypoglycemia and improved glycemic control and treatment satisfaction in patients with T1DM and T2DM.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02392117.

Risk of major cardiovascular events, severe hypoglycaemia, and all-cause mortality for users of insulin degludec versus insulin glargine U100-A Danish cohort study

AIMS

Real-world evidence of the safety of insulin degludec compared with insulin glargine U100 is sparse. This study sought to investigate the risk of major cardiovascular events, severe hypoglycaemia, and all-cause mortality after initiation of degludec or glargine U100 in the population of Denmark.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All Danish people with diabetes initiating treatment on degludec (n=5159) or glargine (n=4041) in 2016 to 2017 were included in the study. The effect of insulin treatment on the endpoints of major cardiovascular events, severe hypoglycaemia, and all-cause mortality was analysed with Cox proportional hazard models. The models were adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, diabetes type, highest completed education, and annual income. The model of severe hypoglycaemia was also adjusted for severe hypoglycaemia prior to baseline. The model of mortality was also adjusted for history of alcohol abuse, use of antidepressants, use of opioids, and use of anxiolytics. Lastly, the models of major cardiovascular events and mortality were also adjusted for Charlson comorbidity index.

RESULTS

Use of degludec resulted in an almost twofold decrease in risk of death (hazard rate [HR]: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.44-0.65) compared with use of glargine. No statistically significant risk changes were found for major cardiovascular events (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.62-1.19) and severe hypoglycaemia (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.66-1.93). The proportion of cause of death due to malignant neoplasm of pancreas was almost doubled for glargine compared with degludec.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that insulin degludec has a safer profile with respect to all-cause mortality as compared with insulin glargine U100.

Switching to Degludec From Other Basal Insulins Is Associated With Reduced Hypoglycemia Rates: A Prospective Study

CONTEXT

Observational studies of insulin degludec (degludec) with hypoglycemia events prospectively recorded are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of degludec in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) switching from other basal insulins in routine care.

DESIGN

Results From Real-World Clinical Treatment With Tresiba® was a multinational, multicenter, prospective, observational, single-arm study comprising a 4-week baseline period (preswitch basal insulin) and 12-month follow-up (degludec).

SETTING

Routine clinical practice.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Insulin-treated patients (≥18 years) with T1D (n = 556) or T2D (n = 611) with treatment plans to initiate degludec.

INTERVENTIONS

Switching to degludec from other basal insulins.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Change from baseline in number of overall hypoglycemic events recorded in patient diaries.

RESULTS

In T1D, the 12-month follow-up/baseline rate ratios (95% CI) of overall [0.80 (0.74 to 0.88)], nonsevere [0.83 (0.76 to 0.91)], severe [0.28 (0.14 to 0.56)], and nocturnal [0.61 (0.50 to 0.73)] hypoglycemia suggested significantly lower hypoglycemia rates with degludec (all Ps < 0.001). At 12 months, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and basal insulin dosage decreased significantly. Body weight increased, and treatment satisfaction improved significantly. In T2D, the hypoglycemia rate ratios were overall [0.46 (0.38 to 0.56)], nonsevere [0.53 (0.44 to 0.64)], and nocturnal [0.35 (0.20 to 0.62)] (all Ps < 0.001; too few events for analysis of severe hypoglycemia). At 12 months, HbA1c and FPG decreased significantly. Body weight and insulin dosages remained unchanged, and treatment satisfaction was significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

In a routine clinical care setting, switching to degludec from other basal insulins was associated with significantly lower rates of hypoglycemia, improved glycemic control, and treatment satisfaction in patients with T1D or T2D.

Comparison of insulin glargine 300 U/mL and insulin degludec using flash glucose monitoring: A randomized cross-over study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

We compared the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla300) and insulin degludec U100 (Deg) using a flash glucose monitoring system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 24 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive once-daily Gla300 (n = 12) or Deg (n = 12) in the morning. The primary end-points were the mean percentage of time in the target glucose range (70-179 mg/dL) and hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL), as measured using flash glucose monitoring during the last 7 days of each 14-day period.

RESULTS

The percentages of time with glucose levels <70 mg/dL were not significantly different between the two insulin treatments. No significant differences were observed in the percentages of time with glucose levels of 70-179 mg/dL or ≥180 mg/dL. The percentage of time with nocturnal hypoglycemia with Gla300 was significantly lower than that with Deg treatment (P = 0.021). This difference might be attributable to the difference in the duration of action between the two formulations, and the incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia with Deg treatment was associated with the concomitant use of metformin (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The two formulations were comparable in efficacy, whereas the incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia was significantly lower with Gla300. Thus, the present study suggests that, although Gla300 and Deg are comparable long-acting insulin analogs, Gla300 is safer with respect to the incidence of hypoglycemia.

Real-world efficacy and safety of insulin degludec with mealtime rapid-acting insulin in type 1 diabetes in Indian pediatric population

Background

Insulin Degludec (IDeg) is a new ultra-long-acting basal insulin that has not been yet evaluated in Indian pediatric population. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IDeg as basal-bolus therapy in Indian pediatric patients affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

A total of 30 pediatric and adolescent patients (17 boys, 13 girls; 22 were pre-pubertal) with T1DM who were on IDeg once daily participated in the study. All the patients received IDeg for at least 26 weeks along with rapid-acting mealtime insulin and their pre- and post-baseline characteristics (anthropometric data (BMI), age, duration of diabetes), metabolic (HbA1C), insulin requirement (unit/kg body weight per day) and number of hypoglycemia episodes were recorded along with the daily self-monitoring of blood glucose.

Results

There was a significant decline in HbA1c, FPG and bolus insulin dose from baseline to 26 weeks in the overall population (HbA1c: 9.65 ± 1.998% to 8.60 ± 1.631%, P = 0.0014; FPG: 156.93 ± 42.373 mg/dL to 109.37 ± 28.531 mg/dL, P = 0.000004; bolus insulin dose: 0.49 ± 0.208 U/kg/day to 0.35 ± 0.155 U/kg/day, P = 0.00032). The basal insulin dose was significantly higher at 26 weeks compared to baseline dose (0.42 ± 0.134 U/kg/day to 0.46 ± 0.139 U/kg/day, P = 0.04219). There was no significant change in BMI at 26 weeks.None of the patients experienced any DKA episode for 26 weeks. 16.7% patients had experienced at least one symptomatic hypoglycemia episode. On CGMS among the patients who were shifted from Glargine to degludec hypoglycemia were reduced significantly (overall hypoglycemia: 1.92 ± 1.26 to 0.35 ± 0.49 episodes over 3 days, P = 0.0026 while nocturnal hypoglycemia: 0.92 ± 0.47 to 0.21 ± 0.42 episodes, P = 0.0021). None of the patients had severe hypoglycemia episode.

Conclusion

In our study IDeg is found to be safe and effective long-acting basal insulin that can be used in Indian pediatric population with T1DM. However further long term prospective studies are required to evaluate the long term effects.

Glycemic Control in a Real-Life Setting in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with IDegLira at a Single Swiss Center

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to describe clinical outcomes in a real-world population of Swiss patients with long-standing, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes after switching to IDegLira [a combination of insulin degludec (IDeg) and liraglutide (Lira)].

METHODS

This was a prospective, open-label, single-center observational follow-up at the Cabinet Medical de Diabétologie, Lausanne, Switzerland, of 61 patients [HbA_1c 9.2% (77 mmol/mol) and 56.1 U total insulin] initiated with IDegLira at 20 dose steps (20 U IDeg/0.72 mg Lira), except in insulin-naïve patients who began treatment at 16 dose steps. Thereafter, the dose was titrated by four dose steps once weekly, according to individualized fasting blood glucose targets. Information about glycemic control, total insulin dose, weight, and blood pressure, along with any adverse events, was collected from medical records and patient reports during clinic visits at baseline, 3 months, and end of follow-up.

RESULTS

Over 6 months of follow-up, mean HbA_1c improved (decrease of 1.7%) to 7.5% with concomitant weight loss. Switching to IDegLira resulted in a lower (-14.6 U) total insulin dose compared with baseline for those patients previously on insulin. There were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia during treatment with IDegLira. There were small decreases in both mean systolic and mean diastolic blood pressure with IDegLira. Six patients discontinued treatment early because of adverse gastrointestinal events with IDegLira.

CONCLUSION

Switching to IDegLira, mostly from regimens using insulin in conjunction with oral antidiabetic medications in a real-world population of patients with type 2 diabetes, resulted in improved glucose control with a lower insulin dose and weight loss.

Efficacy of switching from insulin glargine to insulin degludec in patients with type 1 diabetes: a 16-week retrospective study

We retrospectively investigated the effect of switching from insulin glargine (IGlar) to insulin degludec (IDeg) on glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. We also evaluated the dose of IDeg, and assessed weight gain and the risk of hypoglycemia after switching. Forty-five patients with type 1 diabetes were switched from IGlar (once daily or twice daily) to IDeg (once daily) during routine medical care. Data were collected for 16 weeks after switching from IGlar to IDeg. The mean HbA1c (%) in weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 was lower than it was in week 0 (8.0 ± 1.0, 8.0 ± 1.4, 7.9 ± 1.1, 7.6 ± 1.0 vs. 8.3 ± 1.3 %, p < 0.01). The total basal insulin dose (TBD) was significantly lower after 16 weeks of IDeg as compared to IGlar treatment (0.30 ± 0.12 vs. 0.24 ± 0.11 U/kg/day, p = 0.001). In the twice-daily IGlar group, TBD showed a significant decrease from 0.33 ± 0.12 to 0.26 ± 0.11 U/kg/day (p < 0.001) after switching to IDeg. In the once-daily IGlar group, TBD showed a slight but not significant decrease from 0.23 ± 0.08 to 0.20 ± 0.09 U/kg/day (p = 0.97). Hypoglycemic episodes were transiently increased, but the change was not significant. The blood glucose fluctuation was evaluated from self-monitoring data and the coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated. The CV showed only a minimal change from 48.3 ± 17.1 to 48.6 ± 14.2 % at 12 weeks after switching to IDeg (p = 0.73). In conclusion, once-daily IDeg improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes compared to the control achieved with IGlar, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. When switching from IGlar (especially twice daily), it is recommended that the initial dose of IDeg should be reduced in order to decrease the risk of hypoglycemia.

A 1-year, prospective, observational study of Japanese outpatients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes switching from insulin glargine or detemir to insulin degludec in basal-bolus insulin therapy (Kumamoto Insulin Degludec Observational study)

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present prospective observational study was to assess long-term efficacy and safety of insulin degludec as a part of a basal-bolus therapy for Japanese patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, 93 type 1 diabetes patients and 135 type 2 diabetes patients treated with insulin glargine or detemir were switched from their basal insulin to insulin degludec. The primary end-points were the changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline at 3, 6 and 12 months. The secondary end-points were changes in body mass index, insulin dose, frequency of hypoglycemia and adverse events.

RESULTS

HbA1c levels from baseline were significantly reduced at 3, 6, and 12 months by 0.4, 0.4 and 0.3% in type 1 diabetes patients, respectively, and by 0.5, 0.5 and 0.3% in type 2 diabetes patients, respectively. Body mass index in type 1 diabetes patients increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas that in type 2 diabetes patients did not change. Basal insulin dose decreased significantly at 3 months after switching (P < 0.05), and returned baseline dose at 12 months in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients. The frequency of both total and nocturnal hypoglycemia decreased significantly in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients (P < 0.05). The result of multiple regression analysis showed that baseline HbA1c was a significant independent variable of the percentage change in HbA1c with switching.

CONCLUSION

In both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients, switching from insulin glargine or insulin detemir to insulin degludec led to improvement of glycemic control with a significant reduction of hypoglycemia.

Efficacy and safety of insulin degludec in Japanese patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: 24-week results from the observational study in routine clinical practice

Aims/Introduction

Insulin degludec, a new long‐acting insulin analog, showed its better glycemic control and reduced risk of hypoglycemia. This is the first prospective observational study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec in routine clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

Japanese patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving basal–bolus insulin therapy were switched their basal insulin to degludec, and prospectively observed over a 24‐week course. The Diabetes Therapy‐Related Quality of Life questionnaire was administered before and 12 weeks after switching.

Results

The participants were 80 diabetes patients = (type 1, 44; type 2, 36). In the type 1 group, there was no difference in glycated hemoglobin levels between the pre‐switching and 24‐week measurements (from 62 to 62 mmol/mol, P = 0.768), whereas the daily insulin dose (per kg of bodyweight) decreased significantly (basal, from 0.25 to 0.20 U/kg, P < 0.001; bolus, from 0.40 to 0.37 U/kg, P = 0.001). In the type 2 group, glycated hemoglobin levels decreased after switching (from 60 to 58 mmol/mol, P = 0.028). In the type 1 group, the frequency of hypoglycemia decreased significantly after switching, but not significantly in the type 2 group. Patient satisfaction with the control of hypoglycemia tended to improve in the type 1 group.

Conclusions

Compared with existing long‐acting insulin, degludec can maintain glycemic control at a lower insulin dose and frequency of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes, while it can improve glycemic control at an equal insulin dose in type 2 diabetes.

This is first observational prospective study of insulin degludec in routine clinical practice that we evaluated the effect on glycemic control and risk of hypoglycemia in basal‐bolus insulin therapy. We found that insulin degludec can maintain glycemic control at a lower insulin dose and frequency of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes, while it can improve glycemic control at equally insulin dose in type 2 diabetes.

These results mean that insulin degludec is of use in routine clinical practice.