Glycated haemoglobin, diabetes, and mortality in men in Norfolk cohort of european prospective investigation of cancer and nutrition (EPIC-Norfolk)

Diabetes-specific formula with standard of care improves glycemic control, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes: results from a randomized controlled trial

Background and aims

Medical nutrition therapy is important for diabetes management. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a diabetes-specific formula (DSF) on glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Participants (n = 235) were randomized to either DSF with standard of care (SOC) (DSF group; n = 117) or SOC only (control group; n = 118). The DSF group consumed one or two DSF servings daily as meal replacement or partial meal replacement. The assessments were done at baseline, on day 45, and on day 90.

Results

There were significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (-0.44% vs. -0.26%, p = 0.015, at day 45; -0.50% vs. -0.21%, p = 0.002, at day 90) and fasting blood glucose (-0.14 mmol/L vs. +0.32 mmol/L, p = 0.036, at day 90), as well as twofold greater weight loss (-1.30 kg vs. -0.61 kg, p  < 0.001, at day 45; -1.74 kg vs. -0.76 kg, p < 0.001, at day 90) in the DSF group compared with the control group. The decrease in percent body fat and increase in percent fat-free mass at day 90 in the DSF group were almost twice that of the control group (1.44% vs. 0.79%, p = 0.047). In addition, the percent change in visceral adipose tissue at day 90 in the DSF group was several-fold lower than in the control group (-6.52% vs. -0.95%, p < 0.001). The DSF group also showed smaller waist and hip circumferences, and lower diastolic blood pressure than the control group (all overall p ≤ 0.045).

Conclusion

DSF with SOC yielded significantly greater improvements than only SOC in glycemic control, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with T2D.

Age-specific differences in association of glycosylated hemoglobin levels with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among nondiabetics: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018

BACKGROUND

Previous research has supported the presence of an association between high glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of the present study was to determine whether increased HbA1c levels are associated with high CVD prevalence among nondiabetics. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the possible interaction of HbA1c levels and age in regard to CVD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed data of 28,534 adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018. The association between HbA1c and CVD was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Propensity score matching was used to reduce selection bias. Subgroup analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to further characterize the association between HbA1c levels and CVD. We modeled additive interactions to further assess the relationship between HbA1c levels and age.

RESULTS

In the multivariate logistic regression model, a positive association was found between CVD and increased HbA1c levels (highest quartile [Q4] vs. lowest quartile [Q1]: odds ratio [OR] = 1.277, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.111-1.469, P = 0.001). In the stratified analyses, the adjusted association between HbA1c and CVD was significant for those younger than 55 years (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 1.437, 95% CI = 1.099-1.880, P = 0.008). RCS did not reveal a nonlinear relationship between HbA1c levels and CVD among nondiabetics (P for nonlinearity = 0.609). Additionally, a high HbA1c level was favorably connected with old age on CVD, with a synergistic impact.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased HbA1c levels were associated with high CVD prevalence among nondiabetics. However, we still need to carefully explain the effect of age on the relationship between HbA1c and CVD in nondiabetic population. Given the correlations of HbA1c with CVDs and CV events, HbA1c might be a useful indicator for predicting CVDs and CV events in the nondiabetic population.

Hemoglobin A1c levels and 1-year mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background: In this study, we investigated whether different levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are associated with different short-term and 1-year mortality rates among diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients & methods: Clinical events including in-hospital, 1-month and 1-year mortality were compared between three groups based on HbA1c levels of patients (I: ≤5.6%, II: 5.7-6.4%, III: ≥6.5%). Results: Among 165 diabetic individuals, patients with abnormal HbA1c levels (≥6.5%) experienced significantly higher hospitalization days (7.65 ± 1.64 days) compared with those with normal HbA1c (4.94 ± 0.97 days) (p < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in group III (14.5%) and II (5.5%) compared with group I (0%) (p = 0.008). Conclusion: HbA1c levels may be a reliable predictor of short-term clinical events in diabetic patients.

Social Determinants of Health Screening in Type 1 Diabetes Management

Type 1 diabetes management is intricately influenced by social determinants of health. Economic status impacts access to vital resources like insulin and diabetes technology. Racism, social injustice, and implicit biases affect equitable delivery of care. Education levels affect understanding of self-care, leading to disparities in glycemic outcomes. Geographic location can limit access to health care facilities. Stressors from discrimination or financial strain can disrupt disease management. Addressing these social factors is crucial for equitable diabetes care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that go beyond medical interventions to ensure optimal health outcomes for all individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Comparing the effects of home visits and telenursing on blood glucose control: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Home visits have often been performed for diabetes management, but with the increased use of the internet and smartphones, people are opting for telenursing as the main method for monitoring and controlling diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

This study compares the effects of home visits and telenursing on diabetes management.

METHODS

Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were used as data sources. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar, and two-hour post-prandial glucose levels were used as outcome measures. A subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of diabetes and follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 1890 studies, 24 (2801 participants) were selected and meta-analyzed. The nursing interventions provided during nursing visits or telenursing mainly included education on diabetes and blood sugar control. It was seen that HbA1c decreased with a weighted mean difference of -0.66 (95 % confidence interval -0.82 to -0.51, p < .001) % in home visits and -0.56 (95 % confidence interval -0.81 to -0.31, p < .001) % in telenursing. The fasting blood sugar reported only in telenursing was reduced by a weighted mean difference of -14.23 (95 % confidence interval 27.59 to -0.88, p = .04) mg/dL and two-hour post-prandial glucose was reduced with a mean difference of -15.84 (95 % confidence interval -24.45 to -7.24, p = .003) mg/dL. Furthermore, low heterogeneity was found among the studies. In a subgroup analysis of diabetes type, HbA1c in home visits was reduced by -0.86 % in type 1 diabetes and -0.62 % in type 2 diabetes, while in telenursing, the reductions were -0.65 % and -0.53 %, respectively. Fasting blood glucose was reduced by -6.08 mg/dL and -18.50 mg/dL, respectively, whereas two-hour postprandial blood sugar was reduced by -14.49 mg/dL and -30.30 mg/dL, respectively, in telenursing. In the subgroup analysis of the follow-up period, HbA1c during home visits decreased by -0.63 % at 10 to 16 weeks, -0.73 % at 24 to 36 weeks, and -0.64 % at 52 weeks or more, while in telenursing, the reductions were -0.80 %, -0.44 %, and -0.07 %, respectively. Home visits were not statistically significant between 10 and 16 weeks, whereas telenursing was not significant at 52 weeks or more.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite telenursing reducing HbA1c slightly less than home visits, evidence from this systematic review suggests that telenursing is a similarly effective approach for controlling blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Telenursing is a nursing intervention that can be used as an alternative to home visits for patients requiring diabetes management.

Dental referrals for patients with diabetes: survey of barriers and enablers for medical and health professionals

BACKGROUND

Oral health care improves diabetes management; however, medical and other health practitioners do not commonly refer their patients with diabetes for oral health care. This study aimed to understand barriers to and enablers of dental referrals for patients with diabetes.

METHODS

Quantitative data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of health care providers attending a virtual Grand Rounds on the relationship between oral health and diabetes. Attendees were invited to complete and share a Forms survey. Barriers to and enablers of dental referrals were compared for 18 health professionals working in inpatient/ward settings to 23 working in community/primary care settings using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

Across both work settings, only 12% of respondents often or always discussed the importance of oral health and only 8% often or always referred their patients with diabetes for dental care. Time barriers, awareness and knowledge of how/where to send dental referrals were significant barriers, while online referral pathways, more education and availability of brochures for the patient to take home were identified as key enablers for dental referrals.

CONCLUSIONS

Online referral pathways, targeted oral health education and resources for medical and health professionals caring for patients with diabetes may increase the number of patients being referred for dental care as part of their diabetes managements. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.

Allo Beta Cell transplantation: specific features, unanswered questions, and immunological challenge

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) presents a persistent medical challenge, demanding innovative strategies for sustained glycemic control and enhanced patient well-being. Beta cells are specialized cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When beta cells are damaged or destroyed, insulin production decreases, which leads to T1D. Allo Beta Cell Transplantation has emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue, with the goal of reinstating glucose regulation and insulin production in T1D patients. However, the path to success in this approach is fraught with complex immunological hurdles that demand rigorous exploration and resolution for enduring therapeutic efficacy. This exploration focuses on the distinct immunological characteristics inherent to Allo Beta Cell Transplantation. An understanding of these unique challenges is pivotal for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. The critical role of glucose regulation and insulin in immune activation is emphasized, with an emphasis on the intricate interplay between beta cells and immune cells. The transplantation site, particularly the liver, is examined in depth, highlighting its relevance in the context of complex immunological issues. Scrutiny extends to recipient and donor matching, including the utilization of multiple islet donors, while also considering the potential risk of autoimmune recurrence. Moreover, unanswered questions and persistent gaps in knowledge within the field are identified. These include the absence of robust evidence supporting immunosuppression treatments, the need for reliable methods to assess rejection and treatment protocols, the lack of validated biomarkers for monitoring beta cell loss, and the imperative need for improved beta cell imaging techniques. In addition, attention is drawn to emerging directions and transformative strategies in the field. This encompasses alternative immunosuppressive regimens and calcineurin-free immunoprotocols, as well as a reevaluation of induction therapy and recipient preconditioning methods. Innovative approaches targeting autoimmune recurrence, such as CAR Tregs and TCR Tregs, are explored, along with the potential of stem stealth cells, tissue engineering, and encapsulation to overcome the risk of graft rejection. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the inherent immunological obstacles associated with Allo Beta Cell Transplantation. It offers valuable insights into emerging strategies and directions that hold great promise for advancing the field and ultimately improving outcomes for individuals living with diabetes.

Predisposition to Type 2 Diabetes in Aspects of the Glycemic Curve and Glycated Hemoglobin in Healthy, Young Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

Our aim in this study was to identify predictors for diabetes among the characteristics of the glycemic curve and glycated hemoglobin (A1C) in healthy, young adults.

METHODS

We used a cross-sectional study to establish predictors for diabetes based on earlier studies and evaluated occurrence of the condition in 81 healthy, young adult subjects. These volunteers underwent analysis of fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test plasma glucose, A1C, and inflammatory markers (leukocytes, monocytes, and C-reactive protein). The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple-comparisons test were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

We studied 2 age groups, homogeneous in terms of family history of diabetes: one group ranged in age from ≥18 to <28 years (median 20 years; body mass index [BMI] 24 kg/m2) and the other group ranged in age from ≥28 to <45 years (median 35 years; BMI 24 kg/m2). The older group had a higher incidence of predictors (p=0.0005) and was associated with the predictors 30-minute blood glucose ≥164 mg/dL (p=0.0190), 60-minute blood glucose ≥125 mg/dL (p=0.0346), and A1C ≥5.5% (p=0.0162), with a monophasic glycemic curve (p=0.007). The younger group was associated with the 2-hour plasma glucose predictor ≥140 mg/dL (p=0.014). All subjects had fasting glucose in the normal range.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthy, young adults may already have predictors of diabetes, identified mainly by aspects of the glycemic curve and A1C, but at more modest levels than those with prediabetes.

Effects of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on glucose metabolism in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a highly prevalent chronic disorder and has been shown to be associated with disturbed glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes. However, the evidence from individual clinical trials on the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on glycaemic control in patients with co-existing obstructive sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes remains controversial. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials assessing the effect of CPAP on glycaemic control in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus up to December 2022. Meta-analysis using a random-effect model was performed for outcomes that were reported in at least two randomised controlled trials. From 3031 records screened, 11 RCTs with a total of 964 patients were included for analysis. CPAP treatment led to a significant reduction in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (mean difference -0.24%, 95% CI -0.43- -0.06%, p=0.001) compared to inactive control groups. Meta-regression showed a significant association between reduction in HbA1c and hours of nightly CPAP usage. CPAP therapy seems to significantly improve HbA1c and thus long-term glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea. The amount of improvement is dependent on the hours of usage of CPAP and thus optimal adherence to CPAP should be a primary goal in these patients.

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Short-Term Glycaemic Control, Serum Level of Key Mediator in Hypoxia and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes-An Exploratory Case Study

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with hyperglycaemia-induced hypoxia and inflammation. This study assessed the effects of a single bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on glycaemia (BG) and serum level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and an essential mediator of adaptive response to hypoxia in T1D patients. The macronutrient intake was also evaluated. Nine patients suffering from T1D for about 12 years and nine healthy individuals (CG) were enrolled and completed one session of HIIE at the intensity of 120% lactate threshold with a duration of 4 × 5 min intermittent with 5 min rests after each bout of exercise. Capillary and venous blood were withdrawn at rest, immediately after and at 24 h post-HIIE for analysis of BG, hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-1α), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Pre-exercise BG was significantly higher in the T1D patients compared to the CG (p = 0.043). HIIE led to a significant decline in T1D patients' BG (p = 0.027) and a tendency for a lower BG at 24 h post-HIIE vs. pre-HIIE. HIF-1α was significantly elevated in the T1D patients compared to CG and there was a trend for HIF-1α to decline, and for VEGF and TNF-α to increase in response to HIIE in the T1D group. Both groups consumed more and less than the recommended amounts of protein and fat, respectively. In the T1D group, a tendency for a higher digestible carbohydrate intake and more frequent hyperglycaemic episodes on the day after HIIE were observed. HIIE was effective in reducing T1D patients' glycaemia and improving short-term glycaemic control. HIIE has the potential to improve adaptive response to hypoxia by elevating the serum level of VEGF. Patients' diet and level of physical activity should be screened on a regular basis, and they should be educated on the glycaemic effects of digestible carbohydrates.

A web-based low carbohydrate diet intervention significantly improves glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: results of the T2Diet Study randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), low carbohydrate diets (LCD), defined as 10-<26% total energy intake from carbohydrate, have indicated improved glycaemic control and clinical outcomes. Web-based interventions can help overcome significant challenges of accessibility and availability of dietary education and support for T2DM. No previous study had evaluated a web-based LCD intervention using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design. The objective of this study was to assess whether a web-based LCD programme provided in conjunction with standard care improves glycaemic control in adults with T2DM.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A 16-week parallel RCT was conducted remotely during Covid-19 among the general community, recruiting adults with T2DM not on insulin aged 40-89 years. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to standard care plus the web-based T2Diet healthy LCD education programme (intervention) or standard care only (control). The primary outcome was haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes were weight, body mass index (BMI), anti-glycaemic medication, dietary intake, and self-efficacy. Blinded data analysis was conducted by intention-to-treat.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight participants were enrolled, assigning 49 to each group, with 87 participants (n = 40 intervention; n = 47 control) included in outcome analysis. At 16 weeks, there was a statistically significant between-group difference favouring the intervention group, with reductions in HbA1c -0.65% (95% CI: -0.99 to -0.30; p < 0.0001), weight -3.26 kg (p < 0.0001), BMI -1.11 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001), and anti-glycaemic medication requirements -0.40 (p < 0.0001), with large effect sizes Cohen's d > 0.8.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that as an adjunct to standard care, the web-based T2Diet programme significantly improved glycaemic control and clinical outcomes in adults with T2DM. In addition, the results highlight the potential to improve access and availability for people with T2DM to achieve glycaemic control and improved health through web-based dietary education and support.

Optimising blood glucose control with portioned meal box in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a randomised control trial

Background

The impact of dietary factors on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well established. However, the effectiveness of transforming portion control into a practical innovation for glycaemic control in T2DM has not yet been established for counselling in nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of general counselling in nutrition (GCN) and a portioned meal box (PMB) on fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and body composition.

Methods

A randomised, parallel intervention trial was conducted over 12 weeks, with GCN: carbohydrate portion control concept by using food exchange lists (n = 25) and PMB: portioned meal box was set by energy requirements (n = 25).

Results

Both GCN and PMB demonstrated reductions in HbA1c levels at the 6th and 12th weeks compared to baseline. However, no significant difference in HbA1c was observed between GCN and PMB at either the 6th or 12th week. Using PMB at least four times a week significantly decreased HbA1c during the intervention period (p = 0.021 and p < 0.001 for weeks 6 and 12 when compared with baseline, respectively). Changes in body composition were observed: body weight decrease in PMB only, body fat decrease and constant muscle mass in both groups. Both methods tended to relieve hunger and increased satiety in both groups. The satisfaction evaluation showed that participants preferred to use PMB over GCN (p = 0.001). Additionally, participants consumed less energy, carbohydrate and fat in PMB (p = 0.001, p = 0.019, and p = 0.001, respectively) and less energy and fat in GCN (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

A better diet, either through GCN or PMB, can play an important role in improving dietary intake compliance and controlling blood glucose.

Magnetic resonance study of visceral, subcutaneous, liver and pancreas fat changes after 12 weeks intermittent fasting in obese participants with prediabetes

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether there are differences in proportions of fat loss from visceral:subcutaneous depots by probiotic supplementation, ethnicity or sex during weight loss; or whether visceral/pancreatic fat depot changes are related to changes in HbA1c. Our objective is to investigate whether weight loss from different fat depots is related to these factors during weight loss achieved by intermittent fasting.

METHOD

Prediabetes participants on 5:2 intermittent fasting were randomized 1:1 to either daily probiotic or placebo for 12 weeks. Twenty-four patients had magnetic resonance imaging data at baseline and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of intermittent fasting, subcutaneous fat (%) changed from 35.9 ± 3.1 to 34.4 ± 3.2, visceral fat (%) from 15.8 ± 1.3 to 14.8 ± 1.2, liver fat (%) from 8.7 ± 0.8 to 7.5 ± 0.7 and pancreatic fat (%) from 7.7 ± 0.5 to 6.5 ± 0.5 (all p< 0.001). Changes in weight, HbA1c, SAT, VAT, LF and PF did not differ significantly between probiotic and placebo groups.

CONCLUSION

Overall weight loss was correlated with fat loss from subcutaneous depots. Losses from different fat depots did not correlate with changes in HbA1c or differ by probiotic supplementation, ethnicity or sex.

Effectiveness of telemonitoring intervention on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a rising global health concern that requires long-term treatment and close monitoring. Telemonitoring has been shown to be a promising tool to facilitate patient-physician interaction and improve glycaemic control.

METHOD

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) of telemonitoring in T2DM published between 1990 and 2021 were searched through multiple electronic databases. The primary outcome variables included HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG), and BMI was a secondary outcome variable.

RESULTS

Thirty RCT with a total of 4,678 participants were included in this study. Twenty-six studies reported on HbA1c, which was shown to be significantly lower in participants on telemonitoring when compared to conventional care. Ten studies investigated FBG which collectively showed no statistically significant difference. Subgroup analysis demonstrated the effect of telemonitoring on glycaemic control is influenced by a range of factors concerning system practicality, user engagement, patient characteristics and disease education.

CONCLUSION

Telemonitoring exhibited a great potential to improve T2DM management. Several technical features and patient factors may influence the effectiveness of telemonitoring. Further studies are needed to verify the findings and address limitations before its implementation into routine practice.

Associations Between HbA1c Across the Normal Range, Diagnosed, and Undiagnosed Diabetes and Retinal Layer Thickness in UK Biobank Cohort

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and retinal sub-layer thicknesses in people with and without diabetes.

Methods

We included 41,453 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 69 years old. Diabetes status was defined by self-report of diagnosis or use of insulin. Participants were categorized into groups: (1) those with HbA1c <48 mmol/mol were subdivided into quintiles according to normal range of HbA1c; (2) those previously diagnosed with diabetes with no evidence of diabetic retinopathy; and (3) undiagnosed diabetes: >48 mmol/mol. Total macular and retinal sub-layer thicknesses were derived from spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between diabetes status and retinal layer thickness.

Results

Compared with participants in the second quintile of the normal HbA1c range, those in the fifth quintile had a thinner photoreceptor layer thickness (-0.33 µm, P = 0.006). Participants with diagnosed diabetes had a thinner macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL; -0.58 µm, P < 0.001), photoreceptor layer thickness (-0.94 µm, P < 0.001), and total macular thickness (-1.61 µm, P < 0.001), whereas undiagnosed diabetes participants had a reduced photoreceptor layer thickness (-1.22 µm, P = 0.009) and total macular thickness (-2.26 µm, P = 0.005). Compared to participants without diabetes, those with diabetes had a thinner mRNFL (-0.50 µm, P < 0.001), photoreceptor layer thickness (-0.77 µm, P < 0.001), and total macular thickness (-1.36 µm, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Participants with higher HbA1c in the normal range had marginally thinner photoreceptor thickness, whereas those with diabetes (including undiagnosed diabetes) had meaningfully thinner retinal sublayer and total macular thickness.

Translational Relevance

We showed that early retinal neurodegeneration occurs in people whose HbA1c levels are below the current diabetes diagnostic threshold; this might impact the management of pre-diabetes individuals.

How sweet is your love? Disentangling the role of marital status and quality on average glycemic levels among adults 50 years and older in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

INTRODUCTION

The health benefits of marriage have been widely documented and, to a lesser extent, the effects of marital quality. Marital relationships may be particularly relevant to the health of older adults. This study explores the associations of marital status and marital quality with average glycemic levels in older adults using longitudinal data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Our sample consisted of adults aged 50-89 years without previously diagnosed diabetes from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n=3335). We used biomarker data from waves 2 (2004/2005), 4 (2008/2009) and 6 (2012/2013) to analyze changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels within individuals in relation to their marital indicators (marital status, social support from spouse, and social strain from spouse) over time using linear fixed effect models.

RESULTS

We found that being married was associated with lower HbA1c values (β: -0.21%; 95% CI -0.31% to -0.10%) among adults without pre-existing diabetes. Spousal support and spousal strain were generally not associated with HbA1c values.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that marital relationships, regardless of the quality of the relationship, are associated with lower HbA1c values for male and female adults aged over 50 years.

Advanced subclinical atherosclerosis: A novel category within the cardiovascular risk continuum with distinct treatment implications

Traditionally, guidelines divide patients into primary and secondary prevention for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk management. However, the modern understanding of the biological progression of atherosclerosis is inconsistent with this binary approach. Therefore, a new approach demonstrating both atherosclerosis and ASCVD risk as a continuum is needed to give clinicians a framework for better matching risk and intensity of therapy. Advances in coronary imaging have most clearly brought this problem into view, as for example coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring has shown that some individuals in the primary prevention have equal or higher ASCVD risk as certain subgroups in secondary prevention. This article introduces "advanced subclinical atherosclerosis" as a new and distinct clinical group that sits between the traditional groups of primary and secondary prevention. Importantly, this article also introduces a new graphic to visualize this intermediate population that is explicitly based on plaque burden. The aim of the graphic is both to educate and to allow for better identification of a patient's cardiovascular risk and guide more effective risk-based management.

The hemoglobin glycation index predicts the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in coronary heart disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

Previous studies have shown that the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) can be used as a predictor of diabetic complications. However, limited information is currently available to indicate the correlation between HGI and comorbidity of coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of HGI to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in CHD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Materials and methods

A total of 918 CHD patients with T2DM were enrolled in a 3-year retrospective cohort study, from December 2017 to December 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Data including fasting blood glucose (FPG/FBG) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were collected. HGI was calculated as actual measured HbA1c minus predicted HbA1c. Three groups were further divided based on the levels of HGI, including low, medium, and high levels.

Result

Kaplan Meier analysis indicated that elevated HGI was strongly associated with the occurence of MACE (log-rank P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that elevated HGI was an independent risk factor for incident MACE in CHD patients with T2DM [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.473; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.365-1.589, P < 0.001].

Conclusions

Hemoglobin glycation index is an independent predictor of MACE events in CHD patients with T2DM. High HGI indicates a higher risk of MACE occurrence.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and the relationship between HbA1C and lipid profile in Moroccan patients with T2DM: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

the increased prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from uncontrolled hyperglycemia and consistently contributes to an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and to investigate the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and serum lipid levels in Moroccan patients with T2DM.

Methods

a total of 505 patients with T2DM were included in this cross-sectional study, 77.4% with chronic complications and 22.6% without. The collected data were examined using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software and appropriate statistical methods.

Results

the data analysis showed that the mean and SD of age were 57.27±10.74 years. Among 505 patients with T2DM, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and decreased HDL-C was 41.4%, 35.9%, 27.1%, and 17%, respectively. In addition, the data analysis showed that levels of total cholesterol (TC) (p≤0.001), triglycerides (p≤0.001), Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p≤0.001), TC/HDL-C ratio (p=0.006), and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (p=0.006) were significantly higher in T2DM patients with complications as compared to those without complications. The patients with HbA1C > 7.0% had significantly higher values of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p≤0.001), total cholesterol (p≤0.001), triglycerides (p≤0.001), and TC/HDL-C ratio (p=0.025) as compared to the patients with HbA1C ≤ 7.0%. The HbA1C demonstrated a significant negative correlation with age (r=-0.139), and positive correlation with FBG (r=0.673), total cholesterol (r=0.189) and triglycerides (r=0.243).

Conclusion

our results showed that HbA1C is the most important biomarker of long-term glycemic control and can also be a good indicator of the lipid profile.

Prevalence and Pattern of Dyslipidemia and Its Associated Factors Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are growing health problems, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of dyslipidemia and its associated factors among patients with T2DM.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with T2DM attending Family Medicine Clinics in Jordan between August 2017 and March 2019. The socio-demographics, clinical features, medications, and laboratory findings were collected. These laboratory findings included high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs).

RESULTS

A total of 870 patients with T2DM were included. The prevalence of dyslipidemia among patients with T2DM was 91.4%. The most common patterns of dyslipidemia were low HDL-C (66.2%), high LDL-C (62.1%), and hypertriglyceridemia (58.2%). Female gender, obesity, and hypertension were associated with diabetic dyslipidemia patterns. T2DM duration and poor glycemic control were associated with high LDL-C and hypercholesterolemia. Hypertriglyceridemia was associated with poor glycemic control and smoking.

CONCLUSION

Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent among patients with T2DM. Evidence -based interventions are needed to prevent and control dyslipidemia among patients with T2DM in Jordan.

Sex differences in the association of fasting glucose with HbA1c, and their consequences for mortality: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is used for diabetes diagnosis and management. HbA1c also represents iron-related erythrocyte properties which differ by sex. We investigated erythrocyte properties on HbA1c and glucose, and whether corresponding consequences for mortality differed by sex.

METHODS

In this two-sample Mendelian randomization study using the largest publicly available European descent summary statistics, we assessed sex-specific associations of iron (n=163,511) and hemoglobin (188,076 women/162,398 men) with HbA1c (185,022 women/159,160 men) and fasting glucose (73,089 women/67,506 men), of fasting glucose with HbA1c and diabetes (cases=6,589 women/10,686 men, controls=187,137 women/155,780 men), and of fasting glucose (n=140,595), HbA1c (n=146,806) and liability to diabetes (74,124 cases/824,006 controls) with parental attained age (412,937 mothers/415,311 fathers).

FINDINGS

Iron and hemoglobin were inversely associated with HbA1c but not fasting glucose. Fasting glucose was more strongly associated with HbA1c and diabetes in women (1.65 standard deviation (SD) per mmol/L [95% confidence interval 1.58, 1.72]; odds ratio (OR) 7.36 per mmol/L [4.12, 10.98]) than men (0.89 [0.81, 0.98]; OR 2.79 [1.96, 4.98]). The inverse associations of HbA1c and liability to diabetes with lifespan were possibly stronger in men (-1.80 years per percentage [-2.77, -0.42]; -0.93 years per logOR [-1.23, -0.59]) than women (-0.80 [-2.69, 0.66]; -0.44 [-0.62, -0.26]).

INTERPRETATION

HbA1c underestimates fasting glucose in men compared with women, possibly due to erythrocyte properties. Whether HbA1c and liability to diabetes reduce lifespan more in men than women because diagnostic and management criteria involving HbA1c mean that glycemia in men is under-treated compared to women needs urgent investigation.

FUNDING

None.

Very Low-Volume, High-Intensity Interval Training Mitigates Negative Health Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Physical Inactivity

Initially, we aimed to investigate the impact of a one-year worksite low-volume, high-intensity interval training (LOW-HIIT) on cardiometabolic health in 114 sedentary office workers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, LOW-HIIT was discontinued after 6 months and participants were followed up for 6 months to analyze physical activity/exercise behavior and outcome changes during lockdown. Health examinations, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing and the assessment of cardiometabolic markers were performed baseline (T-1), after 6 months (T-2, termination of worksite LOW-HIIT) and 12 months (T-3, follow-up). Cycle ergometer LOW-HIIT (5 × 1 min at 85-95% HR_max) was performed 2×/week. For follow-up analyses, participants were classified into three groups: HIIT-group (continued home-based LOW-HIIT), EX-group (continued other home-based exercises), and NO-EX-group (discontinued LOW-HIIT/exercise). At T-2, VO_2max (+1.5 mL/kg/min, p = 0.002), mean arterial blood pressure (MAB, -4 mmHg, p < 0.001), HbA_1c (-0.2%, p = 0.005) and self-reported quality of life (QoL, +5 points, p < 0.001) were improved. At T-3, HIIT-group maintained VO_2max and QoL and further improved MAB. EX-group maintained MAB and QoL but experienced a VO_2max decrease. In NON-EX, VO_2max, MAB and QoL deteriorated. We conclude that LOW-HIIT can be considered a promising option to improve cardiometabolic health in real-life conditions and to mitigate physical inactivity-related negative health impacts during lockdowns.

Association between telemedicine use and diabetes risk factor assessment and control in a primary care network

PURPOSE

Our study examined whether telemedicine use in primary care is associated with risk factor assessment and control for patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, 1:1 propensity score matched cohort study conducted in a primary care network between February 2020 and December 2020. Participants included patients with diabetes mellitus, ages 18 to 75. Exposure of interest was any telemedicine visit. We determined whether hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were assessed for each patient. For each risk factor, we also determined whether the risk factor was controlled when they were assessed (i.e., last HbA1c < 8.0%, BP < 130/80 mmHg, LDL-C < 100 mg/dL).

RESULTS

After 1:1 propensity score matching, we identified 1,824 patients with diabetes during the study period. Telemedicine use was associated with a lower proportion of patients with all three risk factors assessed (162/912 [18%], versus 408/912 [45%], p < 0.001). However, when individual risk factors were assessed, telemedicine use did not impact risk factor control. When compared with patients with in-person visit only, the odds ratio (OR) for HbA1c < 8% was 1.04 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.46, p = 0.23) for patients with any telemedicine visit. Similarly, the OR for BP < 130/80 mmHg was 1.08 (95% CI 0.85-1.36 p = 0.53), and the OR for LDL-C < 100 mg/dL was 1.14 (95% CI 0.76-1.72, p = 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedicine use was associated with gaps in risk factor assessment for patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, but had limited impact on whether risk factors were controlled.

Impact of talk test based aerobic exercise on glycaemic control and anthropometric measures among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterised by the chronic hyperglycaemia which leads to various micro and macrovascular complications. The aim of present study was to evaluate the impact of talk test based aerobic exercise on glycaemic control and anthropometric measures among adults with (T2DM). In this double blind randomised controlled trial (RCT), aerobic exercises/walking was used as intervention. The patients were divided into three groups based on the tool of exercise intensity prescription: a talk test-based group (TTG, n=30), a rating of perceived exertion-based group (RPEG, n=30), and a control group (CG, n=30). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks. Anthropometric measures, i.e. body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Wilcoxon rank-sum/repeated measure of ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test/ANOVA were used for within and between group comparison, respectively, on the basis of normality of the data. The mean HbA1c change in TTG, RPEG, and CG was -0.29, -0.28, and -0.04, respectively, and it was significantly greater in TTG and RPEG as compared to CG. The reduction of HbA1c, BMI, and WC was reported in each group. However, the reduction in the experimental groups, i.e. TTG and RPEG was significantly greater than in the control group (P≤0.01). However, there was no significant difference found between the experimental groups (P>0.05). TT based aerobic exercise is effective in improving glycaemic control and anthropometric measures. Therefore, TT can be used for the exercise prescription of these patients.

The study is registered at the Clinical Trial Registry-India under no. CTRI/2019/02/017531.

Significant Decrease in Glycated Hemoglobin, 2h-Post-Load Glucose and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Abnormal Body Mass Index after Therapy with Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on the insulin resistance parameter (HOMA-IR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2h-post-loadglucose (2h-PG) and the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with abnormal body mass index. The study involved 30 patients, including patients with normal body weight (as a control group; group I; n = 14), overweight patients (group II; n = 9) and obese patients (group III; n = 7). Each patient underwent 10 sessions of MLD therapy, 3 times a week for 30 min. In addition, we measured body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and performed body composition analysis as well as biochemical tests before MLD therapy (stage 0′) and after MLD therapy (stage 1′). A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the concentration of C-peptide, BMI, the amount of visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.87, p = 0.003; r = 0.76, p = 0.003, respectively), and the HOMA-IR index, BMI and the amount of visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.86, p = 0.005; r = 0.84, p = 0.042, respectively), before and after MLD therapy. In overweight patients (group II), a statistically significant (p = 0.041) decrease in the hsCRP level by 2.9 mg/L and a significant (p = 0.050) decrease in the 2h-PG level by 12 mg/dL after the MLD therapy was detected. Moreover, in the group of obese patients (group III), a statistically significant (p = 0.013) decrease in HbA1c level by 0.2% after MLD therapy was demonstrated. Our results indicate that MLD may have a positive effect on selected biochemical parameters, with the most favorable changes in overweight patients. Further studies in a larger number of patients are warranted to confirm our findings, to test in-depth their mechanism, and to investigate clinical benefits of this alternative therapy in patients with abnormal body mass index.

Reduced heart rate variability is related to the number of metabolic syndrome components and manifest diabetes in the sixth Tromsø study 2007-2008

Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with autonomic neuropathy, which predisposes to cardiac events and death. Measures of heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to monitor the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and there are strong indications that HRV can be used to study the progression of ANS-related diabetes complications. This study aims to investigate differences in HRV in healthy, MetS and diabetic populations. Based on 7880 participants from the sixth health survey in Tromsø (Tromsø 6, 2007–2008), we found a significant negative association between the number of MetS components and HRV as estimated from short-term pulse wave signals (PRV). This decrease in PRV did not appear to be linear, instead it leveled off after the third component, with no significant difference in PRV between the MetS and DM populations. There was a significant negative association between HbA1c and PRV, showing a decrease in PRV occurring already within the normal HbA1c range. The MetS and DM populations are different from healthy controls with respect to PRV, indicating impaired ANS in both conditions. In the future, a study with assessment of PRV measurements in relation to prospective cardiovascular events seems justified.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus: where do we stand today?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are metabolic disorders that belong to a highly prevalent disease cluster with a significant impact on public health worldwide. MetS is a complex condition characterized by metabolism perturbations that include glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, associated pro-inflammatory state, and arterial hypertension. Because the components of MetS commonly co-occur, the management of these disorders cannot be considered separate issues. Thus NAFLD, recognized as a hepatic manifestation of MetS, is frequently associated with T2DM. This review analyses the underlying connections between these diseases and the risks associated with their co-occurrence. The effective management of NAFLD associated with MetS and T2DM involves an early diagnosis and optimal treatment of each condition leading to improvement in glycaemic and lipid regulation, liver steatosis, and arterial hypertension. The net effect of such treatment is the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and liver fibrosis.

Breakfast Consumption May Improve Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c Levels in Predominately Low-Income, Hispanic Children 7-12 Years of Age

Children from low-income households and minority families have high cardiometabolic risk. Although breakfast consumption is known to improve cardiometabolic health in children, limited randomized control trials (RCT) have explored this association in low-income and racial/ethnic U.S. minority families. This study conducted secondary analyses from TX Sprouts, a school-based gardening, cooking, and nutrition education RCT, to examine the intervention effect on breakfast consumption and how changes in breakfast consumption impact cardiometabolic risk in predominately low-income, multi-ethnic children. TX Sprouts consisted of 16 schools (8 intervention; 8 control) in greater Austin, TX. A total of 18 lessons were taught, including topics on breakfast consumption benefits and choosing healthy food options at school. Children completed clinical measures (e.g., anthropometrics, body composition via bioelectrical impedance), and the number of breakfast occasions (BO) per week (at home and school) was captured via validated survey at baseline and post-intervention. Post-study—Baseline changes in breakfast consumption were used to categorize students as: maintainers (BO −1 to 1 day/week), decreasers (BO ≤−2 day/week), and increasers (BO ≥2 day/week). Optional fasting blood draws were performed on a subsample. Generalized weighted linear mixed modeling tested differences between intervention and control, with schools as random clusters. Analysis of covariance and linear regression examined changes in breakfast consumption on cardiometabolic outcomes, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, free and reduced-price school meal participation (FRL), school site, breakfast location, physical activity, baseline cardiometabolic measures, and BMI z-score. This study included 1417 children (mean age 9 years; 53% male; 58% Hispanic, 63% FRL; breakfast consumption patterns: 63% maintainers, 16% decreasers, and 21% increasers). There was no intervention effect on changes in breakfast consumption. Compared to decreasers, increasers had an increase in insulin (−0.3 µIU/mL vs. +4.1 µIU/mL; p = 0.01) and a larger increase in HOMA-IR (+0.4 vs. +1.5; p < 0.01). Every one-day increase in breakfast consumption decreased fasting insulin by 0.44 µIU/mL, HOMA-IR by 0.11, and hemoglobin A1c by 0.01% (p ≤ 0.03). Increased breakfast consumption was linked to improved glucose control, suggesting breakfast can mitigate risk in a high-risk population. To better understand underlying mechanisms linking breakfast consumption to improved metabolic health, RCTs focusing on breakfast quality and timing are warranted.

Comparative efficacy and safety of antihyperglycemic drug classes for patients with type 2 diabetes following failure with metformin monotherapy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

To compare the efficacy and safety of antihyperglycemic agents, taken in combination with metformin, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A previous 2016 comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL was updated to October 2018, and a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with T2DM taking an antihyperglycemic agent in combination with metformin were included. Bayesian NMA was performed to assess the relative efficacy and safety of the antihyperglycemic classes.

RESULTS

In total, 204 RCTs were included, which assessed the efficacy and safety of eight antihyperglycemic drug classes (i.e., sulfonylureas, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, basal and biphasic insulin, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransport-2 inhibitors). All drug classes significantly reduced haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared to metformin monotherapy (mean reduction from 0.50 to 0.92). The drug classes varied in their relative effects on hypoglycemia, body weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the classes had differing safety profiles on total adverse events, urogenital adverse events, heart failure, serious adverse events, and withdraw due to adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

All eight antihyperglycemic drug classes, taken in combination with metformin, reduced HbA1c levels; however, the effects of the agents on other outcomes varied among the classes.

Treatment of periodontitis for glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Glycaemic control is a key component in diabetes mellitus (diabetes) management. Periodontitis is the inflammation and destruction of the underlying supporting tissues of the teeth. Some studies have suggested a bidirectional relationship between glycaemic control and periodontitis.  Treatment for periodontitis involves subgingival instrumentation, which is the professional removal of plaque, calculus, and debris from below the gumline using hand or ultrasonic instruments. This is known variously as scaling and root planing, mechanical debridement, or non-surgical periodontal treatment. Subgingival instrumentation is sometimes accompanied by local or systemic antimicrobials, and occasionally by surgical intervention to cut away gum tissue when periodontitis is severe. This review is part one of an update of a review published in 2010 and first updated in 2015, and evaluates periodontal treatment versus no intervention or usual care.  OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of periodontal treatment on glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus and periodontitis.

SEARCH METHODS

An information specialist searched six bibliographic databases up to 7 September 2021 and additional search methods were used to identify published, unpublished, and ongoing studies.  SELECTION CRITERIA: We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus and a diagnosis of periodontitis that compared subgingival instrumentation (sometimes with surgical treatment or adjunctive antimicrobial therapy or both) to no active intervention or 'usual care' (oral hygiene instruction, education or support interventions, and/or supragingival scaling (also known as PMPR, professional mechanical plaque removal)). To be included, the RCTs had to have lasted at least 3 months and have measured HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently examined the titles and abstracts retrieved by the search, selected the included trials, extracted data from included trials, and assessed included trials for risk of bias. Where necessary and possible, we attempted to contact study authors. Our primary outcome was blood glucose levels measured as glycated (glycosylated) haemoglobin assay (HbA1c), which can be reported as a percentage of total haemoglobin or as millimoles per mole (mmol/mol). Our secondary outcomes included adverse effects, periodontal indices (bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, gingival index, plaque index, and probing pocket depth), quality of life, cost implications, and diabetic complications.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 35 studies, which randomised 3249 participants to periodontal treatment or control. All studies used a parallel-RCT design and followed up participants for between 3 and 12 months. The studies focused on people with type 2 diabetes, other than one study that included participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Most studies were mixed in terms of whether metabolic control of participants at baseline was good, fair, or poor. Most studies were carried out in secondary care.  We assessed two studies as being at low risk of bias, 14 studies at high risk of bias, and the risk of bias in 19 studies was unclear. We undertook a sensitivity analysis for our primary outcome based on studies at low risk of bias and this supported the main findings. Moderate-certainty evidence from 30 studies (2443 analysed participants) showed an absolute reduction in HbA1c of 0.43% (4.7 mmol/mol) 3 to 4 months after treatment of periodontitis (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.59% to -0.28%; -6.4 mmol/mol to -3.0 mmol/mol). Similarly, after 6 months, we found an absolute reduction in HbA1c of 0.30% (3.3 mmol/mol) (95% CI -0.52% to -0.08%; -5.7 mmol/mol to -0.9 mmol/mol; 12 studies, 1457 participants), and after 12 months, an absolute reduction of 0.50% (5.4 mmol/mol) (95% CI -0.55% to -0.45%; -6.0 mmol/mol to -4.9 mmol/mol; 1 study, 264 participants). Studies that measured adverse effects generally reported that no or only mild harms occurred, and any serious adverse events were similar in intervention and control arms. However, adverse effects of periodontal treatments were not evaluated in most studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our 2022 update of this review has doubled the number of included studies and participants, which has led to a change in our conclusions about the primary outcome of glycaemic control and in our level of certainty in this conclusion. We now have moderate-certainty evidence that periodontal treatment using subgingival instrumentation improves glycaemic control in people with both periodontitis and diabetes by a clinically significant amount when compared to no treatment or usual care. Further trials evaluating periodontal treatment versus no treatment/usual care are unlikely to change the overall conclusion reached in this review.

Effect of Digital Lifestyle Management on Metabolic Control and Quality of Life in Patients with Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The lack of effective, scalable solutions for lifestyle treatment is a global clinical problem, causing severe morbidity and mortality. Digital tools could enable broad utility, but long-term metabolic outcomes and the influence on quality of life are unclear.

METHODS

We developed a new method for lifestyle treatment that promotes self-reflection and iterative behavioural change, provided as a digital tool, and evaluated its effect on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes with HbA1c below 52 mmol/mol (n = 297). As a secondary analysis, its effect on quality of life (using SF-12) was examined in both participants with and without diabetes (total n = 1914). The tool was evaluated during a 12-week randomization period to assess the existence of effect, with a subsequent open-label follow-up to study long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Participants were randomized to wait or access the intervention tool. The mean difference in HbA1c was 2 mmol/mol (95% CI - 4 to 0; P = 0.02) after 12 weeks in participants with type 2 diabetes. The groups were then merged to enable all participants to use the tool. The mean HbA1c reduction from baseline in patients with type 2 diabetes using the tool was 2 mmol/mol compared with matched controls (95% CI - 3 to 0; P = 0.005). In users with HbA1c above 45 mmol/mol, the mean difference between the groups was 4 mmol/mol (95% CI - 7 to - 2). The improvements were sustained during the follow-up of 1 year on average. Users of the tool also had improved quality of life from baseline to 6 months, mainly observed in non-diabetic participants.

CONCLUSION

The tool does not require in-person reinforcement or increased healthcare resources, and the marginal cost is fundamentally lower than pharmacological treatment and most existing lifestyle interventions. The results therefore open a new means for self-managed lifestyle treatment with long-term metabolic efficacy that can benefit large numbers of people.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04624321 and NCT05006508.

Frederick Banting's observations leading to the potential for islet neogenesis without transplantation

On 31 October 1920, Sir Frederick Banting, while preparing for a medical student lecture on diabetes, a topic that he knew little about, learned how pancreatic stones resulted in the formation of new islets of Langerhans. He then scribbled down a potential research study of tying off the ducts of the pancreas and collecting the secretions to improve diabetes. These secretions became known as insulin. A century later, 60 different oral medications and 20 different insulins are available for the treatment of diabetes, yet none stimulate new islet formation. One hundred years later, after the discovery of insulin, more than a dozen research teams from around the world have demonstrated that similar studies to Banting's pancreatic ligation studies have resulted in upregulation of the REG gene. There are now more than 200 publications on the role of Reg gene proteins and shorter Reg peptides in initiating new islet formation islet from exocrine pancreatic ducts and protecting against inflammation to islets resulting in islet death. Human data through Phase 2b in both type 1 and 2 diabetes patients with diabetes for an average of 20 years have demonstrated that the use of a shorter bioactive Reg peptide can generate new endogenous insulin production, resulting in significant reductions in hemoglobin A1C and increases in stimulated C-peptide. The observations of Frederick Banting, one century ago, may now lead to the generation of therapeutics that form new islets without the need for transplantation.

A step towards optimal efficiency of HbA1c measurement as a first-line laboratory test: the TOP-HOLE (Towards OPtimal glycoHemOgLobin tEsting) project

OBJECTIVES

The TOP-HOLE (Towards OPtimal glycoHemOgLobin tEsting) project aimed to validate the HbA_1c enzymatic method on the Abbott Alinity c platform and to implement the HbA_1c testing process on the total laboratory automation (TLA) system of our institution.

METHODS

Three different measuring systems were employed: Architect c4000 stand-alone (s-a), Alinity c s-a, and Alinity c TLA. Eight frozen whole blood samples, IFCC value-assigned, were used for checking trueness. A comparison study testing transferability of HbA_1c results from Architect to Alinity was also performed. The alignment of Alinity TLA vs. s-a was verified and the measurement uncertainty (MU) estimated according to ISO 20914:2019. Turnaround time (TAT) and full time equivalent (FTE) were used as efficiency indicators.

RESULTS

For HbA_1c concentrations covering cut-offs adopted in clinical setting, the bias for both Architect and Alinity s-a was negligible. When compared with Architect, Alinity showed a mean positive bias of 0.54 mmol/mol, corresponding to a mean difference of 0.87%. A perfect alignment of Alinity TLA to the Alinity s-a was shown, and a MU of 1.58% was obtained, widely fulfilling the desirable 3.0% goal. After the full automation of HbA_1c testing, 90% of results were released with a maximum TAT of 1 h, 0.30 FTE resource was also saved.

CONCLUSIONS

The traceability of Alinity HbA_1c enzymatic assay to the IFCC reference system was correctly implemented. We successfully completed the integration of the HbA_1c testing on our TLA system, without worsening the optimal analytical performance. The shift of HbA_1c testing from s-a mode to TLA significantly decreased TAT.

Predictive Risk Models to Identify Patients at High-Risk for Severe Clinical Outcomes With Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction/Objective:

Predictive risk models identifying patients at high risk for specific outcomes may provide valuable insights to providers and payers regarding points of intervention and modifiable factors. The goal of our study was to build predictive risk models to identify patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high risk for progression to end stage kidney disease (ESKD), mortality, and hospitalization for cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), and heart failure (HF).

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing administrative claims data in patients with CKD (stage 3-4) and T2D aged 65 to 89 years enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Drug Prescription plan offered by Humana Inc. between 1/1/2012 and 12/31/2017. Patients were enrolled ≥1 year pre-index and followed for outcomes, including hospitalization for CVD, CeVD and HF, ESKD, and mortality, 2 years post-index. Pre-index characteristics comprising demographic, comorbidities, laboratory values, and treatment (T2D and cardiovascular) were evaluated and included in the models. LASSO technique was used to identify predictors to be retained in the final models followed by logistic regression to generate parameter estimates and model performance statistics. Inverse probability censoring weighting was used to account for varying follow-up time.

Results:

We identified 169 876 patients for inclusion. Declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased the risk of hospitalization for CVD (38.6%-61.8%) and HF (2-3 times) for patients with eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m² compared to patients with eGFR 50 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m². Patients with urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥300 mg/g had greater chance for hospitalization for CVD (2.0 times) and HF (4.9 times), progression to ESKD (2.9 times) and all-cause mortality (2.4 times) than patients with UACR <30 mg/g. Elevated hemoglobin A1c (≥8%) increased the chances for hospitalization for CVD (21.3%), CeVD (45.4%), and death (20.6%). Among comorbidities, history of HF increased the risk for ESKD, mortality, and hospitalization for CVD, CeVD, and HF.

Conclusions:

The predictive models developed in this study could potentially be used as decision support tools for physicians and payers, and the risk scores from these models can be applied to future outcomes studies focused on patients with T2D and CKD.

Association between periodontitis and glycated hemoglobin levels in individuals living in rural Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of prediabetes in individuals with moderate or severe periodontitis and to verify the association between periodontitis and glycated hemoglobin levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted including individuals age 18-93 years from a representative sample residing in rural Southern Brazil. Data collection included full mouth periodontal clinical examinations, laboratory screens, and structured questionnaires. Glycemic levels were based on glycated hemoglobin. Periodontitis case definition was based on criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Periodontology. A logistic regression model adjusted for body mass index was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The association between periodontal parameters and changes in glycated hemoglobin levels was evaluated using linear regression models.

RESULTS

A higher prevalence of prediabetes was observed among individuals with moderate (39.6%) and severe periodontitis (49.7%) than in individuals with mild (23.8%) or no periodontitis (27.8%). Adjusting for body mass index, individuals with severe periodontitis exhibited a 2.5 greater chance of being prediabetic (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.3-4.9) that was significantly associated with an increase of 0.10% in HbA1c.

CONCLUSION

Severe periodontitis was associated with elevated blood glucose levels. Individuals with this condition having a higher percentage HbA1c are more likely to be prediabetic.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study highlights the importance of the clinicians' awareness of the association between severe periodontitis and prediabetes allowing its early detection in the dental office.

Association of glycated hemoglobin A1c levels with cardiovascular outcomes in the general population: results from the BiomarCaRE (Biomarker for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Europe) consortium

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers may contribute to improved cardiovascular risk estimation. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is used to monitor the quality of diabetes treatment. Its strength of association with cardiovascular outcomes in the general population remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the association of HbA1c with cardiovascular outcomes in the general population.

METHODS

Data from six prospective population-based cohort studies across Europe comprising 36,180 participants were analyzed. HbA1c was evaluated in conjunction with classical cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) for association with cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, and overall mortality in subjects without diabetes (N = 32,496) and with diabetes (N = 3684).

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier curves showed higher event rates with increasing HbA1c levels (log-rank-test: p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed significant associations between HbA1c (in mmol/mol) in the total study population and the examined outcomes. Thus, a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.31, p = 0.02) for cardiovascular mortality, 1.13 (95% CI 1.03-1.24, p = 0.01) for CVD incidence, and 1.09 (95% CI 1.02-1.17, p = 0.01) for overall mortality was observed per 10 mmol/mol increase in HbA1c. The association with CVD incidence and overall mortality was also observed in study participants without diabetes with increased HbA1c levels (HR 1.12; 95% CI 1.01-1.25, p = 0.04) and HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01-1.20, p = 0.02) respectively. HbA1c cut-off values of 39.9 mmol/mol (5.8%), 36.6 mmol/mol (5.5%), and 38.8 mmol/mol (5.7%) for cardiovascular mortality, CVD incidence, and overall mortality, showed also an increased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c is independently associated with cardiovascular mortality, overall mortality and cardiovascular disease in the general European population. A mostly monotonically increasing relationship was observed between HbA1c levels and outcomes. Elevated HbA1c levels were associated with cardiovascular disease incidence and overall mortality in participants without diabetes underlining the importance of HbA1c levels in the overall population.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Diabetes Care in Muscat Governorate: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Primary Care

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has led to health service modification and temporary disruption of the routine care provided to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in primary care. This was done to minimize outpatient visits, permit physical distancing, and ensure patients’ and healthcare providers safety. There is no evidence that explored or measured the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes services and patients’ glycemic outcome in Oman.

Aim and Objectives

To explore the accessibility of DM services in primary care after COVID-19 pandemic announcement, and measure patients’ glycemic outcome.

Methods

Before and after, retrospective cohort study using Al-Shifa healthcare database in primary care. One thousand adult patients with diabetes who attended DM clinic before pandemic announcement in 2019 were randomly selected and followed up until end of 2020. Patients aged ≥18 years and had at least 2 visits in 2019 were included. Access to DM services was identified by number of patients received care, frequency of consultations, mode of consultation, and type of intervention given to patients. Patients’ glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and other glycemic parameters after pandemic announcement in 2020 were determined and compared with the same parameters before pandemic in 2019. Association between patients’ HbA1c and mode of consultation was measured using multivariable regression analysis.

Results

A total of 937 patients continued to follow and received DM care after pandemic announcement. Median number of consultations was 2 with interquartile range (IQR): 3-2. 57.4% had face-to-face alone, 32.4% had combined face to face and telephone consultation, and 10% had telephone consultation alone. Mean difference in HbA1c (%) before and after pandemic announcement was 0.2 ± 1.4 (95% CI: 0.1 to 0.3), P = .002. With multivariable linear regression, the mean difference in HbA1c was −0.3 (−2.3 to 1.5), P = .734 for telephone consultation alone, −0.5 (−2.4 to 1.4), P = .613 for face-to-face alone, and −0.5 (−2.4 to 1.3), P = .636 for combined consultations, compared to those who did not receive any formal consultation.

Conclusion

Despite service modification and disruption of comprehensive care in primary care after COVID-19 pandemic announcement, DM services were accessible as majority of patients maintained follow up. There was an overall increase in mean glycated hemoglobin, however, it was a less than 1 unit increase. After adjusting for multivariable, glycated hemoglobin was reduced among those who received consultation including telephone consultation compared to those who did not, however evidence was unconvincing.

Unrestrained eating behavior and risk of mortality: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Unrestrained eating behavior has been thought to be a proxy for diet frequency, timing, and caloric intake. We investigated the association of unrestrained eating with mortality risk in the Nurses' Health Study prospectively.

METHODS

During follow-up (1994-2016), 21,953 deaths were documented among 63,999 eligible participants in analyses of eating anything at any time, 22,120 deaths were documented among 65,839 participants in analyses of no concern with figure change. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Eating anything at any time was associated with an increased mortality from cancer (overall HR, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.00-1.13; driven by gastrointestinal tract cancer: 1.30, 1.10-1.54) and respiratory disease (1.16, 1.05-1.29), and decreased cardiovascular disease-specific mortality (0.92, 0.86-0.99), compared to those without this behavior; however, no association was observed between this behavior and all-cause mortality (1.02, 0.99-1.05). Women who reported having no concern with figure change experienced higher risk of mortality from all-cause (1.08, 1.05-1.11), cancer (1.08, 1.02-1.14), and respiratory disease (1.18, 1.08-1.30), compared to those not reporting this behavior. Their combined effect was associated with a higher all-cause (1.09, 1.04-1.14), cancer-specific (overall: 1.18, 1.09-1.28; gastrointestinal tract cancer: 1.36, 1.08-1.71; lung cancer: 1.09; 1.04-1.14), and respiratory disease-specific (1.30, 1.13-1.50) mortality, and was inversely associated with cardiovascular disease-specific mortality (0.88, 0.80-0.98), compared to those exhibiting the opposite.

CONCLUSIONS

Unrestrained eating was associated with increased risk of all-cause, cancer-specific (particularly for gastrointestinal tract cancer and lung cancer), and respiratory disease-specific mortality, and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease-specific mortality.

Felix dies natalis, insulin… ceterum autem censeo "beta is better"

One hundred years after its discovery, insulin remains the life-saving therapy for many patients with diabetes. It has been a 100-years-old success story thanks to the fact that insulin therapy has continuously integrated the knowledge developed over a century. In 1982, insulin becomes the first therapeutic protein to be produced using recombinant DNA technology. The first "mini" insulin pump and the first insulin pen become available in 1983 and 1985, respectively. In 1996, the first generation of insulin analogues were produced. In 1999, the first continuous glucose-monitoring device for reading interstitial glucose was approved by the FDA. In 2010s, the ultra-long action insulins were introduced. An equally exciting story developed in parallel. In 1966. Kelly et al. performed the first clinical pancreas transplant at the University of Minnesota, and now it is a well-established clinical option. First successful islet transplantations in humans were obtained in the late 1980s and 1990s. Their ability to consistently re-establish the endogenous insulin secretion was obtained in 2000s. More recently, the possibility to generate large numbers of functional human β cells from pluripotent stem cells was demonstrated, and the first clinical trial using stem cell-derived insulin producing cell was started in 2014. This year, the discovery of this life-saving hormone turns 100 years. This provides a unique opportunity not only to celebrate this extraordinary success story, but also to reflect on the limits of insulin therapy and renew the commitment of the scientific community to an insulin free world for our patients.

Hemoglobin A1c-Using Epidemiology to Guide Medical Practice: Kelly West Award Lecture 2020

The discovery that HbA1c was a valid and reliable measure of average glucose exposure was one of the most important advances in diabetes care. HbA1c was rapidly adopted for monitoring glucose control and is now recommended for the diagnosis of diabetes. HbA1c has several advantages over glucose. Glucose assessment requires fasting, has poor preanalytic stability, and is not standardized; concentrations are acutely altered by a number of factors; and measurement can vary depending on sample type (e.g., plasma or whole blood) and source (e.g., capillary, venous, interstitial). HbA1c does not require fasting, reflects chronic exposure to glucose over the past 2-3 months, and has low within-person variability, and assays are well standardized. One reason HbA1c is widely accepted as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker is that epidemiologic studies have demonstrated robust links between HbA1c and complications, with stronger associations than those observed for usual measures of glucose. Clinical trials have also demonstrated that lowering HbA1c slows or prevents the development of microvascular disease. As with all laboratory tests, there are some clinical situations in which HbA1c is unreliable (e.g., certain hemoglobin variants, alterations in red blood cell turnover). Recent studies demonstrate that fructosamine and glycated albumin may be substituted as measures of hyperglycemia in these settings. Other approaches to monitoring glucose have recently been introduced, including continuous glucose monitoring, although this technology relies on interstitial glucose and epidemiologic evidence supporting its routine use has not yet been established for most clinical settings. In summary, a large body of epidemiologic evidence has convincingly established HbA1c as a cornerstone of modern diabetes care.

Methylglyoxal-derived hemoglobin advanced glycation end products induce apoptosis and oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

The presence of excess glucose promotes hemoglobin glycation via the biochemical modification of hemoglobin by dicarbonyl products. However, the precise effects of Hb-AGEs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are not known to date. Therefore, we investigated the tentative effects of Hb-AGEs in HUVECs. Initially, we used the AGE formation assay to examine the selectivity of MGO toward various proteins. Among all proteins, MGO-Hb-AGEs formation was higher compared to the formation of other dicarbonyl-mediated AGEs. Our next data demonstrated that treatment with 0.5 mg/mL of Hb-AGEs-4w significantly reduced cell viability in HUVECs. Further, we evaluated the role of MGO in conformational and structural changes in Hb. The results showed that Hb demonstrated a highly altered conformation upon incubation with MGO. Moreover, Hb-AGEs-4w treatment strongly increased ROS production, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in HUVECs, and moderately reduced the expression of phosphorylated forms of p-38 and JNK. We observed that Hb-AGEs-4w treatment increased the number of apoptotic cells and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved the nuclear enzyme PARP in HUVECs. Finally, Hb-AGEs also inhibited migration and proliferation of HUVECs, thus be physiologically significant in endothelial dysfunction. Taken together, our data suggest that Hb-AGEs may play a critical role in inducing vascular endothelial cell damage. Therefore, this study may provide a plausible explanation for the potential Hb-AGEs in human endothelial cell dysfunction of diabetic patients.

Evaluation of salusin-α and salusin-β levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and determination of the impact of severity of hyperglycemia on salusin levels

AIMS

To investigate the usefulness of salusin-α and salusin-β as biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to determine whether diabetes severity and obesity have an effect on the salusin levels in diabetic patients.

METHODS

The study included a total of 90 patients, comprising 55 diagnosed with T2DM and 35 healthy volunteers with similar demographic characteristics. Salusins were assayed by a commercially available ELISA kit.

RESULTS

The salusin-β levels were found to be significantly higher in T2DM group compared to control group, while the salusin-α levels were lower (p < 0.05, for both). Furthermore, in patient group, Spearman analysis showed a statistically significant negative correlation between salusin-α and fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), whereas salusin-β had a statistically significant positive correlation with fasting glucose and HbA1c (p < 0.05, for both). When analyzed according to the HbA1c groups, the patients with HbA1c > 9% had significantly lower salusin-α and higher salusin-β levels levels compared to those with HbA1c < 9% (p < 0.05, for both). When examined according to body-mass-index groups, there was no significant difference in the salusin levels of the patient and control groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the serum salusin-α level was decreased whereas the salusin-β level was increased in patients with T2DM compared to healthy subjects, and this was more pronounced as T2DM-deteriorated. We also showed that obesity had no effect on salusin levels among diabetics. This study may provide a basis for the availability of salusin-targeted therapies, especially in uncontrolled T2DM.

Effectiveness of a Patient-Centre Medical Home model on diabetes and other clinically relevant outcomes among primary care patients diagnosed with type-2 diabetes in Sydney, Australia

AIM

We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of patient-centred medical home (PCMH) model in improving diabetes and clinical outcomes among primary care patients diagnosed with T2D.

METHODS

The WellNet study used cohort design with a concurrent comparison group to evaluate changes in clinical outcomes across six general practices in Sydney, Australia. The treatment group comprised of 279 patients who received PCMH care whereas the matched comparison group included 3671 patients who received standard care. t-tests with analysis of covariance were conducted to evaluate significant mean differences and multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of glycaemic control at follow-up.

RESULTS

WellNet patients observed slightly larger within-group mean differences compared to comparison group patients (-0.2% vs -0.04%). Additionally, WellNet patients saw a larger increase in the percentage of patients achieving glycaemic control (7.9% vs 2.3%). A statistically significant mean difference was seen in waist circumference after adjusting for covariates (-2.41 cm, 95% CI -4.72 to -0.11; p < 0.05). Findings of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that withdrawn patients and elevated HbA1c measures at baseline were associated with poor glycaemic control at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The study findings may be beneficial to patients in terms of improved clinical outcomes and self-management support.

Run for your life: can exercise be used to effectively target GLUT4 in diabetic cardiac disease?

The global incidence, associated mortality rates and economic burden of diabetes are now such that it is considered one of the most pressing worldwide public health challenges. Considerable research is now devoted to better understanding the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of this disease, with an ultimate aim of improving the array of available preventive and therapeutic interventions. One area of particular unmet clinical need is the significantly elevated rate of cardiomyopathy in diabetic patients, which in part contributes to cardiovascular disease being the primary cause of premature death in this population. This review will first consider the role of metabolism and more specifically the insulin sensitive glucose transporter GLUT4 in diabetic cardiac disease, before addressing how we may use exercise to intervene in order to beneficially impact key functional clinical outcomes.

An Artificial-Intelligence-Discovered Functional Ingredient, NRT_N0G5IJ, Derived from Pisum sativum, Decreases HbA1c in a Prediabetic Population

The prevalence of prediabetes is rapidly increasing, and this can lead to an increased risk for individuals to develop type 2 diabetes and associated diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to develop nutritional strategies to maintain healthy glucose levels and prevent glucose metabolism dysregulation in the general population. Functional ingredients offer great potential for the prevention of various health conditions, including blood glucose regulation, in a cost-effective manner. Using an artificial intelligence (AI) approach, a functional ingredient, NRT_N0G5IJ, was predicted and produced from Pisum sativum (pea) protein by hydrolysis and then validated. Treatment of human skeletal muscle cells with NRT_N0G5IJ significantly increased glucose uptake, indicating efficacy of this ingredient in vitro. When db/db diabetic mice were treated with NRT_N0G5IJ, we observed a significant reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and a concomitant benefit on fasting glucose. A pilot double-blinded, placebo controlled human trial in a population of healthy individuals with elevated HbA1c (5.6% to 6.4%) showed that HbA1c percentage was significantly reduced when NRT_N0G5IJ was supplemented in the diet over a 12-week period. Here, we provide evidence of an AI approach to discovery and demonstrate that a functional ingredient identified using this technology could be used as a supplement to maintain healthy glucose regulation.

Study on the Effects of Melatonin on Glycemic Control and Periodontal Parameters in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontal Disease

Background and Objectives: There is evidence that melatonin could improve the periodontal status and also glycemic control of patients with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of scaling and root planing plus adjunctive systemic treatment with melatonin on periodontal parameters and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 54 subjects with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus randomly assigned to the study group (n = 27, subjects with scaling and root planing + melatonin) or control group (n = 27, subjects with scaling and root planing + placebo). Periodontal parameters (probing depth-PD; clinical attachment loss-CAL; bleeding on probing-BOP; and hygiene level) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks after. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups, but at the second evaluation 8 weeks later the association of melatonin with the non-surgical periodontal therapy exerted statistically significant improvements, both in periodontal parameters, with a significant decrease in periodontal disease severity, and glycated hemoglobin when compared to the control subjects. Conclusions: In our study, combined non-surgical periodontal treatment and systemic treatment with melatonin provided additional improvements to severe periodontal condition and the glycemic control of patients with diabetes type 2 when compared to non-surgical periodontal treatment alone.

The Current and Potential Therapeutic Use of Metformin-The Good Old Drug

Metformin, one of the oldest oral antidiabetic agents and still recommended by almost all current guidelines as the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has become the medication with steadily increasing potential therapeutic indications. A broad spectrum of experimental and clinical studies showed that metformin has a pleiotropic activity and favorable effect in different pathological conditions, including prediabetes, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Moreover, there are numerous studies, meta-analyses and population studies indicating that metformin is safe and well tolerated and may be associated with cardioprotective and nephroprotective effect. Recently, it has also been reported in some studies, but not all, that metformin, besides improvement of glucose homeostasis, may possibly reduce the risk of cancer development, inhibit the incidence of neurodegenerative disease and prolong the lifespan. This paper presents some arguments supporting the initiation of metformin in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, especially those without cardiovascular risk factors or without established cardiovascular disease or advanced kidney insufficiency at the time of new guidelines favoring new drugs with pleotropic effects complimentary to glucose control. Moreover, it focuses on the potential beneficial effects of metformin in patients with T2DM and coexisting chronic diseases.