Efficacy and safety of exenatide administered before the two largest daily meals of Latin American patients with type 2 diabetes

Treatment Strategy for Type 2 Diabetes with Obesity: Focus on Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists

PURPOSE

The progressive nature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) calls for step-wise intensification of therapy for maintaining normal glycemic levels and lowering cardiovascular (CV) risk. Because obesity is a prominent risk factor and comorbidity of T2DM, it further elevates the CV risk in T2DM. Therefore, it is vital to manage weight, obesity, and glycemic parameters for effective T2DM management. Few oral antidiabetic drugs (sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones) and insulin are not suitable for obese patients with T2DM because these drugs cause weight gain. The present review discusses the place of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in the treatment of obese patients with T2DM and the significance of these drugs in the prevention of future CV risk in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed and EMBASE was conducted by using the search terms T2DM, GLP-1RAs, obesity, and cardiovascular complication. Randomized controlled trials measuring the effect of GLP-1RAs versus that of placebo on CV outcomes were included in the review.

FINDINGS

GLP-1RAs have emerged as a therapeutic alternative; these drugs exert their actions by providing glycemic control, improving insulin resistance and ö̇-cell function, and reducing weight. The risk of hypoglycemia with GLP-1RAs is minimal; however, GLP-1RAs are associated with gastrointestinal adverse events and raise concerns regarding pancreatitis. Combining GLP-1RAs with insulin analogues results in higher efficacy, a lowered insulin dose, and reduced insulin-related hypoglycemia and weight gain. Longer acting GLP-1RAs are also associated with improvement in medication adherence. Improvement in CV risk factors such as blood pressure and lipid profile further increases their usability for improving CV outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS

Overall, the properties of GLP-1RAs make them suitable for combination with oral antidiabetic drugs in the early stages of T2DM and with insulins in the later stages for optimizing comprehensive management of the disease.

The effects of exenatide twice daily compared to insulin lispro added to basal insulin in Latin American patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective analysis of the 4B trial

AIMS

Socioeconomic changes in Latin American countries have led to an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We examined the effects of exenatide twice daily (BID) or insulin lispro, each added to insulin glargine, in Latin American patients with T2D.

METHODS

This was a subgroup analysis of patients from Argentina and Mexico in the 4B study (N=114). Patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.0-10.0% (53-86mmol/mol) after 12weeks of intensive basal insulin optimization were randomized to exenatide BID or thrice-daily insulin lispro added to insulin glargine and metformin.

RESULTS

After 30weeks, addition of exenatide BID or insulin lispro resulted in significant (P<0.0001) reductions in HbA1c (exenatide BID: -0.9% [-10mmol/mol]; insulin lispro: -1.2% [-13mmol/mol]). Weight was stable in the exenatide BID group (-0.1kg) and increased significantly (+3.4kg; P<0.0001) with insulin lispro. Major and minor hypoglycemia occurred less frequently (40 vs. 253 events) with exenatide BID compared with insulin lispro. Gastrointestinal adverse events of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting occurred more frequently with exenatide BID than with insulin lispro.

CONCLUSIONS

Both exenatide BID and prandial insulin lispro, each added to basal insulin glargine, were effective at reducing HbA1c in Latin American patients. Treatment with exenatide BID resulted in stable weight but more gastrointestinal adverse events. Treatment with insulin lispro resulted in weight gain and an increased risk of hypoglycemia. These findings support the addition of exenatide BID to insulin glargine as an option for Latin American patients unable to achieve glycemic control on basal insulin alone.

The value of short- and long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: experience with exenatide

BACKGROUND

Only about half of patients with type 2 diabetes treated with antihyperglycemic drugs achieve glycemic control (HbA1c <7%), most commonly due to poor treatment adherence. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists act on multiple targets involved in glucose homeostasis and have a low risk of causing hypoglycemia. While GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists share the same mechanism of action, clinical profiles of individual agents differ, particularly between short- and long-acting agents. In this article, recent findings regarding the pharmacology of GLP-1 agonists are reviewed, and the clinical effects of short- versus long-acting agents are compared.

DATA SOURCES

Relevant articles were identified through a search of PubMed using the keywords glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, GLP-1R agonist, and exenatide for publications up to 22 May 2015. Supporting data were obtained from additional searches for albiglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide and lixisenatide as well as from the bibliographies of key articles.

FINDINGS

Short-acting GLP-1R agonists produce greater reductions in postprandial glucose levels by slowing gastric emptying, whereas long-acting GLP-1R agonists produce greater reductions in fasting blood glucose by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas. These characteristics can be exploited to provide individualized treatment to patients. A large body of evidence supports the benefits of short- and long-acting exenatide as add-on therapy in patients with inadequate glycemic control despite maximum tolerated doses of metformin and/or sulfonylurea. Exenatide is generally well tolerated and no new safety concerns were identified during long-term follow-up of up to 5 years. A limitation of this review of short-and long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists is that it focuses on exenatide rather than all the drugs in this class. However, the focus on a single molecule helps to avoid any confusion that may be introduced as a result of differences in molecular structure and size.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-acting GLP-1R agonists including exenatide are well suited to patients with type 2 diabetes with exaggerated postprandial glucose excursions and for co-administration with basal insulin therapy. Long-acting GLP-1R agonists including once weekly exenatide offer greater convenience and are well suited to patients who require specific control of fasting hyperglycemia.

Exenatide twice daily: a review of its use in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Exenatide, administered subcutaneously twice daily (Byetta(®)), is a synthetic version of the natural peptide exendin-4, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (incretin mimetic). Exenatide binds to the GLP-1 receptor with the same affinity as GLP-1, but has a much longer half-life, since it is not degraded by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4. Exenatide twice daily enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying and reduces caloric intake. In well-designed clinical trials, adjunctive subcutaneous exenatide 5 or 10 μg twice daily for 16-52 weeks significantly and dose-dependently improved glycaemic control and reduced mean body weight compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) and/or basal insulin. The improvements in glycaemic control and reductions in body weight were stably maintained during long-term therapy (up to 3.5 years). The efficacy of adjunctive exenatide twice daily was generally similar to that of basal, prandial or biphasic insulin, sulfonylureas, rosiglitazone and lixisenatide, and less than that of liraglutide, taspoglutide or exenatide once weekly with respect to reductions in glycated haemoglobin. Exenatide twice daily was generally well tolerated; mild to moderate nausea and vomiting, which decreased with time on therapy, were the most common adverse events. In patients not receiving concomitant sulfonylureas or insulin, the incidence of hypoglycaemia was low; when it did occur, it was generally mild in severity. Thus, adjunctive exenatide twice daily is a valuable option in the treatment of type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with OADs and/or basal insulin.

Racial/ethnic disparities in prevalence and care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

As of 2012, nearly 10% of Americans had diabetes mellitus. People with diabetes are at approximately double the risk of premature death compared with those in the same age groups without the condition. While the prevalence of diabetes has risen across all racial/ethnic groups over the past 30 years, rates are higher in minority populations. The objective of this review article is to evaluate the prevalence of diabetes and disease-related comorbidities as well as the primary endpoints of clinical studies assessing glucose-lowering treatments in African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.

METHODS

As part of our examination of this topic, we reviewed epidemiologic and outcome publications. Additionally, we performed a comprehensive literature search of clinical trials that evaluated glucose-lowering drugs in racial minority populations. For race/ethnicity, we used the terms African American, African, Hispanic, and Asian. We searched PubMed for clinical trial results from 1996 to 2015 using these terms by drug class and specific drug. Search results were filtered qualitatively.

RESULTS

Overall, the majority of publications that fit our search criteria pertained to native Asian patient populations (i.e., Asian patients in Asian countries). Sulfonylureas; the α-glucosidase inhibitor, miglitol; the biguanide, metformin; and the thiazolidinedione, rosiglitazone have been evaluated in African American and Hispanic populations, as well as in Asians. The literature on other glucose-lowering drugs in non-white races/ethnicities is more limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical data are needed for guiding diabetes treatment among racial minority populations. A multi-faceted approach, including vigilant screening in at-risk populations, aggressive treatment, and culturally sensitive patient education, could help reduce the burden of diabetes on minority populations. To ensure optimal outcomes, educational programs that integrate culturally relevant approaches should highlight the importance of risk-factor control in minority patients.

Evolution of exenatide as a diabetes therapeutic

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a disease of epidemic proportion associated with significant morbidity and excess mortality. Optimal glucose control reduces the risk of microvascular and possibly macrovascular complications due to diabetes. However, glycemic control is rarely optimal and several therapeutic interventions for the treatment of diabetes cause hypoglycemia and weight gain; some may exacerbate cardiovascular risk. Exenatide (synthetic exendin-4) is a glucagon- like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist developed as a first-in-class diabetes therapy. This review presents an overview of the evolution of exenatide as a T2DM treatment, beginning with the seminal preclinical discoveries and continuing through to clinical pharmacology investigations and phase 3 clinical trials. In patients with T2DM, exenatide enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressed inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion, slowed gastric emptying, and enhanced satiety. In controlled phase 3 clinical trials ranging from 12 to 52 weeks, 10-mcg exenatide twice daily (ExBID) reduced mean HbA1c by -0.8% to -1.7% as monotherapy or in combination with metformin (MET), sulfonylureas (SFU), and/or thiazolidinediones (TZD); with mean weight losses of -1.2 kg to -8.0 kg. In controlled phase 3 trials ranging from 24 to 30 weeks, a 2-mg once-weekly exenatide formulation (ExQW) reduced mean HbA1c by -1.3% to -1.9%, with mean weight reductions of -2.3 to -3.7 kg. Exenatide was generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal in nature, mild, and transient. Nausea was the most prevalent adverse event. The incidence of hypoglycemia was generally low. By building upon early observations exenatide was successfully developed into an effective diabetes therapy.

Exenatide twice daily: analysis of effectiveness and safety data stratified by age, sex, race, duration of diabetes, and body mass index

BACKGROUND

Exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is used twice daily (BID) as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for the improvement of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this pooled analysis was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of exenatide BID in patients stratified by various demographic characteristics.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis included data from 16 randomized controlled trials in which patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with 10-μg exenatide BID. Each patient was classified into subgroups on the basis of his or her baseline values for age (< 65 or ≥ 65 years), sex (male or female), race (white, black, Asian, or Hispanic), duration of diabetes (< 10 years or ≥ 10 years), and body mass index (BMI; ≥ 20 to < 25, ≥ 25 to < 30, ≥ 30 to < 35, or ≥ 35 kg/m(2)).

RESULTS

A total of 2067 patients were included. All groups experienced significant improvements in glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose levels (other than black patients, who had a relatively low baseline fasting plasma glucose level), and body weight from baseline to endpoint. Most groups had significant improvements in systolic blood pressure. All of the age, sex, and duration of diabetes groups experienced significant improvements in lipid levels (other than high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Whites and Asians generally experienced significant improvements in lipid levels, whereas blacks and Hispanics did not. Significant improvements in lipid levels were generally seen across BMI groups. The most common adverse events overall were nausea (38.6%), hypoglycemia (28.4%), and vomiting (14.0%). Hypoglycemia was more common overall in patients who were taking a concomitant sulfonylurea than it was in patients who were not.

CONCLUSION

In this pooled analysis, exenatide BID improved glycemic control and body weight, and had generally beneficial effects on blood pressure and lipid levels in patients regardless of baseline age, sex, race, duration of diabetes, or BMI. Gastrointestinal events were the most common adverse events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT00039026, NCT00039013, NCT00082381, NCT00035984, NCT00082407, NCT00381342, NCT00360334, NCT00375492, NCT00603239, NCT00765817, NCT00577824, NCT00434954].

Efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors: meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Considerable clinical data on the treatment of type 2 diabetes with incretin-based therapies (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists [GLP-1RAs] and dipeptidyl-peptidase IV [DPP-4] inhibitors) are available.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was performed to support the understanding of the overall evidence by summarizing the findings from studies of the incretin-based therapies.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and BIOSIS trial databases were searched for relevant literature published between January 1, 1990, and June 30, 2011. Search terms included GLP-1, DPP-4, the names of drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diabetes, and the names of drugs that have not been approved but are in late-stage research. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials of 12 to 52 weeks' duration and having change from baseline in hemoglobin (Hb) A(1c) as the primary end point. The random effects meta-analyses models examined HbA(1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and body weight for individual therapies, but did not compare effects between therapies.

RESULTS

The reviewers identified 362 unique clinical studies, of which 80 were eligible for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. Mean baseline HbA(1c) values ranged from 7.4% to 10.3% (GLP-1RA studies) and 7.2% to 9.3% (DPP-4 inhibitor studies). The highest maintenance doses of the GLP-1RAs and the DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with changes from baseline in mean HbA(1c) of -1.1% to -1.6% and -0.6% to -1.1%, respectively. Mean reductions in FPG with exenatide once weekly (QW) or liraglutide once daily were apparently greater than those with exenatide twice daily (BID) and the DPP-4 inhibitors, with the exception of vildagliptin. Mean weight losses with the GLP-1RAs and the DPP-4 inhibitors were >-2.0 and -0.2 to -0.6 kg, respectively. The limitations of the present analysis included a lack of adjustment for placebo use and interstudy heterogeneity associated with differences in methodology (eg, management of concurrent medications, blinding, criteria for treatment discontinuation).

CONCLUSIONS

All of the incretin-based therapies in the present meta-analysis were associated with significant reductions from baseline in HbA(1c) and FPG. Further direct comparative studies between the GLP-1RAs and the DPP-4 inhibitors and within the GLP-1RA class are justified.

The effects of exenatide bid on metabolic control, medication use and hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in clinical practice: a systematic review

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the published literature on the effectiveness of exenatide twice daily (exenatide) in clinical practice, specifically its effects on haemoglobin A1c (A1C), fasting glucose (FG), weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), medication use, hospitalization and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. A systematic literature search using the MEDLINE database of English language literature published between January 2005 and May 2011 was performed. The review included retrospective or prospective observational studies that included 100 or more patients per treatment group. A total of 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. The studies revealed significant reductions of -0.4 to -0.9% in A1C, -10 mg/dl in FG, -2 to -11 kg in body weight and -2 to -11 mmHg in SBP. Statistically significant reductions in the use or dosage of either oral glucose-lowering medications or insulin after initiating exenatide treatment were found in every observational study that assessed medication changes, including reductions in dosage of up to 75% in sulphonylureas dosages, 22% in metformin, 66% in thiazolidinediones (TZD) or TZD combination therapy and 75% in prandial insulin. Exenatide-treated patients experienced significantly lower rates of all-cause and CVD-related hospitalization and CVD events than patients treated with other therapies overall. In this review of observational studies, exenatide initiation was associated with significant reductions in clinically relevant outcomes. Improvements in A1C, FG, weight and SBP in the observational studies in this review were consistent with improvements observed in controlled clinical trials.

Improving treatment in Hispanic/Latino patients

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is higher in Hispanic/Latino individuals living in the United States compared with their non-Hispanic white counterparts. Many factors contribute to the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes, including biological characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, and cultural aspects. The contribution of genetics to the risk of type 2 diabetes in Hispanic/Latino patients is becoming increasingly clear, but this inherent risk factor cannot be modified. However, certain socioeconomic and cultural factors, such as reduced access to healthcare, language barriers, cultural beliefs, and lack of cultural competence by the healthcare provider, are modifiable and should be overcome in order to improve the management of type 2 diabetes in Hispanic/Latino patients. At the healthcare system level, policies should be put into place to reduce disparities between Hispanics/Latinos and non-Hispanic whites regarding health insurance coverage and access to healthcare. At the healthcare provider and patient level, cultural beliefs should be taken into consideration when selecting adequate treatment. Overall, type 2 diabetes management should be individualized by identifying the preferred language and level of acculturation for each patient. These considerations are necessary to further improve communication through culturally appropriate educational materials and programs. These strategies may help to overcome the barriers in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Hispanic/Latino patients.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and HBA1c target of <7% in type 2 diabetes: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We assessed the efficacy of exenatide and liraglutide to reach the HbA(1c) target of <7% in people with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted an electronic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving GLP-1 agonists through September 2010. RCTs were included if they lasted at least 12 weeks, included 30 patients or more, and reported the proportion of patients reaching the HbA(1c) target of <7%.

RESULTS

A total of 25 RCTs reporting 28 comparisons met the selection criteria, which included 9771 study participants evaluated for the primary endpoint, 5083 treated with a GLP-1 agonist and 4688 treated with placebo or a comparator drug. GLP-1 agonists showed a statistically significant reduction in HbA(1c) compared to placebo and the proportion of participants achieving the HbA(1c) goal <7% was 46% for exenatide, 47% for liraglutide, and 63% for exenatide LAR (long-acting release). Moreover, the reduction of the HbA(1c) level and the rate of HbA(1c) goal attainment were higher for both exenatide LAR and liraglutide, as compared to comparator drugs. Higher rates of hypoglycemia with exenatide b.i.d. and liraglutide compared to placebo were associated with the concomitant use of a sulfonylurea. Exenatide b.i.d. and liraglutide were associated with weight loss compared to placebo or other antidiabetic drugs. Baseline HbA(1c) was the best predictor for achievement of A1c target (overall weighted R(2) value = 0.513, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A greater proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes can achieve the HbA(1c) goal <7% with GLP-1 agonists compared to placebo or other antidiabetic drugs; in absolute terms, exenatide LAR was best for the attainment of the HbA(1c) goal.

Risk of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis with metformin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Metformin is an oral anti-hyperglycemic agent that has been shown to reduce total mortality compared to other anti-hyperglycemic agents, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin, however, is thought to increase the risk of lactic acidosis, and has been considered to be contraindicated in many chronic hypoxemic conditions that may be associated with lactic acidosis, such as cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and pulmonary disease, and advancing age.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the incidence of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis, and to evaluate blood lactate levels, for those on metformin treatment compared to placebo or non-metformin therapies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A comprehensive search was performed of electronic databases to identify studies of metformin treatment. The search was augmented by scanning references of identified articles, and by contacting principal investigators.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Prospective trials and observational cohort studies in patients with type 2 diabetes of least one month duration were included if they evaluated metformin, alone or in combination with other treatments, compared to placebo or any other glucose-lowering therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The incidence of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis was recorded as cases per patient-years, for metformin treatment and for non-metformin treatments. The upper limit for the true incidence of cases was calculated using Poisson statistics. In a second analysis lactate levels were measured as a net change from baseline or as mean treatment values (basal and stimulated by food or exercise) for treatment and comparison groups. The pooled results were recorded as a weighted mean difference (WMD) in mmol/L, using the fixed-effect model for continuous data.

MAIN RESULTS

Pooled data from 347 comparative trials and cohort studies revealed no cases of fatal or nonfatal lactic acidosis in 70,490 patient-years of metformin use or in 55,451 patients-years in the non-metformin group. Using Poisson statistics the upper limit for the true incidence of lactic acidosis per 100,000 patient-years was 4.3 cases in the metformin group and 5.4 cases in the non-metformin group. There was no difference in lactate levels, either as mean treatment levels or as a net change from baseline, for metformin compared to non-metformin therapies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence from prospective comparative trials or from observational cohort studies that metformin is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis, or with increased levels of lactate, compared to other anti-hyperglycemic treatments.

Risk of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis with metformin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Metformin is an oral anti-hyperglycemic agent that has been shown to reduce total mortality compared to other anti-hyperglycemic agents, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin, however, is thought to increase the risk of lactic acidosis, and has been considered to be contraindicated in many chronic hypoxemic conditions that may be associated with lactic acidosis, such as cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and pulmonary disease, and advancing age.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the incidence of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis, and to evaluate blood lactate levels, for those on metformin treatment compared to placebo or non-metformin therapies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A comprehensive search was performed of electronic databases to identify studies of metformin treatment. The search was augmented by scanning references of identified articles, and by contacting principal investigators.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Prospective trials and observational cohort studies in patients with type 2 diabetes of least one month duration were included if they evaluated metformin, alone or in combination with other treatments, compared to placebo or any other glucose-lowering therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The incidence of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis was recorded as cases per patient-years, for metformin treatment and for non-metformin treatments. The upper limit for the true incidence of cases was calculated using Poisson statistics. In a second analysis lactate levels were measured as a net change from baseline or as mean treatment values (basal and stimulated by food or exercise) for treatment and comparison groups. The pooled results were recorded as a weighted mean difference (WMD) in mmol/L, using the fixed-effect model for continuous data.

MAIN RESULTS

Pooled data from 347 comparative trials and cohort studies revealed no cases of fatal or nonfatal lactic acidosis in 70,490 patient-years of metformin use or in 55,451 patients-years in the non-metformin group. Using Poisson statistics the upper limit for the true incidence of lactic acidosis per 100,000 patient-years was 4.3 cases in the metformin group and 5.4 cases in the non-metformin group. There was no difference in lactate levels, either as mean treatment levels or as a net change from baseline, for metformin compared to non-metformin therapies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence from prospective comparative trials or from observational cohort studies that metformin is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis, or with increased levels of lactate, compared to other anti-hyperglycemic treatments.