Younger adult type 2 diabetic patients have poorer glycaemic control: a cross-sectional study in a primary care setting in Singapore

Effectiveness of Family-Based Diabetes Management Intervention on Glycated Haemoglobin Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) control is a crucial goal in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), requiring lifelong commitment and family support. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of family-based diabetes management intervention on HbA1c among adults with T2DM.

METHODS

From inception up to 2022, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, CORE, and the Cochrane Library. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools. Effect sizes were calculated using standard deviations (SD), while the degree of heterogeneity was evaluated using the Higgins I2 test. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore factors contributing to sources of heterogeneity among trials. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were followed, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO CRD42022384034.

RESULTS

A total of 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2815 participants indicated that family-based diabetes management intervention had a statistically significant impact on improving HbA1c (Mean Difference [MD] = -.47; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -.64 to -.30, p < .001) with a moderate level of heterogeneity (I2 = 59%). Subgroup analysis indicated that family-based diabetes management intervention among adults with T2DM in developing regions was more effective in improving HbA1c levels compared to developed countries.

CONCLUSION

Family-based diabetes management interventions improved HbA1c. Further research is required to develop diabetes management strategies with a family focus that clearly defines the family's involvement.

Determinants of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Poor glycemic control is one of the most determinant factors for type 2 diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. The proportion of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor glycemic control remains high. Yet evidence on factors contributing to poor glycemic control remains scarce. The aim of this study is to identify determinants of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at a diabetes mellitus clinic in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia Determinants of Poor Glycemic Control among Type 2 Diabetes mellitus Patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted from June to September 2020. Using convenience sampling techniques, a total of 90 cases and 90 controls with type 2 diabetes were recruited. The data were entered into Epidata version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed by Stata version 14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between independent variables and glycemic control. Both 95% CI and p-value<0.05 were used to determine the level and significance, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean age ( ± standard deviations) for the cases and controls were 57.55± 10.42 and 61.03± 8.93% respectively. The determinants of poor glycemic control were age (Adjusted odd ratio (AOR)= 0.08; 95% CI= 0.02-0.33), inadequate physical exercise (AOR = 5.05; 95% CI = 1.99-11.98), presence of comorbidities (AOR = 5.50; 95% CI = 2.06-14.66), non-adherence to anti-diabetes medications (AOR= 2.76; 95% CI= 1.19-6.40), persistent proteinuria (AOR=4.95; 95% CI=1.83-13.36) and high-density lipoprotein less than 40 mg/dl (AOR=3.08; 95% CI= 1.30-7.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Age less than 65 years, inadequate physical exercise, presence of comorbidities, non-adherence to anti-diabetes medications, persistent proteinuria, and high-density lipoprotein less than 40 mg/dl were the determinants of poor glycemic control. Therefore, targeted educational and behavioral modification programs on adequate exercise and medication adherence should be routinely practiced. Furthermore, early guideline-based screening and treatment of comorbidities and complications is required to effectively manage diabetes mellitus.

Five-year LDL-cholesterol trend and its predictors among type 2 diabetes patients in an upper-middle-income country: a retrospective open cohort study

Background

Patients with diabetes have increased risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and their LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) has to be treated to target to prevent complications. We aim to determine the LDL-C trend and its predictors among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Malaysia.

Methods

This was a retrospective open cohort study from 2013 to 2017 among T2D patients in public primary health care clinics in Negeri Sembilan state, Malaysia. Linear mixed-effects modelling was conducted to determine the LDL-C trend and its predictors. The LDL-C target for patients without CVD was <2.6 mmol/L, whereas <1.8 mmol/L was targeted for those with CVD.

Results

Among 18,312 patients, there were more females (55.9%), adults ≥60 years (49.4%), Malays (64.7%), non-smokers (93.6%), and 45.3% had diabetes for <5 years. The overall LDL-C trend reduced by 6.8% from 2.96 to 2.76 mmol/L. In 2017, 16.8% (95% CI: 13.2-21.0) of patients without CVD and 45.8% (95% CI: 44.8-46.8) of patients with CVD achieved their respective LDL-C targets. The predictors for a higher LDL-C trend were younger adults, Malay and Indian ethnicities, females, dyslipidemia, and diabetes treatment with lifestyle modification and insulin. Longer diabetes duration, obesity, hypertension, retinopathy, statin therapy, achievement of HbA1c target and achievement of BP target were independent predictors for a lower LDL-C trend.

Conclusions

The LDL-C trend has improved, but there are still gaps between actual results and clinical targets. Interventions should be planned and targeted at the high-risk populations to control their LDL-C.

Assessing related factors to fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes simultaneously by a multivariate longitudinal marginal model

The multivariate marginal model can be used to simultaneously examine the factors affecting both FBS and HbA1c using longitudinal data. The model fitted to multivariate longitudinal data should prevent redundant parameter estimation in order to have greater efficiency. In this study, a multivariate marginal model is used to simultaneously investigate the factors affecting both FBS and HbA1c with longitudinal data for patients with type 2 diabetes in Northern Iran. The present research is a retrospective cohort study. Overall, 500 medical records with complete information were reviewed. The multivariate marginal model is used to determine the factors associated with FBS and HbA1c using longitudinal data. Data have been analyzed in R-3.4.0 using ‘mmm2’ package. Given that the coefficients for the interactions of rtype with the intercept, time, family history of diabetes, history of hypertension, history of smoking, insulin therapy, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and duration of disease at first visit are significantly different from zero (P < 0.05), the effect of the independent variables on the two response variables is different and different coefficients should be used for each. Therefore, the interactions of these variables with rtype are kept in the final model. The coefficients for the interactions of rtype with sex, age at first visit, history of high cholesterol, and weight are not significantly different from zero (P > 0.05), indicating that their effect on the two response variables is similar and only one coefficient should be used for each. We examined the similarity of coefficients when fitting the longitudinal multivariate model for the relationship between FBS/HbA1c and sex, age, history of high blood cholesterol, and body weight. If an independent variable has similar effects on both responses, only one coefficient should be estimated, which will increase the efficiency of the model and the reliability of the results.

Glycaemic control of Asian patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus on tiered up-titration of metformin monotherapy: A one-year real-world retrospective longitudinal study in primary care

AIMS

To determine the glycaemic control and associated factors among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus on tiered metformin monotherapy over one-year.

METHODS

Adult Asian patients on metformin monotherapy with tiered dosage up-titration (low < 500 mg/day; medium 500-<1000 mg/day and high ≥ 1000 mg/day) are divided into four sub-cohorts based on their baseline HbA1c < 7%(C_<7); 7%-<8%(C_7-<8); 8%-<9%(C_8-<9) and ≥ 9%(C_≥9). The HbA1c absolute reduction, time to reach glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7%), and time from glycaemic control to failure (HbA1c ≥ 7%) after the dosage up-titration were the outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 5503 eligible patients (mean age = 64.9 years, 45.6% males and 74.6% Chinese), the HbA1c absolute reduction after the up-titration at three months are 0%, 0.4%-0.6%, 0.8%-1.2% and 2.0%-2.1% for C_<7, C_7-<8, C_8-<9 and C_≥9 respectively. The median time (months) to attain glycaemic control for low, medium and high dosage up-titration were 4, 3, 3(C_7-<8); 12, 7, 4(C_8-<9); NA, 7, 7(C_≥9). Within twelve months after the goal attainment, 36.2%(C_<7), 48.8%(C_7-<8), 52.7%(C_8-<9) and 45.3%(C_≥9) of patients had treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the baseline HbA1c and tiered metformin dosage up-titration are associated with disproportionate HbA1c reduction, time to glycaemic control and time from glycaemic control to failure.

Treatment and control of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension in Inner Mongolia: A cross-sectional study

The authors assessed treatment and control of blood glucose, blood pressure (BP), and blood lipids among patients from Inner Mongolia with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) and identified the modifiable factors associated with treatment and achievement of blood glucose, BP, and blood lipid targets. The authors used a multistage stratified cluster sampling method according to geographical location and level of economic development in Inner Mongolia. Among patients with DM and HTN, the crude rates of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) treatment and control was 30.76% and 4.73%, respectively. Crude rates of BP treatment and control were 50.81% and 8.70%, respectively. The authors found that treatment rates of HTN and DM and control rates of BP and FPG showed a gradually increasing trend with increased age. Among patients with DM and HTN, the likelihood of treatment for HTN and DM was significantly increased among participants who were older, non‐Mongolian, male, obese, smokers, and those with previous cardiovascular disease. The authors found that control of BP, FPG, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was far from optimal among study participants. Medical and health departments in Inner Mongolia should take appropriate measures to reduce the burden of DM and HTN in the population, such as by promoting and improving the quality of HTN and DM treatment to achieve control goals and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Evaluation of Turkey diabetes self-management education in geriatrics with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the diabetes education efficiency of individuals over 65 years old in Turkey, which has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Europe.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 320 patients who attended Turkey diabetes self-management group education program (TDSMEP) between 2016 and 2020 in a secondary hospital. Participants who have been followed up for a maximum of 9 months are grouped as over 65 years old and under.

RESULTS

Of the 320 patients, 114 formed the geriatric group and 206 the non-geriatric group. After the training, the number of patients who had HbA1c ≤7% increased significantly in both the geriatric (28.1%-45.6%) and non-geriatric (19.9%-42.2%) (p = 0.001) groups. After the training, similar HbA1c goals were achieved in the geriatric and non-geriatric groups. The most significant HbA1c decrease was observed at the 3rd month of follow-up and remained stable until the 9th month. In logistic regression analysis, the factors affecting HbA1c failure (HbA1c >7%) after training in the geriatric group were long diabetes duration (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.13, p = 0.01), high basal HbA1c levels (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03-1.67, p = 0.03), and low education level (OR = 3.88, 95% CI = 1.54-9.76, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of TDSMEP for geriatric individuals whose HbA1c ≤7% increased from 28% to 45.6% during follow-up after the training. TDSMEP is recommended for all adult age groups, regardless of age range.

Pyogenic Liver Abscess Risk in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study

Background: To date, no comprehensive epidemiological study exists on pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) risk in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study by using data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to examine the association between newly diagnosed T2DM and PLA. The T2DM cohort included patients newly diagnosed as having T2DM (ICD-9-CM:250) from 2000 to 2009, with follow-up until December 31, 2011. The comparison cohort was then recruited through 1:4 random frequency matching with the T2DM cohort. Finally, the adjusted hazard ratios for PLA were compared between the T2DM and comparison cohorts, which included 44,728 patients with T2DM and 178,912 patients without DM respectively. Results: In T2DM cohort, 166 patients were diagnosed as having PLA (incidence rate = 5.87 per 10,000 person-years) and in comparison cohort, 238 patients were diagnosed as having PLA (incidence rate = 2.06 per 10,000 person-years). The T2DM cohort exhibited higher PLA risk than did the comparison cohort (hazard ratio = 2.83, 95% confidence interval = 2.32-3.46). Furthermore, the adjusted hazard ratio for PLA risk in T2DM cohort was the highest in those who were younger, man and with duration of DM <2 years. In the T2DM cohort, the most common PLA causative agent was Klebsiella pneumonia (KP). In addition, PLA risk was high in T2DM patients with gallstone and cholecystitis. Compared with comparison cohort, patients with T2DM prescribed acarbose has a lower PLA risk, however glyburide significantly increased PLA risk in T2DM cohort. Conclusion: In patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, PLA risk was high and acarbose might reduce PLA risk.

Patterns and preferences of antidiabetic drug use in Turkish patients with type 2 diabetes - A nationwide cross-sectional study (TEMD treatment study)

AIMS

The treatment preferences in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are affected by multiple factors. This survey aims to find out the profiles of the utilization of antidiabetics and their determinants.

METHODS

The nationwide, multicenter TEMD survey consecutively enrolled patients with T2DM (n = 4678). Medications including oral antidiabetics (OAD) and injectable regimens were recorded. Multiple injectable regimens with or without OADs were defined as complex treatments.

RESULTS

A total of 4678 patients with T2DM (mean age: 58.5 ± 10.4 years, 59% female) were enrolled. More than half of patients (n = 2372; 50.7%) were using injectable regimens with or without OADs, and others (n = 2306, 49.3%) were using only OADs. The most common OADs were metformin (93.5%), secretagogues (40.1%), and DPP-4 inhibitors (37.2%). The rates of the use of basal, basal-bolus and premix insulin were 26.5%, 39.5% and 22.4%, respectively. Patients using OADs achieved better glycemia, blood pressure and weight control (p < 0.001 for all) but poorer LDL-C control (p < 0.001). The independent associates of complex treatments were diabetes duration, obesity, eGFR, glycated haemoglobin, macro and microvascular complications, education level, and self-reported hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first nationwide report to show that almost half of the patients with T2DM are using injectable regimens in Turkey.

Longitudinal Trend of Fasting Blood Glucose and Related Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Control of diabetes plays an important role in improving complications and disabilities and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the 3-year changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG) values and its related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 500 patients with type 2 diabetes covered by the National Diabetic Prevention and Care Plan during 2013-2016 were selected based on random cluster systematic sampling. A linear mixed model was used to study changes in FBG levels and their related factors. The data were analyzed using the R3.2.0 software.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 47.7 years. Among these patients, 58.6% were female, 19.8% had a history of smoking. High FBG was associated with high disease duration, high body mass index (BMI), low age, normal BMI at baseline, insulin therapy, smoking, and family history of diabetes. Trend of FBG in follow-up was decreasing.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that patients who received insulin therapy had higher mean FBG, it is recommended to examine their insulin dose and modifications should be made in terms of the patients' needs during their continuous follow-up. Weight loss during follow-up and cessation of smoking indicate a favorable prognosis of disease. More attention should be paid to younger patients in care. Patients are encouraged to start treatment and care at the same time diagnose.

Medication Adherence Assessment Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated Polytherapy in Indonesian Community Health Center: A Cross Sectional-Study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease where most of the patients usually need polytherapy. This could affect their medication adherence (MA). However, other complex factors may also associate with MA, which are important to identify.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MA of patients with T2DM who received polytherapy and to identify other factors that can affect the MA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in seven community health centers in Jakarta with HbA1C representing their MA level. Poor controlled blood glucose with Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) of ≥7% is indicated to have low MA. All characteristics were collected to identify factors that are potentially associated with low MA. The univariate analysis tests were used to analyze factors that potentially associate with low MA. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed in the factors to find their relationship with low MA.

RESULTS

The study obtained 143 patients with a female dominance (67.8%) and mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 59.53 ± 9.251 years. Approximately 75.5% of the patients had low MA (HbA1C ≥ 7). Univariate analysis found that duration of T2DM significantly (P = 0.047) related to MA, where patients with T2DM of less than or equal to 5 years tended to have low MA. Logistic regression showed that patients with T2DM less than or equal to 5 years (P = 0.015, odds ratio = 1.206, 95% confidence interval = 1.216-8.014) were associated with low MA.

CONCLUSION

Patients with the duration of T2DM less than or equal to 5 years surprisingly were susceptible to have low MA. Low MA was not affected by polytherapy.

Association of Health Literacy and Nutritional Status Assessment with Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

While the role of medical and nutrition factors on glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been well-established, the association between health literacy (H.L.) and glycemic control is inconsistent. This study aims to determine the association of H.L. and nutritional status assessments with glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 280 T2DM respondents (mean (SD) age = 49.7 (10.3) years, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) = 9.9 (2.6) %, and Body Mass Index = 32.7 (15.1) kg/m²) were included in this study. A short-form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) assessed the H.L. levels. Nutritional status assessments included client history, glycemic control, anthropometric, and biochemical data. The mean (S.D.) H.L. score was 45.7 (24.6), with 56% of the respondents had inadequate H.L. Inadequate H.L. was more common among those females; housewives, low education, received oral antidiabetic therapy, and shorter diabetes duration. Respondents with inadequate H.L. were significantly older and had higher HbA1c than those with marginal and adequate H.L. Meanwhile, respondents with inadequate and marginal H.L. levels had significantly higher total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure than the respondents with adequate H.L. Low H.L. scores, self-employment status, received dual antidiabetic therapy (insulin with oral agents), received insulin alone, and had higher fasting blood glucose explained about 21% of the total variation in HbA1c (adjusted R² = 0.21; p < 0.001). Respondents with inadequate H.L. had poor glycemic control. The H.L. scores, together with nutritional status assessments, were the factors that predicted poor glycemic control among adults with T2DM.

Evaluating the treatment and control of modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors among patients with diabetes in the Inner Mongolia, China: A cross-sectional study

Reducing the risk of diabetes has been a great public health challenge in China. In this study, we aimed to estimate the treatment and control of FPG (fasting blood plasma glucose) as well as the other main modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in patients with diabetes and to identify those characteristics associated with the treatment and control of diabetes, hypertension, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Between 2015 and 2017, participants aged 35 to 75 years from Inner Mongolia in northern China were recruited. A total 13,644 participants with diabetes were enrolled in this study. We calculated rates and 95% confidence intervals for treatment and control of FPG, blood pressure, and LDL-C. We performed multivariate logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with the treatment and control of diabetes as well as hypertension and LDL-C. Overall, the treatment rates of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 30.76%, 50.75%, and 9.17%, respectively. Control rates of FPG, blood pressure, and LDL-C were 4.73%, 4.86%, and 57.83%, respectively. Patients who were younger, Mongol ethnicity and rural residents were less likely to be treated and controlled for diabetes and hypertension. Patients insured by NCMS (new rural cooperative medical scheme) were less likely to be treated and achieve the treatment target of blood pressure. Patients having prior CVD were more likely to be treated and have controlled FPG and blood pressure. Substantial efforts are urgently needed to improve the treatment and control of these modifiable CVD risk factors among patients with diabetes in Inner Mongolia.

Medication adherence and self-care behaviours among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Diabetes often coexists with other medical conditions and is a contributing cause of death in 88% of people who have it. The study aimed at evaluating medication adherence, self-care behaviours and diabetes knowledge among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghana.

METHODS

A total of 330 participants were recruited into the study from three public hospitals in the Tamale metropolis. A validated medication adherence questionnaire and the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities tool were used to assess medication adherence and self-care activities respectively. Logistic and linear regressions were used to determine factors positively associated with non-adherence to medication and self-care behaviours respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 330 participants whose data were analysed, the mean (SD) age was 57.5 (11.8) years. The majority (84.5%) were adherent to anti-diabetes medication. Participant's age, educational level, and practice of self-care behaviours influenced adherence to anti-diabetes medication. Participants aged 70 years and above were 79% less likely to be non-adherent to medication as compared to those below 50 years [OR = 0.21 (95%CI: 0.06-0.74), p = 0.016]. Participants with senior high school education were 3.7 times more likely to be non-adherent to medication than those with tertiary education [OR = 3.68 (95%CI: 1.01-13.44), p = 0.049]. Participants with tertiary education had an increase in the level of practice of self-management by 1.14 (p = 0.041). A unit increase in knowledge score also increased the level of practice of self-management by 3.02 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The majority of participants were adherent to anti-diabetes medication. Non-adherence to medication was associated with younger age and low level of education. Interventions to improve adherence should target younger and newly diagnosed patients through aggressive counselling to address healthy self-management behaviours.

Trends in medication utilization, glycemic control and outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary referral center in Singapore from 2007 to 2017

BACKGROUND

Use of glucose-lowering agents is a cornerstone in combating type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Treatment guidelines have changed significantly over the past decade. We report temporal trends in medication utilization, glycemic control and rate of severe hypoglycemia in T2DM patients at a tertiary referral center in Singapore.

METHODS

We analyzed data of 36 924 T2DM patients seen at Singapore General Hospital from 2007 to 2017. Annual age-, sex- and racially-standardized proportions of patients (a) prescribed with each class of glucose-lowering agent, (b) on various glucose-lowering regimens, and (c) had an HbA_1c of less than 6%, 6% to less than 7%, 7% to less than 8%, 8% to less than 9%, or 9% or more were estimated using logistic regression. Poisson regression was used to estimate standardized rate of severe hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

From 2007 to 2017, use of metformin (45.9% to 59.6%) and insulin (24.4% to 57.9%) increased, while utilization of sulfonylureas (52.0% to 44.9%) decreased (all P < 0.001). Utilization of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (1.2% to 31.2%) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (0.5% to 7.4%) increased from 2008 to 2017 and 2012 to 2017, respectively (all P < 0.001). More patients were prescribed a combination of insulin and oral agents (17.3% to 46.0%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with HbA_1c of 8% or more increased (33.7% to 36.0%, P < 0.001). Rates of severe hypoglycemia (5.0 to 8.4 per 100 patient-years, P < 0.001) also rose.

CONCLUSION

Medication utilization patterns have changed significantly over the past 11 years with a shift towards newer agents. Glycemic control has remained stable, and rate of severe hypoglycemia increased. Further analysis is required before causal relationships can be inferred.

Association of diabetes treatment with long-term glycemic patterns in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study

AIM

This study aimed to analyze diabetes treatment and treatment changes in association with long-term glycemic patterns in an Asian population with diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of 6218 patients with type 2 diabetes managed in public primary care clinics in Singapore. Clinical data from 2011 to 2016 were extracted from electronic medical records, including serial HbA1c measurements and dispensed antidiabetic medication records. Patterns of longitudinal HbA1c trajectories were identified using latent class growth analysis, and patients' annual treatment plans were compared between subgroups with different HbA1c patterns.

RESULTS

We identified four distinct HbA1c patterns. Eighty-one percent of patients were classified in the low-stable group, where monotherapy and dual therapy with oral agents were the most common treatments. We also identified three groups with poorer control, with moderate-stable (14%), moderate-increase (3%), and high-decrease (2%) HbA1c patterns. Insulin treatment was most prevalent in these groups, with 61% to 72% of subjects receiving insulin treatment in 2016. More than 60% of subjects in poorer control groups had experienced treatment intensification during follow-up. Addition of multiple insulin injections was the most common intensification in moderate-increase and high-decrease groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment reflected and was appropriate to the extent of dysglycemia in this population. A small group of patients had deteriorating glycemic control, in spite of being treated with multiple insulin injections, suggesting non-response or non-adherence to treatment. Further investigation is needed to identify reasons for the deteriorating control observed and design effective interventions for these patients.

Influence of self-efficacy management on adherence to self-care activities and treatment outcome among diabetes mellitus type 2

Background:

High level of self-efficacy and adherence to self-care activities have a positive impact on the achievement of glycemic goal among diabetic patients. In Sudan, there is a gap in knowledge related to self-efficacy management and its influence on adherence to self-care activities and overall disease control.

Objective:

To identify the influence of management self-efficacy on adherence to self-care activities and treatment outcome among Sudanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at two health care facilities in Sudan from April to May 2016. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Convenience sampling method was adopted. Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale and the Revised Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities were used to collect data through a face-to-face interview. Logistic regression analysis was performed. A p value <0.05 was considered to be significant. Data were processed using the software SPPS v 21.0.

Results:

A total of 392 patients were included. Respondents classified with high level of self- efficacy across all domains were 191 (48.7%). Moreover, high level of education [adjusted OR 0.5 (0.3-0.7), (p=0.001)] and formal health education on diabetes [adjusted OR 2.4 (1.6-3.7), (p<0.001)], were found to be significantly associated with high level of diabetes management self-efficacy. Patients who had high level of self-efficacy to manage nutrition, physical exercise activity and medication were found more adherent to general diet, exercise activity, and medication taking, respectively. Patients with controlled disease were 87(22.2%). The only predictor of diabetes control was diabetes management self-efficacy [OR 2.1(1.3- 3.5), (p=0.002)].

Conclusions:

Diabetes management self-efficacy was associated with high level of education and receiving health education. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with adherence to self-care activities and glycemic control. Substantial efforts are still needed to empower the patients with self-efficacy and improving adherence to self-care activities through appropriate interventions.

Turkish nationwide survEy of glycemic and other Metabolic parameters of patients with Diabetes mellitus (TEMD study)

AIMS

Turkey has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Europe. It is therefore essential to know the overall cardiovascular risk and reveal the predictors of metabolic control in Turkish adults with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A nationwide, multicenter survey consecutively enrolled patients who were under follow up for at least a year. Optimal control was defined as HbA1c < 7%, home arterial blood pressure (ABP) < 135/85 mmHg, or LDL-C < 100 mg/dL. Achieving all parameters indicated triple metabolic control.

RESULTS

HbA1c levels of patients (n = 5211) were 8.6 ± 1.9% (71 ± 22 mmol/mol) and 7.7 ± 1.7% (61 ± 19 mmol/mol), in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, respectively. Glycemic control was achieved in 15.3% and 40.2%, and triple metabolic control was achieved in 5.5% and 10.1%, respectively. Only 1.5% of patients met all the criteria of being non-obese, non-smoker, exercising, and under triple metabolic control. Low education level was a significant predictor of poor glycemic control in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Few patients with Type 2, and even fewer with Type 1 diabetes have optimal metabolic control in Turkey. TEMD study will provide evidence-based information to policy makers to focus more on the quality and sustainability of diabetes care in order to reduce the national burden of the disease.

Diabetes management in a Primary Care Network (PCN) of private general practitioners in Singapore: An observational study

A Primary Care Network (PCN) is a virtual network of general practitioners (GPs), sharing common resources and common clinical governance framework for effective chronic disease management. In this study, we analyzed the frequency of assessment as well as control of HbA1c, blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) over time among adult patients with diabetes managed by a group of private GPs under PCN.Data, including clinical measurements of HbA1c, BP, and LDL from 2012 to 2015, of 943 subjects at 9 GP clinics that piloted PCN in Singapore in 2012 was obtained from the chronic disease register for this analysis.The total number of PCN patients increased from 371 in 2012 to 911 in 2015. The average HbA1c decreased from 7.5% in 2012 to 7.3% in 2015, with a significant yearly improving trend of -0.11% (P < .001). The trends in change for systolic BP and LDL were not statistically significant during the same follow-up period. Regular assessment of HbA1c decreased from 80% in 2012 to 55% in 2015. Such decreases were also found in BP and LDL assessments. We also found that receiving government subsidies under a national scheme was a major determinant for maintaining regular assessment, with patients so covered 3 to 20 times more likely to have regular assessments.The PCN model can help improve care and clinical outcomes in adult patients with diabetes in the private primary care sector. Investing greater financial and human resources to augment service capacity and expanding subsidy coverage may be important to ensure the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of such a model of care.

Achieving triple treatment goals in multi-ethnic Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care

INTRODUCTION

Achieving optimal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients mitigates macro- and micro-vascular complications, which is the key treatment goal in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients in an urban community with T2DM and the above modifiable conditions attaining triple vascular treatment goals based on current practice guidelines.

METHODS

A questionnaire was distributed to adult Asian patients with dyslipidemia at two primary care clinics (polyclinics) in northeastern Singapore. The demographic and clinical data for this sub-population with both T2DM and dyslipidemia were collated with laboratory and treatment information retrieved from their electronic health records. The combined data was then analyzed to determine the proportion of patients who attained triple treatment goals, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with this outcome.

RESULTS

665 eligible patients [60.5% female, 30.5% Chinese, 35% Malays, and 34.4% Indians] with a mean age of 60.6 years were recruited. Of these patients, 71% achieved LDL-C ≤2.6 mmol/L, 70.4% had BP

CONCLUSION

Eight in ten patients with T2DM failed to achieve concurrent glycemic, BP, and LDL-C treatment goals, subjecting them to risks of vascular complications. Primary healthcare professionals can mitigate these risks by optimizing therapeutic treatment to maximize glycemia, dyslipidemia, and BP control.

Collapse

Key Words

• LDL-Cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• blood pressure
• normoglycemia
• treatment goals

Collapse

MESH Headings Collapse

Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

C C Goh B Pharm, SingHealth Polyclinics 167, Jalan Bukit Merah, Tower 5 #15-10, Singapore 150167
K H Koh M.Med (Fam Med), MRCS., SingHealth Polyclinics
Scp Goh M.Med (Fam Med), FCFPS, SingHealth Polyclinics 167, Jalan Bukit Merah, Tower 5 #15-10, Singapore 150167
Yle Koh BSc, SingHealth Polyclinics 167, Jalan Bukit Merah, Tower 5 #15-10, Singapore 150167
N C Tan M.Med (Fam Med), FCFPS, SingHealth Polyclinics, Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore

Collapse

Relevant patient characteristics for guiding tailored integrated diabetes primary care: a systematic review

Aim

To identify which patient-related effect modifiers influence the outcomes of integrated care programs for type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Background

Integrated care is a widespread management strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, most integrated care programs are not tailored to patients’ needs, preferences and abilities. There is increasing consensus that such a patient-centered approach could improve the management of type 2 diabetes. Thus far, it remains unclear which patient-related effect modifiers should guide such an approach.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE were searched for empirical studies published after 1998. A systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Findings

In total, 23 out of 1015 studies were included. A total of 21 studies measured the effects of integrated diabetes care programs on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and three on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and health-care utilization. In total, 49 patient characteristics were assessed as potential effect modifiers with HbA1c as an outcome, of which 46 were person or health-related and only three were context-related. Younger age, insulin therapy and longer disease duration were associated with higher HbA1c levels in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Higher baseline HbA1c was associated with higher HbA1c at follow-up in longitudinal studies. Information on context- and person-related characteristics was limited, but is necessary to help identify the care needs of individual patients and implement an effective integrated type 2 diabetes tailored care program.

The role of digital communication in patient–clinician communication for NHS providers of specialist clinical services for young people [the Long-term conditions Young people Networked Communication (LYNC) study]: a mixed-methods study

Background

Young people (aged 16–24 years) with long-term health conditions tend to disengage from health services, resulting in poor health outcomes. They are prolific users of digital communications. Innovative UK NHS clinicians use digital communication with these young people. The NHS plans to use digital communication with patients more widely.

Objectives

To explore how health-care engagement can be improved using digital clinical communication (DCC); understand effects, impacts, costs and necessary safeguards; and provide critical analysis of its use, monitoring and evaluation.

Design

Observational mixed-methods case studies; systematic scoping literature reviews; assessment of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); public and patient involvement; and consensus development through focus groups.

Setting

Twenty NHS specialist clinical teams from across England and Wales, providing care for 13 different long-term physical or mental health conditions.

Participants

One hundred and sixty-five young people aged 16–24 years living with a long-term health condition; 13 parents; 173 clinical team members; and 16 information governance specialists.

Interventions

Clinical teams and young people variously used mobile phone calls, text messages, e-mail and voice over internet protocol.

Main outcome measures

Empirical work – thematic and ethical analysis of qualitative data; annual direct costs; did not attend, accident and emergency attendance and hospital admission rates plus clinic-specific clinical outcomes. Scoping reviews–patient, health professional and service delivery outcomes and technical problems. PROMs: scale validity, relevance and credibility.

Data sources

Observation, interview, structured survey, routinely collected data, focus groups and peer-reviewed publications.

Results

Digital communication enables access for young people to the right clinician when it makes a difference for managing their health condition. This is valued as additional to traditional clinic appointments. This access challenges the nature and boundaries of therapeutic relationships, but can improve them, increase patient empowerment and enhance activation. Risks include increased dependence on clinicians, inadvertent disclosure of confidential information and communication failures, but clinicians and young people mitigate these risks. Workload increases and the main cost is staff time. Clinical teams had not evaluated the impact of their intervention and analysis of routinely collected data did not identify any impact. There are no currently used generic outcome measures, but the Patient Activation Measure and the Physicians’ Humanistic Behaviours Questionnaire are promising. Scoping reviews suggest DCC is acceptable to young people, but with no clear evidence of benefit except for mental health.

Limitations

Qualitative data were mostly from clinician enthusiasts. No interviews were achieved with young people who do not attend clinics. Clinicians struggled to estimate workload. Only eight full sets of routine data were available.

Conclusions

Timely DCC is perceived as making a difference to health care and health outcomes for young people with long-term conditions, but this is not supported by evidence that measures health outcomes. Such communication is challenging and costly to provide, but valued by young people.

Future work

Future development should distinguish digital communication replacing traditional clinic appointments and additional timely communication. Evaluation is needed that uses relevant generic outcomes.

Study registration

Two of the reviews in this study are registered as PROSPERO CRD42016035467 and CRD42016038792.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Associations between eating habits and glycemic control and obesity in Japanese workers with type 2 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of poor eating habits on glycemic and metabolic control, we analyzed the associations between eating behaviors and HbA1c and body mass index (BMI) in Japanese workers with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The Japan Medical Data Center database of workers' medical health insurance claims was used to identify individuals with T2DM who were receiving antidiabetic medication between April 2012 and March 2015 (the primary analysis population). The database included routine medical check-up results and responses to questions on lifestyle and eating habits. Using these, we retrospectively analyzed the associations between the individuals' eating habits and their HbA1c levels and BMIs.

RESULTS

In total, 31,722 individuals were included in the primary analysis. The mean values of HbA1c and BMI were 7.27% and 26.29 kg/m², respectively; these tended to be higher among the younger population. Approximately 36% of the individuals regularly ate supper within 2 hours of bedtime, 14.5% regularly consumed late-night snacks, and 13.4% regularly skipped breakfast. Each of these eating habits correlated significantly with higher HbA1c and BMI. In addition, the population with two or all three of these poor dietary habits showed the highest association with HbA1c ≥7.0% and BMI ≥25 kg/m². Approximately 38% of workers ate fast. Fast eating was significantly associated with BMI ≥25 kg/m² but not with HbA1c ≥7.0%.

CONCLUSION

Poor eating habits were significantly associated with poor glycemic and body weight control in Japanese workers with T2DM. Improved eating habits may help with glycemic and body weight management.

Assessing oral medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with polytherapy in a developed Asian community: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The disease burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising due to suboptimal glycaemic control leading to vascular complications. Medication adherence (MA) directly influences glycaemic control and clinical consequences. This study aimed to assess the MA of patients with T2DM and identify associated factors.

DESIGN

Analysis of data from a cross-sectional survey and electronic medical records.

SETTING

Primary care outpatient clinic in Singapore.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients with T2DM.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

MA to each prescribed oral hypoglycaemic agent (OHA) was measured using the five-question Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5). Low MA is defined as a MARS-R score of <25. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and investigation results were collected to identify factors that are associated with low MA.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 382 patients with a slight female predominance (53.4%) and a mean±SD age of 62.0±10.4 years. 57.1% of the patients had low MA to at least one OHA. Univariate analysis showed that patients who were younger, of Chinese ethnicity, married or widowed, self-administering their medications or taking fewer (four or less) daily medications tended to have low MA to OHA. Logistic regression revealed that younger age (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95 to0.99), Chinese ethnicity (OR 2.80; 95% CI 1.53 to5.15) and poorer glycaemic control (HbA1c level) (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.06 to1.51) were associated with low MA to OHA.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger patients with T2DM and of Chinese ethnicity were susceptible to low MA to OHA, which was associated with poorer glycaemic control. Polytherapy was not associated with low MA.

Younger-onset versus older-onset type 2 diabetes: Clinical profile and complications

AIMS

To compare the clinical profile and complications between younger and older onset type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients at a tertiary care diabetes center in south India.

METHODS

We compared individuals with T2DM detected at age ≤25years (n=267) and at age≥50years (n=267), matched for gender and duration of diabetes. We reviewed electronic patient charts and extracted data on biochemical parameters (plasma glucose, serum lipids and glycated hemoglobin). We estimated prevalence of complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease). We examined odds of having each complication, after adjusting for clinical differences between younger- and older-onset T2DM.

RESULTS

Individuals with younger-onset T2DM had significantly greater glycated hemoglobin (8.7 vs. 7.5%), serum cholesterol (160 vs. 148mg/dl), serum triglycerides (147 vs. 128mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (92 vs. 82mg/dl) and lower HDL cholesterol levels (39 vs. 42mg/dl). However, waist circumference (90.4 vs. 92.6cm) and systolic blood pressure (125 vs. 133mmHg) were significantly higher in older onset T2DM. Prevalence of retinopathy (47.6 vs. 31.0%) was higher in younger onset T2DM while neuropathy (41.8 vs. 9.2%) and peripheral vascular disease (6.2 vs. 1.2%) were higher in older onset T2DM. In multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for glycated hemoglobin, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, younger onset T2DM had a higher odds of developing retinopathy [Odds Ratio: 2.19; Confidence Intervals: 1.42-3.38] when compared to older onset T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger onset T2DM patients have worse glycemic and lipid control, and higher prevalence of retinopathy compared to older onset T2DM patients. This underscores the need for more aggressive metabolic control in young-onset T2DM.

Type 2 diabetes and quality of life

It is true that a primary goal of diabetes early diagnosis and treatment is quality of life (QoL). The term QoL is still confusing but it is agreed that it composes of four components: The physical component, mental, cogitative component, psychological and social component. Many articles have been written addressing those four components. During the last five years 15500 articles and reviews have been written addressing diabetes and coronary arterial disease, 16100 addressing diabetes and renal function, 28900 addressing diabetes and retinopathy, 16800 addressing diabetic foot ulcers and other 26300 addressing diabetic neuropathy. Moreover 17200 articles are dealing with diabetic sexual dysfunction, 24500 with the correlation of diabetes and depression 17500 about diabetes and dementia, only 1 about diabetes and family functioning and 1950000 about diabetes and QoL, indicating the worldwide interest. In order to confront this metabolic anomaly and its consequences, researchers developed numerous generic and disease specific psychometric tools. With the aid of those psychometric tools the scientific community has started to realize the gruesome effect of diabetes on patients’ lives. Diabetic’s QoL becomes worse when complications start to develop or comorbidities coexist. Dominant amongst complications, in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) lowering, but not related to risk factors (genetic, the weight of birth, or others) is coronary arterial disease followed by renal failure, blindness, and the combination of micro- and macro-vascular complications and in some studies by sexual dysfunction. Moreover many are the comorbidities which deteriorate further the effect of diabetes in a patient life. Among them obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, depression, arthritis are the most common. Most intriguing field for research is the interaction of diabetes and depression and in some cases the progression to dementia. Many aspects and combinations of actions are under researchers’ microscope regarding the improvement of HRQoL scores. Until now, the studies performed, have demonstrated little to moderate benefit. More of them are needed to draw safe conclusions on the topic of the best combination of actions to optimize the HRQoL scores.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in type 2 diabetes: does it predict a more severe phenotype?

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with type 2 diabetes (DM2) and to compare metabolic and reproductive outcomes between women with and without PCOS.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Female inpatients age 18-75 years with DM2.

INTERVENTION(S)

A face-to-face questionnaire was administered.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Age at diagnosis of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, family history of diabetes, and reproductive history, fertility history, number of miscarriages, and morbidity in pregnancy.

RESULT(S)

One hundred seventy-one inpatients with DM2 participated. The prevalence of a history of PCOS was 37%. Women with PCOS had an earlier mean age of diagnosis of DM2 (44.2 vs. 48.8 years), higher recalled peak body mass index (BMI; 43.1 kg/m² vs. 36.8 kg/m²), higher rate of gestational diabetes (28% vs. 18%), and higher rate of hypertension in pregnancy (40% vs. 22%). Women with PCOS were less likely to have a family history of DM2 than those without PCOS (45% vs. 67%).

CONCLUSION(S)

A history of PCOS in women with DM2 is associated with earlier onset of DM2, higher BMI, and a more severe phenotype. Since PCOS subjects were less likely to have a family history of DM2, lack of a family history of DM2 in women with PCOS is not reassuring for DM2 risk. We recommend identifying PCOS in early life and intervening to reduce the risk of diabetes and its comorbidities and suboptimal reproductive outcomes.

Hba1c, Blood Pressure, and Lipid Control in People with Diabetes: Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study

Aims

The control of blood glucose levels, blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels reduces the risk of diabetes complications; however, data are scarce on control status of these factors among workers with diabetes. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of participants with diabetes who meet glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), BP, and LDL-C recommendations, and to investigate correlates of poor glycemic control in a large working population in Japan.

Methods

The Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health (J-ECOH) Study is an ongoing cohort investigation, consisting mainly of employees in large manufacturing companies. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 3,070 employees with diabetes (2,854 men and 216 women) aged 20–69 years who attended periodic health examinations. BP was measured and recorded using different company protocols. Risk factor targets were defined using both American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines (HbA1c < 7.0%, BP < 140/90 mmHg, and LDL-C < 100 mg/dL) and Japan Diabetes Society (JDS) guidelines (HbA1c < 7.0%, BP < 130/80 mmHg, and LDL-C < 120 mg/dL). Logistic regression models were used to explore correlates of poor glycemic control (defined as HbA1c ≥ 8.0%).

Results

The percentages of participants who met ADA (and JDS) targets were 44.9% (44.9%) for HbA1c, 76.6% (36.3%) for BP, 27.1% (56.2%) for LDL-C, and 11.2% (10.8%) for simultaneous control of all three risk factors. Younger age, obesity, smoking, and uncontrolled dyslipidemia were associated with poor glycemic control. The adjusted odds ratio of poor glycemic control was 0.58 (95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.73) for participants with treated but uncontrolled hypertension, and 0.47 (0.33–0.66) for participants with treated and controlled hypertension, as compared with participants without hypertension. There was no significant difference in HbA1c levels between participants with treated but uncontrolled hypertension and those with treated and controlled hypertension.

Conclusion

Data from a large working population, predominantly composed of men, suggest that achievement of HbA1c, BP, and LDL-C targets was less than optimal, especially in younger participants. Uncontrolled dyslipidemia was associated with poor glycemic control. Participants not receiving antihypertensive treatment had higher HbA1c levels.

Glycaemic Control and Associated Self-Management Behaviours in Diabetic Outpatients: A Hospital Based Observation Study in Lusaka, Zambia

BACKGROUND

The control of diabetes mellitus depends on several factors that also include individual lifestyles. We assessed glycaemic control status and self-management behaviours that may influence glycaemic control among diabetic outpatients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study among 198 consenting randomly selected patients was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital diabetic clinic between September and December 2013 in Lusaka, Zambia. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, self-management behaviours, and laboratory measurements. Binary logistic regression analysis using IBM SPSS for Windows version 20.0 was carried out to predict behaviours that were associated with glycaemic control status.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients that had good glycaemic control status (HbA1c≤ 48 mmol/mol) was 38.7% compared to 61.3% that had poor glycaemic control status (HbA1c≥ 49 mmol/mol). Adherence to antidiabetic treatment and fasting plasma glucose predicted glycaemic control status of the patients. However, self-blood glucose monitoring, self-blood glucose monitoring means and exercise did not predict glycaemic control status of the patients.

CONCLUSION

We find evidence of poor glycaemic control status among most diabetic patients suggesting that health promotion messages need to take into account both individual and community factors to promote behaviours likely to reduce nonadherence.

5-Year longitudinal study of determinants of glycemic control for multi-ethnic Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus managed in primary care

AIM

This study aims to determine the risk factors associated with glycaemic control of ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are managed in primary care.

METHOD

The data was retrieved from a primary care site within the Singapore Consortium of Cohort Studies-Diabetes Cohort (SCCS-DC). Demographic and clinical variables were described, in association with the risk of having a deteriorating glycaemic control (defined as an absolute increase of at least 1% HbA1c from one year to a subsequent year). Next, multivariate model was performed to define the independent effect of each factor. The longitudinal analysis of the HbA1c was performed using Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE).

RESULTS

The 5 year longitudinal data of 1256 patients (54% Chinese, 25% Malays, 12% Indians, 9% others) were analysed. Their mean HbA1c decreased by <0.1% in the initial 3 years, but increased thereafter. 12% of them had absolute HbA1c increment of ≥1% in the first year, and 22% over 5 years. Based on GEE analysis, insulin, was associated with an increase of HbA1c (≥1%) from one year to another (all p<0.05). Compared with Chinese patients, Malays had higher HbA1c (+0.3%), Indians (+0.3%), and others (+0.2%), (all p<0.01). Patients with retinopathy had higher HbA1c (+0.2%) and those with cataract had lower mean HbA1c (-0.2%) (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Most cohort patients achieved glycaemic control within the initial 3 years. Patients of Malay and Indian ethnicity and those with retinopathy were associated with subsequent risk of glycaemic control deterioration. Those with cataract were associated with trend towards improved glycaemic control.

Association between glycemic control and antidiabetic drugs in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with cardiovascular complications

PURPOSE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a macrovascular complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To date, glycemic control profiles of antidiabetic drugs in cardiovascular (CV) complications have not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, this study was conducted retrospectively to assess the association of antidiabetic drugs and glycemic control with CV profiles in T2DM patients. The association of concurrent medications and comorbidities with glycemic control was also investigated.

METHODS

A total of 220 T2DM patients from the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, who had at least one CV complication and who had been taking at least one antidiabetic drug for at least 3 months, were included. The associations of antidiabetics, cardiovascular diseases, laboratory parameters, concurrent medications, comorbidities, demographics, and clinical characteristics with glycemic control were investigated.

RESULTS

Sulfonylureas in combination (P=0.002) and sulfonylurea monotherapy (P<0.001) were found to be associated with good glycemic control, whereas insulin in combination (P=0.051), and combination biguanides and insulin therapy (P=0.012) were found to be associated with poor glycemic control. Stroke (P=0.044) was the only type of CVD that seemed to be significantly associated with good glycemic control. Other factors such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (P=0.026), elderly patients (P=0.018), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P=0.021), and fasting plasma glucose (P<0.001) were found to be significantly correlated with good glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

Individualized treatment in T2DM patients with CVDs can be supported through a better understanding of the association between glycemic control and CV profiles in T2DM patients.

Impact of the joint association between sex, age and diabetes on long-term mortality after acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The role of sex, and its joint effect with age and diabetes mellitus, on mortality subsequent to surviving an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) beyond 30 days are unclear. The high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in an ethnically diverse Asian population motivates this study.

METHODS

The study population comprised of a nationwide cohort of Asian patients with AMI, hospitalized between 2000 to 2005, who survived the first 30 days post-admission and were followed prospectively until death or 12 years.

RESULTS

Among the 13,389 survivors, there were fewer women (25.5%) who were older than men (median 70 vs. 58 years) and a larger proportion had diabetes mellitus at admission (51.4% vs. 31.4%). During follow-up 4,707 deaths (women 13.2%; men 22.0%) occurred, with women experiencing higher mortality than men with an averaged hazard ratio (HR): 2.08; 95% confidence interval : 1.96-2.20. However the actual adverse outcome, although always greater, reduced over time with an estimated HR: 2.23 (2.04-2.45) at 30 days to HR: 1.75; (1.47-2.09) 12 years later. The difference in mortality also declined with increasing age: HR 1.80 (1.52-2.13) for those aged 22-59, 1.26 (1.11-1.42) for 60-69, 1.06 (0.96-1.17) and 0.96 (0.85-1.09) for those 70-79 and 80-101 years. Significant two-factor interactions were observed between sex, age and diabetes (P < 0.001). Diabetic women <60 years of age had greater mortality than diabetic men of the same age (adjusted HR: 1.44; 1.14-1.84; P = 0.003), while diabetic women and men ≥60 years of age had a less pronounced mortality difference (adjusted HR: 1.12; 0.99-1.26).

CONCLUSIONS

One in two women hospitalized for AMI in this Asian cohort had diabetes and the sex disparity in post-MI mortality was most pronounced among these who were <60 years of age. This underscores the need for better secondary prevention in this high-risk group.

Depression, anxiety and self-care behaviours of young adults with Type 2 diabetes: results from the International Diabetes Management and Impact for Long-term Empowerment and Success (MILES) Study

AIM

Young adults with Type 2 diabetes have higher physical morbidity and mortality than other diabetes sub-groups, but differences in psychosocial outcomes have not yet been investigated. We sought to compare depression and anxiety symptoms and self-care behaviours of young adults with Type 2 diabetes with two matched control groups.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional survey data from the Australian and Dutch Diabetes Management and Impact for Long-term Empowerment and Success (MILES) studies, we matched 93 young adults (aged 18-39 years) with Type 2 diabetes (case group) with: (i) 93 older adults ( ≥ 40 years) with Type 2 diabetes (Type 2 diabetes control group; matched on country, gender, education, diabetes duration and insulin use) and (ii) 93 young adults with Type 1 diabetes (Type 1 diabetes control group; matched on country, gender, age and education). Groups were compared with regard to depression symptoms (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire), anxiety symptoms (seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder questionnaire) and frequency of selected self-care behaviours (single item per behaviour).

RESULTS

Participants in the case group had higher depression scores (Cohen's d = 0.40) and were more likely to have clinically meaningful depressive symptoms (Cramer's V = 0.23) than those in the Type 2 diabetes control group. Participants in the case group had statistically equivalent depression scores to the Type 1 diabetes control group. The groups did not differ in anxiety scores. Those in the case group were less likely than both control groups to take insulin as recommended (Cramer's V = 0.24-0.34), but there were no significant differences between the groups in oral medication-taking. The case group were less likely than the Type 2 diabetes control group to eat healthily (Cramer's V = 0.16), and less likely than the Type 1 diabetes control group to be physically active (Cramer's V = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Type 2 diabetes is as challenging as Type 1 diabetes for young adults and more so than for older adults. Young adults with Type 2 diabetes may require more intensive psychological and self-care support than their older counterparts.

Level of A1C control and its predictors among Lebanese type 2 diabetic patients

AIM

Lebanon is among the top 10 countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes in the Middle East region with estimates reaching as high as 16.6% in adults aged 20-79 years. The objective of this study was to assess the level of A1C control among a cohort of type 2 diabetic patients and factors associated with uncontrolled A1C.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective observational study among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending an outpatient endocrinologist's clinic between June 2008 and July 2012 in Beirut, Lebanon. Two groups were compared, based on their diabetic control (A1C < 7% and A1C ≥ 7%).

RESULTS

A total of 551 patients were included in this study, where 31.8% attained A1C control. Crude analyses showed that some factors were significantly associated with uncontrolled A1C, and these were long-standing diabetes, diabetes-related complications, uncontrolled blood pressure, lipid profile, as well as the use of metformin, sulfonylurea, or insulin. When multivariate analysis was carried out, the chances of having uncontrolled A1C were significantly higher among patients who developed neuropathy (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-3.90), had uncontrolled triglycerides (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.33-2.94), used insulin (OR 4.52, 95% CI 2.32-8.83), and sulfonylureas (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.88-4.40).

CONCLUSION

Uncontrolled diabetes is more likely to exist in patients with neuropathy, uncontrolled triglycerides and those using insulin or sulfonylurea. Further research is needed to confirm the findings.

An evaluation of patients' adherence with hypoglycemic medications among Papua New Guineans with type 2 diabetes: influencing factors

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to evaluate the extent of adherence to hypoglycemic medications, assess the relationship between adherence and glycemic control, and evaluate factors affecting adherence.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of patients with established type 2 diabetes attending the Port Moresby General Hospital Diabetes Clinic. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a questionnaire designed for the study and data were collected concerning the 3 months prior to interview. The questionnaire covered demographic details, lifestyle, biochemical and physical measurements, and medication management. Glycemic control was investigated among patients adhering to their medications (not missing doses) to different degrees (100%, 95%, 90%, and 80%).

RESULTS

Of a total of 356 participants who were prescribed hypoglycemic medications, 59.6% omitted some of their doses. Age appeared to have a significant impact on adherence at some levels of adherence, with those aged >60 years being more likely to be adherent (logistic regression). Those who were 95%-99% and those who were <80% adherent had a statistically significant risk of a high glycated hemoglobin of >10% (85.5 mmol/mol). Multiple factors were identified as contributors to nonadherence, with patient-based issues (86.0%) and the health care system (21.7%) being the most common.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a significant level of nonadherence among patients with type 2 diabetes in Papua New Guinea. Nonadherence to medication appeared to be associated with poor glycemic control and was due to a variety of reasons. Future interventions aimed at improving adherence will need to take these into account.