Efficacy and Acceptability of Glycemic Control of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists among Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Underuse of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the management of type 2 diabetes despite a favorable benefit-safety profile

INTRODUCTION

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and cardiovascular death. Cardiovascular protection is a key objective in T2DM.

AREAS COVERED

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have proven their efficacy in reducing major cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with T2DM in placebo-controlled trials, a finding confirmed in observational studies compared with other glucose-lowering agents. Overall, GLP-1RAs have a good safety profile associated with a favorable benefit/risk ratio for the management of T2DM, even if their cost-effectiveness might be questionable. International guidelines recommend GLP-1RAs as preferred glucose-lowering agents in patients with ASCVD and as a valuable alternative in overweight/obese patients with T2DM. However, real-life studies worldwide revealed that only a minority of patients receive a GLP-1RA, despite a positive trend for increased prescriptions in recent years. Surprisingly, however, fewer patients with established ASCVD are treated with these cardioprotective antihyperglycemic agents versus patients without ASCVD.

EXPERT OPINION

The reasons for GLP-1RA underuse in clinical practice are multiple. Multifaceted and coordinated interventions targeting all actors of the health-care system must be implemented to stimulate the adoption of GLP-1RAs as part of routine cardiovascular care among patients with T2DM, especially in those with ASCVD.

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists Regulate the Progression of Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Fatty Liver by Down-regulating the Expression of Genes Related to Lipid Metabolism

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is mostly associated with diabetes mellitus. Dulaglutide is approved in type 2 diabetes as a hypoglycemic agent. However, its effects on liver fat and pancreatic fat contents are not evaluated yet. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of dulaglutide on liver fat content, pancreatic fat content, liver stiffness, and liver enzyme levels. Patients have taken 0.75 mg subcutaneous dulaglutide each week for 4 weeks, then 1.5 mg weekly for 20 weeks plus standard treatment (metformin plus sulfonylurea and/or insulin; DS group, n = 25), or patients have taken standard treatment (metformin plus sulfonylurea and/or insulin) alone (ST group, n = 46) for type 2 diabetes management. Both groups reported a decrease in liver fat content, pancreatic fat content, and liver stiffness after interventions (p < 0.001 for all). After interventions, the DS group reported a higher decrease in liver fat content, pancreatic fat content, and liver stiffness than that of the ST group (p < 0.001 for all). After interventions, the DS group reported a higher decrease in body mass index than that of the ST group (p < 0.05). There were significant improvements in liver function tests, kidney function tests, lipid profiles, and blood counts after interventions (p < 0.05 for all). Both groups reported a decrease in body mass index after interventions (p < 0.001 for both). The DS group significantly decrease body mass index after interventions (p < 0.05) than the ST group.

Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Effects of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Recently, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, have shown therapeutic effects against NAFLD. In addition to reducing blood glucose levels and body weight, GLP-1RAs are effective in improving the clinical, biochemical, and histological markers of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Additionally, GLP-1RAs have a good safety profile with minor side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Overall, GLP-1RAs show promise as a potential treatment for NAFLD, and further studies are required to determine their long-term safety and efficacy.

Preference for Type 2 Diabetes Therapies in the United States: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition associated with substantial clinical and economic burden. As multiple therapeutic options are available, patient preferences on treatment characteristics are key in T2DM therapeutic decision-making. This study aimed to determine the preferences of US patients with T2DM for therapies recommended for first pharmacologic intensification after metformin.

Methods

As part of a discrete choice experiment, an online survey was designed using literature review and qualitative interview findings. Eligibility was met by US patients with T2DM who were aged 18 years or older with an HbA_1c ≥ 6.5%. Anonymized therapy profiles were created from six antidiabetic therapies including oral and injectable semaglutide, dulaglutide, empagliflozin, sitagliptin, and thiazolidinediones.

Results

Eligible patients (n = 500) had a mean HbA_1c of 7.4%, and a mean BMI of 32.0 kg/m², the majority of which (72.2%) were injectable-naïve. The treatment characteristic with greatest importance was mode and frequency of administration (35.5%), followed by body weight change (29.2%), cardiovascular event risk (19.1%), hypoglycemic event risk (9.9%), and HbA_1c change (6.5%). An oral semaglutide-like profile was preferred by 91.9–70.1% of respondents depending on the comparator agent, and preference was significant in each comparison (p < 0.05); an injectable semaglutide-like profile was preferred by 89.3–55.7% of respondents in each comparison depending on the comparator agent.

Conclusion

Patients with T2DM in the USA are significantly more likely to prefer oral or injectable semaglutide-like profiles over those of key comparators from the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, and thiazolidinedione classes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02181-7.

Dulaglutide as an Effective Replacement for Prandial Insulin in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Review

Dulaglutide, a weekly injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated effectiveness when combined with basal insulin. We examined whether the efficacy of dulaglutide is comparable to that of prandial insulin in kidney transplant (KT) recipients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing multiple daily insulin injection (MDI) therapy. Thirty-seven patients, who switched from MDI therapy to basal insulin and dulaglutide, were retrospectively analyzed. Changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, body weight, and basal insulin dose were evaluated over 6 months. Dulaglutide was comparable to three injections of prandial insulin in terms of glycemic control (HbA1c 7.1% vs. 7.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.53 to 0.28; P=0.53). The basal insulin and dulaglutide combination resulted in a reduction in FPG levels by 9.7 mg/dL (95% CI, 2.09 to 41.54; P=0.03), in body weight by 4.9 kg (95% CI, 2.87 to 6.98; P<0.001), and in basal insulin dose by 9.52 IU (95% CI, 5.80 to 3.23; P<0.001). Once-weekly dulaglutide may be an effective alternative for thrice-daily prandial insulin in KT recipients with T2DM currently receiving MDI therapy.

The Position of Gliclazide in the Evolving Landscapes and Disease Continuum of T2DM: A Collaborative Delphi Survey-Based Consensus from India

INTRODUCTION

This Delphi study aims to provide evidence-based expert opinion on the usage and current position of gliclazide in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management in India.

METHODS

The single interaction modified Delphi-based methodology was used to collect opinions on gliclazide usage and its position in diabetes management from 338 endocrinologists/diabetologists who have had clinical experience with gliclazide. Participants, using a 9-point scale, were asked to rate eight statements comprising a total of 52 items on the related topics.

RESULTS

The Delphi consensus suggests that in drug-naïve patients with T2DM, intolerant to metformin or in whom metformin is contraindicated, dual therapy of gliclazide/gliclazide-modified release (MR) should be considered along with a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitor if glycated hemoglobin A1c level is greater than 7.5% and with insulin if the A1c level is greater than 9%. If the patients are inadequately controlled with metformin (A1c greater than 6.5% after 3 months of therapy), gliclazide/gliclazide-MR shall be added on to the treatment regimen to achieve greater and sustained reductions in A1c levels. However, it was not preferred over other antidiabetic classes in such clinical settings except alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGI). Early addition of gliclazide/gliclazide-MR shall be preferred over the up-titration of metformin beyond half-maximal dose for effective management of T2DM. Gliclazide/gliclazide-MR can be used safely in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. It can be used in older patients with T2DM as it does not have active metabolites and has a low risk of hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

The expert panel proposed consideration of monotherapy or dual therapy of gliclazide as an ideal choice in patients with T2DM because of its efficacy, long-term glycemic control, favorable renal outcomes, cardiovascular safety, and an optimal safety profile.

Effect of dulaglutide on liver fat in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD: randomised controlled trial (D-LIFT trial)

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Liraglutide, a daily injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1r) agonist, has been shown to reduce liver fat content (LFC) in humans. Data regarding the effect of dulaglutide, a once-weekly GLP-1r agonist, on human LFC are scarce. This study examined the effect of dulaglutide on LFC in individuals with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

Effect of dulaglutide on liver fat (D-LIFT) was a 24 week, open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of dulaglutide on liver fat at a tertiary care centre in India. Adults (n = 64), who had type 2 diabetes and MRI-derived proton density fat fraction-assessed LFC of ≥6.0% at baseline, were randomly assigned to receive dulaglutide weekly for 24 weeks (add-on to usual care) or usual care, based on a predefined computer-generated number with a 1:1 allocation that was concealed using serially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. The primary endpoint was the difference of the change in LFC from 0 (baseline) to 24 weeks between groups. The secondary outcome measures included the difference of the change in pancreatic fat content (PFC), change in liver stiffness measurement (LSM in kPa) measured by vibration-controlled transient elastography, and change in liver enzymes.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were screened; 32 were randomly assigned to the dulaglutide group and 32 to the control group. Overall, 52 participants were included for per-protocol analysis: those who had MRI-PDFF data at baseline and week 24. Dulaglutide treatment resulted in a control-corrected absolute change in LFC of -3.5% (95% CI -6.6, -0.4; p = 0.025) and relative change of -26.4% (-44.2, -8.6; p = 0.004), corresponding to a 2.6-fold greater reduction. Dulaglutide-treated participants also showed a significant reduction in γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels (mean between-group difference -13.1 U/l [95% CI -24.4, -1.8]; p = 0.025) and non-significant reductions in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (-9.3 U/l [-19.5, 1.0]; p = 0.075) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (-13.1 U/l [-24.4, 2.5]; p = 0.10). Absolute changes in PFC (-1.4% [-3.2, 0.3]; p = 0.106) and LSM (-1.31 kPa [-2.99, 0.37]; p = 0.123) were not significant when comparing the two groups. There were no serious drug-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

When included in the standard treatment for type 2 diabetes, dulaglutide significantly reduces LFC and improves GGT levels in participants with NAFLD. There were non-significant reductions in PFC, liver stiffness, serum AST and serum ALT levels. Dulaglutide could be considered for the early treatment of NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03590626 FUNDING: The current study was supported by an investigator-initiated study grant from Medanta-The Medicity's departmental research fund and a grant from the Endocrine and Diabetes Foundation (EDF), India. Graphical abstract.

Clinical efficacy and predictors of response to dulaglutide in type-2 diabetes

Aim of this retrospective multicenter observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) dulaglutide in a type-2 diabetic real-world population and to determine the factors predicting the response in terms of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and other relevant clinical outcomes. Data for efficacy outcomes, adverse events and drug discontinuation were collected from records of patients with type-2 diabetes treated with once-a-week 1.5 mg of dulaglutide for 12 months in routine clinical practice. Initial analysis included 782 patients and 626 had complete follow-up at 6- and 12-months. There was a significant reduction of HbA1c at 6 months (-1 ± 0.8 %, p < 0.0001), which remained stable at 12-months follow-up (-1 ± 0.9 %, p < 0.0001). The percentage of subjects with HbA1c≤7.0 % increased significantly from 7.2 % at baseline to 52.7 % at 6 months to 55.8 % at 12 months. Predictors of the achievement of HbA1c≤7.0 % were low baseline HbA1c and short duration of diabetes. The reduction of HbA1c was associated with reductions of BMI, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and blood pressures. Neither sex nor age had significant effects on any clinical or laboratory outcome. The effects of dulaglutide on HbA1c, BMI and SBP tended to be greater in patients who shifted from dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors (-0.8 ± 0.8 %) than other GLP-1 RA, even if an improvement of HbA1c reduction (-0.5 %) was also seen in those shifting from other GLP-1 RA. This study confirms that addition of dulaglutide 1.5 mg once a week in real word settings has beneficial effects on both clinical and laboratory outcomes in patients with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes. Dulaglutide has a greater effect on HbA1c in patients with higher baseline values and helps achieve a target HbA1c≤7.0 %, more consistently in patients with lower baseline HbA1c and shorter diabetes duration.

Drug discovery approaches targeting the incretin pathway

Incretin pathway plays an important role in the development of diabetes medications. Interventions in DPP-4 and GLP-1 receptor have shown remarkable efficacy in experimental and clinical studies and imperatively become one of the most promising therapeutic approaches in the T2DM drug discovery pipeline. Herein, we analyzed the actionmechanismsof DPP-4 and GLP-1 receptor targeting the incretin pathway in T2DM treatment. We gave an insight into the structural requirements for the potent DPP-4 inhibitors and revealed a classification of DPP-4 inhibitors by stressing on the binding modes of these ligands to the enzyme. We then reviewed the drug discovery strategies for the development of peptide and non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Furthermore, the drug design strategies for DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1R agonists were detailed accurately. This review might provide an efficient evidence for the highly potent and selective DPP-4 inhibitors and the GLP-1 RAs, as novel medicines for patients suffering from T2DM.

Efficacy and Safety of Dulaglutide Compared to Liraglutide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus has been always one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the last decades. There exist a wide range of pharmacological agents for controlling this disease. However, these agents fare differently in terms of efficacy and safety. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare dulaglutide and liraglutide, two glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, in terms of efficacy and safety, drawing on a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out in January 2018. The articles were evaluated by two independent investigators and their quality was evaluated using Jadad scale and the Cochrane Collaboration’s tools. Finally, the eligible articles entered the study. HbA1c and FBS were considered as efficacy outcomes. Safety profile was evaluated based on several outcomes such as serious side effects and vital signs. Three articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results indicated that the mean difference (MD) of HbA1c reduction was -0.10% (95% CI, -0.20% to -0.01%, P=0.03) in the patients who received dulaglutide in comparison with the patients who received liraglutide. In addition, dulaglutide was safer than liraglutide in terms of gastrointestinal problems (RR=0.85, 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.99, P=0.04, I²=55%) and heart rate (RR=-1.14, 95% CI, -1.90 to -0.38, P=0.003, I²=0%). Once-weekly dulaglutide showed a further reduction in HbA1c compared to once-daily liraglutide. However, comparisons between these regimens indicated no significant difference between groups in either FBS reduction or safety profile. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed in treatment discontinuation, hypoglycemia events, and vital signs.

Liraglutide as Adjunct to Insulin Treatment in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A few Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) have evaluated the use of liraglutide in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Through the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim at critically appraising and summarizing those RCTs, providing precise effect estimates.

METHODS

We searched major databases and grey literature from their inception to October 2018, for RCTs with a duration ≥ 12 weeks, comparing liraglutide with placebo or any other comparator as adjunct to insulin in patients with T1D, investigating major efficacy and safety endpoints. This review is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

RESULTS

We included 5 trials with 2,445 randomized participants. Liraglutide provided modest reductions in HbA1c, with liraglutide 1.8 mg producing the greatest decrease (MD = -0.24%, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.16, I2=0%). Significant weight reduction, up to 4.87 kg with liraglutide 1.8 mg was also observed (95% CI -5.31 to -4.43, I2=0%). Decrease in total daily insulin dose, primarily driven by a decrease in bolus insulin requirements, was demonstrated. Liraglutide decreased non-significantly the odds for severe hypoglycemia (OR=0.80, 95% CI 0.57-1.14, I2=0%), while it increased significantly the odds for gastrointestinal adverse events (for nausea, OR=4.70, 95% CI 3.68-6.00, I2=37%, and for vomiting, OR=2.50, 95% CI 1.54-4.72, I2=27%). A significant increase in heart rate was also demonstrated. No association with diabetic ketoacidosis or malignancies was identified.

CONCLUSION

In patients with T1D, liraglutide might prove be an adjunct to insulin, improving glycemic control, inducing body weight loss and decreasing exogenous insulin requirements and severe hypoglycemia.

Initial injectable therapy in type 2 diabetes: Key considerations when choosing between glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and insulin

Managing type 2 diabetes is complex and necessitates careful consideration of patient factors such as engagement in self-care, comorbidities and costs. Since type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, many patients will require injectable agents, usually insulin. Recent ADA-EASD guidelines recommend glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) as first injectable therapy in most cases. The basis for this recommendation is the similar glycemic efficacy of GLP-1 RAs and insulin, but with GLP-1 RAs promoting weight loss instead of weight gain, at lower hypoglycemia risk, and with cardiovascular benefits in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. GLP-1 RAs also reduce burden of glucose self-monitoring. However, tolerability and costs are important considerations, and notably, rates of drug discontinuation are often higher for GLP-1 RAs than basal insulin. To minimize risk of gastrointestinal symptoms patients should be started on lowest doses of GLP-1 RAs and up-titrated slowly. Overall healthcare costs may be lower with GLP-1 RAs compared to insulin. Though patient-level costs may still be prohibitive, GLP-1 RAs can replace 50-80 units of insulin daily and reduce costs associated with glucose self-monitoring. Decisions regarding initiating injectable therapy should be individualized. This review provides a framework to guide decision-making in the real-world setting.

Clinical Efficacy and Parameters Affecting the Response to Dulaglutide Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective, Real-World Data Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and clinical factors affecting the glycemic response to dulaglutide in type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a real-world clinical setting.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 234 patients at the Asan Medical Center, Republic of Korea, who had T2D and initiated dulaglutide from June 2016 to December 2017. The primary outcome was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration between baseline and 6 months after the initiation of therapy. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the clinical parameters contributing to a superior glycemic response to dulaglutide.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 53, and 50% were male. Their mean baseline HbA1c, body mass index and duration of diabetes were 8.8%, 27.6 kg/m² and 10.2 years, respectively. The change in HbA1c between baseline and 6 months was - 0.92% (95% CI: - 1.1% to - 0.74%, p < 0.001). The reduction in body weight over the same period was -2.1 kg (95% CI: - 2.9 to - 1.3 kg, p < 0.001). Using multivariate regression analysis, baseline HbA1c was found to be a significant predictor of superior glycemic response to dulaglutide.

CONCLUSION

The use of dulaglutide was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c and body weight over a 6-month period in a real-world clinical setting. T2D patients with higher baseline HbA1c concentrations were more likely to demonstrate good clinical responses to dulaglutide.

Importance of Postprandial Glucose in Relation to A1C and Cardiovascular Disease

IN BRIEF This article reviews the evidence regarding the impact of postprandial glucose (PPG) on overall A1C and its relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD). To date, four randomized, controlled trials have evaluated the impact of PPG reduction on CVD; however, only one of these successfully demonstrated a positive effect. Despite this, epidemiological evidence does indicate a cardiovascular benefit of PPG reduction, and agents that can be used to manage PPG in people with type 2 diabetes are also discussed.

Effects of exenatide and liraglutide on postchallenge glucose disposal in individuals with normal glucose tolerance

PURPOSE

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are categorized as short- or long-acting types, but information regarding differences in the effects of these two types on postprandial glucose disposal has been limited. We have now investigated the effects of exenatide and liraglutide (short- and long-acting GLP-1RAs, respectively) on glucose disposal during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

METHODS

Fourteen healthy volunteers with normal glucose tolerance underwent three OGTTs, which were performed without pharmacological intervention or after a single administration of exenatide or liraglutide at 30 min and 10 h, respectively, before test initiation. The three OGTTs were performed with intervals of at least 7 days between successive tests and within a period of 2 months.

RESULTS

Exenatide, but not liraglutide, markedly decelerated the peak of both plasma glucose and serum insulin levels during the OGTT, with the peaks of both glucose and insulin concentrations occurring at 150 min after test initiation with exenatide compared with 30 min in the control condition or with liraglutide. Exenatide and liraglutide reduced the area under the curve for plasma glucose levels during the OGTT by similar extents, whereas that for serum insulin levels was reduced only by exenatide.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that exenatide decelerates the increase in plasma glucose levels through inhibition of glucose absorption and that it exerts an insulin-sparing action after glucose challenge.

Current Progress in Pharmacogenetics of Second-Line Antidiabetic Medications: Towards Precision Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes

Precision medicine is a scientific and medical practice for personalized therapy based on patients’ individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle characteristics. Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics are also rapidly developing and expanding as a key element of precision medicine, in which the association between individual genetic variabilities and drug disposition and therapeutic responses are investigated. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia mainly associated with insulin resistance, with the risk of clinically important cardiovascular, neurological, and renal complications. The latest consensus report from the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (ADA-EASD) on the management of T2D recommends preferential use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and some dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors after initial metformin monotherapy for diabetic patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease, and with risk of hypoglycemia or body weight-related problems. In this review article, we summarized current progress on pharmacogenetics of newer second-line antidiabetic medications in clinical practices and discussed their therapeutic implications for precision medicine in T2D management. Several biomarkers associated with drug responses have been identified from extensive clinical pharmacogenetic studies, and functional variations in these genes have been shown to significantly affect drug-related glycemic control, adverse reactions, and risk of diabetic complications. More comprehensive pharmacogenetic research in various clinical settings will clarify the therapeutic implications of these genes, which may be useful tools for precision medicine in the treatment and prevention of T2D and its complications.

Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2018. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes convened a panel to update the prior position statements, published in 2012 and 2015, on the management of type 2 diabetes in adults. A systematic evaluation of the literature since 2014 informed new recommendations. These include additional focus on lifestyle management and diabetes self-management education and support. For those with obesity, efforts targeting weight loss, including lifestyle, medication and surgical interventions, are recommended. With regards to medication management, for patients with clinical cardiovascular disease, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor or a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with proven cardiovascular benefit is recommended. For patients with chronic kidney disease or clinical heart failure and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, an SGLT2 inhibitor with proven benefit is recommended. GLP-1 receptor agonists are generally recommended as the first injectable medication.

Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes, 2018. A Consensus Report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes convened a panel to update the prior position statements, published in 2012 and 2015, on the management of type 2 diabetes in adults. A systematic evaluation of the literature since 2014 informed new recommendations. These include additional focus on lifestyle management and diabetes self-management education and support. For those with obesity, efforts targeting weight loss, including lifestyle, medication, and surgical interventions, are recommended. With regards to medication management, for patients with clinical cardiovascular disease, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor or a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with proven cardiovascular benefit is recommended. For patients with chronic kidney disease or clinical heart failure and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, an SGLT2 inhibitor with proven benefit is recommended. GLP-1 receptor agonists are generally recommended as the first injectable medication.

Real-world comparison of treatment patterns and effectiveness of albiglutide and liraglutide

Aim: To compare medication adherence, discontinuation and glycemic control in patients receiving albiglutide versus liraglutide. Patients & methods: Administrative claims data and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) results were analyzed from a sample of adult health plan members with Type 2 diabetes. Results: Patients were matched 1:1 in the albiglutide (n = 2213) and liraglutide (n = 2213) overall cohorts and in 244 patients with HbA1c results from each treatment group. Mean HbA1c change from baseline was −1.0% for both groups. At 6 months, mean ± standard deviation adherence was 0.69 ± 0.29 versus 0.64 ± 0.29 (p < 0.001), and discontinuation was 33.2 versus 37.8% (p = 0.002) with albiglutide versus liraglutide, but these were not statistically or clinically different at 12 months. Conclusion: Similar treatment patterns and clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c were observed for both treatments in this real-world comparison.

Network meta-analysis of liraglutide versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Japanese patients

AIMS

To determine the comparative efficacy and safety of liraglutide and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors as antidiabetics for Japanese patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating outcomes among Japanese adults with uncontrolled T2DM and including liraglutide or DPP-4 inhibitors up to August 2016. We extracted data on trial and patient characteristics, and the following outcomes: HbA1c, weight, patients meeting HbA1c <7%, patients experiencing hypoglycemic events, microalbuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine. We synthesized data using network meta-analyses (NMA) using a Bayesian framework. Continuous outcomes were modeled using normal likelihoods and an identity link, while dichotomous outcomes were modeled using a binomial likelihood and a logit link.

RESULTS

The systematic literature review yielded 39 publications pertaining to 38 trials. A total of 27 trials (5032 patients) reported change in HbA1c at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks 9 trials (2091 patients). All treatments showed statistically significant reductions in HbA1c relative to placebo at 12 and 24 weeks. Liraglutide 0.9 mg was statistically superior to all DPP-4 interventions (vildagliptin, sitagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin, teneligliptin, trelagliptin and omarigliptin) at 12 weeks and 24 weeks among those reporting. Treatments were not statistically differentiable with respect to weight change and risk of hypoglycemia. Finally, no comparisons of eGFR and microalbuminuria were conducted, as this data was reported in too few trials to conduct analyses.

LIMITATIONS

Some important outcomes were limited by poor reporting (eGFR and microalbuminuria) or low event rates (hypoglycemia). The follow-up time was relatively short. Clinically, the 24 week time point is more important as it demonstrates more sustained results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research suggests that liraglutide 0.9 mg offers a more efficacious treatment option for T2DM than the DPP-4 inhibitors among adult Japanese patients and that it is a viable option for this population.

Combination SGLT2 inhibitor and GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy: a complementary approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Among persons with type 2 diabetes (t2d), the development of glucose intolerance involves dysfunction in several organs and tissues, including the muscle, liver, pancreas, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, and brain. individuals with t2d typically have a number of comorbidities, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and being overweight or obese, and are, consequently, at high cardiovascular risk. guidelines recommend a comprehensive care strategy that includes treatment of diabetes-related complications and comorbidities beyond those related to hyperglycemia. use of glucose-lowering therapies with complementary activities that address multiple facets of the disease may improve long-term outcomes for patients with t2d. two recent drug classes developed for use in t2d, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (glp-1ras) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (sglt2) inhibitors, have been shown in clinical trials to have beneficial effects on glycemic control, body weight, cardiovascular risk factors, and (for liraglutide, semaglutide, and empagliflozin) cardiovascular outcomes, while having an acceptable safety profile. between them, these drug classes directly or indirectly affect many of the organs and tissues involved in the pathogenesis of t2d, and their beneficial effects on glycemic- and cardiovascular-related parameters are likely to be complementary and potentially additive. in the largest clinical trial of a glp-1ra and an sglt2 inhibitor in combination (duration-8), patients with t2d (n = 685) who received exenatide plus dapagliflozin added to their treatment regimen for 28 weeks had significantly greater reductions from baseline in glycated hemoglobin, body weight, and systolic blood pressure compared with patients who received either drug as monotherapy. this review summarizes the complementary aspects of these drug classes and presents the available data among patients receiving dual therapy with a glp-1ra and an sglt2 inhibitor.

The albumin-exendin-4 recombinant protein E2HSA improves glycemic control and β-cell function in spontaneous diabetic KKAy mice

BACKGROUND

E2HSA is a genetic fusion protein that consists of two tandem exendin-4 molecules that are covalently bonded to recombinant human serum albumin via a peptide linker. Previous studies have demonstrated that E2HSA significantly decreased blood glucose levels, improved β-cell function and promoted β-cell proliferation in diabetic db/dB mice. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of E2HSA on glucose and lipid metabolism in a spontaneous diabetes animal model, KKAy mice.

METHODS

E2HSA was acutely administered at doses of 1, 3 and 9 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection in diabetic KKAy mice with exendin-4 (2 μg/kg) as a positive reference, and then the non-fasting blood glucose and food intake levels were dynamically monitored. In addition, different doses of E2HSA were injected once daily, as well as with exendin-4 twice daily, for 7 weeks to evaluate the effect on glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the body weight, food and water intake.

RESULTS

Single injection of E2HSA decreased non-fasting blood glucose and food intake levels in a dose-dependent manner for 4 days and 2 days, respectively. Repeated injections with E2HSA significantly decreased variations in blood glucose levels with a reduction of HbA1c levels by 1.6% at a 9 mg/kg dose, simultaneously increased fasting blood insulin levels, inhibited fasting blood glucagon levels, improved the impaired oral glucose tolerance and enhanced glucose infusion rate, which is the gold standard for evaluating β-cell function. Moreover, repeated injections with E2HSA also ameliorated the dyslipidemia and reduced body weight, food and water intake in diabetic KKAy mice.

CONCLUSIONS

E2HSA significantly reduced blood glucose levels over a prolonged duration, enhanced β-cell function, and ameliorated dyslipidemia and obesity in diabetic KKAy mice. Thus, E2HSA may be a new candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.