Healthy behavior change and cardiovascular outcomes in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients: a cohort analysis of the ADDITION-Cambridge study

The effect of lifestyle factors on chronic complications of diabetes at public health hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia

Ethiopia faces a significant challenge with increasing non-communicable diseases like diabetes, ranking among the top four in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is a lack of research on how lifestyle affects chronic complications of diabetes in Ethiopia, highlighting the need for urgent exploration to develop better intervention strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the link between lifestyle factors and chronic complications of diabetes in public health hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study involving 389 diabetes patients from Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH) and Gebretsadik Shawo General Hospital (GSGH) in Southwest Ethiopia was conducted. Data collection methods included interviewer-administered questionnaires, patient medical record reviews, physical examination, and serum analysis. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis, including descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value < 0.05. The study revealed a 32.1% prevalence of chronic complications of diabetes, with 13.4% having chronic kidney disease, 8.0% experiencing visual disturbances, and 16.7% suffering from peripheral sensory pain. After adjusting for confounding variables, age (41-60 years [AOR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.01, 3.15] and > 60 years [AOR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.20, 4.33]), duration of diabetes mellitus (> 6 years [AOR = 2.90; 95% CI 1.74, 4.85]), alcohol consumption [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI 1.33, 3.98], physical inactivity [AOR = 2.43; 95% CI 1.38, 4.27], and body mass index (underweight [AOR = 7.66; 95% CI 1.68, 34.8] and obese [AOR = 3.53; 95% CI 1.84, 10.5]) were significantly associated with chronic complications of diabetes. Chronic complications of diabetes are a major problem in the study area. Lifestyle factors strongly influence chronic diabetes complications, highlighting the importance of preventive measures. Implementing health education and prevention programs focusing on modifiable lifestyle factors is crucial.

Impact of health practice index and cardiovascular health metrics on incident cardiovascular disease according to glucose tolerance status

Aims

To evaluate and compare the association of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) with the Health Practice Index (HPI) reflecting only lifestyle habits and Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics (ICVHMs) consisting of lifestyle habits and factors targeted for control in the same population according to glucose status.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1,28,162 participants aged 18-72 years with no history of CVD followed for ≥ 3 years between 2008 and 2016. Participants were classified according to normal glucose tolerance (86,174), prediabetes (36,096), or diabetes (5892). HPI and ICVHMs scores were classified into three groups (high/medium/low). Multivariate Cox regression hazard analysis examined CVD risk.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 5.2 years, 1057 CVD events occurred. In prediabetes, CVD risk was significantly higher in groups with both medium and low HPI scores and ICVHMs scores compared to high scores for normal glucose tolerance (hazard ratios [HRs] for high/medium/low HPI scores were 0.95 [0.78-1.17], 1.56 [1.29-1.89], and 2.41 [1.74-3.34] and for ICVHMs scores were 0.74 [0.50-1.11], 1.58 [1.26-1.98], and 2.63 [2.10-3.31], respectively). Regarding diabetes, compared with high HPI/ICVHMs scores in the normal glucose tolerance group, a significantly increased CVD risk was observed in the high-score HPI group, but not in the high-score ICVHMs group (HPI high/medium/low HR, 1.63 [1.22-2.18], 2.19 [1.69-2.83], and 2.26 [1.34 -3.83]; ICVHMs high/medium/low HR, 1.14 [0.47-2.81], 2.38 [1.75-3.23], and 3.31 [2.50-4.38], respectively).

Conclusions

In diabetes, ideal lifestyle practices alone were insufficient for primary prevention of CVD but had a greater impact on primary prevention of CVD in prediabetes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-024-00708-7.

Predicting and preventing heart failure in type 2 diabetes

The burden of heart failure among people with type 2 diabetes is increasing globally. People with comorbid type 2 diabetes and heart failure often have worse outcomes than those with only one of these conditions-eg, higher hospitalisation and mortality rates. Therefore, it is essential to implement optimal heart failure prevention strategies for people with type 2 diabetes. A detailed understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the occurrence of heart failure in type 2 diabetes can aid clinicians in identifying relevant risk factors and lead to early interventions that can help prevent heart failure. In this Review, we discuss the pathophysiology and risk factors of heart failure in type 2 diabetes. We also review the risk assessment tools for predicting heart failure incidence in people with type 2 diabetes as well as the data from clinical trials that have assessed the efficacy of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions. Finally, we discuss the potential challenges in implementing new management approaches and offer pragmatic recommendations to help overcome these challenges.

Effects of a digital diabetes prevention program on cardiovascular risk among individuals with prediabetes

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk outcomes of overweight/obese adults with prediabetes.

METHODS

Using data from a randomized control trial of digital diabetes prevention program (d-DPP) with 599 participants. We applied the atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk calculator to predict 10-year CVD risk for d-DPP and small education (comparison) groups. Between-group risk changes at 4 and 12 months were compared using a repeated measures linear mixed-effect model. We examined within-group differences in proportion of participants over time for specific CVD risk factors using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

We found no differences between baseline 10-year ASCVD risk. Relative to the comparison group, the d-DPP group experienced greater reductions in predicted 10-year ASCVD risk at each follow-up visit and a significant group difference at 4 months (-0.96%; 95% confidence interval: -1.58%, -0.34%) (but not at 12 months). Additionally, we observed that the d-DPP group experienced a decreased proportion of individuals with hyperlipidemia (18% and 16% from baseline to 4 and 12 months), high-risk total cholesterol (8% from baseline to 12 months), and being insufficiently active (26% and 22% from baseline to 4 and 12 months at follow-up time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a digitally adapted DPP may promote the prevention of cardiometabolic disease among overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes. However, given the lack of maintenance of effect on ASCVD risk at 12 months, there may also be a need for additional interventions to sustain the effect detected at 4 months.

Association of Combined Healthy Lifestyles With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality of Patients With Diabetes: An International Multicohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively examine the associations of combined lifestyle factors with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in patients with diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with prevalent diabetes were included from 5 prospective, population-based cohorts in China (Dongfeng-Tongji cohort and Kailuan study), the United Kingdom (UK Biobank study), and the United States (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study). Healthy lifestyle scores were constructed according to non-current smoking, low to moderate alcohol drinking, regular physical activity, healthy diet, and optimal body weight; the healthy level of each lifestyle factor was assigned 1 point, or 0 for otherwise, and the range of the score was 0 to 5. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for incident CVD, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality adjusting for sociodemographic, medical, and diabetes-related factors, and outcomes were obtained by linkage to medical records and death registries. Data were collected from October 18, 1988, to September 30, 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 6945 incident CVD cases were documented in 41,350 participants without CVD at baseline from the 2 Chinese cohorts and the UK Biobank during 389,330 person-years of follow-up, and 40,353 deaths were documented in 101,219 participants from all 5 cohorts during 1,238,391 person-years of follow-up. Adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) comparing patients with 4 or 5 vs 0 or 1 healthy lifestyle factors were 0.67 (0.60 to 0.74) for incident CVD, 0.58 (0.50 to 0.68) for CVD mortality, and 0.60 (0.53 to 0.68) for all-cause mortality. Findings remained consistent across different cohorts, subgroups, and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

The international analyses document that adherence to multicomponent healthy lifestyles is associated with lower risk of CVD and premature death of patients with diabetes.

Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors as a preventable risk factor for severe hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal nationwide cohort study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

We investigated the associations between a combination of lifestyle factors and changes to these factors and the subsequent risk of severe hypoglycemia (SH) in type 2 diabetes patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individuals with adult type 2 diabetes who underwent consecutive 2-year interval health screening programs from 2009 to 2012 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database were included and followed up until 2018. Information on history of smoking status, alcohol consumption and physical activity, as well as changes to these factors, was obtained. The primary outcome was incident SH.

RESULTS

Of the 1,490,233 type 2 diabetes patients, 30,539 (2.1%) patients developed SH. Current smokers and heavy drinkers had increased risk of SH, compared with non-smokers and non-drinkers, respectively (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.23-1.34; hazard ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.15-1.30). However, regular physical activity was associated with reduced SH risk (hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.77-0.82). A combination of unhealthy lifestyle habits was associated with increased SH risk in a dose-dependent fashion (P for trend <0.001). Compared with participants without changes in their unhealthy lifestyles, participants who improved lifestyles had decreased risk of SH.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater adherence to healthy lifestyle factors and any improvement in unhealthy lifestyle habits were associated with a substantially lower risk of SH in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Low-risk Lifestyle and Health Factors and Risk of Mortality and Vascular Complications in Chinese Patients With Diabetes

BACKGROUND

There is an evidence gap about whether a low-risk lifestyle is as important as achieving blood pressure (BP) and random blood glucose (RBG) control.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the long-term impacts and relative importance of low-risk lifestyle and health factors on the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality and macrovascular and microvascular complications among patients with diabetes.

METHODS

This study included 26,004 diabetes patients in the China Kadoorie Biobank. We defined 5 lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and waist-to-hip ratio) and 2 health factors (BP and RBG). Cox regression was used to yield adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and CIs for individual and combined lifestyle and health factors with the risks of diabetes-related outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 5063 deaths, 6848 macrovascular complications, and 2055 microvascular complications that occurred during a median follow-up of 10.2 years. Combined low-risk lifestyle factors were associated with lower risk of all main outcomes, with HRs (95% CIs) for participants having 4 to 5 low-risk factors vs 0 to 1 of 0.50 (0.44-0.57) for all-cause mortality, 0.55 (0.43-0.71) for cancer mortality, 0.60 (0.54-0.67) for macrovascular complications, and 0.75 (0.62-0.91) for microvascular complications. The combined 4 to 5 low-risk lifestyle factors showed relative importance in predicting all-cause and cancer mortality and macrovascular complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Assuming causality exists, our findings suggest that adopting a low-risk lifestyle should be regarded as important as achieving ideal BP and glycemic goals in the prevention and management of diabetes-related adverse outcomes.

Maintaining Physical Activity Is Associated with Reduced Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in People Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes

Background

We investigated the association between changes in physical activity and the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in people with newly diagnosed diabetes.

Methods

Using a nationwide database, we identified 8,596 people with newly diagnosed diabetes who underwent national health examinations within a year before and after a diabetes diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MACE risks were calculated according to changes in physical activity before and after a diagnosis of diabetes.

Results

During a median follow-up of 2.3 years, study participants who engaged in sustained physical activity after a diagnosis of diabetes had a 34% lower MACE risk compared to those with sustained inactivity (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44-0.98). An advantage was observed in those with a history of cardiovascular disease, although this was of borderline statistical significance (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40-1.01; P=0.054). In people considered obese, physical activity was significantly associated with a decreased risk of a MACE, regardless of the period preceding and following the diabetes diagnosis. Those who became inactive to active had the lowest risk of a MACE (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18-0.79).

Conclusion

Maintaining active physical activity before and after a diagnosis of diabetes is essential to preventing cardiovascular disease. Early intervention strategies are necessary to promote physical activity and exercise routines after a diagnosis of diabetes in people with obesity and those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Comprehensive Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in patients with diabetes. Cardiovascular disease in diabetes is multifactorial, and control of the cardiovascular risk factors leads to substantial reductions in cardiovascular events. The 2015 American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association scientific statement, "Update on Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Light of Recent Evidence," highlighted the importance of modifying various risk factors responsible for cardiovascular disease in diabetes. At the time, there was limited evidence to suggest that glucose-lowering medications reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. At present, several large randomized controlled trials with newer antihyperglycemic agents have been completed, demonstrating cardiovascular safety and reduction in cardiovascular outcomes, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. This AHA scientific statement update focuses on (1) the evidence and clinical utility of newer antihyperglycemic agents in improving glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular events in diabetes; (2) the impact of blood pressure control on cardiovascular events in diabetes; and (3) the role of newer lipid-lowering therapies in comprehensive cardiovascular risk management in adults with diabetes. This scientific statement addresses the continued importance of lifestyle interventions, pharmacological therapy, and surgical interventions to curb the epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome, important precursors of prediabetes, diabetes, and comorbid cardiovascular disease. Last, this scientific statement explores the critical importance of the social determinants of health and health equity in the continuum of care in diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Modification of cardiovascular disease risk by health behaviour change following type 2 diabetes diagnosis

AIMS

Among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), unhealthy behaviours are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. To date, little research has considered whether healthy changes in behaviours following T2D diagnosis reduce CVD risk.

METHODS

A cohort of 867 adults with screen-detected T2D, participating in the Anglo-Danish-Dutch Study of Intensive Treatment in People with Screen-Detected Diabetes in Primary Care (ADDITION)-Cambridge trial, were followed for 10 years for incidence of CVD events. Diet, alcohol consumption, moderate/vigorous physical activity and smoking were assessed by questionnaire at the time of T2D screening and 1 year later. We estimated associations between health behaviours and CVD using Cox regression. We assessed modification of the associations by behaviour change in the year following T2D diagnosis.

RESULTS

Smoking [hazard ratio (HR): 1.73 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.87)] and high fat intake [HR: 1.70 (95% CI: 1.02, 2.85)] were associated with a higher hazard of CVD, while high plasma vitamin C [HR: 0.44 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.87)] and high fibre intake [HR: 0.60 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.99)] were associated with a lower hazard of CVD. Reduction in fat intake following T2D diagnosis modified associations with CVD. In particular, among those with the highest fat intake, decreasing intake attenuated the association with CVD [HR: 0.75 (95% CI: 0.36, 1.56)].

CONCLUSION

Following T2D diagnosis, decreasing fat intake was associated with lower long-term CVD risk. This evidence may raise concerns about low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets to achieve weight loss following T2D diagnosis. Further research considering the sources of fat is needed to inform dietary recommendations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered as ISRCTN86769081. Retrospectively registered on 15 December 2006.

Lifestyle changes among people with type 2 diabetes are associated with participation in online groups and time since diagnosis

Background

For people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), lifestyle changes may be the most effective intervention. Online groups for people with diabetes holds a great potential to support such changes. However, little is known about the association between participation in online groups and lifestyle changes based on internet information in people with T2D. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between self-reported lifestyle changes and participation in online groups in people with T2D.

Methods

We used e-mail survey data from 1,250 members of The Norwegian Diabetes Association, collected in 2018. Eligible for analyses were the 540 respondents who reported to have T2D. By logistic regressions we studied the association between self-reported lifestyle changes and participation in online groups. Analyses were adjusted for gender, age, education, and time since diagnosis.

Results

We found that 41.9 % of the participants reported lifestyle changes based on information from the internet. Only 6 % had participated in online groups during the previous year. Among those with a disease duration of less than 10 years, 56.0 % reported lifestyle changes, whereas 33.4 % with a disease duration of 10 years or more did so. The odds for lifestyle changes were more than doubled for those who participated in online groups. People who had been diagnosed with diabetes for less than 10 years were significantly more likely to change their lifestyle compared to those with a longer disease duration.

Conclusions

Lifestyle changes based on information from the internet among people with T2D are associated with participation in online groups. Lifestyle changes are also associated with time since diagnosis, making the first years after a T2D diagnosis particularly important for lifestyle interventions. People with T2D, web site developers, online group moderators, health care services, and patient organisations should be aware of this important window for lifestyle change, and encourage participation in online groups.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06660-5.

Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle and the Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Individuals With Diabetes: The ARIC Study

Objective: The relationship between combined healthy lifestyle and cardiovascular (CV) events in diabetes is unclear. We aim to investigate the association between a healthy lifestyle score (HLS) and the risk of mortality and CV events in diabetes.

Methods: We examined the associations of six lifestyle factors scores (including healthy diet, moderate alcohol and regular coffee intakes, never smoking, physical activity, and normal weight) with diabetes in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study of 3,804 participants with diabetes from the United States at baseline. Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, CV mortality, and composite CV events (heart failure hospitalizations, myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, and stroke).

Results: Among these diabetic participants, 1,881 (49.4%), 683 (18.0%), and 1,600 (42.0%) cases of all-cause mortality, CV mortality, and CV events were documented, respectively, during the 26 years of follow-up. Further, the prevalence of these adverse events became lower with the increase of HLS (all P < 0.001). In the risk-factors adjusted Cox regression model, compared to participants with HLS of 0, participants with HLS of 2 had significant lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.811, 95% CI: 0.687–0.957, P = 0.013), CV mortality (HR = 0.744, 95% CI: 0.576–0.962, P = 0.024), and CV events (HR = 0.789, 95% CI: 0.661–0.943, P = 0.009). The association of HLS with CV events was stronger for women than men (P for interaction <0.05).

Conclusion: Adherence to a healthy lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of CV events and mortality in diabetics. Our findings suggest that the promotion of a healthy lifestyle would help reduce the increasing healthcare burden of diabetes.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT00005131.

Long-Term Weight Loss Strategies for Obesity

CONTEXT

Obesity is a chronic disease that is difficult to manage without holistic therapy. The therapeutic armamentarium for obesity primarily consists of 4 forms of therapy: lifestyle modification (ie, diet and exercise), cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Evidence was consolidated from randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

After 2 years, lifestyle interventions can facilitate weight loss that equates to ~5%. Even though lifestyle interventions are plagued by weight regain, they can have substantial effects on type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. Although 10-year percentage excess weight loss can surpass 50% after bariatric surgery, weight regain is likely. To mitigate weight regain, instituting a multifactorial maintenance program is imperative. Such a program can integrate diet, exercise, and pharmacotherapy. Moreover, behavioral therapy can complement a maintenance program well.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is best managed by a multidisciplinary clinical team that integrates diet, exercise, and pharmacotherapy. Bariatric surgery is needed to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity in select patients.

The Influence of Baseline Hemoglobin A1c on Digital Health Coaching Outcomes in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Real-World Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Digital health coaching is an increasingly common diabetes self-management support strategy for individuals with type 2 diabetes and has been linked to positive mental and physical health outcomes. However, the relationship between baseline risk and outcomes is yet to be evaluated in a real-world setting.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this real-world study was to evaluate trends in digital health coaching outcomes by baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to better understand which populations may experience the greatest clinical and psychosocial benefit.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design was used to evaluate program effect in a convenience sample of participants in a 12-week digital health coaching program administered by Pack Health. Participants were referred through their health care provider, payer, or employer. The program included patient-centered lifestyle counseling and psychosocial support delivered via telephone, text, and/or email. Self-reported HbA1c and weight were collected at baseline and completion. Physical and mental health were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Short Form and the Diabetes Distress Scale-2. Changes in HbA1c, weight, BMI, and physical and mental health were analyzed within three participant cohorts stratified by baseline HbA1c level.

RESULTS

Participants with complete HbA1c data sets (n=226) were included in the analysis. The sample population was 71.7% (162/226) female, with 61.5% (139/226) identifying as white and 34.1% (77/226) as black. Most participants (184/226, 81.4%) reported a baseline HbA1c ≥7%, and 20.3% (46/226) were classified as high risk (HbA1c >9%). Across HbA1c cohorts, the mean baseline BMI was 35.83 (SD 7.79), and the moderate-risk cohort (7% ≤ HbA1c ≤ 9%) reported the highest mean value (36.6, SD 7.79). At 12 weeks, patients reported a significant decrease in HbAlc, and high-risk participants reduced their levels by the greatest margin (2.28 points; P<.001). Across cohorts, BMI improved by 0.82 (P<.001), with the moderate-risk cohort showing the greatest reduction (-0.88; P<.001). Overall, participants reported significant improvements for PROMIS scores, with the greatest change occurring in the high-risk cohort for whom physical health improved 3.84 points (P<.001) and mental health improved 3.3 points (P<.001). However, the lowest-risk cohort showed the greatest improvements in diabetes distress (-0.76; P=.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Acknowledging the limitations in this real-world study design, the results reported here suggest that adults with type 2 diabetes with a high baseline HbA1c or high BMI may benefit the most from patient-centered digital health coaching programs when compared to their lower risk counterparts. While all participants improved in physical and mental health categories, participants with high HbA1c experienced the greatest HbA1c reduction and individuals with the highest baseline BMI lost the most weight. These results may be used to inform referrals for patients who are more likely to benefit from digital health coaching.

Adherence to healthy lifestyle improved clinical outcomes in coronary artery disease patients after coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle modification is suggested for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), but the impact of adherence to a healthy lifestyle remains undetermined. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of adherence to a healthy lifestyle with future outcomes and biochemical markers in CAD patients.

METHODS

The Biosignature CAD study examined 716 CAD patients who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Information was collected on whether these patients adhered to a healthier lifestyle after PCI, including healthy diet, not smoking, and exercise. The clinical outcomes included major cardiovascular events and unplanned revascularization procedures, hospitalization for refractory or unstable angina, and other causes.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 26.8 ± 8.1 months, during which 175 (24.4%) patients experienced at least one event. The combination of healthy lifestyle factors was associated with lower risk, and the maximum risk reduction reached 50% (hazard ratio: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.99). As the number of healthy lifestyle factors increased, there were decreases in inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p < 0.05). The benefits of modifiable healthy lifestyle factors were especially observed in the younger population, males, patients with HDL <40 mg/dL, those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and those receiving statin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to a healthy lifestyle is independently associated with a lower risk of future adverse events in CAD patients and plays an important role in secondary prevention in the era of interventional cardiology.

Diabetes, employment and behavioural risk factors in China: Marginal structural models versus fixed effects models

We use longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, covering the years 1997-2011, to estimate the effect of a diabetes diagnosis on an economic outcome (employment probabilities) and behavioural risk factors (alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, body mass index (BMI), physical activity and hypertension) for men and women. We apply two complementary statistical techniques-marginal structural models (MSMs) and fixed effects (FE) models-to deal with confounding. Both methods suggest, despite their different underlying assumptions, similar patterns that indicate important differences between men and women. Employment probabilities decline substantially after the diagnosis for women (-12.4 (MSM) and -15.5 (FE) percentage points), but do not change significantly for men. In particular, the MSM estimates indicate an increase in hypertension (13 percentage points) and a decrease in physical activity for women, while men have small and statistically insignificant changes in these outcomes. For BMI, the MSM results indicate statistically significant changes for men (-.76), but not for women, while the FE estimates show similar reductions for men and women (-.80 and -.73 respectively). Men also reduce their alcohol consumption, but do not cease to smoke. For women these risk factors have a prevalence close to zero to begin with, though women seem to still reduce alcohol consumption somewhat. These results suggest important gender differences in the impact of diabetes in China. To narrow these inequities policies supporting women to reduce diabetes related risk factors are likely important.

Relationships of diabetes self-care behaviours to glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and comorbid heart failure

Aim

To describe the relationship between diabetes self-care behaviours and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid heart failure.

Design

A cross-sectional, correlational study.

Method

A secondary analysis of 180 participants' baseline data from a clinical trial that tested a 6-month integrated self-care intervention was performed. Correlational and hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationships between diabetes self-care behaviours and glycaemic control.

Result

The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities general diet and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities exercise were negatively associated with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), while Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities specific diet was positively associated. Diabetic end-organ failure, taking insulin only and taking both oral antiglycaemic and insulin, predicted higher HbA1c and fasting blood glucose. African American race and dyslipidaemia predicted higher HbA1c while taking higher total daily medication predicted higher fasting blood glucose. Longer years lived with heart failure, lower ventricular ejection fraction and exposure to chemotherapy predicted lower fasting blood glucose.

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of a diabetes education and behavioural weight management programme versus a diabetes education programme in adults with a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes: study protocol for the Glucose Lowering through Weight management (GLoW) randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) can improve glycaemic control or even achieve remission through weight loss and reduce their use of medication and risk of cardiovascular disease. The Glucose Lowering through Weight management (GLoW) trial will evaluate whether a tailored diabetes education and behavioural weight management programme (DEW) is more effective and cost-effective than a diabetes education (DE) programme in helping people with overweight or obesity and a recent diagnosis of T2D to lower their blood glucose, lose weight and improve other markers of cardiovascular risk.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a pragmatic, randomised, single-blind, parallel group, two-arm, superiority trial. We will recruit 576 adults with body mass index>25 kg/m² and diagnosis of T2D in the past 3 years and randomise them to a tailored DEW or a DE programme. Participants will attend measurement appointments at a local general practitioner practice or research centre at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is 12-month change in glycated haemoglobin. The effect of the intervention on the primary outcome will be estimated and tested using a linear regression model (analysis of covariance) including randomisation group and adjusted for baseline value of the outcome and the randomisation stratifiers. Participants will be included in the group to which they were randomised, under the intention-to-treat principle. Secondary outcomes include 6-month and 12-month changes in body weight, body fat percentage, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lipid profile; probability of achieving good glycaemic control; probability of achieving remission from diabetes; probability of losing 5% and 10% body weight and modelled cardiovascular risk (UKPDS). An intention-to-treat within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted from NHS and societal perspectives using participant-level data. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with participants to understand why and how the programme achieved its results and how participants manage their weight after the programme ends.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was received from East of Scotland Research Ethics Service on 15 May 2018 (18/ES/0048). This protocol (V.3) was approved on 19 June 2019. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and communicated to other stakeholders as appropriate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN18399564.

Combined lifestyle factors and risk of incident type 2 diabetes and prognosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

A healthy lifestyle has been widely recommended for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. However, no systematic review has summarised the relationship between combined lifestyle factors (including, but not limited to, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, diet and being overweight or obese) and incident type 2 diabetes and risk of health outcomes among diabetic individuals.

METHODS

EMBASE and PubMed were searched up to April 2019 without language restrictions. References included in articles in relevant publications were also screened. Cohort studies investigating the combined associations of at least three lifestyle factors with incident type 2 diabetes and health outcomes among diabetic individuals were included. Reviewers were paired and independently screened studies, extracted data and evaluated study quality. Random-effects models were used to calculate summary HRs. Heterogeneity and publication bias tests were also conducted.

RESULTS

Compared with participants considered to have the least-healthy lifestyle, those with the healthiest lifestyle had a 75% lower risk of incident diabetes (HR 0.25 [95% CI 0.18, 0.35]; 14 studies with approximately 1 million participants). The associations were largely consistent and significant among individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds and baseline characteristics. Among individuals with type 2 diabetes (10 studies with 34,385 participants), the HRs (95% CIs) were 0.44 (0.33, 0.60) for all-cause death, 0.51 (0.30, 0.86) for cardiovascular death, 0.69 (0.47, 1.00) for cancer death and 0.48 (0.37, 0.63) for incident cardiovascular disease when comparing the healthiest lifestyle with the least-healthy lifestyle.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Adoption of a healthy lifestyle is associated with substantial risk reduction in type 2 diabetes and long-term adverse outcomes among diabetic individuals. Tackling multiple risk factors, instead of concentrating on one certain lifestyle factor, should be the cornerstone for reducing the global burden of type 2 diabetes.

Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Prediabetes and Diabetes

Importance

Whether optimal cardiovascular health metrics may counteract the risk of cardiovascular events among patients with prediabetes or diabetes is unclear.

Objective

To investigate the associations of ideal cardiovascular health metrics (ICVHMs) with subsequent development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among participants with prediabetes or diabetes as compared with participants with normal glucose regulation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort Study was a nationwide, population-based, prospective cohort study of 20 communities from various geographic regions in China. The study included 111 765 participants who were free from CVD or cancer at baseline. Data were analyzed between 2011 and 2016.

Exposures

Prediabetes and diabetes were defined according to the American Diabetes Association 2010 criteria. Seven ICVHMs were adapted from the American Heart Association recommendations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The composite of incident fatal or nonfatal CVD, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalized or treated heart failure.

Results

Of the 111 765 participants, 24 881 (22.3%) had normal glucose regulation, 61 024 (54.6%) had prediabetes, and 25 860 (23.1%) had diabetes. Mean (SD) age ranged from 52.9 (8.6) years to 59.4 (8.7) years. Compared with participants with normal glucose regulation, among participants with prediabetes, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for CVD was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.16-1.55) for participants who had 1 ICVHM or less and 0.57 (95% CI, 0.43-0.75) for participants who had at least 5 ICVHMs; among participants with diabetes, the hazard ratios for CVD were 2.05 (95% CI, 1.76-2.38) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.56-1.15) for participants who had 1 ICVHM or less and at least 5 ICVHMs, respectively. Such pattern of association between ICVHMs and CVD was more prominent for participants younger than 55 years (prediabetes and at least 5 ICVHMs: hazard ratio [HR], 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16-0.63; 1 ICVHM or less: HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.13-2.21; diabetes and at least 5 ICVHMs: HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.44-2.26; 1 ICVHM or less: HR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.71-3.54; compared with normal glucose regulation) than for participants 65 years or older (prediabetes and at least 5 ICVHMs: HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.50-1.26; 1 ICVHM or less: HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.79-1.31; diabetes and at least 5 ICVHMs: HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.46-1.35; 1 ICVHM or less: HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.36-2.22, compared with normal glucose regulation; P values for interaction ≤.02). Additionally, the hazard ratio for CVD per additional ICVHM was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.79-0.86) among participants with prediabetes and was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.80-0.89) among participants with diabetes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Participants with prediabetes or diabetes who had 5 or more ICVHMs exhibited lower or no significant excess CVD risks compared with the participants with normal glucose regulation.

Rates and Causes of Death among Adult Diabetes Patients in Romania

Aims: To study the age and sex-dependent mortality rates and causes of death in a large Romanian diabetes cohort as compared with the general population. Methods: All adult patients aged 20-64 years, receiving a free diabetes prescription in a major urban area during 2001-2008 were included and followed-up for death until December 31, 2011. Crude mortality rates and standardized mortality rate ratios (SMR) against general population (data from the National Institute of Statistics) were calculated. Years lost due to diabetes were computed assuming the general population mortality rates for ages below 20 and above 64 years. Results: During the 11 years study period, 49,328 diabetes patients (mean age at baseline 53.0 ± 8.8 years) contributed 297,370 person-years and 5,053 deaths. All cause mortality rates (per 1000 person years) increased with age and was 3.4 in 20-24 years age group and 25.7 in 60-64 year age group, while the corresponding SMR decreased from 6.0 to 1.5. Diabetes patients aged 20-24 years had a life expectancy of 48.6 years, which was 6.6 years less compared with the corresponding general population (55.2 years). The gap was 7.0 years in women and 5.8 years in men. Diabetes patients aged 20-24 years lost 196 minutes of life daily due to diabetes in women and 182 minutes in men. Conclusions: Mortality rates increased, while mortality rate ratios against general population decreased with age. Men had higher mortality rates, but women had higher mortality rate ratios in the gender analysis.

Changes in behaviors after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and 10-year incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality

Background

Large changes in health behaviors achieved through intensive lifestyle intervention programs improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among adults with type 2 diabetes. However, such interventions are not widely available, and there is limited evidence as to whether changes in behaviors affect risk of CVD events.

Methods

Among 852 adults with screen-detected type 2 diabetes in the ADDITION-Cambridge study, we assessed changes in diet, physical activity, and alcohol use in the year following diabetes diagnosis. Participants were recruited from 49 general practices in Eastern England from 2002 to 2006, and were followed through 2014 for incidence of CVD events (n = 116) and all-cause mortality (n = 127). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for the associations of changes in behaviors with CVD and all-cause mortality. We estimated associations with CVD risk factors using linear regression. We considered changes in individual behaviors and overall number of healthy changes. Models adjusted for demographic factors, bodyweight, smoking, baseline value of the health behavior, and cardio-protective medication use.

Results

Decreasing alcohol intake by ≥ 2 units/week was associated with lower hazard of CVD vs maintenance [HR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.36, 0.87]. Decreasing daily calorie intake by ≥ 300 kcal was associated with lower hazard of all-cause mortality vs maintenance [HR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.34, 0.92]. Achieving ≥ 2 healthy behavior changes was associated with lower hazard of CVD vs no healthy changes [HR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.18, 0.82].

Conclusions

In the year following diabetes diagnosis, small reductions in alcohol use were associated with lower hazard of CVD and small reductions in calorie intake were associated with lower hazard of all-cause mortality in a population-based sample. Where insufficient resources exist for specialist-led interventions, achievement of moderate behavior change targets is possible outside of treatment programs and may reduce long-term risk of CVD complications.

Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN86769081. Retrospectively registered 15 December 2006

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-019-0902-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Influence of Lifestyle on Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Evidence is limited regarding the impact of healthy lifestyle practices on the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events among patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of an overall healthy lifestyle, defined by eating a high-quality diet (top two-fifths of Alternative Healthy Eating Index), nonsmoking, engaging in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (≥150 min/week), and drinking alcohol in moderation (5 to 15 g/day for women and 5 to 30 g/day for men), with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

This prospective analysis included 11,527 participants with T2D diagnosed during follow-up (8,970 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 2,557 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study), who were free of CVD and cancer at the time of diabetes diagnosis. Diet and lifestyle factors before and after T2D diagnosis were repeatedly assessed every 2 to 4 years.

RESULTS

There were 2,311 incident CVD cases and 858 CVD deaths during an average of 13.3 years of follow-up. After multivariate adjustment of covariates, the low-risk lifestyle factors after diabetes diagnosis were each associated with a lower risk of CVD incidence and CVD mortality. The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for participants with 3 or more low-risk lifestyle factors compared with 0 were 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40 to 0.59) for total CVD incidence, 0.53 (95% CI: 0.42 to 0.66) for incidence of coronary heart disease, 0.33 (95% CI: 0.21 to 0.51) for stroke incidence, and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.47) for CVD mortality (all p trend <0.001). The population-attributable risk for poor adherence to the overall healthy lifestyle (<3 low-risk factors) was 40.9% (95% CI: 28.5% to 52.0%) for CVD mortality. In addition, greater improvements in healthy lifestyle factors from pre-diabetes to post-diabetes diagnosis were also significantly associated with a lower risk of CVD incidence and CVD mortality. For each number increment in low-risk lifestyle factors there was a 14% lower risk of incident total CVD, a 12% lower risk of coronary heart disease, a 21% lower risk of stroke, and a 27% lower risk of CVD mortality (all p < 0.001). Similar results were observed when analyses were stratified by diabetes duration, sex/cohort, body mass index at diabetes diagnosis, smoking status, and lifestyle factors before diabetes diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater adherence to an overall healthy lifestyle is associated with a substantially lower risk of CVD incidence and CVD mortality among adults with T2D. These findings further support the tremendous benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle in reducing the subsequent burden of cardiovascular complications in patients with T2D.

Effect of a structured diabetes education programme in primary care on hospitalizations and emergency department visits among people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from the Patient Empowerment Programme

AIM

To assess whether a structured diabetes education programme, the Patient Empowerment Programme, was associated with a lower rate of all-cause hospitalization and emergency department visits in a population-based cohort of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care.

METHODS

A cohort of 24 250 patients was evaluated using a linked administrative database during 2009-2013. We selected 12 125 patients with Type 2 diabetes who had at least one Patient Empowerment Programme session attendance. Patients who did not participate in the Patient Empowerment Programme were matched one-to-one with patients who did, using the propensity score method. Hospitalization events and emergency department visits were the events of interest. Cox proportional hazard and negative binomial regressions were performed to estimate the hazard ratios for the initial event, and incidence rate ratios for the number of events.

RESULTS

During a median 30.5 months of follow-up, participants in the Patient Empowerment Programme had a lower incidence of an initial hospitalization event (22.1 vs 25.2%; hazard ratio 0.879; P < 0.001) and emergency department visit (40.5 vs 44%; hazard ratio 0.901; P < 0.001) than those who did not participate in the Patient Empowerment Programme. Participation in the Patient Empowerment Programme was associated with a significantly lower number of emergency department visits (incidence rate ratio 0.903; P < 0.001): 40.4 visits per 100 patients annually in those who did not participate in the Patient Empowerment Programme vs. 36.2 per 100 patients annually in those who did. There were significantly fewer hospitalization episodes (incidence rate ratio 0.854; P < 0.001): 20.0 hospitalizations per 100 patients annually in those who did not participate in the Patient Empowerment Programme vs. 16.9 hospitalizations per 100 patients annually in those who did.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with Type 2 diabetes, the Patient Empowerment Programme was shown to be effective in delaying the initial hospitalization event and in reducing their frequency.

Weight loss intervention adherence and factors promoting adherence: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Adhering to weight loss interventions is difficult for many people. The majority of those who are overweight or obese and attempt to lose weight are simply not successful. The objectives of this study were 1) to quantify overall adherence rates for various weight loss interventions and 2) to provide pooled estimates for factors associated with improved adherence to weight loss interventions.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of all studies published between January 2004 and August 2015 that reviewed weight loss intervention adherence.

RESULTS

After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and checking the methodological quality, 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall adherence rate was 60.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 53.6-67.2). The following three main variables were found to impact adherence: 1) supervised attendance programs had higher adherence rates than those with no supervision (rate ratio [RR] 1.65; 95% CI 1.54-1.77); 2) interventions that offered social support had higher adherence than those without social support (RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.24-1.34); and 3) dietary intervention alone had higher adherence than exercise programs alone (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.19-1.35).

CONCLUSION

A substantial proportion of people do not adhere to weight loss interventions. Programs supervising attendance, offering social support, and focusing on dietary modification have better adherence than interventions not supervising attendance, not offering social support, and focusing exclusively on exercise.

Determinants of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes: a review

We aimed to review and summarize the evidence from accomplished trials analyzing factors influencing mortality in patients with T2DM and to provide some recommendations for targets and treatment in the European region. The following databases were searched for relevant trials: PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Of 3.806 citations, 134 trials met our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The reduction in lifetime for 65 + -years-old patients having less than 10 years T2DM amounts to 1.8 years. Having T2DM for more than 10 years lifetime will be reduced by 2.7 years. However, the lifetime shortening factor of T2DM will even be stronger for 40 + -years-old patients at onset. Males will lose 11.6 years of life and 18.6 QUALYs. T2DM among females will reduce life by 14 QUALYs by 22 years. From a statistical point of view, the highest mortality rate will occur in an over 55-years-old European smoking and non-compliant diabetic woman with alcohol abuse living in a rural area with a low level of education and a low socio-economic status. Furthermore, other co-morbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, gout, and depression affect mortality. Additionally, mortality will increase with a BMI over 35 and also with a BMI under 20-25. This refers to the obesity paradox indicating a higher mortality rate among normal weight patients with T2DM compared to overweight patients with T2DM. HbA1c-levels between 6.5 % and 7 % are associated with the lowest impact on mortality.

Changes in physical activity among adults with diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study of inactive patients with Type 2 diabetes who become physically active

AIMS

To identify the predictors and clinical effects among inactive patients with diabetes who become physically active, in the setting of a large integrated health system.

METHODS

We studied adults with Type 2 diabetes with at least two clinic visits between December 2011 and November 2012 who reported being inactive at their first visit. The mean (±sd) interval between their first and last visit was 6.2 (±2.3) months. We analysed self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity data collected using a structured intake form during routine clinical care.

RESULTS

The study cohort (N = 6853) had a mean age of 60.2 years; 51.4% were women and 53.6% were non-white. Nearly two-thirds (62.5%, n = 4280) reported remaining physically inactive, while 16.0% reported achieving the recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (≥ 150 min/week) by the last visit of the study period. Female gender (odds ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.67, 0.88), obesity (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m(2) : odds ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.60, 0.97; BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) : odds ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.42, 0.70), chronic kidney disease (odds ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.65, 0.94) and depression (odds ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.62, 0.96) were each independently associated with not achieving the recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity level, while physician referral to lifestyle education was a positive predictor (odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.09, 1.85). Controlling for baseline differences, patients achieving the recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity target lost 1.0 kg more weight compared with patients remaining inactive (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with diabetes in a real-world clinical setting lost weight after becoming physically active; however, nearly two-thirds of patients remained inactive. Novel interventions to address physical inactivity in primary care should address barriers faced by older patients with medically complex disease.

The role of lifestyle change for prevention of cardiovascular disease in diabetes

The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is disproportionately greater in those with diabetes than in the general population, including higher rates of hospitalization, stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality. Health-promoting lifestyle factors reduce both diabetes and CVD in healthy individuals; however, the efficacy of these strategies for CVD reduction in people with preexisting diabetes is unclear. In this review, we describe the most recent evidence (2013-2014) surrounding the effects of lifestyle changes on CVD outcomes in those with diabetes, and we contextualize the evidence against a backdrop of earlier key findings. Two major randomized controlled trials were identified, providing opposing conclusions about the role of lifestyle factors on CVD events in those with diabetes. Other recent prospective observational analyses support associations of physical activity and reduced CVD risk in diabetes. Limitations across studies include the use of self-report for measurement of lifestyle or lifestyle change, the length of follow-up needed to measure CVD outcomes, and the role of participants' medications on associations of lifestyle factors and CVD outcomes. Equivocal findings from the two randomized controlled trials support the need for additional research to identify the specific lifestyle factors that reduce CVD mortality and macrovascular complications in populations with diabetes.

β-cell dysfunction: Its critical role in prevention and management of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Although, in contrast to type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance is assumed to be a major pathophysiological feature of T2DM, T2DM never develops unless β-cells fail to compensate insulin resistance. Recent studies have revealed that a deficit of β-cell functional mass is an essential component of the pathophysiology of T2DM, implying that β-cell deficit is a common feature of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. β-cell dysfunction is present at the diagnosis of T2DM and progressively worsens with disease duration. β-cell dysfunction is associated with worsening of glycemic control and treatment failure; thus, it is important to preserve or recover β-cell functional mass in the management of T2DM. Since β-cell regenerative capacity appears somewhat limited in humans, reducing β-cell workload appears to be the most effective way to preserve β-cell functional mass to date, underpinning the importance of lifestyle modification and weight loss for the treatment and prevention of T2DM. This review summarizes the current knowledge on β-cell functional mass in T2DM and discusses the treatment strategy for T2DM.

Exclusion of 'nonRCT evidence' in guidelines for chronic diseases - is it always appropriate? The Look AHEAD study

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. The introduction of EBM was a conceptual and practical milestone in the history of medicine, with far-reaching impact yet to be fully realized. EBM has limitations, including inapplicability to populations dissimilar to those in studies, and may not reflect duration of exposure to risk factors, details of lifestyle, incubation period, latency, or environmental changes during chronic diseases. Routine exclusion of evidence other than randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses from consideration in treatment may not always be wise. This review is not a result of a search, but rather a conceptual unification of (a) the increasing restrictions in guideline-writing favoring more RCTs, and rejecting observational studies when chronic diseases with a long incubation period may sometimes be best probed by the latter; (b) the possibility RCTs may be inconclusive, nonapplicable, or result in 'negative' results which may misdirect future therapy by physicians and undermine adherence by patients; (c) the potential improvement in patient care from having all available information evaluated (especially epidemiological studies of chronic diseases) and synthesized in guidelines. The example of the Look AHEAD study is chosen - a 'negative' RCT with significant information overlooked by reviewers, who initially declared that weight loss and physical activity were ineffective in treating diabetes, or in preventing cardiovascular complications. In this review, placing this study in perspective, among others, suggests the opposite - exercise and weight loss are effective if done early and sufficiently. Synthesizing worthy data from many sources, including prospective and pathophysiological studies, particularly when RCTs are unavailable, has the potential to add depth and expand the understanding of disease. In addition, integrated data may generate useful, rich material for use during shared decision making discussions with patients, and clarify future hypotheses.