Randomized Controlled Study of Metformin and Sitagliptin on Long-term Normoglycemia Remission in African American Patients With Hyperglycemic Crises

A mathematical model for ketosis-prone diabetes suggests the existence of multiple pancreatic β-cell inactivation mechanisms

Ketosis-prone diabetes mellitus (KPD) is a subtype of type 2 diabetes, which presents much like type 1 diabetes, with dramatic hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. Although KPD patients are initially insulin-dependent, after a few months of insulin treatment, ~ 70% undergo near-normoglycemia remission and can maintain blood glucose without insulin, as in early type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Here, we propose that these phenomena can be explained by the existence of a fast, reversible glucotoxicity process, which may exist in all people but be more pronounced in those susceptible to KPD. We develop a simple mathematical model of the pathogenesis of KPD, which incorporates this assumption, and show that it reproduces the phenomenology of KPD, including variations in the ability for patients to achieve and sustain remission. These results suggest that a variation of our model may be able to quantitatively describe variations in the course of remission among individuals with KPD.

Phenotype and predictors of insulin independence in adults presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis: a prospective cohort study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this work was to describe the phenotype of adults presenting with a first episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Cape Town, South Africa, and identify predictors of insulin independence at 12 and 60 months after presentation.

METHODS

A prospective, descriptive cohort study of all individuals, 18 years or older, presenting for the first time with DKA to four public-sector hospitals of the Groote Schuur Academic Health Complex was performed. Clinical, biochemical and laboratory data including GAD antibody and C-peptide status were collected at baseline. Insulin was systematically weaned and stopped in individuals who achieved normoglycaemia within the months after DKA. Individuals were followed for 12 months and then annually until 5 years after initial presentation with ketoacidosis.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes when presenting with DKA were included and followed for 5 years. The mean ± SD age was 35±10 years and the median (IQR) BMI at diagnosis was 28.5 (23.3-33.4) kg/m2. Overall, 46% were insulin independent 12 months after diagnosis and 26% remained insulin independent 5 years after presentation. Forty-one participants (47%) tested negative for anti-GAD and anti-IA-2 antibodies and had C-peptide levels >0.3 nmol/l; in this group, 68% were insulin independent at 12 months and 37% at 5 years after diagnosis. The presence of acanthosis nigricans was strongly associated with insulin independence (OR 27.1 [95% CI 7.2, 102.2]; p<0.001); a positive antibody status was associated with a lower likelihood of insulin independence at 12 months (OR 0.10 [95% CI 0.03, 0.36]; p<0.001). On multivariable analysis only acanthosis (OR 11.5 [95% CI 2.5, 53.2]; p=0.004) was predictive of insulin independence 5 years after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The predominant phenotype of adults presenting with a first episode of DKA in Cape Town, South Africa, was that of ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes. These individuals presented with obesity, acanthosis nigricans, negative antibodies and normal C-peptide and could potentially be weaned off insulin at follow-up. Classic type 1 diabetes (lower weight, antibody positivity, low or unrecordable C-peptide levels and long-term insulin dependence) was less common. The simple clinical sign of acanthosis nigricans is a strong predictor of insulin independence at 12 months and 5 years after initial presentation.

Remission in Ketosis-Prone Diabetes

Heterogeneous forms of Ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) are characterized by patients who present with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) but lack the typical features and biomarkers of autoimmune T1D. The A-β+ subgroup of KPD provides unique insight into the concept of "remission" since these patients have substantial preservation of beta-cell function permitting the discontinuation of insulin therapy, despite initial presentation with DKA. Measurements of C-peptide levels are essential to predict remission and guide potential insulin withdrawal. Further studies into predictors of remission and relapse can help us guide patients with A-β+ KPD toward remission and develop targeted treatments for this form of atypical diabetes.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline: Developing a Diabetes Mellitus Comprehensive Care Plan-2022 Update

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide updated and new evidence-based recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes mellitus to clinicians, diabetes-care teams, other health care professionals and stakeholders, and individuals with diabetes and their caregivers.

METHODS

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology selected a task force of medical experts and staff who updated and assessed clinical questions and recommendations from the prior 2015 version of this guideline and conducted literature searches for relevant scientific papers published from January 1, 2015, through May 15, 2022. Selected studies from results of literature searches composed the evidence base to update 2015 recommendations as well as to develop new recommendations based on review of clinical evidence, current practice, expertise, and consensus, according to established American Association of Clinical Endocrinology protocol for guideline development.

RESULTS

This guideline includes 170 updated and new evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes. Recommendations are divided into four sections: (1) screening, diagnosis, glycemic targets, and glycemic monitoring; (2) comorbidities and complications, including obesity and management with lifestyle, nutrition, and bariatric surgery, hypertension, dyslipidemia, retinopathy, neuropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease; (3) management of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes with antihyperglycemic pharmacotherapy and glycemic targets, type 1 diabetes with insulin therapy, hypoglycemia, hospitalized persons, and women with diabetes in pregnancy; (4) education and new topics regarding diabetes and infertility, nutritional supplements, secondary diabetes, social determinants of health, and virtual care, as well as updated recommendations on cancer risk, nonpharmacologic components of pediatric care plans, depression, education and team approach, occupational risk, role of sleep medicine, and vaccinations in persons with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to assist with person-centered, team-based clinical decision-making to improve the care of persons with diabetes mellitus.

1-h Glucose During Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Predicts Hyperglycemia Relapse-Free Survival in Obese Black Patients With Hyperglycemic Crises

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 50% of obese Black patients with unprovoked diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe hyperglycemia (SH) at new-onset diabetes achieve near-normoglycemia remission with intensive insulin treatment. Despite the initial near-normoglycemia remission, most DKA/SH individuals develop hyperglycemia relapse after insulin discontinuation. Traditional biomarkers such as normal glucose tolerance at the time of remission were not predictive of hyperglycemia relapse. We tested whether 1-h plasma glucose (1-h PG) at remission predicts hyperglycemia relapse in Black patients with DKA/SH.

METHODS

Secondary analysis was performed of two prospective randomized controlled trials in 73 patients with DKA/SH at the safety net hospital with a median follow-up of 408 days. Patients with DKA/SH underwent a 5-point, 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test after hyperglycemia remission. Hyperglycemia relapse is defined by fasting blood glucose (FBG) > 130 mg/dl, random blood glucose (BG) >180 mg/dl, or HbA1c > 7%.

RESULTS

During the median 408 (interquartile range: 110-602) days of follow-up, hyperglycemia relapse occurred in 28 (38.4%) participants. One-hour PG value ≥199 mg/dl discriminates hyperglycemia relapse (sensitivity: 64%; specificity: 71%). Elevated levels of 1-h PG (≥199 mg/dl) were independently associated with hyperglycemia relapse (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.40 [95% CI: 1.04, 5.56]). In a multivariable model with FBG, adding 1-h PG level enhanced the prediction of hyperglycemia relapse, with significant improvements in C-index (Δ: +0.05; p = 0.04), net reclassification improvement (NRI: 48.7%; p = 0.04), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI: 7.8%; p = 0.02) as compared with the addition of 2-h PG (NRI: 20.2%; p = 0.42; IDI: 1.32%; p = 0.41) or HbA1c (NRI: 35.2%; p = 0.143; IDI: 5.8%; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

One-hour PG at the time of remission is a better predictor of hyperglycemia relapse than traditional glycemic markers among obese Black patients presenting with DKA/SH. Testing 1-h PG at insulin discontinuation identifies individuals at high risk of developing hyperglycemia relapse.

Population insulin sensitivity from sparsely sampled oral glucose tolerance tests

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to estimate population-level insulin sensitivity (S_I) from 2-hour oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) with less than 7 samples.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The current methodology combines the OGTT mathematical model developed by Dalla Man et al., with nonlinear multilevel (NLML) statistical model to estimate population-level insulin sensitivity (S_I) from sparsely sampled datasets (3 or 4 samples per subject obtained in 120 min). To validate our novel methodology of population S_I estimation, we simulated 50 virtual subjects. We simulated 10 observations per subject over 240 minutes. After estimating their S_I using the OGTT model, the virtual subjects were split into two groups, subjects with S_I above the average and ones with below average. Subsequently, the simulated data were analyzed using statistical software and employing a t-test. The mean estimates of population S_I for the two groups of virtual subjects and their respective 95% CI were compared to the estimates obtained with our novel NLML group S_I estimates obtained using the 3 and 4 time points per subject. To further validate the performance of the novel NLML model, a set of 34 prediabetic and 30 diabetic subjects with T2D was used. As outlined above for the in-silico subjects, differences between the prediabetic and T2D subjects in regard to S_I was assessed using the classical two-stage approach (individual S_I estimation followed by statistical comparison of the two groups). The average estimates obtained with the classical two-stage approach were compared to the group estimated obtained with the NLML approach using 3 (0, 60, and 120 minutes) points per subject obtained in 120 minutes.

RESULTS

Unique and identifiable individual estimates of S_I were obtained for all virtual subjects. In comparison to the subjects with above average S_I (n=25), the subjects with simulated below average S_I (n=25) exhibited significantly lower insulin sensitivity (P<0.001). Our novel NLML population model confirmed these findings (4-point OGTT: P<0.001; 3-point OGTT: P<0.001). In a similar fashion to the one outlined for the virtual subjects, the median insulin sensitivities estimated with the classical two-stage approach were different between the prediabetic (n=34) and T2D subjects (n=32, P=0.004). Using 3 points per subject, our novel NLML model confirmed these findings (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The population estimates of S_I from OGTT data is an effective tool to assess population insulin sensitivity and assess differences that may not be possible when calculating individual S_I or when less than 7 samples are available.

Long-term changes in carbohydrate tolerance, insulin secretion and action in African-American patients with obesity and history of hyperglycemic crises

INTRODUCTION

Many African-Americans (AA) with obesity with newly diagnosed diabetes presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe hyperglycemia (SH) discontinue insulin therapy and achieve near-normoglycemia remission (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <7%, fasting blood glucose (FBG) <130 mg/dL) and able to be managed on oral antidiabetic agents (OAD) during follow-up. Using combined data from two randomized controlled trials, we assessed long-term carbohydrate tolerance and changes in insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Seventy-five participants with DKA (n=33) and SH (n=42) underwent 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after insulin discontinuation and every 6 months until hyperglycemia relapse (FBG ≥130 mg/dL, HbA1c >7% or two random BG ≥180 mg/dL) while treated with OAD (metformin, sitagliptin or pioglitazone) or placebo. Glucose tolerance status was defined as per the American Diabetes Association. Sensitivity index (S_i) was calculated by oral minimal model, insulin secretion as the incremental area under the curve of insulin (IncreAUC_i) and disposition index (DI) as S_i×IncreAUC_i.

RESULTS

During remission, OGTT showed normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (n=9 (12%)), prediabetes (n=34 (45%)) and diabetes (n=32 (43%)). DI and S_i were higher in patients with NGT versus prediabetes versus diabetes (p<0.001), while IncreAUC_i was not significantly different among NGT, prediabetes and diabetes (p=0.14). Achieving NGT status did not prolong near-normoglycemia remission. OAD treatment significantly prolonged hyperglycemia relapse-free survival (log-rank p=0.0012) compared with placebo and was associated with lower hyperglycemia relapse (HR: 0.45, 95% CI: (0.21 to 0.96), p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In AA patients with obesity with history of DKA and SH, near-normoglycemia remission is associated with improved insulin secretion and action with half of patients achieving NGT or prediabetes, and only half having diabetes on OGTT. NGT and prediabetes on OGTT were not associated with prolonged hyperglycemia relapse-free survival.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01099618, NCT00426413.

Uncommon Presentations of Diabetes: Zebras in the Herd

The majority of patients with diabetes are diagnosed as having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, when encountered in clinical practice, some patients may not match the classic diagnostic criteria or expected clinical presentation for either type of the disease. Latent autoimmune, ketosis-prone, and monogenic diabetes are nonclassical forms of diabetes that are often misdiagnosed as either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Recognizing the distinguishing clinical characteristics and understanding the diagnostic criteria for each will lead to appropriate treatment, facilitate personalized medicine, and improve patient outcomes.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus non-surgical remission: A possible mission

Background

Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has been observed throughout the last few years, yet factors associated with remission through non-surgical approaches are still unclear. So, the factors associated with type 2 DM remission were investigated.

Methods

Out 670 patients, 63 patients gained non-surgical remission of type 2 DM (defined according to ADA criteria), and 396 patients served as control matched for age, sex, and BMI. The records of patients who attended Alexandria University Students Hospital between the years 2015 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The collected data at first visit and 1 year after remission were history, examination, HbA1c %, oral glucose tolerance test & fasting blood glucose and lipid profile and type of treatment.

Results

75% of patients were females with mean age 51.5 ± 11.34 years. The mean duration of treatment till remission was 26.4 ± 33.1 months. One year after remission HbA1c & BMI were significantly decreased (P = 0.001, 0.03; respectively). However, cox proportional hazards model & ROC curve analysis showed that age < 50 years, female sex, short duration of diabetes < 5.2 years, intial HbA1c < 8.5%, HDL > 45.6 mg/dl, and initial intervention with lifestyle modification, 2000 mg metformin and 100 mg vildagliptin are the factors associated with remission.

Conclusion

Our mission in type 2 DM female patients < 50 years with short duration of disease < 5.2 years, initial HbA1c < 8.5% and HDL > 45.6 mg/dl, is to achieve diabetes remission by intensive life style modification with daily metformin and vildagliptin.

Pharmacology of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and its use in the management of metabolic syndrome: a comprehensive review on drug repositioning

OBJECTIVES

Despite advances in our understanding of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the treatment of each of its components separately, currently there is no single therapy approved to manage it as a single condition. Since multi-drug treatment increases drug interactions, decreases patient compliance and increases health costs, it is important to introduce single therapies that improve all of the MetS components.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, US FDA, utdo.ir and clinicaltrial.gov search, gathered the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies that have been published since 2010, and discussed the beneficial effects of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors to prevent and treat different constituent of the MetS as a single therapy. Furthermore, the pharmacology of DPP-4 inhibitors, focusing on pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions and their side effects are also reviewed.

RESULTS

DPP-4 inhibitors or gliptins are a new class of oral anti-diabetic drugs that seem safe drugs with no severe side effects, commonly GI disturbance, infection and inflammatory bowel disease. They increase mass and function of pancreatic β-cells, and insulin sensitivity in liver, muscle and adipose tissue. It has been noted that gliptin therapy decreases dyslipidemia. DPP-4 inhibitors increase fatty oxidation, and cholesterol efflux, and decrease hepatic triglyceride synthase and de novo lipogenesis. They delay gastric emptying time and lead to satiety. Besides, gliptin therapy has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic impacts, and improves endothelial function and reduces vascular stiffness.

CONCLUSION

The gathered data prove the efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitors in managing MetS in some levels beyond anti-diabetic effects. This review could be a lead for designing new DPP-4 inhibitors with greatest effects on MetS in future. Introducing drugs with polypharmacologic effects could increase the patient's compliance and decrease the health cost that there is not in multi-drug therapy. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Ketosis-Prone Type 2 Diabetes: A Case Series

Ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes ("Flatbush diabetes") carries features of both classical type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is highly prevalent in African populations. The disease, which is highly ketosis-prone, but neither chronically insulinopenic nor autoimmune, is discussed regarding pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment from a patient case perspective.

Evaluation and management of ketosis-prone diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) who lack the classic phenotype of autoimmune type 1 diabetes have become increasingly identified in recent decades. This has led to the recognition of heterogeneous syndromes of 'ketosis-prone diabetes' (KPD). Evaluation and optimal management of KPD differs from that of 'typical' type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Awareness of these differences and a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment can improve glycemic control and prevent both acute and chronic complications of diabetes.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the Aß classification scheme ('A' for autoantibody status and 'ß' for beta cell functional reserve) which accurately delineates subgroups of KPD, and addresses the relevance of defining these subgroups for clinical outcomes and long-term insulin dependence. Subsequently, the detailed evaluation and management of KPD patients after their index DKA episode is described.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

Among patients presenting with DKA, it is important to diagnose specific subgroups of KPD and not assume that they represent exclusively patients with autoimmune type 1 diabetes. The Aß classification is an accurate aid to diagnosis, and permits optimal management of the subgroups (e.g., insulin treatment for the ß- subgroups; follow-up testing and a range of treatment options for the ß+ subgroups).

DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS: A COMMON DEBUT OF DIABETES AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

OBJECTIVE

More than half of African Americans (AA) with a new diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis have clinical and metabolic features of type 2 diabetes during follow-up. This particular presentation of diabetes has been termed as ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes (KPDM) or atypical diabetes.

METHODS

We review the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and acute and long-term management of AA with KPDM and compare these similarities to patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

In contrast to the long-term insulin requirement of auto-immune type 1 diabetes, patients with KPDM are able to discontinue insulin after a few months of therapy and maintain acceptable glycemic control for many years on either diet or oral agents. Patients with KPDM have significant impairment of both insulin secretion and insulin action at presentation; however, at the time of near-normoglycemia remission, insulin secretion and action improve to levels similar to hyperglycemic patients with ketosis-resistant type 2 diabetes. In the long term, however, patients with KPDM have a decline in β-cell function similar to patients with type 2 diabetes. Recent studies indicate that treatment with metformin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors can prolong the period of near-normoglycemia remission for several years compared to placebo therapy.

CONCLUSION

KPDM is a unique but common presentation of newly diagnosed African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

ABBREVIATIONS

A(+/-) = auto-antibody positive/negative AA = African Americans DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis FFA = free fatty acids G6PD = glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase GAD-65 = 65-kDA glutamic acid decarboxylase HBA1c = glycated hemoglobin A1c HHV8 = human herpes virus 8 HLA = human leukocyte antigen KPDM = ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes.