American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for the management of diabetes mellitus

Admission blood glucose and 30-day mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: prognostic significance in individuals with and without diabetes

Objective

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for acute heart failure, associated with an increased risk of mortality. This study aims to analyze the prognostic significance of admission blood glucose (ABG) on 30-day mortality in Chinese patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), with or without diabetes.

Methods

This retrospective study included 1,462 participants from the JX-ADHF1 cohort established between January 2019 to December 2022. We conducted multivariate cox regression, restricted cubic spline, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and mediation analysis to explore the association and potential mechanistic pathways (inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutrition) between ABG and 30-day mortality in ADHF patients, with and without diabetes.

Results

During the 30-day follow-up, we recorded 20 (5.36%) deaths in diabetic subjects and 33 (3.03%) in non-diabetics. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that ABG was independently associated with 30-day mortality in ADHF patients, with a stronger association in diabetics than non-diabetics (hazard ratio: Model 1: 1.71 vs 1.16; Model 2: 1.26 vs 1.19; Model 3: 1.65 vs 1.37; Model 4: 1.76 vs 1.33). Further restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a U-shaped relationship between ABG and 30-day mortality in non-diabetic ADHF patients (P for non-linearity < 0.001), with the lowest risk at ABG levels approximately between 5-7 mmol/L. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that ABG had a higher predictive accuracy for 30-day mortality in diabetics (area under curve = 0.8751), with an optimal threshold of 13.95mmol/L. Finally, mediation analysis indicated a significant role of inflammation in ABG-related 30-day mortality in ADHF, accounting for 11.15% and 8.77% of the effect in diabetics and non-diabetics, respectively (P-value of proportion mediate < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study confirms that ABG is a vital indicator for assessing and predicting 30-day mortality risk in ADHF patients with diabetes. For ADHF patients, both with and without diabetes, our evidence suggests that physicians should be alert and closely monitor any changes in patient conditions when ABG exceeds 13.95 mmol/L for those with diabetes and 7.05 mmol/L for those without. Timely adjustments in therapeutic strategies, including endocrine and anti-inflammatory treatments, are advisable.

Combined low-carbohydrate diet and long-term exercise in hypoxia in type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial protocol to assess glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors and body composition

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality associated with diabetes, which is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Low-carbohydrate diet has gained popularity as an intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, acting to improve glycemic profile and serum lipids. In its turn, exercise in hypoxia induces specific adaptations, mostly modulated via hypoxia-induced transcription factor signaling cascade, which increases with exposure to altitude, and promotes angiogenesis, glycogen supply, glucose tolerance, and raises GLUT-4 expression. Aim: Given that hyperglycemia decreases HIF-1α and it is better controlled when following a low-carbohydrate diet, this study aims to examine the hypothesis that a combination of both low-carbohydrate diet and chronic exercise in hypoxia in type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with improved glycemic control and cardiovascular parameters, whose protocol is described. Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 48) will be recruited and randomized into one of the three groups: (a) Control group: Control diet (low-fat and moderate-carbohydrate diet) + exercise in normoxia; (2) exercise in hypoxia group: Control diet + exercise in hypoxia; (3) intervention group: Low-carbohydrate diet (low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet) + exercise in hypoxia. Before and after 8 weeks of interventions, cardiopulmonary tests (Bruce protocol), body composition and blood pressure will be evaluated. Blood samples will be collected to measure hypoxia-induced transcription factor, C-reactive protein, glycemic and lipid profiles. Summary: This will be the first trial to examine the isolated and combined effect of chronic exercise in hypoxia and low-carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This trial will help to fill a significant research gap, guide future research and contribute to the combined nutrition and exercise approach to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The association of glycated hemoglobin A1c with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and severity of coronary lesions

Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been recognized as a predictor of cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between HbA1c and coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Chinese population has yet to be systematically explored. In addition, factors associated with HbA1c were generally analyzed linearly, thereby failing to appreciate more complex nonlinear associations. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the HbA1c value and the presence and severity of coronary artery stenosis. A total of 7192 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled. Their biological parameters, including HbA1c, were measured. The severity of coronary stenosis was evaluated using Gensini score. After correcting for baseline confounding factors, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between HbA1c and CAD severity. Restricted cubic splines were applied to explore the relation of HbA1c with the presence of CAD, myocardial infarction (MI), and the severity of coronary lesions. HbA1c was significantly associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients without diagnosed diabetes (odds ratio: 1.306, 95% confidence interval: 1.053-1.619, p = 0.015). Spline analysis showed a U-shaped association of HbA1c with the presence of MI. Both HbA1c > 7.2% and HbA1c < 5.7% were associated with the presence of MI. In conclusion, HbA1c value was highly associated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis in the whole study population, and in CAD patients without diagnosed diabetes. Compared with patients with HbA1c levels between 6.0% and 7.0%, HbA1c < 5.7% and HbA1c > 7.2% were associated with higher presence of MI.

Social Care Recommendations in National Diabetes Treatment Guidelines

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

An expanding body of research documents associations between socioeconomic circumstances and health outcomes, which has led health care institutions to invest in new activities to identify and address patients' social circumstances in the context of care delivery. Despite growing national investment in these "social care" initiatives, the extent to which social care activities are routinely incorporated into care for patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2D), specifically, is unknown. We conducted a scoping review of existing T2D treatment and management guidelines to explore whether and how these guidelines incorporate recommendations that reflect social care practice categories.

RECENT FINDINGS

We applied search terms to locate all T2D treatment and management guidelines for adults published in the US from 1977 to 2021. The search captured 158 national guidelines. We subsequently applied the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine framework to search each guideline for recommendations related to five social care activities: Awareness, Adjustment, Assistance, Advocacy, and Alignment. The majority of guidelines (122; 77%) did not recommend any social care activities. The remainder (36; 23%) referred to one or more social care activities. In the guidelines that referred to at least one type of social care activity, adjustments to medical treatment based on social risk were most common [34/36 (94%)]. Recommended adjustments included decreasing medication costs to accommodate financial strain, changing literacy level or language of handouts, and providing virtual visits to accommodate transportation insecurity. Ensuring that practice guidelines more consistently reflect social care best practices may improve outcomes for patients living with T2D.

Impact of Two Different Reference Measurement Procedures on Apparent System Accuracy of 18 CE-Marked Current-Generation Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems

BACKGROUND

Measurement accuracy has been assessed for many different blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMS) over the years by different study groups. However, the choice of the comparison measurement procedure may impact the apparent level of accuracy found in such studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Measurement accuracy of 18 different BGMS was assessed in a setting based on ISO 15197 using two different comparison methods in parallel: a glucose oxidase (GOD)-based and a hexokinase (HK)-based method. Accuracy limits of ISO 15197 were applied, and additional analyses were performed, including bias, linear regression, and mean absolute relative difference (MARD) to assess the impact of possible differences between comparison methods on the apparent level of accuracy.

RESULTS

While ≈80% of BGMS met the accuracy criteria of ISO 15197 when compared with the respective manufacturers' reference measurement procedure, only two-thirds did so against both comparison methods. The mean relative bias ranged from -6.6% to +5.7% for the analysis against the GOD-based method and from -11.1% to +1.3% for the analysis against the HK-based method, whereas MARD results ranged from 3.7% to 9.8% and from 2.3% to 10.5%, respectively. Results of regression analysis showed slopes between 0.85 and 1.08 (GOD-based method) and between 0.81 and 1.01 (HK-based method).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that there are systematic differences between the reference measurement procedures used for BGMS calibration as well as for system accuracy assessment. Because of the potential impact on therapy of patients with diabetes resulting from these differences, further steps toward harmonization of the measurement procedures' results are important.

Management of Glucocorticoid-Induced Hyperglycemia

Glucocorticoids are potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs used for various systemic and localized conditions. The use of glucocorticoids needs to be weighed against their adverse effect of aggravating hyperglycemia in persons with diabetes mellitus, unmask undiagnosed diabetes mellitus, or precipitate glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus appearance. Hyperglycemia is associated with poor clinical outcomes, including infection, disability after hospital discharge, prolonged hospital stay, and death. Furthermore, clear guidelines for managing glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia are lacking. Therefore, this consensus document aims to develop guidance on the management of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia. Twenty expert endocrinologists, in a virtual meeting, discussed the evidence and practical experience of real-life management of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia. The expert group concluded that we should be proactive in terms of diagnosis, management, and post-steroid care. Since every patient has different severity of underlying disease, clinical stratification would help understand patient profiles and determine the treatment course. Patients at home with pre-existing diabetes who are already on oral or injectable therapy can continue the same as long as they are clinically stable and eating adequately. However, depending on the degree of hyperglycemia, modification of doses may be required. Initiating basal bolus with correction regimen is recommended for patients in non-intensive care unit settings. For patients in intensive care unit, variable rate intravenous insulin infusion could be temporarily used, but under supervision of diabetes inpatient team, and patients can be transitioned to subcutaneous insulin once stable baseline assessment and continual evaluation are crucial for day-to-day decisions concerning insulin doses. Glycemic variability should be carefully monitored, and interventions to treat patients should also aim at achieving and maintaining euglycemia. Rational use of glucose-lowering drugs is recommended and treatment regimen should ensure maximum safety for both patient and provider. Glucovigilance is required as the steroids taper during transition, and insulin dosage should be reduced subsequently. Increased clinical and economic burden resulting from corticosteroid-related adverse events highlights the need for effective management. Therefore, these recommendations would help successfully manage GC-induced hyperglycemia and judiciously allocate resources.

Glycemic control and its determinants among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Menelik II Referral Hospital, Ethiopia

Objective:

The objective of the study was to explore the level of glycemic control and its determinants among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Menelik II Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample size was determined using a single proportion formula and 245 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were involved in this study. Systematic sampling method was used to select the study subjects. Standard questionnaire was used to collect patient’s biographic data, economic data, self-care activities, and patient compliance to medications. Summary statistics of a given data were calculated. Logistic regression model was used to measure the relationship between the outcome and predictor variable. Direction and strength of association was expressed using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Result:

More than three-fourth, 191 (80.3%) of diabetic patients had poor glycemic control. Poor glycemic control was found to be 7.03 times higher among diabetic patients with duration of 5–10 years (adjusted odds ratio = 7.03, 95% confidence interval = 2.7–18.6). Similarly, diabetic patients with a duration of above 10 years were poorly controlled their blood sugar level (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.028–5.08) in comparison to diabetic patients with a duration of fewer than 5 years. It was also found that compliance with a specific diet was significantly associated with good control of blood sugar level (adjusted odds ratio = 3.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.24–11.13).

Conclusion:

The magnitude of patients with poor glycemic control was high. Duration of diabetes and non-compliance with diets high in fruits, vegetables, and diets low in fat and sugar were significantly related to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Therefore, developing strategies targeted toward improving blood glucose control with special attention to diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with a duration of ⩾5 years and those who poorly comply with their diet was strongly recommended.

Sleep Quality and Associated Factors in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose: Sleep disturbance is one of the major complaints among patients with diabetes. The status of diabetes control and associated complications may contribute to sleep disturbance. This study explored night time sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness in adults with type 2 diabetes and examined the association of diabetes control and associated complications on their sleep quality. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was used. Type 2 diabetic patients (87 females and 79 males, aged 63.1 ± 10.5 years) were recruited from the outpatient clinics of the endocrine department. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Diabetes control and complications were obtained by retrospectively reviewing patients' medical records over 1 year prior to study enrollment. Results: 72.3% of recruited patients had poor glycemic control, and 71.1% had at least one diabetic complication. 56.0% of patients experienced poor sleep quality, and 24.1% had excessive daytime sleepiness. Those who were female (OR = 3.45) and who had ophthalmological problems (OR = 3.17) were associated with poor night time sleep quality, but if they did exercise to the point of sweating (OR = 0.48) reduced the risk of poor sleep quality. Furthermore, poor sleep quality (OR = 4.35) and having nephropathy (OR = 3.78) were associated with a higher risk of excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusions: Sex, ophthalmological problems, nephropathy, and no exercise to the point of sweating are associated with sleep problems in patients with type 2 diabetes. Both lifestyle behaviors and diabetic complications affect sleep disturbances in patients with diabetes.

Evaluation of a novel artificial intelligence-based screening system for diabetic retinopathy in community of China: a real-world study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the performance of an AI-based diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading model in real-world community clinical setting.

METHODS

Participants with diabetes on record in the chosen community were recruited by health care staffs in a primary clinic of Zhengzhou city, China. Retinal images were prospectively collected during December 2018 and April 2019 based on intent-to-screen principle. A pre-validated AI system based on deep learning algorithm was deployed to screen DR graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy scale. Kappa value of DR severity, the sensitivity, specificity of detecting referable DR (RDR) and any DR were generated based on the standard of the majority manual grading decision of a retina specialist panel.

RESULTS

Of the 193 eligible participants, 173 (89.6%) were readable with at least one eye image. Mean [SD] age was 69.3 (9.0) years old. Total of 321 eyes (83.2%) were graded both by AI and the specialist panel. The κ value in eye image grading was 0.715. The sensitivity, specificity and area under curve for detection of RDR were 84.6% (95% CI: 54.6- 98.1%), 98.0% (95% CI: 94.3-99.6%) and 0.913 (95% CI: 0.797-1.000), respectively. For detection of any DR, the upper indicators were 90.0% (95% CI: 68.3-98.8), 96.6% (95% CI: 92.1-98.9) and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.933-1.000), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The AI system showed relatively good consistency with ophthalmologist diagnosis in DR grading, high specificity and acceptable sensitivity for identifying RDR and any DR.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

It is feasible to apply AI-based DR screening in community.

PRECIS

Deployed in community real-world clinic setting, AI-based DR screening system showed high specificity and acceptable sensitivity in identifying RDR and any DR. Good DR diagnostic consistency was found between AI and manual grading. These prospective evidences were essential for regulatory approval.

Use of Insulin Degludec/Insulin Aspart in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: Expert Panel Recommendations on Appropriate Practice Patterns

Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is a fixed-ratio co-formulation of insulin degludec (IDeg), which provides long-lasting basal insulin coverage, and insulin aspart (IAsp), which targets post-prandial glucose. This expert panel aimed to provide a practical and implementable guidance document to assist clinicians in prescribing IDegAsp in the diabetes management with respect to different patient populations including children and adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) as well as pregnant, elderly and hospitalized patients and varying practice patterns (insulin-naive, insulin-treated, switching from basal, basal bolus and premix regimens). The experts recommended that IDegAsp can be used in insulin-naive T2D patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.5%) despite optimal oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) as well as in insulin-treated T2D patients by switching from basal insulin, basal-bolus therapy or premixed insulins in relation to lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia, fewer injections and lower intraday glycemic variability, respectively. The experts considered the use of IDegAsp in children with T2D as a basal bolus alternative rather than as an alternative to basal insulin after metformin failure, use of IDegAsp in adult T1D patients as a simplified basal bolus regimen with lesser nocturnal hypoglycemia, fewer injections and better fasting plasma glucose control and in children with T1D as an alternative insulin regimen with fewer injection to increase treatment adherence. The proposed expert opinion provides practical information on use of IDegAsp in different patient populations and practice patterns to assist clinicians, which seems to compensate the need for easily implementable guidance on this novel insulin regimen.

Magnitude of missed opportunities for prediabetes screening among non-diabetic adults attending the family practice clinic in Western Nigeria: Implication for diabetes prevention

BACKGROUND

For many decades, hypertension guidelines recommended dual-arm blood pressure measurement. However, this practice is poor in Nigeria and its significance is largely unidentified. Hence, this study was done to determine the point prevalence of inter-arm blood pressure difference and its relationship with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 respondents at the general outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Demographic characteristics and anthropometric indices were obtained. Blood pressure readings were obtained through sequentially repeated measurements in respondents' arms.

RESULTS

One-hundred and eighty-six respondents had complete data given a completion rate of 86.9%. Systolic blood pressure was higher on the right and left arm in 102 (54.8%) and 56 (30.1%) of the respondents, respectively. Diastolic blood pressure was higher on the right and left arm in 73 (39.2%) and 63 (33.9%) of the respondents, respectively. The overall prevalence of significant systolic inter-arm difference (≥ 10 mmHg) and diastolic inter-arm difference (≥ 10 mmHg) were 24.2% and 18.8%, respectively. Significant systolic inter-arm difference (p = 0.033) and diastolic inter-arm difference (p = 0.01) were significantly more among respondents with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

The blood pressure readings in both arms were different among the majority of the respondents, being higher on the right arm in many of them. The prevalence of significant inter-arm difference was high in the unselected primary care patients studied especially among patients with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus. Blood pressure measurement in both arms should become a routine practice during initial patients' visits in primary care.

Relationship between Lipid Profiles and Glycemic Control Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Qingdao, China

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was the best indicator of glycemic control, which did not show the dynamic relationship between glycemic control and lipid profiles. In order to guide the health management of Type 2 diabetes (T2D), we assessed the levels of lipid profiles and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and displayed the relationship between FPG control and lipid profiles. We conducted a cross-sectional study that included 5822 participants. Descriptive statistics were conducted according to gender and glycemic status respectively. Comparisons for the control of lipid profiles were conducted according to glycemic control. Four logistic regression models were generated to analyze the relationship between lipid profiles and glycemic control according to different confounding factors. The metabolic control percentage of FPG, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 27.50%, 73.10%, 28.10%, 64.20% and 44.80% respectively. In the fourth model with the most confounding factors, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C were 0.989 (0.935, 1.046), 0.862 (0.823, 0.903), 0.987 (0.920, 1.060) and 2.173 (1.761, 2.683). TC and HDL-C were statistically significant, and TG and LDL-C were not statistically significant with adjustment for different confounding factors. In conclusion, FPG was significantly associated with HDL and TC and was not associated with LDL and TG. Our findings suggested that TC and HDL should be focused on in the process of T2D health management.

Prevalence of Hypoglycemia Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Rural Health Center in South India

Introduction: One of the greatest threats to achieving tight glycemic control is hypoglycemia, which can lead to decreased drug compliance, cardiovascular events, and even mortality. There is lack of literature on this complication in the Indian setting. This study will aid the primary care physician to achieve better glycemic control of the diabetic patients and provide patient education to prevent hypoglycemia. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study in which 390 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus getting treated in a primary health center were assessed for symptoms of hypoglycemia. Results: Prevalence of hypoglycemia was 57.44% (95% CI 52.48-62.25). Severe hypoglycemia was found in 10.7% of the patients. The first reported symptom of hypoglycemia was dizziness (72.3%). The most common etiological factor leading to hypoglycemia was missing a meal (89.3%). Females were at a significant higher risk of developing hypoglycemia (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.04-1.3, P < .05). Conclusion: This study has established the high prevalence of self-reported hypoglycaemia in the rural settings where resources are limited to monitor the glucose levels. The high prevalence urges the need for the primary care physicians to enquire about the hypoglycemic symptoms to all diabetic patients at each visit. It is also important to educate these patients about the symptoms of hypoglycemia and the importance of reporting of such symptoms, which will help in adjusting dose and preventing future attacks.

SGLT inhibitors as antidiabetic agents: a comprehensive review

Diabetes is one of the most common disorders that substantially contributes to an increase in global health burden. As a metabolic disorder, diabetes is associated with various medical conditions and diseases such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and atherosclerosis. In this review, we cover the scientific studies on sodium/glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors published during the last decade. Our focus on providing an exhaustive overview of SGLT inhibitors enabled us to present their chemical classification for the first time.

System accuracy evaluation of 18 CE-marked current-generation blood glucose monitoring systems based on EN ISO 15197:2015

OBJECTIVE

Accuracy of 18 current-generation blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMS) available in Europe was evaluated applying criteria adapted from EN ISO 15197:2015 with one reagent system lot. BGMS were selected based on market research data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The BGMS ABRA, Accu-Chek Guide, AURUM, CareSens Dual, CERA-CHEK 1CODE, ContourNext One, eBsensor, FreeStyle Freedom Lite, GL50 evo, GlucoCheck GOLD, GlucoMen areo 2K, GluNEO, MyStar DoseCoach, OneTouch Verio Flex, Pic GlucoTest, Rightest GM700S, TRUEyou, and WaveSense JAZZ Wireless were tested using capillary blood from 100 different subjects and assessing the percentage of results within ±15 mg/dL (0.83 mmol/L) or 15% of comparison method results for BG concentrations below or above 100 mg/dL (5.55 mmol/L), respectively. In addition, the minimal deviation from comparison method results within which ≥95% of results of the respective BGMS were found was calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 14 BGMS had ≥95% of results within ±15 mg/dL (0.83 mmol/L) or ±15% and 3 BGMS had ≥95% of results within ±10 mg/dL (0.55 mmol/L) or ±10% of the results obtained with the comparison method. The smallest deviation from comparison method results within which ≥95% of results were found was ±7.7 mg/dL (0.43 mmol/L) or ±7.7%; the highest deviation was ±19.7 mg/dL (1.09 mmol/L) or ±19.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

This accuracy evaluation shows that not all CE-labeled BGMS fulfill accuracy requirements of ISO 15197 reliably and that there is considerable variation even among BGMS fulfilling these criteria. This safety-related information should be taken into account by patients and healthcare professionals when making therapy decisions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03737188.

Perioperative tight glycemic control using artificial pancreas decreases infectious complications via suppression of inflammatory cytokines in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy: A prospective, non-randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

We sought to investigate the efficacy of perioperative tight glycemic control (TGC) in reducing of postoperative infectious complications (POICs) and study its impact on early inflammatory mediators in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

In this non-randomized trial, the artificial pancreas (AP) group received TGC (target glucose range of 80-110 mg/dL; n = 14), while the control group received conventional glycemic control (range of 80-180 mg/dL; n = 15). The primary endpoint was POICs.

RESULTS

The AP group had a markedly decreased POIC rate (28.6% vs. 73.3%; P = 0.027), mean glycemic variability (13.5 ± 3.5% vs. 16.4 ± 5.9%; P = 0.038), and plasma interleukin-6 level (26.3 ± 33.8 vs 98.3 ± 89.1 pg/ml; P = 0.036) compared to the control group, but insulin dosage (27.0 ± 13.4 vs. 10.2 ± 16.2 U; P = 0.002) and the adiponectin ratio (i.e., postoperative/preoperative adiponectin; 0.8 ± 0.2 vs. 0.6 ± 0.3; P = 0.021) were markedly higher in the AP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing PD with impaired glucose tolerance, AP facilitated strict glycemic control and resulted in a reduction of anti-inflammatory mediators and POICs.

SUMMARY

Perioperative hyperglycemia increases postoperative infectious complications; however, tight glycemic control using artificial pancreas can reduce them via a dual effect. Artificial pancreas facilitates strict and safe glycemic control while reducing anti-inflammatory mediators, including adiponectin, following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Relationship between hemoglobin A1c and serum troponin in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular events

OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders associated with high risk for cardiovascular disease. Although troponins are primarily clinically used for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, they are also used in risk assessment in patients with acute coronary syndrome as well as in a number of other conditions. The aim of this review was to investigate the relationship between hemoglobin A1c and serum troponin in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular events.

METHODS

Hemoglobin A1c has been chosen as the best clinical indicator of glucose control and risk of micro and macrovascular complications. We investigated cardiac troponins as a group of markers of muscle injury which includes troponin T, troponin I and troponin C. Troponin T and I are specific for myocardial injury, compared to C which is specific for skeletal muscle.

RESULTS

In this review, we showed that there was a causal relation between hemoglobin A1c levels and serum troponin concentrations. Hemoglobin A1c has shown to be a positive predictive factor of incidence, mortality and morbidity of conditions such as acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, stroke, pulmonary embolism and other conditions that causes troponin elevation by its release in circulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic hyperglycemia decreases glomerular filtration and consequently decreases troponin elimination and also by affecting the heart microcirculation it leads to microvascular damage and consequently to ischemia which contribute to troponin concentration elevation. Furthermore, correlation between hemoglobin A1c and troponin concentration manifests in their prognostic value for mortality.

Diabetes Mellitus: An Independent Risk Factor of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Infective Endocarditis in a New Era of Clinical Practice

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe disease with a hospital mortality rate of 17–25%. Early identification of IE patients with high risk of mortality may improve their clinical outcomes. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who develop infective diseases are associated with worse outcomes. This study aimed to define the impact of DM on long-term mortality in IE patients. A total of 412 patients with definite IE from February 1999 to June 2012 were enrolled in this observational study and divided into 2 groups: group 1, patients with DM (n = 72) and group 2, patients without DM (n = 340). The overall in-hospital mortality rate for both groups combined was 20.2% and was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (41.7% vs. 16.5%, p < 0.01). Compared to patients without DM, patients with DM were older and associated with higher incidence of chronic diseases, less drug abuse, higher creatinine levels, and increased risk of Staphylococcus aureus infection (all p < 0.05). Moreover, they were more likely to have atypical clinical presentation and were associated with longer IE diagnosis time (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, DM is an independent and significant predictor of mortality. The prognosis of IE patients with DM is still poor. Early identification and more aggressive treatment may be considered in IE patients with DM.

Practice Guidelines for Enteral Nutrition Management in Dysglycemic Critically Ill Patients: A Relook for Indian Scenario

Background and aim

Intensive-care practices and settings differ for India in comparison to other countries. While guidelines are available to direct the use of enteral nutrition (EN), there are no recommendations specific to nutritional management of EN in dysglycemic patients, specific to patients in Indian critical care settings. Advisory board meetings were arranged to develop the practice guidelines specific to the Indian context, for the use of EN in dysglycemic critically ill patients and to overcome challenges in this field.

Materials and methods

Two advisory board meetings were organized to review various existing guidelines, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled trials and review articles, for their contextual relevance and strength. Three rounds of Delphi voting were done to arrive at consensus on certain recommendations. A systematic grading of practice guidelines by the advisory board was done based on strength of the consensus voting and reviewed supporting evidences.

Results

Based on the literature review, the recommendations for developing the practice guidelines were made as per the grading criteria agreed upon by the advisory board. The recommendations were to address challenges regarding prediction and assessment of dysglycemia (DG), acceptable glycemic targets in such settings, general nutritional aspects pertaining to DG nutrition, and nutrition in various superspecialty cases in critical care settings, where DG is commonly encountered.

Conclusion

This paper summarizes the optimum EN practices for managing DG in critically ill patients. The practical solutions to overcome the challenges in this field are presented as practice guidelines at the end of each section. These guidelines are expected to provide guidance for EN management in dysglycemic critically ill patients. These guidelines also outline the model glycemic control task force and its roles in nutrition care as well as an intensive care unit DG nutrition protocol.

How to cite this article

Mehta Y, Mithal A, Kulkarni A, Reddy BR, Sharma J, Dixit S, et al. Practice Guidelines for Enteral Nutrition Management in Dysglycemic Critically Ill Patients: A Relook for Indian Scenario. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(12):594–603.

Comparison of intensive insulin therapy and conventional glucose management in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Background and Aims

Hyperglycemia during cardiac surgery is a risk factor for postoperative outcomes. Because incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing in Indian population, we tried to evaluate the western protocol for strict control of blood sugar perioperatively. The main aim of the study was to evaluate glycemic control during coronary artery bypass grafting and to determine whether intensive insulin therapy (IIT) is better than the conventional one.

Material and Methods

A prospective randomized comparative study was conducted to evaluate IIT and conventional management of glucose in 40 patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Outcomes measured were incidence of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, incidence of hypokalemia, prolonged intubation, wound infections, strokes, acute renal failure, new onset arrhythmias, length of stay in ICU and hospital, cardiac arrest and mortality. The statistical analysis was done by using Chi-square test, and paired and unpaired t test.

Results

The diabetic patients had significantly higher mean blood sugar and insulin requirement. The incidence of hyperglycemia was significantly higher in conventional management of blood sugar (P = 0.001), whereas hypoglycemia (P = 0.047) and hypokalemia (P = 0.020) were significantly higher in IIT. There were no significant difference in the incidence of prolonged intubation, wound infection, length of ICU and hospital stay, strokes, acute renal failure, new onset arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and mortality.

Conclusion

The IIT did not improve the morbidity and mortality in our patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Treatment approach to type 2 diabetes: Past, present and future

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a lifelong metabolic disease, characterized by hyperglycaemia which gradually leads to the development and progression of vascular complications. It is recognized as a global burden disease, with substantial consequences on human health (fatality) as well as on health-care system costs. This review focuses on the topic of historical discovery and understanding the complexity of the disease in the field of pathophysiology, as well as development of the pharmacotherapy beyond insulin. The complex interplay of insulin secretion and insulin resistance developed from previously known "ominous triumvirate" to "ominous octet" indicate the implication of multiple organs in glucose metabolism. The pharmacological approach has progressed from biguanides to a wide spectrum of medications that seem to provide a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Despite this, we are still not achieving the target treatment goals. Thus, the future should bring novel antidiabetic drug classes capable of acting on several levels simultaneously. In conclusion, given the raising burden of type 2 DM, the best present strategy that could contribute the most to the reduction of morbidity and mortality should be focused on primary prevention.

The safety and efficacy of once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the safety and efficacy of once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide as monotherapy or add-on to other antihyperglycaemic agents (AHAs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from the inception to January 18, 2018. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing semaglutide with placebo or other AHAs in T2DM patients were included in our meta-analysis. Risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies with 9519 patients were included in our meta-analysis. The results revealed that compared with placebo or other AHAs, semaglutide had further reduced the level of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) [MD 1.03%, 95% CI (0.85%, 1.22%), p < 0.00001], self-measured plasma glucose (SMPG) [MD 1.19 mmol/L, 95% CI (0.84 mmol/L, 1.53 mmol/L), p < 0.00001], fasting plasma glucose (FPG) [MD 1.33 mmol/L, 95% CI (0.97 mmol/L, 1.69 mmol/L), p < 0.00001] and weight [MD 3.61 kg, 95% CI (3.05 kg, 4.17 kg), p < 0.00001] and significantly increased participants who achieved HbA1c < 7.0% [RR 2.26, 95% CI (1.89, 2.70), p < 0.00001] in T2DM patients. Semaglutide had a significant increase in the incidence of adverse events (AEs) [RR 1.06, 95% CI (1.02, 1.11), p < 0.0001] and an analogous incidence in serious adverse events (SAEs) [RR 0.94, 95% CI (0.86, 1.02), p = 0.11] and hypoglycaemic events (severe or blood glucose (BG)-confirmed symptomatic) [RR 0.93, 95% CI (0.74, 1.16), p = 0.50] compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This article revealed that semaglutide had a favourable efficacy and safety in treating T2DM patients. It maybe a superior choice for T2DM patients who have obesity or a poor adherence to daily AHAs.

Sitagliptin-Moringa oleifera coadministration did not delay the progression nor ameliorated functional and morphological anomalies in alloxan-induced diabetic nephropathy

OBJECTIVE:

Sitagliptin (ST) and Moringa oleifera (MO) Lam (Moringaceae) are used concomitantly by diabetic patients, with no study ascertaining for potential favorable or otherwise renal implications. We investigated the effect of coadministration of ST and MO leaf extract on functional and morphological biomarkers of alloxan-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Diabetes was induced with a single dose of 150 mg/kg of alloxan intraperitoneally. Seven groups of eight rats per group were used, with Groups I, II, and VII as normal (NS), diabetic control (DC), and postprandial controls. Groups III, IV, V, and VI were diabetic rats on ST, MO, ST and MO (SM), for 42 days with 2 weeks delayed treatment in a postprandial hyperglycemic group (PPSM), respectively. Serum urea, albumin, electrolyte levels, lipid profile, and kidney tropism were determined in addition to histological examinations.

RESULTS:

There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in kidney tropism comparing all drug-treated groups and DC to normal rats. Significant increases in serum urea were observed (P = 0.02) in DC, MO-treated, and SM-treated rats compared to normal rats and also in serum triglyceride (P < 0.05) in MO-treated and SM-treated rats compared to controls and other drug-treated groups. A mild reduction in severity of pathologic lesions was observed (glomerulosclerosis Grade 1) in SM-treated rats compared to a marked necrosis in DC (Grade 3).

CONCLUSION:

The coadministration of ST–MO did not delay the progression of functional anomalies and renal injury nor ameliorated the lesions associated with chronic DN in Wistar rats.

Abelmoschus esculentus subfractions improved nephropathy with regulating dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and type 1 glucagon-like peptide receptor in type 2 diabetic rats

Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) has been used in traditional medicine to ameliorate hyperglycemia, but its mucilage increased bioassay difficulties. We have obtained a series of AE subfractions. Among them F1 and F2 regulated dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and type 1 glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1R), the treatment targets for type 2 diabetes. F1, F2 and fraction residues (FR) showed advantage on different aspects, which attenuates insulin resistance and metabolic disorder in vivo, and prevents renal-tubular change in vitro. In the present study, using type 2 diabetes model induced by high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ), we aim to investigate whether AE prevent diabetic nephropathy by regulating the putative markers. The results showed that all the subfractions ameliorated albuminuria and renal hyperfiltration (measured by creatinine clearance rate; CCr) accompanied with diabetes, while F2 acted most promptly and consistently. Histologically AE reduced renal tubular change, fibrosis and fat deposition. F2 and FR exerted significant effects to decrease DPP-4 while increase GLP-1R. Although all the subfractions were effective to reduce oxidative stress, only F2 acted on kidneys specifically. In conclusion, we have demonstrated AE has benefits to regulate DPP-4 and GLP-1R, to reduce oxidative stress and renal fibrosis, with resultant to improve renal function and prevent diabetic renal damage. Taken together, F2 could be more promising to be developed as adjuvant for diabetic nephropathy.

Semaglutide Added to Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN 5): A Randomized, Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

Combination therapy with insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) is important for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). This trial assesses the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a GLP-1RA, as an add-on to basal insulin.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the superiority of semaglutide vs placebo on glycemic control as an add-on to basal insulin in patients with T2D.

DESIGN

Phase 3a, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 30-week trial.

SETTING

This study included 90 sites in five countries.

PATIENTS

We studied 397 patients with uncontrolled T2D receiving stable therapy with basal insulin with or without metformin.

INTERVENTIONS

Subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 or 1.0 mg once weekly or volume-matched placebo.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary endpoint was change in glycated Hb (HbA1c) from baseline to week 30. Confirmatory secondary endpoint was change in body weight from baseline to week 30.

RESULTS

At week 30, mean HbA1c reductions [mean baseline value, 8.4% (67.9 mmol/mol)] with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg were 1.4% (15.8 mmol/mol) and 1.8% (20.2 mmol/mol) vs 0.1% (1.0 mmol/mol) with placebo [estimated treatment difference (ETD) vs placebo, -1.35 (14.8 mmol/mol); 95% CI, -1.61 to -1.10 and ETD, -1.75% (19.2 mmol/mol); 95% CI, -2.01 to -1.50; both P < 0.0001]. Severe or blood glucose-confirmed hypoglycemic episodes were reported in 11 patients (17 events) and 14 patients (25 events) with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg, respectively, vs seven patients (13 events) with placebo (estimated rate ratio vs placebo, 2.08; 95% CI, 0.67 to 6.51 and estimated rate ratio vs placebo, 2.41; 95% CI, 0.84 to 6.96 for 0.5 and 1.0 mg; both P = nonsignificant). Mean body weight decreased with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg vs placebo from baseline to end of treatment: 3.7, 6.4, and 1.4 kg (ETD, -2.31; 95% CI, -3.33 to -1.29 and ETD, -5.06; 95% CI, -6.08 to -4.04 kg; both P < 0.0001). Premature treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was higher for semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg vs placebo (4.5%, 6.1%, and 0.8%), mainly due to gastrointestinal disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Semaglutide, added to basal insulin, significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight in patients with uncontrolled T2D vs placebo.

The Postprandial-to-Fasting Serum C-Peptide Ratio is a Predictor of Response to Basal Insulin-Supported Oral Antidiabetic Drug(s) Therapy: A Retrospective Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Basal insulin is widely recommended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients who are unable to achieve glycemic control with oral antidiabetic drug(s) (OADs). However, some patients are still unable to control their blood glucose levels even when on basal insulin-supported OAD(s) therapy (BOT). The aim of this study was to investigate the factor(s) predicting patient response to BOT.

METHODS

A total of 212 patients with T2DM, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years, admitted to the university hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, were enrolled in the study between January 2013 and July 2016. All patients had fasting blood glucose levels of ≥ 10.0 mmol/L despite receiving OAD(s) treatment. According to study design, these patients first received intensive insulin therapy for 2 weeks to attain and maintain their glycemic goals and then were switched to BOT. Responders were defined as subjects who maintained their glycemic targets with BOT for at least 3 months; all others were considered to be non-responders. The characteristics between responders and non-responders were compared.

RESULTS

Compared with non-responders, responders had a shorter duration of diabetes (5.1 ± 5.0 vs. and 10.1 ± 3.2 years; P  < 0.001) and a higher 2-h postprandial C-peptide-to-fasting C-peptide ratio (2 h-PCP/FCP: 1.95 ± 0.51 vs. 1.67 ± 0.32; P  < 0.01). Responders showed a lower proportion of previous treatment with insulin (69/100 vs 40/3; P  < 0.001) and sulfonlureas or glinides (116/50 vs 40/0; P <0.001) than non-responders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that previous insulin treatment (odds ratio [OR] 17.677, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.205-60.027; P  < 0.001) and the 2 h-PCP/FCP ratio (OR 0.241, 95% CI 0.058-0.679; P  = 0.007) had predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher 2 h-PCP/FCP ratio and a lack of previous insulin treatment increase the likelihood of BOT success.

Validation of automated screening for referable diabetic retinopathy with the IDx-DR device in the Hoorn Diabetes Care System

Purpose

To increase the efficiency of retinal image grading, algorithms for automated grading have been developed, such as the IDx‐DR 2.0 device. We aimed to determine the ability of this device, incorporated in clinical work flow, to detect retinopathy in persons with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Retinal images of persons treated by the Hoorn Diabetes Care System (DCS) were graded by the IDx‐DR device and independently by three retinal specialists using the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy severity scale (ICDR) and EURODIAB criteria. Agreement between specialists was calculated. Results of the IDx‐DR device and experts were compared using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), distinguishing between referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR) and vision‐threatening retinopathy (VTDR). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated.

Results

Of the included 1415 persons, 898 (63.5%) had images of sufficient quality according to the experts and the IDx‐DR device. Referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR) was diagnosed in 22 persons (2.4%) using EURODIAB and 73 persons (8.1%) using ICDR classification. Specific intergrader agreement ranged from 40% to 61%. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of IDx‐DR to detect RDR were 91% (95% CI: 0.69–0.98), 84% (95% CI: 0.81–0.86), 12% (95% CI: 0.08–0.18) and 100% (95% CI: 0.99–1.00; EURODIAB) and 68% (95% CI: 0.56–0.79), 86% (95% CI: 0.84–0.88), 30% (95% CI: 0.24–0.38) and 97% (95% CI: 0.95–0.98; ICDR). The AUC was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88–1.00; EURODIAB) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83–0.92; ICDR). For detection of VTDR, sensitivity was lower and specificity was higher compared to RDR. AUC's were comparable.

Conclusion

Automated grading using the IDx‐DR device for RDR detection is a valid method and can be used in primary care, decreasing the demand on ophthalmologists.

Waist-thigh Ratio: A Surrogate Marker for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Asian North Indian Patients

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes is a major world-wide healthcare problem. Cost effective markers for screening and diagnosis of T2DM are the need of the day especially in developing and under-developed countries. Simple anthropometric measurements may help us in identifying individuals likely to have diabetes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from 1055 North-Indian subjects was analysed.

RESULTS

Out of several anthropometric measurements studied, Waist-Thigh ratio (WTR) correlated significantly and positively with all three measures of diabetes i.e. FPG, RPG and PPG. (P < .0001) suggesting that it is the best predictor of diabetes. Subjects with diabetes had greater WTR (mean 2.088) than those without (mean1.842). (P < .0001). A thresh-hold effect was evident at a cut-off WTR of 2.3. Out of those subjects who were diagnosed to have diabetes by AACE/AHA guidelines, 82% had WTR greater than this value (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

WTR may prove to be a simple and inexpensive marker for detecting Type 2 diabetes. Larger studies are required to develop population norms.

Amelioration of hyperglycaemia and modulation of antioxidant status by Alcea rosea seeds in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

CONTEXT

Alcea rosea L. (Malvaceae) has various medicinal uses including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, there is no report on its antidiabetic activity.

OBJECTIVE

Alcea rosea seed extracts were evaluated for antihyperglycaemic and antioxidative potential in diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single intra-peritoneal injection of alloxan (130 mg/kg b.w.) was used for induction of diabetes in Albino Wistar rats. Antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of methanol and aqueous extracts of Alcea rosea seed (100 and 300 mg/kg b.w.), administered orally on daily basis for 15 days, were assessed in vivo for fasting blood glucose level and antioxidant status of liver and pancreas. Metformin was used as a positive control.

RESULTS

Aqueous and methanol extracts (300 mg/kg b.w.) decreased blood glucose level in diabetic rats by 24% and 46%, respectively. Administration of aqueous and methanol extracts at 300 mg/kg b.w. significantly (p < 0.01) modulated the antioxidant status of liver in diabetic rats by increasing levels of GR (22.5 ± 1.0, 24.4 ± 1.02 μg GSSG utilized/min/mg of protein), GPx (20.7 ± 1.2, 23.6 ± 2.04 μg GSH utilized/min/mg of protein), SOD (36.1 ± 1.7, 39.05 ± 1.5 units/mg of protein) and CAT (1744.5 ± 132.5, 1956.6 ± 125.2 nmol H₂O₂ decomposed/min/mg of protein), respectively. Similar results were observed for pancreas.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Antihyperglycaemic and antioxidative potentials of Alcea rosea seeds suggest its usefulness in management of diabetes and its complications. This is the first report on antidiabetic activity of this plant.

Predictors of response to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

The aim of the present meta-analysis is the identification of the characteristics of patients, which predict the efficacy on HbA1c of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA).

METHODS

A Medline and Embase search for "exenatide" OR "liraglutide" OR "albiglutide" OR "dulaglutide" OR "lixisenatide" was performed, collecting randomized clinical trials (duration > 12 weeks) up to September 2016, comparing GLP-1 RA at the maximal approved dose with placebo or active drugs. Furthermore, unpublished studies were searched in the www.clinicaltrials.gov register. For meta-analyses, the outcome considered were 24- and 52-week HbA1c. Separate analyses were performed, whenever possible, for subgroups of trials based on several inclusion criteria. In addition, meta-regression analyses were performed for comparisons for which 10 or more trails were available.

RESULTS

A total of 92 trials fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified. In placebo-controlled trials (n = 41), the 24-week mean reduction of HbA1c with GLP-1 RA was - 0.75 [- 0.87; - 0.63]%. Shorter-acting molecules appear to be more effective in patients with lower fasting glucose, whereas longer-acting agents in patients with higher fasting hyperglycaemia. Obesity and duration of diabetes do not seem to moderate the efficacy of GLP-1 RA, whereas in non-Caucasians and older patients liraglutide could be less effective. At 52 weeks, only 9 placebo-controlled trials were available for preventing any reliable analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a variety of approaches (meta-analyses of subgroup of trials, meta-regression, systematic review of subgroup analyses in individual trials, and meta-analyses of subgroups of patients), we identified some putative predictors of efficacy of GLP-1 RA, which deserve further investigation.

Hyperglycemia in critical patients: Determinants of insulin dose choice

Objective:

To identify factors that can determine the choice of intermittent subcutaneous regular insulin dose in critically ill patients with hyperglycemia.

Method:

Cross-sectional study in a general adult ICU with 26 beds, data collected between September and October 2014. The variables analyzed were: sex, age, previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, use of corticosteroids, use of lactulose, sepsis, fasting, enteral nutrition, use of dextrose 5% in water, NPH insulin prescription and blood glucose level. Patients with one or more episodes of hyperglycemia (blood glucose greater than 180 mg/dL) were included as a convenience sample, not consecutively. Those with continuous insulin prescription were excluded from analysis.

Results:

We included 64 records of hyperglycemia observed in 22 patients who had at least one episode of hyperglycemia. The median administered subcutaneous regular human insulin was 6 IU and among the factors evaluated only blood glucose levels were associated with the choice of insulin dose administered.

Conclusion:

Clinical characteristics such as diet, medications and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus are clearly ignored in the decision-making regarding insulin dose to be administered for glucose control in critically ill patients with hyperglycemia.

Knowledge of type 2 diabetic patients about their condition in Kimpese Hospital diabetic clinic, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide increasing health problem of which type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent. Previously considered as a problem of industrialised countries, diabetes is currently a huge concern in developing countries and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the sub-Saharan countries with a high prevalence rate of diabetes. Deficit of knowledge has already been shown to be one of the barriers preventing diabetic patients from controlling their disease.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of type 2 diabetic patients seen at the Institut Médical Evangélique (IME) Kimpese Hospital diabetic clinic, DRC, and the factors associated with their knowledge.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 184 respondents was conducted at the diabetic clinic of the IME Kimpese Hospital, DRC. We administered a pre-tested questionnaire. Out of a total of 10, scores of < 5, 5 to < 7, and ≥ 7 were classified as ‘poor knowledge’, ‘moderate knowledge’ and ‘good knowledge’, respectively, according to expert consensus. All statistical tests were performed using p < 0.05 as the level of statistical significance.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 57.5 years (s.d. ± 1.4, ranging from 40 to 83 years), with 56% being male. The mean diabetes knowledge score was poor: 3.2 out of a total of 10 (s.d. ± 1.7), with the range between 0.2 and 7.7. The majority of respondents (72.3%) had poor general knowledge about diabetes mellitus. Respondents also scored poorly in areas of the causes (35.6%), risk factors (39.3%), clinical features (34.9%), complications (20.5%) and management (42.4%) of diabetes mellitus. Using the student t-test analysis, it was found that age (p = 0.001), gender (p = 0.002), educational level (p = 0.007) and duration of disease (p = 0.032) were significantly associated with poor knowledge of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

Knowledge of diabetes mellitus among type 2 diabetic patients seen at our setting was poor. Areas of deficiency and factors associated with knowledge of diabetes were identified. Our findings suggest the need for a health education intervention programme for our diabetic patients.

Reduction of postprandial glucose by lixisenatide vs sitagliptin treatment in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes on background insulin glargine: A randomized phase IV study (NEXTAGE Study)

AIM

To evaluate the pharmacodynamics of lixisenatide once daily vs sitagliptin once daily in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes receiving insulin glargine U100.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicentre, open-label, phase IV study (NEXTAGE Study; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02200991) randomly assigned 136 patients to either lixisenatide once daily via subcutaneous injection (10 µg initially increased weekly by 5 up to 20 µg) or once-daily oral sitagliptin 50 mg. The primary endpoint was the change in postprandial glucose (PPG) exposure 4 hours after a standardized breakfast (PPG area under the plasma glucose concentration-time curve [AUC_0:00-4:00h ]) from baseline to day 29.

RESULTS

Lixisenatide reduced PPG exposure to a statistically significantly greater extent than sitagliptin: least squares (LS) mean change from baseline in PPG AUC_0:00-4:00h was -347.3 h·mg/dL (-19.3 h·mmol/L) in the lixisenatide group and -113.3 h·mg/dL (-6.3 h·mmol/L) in the sitagliptin group (LS mean between-group difference -234.0 h·mg/dL [-13.0 h·mmol/L], 95% confidence interval -285.02 to -183.00 h·mg/dL [-15.8 to -10.2 h·mmol/L]; P < .0001). Lixisenatide led to significantly greater LS mean reductions in maximum PPG excursion than sitagliptin (-122.4 vs -46.6 mg/dL [-6.8 vs -2.6 h·mmol/L]; P < .0001). Change-from-baseline reductions in exposure to C-peptide, fasting glycoalbumin levels, and the gastric emptying rate were greater in the lixisenatide than in the sitagliptin group. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was higher with lixisenatide (60.9%) than with sitagliptin (16.4%), with no serious events or severe hypoglycaemia reported.

CONCLUSION

Lixisenatide reduced PPG significantly more than sitagliptin, when these agents were added to basal insulin glargine U100, and was well tolerated.

Efficacy of low carbohydrate diet for type 2 diabetes mellitus management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) compared with a normal or high carbohydrate diet in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database for randomized controlled trials. Researches which reported the change in weight loss, blood glucose, and blood lipid levels were included.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies with 734 patients with diabetes were included. Pooled results suggested that LCD had a significantly effect on HbA1c level (WMD: -0.44; 95% CI: -0.61, -0.26; P=0.00). For cardiovascular risk factors, the LCD intervention significantly reduced triglycerides concentration (WMD: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.21; P=0.00) and increased HDL cholesterol concentration (WMD: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.11; P=0.00). But the LCD was not associated with decreased level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Subgroup analyses indicated that short term intervention of LCD was effective for weight loss (WMD: -1.18; 95% CI: -2.32, -0.04; P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested a beneficial effect of LCD intervention on glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The LCD intervention also had a positive effect on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol concentrations, but without significant effect on long term weight loss.

Management of Diabetic Surgical Patients in a Deployed Field Hospital: A Model for Acute Non-Communicable Disease Care in Disaster

Sudden onset disasters (SODs) have affected over 1.5 billion of the world's population in the past decade. During the same time, developing nations have faced a sustained increase in the burden of non-communicable disease (NCD) with extra pressure placed on health systems. The combined increase in SODs and the NCD epidemic facing the world's most disaster-prone nations will present new challenges to emergency medical teams (EMTs) during disaster response. This report details the experience as an EMT during the Typhoon Haiyan disaster of 2013, with particular reference to the challenges of diabetic management in a surgical field hospital. The incidence of diabetes in this surgical cohort exceeded that of the population by a factor of four. The steps to prepare for and treat diabetes in the field provide a useful model for the management of NCD in the deployed field hospital environment after a disaster. McDermott KM , Hardstaff RM , Alpen S , Read DJ , Coatsworth NR . Management of diabetic surgical patients in a deployed field hospital: a model for acute non-communicable disease care in disaster. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):657-661.

Structured self-monitoring of blood glucose regimens improve glycemic control in poorly controlled Chinese patients on insulin therapy: Results from COMPASS

BACKGROUND

The use of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among patients with insulin-treated, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in China is suboptimal. Herein we evaluated the effectiveness of structured SMBG for improving glycemic control and increasing the frequency of SMBG.

METHODS

Insulin-treated (>3 months) T2DM patients aged ≥18 years with HbA1c >8.0 % (64 mmol/mol) were recruited to the study. They received SMBG materials and were advised on a structured SMBG regimen for their insulin therapy. Patients were trained to self-adjust insulin dosage according to SMBG readings and were seen by physicians at Months 3 and 6. Endpoints included changes in HbA1c, SMBG frequency, and hypoglycemia frequency.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 820 patients, with mean (± SD) age 55.1 ± 9.8 years, body mass index 24.9 ± 3.6 kg/m² , HbA1c 9.7 ± 1.6 % (83 mmol/mol), and diabetes duration 9.8 ± 7.1 years, with median insulin therapy of 30.3 (3.0-274.1) months, from 19 Chinese clinics. By Month 3, 99.9 % of patients performed daily SMBG. At Months 3 and 6, HbA1c had decreased from baseline (-1.81 % and -1.73 %, respective; P < 0.0001 for both), with reduced hypoglycemia. In addition, 36.2 % and 39.9 % of patients achieved HbA1c <7.0 % (53 mmol/mol) at Months 3 and 6, respectively. The largest HbA1c improvements were for patients with a shorter duration of diabetes and insulin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

A structured SMBG regimen, with training on interpretation of and responses to SMBG readings, increased SMBG frequency and improved HbA1c and the management of insulin-treated T2DM.

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide versus once-daily insulin glargine as add-on to metformin (with or without sulfonylureas) in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 4): a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, multinational, phase 3a trial

BACKGROUND

Several pharmacological treatment options are available for type 2 diabetes; however, many patients do not achieve optimum glycaemic control and therefore new therapies are necessary. We assessed the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue in clinical development, compared with insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled with metformin (with or without sulfonylureas).

METHODS

We did a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority, parallel-group, multicentre, multinational, phase 3a trial (SUSTAIN 4) at 196 sites in 14 countries. Eligible participants were insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 18 years and older, who had insufficient glycaemic control with metformin either alone or in combination with a sulfonylurea. We randomly assigned participants (1:1:1) to either subcutaneous once-weekly 0·5 mg or 1·0 mg semaglutide (doses reached after following a fixed dose-escalation regimen) or once-daily insulin glargine (starting dose 10 IU per day, then titrated weekly to a pre-breakfast self-measured plasma glucose target of 4·0-5·5 mmol/L [72-99 mg/dL]) for 30 weeks. In all treatment groups, previous background metformin and sulfonylurea treatment was continued throughout the trial. We did the randomisation using an interactive voice or web response system. The primary endpoint was change in mean HbA_1c from baseline to week 30 and the confirmatory secondary endpoint was the change in mean bodyweight from baseline to week 30. We assessed efficacy and safety in the modified intention-to-treat population (mITT; all randomly assigned participants who were exposed to at least one dose of study drug) and used a margin of 0·3% to establish non-inferiority in HbA_1c reduction. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02128932.

FINDINGS

Between Aug 4, 2014, and Sept 3, 2015, we randomly assigned 1089 participants to treatment; the mITT population consisted of 362 participants assigned to 0·5 mg semaglutide, 360 to 1·0 mg semaglutide, and 360 to insulin glargine. 49 (14%) participants assigned to 0·5 mg semaglutide discontinued treatment prematurely, compared with 55 (15%) assigned to 1·0 mg semaglutide, and 26 (7%) assigned to insulin glargine. Most discontinuations were due to adverse events-mostly gastrointestinal with semaglutide, and others such as skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (eg, rash, pruritus, and urticaria) with insulin glargine. From a mean baseline HbA_1c of 8·17% (SD 0·89), at week 30, 0·5 and 1·0 mg semaglutide achieved reductions of 1·21% (95% CI 1·10-1·31) and 1·64% (1·54-1·74), respectively, versus 0·83% (0·73-0·93) with insulin glargine; estimated treatment difference versus insulin glargine -0·38% (95% CI -0·52 to -0·24) with 0·5 mg semaglutide and -0·81% (-0·96 to -0·67) with 1·0 mg semaglutide (both p<0·0001). Mean bodyweight at baseline was 93·45 kg (SD 21·79); at week 30, 0·5 and 1·0 mg semaglutide achieved weight losses of 3·47 kg (95% CI 3·00-3·93) and 5·17 kg (4·71-5·66), respectively, versus a weight gain of 1·15 kg (0·70-1·61) with insulin glargine; estimated treatment difference versus insulin glargine -4·62 kg (95% CI -5·27 to -3·96) with 0·5 mg semaglutide and -6·33 kg (-6·99 to -5·67) with 1·0 mg semaglutide (both p<0·0001). Severe or blood glucose-confirmed hypoglycaemia was reported by 16 (4%) participants with 0·5 mg semaglutide and 20 (6%) with 1·0 mg semaglutide versus 38 (11%) with insulin glargine (p=0·0021 and p=0·0202 for 0·5 mg and 1·0 mg semaglutide vs insulin glargine, respectively). Severe hypoglycaemia was reported by two (<1%) participants with 0·5 mg semaglutide, five (1%) with 1·0 mg semaglutide, and five (1%) with insulin glargine. Six deaths were reported: four (1%) in the 0·5 mg semaglutide group (three cardiovascular deaths, one pancreatic carcinoma, which was assessed as being possibly related to study medication) and two (<1%) in the insulin glargine group (both cardiovascular death). The most frequently reported adverse events were nausea with semaglutide, reported in 77 (21%) patients with 0·5 mg and in 80 (22%) with 1·0 mg, and nasopharyngitis reported in 44 (12%) patients with insulin glargine.

INTERPRETATION

Compared with insulin glargine, semaglutide resulted in greater reductions in HbA_1c and weight, with fewer hypoglycaemic episodes, and was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk A/S.

Adapting clinical guidelines in low-resources countries: a study on the guideline on the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Indonesia

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Most of the clinical guidelines in low-resource countries are adaptations from preexisting international guidelines. This adaptation can be problematic when those international guidelines are not based on current evidence or original evidence-based international guidelines are not followed. This study aims to evaluate the quality of an Indonesian type 2 diabetes mellitus guideline adapted from selected international guidelines.

METHODS

The "Consensus on the Management and Prevention of type 2 Diabetes in Indonesia 2011" is a guideline by the Indonesian Society of Endocrinology (Perkeni). Four parent guidelines identified from its list of references were from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist (AACE), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and one jointly released by ADA and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Two reviewers independently assessed its quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation Collaboration (AGREE II) instrument. Six recommendations were compared: (1) screening for diabetes; (2) diagnosis; (3) control of hyperglycemia; (4) target blood glucose; (5) target blood pressure; and (6) treatment of dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

Perkeni's guideline satisfied 55% of the AGREE II items, while its parent guidelines satisfied 59% to 74%. Perkeni's shows low score on "rigor of development" and "applicability" and the lowest score in the "scope and purpose" domain. Differences were found in 4 recommendations: the screening of diabetes, control of hyperglycemia, target blood glucose, and treatment of dyslipidemia. In 3 of 4, Perkeni followed the ADA's recommendation.

CONCLUSION

Derivation of recommendations from parent guidelines and their adaptation to the context of Indonesian health care lacks transparency. When guidelines are either derived from other guidelines or adapted for use in different context, evidence-based practice principles should be followed and adhered to.

A meta-analysis comparing clinical effects of short- or long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists versus insulin treatment from head-to-head studies in type 2 diabetic patients

AIMS

To study differences in clinical outcomes between initiating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RAs) vs insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with oral glucose-lowering medications (OGLM).

METHODS

Prospective, randomized trials comparing GLP-1 RA and insulin treatment head-to-head as add-on to OGLM were identified (PubMed). Differences from baseline values were compared for HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, bodyweight, blood pressure, heartrate and lipoproteins. Proportions of patients reporting hypoglycaemic episodes were compared.

RESULTS

Of 712 publications identified, 23 describing 19 clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to insulin, GLP-1 RAs reduced HbA1c more effectively (Δ -.12%, P < .0001). Basal insulin was more effective in reducing fasting plasma glucose (Δ -1.8 mmol/L, P < .0001). GLP-1 RAs reduced bodyweight more effectively (Δ -3.71 kg; P < .0001). The proportion of patients experiencing hypoglycaemic episodes was 34% lower with GLP-1 RAs ( P < .0001), with a similar trend for severe hypoglycaemia. Systolic blood pressure was lower and heartrate was higher with GLP-1 RAs ( P < .0001). Triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were significantly lower with GLP-1 RAs. Long-acting GLP-1 RAs were better than short-acting GLP-1 RAs in reducing HbA1c and fasting glucose, but were similar regarding bodyweight.

CONCLUSIONS

Slightly better glycaemic control can be achieved by adding GLP-1 RAs to OGLM as compared to insulin treatment, with added benefits regarding bodyweight, hypoglycaemia, blood pressure and lipoproteins. These differences are in contrast to the fact that insulin is prescribed far more often than GLP-1 RAs.

Body Mass Index-Related Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Heterogeneity in Obesity Paradox Studies: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to quantify the association between body mass index (BMI) and the risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We included studies assessing the impact of BMI on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Data were combined using a random-effects dose-response model.

Results

Sixteen cohort studies on all-cause mortality (n = 445,125) and two studies on cardiovascular mortality (n = 92,841) were evaluated in the meta-analysis. A non-linear association was observed between BMI and all-cause mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes. With a BMI nadir of 28–30 kg/m², the risk of all-cause mortality displayed a U-shaped increase. With a BMI nadir of 29–31 kg/m², the risk of cardiovascular mortality exhibited a gradual non-linear increase for BMI > 31 kg/m². Subgroup analyses suggested that study location, diabetes duration, and smoking history may have contributed to heterogeneity among the studies.

Conclusions

An obesity paradox exists for patients with type 2 diabetes with respect to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Study location, diabetes duration, and smoking history might contribute to heterogeneity among obesity paradox studies of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Chronic administration of ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) may compromise glycaemic efficacy of Sitagliptin with no significant effect in retinopathy in a diabetic rat model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) has gained awareness for its antidiabetic effect, and is used as alternative therapy or concurrently with orthodox medicines such as sitagliptin in diabetes mellitus. This is without ascertaining the possibility of drug-herb interactions, which could either lead to enhanced antidiabetic efficacy, increased toxicity, or compromised glycaemic control with negative consequence in diabetic retinopathy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect, of sitagliptin (50mg/kg), Moringa oleifera (300mg/kg) leaf extract, and a combination of both on glycaemic control parameters, lenticular opacity and changes in retinal microvasculature in alloxan (150mg/kg i.p) induced diabetic rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Seven groups of eight rats per group were used, with groups I, II and VII as normal (NC), diabetic (DC) and post-prandial controls (PPC). Groups III to VI were diabetic rats on sitagliptin (III), M. oleifera (IV), sitagliptin and M. oleifera (SM) (V), for 42 days with 2 weeks delayed treatment in a post-prandial hyperglycaemic group (PPSM) (VI). Glycaemic control parameters, insulin levels, body weights, and effects of retinal microvasculature on lenticular opacity/morphology were investigated.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels was displayed in SM group from day 14(60%) (p<0.01) to day 28 (38%) (p<0.01) of treatment, compared to day 1. Thereafter, a steady increase of up to 57% on day 42 compared to day 28 was observed. A significant decrease in random blood glucose (RBG) levels, were demonstrated on day 42 (24%) (p<0.001), compared to day 1. No significant difference was seen in mean serum levels of insulin across groups. No significant changes in body weights. Evidence of mild lenticular opacity was observed, with no significant effect in pathologic lesions in the retina.

CONCLUSION

The chronic co-administration of sitagliptin and M. oleifera showed a progressive decrease in anti-hyperglycaemic effect of sitagliptin, and although it delayed the onset of lenticular opacity (i.e. cataract-like changes) it did not prevent the progression nor ameliorated pathologic lesions in the retina.

A randomised-controlled trial of the effects of very low-carbohydrate and high-carbohydrate diets on cognitive performance in patients with type 2 diabetes

This study compared the longer-term effects of a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet on cognitive performance in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In total, 115 obese adults with T2D (sixty-six males, BMI: 34·6 (sd 4·3) kg/m2, age: 58 (sd 7) years, HbA1c: 7·3 (sd 1·1) %, diabetes duration: 8 (sd 6) years) were randomised to consume either an energy-restricted, very low-carbohydrate, low-saturated-fat (LC) diet or an energy-matched high unrefined carbohydrate, low-fat (HC) diet with supervised aerobic/resistance exercise (60 min, 3 d/week) for 52 weeks. Body weight, HbA1c and cognitive performance assessing perceptual speed, reasoning speed, reasoning ability, working memory, verbal fluency, processing speed, short-term memory, inhibition and memory scanning speed were assessed before and after intervention. No differences in the changes in cognitive test performance scores between the diet groups were observed for any of the cognitive function outcomes assessed (P≥0·24 time×diet). Percentage reduction in body weight correlated with improvements with perceptual speed performance. In obese adults with T2D, both LC and HC weight-loss diets combined with exercise training had similar effects on cognitive performance. This suggests that an LC diet integrated within a lifestyle modification programme can be used as a strategy for weight and diabetes management without the concern of negatively affecting cognitive function.

Do We Need Updated Guidelines on the Use of Insulin Pump Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes? A Review of National and International Practice Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is used less for type 2 than for type 1 diabetes because of inconsistencies in evidence of effectiveness. We reviewed published guidelines on intensive insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes to assess whether updating of guidance is needed with respect to evidence used and recommendations for CSII in diabetes management.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify published national and international guidelines on type 2 diabetes management. Searches were performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, and websites of national health care agencies, reimbursement agencies, and professional associations. Searches were limited to articles published in English between 2004 and 2014 and 1666 unique hits were identified, of which 22 were reviewed following screening.

RESULTS

Only 6 of the 22 guidelines identified from North and South America, Western Europe, Greece, and Israel provided specific recommendations on intensive insulin therapy and the role of CSII, and only 1 provided information on the grade of evidence supporting recommendations. Quality appraisal based on the AGREE II tool suggested that published guidelines may have limitations in terms of search methodology and evidence grading, and findings were of mixed rigor and clarity. Only 3 guidelines described the population for whom CSII may be appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

Guidelines need to improve the evidence base, rigor, clarity, and grading of evidence associated with recommendations on intensive insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes. Future updates may benefit from considering recent evidence on the efficacy of CSII in poorly controlled patients on MDI.

Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes: A meta-analysis

AIMS

Aspirin use for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is controversial, especially in patients with diabetes. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate aspirin's safety and efficacy for primary prevention of CVD [fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), fatal or nonfatal stroke, angina, transient ischemic attack (TIA), peripheral artery disease (PAD) and revascularization] in patients with diabetes.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using the terms cardiovascular disease, aspirin, diabetes mellitus to identify trials of patients with diabetes who received aspirin for primary prevention of CVD. Study sample size, and ischemic and bleeding events were extracted and analyzed using RevMan 5.2.7.

RESULTS

In total, 6 studies (n=10,117) met criteria. Aspirin doses ranged from 100mg every other day to 650mg daily. Follow-up ranged from 3.6 to 10.1years. In patients with diabetes, there was no difference between aspirin and placebo with respect to the risk of all cause mortality (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.06), or individual atherosclerotic events compared to placebo. There were no differences in bleeding (OR 2.53, 95% CI 0.77-8.34), GI bleeding (OR 2.14, 95% CI 0.63-7.33) or hemorrhagic stroke rates (OR 0.90, 0.34-2.33) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It remains unclear whether aspirin may reduce the occurrence of a first atherosclerotic event or mortality in patients with diabetes. More research on this use of aspirin in patients with diabetes is required to supplement currently available research.