Addition of Dulaglutide or Empagliflozin to Standard-of-Care Treatment: Effect on Liver Steatosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Patients with liver steatosis and diabetes mellitus can benefit from medications like glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists or sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, as far as both hyperglycemia and fatty liver are concerned. Studies comparing members of both these families have not yet been published. We aimed to compare the effects of Empagliflozin and Dulaglutide, focusing primarily on liver steatosis. Methodology This prospective, observational, controlled study enrolled 78 patients from two centers in Athens, Greece. Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were assigned to one of three groups and received either Empagliflozin or Dulaglutide or any other medical treatment deemed appropriate by their physician. The primary endpoint was the reduction in liver fat fraction, assessed using magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction. Additionally, we evaluated the proportion of patients achieving a relative reduction above 30% of their initial liver fat concentration. Results The Empagliflozin group exhibited a reduction in liver fat fraction. Furthermore, the percentage of patients with a relative reduction of liver steatosis, >30%, was significantly larger in this group, compared to the Dulaglutide and Control groups. Significant body weight reduction was observed in all three groups, but no improvement in fibrosis assessing scores was noted. Conclusions Empagliflozin is effective in improving liver steatosis, while Dulaglutide does not exhibit a similar effect. Larger studies, comparing these or related agents, are necessary, to further assess benefits in patients with DM2 and nonalcoholic fatty liver.

Plasma Amino Acids in NAFLD Patients with Obesity Are Associated with Steatosis and Fibrosis: Results from the MAST4HEALTH Study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have been linked to changes in amino acid (AA) levels. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between MRI parameters that reflect inflammation and fibrosis and plasma AA concentrations in NAFLD patients. Plasma AA levels of 97 NAFLD patients from the MAST4HEALTH study were quantified with liquid chromatography. Medical, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics were collected and biochemical parameters, as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, were measured. In total, subjects with a higher MRI-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) exhibited higher plasma AA levels compared to subjects with lower PDFF. The concentrations of BCAAs (p-Value: 0.03), AAAs (p-Value: 0.039), L-valine (p-Value: 0.029), L-tyrosine (p-Value: 0.039) and L-isoleucine (p-Value: 0.032) were found to be significantly higher in the higher PDFF group compared to lower group. Plasma AA levels varied according to MRI-PDFF. Significant associations were also demonstrated between AAs and MRI-PDFF and MRI-cT1, showing the potential utility of circulating AAs as diagnostic markers of NAFLD.

Global, regional, and national consumption of animal-source foods between 1990 and 2018: findings from the Global Dietary Database

Background

Methods

Findings

Interpretation

Funding

Noninvasive, Blood-Based Biomarkers as Screening Tools for Hepatic Fibrosis in People With Type 2 Diabetes

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is dramatically increasing in parallel with the pandemic of type 2 diabetes. Here, the authors aimed to assess the performance of the most commonly used noninvasive, blood-based biomarkers for liver fibrosis (FibroTest, NAFLD fibrosis score, BARD score, and FIB-4 Index) in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Liver stiffness measurement was estimated by two-dimensional shear wave elastography. Finally, the authors assessed the diagnostic role of ActiTest and NashTest 2 in liver fibrosis in the examined population.

PNPLA3 rs 738409 and Other Nongenetic Factors Associated with Hepatic Steatosis Estimated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Proton Density Fat Fraction in Adult Greek Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is dramatically increasing in parallel with the pandemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We investigated factors associated with hepatic steatosis (HS) in adult Greek individuals with established type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: We investigated 120 consecutive people with type 2 diabetes attending the Diabetic Outpatient Clinic at an Academic Hospital in Athens, Greece. All of them had demographic, clinical, and biochemical data recorded. HS was estimated by magnetic resonance imaging determined by proton density fat fraction software and defined as the percentage of total liver fat divided by the liver volume. HS of >5% was considered abnormal. The PNPLA3 (I148M) variant was evaluated as a genetic factor by standard molecular techniques. FibroMax™ was also calculated. Results: Of the 120 participants, median age was 61.7, 46% were females, diabetes duration was 10 years, and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) was 6.7%. The median value of HS was 7.8. The PNPLA3 rs738409 CC/CG/GG genotype frequencies were 54.2%, 35%, and 10.8%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, PNPLA3 rs738409 (β = 0.425, P = 0.001), waist circumference (β = 2.448, P = 0.001), and female sex (β = 0.419, P = 0.002) had a direct association with HS, while duration of diabetes (β = -0.179, P = 0.011) had an inverse association with HS. Conclusions: HS in type 2 diabetes is the sum of interplay of various factors exerting a direct or an inverse association, the most prominent among them being abdominal obesity and PNPLA3 molecular variability.

Arterial stiffness and microvascular disease in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The clustering of arterial stiffness with microvascular disease (MD) and their effects on the clinical outcome of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains not fully clarified.

METHODS

In a prospective study of 414 patients with T2D, we investigated the prognostic value of arterial stiffness and MD for clinical outcomes. Participants were assessed for the presence of MD (ie diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) and arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and followed-up for a median of 30 (range 1-60) months. The primary endpoint of the study was the composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events, that is, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction/stroke.

RESULTS

A total of 146 (35.3%) patients had evidence of MD at baseline. In cox regression models, MD and PWV were independently associated with the composite clinical endpoint; for MD hazard ratio (HR), 3.24, 95%CI, 1.10-9.54, P=.032, and for PWV HR, 1.20, 95%CI, 1.06-1.36, P=.004) after adjustment for traditional risk factors, and enhanced risk discrimination and reclassification. The subgroup of patients with MD and high PWV was associated with increased incidence of the composite clinical endpoint (20.9% vs 1.8% in those with no MD & low PWV, P=.001). Importantly, absence of MD at baseline was associated with no mortality events during the follow-up period. PWV at baseline was not associated with MD progression during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support that screening for arterial stiffness and MD in the routine clinical assessment of patients with T2D may enhance prognostication and cardiovascular risk reclassification.

Eligibility and Awareness Regarding Metabolic Surgery in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Real-World Clinical Setting; Estimate of Possible Diabetes Remission

Despite high-quality evidence highlighting metabolic surgery as an effective treatment option for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the number of patients receiving bariatric surgery (BS) remains low. Since the introduction of the Diabetes Surgery Summit II (DSS-II) eligibility criteria, data on eligibility rates for BS in T2DM cohorts remain scarce. The aims of the present study were to examine in a real-world clinical setting: (i) what is the percentage of T2DM patients visiting diabetes outpatient clinics who meet the DSS-II eligibility criteria, (ii) how many of these have been informed about the option of BS, and (iii) what are the characteristics associated with eligibility and awareness of BS. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical and socioeconomic data were obtained for all patients with T2DM who were consecutively examined in the outpatient clinics of three large-volume university hospitals (n = 1167). A medical registry form was completed to screen for BS eligibility. Patients were considered eligible if the recommendation by DSS-II criteria was either to "consider" or "recommend" BS. Eligible patients were further inquired whether they had ever been informed about the option of BS by their physicians. The advanced DiaRem score (ADRS) was applied to eligible patients to assess their probability of achieving postoperative T2DM remission. A significant percentage of T2DM patients who are routinely assessed in outpatient clinics meet the DSS-II eligibility criteria (15.3%). Eligible patients are younger and more obese, have a shorter T2DM duration, worse glycaemic control and better renal function, compared to non-eligible ones. Among eligible patients, only 39.3% have been medically informed about the option of BS. Informed patients are younger and more severely obese than non-informed ones. A significant percentage of non-informed patients (35%) have an ADRS ≤10, indicating a considerable probability for T2DM remission after BS, and are thus deprived of this opportunity due to lack of appropriate medical counseling. Screening and awareness of BS remain an unmet need in current T2DM management. Future research should focus on intensifying screening for BS eligibility at every medical visit and promoting evidence-based clinical recommendations for patients expected to benefit the most.

P2483Differential effects of novel antidiabetics on arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

Arterial stiffness flags increased cardiovascular disease risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. There is limited data on how novel anti-diabetic agents affect arterial stiffness.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of novel anti-diabetic agents on arterial stiffness in T2DM patients.

Patients and methods

We enrolled 64 consecutive patients under stable antidiabetic therapy who did not achieve therapeutic targets. Subjects were assessed to receive an additional antidiabetic agent to optimize glucose control; dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i, n=14), glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA, n=21), sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i, n=21) or long-acting insulin (n=8). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Alx) were measured (as indices of arterial stiffness) were measured at baseline and 3 months after treatment intensification.

Results

There were no differences between the study groups in traditional risk factors, or baseline HbA1c, PWV and Alx levels (p=NS for all). All groups achieved better glycemic control in terms of HbA1c values between baseline and follow-up (for DPP4i: 7.4±0.2% vs 6.7±0.2%, for GLP1RA: 8.3±0.2% vs 6.9±0.1%, for SGLT2i: 7.5±0.1% vs 6.7±0.1% and for insulin 9.8±0.5% vs 7.7±0.4%, p<0.001 for all). PWV decreased from 10.0±0.84 to 9.1±0.43 m/sec (p=0.092) in the DPP4i group, from 11.7±0.72 to 10.2±0.74 m/sec (p<0.001) in the GLP1RA group, from 1.3±0.54 to 9.6±0.59 m/sec (p=0.001) in the SGLT2i group and from 11.6±1.04 to 11.1±1.02 m/sec (p=0.219) in the insulin group. Alx was also decreased from 34.2±1.89 to 31.5±2.17% (p=0.023) in the DPP4i group, from 29.1±1.52 to 25.6±2.09% (p<0.001) in the GLP1RA group, from 29.9±1.44 to 24.2±1.48% (p<0.001) in SGLT2i group, and from 28.2±2.33 to 26.2±1.64% (p=0.153) in insulin group.

Conclusions

These preliminary data provide evidence that treatment intensification -particularly with GLP1RA, and SGLT2i- benefits vascular properties, a finding which could partly explain the positive findings of recent randomized clinical trails in this field.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P2481The effect of DPP-4i, GLP-1RA, SGLT-2i and long-acting insulin on platelet function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at higher risk for thrombotic events. Platelet function may be used to assess prothrombotic state in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate whether the administration of novel antidiabetic agents influence platelet function in TDM2 patients.

Patients and methods

We 60 enrolled consecutive patients with T2DM, on stable antidiabetic therapy, who did not achieve therapeutic targets. Subjects were assessed to receive an additional anti-diabetic agent; dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i, n=14), glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA, n=24), sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i, n=22). Platelet reactivity was measured with PFA-200 collagen/epinephrine (c-EPI) and PFA-200 collagen/ADP (c-ADP) closure time. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), c-EPI and c-ADP were assessed at baseline and 3 months after treatment intensification.

Results

There was no difference between the study groups regarding gender, age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, Hba1c and CADP or CEPI (p=NS for all) at baseline. All groups achieved better glycemic control in terms of HbA1c values between baseline and follow-up (for DPP4i: 7.4±0.2% vs 6.7±0.2%, for GLP1RA: 8.3±0.2% vs 6.9±0.1%, for SGLT2i: 7.5±0.1% vs 6.7±0.1% and for insulin 9.8±0.5% vs 7.7±0.4%, p<0.001 for all). After a 3 month-period, treatment intensification with these novel agents did not influence c-EPI and c-ADP values [155.4±6.64 sec vs 152.9±8.28 sec (p=0.678) and 106.6±4.30 sec vs 106.8±3.93 sec (p=0.955) respectively] in whole population. In subgroup analysis, for patients off antiplatelet treatment (n=31), c-EPI was significantly decreased from 148.4±8.5 to 129.8±13.9 sec (p=0.036), but not c-ADP (from 105.4±5.3 to 99.3±4.9 sec, p=0.094). In patients who did receive antiplatelets (n=37), c-EPI and c-ADP were not significantly changed (c-EPI 163.1±10.9 to 179.6±13.9 sec p=0.201 and c-ADP from 106.6±8.2 sec to 114.6±7.3 sec, p=0.318) respectively.

Conclusion

Antiplatelet treatment prevents thrombotic risk in T2DM patients receiving novel antidiabetics. The effects of novel antidiabetics on platelet reactivity -as well as any distinct class properties- merits further investigation.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Influence of Supervised Disease Understanding and Diabetes Self-Management on Adherence to Oral Glucose-Lowering Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Systematic patient education has been reported to improve adherence to treatment, leading to better clinical outcomes. This cluster randomized real-world study investigated the effect of a systematic education program and telephone support on self-reported adherence to oral glucose-lowering treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Centers were randomized (1:1) to provide either standard-of-care (control group) or standard-of-care along with the education program and telephone support (empowerment group). Adherence to treatment and satisfaction with treatment were assessed using the four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) and the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ). The study population included 457 patients (258/199 male/female) with T2DM and non-optimal glycemic control, on oral antidiabetic treatment (age 62.7 [11.4]; disease duration 8.5 [6.5] years).

RESULTS

MMAS-4 high adherence rates for the control and empowerment groups were increased by 3.8% and 16.8% at 4 months (Breslow-Day test p = 0.04) and by 8.5% and 18.8% at 8 months of follow-up, respectively (Breslow-Day test p = 0.09), compared to baseline. Intense physical activity was increased in both control and empowerment groups by 2.3% and 13.9% at 4 months (Breslow-Day test p = 0.082) and by 4.0% and 22.5% at 8 months of follow-up (Breslow-Day test p < 0.001). Baseline mean (SD) HbA1c was significantly lower in the control group compared with the empowerment group [7.7% versus 8.0%, p = 0.001] and decreased in both groups at 4 months by 0.7% and 0.9%, respectively. The change from baseline in the mean DTSQ status score at 4 months was greater in the empowerment group, and the effect was sustained at 8 months (control group: 29.1, 30.5, and 30.9; empowerment group: 25.0, 28.7, and 29.4 at baseline, 4 and 8 months, respectively, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Systematic education combined with telephone support delivered by physicians might be associated with improvement in treatment adherence and treatment satisfaction in patients with T2DM.

FUNDING

MSD, Greece.

Schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Schizophrenia is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in elevated cardiovascular risk and limited life expectancy, translated into a weighted average of 14.5 years of potential life lost and an overall weighted average life expectancy of 64.7 years. The exact prevalence of type 2 diabetes among people with schizophrenia varies across studies and ranges 2-5fold higher than in the general population, whereas the aetiology is complex and multifactorial. Besides common diabetogenic factors, applied similarly in the general population, such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, smoking, hypertension, poor diet and limited physical activity, the co-occurrence of schizophrenia and diabetes is also attributed to unique conditions. Specifically, excessive sedentary lifestyle, social determinants, adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs and limited access to medical care are considered aggravating factors for diabetes onset and low quality of diabetes management. Schizophrenia itself is further proposed as causal factor for diabetes, given the observed higher prevalence of diabetes in young patients, newly diagnosed with schizophrenia and unexposed to antipsychotics. Furthermore, studies support genetic predisposition to diabetes among people with schizophrenia, suggesting shared genetic risk and disclosing a number of overlapped risk loci. Therefore, special attention should be paid in preventing diabetes in people with schizophrenia, through intervention in all possible modifiable risk factors. Implementation of careful antipsychotic prescription, provision of adequate motivation for balanced diet and physical activity and facilitating access to primary health care, could serve in reducing diabetes prevalence. On the other hand, increasing calls are made for early diagnosis of diabetes, application of the appropriate anti-diabetic therapy and strict inspection of therapy adherence, to limit the excess mortality due to cardiovascular events in people with schizophrenia. Moreover, population health programs could help counseling and preventing diabetes risk, additionally to early screening and diagnosis set, aiming to reduce disparities in populations. Finally, mental health-care providers might greatly promote offered health services to patients with schizophrenia, through a holistic individualized approach, considering additionally the physical health of the patients and working closely, preventively and therapeutically, in collaboration with the physicians and diabetologists.

Low prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis among patients with pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a non-autoimmune disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and increased non-enzymatic glycation of amino groups. Glycation occurs through a series of events eventually leading to the formation of irreversible "advanced glycation end-products" (AGEs). AGEs may affect the function of long-lived proteins, including cytokines, immunoglobulins and their receptors, resulting in a "less active" immune system. We aimed to test the hypothesis that a common inflammatory chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in which the earliest event is an inflammatory response to unknown stimulus, has a lower prevalence in these patients than in normoglycemic, non-diabetic subjects.

Methods

In this study, we compared the prevalence of RA in a prospectively followed outpatient cohort of patients with T2DM patients (n=1,630) with a control, matched, non-diabetic population (n=1,630).

Results

Among non-diabetic controls, 13 patients (prevalence 0.80%) with RA were identified. An almost 3-fold lower prevalence of RA (0.25%) was found in consecutive patients with T2DM (P=0.029). Most of the RA cases among participants with T2DM were diagnosed early after diabetes onset. The onset of RA in patients with T2DM occurred at significantly older age (64±15 years) as compared to the non-diabetes group (48±18 years; P=0.004).

Conclusions

The prevalence of RA is lower and occurs in an older age in patients with pre-existing T2DM in comparison with people without T2DM.

Combination therapy as a potential risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes in patients with schizophrenia: the GOMAP study

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The potential diabetogenic effect of concomitant application of psychotropic treatment classes in patients with SCZ has not yet been evaluated. The overarching goal of the Genetic Overlap between Metabolic and Psychiatric disease (GOMAP) study is to assess the effect of pharmacological, anthropometric, lifestyle and clinical measurements, helping elucidate the mechanisms underlying the aetiology of T2D.

METHODS

The GOMAP case-control study (Genetic Overlap between Metabolic and Psychiatric disease) includes hospitalized patients with SCZ, some of whom have T2D. We enrolled 1653 patients with SCZ; 611 with T2D and 1042 patients without T2D. This is the first study of SCZ and T2D comorbidity at this scale in the Greek population. We retrieved detailed information on first- and second-generation antipsychotics (FGA, SGA), antidepressants and mood stabilizers, applied as monotherapy, 2-drug combination, or as 3- or more drug combination. We assessed the effects of psychotropic medication, body mass index, duration of schizophrenia, number of hospitalizations and physical activity on risk of T2D. Using logistic regression, we calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) to identify associations between demographic factors and the psychiatric medications.

RESULTS

Patients with SCZ on a combination of at least three different classes of psychiatric drugs had a higher risk of T2D [OR 1.81 (95% CI 1.22-2.69); p = 0.003] compared to FGA alone therapy, after adjustment for age, BMI, sex, duration of SCZ and number of hospitalizations. We did not find evidence for an association of SGA use or the combination of drugs belonging to two different classes of psychiatric medications with increased risk of T2D [1.27 (0.84-1.93), p = 0.259 and 0.98 (0.71-1.35), p = 0.885, respectively] compared to FGA use.

CONCLUSIONS

We find an increased risk of T2D in patients with SCZ who take a combination of at least three different psychotropic medication classes compared to patients whose medication consists only of one or two classes of drugs.

Effects of Newer Antidiabetic Drugs on Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Newer antidiabetic drugs, i.e., dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may exert distinct cardiovascular effects. We sought to explore their impact on vascular function.

METHODS

Published literature was systematically searched up to January 2018 for clinical studies assessing the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 RAs, and SGLT-2 inhibitors on endothelial function and arterial stiffness, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and pulse wave velocity (PWV), respectively. For each eligible study, we used the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for FMD and PWV. The pooled MD for FMD and PWV were calculated by using a random-effect model. The presence of heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by the I ² statistic.

RESULTS

A total of 26 eligible studies (n = 668 patients) were included in the present meta-analysis. Among newer antidiabetic drugs, only SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly improved FMD (pooled MD 1.14%, 95% CI: 0.18 to 1.73, p = 0.016), but not DPP-4 inhibitors (pooled MD = 0.86%, 95% CI: -0.15 to 1.86, p = 0.095) or GLP-1 RA (pooled MD = 2.37%, 95% CI: -0.51 to 5.25, p = 0.107). Both GLP-1 RA (pooled MD = -1.97, 95% CI: -2.65 to -1.30, p < 0.001) and, to a lesser extent, DPP-4 inhibitors (pooled MD = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.07, p = 0.002) significantly decreased PWV.

CONCLUSIONS

Newer antidiabetic drugs differentially affect endothelial function and arterial stiffness, as assessed by FMD and PWV, respectively. These findings could explain the distinct effects of these drugs on cardiovascular risk of patients with type 2 diabetes.

The Real-Life Effectiveness and Care Patterns of Type 2 Diabetes Management in Greece

Aim To investigate the prevalence of hypoglycaemia during sulfonylurea (SU) treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Greece and its influence on glycaemic control, treatment adherence and quality of life (QoL).

Patients and methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. We included 383 T2DM patients ≥30 years old on treatment with SU in monotherapy or in combination with metformin for at least 6 months. Patients were requested to fill in retrospective questionnaires on hypoglycaemia experience, adherence, weight gain and lifestyle/behavioural factors along with QoL (EQ-5D-3L), treatment satisfaction (TSQM), and fear of hypoglycaemia (HFS-II Worry scale).

Results HbA1c<7% was found in 161 (42.0%) patients. In total, 165 (43.1%) patients reported hypoglycaemic symptoms during the previous 6 months: 41.6% (67/161) of those with HbA1c <7% and 44.1% (98/222) of those with HbA1c ≥7%. Glycaemic control was achieved by 43.1% (94/218) of patients without hypoglycaemia and 50.0% (41/82), 36.8% (25/68) and 6.7% (1/15) of patients with mild, moderate or severe hypoglycaemia, respectively (p=0.013). In multivariate analysis, both occurrence (none vs. mild/moderate/severe) and severity (none vs. mild vs. moderate vs. severe) of hypoglycaemia were significantly associated with impaired global treatment satisfaction (p=0.002 and p<0.0001 respectively) and HFS-II Worry scale scores (both p<0.0001), while lower QoL (EQ-5D (UK) Index) was related to hypoglycaemia severity (p=0.024) only. Finally, treatment adherence was associated with increased (none/mild vs. moderate/severe) hypoglycaemia severity in univariate analysis (p=0.019).

Conclusion A high prevalence of patient treated with SU reported hypoglycaemia in Greek healthcare settings with negative effects on treatment satisfaction, patient worry and adherence. Severity of hypoglycaemic symptoms was associated with reduced glycaemic control.

Thyroid Dysfunction among Greek Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as a Disregarded Comorbidity

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Greek patients with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus as well as its possible relations to glycaemic control and to diabetic complications.

METHODS

A total of 1015 patients, consecutively followed in the Outpatient Diabetes Center, were studied. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements, occurrence of diabetes complications, and classical comorbidities were assessed. Average HbA1c of the previous year was calculated. Wellbeing was determined, using a 10-point optimal scale. All the above parameters were compared between subjects with or without thyroid disease.

RESULTS

All patients were euthyroid at the time of the study, either on thyroid medications or not. Hypothyroidism occurrence did not differ between T2DM and T1DM patients (37.1% versus 43.5%, p > 0.05). Nodular goiter was observed more frequently in T2DM patients (34.1% versus 18.8%, p < 0.05). T2DM patients with hypothyroidism compared to those without hypothyroidism had higher HbA1c (7.27% versus 6.98%, p < 0.01), TChol (184.97 mg/dl versus 168.17 mg/dl, p < 0.001), and higher HDL-Chol (51.28 mg/dl versus 46.77 mg/dl, p < 0.01). T2DM patients without hypothyroidism had a better wellness feeling (7.5 versus 5.3 points, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for thyroid disease among T2DM patients should be routinely considered, as it is found to be an additional commorbidity. If it remains undiagnosed, it could aggravate the clinical course of the disease.

Low-frequency and rare exome chip variants associate with fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes susceptibility

Fasting glucose and insulin are intermediate traits for type 2 diabetes. Here we explore the role of coding variation on these traits by analysis of variants on the HumanExome BeadChip in 60,564 non-diabetic individuals and in 16,491 T2D cases and 81,877 controls. We identify a novel association of a low-frequency nonsynonymous SNV in GLP1R (A316T; rs10305492; MAF=1.4%) with lower FG (β=-0.09±0.01 mmol l(-1), P=3.4 × 10(-12)), T2D risk (OR[95%CI]=0.86[0.76-0.96], P=0.010), early insulin secretion (β=-0.07±0.035 pmolinsulin mmolglucose(-1), P=0.048), but higher 2-h glucose (β=0.16±0.05 mmol l(-1), P=4.3 × 10(-4)). We identify a gene-based association with FG at G6PC2 (pSKAT=6.8 × 10(-6)) driven by four rare protein-coding SNVs (H177Y, Y207S, R283X and S324P). We identify rs651007 (MAF=20%) in the first intron of ABO at the putative promoter of an antisense lncRNA, associating with higher FG (β=0.02±0.004 mmol l(-1), P=1.3 × 10(-8)). Our approach identifies novel coding variant associations and extends the allelic spectrum of variation underlying diabetes-related quantitative traits and T2D susceptibility.

Real life cancer comorbidity in Greek patients with diabetes mellitus followed up at a single diabetes center: an unappreciated new diabetes complication

We determined cancer comorbidity in patients with diabetes followed up at a single Greek academic clinic and investigated the potential related factors. Cancer comorbidity was prospectively recorded for all patients with type 2 (T2DM, n = 759) or type 1 (T1DM, n = 134) diabetes of at least 10-year duration examined during one year. Patient characteristics, diabetes age of onset, duration, treatment, control, and complication rates were compared between subjects with and without cancer. Moreover, a retrospective collection of data from similar patients examined for the first time during the last 25 years, but lost to follow-up, after at least one-year's regular visits, was performed. In regularly followed-up T2DM patients cancer comorbidity was 12.6%. Patients with cancer were older and more frequently smokers. Prostate cancer was the most frequent (24.0%) type. In T1DM cancer comorbidity was 3.0%. Similar rates of comorbidity and types of cancer were observed in lost to follow-up patients. In conclusion, our patients with T2DM of at least 10-year' duration show high cancer comorbidity. No specific characteristics discriminate patients with cancer. Therefore presymptomatic cancer detection and prevention strategies may have to be incorporated into the annual systematic evaluation of our patients.

Study comparing the effect of pioglitazone in combination with either metformin or sulphonylureas on lipid profile and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (ECLA)

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether the improvement of lipid profile and glycaemic control observed in randomized control trials with pioglitazone (PIO) is replicated under conditions of general clinical practice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 2388 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) not adequately controlled by monotherapy on either metformin (MET) or sulphonylurea (SU). Addition of a second drug, according to the treating physician's choice, resulted in three groups, PIO + MET, PIO + SU and MET + SU, followed for twelve months, while efficacy and safety parameters were measured at baseline, at six and at twelve months.

RESULTS

A total of 2116 (88.6%) patients completed the study. Diabetic control and lipid profile improved in all three groups, but the improvement was always greater in the two PIO groups. At 12 months PIO + SU and PIO + MET groups compared to SU + MET showed greater increase in HDL cholesterol (8.3% and 9.2 versus 4.3% p < 0.001) and greater decrease in HbA1c (1.53% and 1.46% versus 0.97%, p < 0.001 for both), in triglycerides (20.7% and 21.5% versus 15.2%, p < 0.001) and in LDL cholesterol (15.2% and 14.6% versus 11.3%, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). All changes were greater in patients already taking hypolipidaemic drugs. As ECLA was an observational study, the major limitation is the introduction of confounding bias which, however, was accounted for in the statistical analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Since improvement of both glycaemic control and lipid profile are considered main targets in the management of the diabetic patient, the results of the present study, conducted under conditions of everyday clinical practice, show that pioglitazone may be considered a potential choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, when lifestyle and metformin fail.

Evidence that even "normal" albuminuria may denote incipient GFR reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

In patients with diabetes and microalbuminuria, small changes of GFR could have been missed, due to the lack of sensitive methodology for GFR determination in clinical practice (creatinine based calculations). Therefore we explored the relation of the degree of albumin excretion with Cystatin C, which has been recently proved to be a better marker of GFR, compared to serum creatinine.

METHODS

We studied 179 patients with type 2 diabetes, in whom renal function and microalbuminuria were evaluated.

RESULTS

In patients with normal renal function, GFR/MDRD>or=60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), (n=79), urinary albumin concentration (UAC) was significantly correlated with Cystatin C, both in patients with normoalbuminuria (r=0.547, p<0.023) or microalbuminuria (r=0.305, p<0.035), while it was not correlated either with serum creatinine or calculated creatinine clearance. In patients with GFR/MDRD<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), (n=100), UAC was significantly correlated with Cystatin C, also both in patients with normoalbuminuria (r=0.536, p<0.032) or microalbuminuria (r=0.340, p<0.016), while it was significantly correlated with serum creatinine and calculated creatinine clearance only in those with microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Subtle changes in renal function, as judged by Cystatin C concentration, may parallel the degree of albuminuria, even in the normoalbuminuric stage. This finding needs further confirmation by more appropriate methodology in prospective follow up studies.

Epidemiological evidence for the non-random clustering of the components of the metabolic syndrome: multicentre study of the Mediterranean Group for the Study of Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To determine: (a) whether the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) cluster more frequently than predicted by chance alone and (b) whether increased risk for MetS is associated also with values of each component below, but close to the cutoff points defining MetS.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Anthropometrical and biochemical measurements were performed and a dietary questionnaire was filled-in in 1833 randomly selected non-diabetic subjects, 916 men and 917 women, 20-74 years old, in nine centres in five Mediterranean countries. The prevalence of MetS and of possible combinations of its individual components was measured. The expected frequencies of the above combinations were calculated according to the mathematical formula of probabilities.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of MetS was 27.2%, but varied greatly among countries, from 5.8% in Algeria to 37.3% in Greece. The observed prevalence of each combination diagnostic of MetS was higher than the expected by chance. Thus, the observed overall prevalence of MetS was also higher than the expected, 27.2 vs 24.0%, P=0.03. Furthermore, for each individual component (except high-density lipoprotein), as values in the normal range, approached the cutoff point, the risk of having MetS (i.e. clustering of the other components) increased significantly (odds ratio 2.2-4.6, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The MetS is not related to the Mediterranean type of diet and its prevalence varies greatly among five Mediterranean countries. The clustering of the components defining the MetS is not due to chance and moreover even 'high normal' levels of each component confer increased risk for the syndrome.

Nutritional habits of subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Mediterranean Basin: comparison with the non-diabetic population and the dietary recommendations. Multi-Centre Study of the Mediterranean Group for the Study of Diabetes (MGSD)

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional habits of Type 2 diabetic patients among Mediterranean countries and also with those of their background population and with the nutritional recommendations of the Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group.

METHODS

We did a cross-sectional study of 1833 non-diabetic subjects and 1895 patients with Type 2 diabetes, in nine centres in six Mediterranean countries. A dietary questionnaire validated against the 3-Day Diet Diary was used.

RESULTS

In diabetic patients the contribution of proteins, carbohydrates and fat to the energy intake varied greatly among centres, ranging from 17.6% to 21.0% for protein, from 37.7% to 53.0% for carbohydrates and from 27.2% to 40.8% for fat, following in every centre the trends of the non-diabetic population. Furthermore, diabetic patients compared to the corresponding background population had: (i). lower energy intake, (ii). lower carbohydrate and higher protein contribution to the energy intake, (iii). higher prevalence of obesity, ranging from 9 to 50%. The adherence to the nutritional recommendations for proteins, carbohydrate and fat was very low ranging from 1.4 to 23.6%, and still decreased when fibre was also considered.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

In diabetic patients of the Mediterranean area: (i). dietary habits vary greatly among countries, according to the same trends of the background population; (ii). the prevalence of obesity is much lower than the 80% reported for patients with diabetes in Western countries; (iii). Carbohydrate intake is decreased with a complementary increase of protein and fat consumption, resulting to a poor compliance with the nutritional recommendations.

Nutritional habits in the Mediterranean Basin. The macronutrient composition of diet and its relation with the traditional Mediterranean diet. Multi-centre study of the Mediterranean Group for the Study of Diabetes (MGSD)

OBJECTIVE

To compare the nutritional habits among six Mediterranean countries and also with the various official recommendations and the 'Mediterranean diet' as originally described.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS

Three centres in Greece, two in Italy and one in Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt and Yugoslavia.

SUBJECTS

Randomly selected non-diabetic subjects from the general population, of age 35-60, not on diet for at least 3 months before the study.

INTERVENTIONS

A dietary questionnaire validated against the 3-Day Diet Diary was used. Demographic data were collected and anthropometrical measurements done.

RESULTS

All results were age adjusted. Energy intake varied in men, from 1825 kcal/day in Italy-Rome to 3322 kcal/day in Bulgaria and in women, from 1561 kcal/day in Italy-Rome to 2550 kcal/day in Algeria. Protein contribution (%) to the energy intake varied little, ranging from 13.4% in Greece to 18.5% in Italy-Rome, while fat ranged from 25.3% in Egypt to 40.2% in Bulgaria and carbohydrates from 41.5% in Bulgaria to 58.6% in Egypt. Fibre intake, g/1000 kcal, ranged from 6.8 in Bulgaria to 13.3 in Egypt and the ratio of plant to animal fat from 1.2 in Bulgaria to 2.8 in Greece. The proportion of subjects following the WHO and the Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group (DNSG) of the EASD recommendations for carbohydrates, fat and protein ranged from 4.2% in Bulgaria to 75.7% in Egypt. Comparison with the Mediterranean diet, as defined in the seven Country Study, showed significant differences especially for fruit, 123-377 vs 464 g/day of the Mediterranean diet, meat, 72-193 vs 35 g/day, cheese, 15-79 vs 13 g/day, bread, 126-367 vs 380 g/day.

CONCLUSIONS

(a) Dietary habits of the 'normal' population vary greatly among the Mediterranean countries studied. (b) Egypt is closest to the DNSG recommendations. (c) Significant differences from the originally described Mediterranean diet are documented in most Mediterranean countries, showing a Westernization of the dietary habits.