Comparison of Control-IQ and open-source AndroidAPS automated insulin delivery systems in adults with type 1 diabetes: The CODIAC study

AIM

To compare open-source AndroidAPS (AAPS) and commercially available Control-IQ (CIQ) automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in a prospective, open-label, single-arm clinical trial.

METHODS

Adults with type 1 diabetes who had been using AAPS by their own decision entered the first 3-month AAPS phase then were switched to CIQ for 3 months. The results of this treatment were compared with those after the 3-month AAPS phase. The primary endpoint was the change in time in range (% TIR; 70-80 mg/dL).

RESULTS

Twenty-five people with diabetes (mean age 34.32 ± 11.07 years; HbA1c 6.4% ± 3%) participated in this study. CIQ was comparable with AAPS in achieving TIR (85.72% ± 7.64% vs. 84.24% ± 8.46%; P = .12). Similarly, there were no differences in percentage time above range (> 180 and > 250 mg/dL), mean sensor glucose (130.3 ± 13.9 vs. 128.3 ± 16.9 mg/dL; P = .21) or HbA1c (6.3% ± 2.1% vs. 6.4% ± 3.1%; P = .59). Percentage time below range (< 70 and < 54 mg/dL) was significantly lower using CIQ than AAPS. Even although participants were mostly satisfied with CIQ (63.6% mostly agreed, 9.1% strongly agreed), they did not plan to switch to CIQ.

CONCLUSIONS

The CODIAC study is the first prospective study investigating the switch between open-source and commercially available AID systems. CIQ and AAPS were comparable in achieving TIR. However, hypoglycaemia was significantly lower with CIQ.

Low Initial Adherence with Flash Glucose Monitoring is Not a Predictor of Long-Term Glycemic Outcomes: Longitudinal Analysis of the Association Between Experience, Adherence, and Glucose Control for FreeStyle Libre Users

INTRODUCTION

Frequent scanning of FreeStyle Libre (FSL) flash glucose monitoring sensors is known to be important whilst wearing an active sensor, but adherence to sensor reapplication is also critical to effective glucose monitoring. We report novel measures of adherence for users of the FSL system and their association with improvements in metrics of glucose control.

METHODS

Anonymous data were extracted for 1600 FSL users in the Czech Republic with ≥ 36 completed sensors from October 22, 2018 to December 31, 2021. "Experience" was defined by the number of sensors used (1-36 sensors). "Adherence" was defined by time between the end of one sensor and the start of the next (gap time). User adherence was analyzed for four experience levels after initiating FLASH; Start (sensors 1-3); Early (sensors 4-6); Middle (sensors 19-21); End (sensors 34-36). Users were split into two adherence levels based on mean gap time during Start period, "low" (> 24 h, n = 723) and "high" (≤ 8 h, n = 877).

RESULTS

Low-adherence users reduced their sensor gap times significantly: 38.5% applied a new sensor within 24 h during sensors 4-6, rising to 65.0% by sensors 34-36 (p < 0.001). Improved adherence was associated with increased %TIR (time in range; mean + 2.4%; p < 0.001), reduced %TAR (time above range; mean - 3.1%; p < 0.001), and reduced glucose coefficient of variation (CV; mean - 1.7%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

With experience, FSL users became more adherent in sensor reapplication, with associated increases in %TIR, and reductions in %TAR and glucose variability.

Lower Glycated Hemoglobin with Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Than with Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring After 1 Year: The CORRIDA LIFE Study

Background: The aim was to compare the efficacy of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) focusing on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as the primary endpoint. Methods: The CORRIDA LIFE was a 12-month, real-world, nonrandomized study that is part of the CORRIDA clinical trials program. The study compared rtCGM (Dexcom G5 or G6) and isCGM (FreeStyle Libre 14-Day; Abbott) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Only patients on multiple daily insulin injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with no automatic functions were included in this study. Primary outcome was the difference in HbA1c between study groups at 12 months. Results: One hundred ninety-one adults with T1D (mean age 40 ± 13 years, HbA1c 8.1% ± 3.4% [65 ± 14 mmol/mol]) participated in this study; 81 patients initiated rtCGM and 110 initiated isCGM. After 12-months, HbA1c was significantly lower with rtCGM versus isCGM (7.1% ± 3.1% [54.1 ± 10.1 mmol/mol] vs. 7.7% ± 3.3% [61.2 ± 12.2 mmol/mol]), P = 0.0001. The percentage of time in hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL [<3.9 mmol/L]) was lower among rtCGM vs. isCGM participants [4.3% ± 2.8% vs. 6.4% ± 5.3%], P = 0.003). Patients with rtCGM spent less time in clinically significant hypoglycemia (<54 mg/dL [<3.0 mmol/L]) (0.9% ± 1.0% vs. 2.3% ± 2.5%, P < 0.0001) and more time in target range (70-180 mg/dL [3.9-10 mmol/L]) than isCGM users (67.5% ± 14.8% vs. 57.8% ± 17.0%), P = 0.0002. Conclusions: rtCGM was superior to isCGM in HbA1c, hypoglycemia, and other glycemic outcomes. Our findings provide guidance to clinicians when discussing monitoring options with their patients. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04759495).

Real-world characteristics, modern antidiabetic treatment patterns, and comorbidities of patients with type 2 diabetes in central and Eastern Europe: retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluations in the CORDIALLY® study

Background

Guidelines from 2016 onwards recommend early use of SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), to reduce CV events and mortality. Many eligible patients are not treated accordingly, although data are lacking for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Methods

The CORDIALLY non-interventional study evaluated the real-world characteristics, modern antidiabetic treatment patterns, and the prevalence of CVD and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults with T2D at nonhospital-based practices in CEE. Data were retrospectively collated by medical chart review for patients initiating empagliflozin, another SGLT2i, DPP4i, or GLP-1 RA in autumn 2018. All data were analysed cross-sectionally, except for discontinuations assessed 1 year ± 2 months after initiation.

Results

Patients (N = 4055) were enrolled by diabetologists (56.7%), endocrinologists (40.7%), or cardiologists (2.5%). Empagliflozin (48.5%) was the most prescribed medication among SGLT2i, DPP4i, and GLP-1 RA; > 3 times more patients were prescribed empagliflozin than other SGLT2i (10 times more by cardiologists). Overall, 36.6% of patients had diagnosed CVD. Despite guidelines recommending SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA, 26.8% of patients with CVD received DPP4i. Patients initiating DPP4i were older (mean 66.4 years) than with SGLT2i (62.4 years) or GLP-1 RA (58.3 years). CKD prevalence differed by physician assessment (14.5%) or based on eGFR and UACR (27.9%). Many patients with CKD (≥ 41%) received DPP4i, despite guidelines recommending SGLT2is owing to their renal benefits. 1 year ± 2-months after initiation, 10.0% (7.9–12.3%) of patients had discontinued study medication: 23.7–45.0% due to ‘financial burden of co-payment’, 0–1.9% due to adverse events (no patients discontinued DPP4i due to adverse events). Treatment guidelines were ‘highly relevant’ for a greater proportion of cardiologists (79.4%) and endocrinologists (72.9%) than diabetologists (56.9%), and ≤ 20% of physicians consulted other physicians when choosing and discontinuing treatments.

Conclusions

In CORDIALLY, significant proportions of patients with T2D and CVD/CKD who initiated modern antidiabetic medication in CEE in autumn 2018 were not treated with cardioprotective T2D medications. Use of DPP4i instead of SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA may be related to lack of affordable access, the perceived safety of these medications, lack of adherence to the latest treatment guidelines, and lack of collaboration between physicians. Thus, many patients with T2D and comorbidities may develop preventable complications or die prematurely.

Trial registration NCT03807440.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01631-4.

Skin autofluorescence corresponds to microvascular reactivity in diabetes mellitus

Advanced glycation accelerated by chronic hyperglycaemia contributes to the development of diabetic vascular complications throughout several mechanisms. One of these mechanisms is supposed to be impaired microvascular reactivity, that precedes significant vascular changes. The aim of this study was to find an association between advanced glycation, the soluble receptor for AGEs (sRAGE), and microvascular reactivity (MVR) in diabetes. Skin autofluorescence (SAF), which reflects advanced glycation, was assessed by AGE-Reader, MVR was measured by laser Doppler fluxmetry and evaluated together with sRAGE in 43 patients with diabetes (25 Type 1 and 18 Type 2) and 26 healthy controls of comparable age. SAF was significantly higher in patients with diabetes compared to controls (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.0 ± 0.5 AU; p < 0.01). Patients with diabetes with SAF > 2.3 AU presented significantly worse MVR in both post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) on the finger and forearm, and thermal hyperaemia (TH), compared to patients with SAF < 2.3 AU. SAF was age dependent in both diabetes (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) and controls (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). There was no association between SAF and diabetes control expressed by glycated haemoglobin. A significant relationship was observed between SAF and sRAGE in diabetes (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), but not in controls. A significant inverse association was found between SAF and MVR on the forearm in diabetes (PORH: r = -0.42, p < 0.01; TH: r = -0.46, p < 0.005). Both advanced glycation expressed by higher SAF or sRAGE and impaired MVR are involved in the pathogenesis of vascular complications in diabetes, and we confirm a strong interplay of these processes in this scenario.

Expert opinion on the cooperation of diabetologists and internists with nephrologists in the care of patients with chronic kidney diseases

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of the population of developed countries and significantly affects the population health. In addition to the well-known renoprotection tools slowing down the progression of CKD, SGLT2 inhibitors have been newly introduced into clinical practice based on the results of extensive studies, both in diabetics and non-diabetics. This expert opinion discusses the classification of CKD, current renoprotection options, and the recent role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the care of patients with CKD.

The position of SGLT2 inhibitors in current medical practice - update 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are still the most common cause of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Studies on the cardiovascular safety of new antidiabetic treatments, that have significantly expanded the treatment options for type 2 diabetes over the last 20 years, have provided evidence not only for the cardiovascular safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i, gliflozins), but also unexpectedly showed a significant effect on the reduction of cardiovascular risk, incidence and progress of heart failure and nephroprotectivity. For the first time, a reduction in cardiovascular and overall mortality was demonstrated for empagliflozin in 2015 in patients at very high cardiovascular risk. Further studies with gliflozins in patients with diabetes, but also in non-diabetic individuals, show that gliflozins have more pharmacological similarities than differences, especially in terms of protection against the development and progression of heart failure and maintenance of glomerular filtration rate. The revolutionary contribution of SGLT-2i is therefore perceived today not only by diabetologists, but also by cardiologists and nephrologists. In ESC guidelines, SGLT-2i are recommended as a first-line antidiabetic treatment for patients with diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, attacking the hitherto unshakable position of metformin at this pole position, and their indications should be considered in patients with type 2 diabetes with atherosclerosis, heart and renal failure regardless of the level of diabetes control (values of HbA1c). In the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (with or without diabetes), dapagliflozin and empagliflozin have been recommended by cardiologists since 2021 to prevent hospitalizations for heart failure and to reduce mortality with the strongest class and level of evidence.

Concomitant iGlarLixi and Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitor Therapy in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: LixiLan-G Trial and Real-World Evidence Results

INTRODUCTION

iGlarLixi, the once-daily fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/ml and lixisenatide, robustly improves glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes irrespective of previous treatment [oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs), basal insulin or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs)]. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a recommended treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and/or heart failure because of their cardio- and renoprotective benefits. Herein, we assessed the effects of concomitant iGlarLixi and SGLT2i therapy.

METHODS

We conducted subgroup analyses according to SGLT2i use in: (1) adults with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 RAs and OADs switching to iGlarLixi in the 26-week LixiLan-G randomised controlled trial (RCT; NCT02787551) and (2) adults switching to or adding iGlarLixi in a 6-month, retrospective real-world evidence (RWE) observational study using data from the US Optum-Humedica electronic medical records database. Changes in HbA_1c and hypoglycaemia prevalence and event rates were assessed.

RESULTS

There were no major differences in baseline characteristics for those who initiated iGlarLixi while already using SGLT2i (n = 346) and those initiating iGlarLixi without concomitant SGLT2i therapy (n = 1285). HbA_1c reductions from baseline to time of assessment and hypoglycaemia prevalence and event rates were similar for iGlarLixi users regardless of SGLT2i therapy.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from an RCT and an RWE analysis supports the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of iGlarLixi when used concomitantly with SGLT2i.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02787551.

Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes: A Collaborative, Expert Group Position Statement for Clinical Use in Central and Eastern Europe

In both pediatric and adult populations with type 1 diabetes (T1D), technologies such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), or sensor-augmented pumps (SAP) can consistently improve glycemic control [measured as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and time in range (TIR)] while reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. Use of technologies can thereby improve quality of life and reduce the burden of diabetes management compared with self-injection of multiple daily insulin doses (MDI). Novel hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems represent the latest treatment modality for T1D, combining modern glucose sensors and insulin pumps with a linked control algorithm to offer automated insulin delivery in response to blood glucose levels and trends. HCL systems have been associated with increased TIR, improved HbA1c, and fewer hypoglycemic events compared with CSII, SAP, and MDI, thereby potentially improving quality of life for people with diabetes (PwD) while reducing the costs of treating short- and long-term diabetes-related complications. However, many barriers to their use and regional inequalities remain in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Published data suggest that access to diabetes technologies is hindered by lack of funding, underdeveloped health technology assessment (HTA) bodies and guidelines, unfamiliarity with novel therapies, and inadequacies in healthcare system capacities. To optimize the use of diabetes technologies in CEE, an international meeting comprising experts in the field of diabetes was held to map the current regional access, to present the current national reimbursement guidelines, and to recommend solutions to overcome uptake barriers. Recommendations included regional and national development of HTA bodies, efficient allocation of resources, and structured education programs for healthcare professionals and PwD. The responsibility of the healthcare community to ensure that all individuals with T1D gain access to modern technologies in a timely and economically responsible manner, thereby improving health outcomes, was emphasized, particularly for interventions that are cost-effective.

The management of type 2 diabetes before, during and after Covid-19 infection: what is the evidence?

Patients with Covid-19 place new challenges on the management of type 2 diabetes, including the questions of whether glucose-lowering therapy should be adjusted during infection and how to manage a return to normal care after resolution of Covid-19 symptoms. Due to the sudden onset of the pandemic, physicians have by necessity made such important clinical decisions in the absence of robust evidence or consistent guidelines. The risk to patients is compounded by the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in this population, which alongside diabetes is a major risk factor for severe disease and mortality in Covid-19. We convened as experts from the Central and Eastern European region to consider what advice we can provide in the setting of type 2 diabetes and Covid-19, considering the evidence before, during and after infection. We review recommendations that have been published to date, and consider the best available—but currently limited—evidence from large observational studies and the DARE-19 randomized control trial. Notably, we find a lack of guidance on restarting patients on optimal antidiabetic therapy after recovering from Covid-19, and suggest that this may provide an opportunity to optimize treatment and counter clinical inertia that predates the pandemic. Furthermore, we emphasize that optimization applies not only to glycaemic control, but other factors such as cardiorenal protection. While we look forward to the emergence of new evidence that we hope will address these gaps, in the interim we provide a perspective, based on our collective clinical experience, on how best to manage glucose-lowering therapy as patients with Covid-19 recover from their disease and return to normal care.

Expert consensus on the practical aspects of the cooperation of cardiologist and diabetologist in the management of the patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for the development of heart failure and presence of diabetes significantly worsens heart failure outcome. Introduction of gliflozins to the therapy of heart failure is one of the most important novelty. Gliflozins reduce glucose level by the sodium-glucose contransporter 2 inhibition in proximal tubulus in the kidney. Gliflozins are used as effective antidiabetic drugs with improvement of glycemic control without risk of hypoglycemia, gliflozins decrease blood pressure and patients weight. Recent studies have shown that gliflozins significantly reduce risk of cardiovascular complications and heart failure hospitalizations in diabetic patients. Clinical trials with dapagliflozin and empagliflozin have shown reduction of the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in the patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction both in the patients with diabetes and in the patients without diabetes. The aim of the expert consenzus is to summarize practical aspects in the cooperation of cardiologist and diabetologist in the management of the patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction in the context of the current guidelines and other treatment options.

Real-time CGM Is Superior to Flash Glucose Monitoring for Glucose Control in Type 1 Diabetes: The CORRIDA Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this trial was to compare the efficacy of real-time and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM and isCGM, respectively) in maintaining optimal glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized study, adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and normal hypoglycemia awareness (Gold score <4) used rtCGM (Guardian Connect Mobile) or isCGM (FreeStyle Libre) during 4 days of physical activity (exercise phase) and in the subsequent 4 weeks at home (home phase). Primary end points were time in hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L [<70 mg/dL]) and time in range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L [70-180 mg/dL]). The isCGM group wore an additional masked Enlite sensor (iPro2) for 6 days to check for bias between the different sensors used by the rtCGM and isCGM systems.

RESULTS

Sixty adults with T1D (mean age 38 ± 13 years; A1C 62 ± 12 mmol/mol [7.8 ± 1.1%]) were randomized to rtCGM (n = 30) or isCGM (n = 30). All participants completed the study. Percentage of time in hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L [<70 mg/dL]) was lower among rtCGM versus isCGM participants in the exercise phase (6.8 ± 5.5% vs. 11.4 ± 8.6%, respectively; P = 0.018) and during the home phase (5.3 ± 2.5% vs. 7.3 ± 4.4%, respectively; P = 0.035). Hypoglycemia differences were significant and most notable during the night. rtCGM participants spent more time in range (3.9-10 mmol/L [70-180 mg/dL]) than isCGM participants throughout both the exercise (78.5 ± 10.2% vs. 69.7 ± 16%, respectively; P = 0.0149) and home (75.6 ± 9.7% vs. 67.4 ± 17.8%, respectively; P = 0.0339) phases. The results were robust to the insignificant bias between rtCGM and isCGM sensors that masked CGM found in the isCGM arm.

CONCLUSIONS

rtCGM was superior to isCGM in reducing hypoglycemia and improving time in range in adults with T1D with normal hypoglycemia awareness, demonstrating the value of rtCGM alarms during exercise and in daily diabetes self-management.

The position of SGLT2 inhibitors in current medicine

Cardiovascular disease is still the most common cause of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Some prospective studies have produced unexpected results in connection with the requirements for the demonstration of cardiovascular safety of new antidiabetics, which have significantly expanded the treatment options for diabetes over the past 20 years. Although these studies were statistically designed to exclude excessive cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes, some drugs have shown not only cardiovascular safety but also significant cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects in these studies. For the first time, a reduction in cardiovascular and overall mortality was demonstrated for the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin in EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial in patients at very high cardiovascular risk. We already know that a beneficial effect on the risk of heart failure, but also renal failure, is a class effect in gliflozins. The revolutionary benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors are now perceived not only by diabetologists, but also by cardiologists and nephrologists. In European Society of Cardiology clinical guidelines, gliflozins even endanger the still unshakable position of metformin as the first line of antidiabetic therapy in patients with very high cardiovascular risk. Their indication should be today considered in all patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, cardiac and renal failure regardless of diabetes control because they can reduce cardiovascular risk, risk of hospitalizations for heart failure and preserve glomerular filtration rate.

Glycemic Outcomes in Adults With T1D Are Impacted More by Continuous Glucose Monitoring Than by Insulin Delivery Method: 3 Years of Follow-Up From the COMISAIR Study

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the clinical impact of four treatment strategies in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D): real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) with multiple daily insulin injections (rtCGM+MDI), rtCGM with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (rtCGM+CSII), self-monitoring of blood glucose with MDI (SMBG+MDI), and SMBG with CSII (SMBG+CSII).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This 3-year, nonrandomized, prospective, real-world, clinical trial followed 94 participants with T1D (rtCGM+MDI, n = 22; rtCGM+CSII, n = 26; SMBG+MDI, n = 21; SMBG+CSII, n = 25). The main end points were changes in A1C, time in range (70-180 mg/dL [3.9-10 mmol/L]), time below range (<70 mg/dL [<3.9 mmol/L]), glycemic variability, and incidence of hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

At 3 years, the rtCGM groups (rtCGM+MDI and rtCGM+CSII) had significantly lower A1C (7.0% [53 mmol/mol], P = 0.0002, and 6.9% [52 mmol/mol], P < 0.0001, respectively), compared with the SMBG+CSII and SMBG+MDI groups (7.7% [61 mmol/mol], P = 0.3574, and 8.0% [64 mmol/mol], P = 1.000, respectively), with no significant difference between the rtCGM groups. Significant improvements in percentage of time in range were observed in the rtCGM subgroups (rtCGM+MDI, 48.7-69.0%, P < 0.0001; and rtCGM+CSII, 50.9-72.3%, P < 0.0001) and in the SMBG+CSII group (50.6-57.8%, P = 0.0114). Significant reductions in time below range were found only in the rtCGM subgroups (rtCGM+MDI, 9.4-5.5%, P = 0.0387; and rtCGM+CSII, 9.0-5.3%, P = 0.0235). Seven severe hypoglycemia episodes occurred: SMBG groups, n = 5; sensor-augmented insulin regimen groups, n = 2.

CONCLUSIONS

rtCGM was superior to SMBG in reducing A1C, hypoglycemia, and other end points in individuals with T1D regardless of their insulin delivery method. rtCGM+MDI can be considered an equivalent but lower-cost alternative to sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy and superior to treatment with SMBG+MDI or SMBG+CSII therapy.

Evidence from routine clinical practice: EMPRISE provides a new perspective on CVOTs

EMPA-REG OUTCOME is recognised by international guidelines as a landmark study that showed a significant cardioprotective benefit with empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. To assess the impact of empagliflozin in routine clinical practice, the ongoing EMPRISE study is collecting real-world evidence to compare effectiveness, safety and health economic outcomes between empagliflozin and DPP-4 inhibitors. A planned interim analysis of EMPRISE was recently published, confirming a substantial reduction in hospitalisation for heart failure with empagliflozin across a diverse patient population. In this commentary article, we discuss the new data in the context of current evidence and clinical guidelines, as clinicians experienced in managing cardiovascular risk in patients with T2D. We also look forward to what future insights EMPRISE may offer, as evidence is accumulated over the next years to complement the important findings of EMPA-REG OUTCOME.

CARMELINA: An important piece of the DPP-4 inhibitor CVOT puzzle

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a class of glucose-lowering agent for type 2 diabetes (T2D) that are commonly used in clinical practice. With the recent disclosure of data from the CARMELINA cardiovascular outcomes trial (CVOT), which investigated linagliptin, CV and renal outcomes data are now available for four agents in the DPP-4 inhibitor class that are approved in most markets. To consider how the CARMELINA study may be interpreted, and the relevance for our clinical practice, we convened as an expert group of diabetes specialists from the Central and Eastern Europe region to discuss the new disclosures. Our discussions revealed a general confidence in safety across the class that is further supported by CARMELINA. However, we also concluded that there are important differences in the available evidence level between agents in the setting of heart failure and data on renal outcomes. Here, we noted the clinical relevance to our practice of the study population in CARMELINA, which is unique among CVOTs in including a majority of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Given the risk for future development of renal impairment that is associated with T2D even in patients without current overt CKD, we believe that the CARMELINA study provides important new insights that are clinically relevant for a broad range of patients. Finally, we discuss how these insights can be integrated into the approach to the pharmacotherapeutic management of hyperglycaemia that is recommended in newly updated guidelines.

SGLT2 inhibitors in T2D and associated comorbidities - differentiating within the class

BACKGROUND

For patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the single most common cause of mortality. In 2008 and 2012, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) respectively mandated cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) on all new anti-diabetic agents, as prospective trials statistically powered to rule out excess cardiovascular risk in patients with T2D. Unexpectedly, some of these CVOTs have demonstrated not only cardiovascular safety, but also cardioprotective effects, as was first shown for the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin in EMPA-REG OUTCOME.

EXPERT OPINION

To debate newly available CVOT data and to put them into context, we convened as a group of medical experts from the Central and Eastern European Region. Here we describe our discussions, focusing on the conclusions we can draw from EMPA-REG OUTCOME and other SGLT2 inhibitor CVOTs, including when considered alongside real-world evidence.

CONCLUSION

CVOTs investigating SGLT2 inhibitors have suggested benefits beyond glucose lowering that have been confirmed in real-world evidence studies.

Relevance of positive cardiovascular outcome trial results in clinical practice: perspectives from the Academy for Cardiovascular Risk, Outcomes and Safety Studies in Type 2 Diabetes (ACROSS T2D)

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) imposes a substantial disease burden, predominantly from cardiovascular disease (CVD), which accounts for >50% of deaths in this population and leads to a 12-year reduction in the life expectancy of a 60-year-old male patient with T2D and CVD compared with the general population. The results from mandatory cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) are therefore of great interest in the field. The Academy for Cardiovascular Risk, Outcomes and Safety Studies in Type 2 Diabetes meeting program aims to bring together experts from several associated disciplines to provide fair and balanced resources for those involved in the management of patients with T2D. This publication represents the opinions of the faculty on the key learnings from the meeting held in Vienna in the spring of 2017. In particular, we detail how data from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME^® [cardiovascular outcomes trial of empagliflozin] and Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER^®) (liraglutide) CVOTs can be practically interpreted across clinical specialities. It is hoped that this translation of CVOT data will achieve a dual treatment paradigm for the management of both raised glucose levels and CV risk in patients with T2D.

Cost-Effectiveness of IDegLira Versus Insulin Intensification Regimens for the Treatment of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in the Czech Republic

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of the insulin degludec/liraglutide combination (IDegLira) versus basal insulin intensification strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) not optimally controlled on basal insulin in the Czech Republic.

METHODS

Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using the QuintilesIMS Health CORE Diabetes model, an interactive internet-based model that simulates clinical outcomes and costs for cohorts of patients with diabetes. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Czech Republic public payer. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the sensitivity of the model to plausible variations in key parameters.

RESULTS

The use of IDegLira was associated with an improvement in the quality-adjusted life expectancy of 0.31 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), at an additional cost of Czech Koruna (CZK) 107,829 over a patient's lifetime compared with basal-bolus therapy, generating an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CZK 345,052 per QALY gained. In a scenario analysis, IDegLira was associated with an ICER of CZK 693,763 per QALY gained compared to basal insulin + glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). The ICERs are below the generally accepted willingness-to-pay threshold (CZK 1,100,000/QALY gained at the time of this analysis).

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this evaluation suggest that IDegLira is a cost-effective treatment option compared with basal-bolus therapy and basal insulin + GLP-1 RA for patients with T2DM in the Czech Republic whose diabetes is not optimally controlled with basal insulin.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk.

Translating recent results from the Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials into clinical practice: recommendations from the Central and Eastern European Diabetes Expert Group (CEEDEG)

AIMS

These recommendations aim to improve care for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high cardiovascular (CV) risk in Central and Eastern Europe. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD) are major interdependent comorbidities in patients with T2D, accounting for 50% of mortality. Following recent CV outcomes trial (CVOT) results, including those from EMPA-REG OUTCOME®, LEADER®, SUSTAIN™-6 and, most recently, the CANVAS study, it is essential to develop regional expert consensus recommendations to aid physicians in interpreting these newest data to clinical practice.

METHODS

The Central and Eastern European Diabetes Expert Group (CEEDEG) followed a Delphi method to develop treatment algorithms to aid physicians in the clinical management of patients with T2D at high CV risk.

RESULTS

In light of the latest CVOT results, and in particular the EMPA-REG OUTCOME® and LEADER® trials, the diagnosis, assessment, treatment choice and monitoring of patients with T2D and established CVD and/or CKD have been considered together with existing guidelines and presented in two reference algorithms. In addition, adherence, special prescribing considerations and a proposed multidisciplinary management approach have been discussed and are presented with the proposed algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

The latest available high-level evidence on glucose-lowering drugs has enabled CEEDEG to develop practical consensus recommendations for patients with established CVD and/or CKD. These recommendations represent an update to international and country-level guidelines used for these patients, with the aim of providing a resource not only to endocrinologists, but to cardiologists, nephrologists and primary care physicians in the region.

Advances in the management of cardiovascular risk for patients with type 2 diabetes: perspectives from the Academy for Cardiovascular Risk, Outcomes and Safety Studies in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a global health emergency projected to affect 642 million people by 2040. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents 90% of diabetes cases and is associated with a range of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors that are more than double the incidence of CV disease and significantly increase mortality rates. Diabetes treatments have typically focused on improving glycemic control but their effect on CV outcomes has remained uncertain. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looked to address this knowledge gap and mandated CV outcome trials (CVOTs) for all new antidiabetic therapies. In 2015, EMPA-REG OUTCOME® became the first CVOT to present results for a sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2; also known as SLC5A2) inhibitor, empagliflozin. Subsequently, a regional meeting of the Academy for Cardiovascular Risk, Outcomes and Safety Studies in Type 2 Diabetes (ACROSS T2D) brought together a respected faculty of international experts and 150 physicians from 14 countries to discuss the current unmet medical needs of patients with T2D, the results from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME study and the implications of these results for clinical practice. This article summarizes the current scientific evidence and the discussions that took place at the ACROSS T2D regional meeting, which was held in Vienna, Austria, on May 30, 2016.

[Glycemic variability and microvascular complications of diabetes]

Vascular complications of diabetes result from long lasting unsatisfactory glycemic control. We usually assess glycemic control based on the value of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c. The glycated hemoglobin test, however, says nothing about short-term glycemic fluctuations. Recently, continuous monitoring of glycemia has enabled us an in-depth assessment of changes in glucose concentrations, called glycemic variability. Together with the research of short-term glycemic variability, also the study of long-term fluctuations in glycemic control based on HbA1c variability has now intensified. Glycemic variability may be related to oxidation stress, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, the factors traditionally associated with vascular damage. This overview summarizes the recent findings in the field of glycemic variability and its possible association with microvascular complications in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Key words: glycemic variability, HbA1c variability, microvascular complications, type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Comparison of Different Treatment Modalities for Type 1 Diabetes, Including Sensor-Augmented Insulin Regimens, in 52 Weeks of Follow-Up: A COMISAIR Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare different treatment modalities for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) based on real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) or self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) combined with multiple daily injections (MDIs) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty-five T1D patients were followed up for a year. Of these, 27 started RT-CGM as part of a sensor-augmented insulin regimen (SAIR); within this SAIR group, 15 subjects started sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy and the remaining 12 continued with MDIs (MDIs + RT-CGM). A second group of 20 patients initiated CSII without RT-CGM, while a third group of 18 subjects continued on MDIs and SMBG. The main endpoints were reduction of HbA1c, glycemic variability (GV), and incidence of hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

After a year, the baseline mean HbA1c in the SAIR group (8.3%) decreased to 7.1% (P < 0.0001); both SAIR subgroups, SAP and MDIs + RT-CGM, showed comparable improvement. The CSII group also had reduced HbA1c (8.4% ± 0.9% vs. 7.9% ± 0.7%; P < 0.05). Both SAIRs were superior to MDIs (P = 0.002) and CSII (P = 0.0032). GV was also lowered, both in the SAIR (P < 0.0001) and CSII (P < 0.05) groups. Reduced incidence of hypoglycemia was observed only with SAIR (8% ± 4% vs. 6% ± 3%; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Both SAIRs, SAP and MDIs + RT-CGM, provided significant and comparable decrease of HbA1c with concurrent reduction of hypoglycemia. This improvement was greater than that seen with CSII. The combination of RT-CGM and MDIs can be a suitable alternative to SAP for some patients.

Effect of glucose variability on pathways associated with glucotoxicity in diabetes: Evaluation of a novel in vitro experimental approach

AIMS

Glycaemic variability (GV) has been hypothesized to increase the risk of diabetes complications; however, results of clinical studies are contradictory. The effect of GV on cell phenotypes has been investigated in vitro showing that GV may have more deleterious effect on cells that high glucose itself. However, methodology used to study GV in vitro differs significantly between studies and does not reflect in vivo situation. Therefore we aimed to establish clinically relevant an in vitro experimental approach for the study of GV that reflects intra-day glucose fluctuations of subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and of healthy subjects and to test how low and high GV affect expression of genes that protects cells from hyperglycaemia-induced damage.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured 24h in medium with different glucose profiles: high GV, low GV and GV of healthy subjects-profiles created according to CGM of T1DM patients and healthy subjects. These profiles were compared to commonly used 5.5 and 25mmol/l glucose concentrations. Gene expression was determined using quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Our results showed general down-regulation of enzymes that are involved in the protection against hyperglycaemia-induced intracellular changes in both low and high GV compared to normal glycaemia similarly to the decrease induced by continuous hyperglycaemia. Gene expressions did not differ between high and low GV.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that GV may have similar or even greater effect than continuous hyperglycaemia on the expression of several genes relevant to pathogenesis of diabetes microvascular complications.

Glucose variability, HbA1c and microvascular complications

Microvascular complications in diabetes are associated with poor long-term diabetes control as measured by HbA1c levels. Glucose fluctuations are related to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation, factors traditionally associated with the pathogenesis of vascular damage. Glucose variability has been associated with macrovascular disease in some studies but any association with microvascular disease remains controversial. This overview summarizes recent findings in the field of glucose variability and its possible relationship with retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. It is concluded that randomized prospective follow-up trials could possibly help estimate whether short-term glucose variability should be considered as an independent risk factor for microvascular complications in diabetes.

[Insulin application techniques in adult patients with diabetes]

Treatment of diabetes mellitus with insulin is associated with a large number of subcutaneous injections. Incorrect insulin application technique can lead to complications both local (lipohypertrophy, scars) and systemic (high variability of insulin absorption and action, unexpected hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, suboptimal overall glucose control). Regarding insulin application, we need to pay particular attention to the risk of intramuscular application and consequent less expectable insulin effect. The risk of accidental intramuscular administration of insulin is reduced when shorter 4 mm insulin pen needles are used. Repeated application of insulin in the same locations may cause changes in the subcutaneous tissue (lipohypertrophy, inflammation). Application sites should be examined during routine checks at diabetes clinics. Patients should also be repeatedly advised to rotate the injection sites as a prevention of lipohypertrophy formation and not to inject any more injections into pathologically changed subcutaneous tissue. At the same time, patients should be advised that their total insulin dose may be decreased, and that they are temporarily at higher risk of hypoglycemia, if they switch injecting from lipohypertrophy changed tissue into healthy tissue.

KEY WORDS

glucose variability - insulin application - lipohypertrophy - needles.

[Short-term and long-term glycemic variability and its relationship to microvascular complications of diabetes]

Vascular complications of diabetes result from long lasting unsatisfactory glycemic control. We usually assess glycemic control based on the value of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c. The glycated hemoglobin test, however, says nothing about short-term glycemic fluctuations. Recently, continuous monitoring of glycemia has enabled us an in-depth assessment of changes in glucose concentrations, called glycemic variability. In connection with the research into short-term glycemic variability, also the study of long-term fluctuations in glycemic control based on HbA1c variability has now intensified. Glycemic variability may be related to oxidation stress, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, the factors traditionally associated with vascular damage. Several studies have described the relation of glycemic variability to macrovascular complications of diabetes, still its relation to microvascular complications remains unclear. This overview summarizes the recent findings in the field of glycemic variability and its possible association with retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy.Key words: type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus - glycemic variability - microvascular complications - HbA1c - variability.

[The position of new antidiabetics in clinical practice: SGLT2 vs DPP4 inhibitors]

SGLT2 and DPP4 inhibitors are new effective oral antidiabetic drugs with low risk of hypoglycemia and positive or neutral impact on body weight. These characteristics are substantially different from more widely used sulphonyl-ureas. Current treatment of type 2 diabetes is rather complicated. Moreover, the position of new antidabetics in the guidelines has not yet been clearly defined. Personalised treatment on the basis of molecular markers is still not possible. Therefore, the position of new antidiabetics in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is often determined by clinical experience and subsequently modified by new clinical studies. Currently, doctors are asking which of these modern antidabetics to choose. The following text might help in this decision.

[Glycation of lens proteins in diabetes and its non-invasive assessment - first experience in the Czech Republic]

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Their accumulation in the lens reflects total glycation rate in the human body. Recently, a new confocal biomicroscope ClearPath DS-120 quickly measuring lens autofluorescence (LAF) has been developed. Our pilot study included 69 patients with diabetes and 49 healthy controls, in all subject LAF was measured and compared with skin autofluorescence (SAF) assessed by AGE-Reader. Both LAF (T1DM: 0,27 ± 0,09; T2DM: 0,22 ± 0,06; controls: 0,17 ± 0,04 AU; p < 0,0001) and SAF (T1DM: 2,0 ± 0,4; T2DM: 2,3 ± 0,6; controls: 1,8 ± 0,3 AU; p < 0,0001) was significantly higher in patients with diabetes. In all groups significant relationship between LAF and SAF was observed (T1DM: r = 0,53, p < 0,005, T2DM: r = 0,37, p < 0.05; controls: r = 0,30, p < 0,05). On the contrary, LAF and SAF relationship with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was rather poor, since HbA1c cannot wholly reflect long-term glycation process. Lens autofluorescence could be a robust marker of long-term diabetes control predicting future complication risks. However, confirmation of such hypothesis will need other and long-term clinical studies.

[Progress in the development of insulin pumps and their advanced automatic functions]

Patients with type 1 diabetes are exposed to permanent burden consisting of careful glucose self-monitoring and precise insulin dosage based on measured glucose values, carbohydrates content in the food and both planned and non-planned physical activity. Erroneous insulin dosing causes frequent both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia is, however, the most clinically significant complication limiting the optimal diabetes control. Automatic features for insulin dosage integrated in insulin pumps are thus very important. Low glucose suspend (LGS) and Predictive Low Glucose Management (PLGM) use glucose sensor values to prevent hypoglycemia, shorten the time spent in hypoglycemic range and present further step forward to fully closed-loop system of insulin treatment.

[Mild hypoglycaemia is common in type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin analogues in the Czech Republic and the patients are concerned about it: results of a GAPP2TM survey (Global Attitudes of Physicians and Patient)]

OBJECTIVE

Mild hypoglycaemia affects diabetes management, productivity and quality of life of patients. Data are scarce about the incidence of mild hypoglycaemia in daily life of type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin analogues. The aim was to focus on the incidence of mild hypoglycaemia and its consequences in the international GAPP2 survey (Global Attitudes of Patient and Physicians) conducted also in the Czech Republic.

METHODS

The GAPP2 project - Global Attitudes of Patients and Physicians is an international cross-sectional study conducted online via Internet in a questionnaire form dedicated to type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin analogues and physicians who treat these patients. The survey was realized in two steps including 17 countries. The first step was completed by six countries in 2012. The second step was terminated by additional eleven countries including the Czech Republic in 2014. The survey was designed to obtain data on some aspects of insulin therapy and persistent issues in daily practice from the views of patients and physicians. One part of survey was dedicated to mild hypoglycaemia occurring in treatment with insulin analogues. The incidence of mild hypoglycaemia and the reaction of patients and physicians on hypoglycaemia (including modification of therapy, self-monitoring) were investigated. Moreover, there was investigated the impact of mild hypoglycaemia on quality of life from the view of patients and physicians.

RESULTS

The results of the survey have shown that mild hypoglycaemia is common in patients with insulin analogues in the Czech Republic. In addition, patients in the Czech Republic are more afraid from hypoglycaemia and feel more limited in daily life in comparison to other countries in GAPP2 survey. Patients try to avoid nocturnal hypoglycaemia through reduction or omission of prescribed dose of insulin. Furthermore, research has observed that physicians are poorly informed by patients about incidence and severity of hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of mild hypoglycaemia is in the Czech Republic as common as in other countries involved in the GAPP2 survey. However, the Czech patients are more afraid and this fact is often hidden before physicians. Increased fear of hypoglycaemia suggests inadequate education in terms of how to avoid and manage hypoglycaemia. Particular emphasis should be placed on nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Physicians should discuss more with patients about issue of hypoglycaemia. It is important to motivate patients to share the information with physicians about incidence and severity of hypoglycaemia.

[Empagliflozin - the new representative of SGLT2 transporter inhibitors for the treatment of patients with diabetes 2 type]

Empagliflozin is a new medicine used to reduce hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the most advanced class of antidiabetic drugs, known as gliflozins, which prevent reabsorption of glucose through inhibiting SGLT2 sodium-glucose cotransporter. Thereby they cause therapeutic glycosuria, thanks to which a loss of approximately 70 g of glucose per day occurs. This not only effects the decrease in glycemia, but also the loss of body mass, since this excreted glucose cannot be used as an energetic substrate. The studies within phase 3 have proven the therapeutic efficacy of empagliflozin in monotherapy, in combination with the other oral antidiabec drugs and insulin. Another favourable effect of empagliflozin is a slight decrease in blood pressure. In May 2014, empagliflozin was approved for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes within the European Union 2014, since October 2014 it has been available in the Czech Republic and since 1 February 2015 empagliflozin (under the trade name Jardiance®) has been partially covered by the health insurance for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes either in combination with metformin or in combination with insulin (with or without metformin).

Fructosamine 3-kinase and glyoxalase I polymorphisms and their association with soluble RAGE and adhesion molecules in diabetes

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are key players in pathogenesis of long-term vascular diabetes complications. Several enzymes such as fructosamine 3-kinase (FN3K) and glyoxalase I (GLO I) are crucial in preventing glycation processes. The aim of our study was to evaluate an association of FN3K (rs1056534, rs3848403) and GLO1 rs4746 polymorphisms with parameters of endothelial dysfunction and soluble receptor for AGEs (sRAGE) in 595 diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of mentioned polymorphisms did not differ between subgroups. In diabetic patients significant differences were observed in sRAGE concentrations according to their rs1056534 and rs3848403 genotype. While GG and CG genotypes of rs1056534 with mutated G allele were associated with significant decrease of sRAGE (GG: 1055+/-458 and CG: 983+/-363 vs. CC: 1796+/-987 ng/l, p<0.0001), in rs3848403 polymorphism TT genotype with mutated T allele was related with significant sRAGE increase (TT: 1365+/-852 vs. CT: 1016+/-401 and CC: 1087+/-508 ng/l, p=0.05). Significant differences in adhesion molecules were observed in genotype subgroups of GLO1 rs4746 polymorphism. In conclusion, this is the first study describing significant relationship of FN3K (rs1056534) and (rs3848403) polymorphisms with concentration of sRAGE in patients with diabetes.

[Adherence of type 2 diabetes patients on insulin analogues application: missed dose, time imprecision and dose reduction. The results of GAPP2TM(Global Attitudes of Physicians and Patient) survey in the Czech Republic]

OBJECTIVE

Irregular insulin dose is one of the main problems associated with insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes; its extent is not known precisely. The aim of survey conducted in the Czech Republic in the international project GAPP2 - Global Attitudes of Patients and Physicians was to determine the incidence and the impact of irregular use of basal insulin analogues in patients with type 2 diabetes, to point out the reasons for these irregularities and to focus on how physicians discuss irregular application of insulin with patients.

METHODS

The project GAPP2 is an international cross-sectional study performed on-line via the Internet using a questionnaire filled by diabetic patients treated with insulin analogues and physicians who treat these patients. The survey was conducted in two steps in 17 countries; the first step included 6 countries and was completed in the beginning of 2012, the second step involved 11 other countries including the Czech Republic with termination in 2014. The survey was designed to obtain the views of patients and physicians on certain aspects of insulin treatment and persistent issues in this field in the real daily practice. Special focus was on the incidence and management of hypoglycaemia as well as on irregularities of insulin application. In the part dedicated to adherence to basal insulin application were observed three types of irregular insulin therapy: missed dose, time imprecision of dose (± 2 hours vs. the prescribed time) and dose reduction in all cases in the past 30 days before completing the questionnaire. In addition, it was investigated the attitude and relation of patients to these issues.

RESULTS

The results have shown that irregular insulin dose in the Czech Republic is less frequent than in other countries involved in the GAPP2 research. Nevertheless, approximately one fifth of diabetic patients using insulin analogues in basal-bolus or only basal therapy regimen is related to this problem. The last irregular insulin application was due to missed dose in 13% of cases, time imprecision in 23% and reduction of dose in 61% of cases. The most commonly reported reason was risk reduction of hypoglycaemia and the recommendations of health professionals. Fear of missed dose is present in 40% Czech patients and 35% would feel guilty if their insulin dose is missed (up to 47% in patients with intensified insulin regimen). Only 60% patients are aware of negative impact on their long-term health after missed dose of basal insulin. Questioned doctors have suspected that the patients report lower number of missed doses during regular medical check because one third of patients doesn´t admit missed dose. However, this fact conceded only 11% of patients on basal insulin and 15% of patients on intensified insulin therapy. Quarter of prescribing doctors admit that they usually don´t discuss with patients irregularities in basal insulin treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although, type 2 diabetes patients in the Czech Republic follow prescribed basal insulin therapy scheme more often than patients in other countries participating in the survey GAPP2 , missed dose, time imprecision and reduction of dose is quite common and it deserves more attention from medical side during regular medical check together with appropriate education of patients.

[Glycemic variability and continuous monitoring of glycemia]

Blood glucose levels are not constant in ther human body even in physiological status. It fluctuates depending on food intake, exercise, psychological and other factors. Normally it fluctuates between 3.9 to 7.5 mmol/l and in fasting in the standard conditions it does not exceed even more narrow range 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/l. Fluctuations are more pronounced in patient with diabetes. Hyperglycemia is a common and basic pathology in diabetes, however, antidiabetic drug often cause hypoglycemia, both increasing the range for glucose fluctuations. The level of glucose fluctuation is called glycemic variability (GV). Glycemic variability is now a favorite target of scientific research in dia-betology. Increased glycemic variability is associated with hypoglycemia, possibly may contribute to chronic dia-betes complications and negatively influences quality of life of diabetic patients. Last but not least, thanks to the new technology of continuous glucose monitoring, we can better describe and measure it. Finally, glycemic variability emerges as a potentially important therapeutical target.Key words: continuous glucose monitoring - glycemic variability - insulin pump - sensor augmented pump.

[Gliptins: a safe and effective treatment of diabetes mellitus]

Gliptins are well recognized substances modulating incretin system via inhibition of dipeptidylpeptidase IV. Their efficacy was demonstrated both in monotherapy and in combination with metformin, where they act synergistically. Hence, a better control of diabetes might be assumed. This short article aims to show current trends in their prescription in the Czech Republic.Key words: diabetes mellitus - dipeptidylpeptidase IV - gliptins - oral antidiabetics.

Glycemic variability is higher in type 1 diabetes patients with microvascular complications irrespective of glycemic control

BACKGROUND

Increased glycemic variability (GV) may be associated with diabetes complications. Our study assessed the relationship between microvascular complications (MVCs) and GV calculated from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data in type 1 diabetes patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with type 1 diabetes (16 with and 16 without MVC) participated in this cross-sectional study. Vibration perception threshold (VPT), microalbuminuria, and fundoscopy were used to detect MVC. CGM data were recorded for 2 weeks and analyzed using proprietary software. Total SD (SDT), coefficient of variation (CV), and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) were compared.

RESULTS

Patients with any MVC had significantly higher GV, calculated from CGM, than patients without MVC (SDT, 4.1 ± 0.6 vs. 3.4 ± 0.8 mmol/L [P = 0.010]; CV, 0.43 ± 0.06 vs. 0.38 ± 0.08 [P = 0.032]; MAGE, 6.9 ± 1.2 vs. 5.9 ± 1.2 mmol/L [P = 0.014]) but comparable glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (70 ± 9 vs. 69 ± 10 mmol/mol [8.6 ± 0.8% vs. 8.5 ± 0.9%], difference not significant). No significant difference in GV was found between the two groups when using only self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) data. A positive association was found between VPT and SDT in all patients (r = 0.51, P = 0.0026).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 1 diabetes and any MVC had significantly higher GV calculated from CGM, but not from SMBG, than patients with comparable glycemic control but without complications. This supports the hypothesis that increased GV might be associated with MVC in type 1 diabetes and that HbA1c may not describe diabetes control completely.

Skin autofluorescence relates to soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products and albuminuria in diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to compare skin autofluorescence caused by advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) with biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction and soluble receptor for AGEs (sRAGE) in patients with diabetes. Skin autofluorescence (AF) assessed by AGE-Reader was evaluated with sRAGE and other biochemical parameters in 88 patients with diabetes (47 Type 1/T1DM/ and 41 Type 2/T2DM/) and 20 controls. Skin AF was significantly higher in T1DM and T2DM in comparison to controls (2.39 ± 0.54, 2.63 ± 0.73 versus 1.96 ± 0.33 AU; P < 0.0001). Positive correlation of AF with sRAGE was detected in T1DM and T2DM (r = 0.37, P < 0.02 and r = 0.60, P < 0.0001), but not in controls. Significantly higher AF values were found in patients with positive albuminuria as compared to those with normal albuminuria. Similarly, higher AF was detected in patients with endothelial dysfunction expressed by vWF, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. Multiple regression analysis revealed independent association of skin AF with age, sRAGE, and albumin-creatinine ratio in patients with diabetes (R (2) = 0.38). Our study confirms that AF is elevated in patients with diabetes, especially with positive albuminuria and endothelial dysfunction. The strong and independent relationship between AF and sRAGE supports the idea that AF may reflect AGEs/RAGE interactions. The exact mechanism remains to be established.

IGF2BP2 and IGF2 genetic effects in diabetes and diabetic nephropathy

OBJECTIVE

The IGF2BP2 gene is located on chromosome 3q27.2 within a region linked to type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Its protein functionally binds to 5'-UTR of the imprinting IGF2 gene. The present study aims to evaluate the IGF2BP2-IGF2 genetic effects in diabetes and DN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three cohorts including T1D with and without DN (n=1139) of European descents from the GoKinD study, Swedish T1D with and without DN (n=303) and Czech control subjects without diabetes, T1D, T2D with and without DN (n=1418) were enrolled in TaqMan genotyping experiments for IGF2BP2 rs4402960 and IGF2 rs10770125. Igf2bp2 gene expression in kidney tissues of db/db and control mice at the ages of 5 and 26 weeks was examined with real time RT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

An association of IGF2BP2 rs4402960 with T2D in the Czech population was replicated. This IGF2BP2 polymorphism (P=0.037, OR=0.69 95% CI 0.49-0.98) was found to be associated with DN in male not in female patients with T1D selected from the GoKinD study. In the analyses of combined the GoKinD, Czech and Swedish populations, the association between IGF2BP2 polymorphism and DN in male patients with T1D was still significant (P=0.030, OR=0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.97). IGF2 rs10770125 was also associated with DN in male T1D patients of the GoKinD population (P=0.038, OR=0.67 95% CI 0.46-0.98). There might be a genetic interaction between IGF2BP2 and IGF2 (P=0.05). The Igf2bp2 gene expression levels were increased in the kidneys of db/db mice compared to controls at the age of 5weeks but not at 26 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study has replicated the association of IGF2BP2 rs4402960 with T2D in the Czech population and provided data suggesting that IGF2BP2 may have genetic interaction with IGF2 with a protective effect against DN in male patients with T1D.

Genetic and functional analyses of MRAS and HNF1A genes in diabetes and diabetic nephropathy

Evidence has recently indicated that the MRAS and HNF1A genetic polymorphisms are associated with coronary artery disease. The MRAS and HNF1A genes are located on chromosomes 3q and 12q within the regions where associations with diabetes and diabetic nephropathy occur. We thus performed genetic and functional analyses of these two genes to evaluate their impacts on diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. MRAS and HNF1A genetic polymorphisms were genotyped in 1399 Czech subjects including non-diabetic controls (339), type 1 (243) and type 2 (817) diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy using TaqMan allelic discrimination. Gene expression levels in the kidneys of diabetic Goto-Kakizaki and Wistar rats were detected with real-time RT-PCR. Despite no significance in genetic analysis of diabetic subjects, SNP rs2259816 in the HNF1A gene tended to associate with diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetic patients. The hnf1a gene expression was significantly decreased in kidney tissues of Goto-Kakizaki rats compared to Wistar and insulin-treated Goto-Kakizaki rats. There was neither significant association in the MRAS genetic polymorphism with diabetic nephropathy nor variation of mras gene expression in the kidneys of Goto-Kakizaki and Wistar rats. Data from the present study have not proved any significant association of the MRAS and HNF1A genetic polymorphisms with diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in a cohort of Czech population. However, the functional analysis and the trend in genetic analysis suggest that the HNF1A gene may have primary genetic impact on the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Microvascular Reactivity and Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Hyperlipidemia Treated with Simvastatin: 3-year Follow-up

Aim of this study was to evaluate microvascular reactivity (MVR) by laser Doppler flowmetry in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with hyperlipidemia during three years of simvastatin treatment. Additionally, markers of endothelium and fibrinolysis were evaluated. Twenty patients with T2DM and hyperlipidemia were treated with 20 mg of simvastatin daily for 3 months, treatment was then interrupted for 3 months (wash-out) and again started and maintained continually up to total of 36 months of follow-up. Maximal perfusion (max), velocity of perfusion increase (max/t) and percent increase of perfusion compared to baseline (%) was measured during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and thermal hyperemia (TH). VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin and P-selectin were used as markers of endothelium, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its inhibitor (PAI-1) as markers of fibrinolysis. Baseline MVR in diabetic patients was comparable to controls. MVR decreased at months 3, 12, and 36 compared to baseline (PORHmax 26+/-12, 35+/-17, 26+/-11 vs. 56+/-30 PU, p<0.05, THmax 67+/-19, 81+/-37, 58+/-24 vs. 134+/-70 PU, p<0.01, PORHmax/t 2.0+/-1.4, 2.8+/-1.7, 1.9+/-1.3 vs. 7.7+/-7.4 PU/s, p<0.05, THmax/t 1.1+/-0.6, 1.0+/-0.4, 0.7+/-0.4 vs. 1.5+/-0.7 PU/s, p<0.05.

Fenofibrate and rosiglitazone improve quality of lipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Particle size distribution in both HDL and LDL is reflected in the fractional esterification rate of cholesterol by lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in plasma depleted of apoB containing lipoproteins (FER(HDL)). We studied FER(HDL) in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes and determined the impact of two different PPAR agonists (fenofibrate and rosiglitazone) on this marker of lipoprotein particle quality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

66 patients with type 2 diabetes (26 women) and 32 control subjects (19 women) were included in the study. 33 patients received fenofibrate and 33 rosiglitazone as add on therapy. Average duration of treatment was 4 months. Plasma lipoprotein glucose levels were determined using an automated analyzer (COBAS Mira, Roche). LDL cholesterol concentrations were calculated by Friedewald formula. FER(HDL) was determined by a radioassay after precipitating apo-B containing particles of plasma. The assays were performed at baseline and at the end of each treatment. SPSS base program was used for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

Both fenofibrate and rosiglitazone resulted in a significant decrease of FER(HDL) (24.62 +/- 11.27%/h vs. 19.93 +/- 10.34%/h; 20.0 +/- 6.1%/h vs. 15.8 +/- 5.8%/h, p < 0.001). Rosiglitazone was significantly more effective in FER(HDL) lowering than fenofibrate (p < 0,02)

CONCLUSIONS

Both fenofibrate and rosiglitazone improve FER(HDL) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The effect is more pronounced for rosiglitazone. Qualitative change of plasma lipoproteins reflected by FER(HDL) can contribute to antiatherogenic action of PPAR agonists. On contrary, changes of lipoprotein composition induced by PPAR agonists cannot explain adverse cardiovascular effects observed in some large clinical trials with PPAR agonists.

Oxidative stress and endothelium influenced by metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Metformin may influence atherogenesis but the mechanisms are not well understood. A pilot study was undertaken to determine whether metformin administration is associated with changes in oxidative stress and endothelial function.

METHODS

Fifteen type 2 diabetic patients were treated for 3 months with metformin (1,700 mg daily) or with a placebo in a crossover study. Laboratory parameters of oxidative stress, fibrinolysis and endothelial function were evaluated both prior to and following the respective treatments. In addition, laser Doppler was used to determine microcirculation changes in the skin.

RESULTS

Increases in serum N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity (p < 0.05) and plasma malondialdehyde concentration were found following 1 month of metformin administration. Three months of treatment was accompanied by significantly increased plasma malondialdehyde (p < 0.001) and ascorbic acid (p < 0.01) concentrations as well as the alpha-tocopherol/(cholesterol + triglyceride) ratio (p < 0.001). The concentration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), vascular cell-adhesion molecules (VCAM) and intercellular cell-adhesion molecules (ICAM) were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) compared with placebo. Microcirculation measured by laser Doppler flowmetry was not significantly changed.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that initiation of metformin treatment in type 2 diabetic patients is associated with improved diabetes control as well as with activation of oxidative stress together with antioxidant system. The atherogenic process measured by biochemical indicators is diminished in parallel. Our results show that in short-term metformin administration in type 2 diabetes promotes endothelium effects associated with a complex of metabolic changes.

Effect of early estrogen replacement therapy on microvascular reactivity in patients after bilateral ovarectomy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate skin microvascular reactivity (MVR) measured by laser Doppler flowmetry in women early after bilateral ovarectomy treated with oral and transdermal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).

DESIGN

Interventional, randomized study with a cross-over design.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

41 patients (49+/-6 years, 6-12 weeks after surgical castration) were treated with 17-beta-estradiol transdermally (0.05 mg/day) or orally (2 mg/day) for three months and 20 healthy female subjects (47+/-5 years) served as controls.

RESULTS

Records of laser Doppler flowmetry were blinded prior to the evaluation. Maximal perfusion and velocity of perfusion increase during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) were lower before ERT comparing to controls at baseline (36+/-16 vs. 48+/-18 PU, p<0.05, and 2.8+/-1.9 vs. 4.2+/-2.3 PU, p<0.05, respectively). Velocity of perfusion increase in PORH decreased after oral ERT compared to baseline and also to transdermal ERT (2.1+/-1.2 vs. 2.8+/-1.9 PU.s-1, p<0.05, and vs. 3.5+/-3.2 PU.s-1, p<0.01, respectively), nonsignificant increase of this parameter after transdermal ERT led to normalization when comparing to control group (3.6+/-3.2 vs. 4.2+/-2.3 PU.s-1, NS). Increase of HDL-cholesterol and decrease of LDL-cholesterol (2.1+/-0.4 vs. 1.8+/-0.4 mmol.l-1, p<0.01, and 2.5+/-0.7 vs. 3.1+/-1.0 mmol.l-1, p<0.01) was observed after oral ERT while HDL-cholesterol increase after transdermal ERT was less pronounced (1.96+/-0.42 mmol.l-1, p<0.05). LDL-cholesterol levels did not change. A correlation between HDL-cholesterol and maximal post-occlusive flow expressed in % of basal perfusion was observed in patients before treatment (r=0.47, p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Microvascular reactivity is impaired in women early after bilateral ovarectomy. No statistically significant improvement of MVR was observed after oral estrogen replacement therapy, normalization of MVR after transdermal ERT was only partial. Changes of MVR and lipid profile differed between oral and transdermal routes of estrogen replacement therapy.

Impaired microvascular reactivity and endothelial function in patients with Cushing's syndrome: influence of arterial hypertension

The aim of the study was to evaluate skin microvascular reactivity (MVR) and possible influencing factors (fibrinolysis, oxidative stress, and endothelial function) in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Twenty-nine patients with active Cushing's syndrome (ten of them also examined after a successful operation) and 16 control subjects were studied. Skin MVR was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry during post-occlusive (PORH) and thermal hyperemia (TH). Malondialdehyde and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase were used as markers of oxidative stress. Fibrinolysis was estimated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its inhibitor (PAI-1). N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, E-selectin, P-selectin, and ICAM-1 were used as markers of endothelial function. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction was present in patients with hypercortisolism, however, increased concentration of ICAM-1 was also found in patients after the operation as compared to controls (290.8+/-74.2 vs. 210.9+/-56.3 ng.ml(-1), p<0.05). Maximal perfusion was significantly lower in patients with arterial hypertension during PORH and TH (36.3+/-13.0 vs. 63.3+/-32.4 PU, p<0.01, and 90.4+/-36.6 vs. 159.2+/-95.3 PU, p<0.05, respectively) and similarly the velocity of perfusion increase during PORH and TH was lower (3.2+/-1.5 vs. 5.2+/-3.4 PU.s(-1), p<0.05, and 0.95+/-0.6 vs. 1.8+/-1.1 PU.s(-1), p<0.05, respectively). The most pronounced impairment of microvascular reactivity was present in patients with combination of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Relationship between peripheral diabetic neuropathy and microvascular reactivity in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus -- neuropathy and microcirculation in diabetes

The aim of the study was to evaluate differences in the relationship between peripheral diabetic neuropathy and microvascular reactivity in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Twenty-eight type 1 and 37 type 2 diabetic patients were included in the study. Control groups consisted of 18 and 25, age and body mass index matched healthy persons. The presence of peripheral neuropathy was estimated by vibration perception threshold higher than 20 V evaluated by biothesiometry. Microvascular reactivity was examined by laser doppler fluxmetry using postocclusive reactive hyperemia and thermal hyperemia. The following variables of vascular reactivity were examined: peak flow after occlusion as a difference between maximal and basal perfusion (PORH (max)), mean velocity increase during postocclusive hyperemia (PORH (max)/t (1)), peak flow during thermal hyperemia (TH (max)) and the mean velocity increase in the perfusion during thermal hyperemia (TH (max)/t (2)). These parameters are expressed in perfusion units (PU) or in perfusion units per second (PU . s (-1)). The microvascular reactivity in type 1 diabetic patients without evidence of peripheral neuropathy was comparable with that in healthy persons and it was significantly higher than in type 1 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy in all tested parameters (PORH (max): 64 [40; 81] PU vs. 24 [17; 40] PU, p < 0.001, PORH (max)/t (1): 5.41 [2.69; 8.18] PU/s vs. 1.21 [0.69; 2.5] PU/s, p < 0.001, TH (max): 105 [77; 156] PU vs. 56 [46; 85] PU, p < 0.001 and TH (max)/t (2): 2.48 [1.67; 3.33] PU/s vs. 0.87 [0.73; 1.06] PU/s, p < 0.001). On the contrary, no difference in the microvascular reactivity parameters was found between type 2 diabetic patients with and without neuropathy (PORH (max): 48 [30; 60] PU vs. 49 [36; 57] PU, NS, PORH (max)/t (1): 3.46 [2.15; 5.19] PU/s vs. 3.29 [2.45; 4.8] PU/s, NS, TH (max): 95 [78; 156] PU vs. 97 [73; 127] PU, NS and TH (max)/t (2): 1.45 [0.95; 2.84] PU/s vs. 1.37 [1.12; 1.95] PU/s, NS). In both these groups microvascular reactivity was comparable with that estimated in the age and BMI matched healthy persons. An inverse relationship was observed between microvascular reactivity and vibratory perception threshold in type 1 diabetic patients, but it was not true in type 2 diabetic patients. We suppose that the pathogenesis of neuropathy and impaired microvascular reactivity may be differently influenced by metabolic factors in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients.

Screening for associated autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes mellitus with respect to diabetes control

As an autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) can be associated with other autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to detect subclinically associated autoimmune thyroid disease, coeliac disease, and Addison's disease. The presence of autoantibodies was evaluated with special regard to the control of diabetes and to the clinical status of the patient. Fifty-one type 1 diabetic patients (22 men, 29 women, mean age 37+/-11 years, mean duration of diabetes 16+/-13 years) were included into this study. Specific antibodies to islet antigens--glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), protein thyrosine phosphatase IA-2alpha, and to thyroid autoantigens--thyroid microsomal peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG) and also thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by RIA. Autoantigens of the small intestine--tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (ATTG), IgA and IgG antibodies to gliadin (AGA-IgA, AGA-IgG) were evaluated by ELISA. Endomysial autoantibodies (EMA) and adrenal cortex antibodies (ACA) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Eleven new cases of thyreopathy (22 % of patients) were detected by the assessment of thyroid autoantibodies and TSH. Two new cases of thyreotoxicosis were diagnosed during the study. Coeliac disease was diagnosed in at least two cases. Addison's disease was not diagnosed, although the ACA were positive in two patients. No influence of single or combined autoantibody positivity on the control of diabetes was found if normal organ function was preserved. In both patients with thyreotoxicosis the control of diabetes was worsened and improved after treatment. The screening of autoantibodies in type 1 diabetic patients could reveal subclinical cases of AITD or coeliac disease. Subclinical forms of these disorders have no influence on diabetes control. However, impaired organ function may be associated with the worsened control of diabetes as we demonstrated on two newly diagnosed cases of thyreotoxicosis. We suggest the need for the follow-up of patients with positive autoantibodies because further deterioration of the respective organs can be expected.