Annual trends in glycemic control and prescribing patterns in diabetic treatment according to age in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes between 2012 and 2019 (JDDM 71)

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate changes in glycemic control and diabetes treatment by age group in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The study included the results of approximately 40,000 patients/year using cross-sectional and retrospective analyses from 2012 to 2019.

RESULTS

There was little change in the glycemic control status in all age groups during the study period. However, by age group, patients aged ≤ 44 years continued to have the highest glycated hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) values during the study period (7.4 % ± 1.7 % in 2012 and 7.4 % ± 1.5 % in 2019), especially in insulin-treated patients (8.3 % ± 1.9 % in 2012 and 8.4 % ± 1.8 % in 2019). Biguanides and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors were widely prescribed. Sulfonylurea and insulin use showed a decreasing trend, but older patients had a higher percentage of prescriptions. Sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors were prescribed rapidly, especially in younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no obvious changes in glycemic control over time in the study period. The mean HbA1c level was higher in younger patients, which suggested that improvement is required. In older patients, there was a trend toward greater emphasis on management to avoid hypoglycemia. Different treatment strategies based on age showed different drug choices.

Year-Long Trend in Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

It has been suggested that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a negative impact on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, no study has examined yearly trends in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Here, we performed a retrospective analysis of HbA1c concentrations during the early period of the COVID-19 outbreak (COVID-19 cohort) and then compared the yearly trend in the mean HbA1c level, along with fluctuations in HbA1c levels, with those during previous years (non-COVID-19 cohorts). We observed that the mean HbA1c level in patients with T2DM increased during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 outbreak. After 6 months, HbA1c levels in the COVID-19 cohort returned to levels seen in the non-COVID-19 cohorts. The data suggest that vulnerable patients with T2DM should be monitored closely during the early period of a pandemic to ensure they receive appropriate care.

Recent Advancements in the Medical Treatment of Diabetic Retinal Disease

Diabetic retinal disease remains one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and a leading cause of preventable blindness. The mainstay of management involves glycemic control, intravitreal, and laser therapy. However, intravitreal therapy commonly requires frequent hospital visits and some patients fail to achieve a significant improvement in vision. Novel and long-acting therapies targeting a range of pathways are warranted, while evidence to support optimal combinations of treatments is currently insufficient. Improved understanding of the molecular pathways involved in pathogenesis is driving the development of therapeutic agents not only targeting visible microvascular disease and metabolic derangements, but also inflammation and accelerated retinal neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the current and emerging treatments of diabetic retinal diseases and provides an insight into the future of managing this important condition.

Glycaemic control in the paediatric and young adult population with type 1 diabetes following a single telehealth visit - what have we learned from the COVID-19 lockdown?

AIMS

Children with chronic diseases were unable to receive their usual care during COVID-19 lockdown. We assessed the feasibility and impact of telehealth visits on the time-in-range (TIR) of paediatric individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

An observational multicentre real-life study. Patients scheduled for an in-clinic visit during the lockdown were offered to participate in a telehealth visit. Sociodemographic, clinical, continuous glucose monitor and pump data were recorded 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after telehealth visit. The primary endpoint was change in relative-TIR, i.e. change in TIR divided by the percent of possible change (∆TIR/(100-TIRbefore)*100).

RESULTS

The study group comprised 195 individuals with T1D (47.7% males), mean±SD age 14.6 ± 5.3 years, and diabetes duration 6.0 ± 4.6 years. Telehealth was accomplished with 121 patients and their parents (62.0%); 74 (38.0%) did not transfer complete data. Mean TIR was significantly higher for the two-week period after the telehealth visit than for the two-week period prior the visit (62.9 ± 16.0, p < 0.001 vs. 59.0 ± 17.2); the improvement in relative-TIR was 5.7±26.1%. Initial higher mean glucose level, lower TIR, less time spent at <54 mg/dl range, longer time spent at 180-250 mg/dl range, higher daily insulin dose, and single-parent household were associated with improved relative-TIR. Multiple regression logistic analysis demonstrated only initial lower TIR and single-parent household were significant, odds ratio: -0.506, (95%CI -0.99,-0.023), p=0.04 and 13.82, (95%CI 0.621, 27.016), p=0.04, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Paediatric and young adult patients with T1D benefited from a telehealth visit during COVID-19. However, this modality is not yet suitable for a considerable proportion of patients.

Glycemic control before admission is an important determinant of prognosis in patients with coronavirus disease 2019

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to explore the association between glycemic control before admission with severity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019, and tried to reveal the mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 77 inpatients were grouped into sufficient control group (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] <6.5%, n = 49) and insufficient control group (HbA1c ≥6.5%, n = 28). Regression models were used to analyze the clinical data.

RESULTS

Compared with patients with HbA1c <6.5, patients with HbA1c ≥6.5 showed higher heart rate (101 vs 89 b.p.m., P = 0.012), lower percutaneous oxygen saturation (93 vs 97%, P = 0.001), higher levels of multiple indicators of inflammation, such as white blood cell count (7.9 vs 5.9 × 109 /L, P = 0.019), neutrophil count (6.5 vs 4.1 × 109 /L, P = 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (52 vs 30 mg/L, P = 0.025) and serum ferritin (1,287 vs 716 μg/L, P = 0.023), as well as lower levels of lymphocyte count (0.7 vs 0.8 × 109 /L, P = 0.049) at hospital admission. Thus, patients with HbA1c ≥6.5 were more likely to develop secondary respiratory infections (25 [89%] vs 33 [67%], P = 0.032) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (17 [61%] vs 14 [29%], P = 0.006) than patients with HbA1c <6.5, resulting in a higher proportion of critically ill patients (19 [68%] vs 18 [37%], P = 0.009) and non-survivors (13 [46%] vs 11 [22%], P = 0.029). After adjustment for potential risk factors, HbA1c was independently associated with in-hospital death.

CONCLUSION

HbA1c was an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Severe pulmonary infection and consequent acute respiratory distress syndrome might be the primary causes of death in insufficient glycemic control patients.

Increased stress, weight gain and less exercise in relation to glycemic control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Lockdown measures have a profound effect on many aspects of daily life relevant for diabetes self-management. We assessed whether lockdown measures, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, differentially affect perceived stress, body weight, exercise and related this to glycemic control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a short-term observational cohort study at the Leiden University Medical Center. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes ≥18 years were eligible to participate. Participants filled out online questionnaires, sent in blood for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) analysis and shared data of their flash or continuous glucose sensors. HbA1c during the lockdown was compared with the last known HbA1c before the lockdown.

RESULTS

In total, 435 people were included (type 1 diabetes n=280, type 2 diabetes n=155). An increase in perceived stress and anxiety, weight gain and less exercise was observed in both groups. There was improvement in glycemic control in the group with the highest HbA1c tertile (type 1 diabetes: -0.39% (-4.3 mmol/mol) (p<0.0001 and type 2 diabetes: -0.62% (-6.8 mmol/mol) (p=0.0036). Perceived stress was associated with difficulty with glycemic control (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in perceived stress and anxiety, weight gain and less exercise but no deterioration of glycemic control occurs in both people with relatively well-controlled type 1 and type 2 diabetes during short-term lockdown measures. As perceived stress showed to be associated with glycemic control, this provides opportunities for healthcare professionals to put more emphasis on psychological aspects during diabetes care consultations.

A cross sectional study reveals severe disruption in glycemic control in people with diabetes during and after lockdown in India

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Uncontrolled diabetes has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes in COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate and assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on management of diabetes and challenges faced by people with diabetes in India during and after the lockdown phase.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire survey was designed. The questions collected socio-demographic details, medical and social history, and impact of the pandemic on medical and social life from 1582 participants. Linear regression was employed to evaluate association of different parameters with the change in glycemic levels.

RESULTS

The frequency of clinical visits during the COVID-19 pandemic were reduced in 87.28% of participants. 92.45% of participants were able to monitor their blood glucose levels (BGLs) in which 78.42% (49.35%, 20.91%, and 8.16%) participants experienced an increase in BGL (mild, moderate, and severe respectively). Only 47.41% of participants possessed the digital glucometer at home. 69.07% of participants reported a decrease in physical activity while 46.88% reported an increase in food intake. 80.06% of participants were able to buy all medicines and 29.80% were gone for virtual consultations while 87.81% reported that they didn't have access to healthcare services. Overall, 89.47% participants experienced disruption in therapy. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.89, p = 0.0145) was found between increasing age and reporting of higher BGLs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a firsthand evidence of major disruption in diabetes care activities during and after the lockdown phase in India and increased risk of poorer clinical outcomes, if infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Observational study on Effect of Lock Down due to COVID 19 on glycemic control in patients with Diabetes: Experience from Central India

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized with hyperglycemia and associated with several complications. Glycemic control is important factor in preventing the complications associated with diabetes. Pillars for good glycemic control are good life style modification with proper medication under medical guidance. The aim of this study was to study the effect of lock down on glycemic control in diabetic patients and possible factor responsible for this.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

- Out of 407 only 143 diabetic patients who attended the our endocrine OPD in last 3 months who had good glycemic control in past without any chronic complication and willing to participate were included in study. They were advised for the self-monitoring of blood glucose for identifying the glycemic control and with questionnaire designed possible factor was identified during the lockdown period.

RESULTS

- The patients were aged between 18 and 65 years with mean age of 54.68 years and male to female ratio was 91:52.56 (39.16%) patients reported worsening of hyperglycemia and requiring addition of medications for control of blood glucose and 3 (2.09%) patients reported hypoglycemic events and medications were stepped down. Psychological stress was most common factor worsening of hyperglycemia followed by change in diet and exercise.

The Authors Respond

DISCLOSURES

No outside funding supported this study. The authors have nothing to disclose.

Persistent poor glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes in developing countries: 12 years of real-world evidence of the International Diabetes Management Practices Study (IDMPS)

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We evaluated the secular trend of glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes in developing countries, where data are limited.

METHODS

The International Diabetes Management Practices Study provides real-world evidence of patient profiles and diabetes care practices in developing countries in seven cross-sectional waves (2005-2017). At each wave, each physician collected data from ten consecutive participants with type 2 diabetes during a 2 week period. The primary objective of this analysis was to evaluate trends of glycaemic control over time.

RESULTS

A total of 66,088 individuals with type 2 diabetes were recruited by 6099 physicians from 49 countries. The proportion of participants with HbA_1c <53 mmol/mol (<7%) decreased from 36% in wave 1 (2005) to 30.1% in wave 7 (2017) (p < 0.0001). Compared with wave 1, the adjusted ORs of attaining HbA_1c ≤64 mmol/mol (≤8%) decreased significantly in waves 2, 5, 6 and 7 (p < 0.05). Over 80% of participants received oral glucose-lowering drugs, with declining use of sulfonylureas. Insulin use increased from 32.8% (wave 1) to 41.2% (wave 7) (p < 0.0001). The corresponding time to insulin initiation (mean ± SD) changed from 8.4 ± 6.9 in wave 1 to 8.3 ± 6.6 years in wave 7, while daily insulin dosage ranged from 0.39 ± 0.21 U/kg (wave 1) to 0.33 ± 0.19 U/kg (wave 7) for basal regimen and 0.70 ± 0.34 U/kg (wave 1) to 0.77 ± 0.33 (wave 7) U/kg for basal-bolus regimen. An increasing proportion of participants had ≥2 HbA_1c measurements within 12 months of enrolment (from 61.8% to 92.9%), and the proportion of participants receiving diabetes education (mainly delivered by physicians) also increased from 59.0% to 78.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

In developing countries, glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes remained suboptimal over a 12 year period, indicating a need for system changes and better organisation of care to improve self-management and attainment of treatment goals.

Do-It-Yourself Artificial Pancreas System and the OpenAPS Movement

People with diabetes have been experimenting with and modifying their own diabetes devices and technologies for many decades in order to achieve the best possible quality of life and improving their long-term outcomes, including do-it-yourself (DIY) closed loop systems. Thousands of individuals use DIY closed loop systems globally, which work similarly to commercial systems by automatically adjusting and controlling insulin dosing, but are different in terms of transparency, access, customization, and usability. Initial outcomes seen by the DIY artificial pancreas system community are positive, and randomized controlled trials are forthcoming on various elements of DIYAPS technology.

Diabetes Technology and Exercise

Advances in technologies such as glucose monitors, exercise wearables, closed-loop systems, and various smartphone applications are helping many people with diabetes to be more physically active. These technologies are designed to overcome the challenges associated with exercise duration, mode, relative intensity, and absolute intensity, all of which affect glucose homeostasis in people living with diabetes. At present, optimal use of these technologies depends largely on motivation, competence, and adherence to daily diabetes care requirements. This article discusses recent technologies designed to help patients with diabetes to be more physically active, while also trying to improve glucose control around exercise.