Long-term kidney outcomes of semaglutide in obesity and cardiovascular disease in the SELECT trial

The SELECT trial previously reported a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events with semaglutide (n = 8,803) versus placebo (n = 8,801) in patients with overweight/obesity and established cardiovascular disease, without diabetes. In the present study, we examined the effect of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg on kidney outcomes in the SELECT trial. The incidence of the pre-specified main composite kidney endpoint (death from kidney disease, initiation of chronic kidney replacement therapy, onset of persistent estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 15 ml min-1 1.73 m-2, persistent ≥50% reduction in eGFR or onset of persistent macroalbuminuria) was lower with semaglutide (1.8%) versus placebo (2.2%): hazard ratio (HR) = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63, 0.96; P = 0.02. The treatment benefit at 104 weeks for eGFR was 0.75 ml min-1 1.73 m-2 (95% CI 0.43, 1.06; P < 0.001) overall and 2.19 ml min-1 1.73 m-2 (95% CI 1.00, 3.38; P < 0.001) in patients with baseline eGFR <60 ml min-1 1.73 m-2. These results suggest a benefit of semaglutide on kidney outcomes in individuals with overweight/obesity, without diabetes.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03574597 .

Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial

In the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial, semaglutide showed a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in 17,604 adults with preexisting cardiovascular disease, overweight or obesity, without diabetes. Here in this prespecified analysis, we examined effects of semaglutide on weight and anthropometric outcomes, safety and tolerability by baseline body mass index (BMI). In patients treated with semaglutide, weight loss continued over 65 weeks and was sustained for up to 4 years. At 208 weeks, semaglutide was associated with mean reduction in weight (-10.2%), waist circumference (-7.7 cm) and waist-to-height ratio (-6.9%) versus placebo (-1.5%, -1.3 cm and -1.0%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all comparisons versus placebo). Clinically meaningful weight loss occurred in both sexes and all races, body sizes and regions. Semaglutide was associated with fewer serious adverse events. For each BMI category (<30, 30 to <35, 35 to <40 and ≥40 kg m-2) there were lower rates (events per 100 years of observation) of serious adverse events with semaglutide (43.23, 43.54, 51.07 and 47.06 for semaglutide and 50.48, 49.66, 52.73 and 60.85 for placebo). Semaglutide was associated with increased rates of trial product discontinuation. Discontinuations increased as BMI class decreased. In SELECT, at 208 weeks, semaglutide produced clinically significant weight loss and improvements in anthropometric measurements versus placebo. Weight loss was sustained over 4 years. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03574597 .

Obesity pharmacotherapy in older adults: a narrative review of evidence

The prevalence of obesity in older adults (people aged >60 years) is increasing in line with the demographic shift in global populations. Despite knowledge of obesity-related complications in younger adults (increased risk of type 2 diabetes, liver and cardiovascular disease and malignancy), these considerations may be outweighed, in older adults, by concerns regarding weight-loss induced reduction in skeletal muscle and bone mass, and the awareness of the 'obesity paradox'. Obesity in the elderly contributes to various obesity-related complications from cardiometabolic disease and cancer, to functional decline, worsening cognition, and quality of life, that will have already suffered an age-related decline. Lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone of obesity management in older adults, with emphasis on resistance training for muscle strength and bone mineral density preservation. However, in older adults with obesity refractory to lifestyle strategies, pharmacotherapy, using anti-obesity medicines (AOMs), can be a useful adjunct. Recent evidence suggests that intentional weight loss in older adults with overweight and obesity is effective and safe, hence a diminishing reluctance to use AOMs in this more vulnerable population. Despite nine AOMs being currently approved for the treatment of obesity, limited clinical trial evidence in older adults predominantly focuses on incretin therapy with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide). AOMs enhance weight loss and reduce cardiometabolic events, while maintaining muscle mass. Future randomised controlled trials should specifically evaluate the effectiveness of novel AOMs for long-term weight management in older adults with obesity, carefully considering the impact on body composition and functional ability, as well as health economics.

SGLT2 Inhibitors - The New Standard of Care for Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Protection in Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review

A substantial evidence base supports the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This class of medicines has demonstrated important benefits that extend beyond glucose-lowering efficacy to protective mechanisms capable of slowing or preventing the onset of long-term cardiovascular, renal and metabolic (CVRM) complications, making their use highly applicable for organ protection and the maintenance of long-term health outcomes. SGLT2is have shown cost-effectiveness in T2DM management and economic savings over other glucose-lowering therapies due to reduced incidence of cardiovascular and renal events. National and international guidelines advocate SGLT2i use early in the T2DM management pathway, based upon a plethora of supporting data from large-scale cardiovascular outcome trials, renal outcomes trials and real-world studies. While most people with T2DM would benefit from CVRM protection through SGLT2i use, prescribing hesitancy remains, potentially due to confusion concerning their place in the complex therapeutic paradigm, variation in licensed indications or safety perceptions/misunderstandings associated with historical data that have since been superseded by robust clinical evidence and long-term pharmacovigilance reporting. This latest narrative review developed by the Improving Diabetes Steering Committee (IDSC) outlines the place of SGLT2is within current evidence-informed guidelines, examines their potential as the standard of care for the majority of newly diagnosed people with T2DM and sets into context the perceived risks and proven advantages of SGLT2is in terms of sustained health outcomes. The authors discuss the cost-effectiveness case for SGLT2is and provide user-friendly tools to support healthcare professionals in the correct application of these medicines in T2DM management. The previously published IDSC SGLT2i Prescribing Tool for T2DM Management has undergone updates and reformatting and is now available as a Decision Tool in an interactive pdf format as well as an abbreviated printable A4 poster/wall chart.

Risk of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes: a real-world data study from a global federated database

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

A protective role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-ra) in the development of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema has been described in some recent studies, which may extend beyond glycaemic control. We aimed to review the clinical impact of SGLT2i and GLP1-ra therapy on the risk of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema in individuals with type 2 diabetes taking insulin.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of approximately two million people with type 2 diabetes receiving insulin across 97 healthcare organisations using a global federated health research network (TriNetX, Cambridge, USA). Two intervention cohorts (SGLT2i + insulin, n=176,409; GLP1-ra + insulin, n=207,034) were compared against a control cohort (insulin with no SGLT2i/GLP1-ra, n=1,922,312). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed and estimated HRs were reported for each outcome. Propensity score was used to 1:1 match for age, sex, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, microvascular complications, chronic kidney disease, HbA1c, BMI and use of pioglitazone, lipid modifying agents, antilipemic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II inhibitors and metformin. A sub-analysis comparing the two intervention cohorts was also performed.

RESULTS

SGLT2i with insulin was associated with a reduced HR (95% CI) for diabetic macular oedema compared with the control cohort (0.835; 0.780, 0.893), while GLP1-ra with insulin demonstrated a lack of signal with no statistical significance to the HR (1.013; 0.960, 1.069). SGLT2i with insulin was not associated with a clinically significant increase in the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (1.076; 1.027, 1.127), while GLP1-ra with insulin increased diabetic retinopathy risk (1.308; 1.261, 1.357). Compared with SGLT2i with insulin, GLP1-ra with insulin was associated with higher risk of diabetic retinopathy (1.205; 1.153, 1.259) and diabetic macular oedema (1.130; 1.056, 1.208).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study suggests that the combination of SGLT2i and insulin is associated with lower risk of developing diabetic macular oedema. However, the use of GLP1-ra was associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes also taking insulin. A comparative analysis showed favourable outcomes with SGLT2i and insulin in the development of diabetic macular oedema and diabetic retinopathy. RCTs using dedicated  retinal imaging are required to determine the causal relationship with these therapies.

The double burden of malnutrition in individuals: Identifying key challenges and re-thinking research focus

The 'double burden of malnutrition' is a global health challenge that increasingly affects populations in both low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This phenomenon refers to the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight or obesity, as well as other diet-related non-communicable diseases, in the same population, household or even individual. While noteworthy progress has been made in reducing undernutrition in some parts of the world, in many of these areas, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing, particularly in urban areas, resulting in greater numbers of people who were undernourished in childhood and have overweight or obesity in adulthood. This creates a complex and challenging situation for research experts and policymakers who must simultaneously address the public health burdens of undernutrition and overweight/obesity. This review identifies key challenges and limitations in the current research on the double burden of malnutrition in individuals, including the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the drivers of malnutrition, the importance of context-specific interventions and the need for greater attention to the food environment and food systems. We advocate for the re-evaluation of research strategies and focus, with a greater emphasis on multidisciplinary and systems approaches and greater attention to the synergistic relationship between the biological, environmental, commercial and socio-economic determinants of malnutrition. Addressing these key challenges can enable us to better comprehend and tackle the multifaceted and dynamic issues of the double burden of malnutrition, particularly in individuals and work towards more effective and sustainable solutions.

Natriuretic peptides, body mass index and heart failure risk: Pooled analyses of SAVOR-TIMI 53, DECLARE-TIMI 58 and CAMELLIA-TIMI 61

AIM

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations are lower in patients with obesity. The interaction between body mass index (BMI) and NT-proBNP with respect to heart failure risk remains incompletely defined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were pooled across three randomized clinical trials enrolling predominantly patients who were overweight or obese with established cardiometabolic disease: SAVOR-TIMI 53, DECLARE-TIMI 58 and CAMELLIA-TIMI 61. Hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) was examined across strata of baseline BMI and NT-proBNP. The effect of dapagliflozin versus placebo was assessed for a treatment interaction across BMI categories in patients with or without an elevated baseline NT-proBNP (≥125 pg/ml). Among 24 455 patients, the median NT-proBNP was 96 (interquartile range [IQR]: 43-225) pg/ml and the median BMI was 33 (IQR 29-37) kg/m2, with 68% of patients having a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. There was a significant inverse association between NT-proBNP and BMI which persisted after adjustment for all clinical variables (p < 0.001). Within any range of NT-proBNP, those at higher BMI had higher risk of HHF at 2 years (comparing BMI <30 vs. ≥40 kg/m2 for NT-proBNP ranges of <125, 125-<450 and ≥450 pg/ml: 0.0% vs. 0.6%, 1.3% vs. 4.0%, and 8.1% vs. 13.8%, respectively), which persisted after multivariable adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj] 7.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.16-17.66, HRadj 3.22 [95% CI 2.13-4.86], and HRadj 1.87 [95% CI 1.35-2.60], respectively). In DECLARE-TIMI 58, dapagliflozin versus placebo consistently reduced HHF across BMI categories in those with an elevated NT-proBNP (p-trend for HR across BMI = 0.60), with a pattern of greater absolute risk reduction (ARR) at higher BMI (ARR for BMI <30 to ≥40 kg/m2: 2.2% to 4.7%; p-trend = 0.059).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of HHF varies across BMI categories for any given range of circulating NT-proBNP. These findings showcase the importance of considering BMI when applying NT-proBNP for heart failure risk stratification, particularly for patients with low-level elevations in NT-proBNP (125-<450 pg/ml) where there appears to be a clinically meaningful absolute and relative risk gradient.

Body Fat Depletion: the Yin Paradigm for Treating Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight that body fat depletion (the Yin paradigm) with glucose-lowering treatments (the Yang paradigm) are associated with metabolic benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RECENT FINDINGS

The sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-mediated sodium/glucose deprivation can directly improve glycemic control and kidney outcome in patients with T2DM. The glucose deprivation might also promote systemic fatty acid β-oxidation to deplete ectopic/visceral fat and thereby contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. As with metabolic surgery, bioengineered incretin-based medications with potent anorexigenic and insulinotropic efficacy can significantly reduce blood glucose as well as body weight (especially in the ectopic/visceral fat depots). The latter effects could be a key contributor to their cardiovascular-renal protective effects. In addition to a healthy diet, the newer glucose-lowering medications, with body fat reduction effects, should be prioritized when treating patients with T2DM, especially for those with established cardiovascular/renal risks or diseases.

No evidence of compensatory changes in energy balance, despite reductions in body weight and liver fat, during dapagliflozin treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial (ENERGIZE)

AIM

This study assessed the impact of dapagliflozin on food intake, eating behaviour, energy expenditure, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-determined brain response to food cues and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were given dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with short-term (1 week) and long-term (12 weeks) cross-over periods. The primary outcome was the difference in test meal food intake between long-term dapagliflozin and placebo treatment. Secondary outcomes included short-term differences in test meal food intake, short- and long-term differences in appetite and eating rate, energy expenditure and functional MRI brain activity in relation to food images. We determined differences in glycated haemoglobin, weight, liver fat (by 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and subcutaneous/visceral adipose tissue volumes (by MRI).

RESULTS

In total, 52 patients (43% were women) were randomized; with the analysis of 49 patients: median age 58 years, weight 99.1 kg, body mass index 35 kg/m2 , glycated haemoglobin 49 mmol/mol. Dapagliflozin reduced glycated haemoglobin by 9.7 mmol/mol [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.91-16.27, p = .004], and body weight (-2.84 vs. -0.87 kg) versus placebo. There was no short- or long-term difference in test meal food intake between dapagliflozin and placebo [mean difference 5.7 g (95% CI -127.9 to 139.3, p = .933); 15.8 g (95% CI -147.7 to 116.1, p = .813), respectively] nor in the rate of eating, energy expenditure, appetite, or brain responses to food cues. Liver fat (median reduction -4.7 vs. 1.95%), but not subcutaneous/visceral adipose tissue, decreased significantly with 12 weeks of dapagliflozin.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduction in body weight and liver fat with dapagliflozin was not associated with compensatory adaptations in food intake or energy expenditure.

Corneal Confocal Microscopy Predicts Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events and Demonstrates Greater Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Foot Ulcers

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we evaluate small and large nerve fibre pathology in relation to diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) and incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted on people with T1D without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (n = 25), T1D with DPN (n = 28), T1D with DFU (n = 25) and 32 healthy volunteers. ROC analysis of parameters was conducted to diagnose DPN and DFU, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive ability of corneal nerves for cardiac and cerebrovascular events over 3 years.

RESULTS

Corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), fibre density (CNFD) and branch density (CNBD) were lower in T1D-DPN and T1D-DFU vs. T1D (all p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, CNFD (sensitivity 88%, specificity 87%; AUC 0.93; p < 0.001; optimal cut-off 7.35 no/mm2) and CNFL (sensitivity 76%, specificity 77%; AUC 0.90; p < 0.001; optimal cut-off 7.01 mm/mm2) had good ability to differentiate T1D with and without DFU. Incident cardiovascular events (p < 0.001) and cerebrovascular events (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in T1D-DPN and T1D-DFU. Corneal nerve loss, specifically CNFD predicted incident cardiovascular (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.50, p = 0.01) and cerebrovascular (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.26, p = 0.02) events.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides threshold values for corneal nerve fibre metrics for neuropathic foot at risk of DFU and further demonstrates that lower CNFD predicts incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in T1D.

New insights into the treatment of obesity

Obesity is a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease with a rising global prevalence associated with increased morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. Treatment of obesity requires a comprehensive medical approach that includes behavioral interventions, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. The degree of weight loss with all approaches is highly heterogeneous, and long-term weight maintenance remains challenging. For years, anti-obesity medications have largely been limited in number, often delivering meager efficacy, and raising numerous safety concerns. Therefore, there is a need for the development of highly efficacious and safe new agents. Recent insights into the complex pathophysiology of obesity have increased our understanding of intervenable targets for pharmacotherapies to treat obesity and improve weight-related cardiometabolic complications, i.e., type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. As a result, novel potent therapies have emerged, such as semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) recently approved for the treatment of obesity. Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly significantly reduces body weight by approximately 15% with simultaneous improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors and physical functioning in people with obesity. Tirzepatide, the first dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RA, has recently demonstrated that body weight reduction exceeding 20% in people with obesity and coupled with improved cardiometabolic measures is feasible. Thus, these novel agents promise to narrow the gap between the weight-loss effects of behavior interventions, previous pharmacotherapies, and bariatric surgery. In this narrative review, we highlight established and emerging therapeutic treatments for long-term obesity management and position them in a framework according to their weight-loss effects. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effects of dapagliflozin on hospitalisations in people with type 2 diabetes: post-hoc analyses of the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial

BACKGROUND

In people with type 2 diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular or kidney disease, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors consistently reduce the risk of hospitalisations for heart failure. Less is known about their effects on hospitalisation from any cause, especially in people with type 2 diabetes without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which includes most of the global population of people with type 2 diabetes. We aimed to assess the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on the risks of hospitalisations for any cause and for specific causes in people with type 2 diabetes with and without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

The DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial was a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled study. People with type 2 diabetes and either risk factors for or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive oral dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo once daily. In these post-hoc analyses, the effects of dapagliflozin on risks of first non-elective any-cause and cause-specific hospitalisation were assessed with Cox proportional hazards regression models overall and in the subset of participants without prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The risk of total (first plus subsequent) non-elective hospitalisations was assessed with Lin-Wei-Ying-Yang model. Investigator-reported System Organ Class terms were used to classify cause-specific hospitalisations. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01730534.

FINDINGS

Between April 25, 2013, and Sept 18, 2018, 17 160 people (6422 [37·4%] women, 10 738 [62·6%] men; mean age 63·9 years [SD 6·8]) were enrolled in the original trial, of whom 10186 (59·4%) had multiple risk factors for but did not have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and 6835 (39·8%) had both no evidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and low KDIGO risk. Over a median follow-up of 4·2 years (IQR 3·9-4·4), dapagliflozin was associated with a lower risk of first non-elective hospitalisation for any cause (2779 [32·4%] of 8582 people in the dapagliflozin group vs 3036 [35·4%] of 8578 people in the placebo group; hazard ratio [HR] 0·89 [95% CI 0·85-0·94]) and total (first plus subsequent) non-elective hospitalisations for any cause (risk ratio 0·92 [95% CI 0·86-0·97]). The association between dapagliflozin use and the risk of first non-elective hospitalisation for any cause was consistent in subgroups of participants with (HR 0·92 [95% CI 0·85-0·99] and without (0·87 [0·81-0·94]) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at baseline (p interaction=0·31). Compared with the placebo group, the dapagliflozin group had lower risk of first hospitalisations due to cardiac disorders (HR 0·91 [95% CI 0·84-1·00]), metabolism and nutrition disorders (0·73 [0·60-0·89]), renal and urinary disorders (0·61 [0·49-0·77]), and due to any other cause excluding these three causes (0·90 [0·85-0·96]). Treatment with dapagliflozin was also associated with a lower risk of hospitalisations due to musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (HR 0·81 [0·67-0·99]) and infections and infastations (HR 0·86 [0·78-0·96]).

INTERPRETATION

Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of first and total non-elective hospitalisations for any cause in people with type 2 diabetes, regardless of the presence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including hospitalisations not directly attributed to cardiac, kidney, or metabolic causes. These findings might have implications on health-related quality of life for people with type 2 diabetes and on health-care costs attributable this condition.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin by Baseline Insulin Regimen and Dose: Post Hoc Analyses From DECLARE-TIMI 58

OBJECTIVE

The cardiorenal benefits of adding sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor therapy for patients on insulin, particularly those on intensive regimens that include short-acting (SA) insulin, have not been explored.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events trial (DECLARE-TIMI 58), 17,160 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to dapagliflozin or placebo for a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Cardiovascular (CV), renal, metabolic, and safety outcomes with dapagliflozin versus placebo by insulin dose and regimen were studied with Cox regression models.

RESULTS

The study included 7,013 insulin users at baseline, with 4,650 (66.3%) patients on regimens including SA insulin. Insulin doses varied, with 2,443 (34.8%) patients receiving <0.5 IU/kg, 2,795 (39.9%) 0.5 to ≤1 IU/kg, and 1,339 (19.1%) >1 IU/kg. Dapagliflozin reduced CV death/hospitalization for heart failure among overall insulin users (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82 [95% CI 0.69-0.97]) and consistently in patients on insulin regimens with or without SA insulin (0.83 [0.67-1.03] and 0.78 [0.57-1.07], respectively, Pinteraction = 0.75). No heterogeneity was observed by insulin dose (Pinteraction = 0.43). The HR for major adverse CV events with dapagliflozin among insulin users (0.84 [0.74-0.97]) was similar irrespective of regimen or dose (Pinteraction = 0.75 and 0.07). Dapagliflozin reduced the rate of adverse renal outcomes overall and consistently across subgroups of insulin users. Decreases in HbA1c, weight, and systolic blood pressure with dapagliflozin were seen regardless of insulin dose or regimen. The known safety profile of dapagliflozin was unchanged in patients on intensive insulin regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits and safety of dapagliflozin were maintained in high-risk patients receiving high-dose or intensive insulin regimens including SA insulin.

Obesity and cardiovascular disease: mechanistic insights and management strategies. A joint position paper by the World Heart Federation and World Obesity Federation

The ongoing obesity epidemic represents a global public health crisis that contributes to poor health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and >2.8 million deaths each year. Obesity is relapsing, progressive, and heterogeneous. It is considered a chronic disease by the World Obesity Federation (WOF) and a chronic condition by the World Heart Federation (WHF). People living with overweight/obesity are at greater risk for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Increased adiposity (body fat), particularly visceral/abdominal fat, is linked to CV risk and CV disease (CVD) via multiple direct and indirect pathophysiological mechanisms. The development of CVD is driven, in part, by obesity-related metabolic, endocrinologic, immunologic, structural, humoral, haemodynamic, and functional alterations. The complex multifaceted nature of these mechanisms can be challenging to understand and address in clinical practice. People living with obesity and CVD often have concurrent chronic physical or psychological disorders (multimorbidity) requiring multidisciplinary care pathways and polypharmacy. Evidence indicates that intentional weight loss (particularly when substantial) lowers CVD risk among people with overweight/obesity. Long-term weight loss and maintenance require ongoing commitment from both the individual and those responsible for their care. This position paper, developed by the WOF and the WHF, aims to improve understanding of the direct and indirect links between overweight/obesity and CVD, the key controversies in this area and evidence relating to cardiometabolic outcomes with available weight management options. Finally, an action plan for clinicians provides recommendations to help in identifying and addressing the risks of obesity-related CVD (recognizing resource and support variances between countries).

Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Kidney Disease Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Post Hoc Analyses From the DECLARE-TIMI 58 Trial

OBJECTIVE

In patients with moderate to severe albuminuric kidney disease, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce the risk of kidney disease progression. These post hoc analyses assess the effects of dapagliflozin on kidney function decline in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), focusing on populations with low kidney risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 (DECLARE-TIMI 58) trial, patients with T2D at high cardiovascular risk were randomly assigned to dapagliflozin versus placebo. Outcomes were analyzed by treatment arms, overall, and by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) risk categories. The prespecified kidney-specific composite outcome was a sustained decline ≥40% in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, end-stage kidney disease, and kidney-related death. Other outcomes included incidence of categorical eGFR decline of different thresholds and chronic (6 month to 4 year) or total (baseline to 4 year) eGFR slopes.

RESULTS

Most participants were in the low-moderate KDIGO risk categories (n = 15,201 [90.3%]). The hazard for the kidney-specific composite outcome was lower with dapagliflozin across all KDIGO risk categories (P-interaction = 0.97), including those at low risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54, 95% CI 0.38-0.77). Risks for categorical eGFR reductions (≥57% [in those with baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2], ≥50%, ≥40%, and ≥30%) were lower with dapagliflozin (HRs 0.52, 0.57, 0.55, and 0.70, respectively; P < 0.05). Slopes of eGFR decline favored dapagliflozin across KDIGO risk categories, including the low KDIGO risk (between-arm differences of 0.87 [chronic] and 0.55 [total] mL/min/1.73 m2/year; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin mitigated kidney function decline in patients with T2D at high cardiovascular risk, including those with low KDIGO risk, suggesting a role of dapagliflozin in the early prevention of diabetic kidney disease.

Changes in Glucose Metabolism and Glycemic Status With Once-Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide 2.4 mg Among Participants With Prediabetes in the STEP Program

OBJECTIVE

This analysis of 3,375 adults with overweight/obesity across the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity (STEP) 1, 3, and 4 trials evaluated whether more participants with prediabetes had normoglycemia after 68 weeks' treatment with once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg plus lifestyle intervention versus placebo and assessed changes in glucose metabolism in participants with prediabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

STEP 1, 3, and 4 were phase 3, 68-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, multinational trials; STEP 4 had a 20-week semaglutide run-in and 48-week randomized period. Analyses included changes (week 0-68; before the washout period) in glycemic status (prespecified: STEP 1 and 3; post hoc: STEP 4), and in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HOMA insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) among participants with prediabetes (post hoc).

RESULTS

Significantly more participants with baseline (week 0) prediabetes (n = 1,536) had normoglycemia at week 68 with semaglutide versus placebo (STEP 1, 84.1% vs. 47.8%; STEP 3, 89.5% vs. 55.0%; STEP 4, 89.8% vs. 70.4%; all P < 0.0001). Fewer participants with baseline normoglycemia had prediabetes at week 68 with semaglutide versus placebo (STEP 1, 2.9% vs. 10.9%; STEP 3, 3.2% vs. 5.8%; STEP 4, 1.1% vs. 5.0%). Semaglutide resulted in greater improvements in HbA1c, FPG, and HOMA-IR than placebo among participants with baseline prediabetes (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

STEP 1, 3, and 4 collectively provide a robust assessment of the effects of semaglutide on glucose metabolism and prediabetes in a large cohort of adults with overweight/obesity while on treatment. Among participants with baseline prediabetes, 68 weeks' treatment with semaglutide versus placebo led to significant improvements in glucose metabolism and a higher likelihood of normoglycemia.

Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension

AIM

To explore changes in body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors after treatment withdrawal in the STEP 1 trial extension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

STEP 1 (NCT03548935) randomized 1961 adults with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² (or ≥ 27 kg/m² with ≥ 1 weight-related co-morbidity) without diabetes to 68 weeks of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg (including 16 weeks of dose escalation) or placebo, as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention. At week 68, treatments (including lifestyle intervention) were discontinued. An off-treatment extension assessed for a further year a representative subset of participants who had completed 68 weeks of treatment. This subset comprised all eligible participants from any site in Canada, Germany and the UK, and sites in the United States and Japan with the highest main phase recruitment. All analyses in the extension were exploratory.

RESULTS

Extension analyses included 327 participants. From week 0 to week 68, mean weight loss was 17.3% (SD: 9.3%) with semaglutide and 2.0% (SD: 6.1%) with placebo. Following treatment withdrawal, semaglutide and placebo participants regained 11.6 (SD: 7.7) and 1.9 (SD: 4.8) percentage points of lost weight, respectively, by week 120, resulting in net losses of 5.6% (SD: 8.9%) and 0.1% (SD: 5.8%), respectively, from week 0 to week 120. Cardiometabolic improvements seen from week 0 to week 68 with semaglutide reverted towards baseline at week 120 for most variables.

CONCLUSIONS

One year after withdrawal of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg and lifestyle intervention, participants regained two-thirds of their prior weight loss, with similar changes in cardiometabolic variables. Findings confirm the chronicity of obesity and suggest ongoing treatment is required to maintain improvements in weight and health.

The effects of empagliflozin, dietary energy restriction, or both on appetite-regulatory gut peptides in individuals with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity: The SEESAW randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

AIM

To assess the impact of the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin (25 mg once-daily), dietary energy restriction, or both combined, on circulating appetite-regulatory peptides in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight or obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 68 adults (aged 30-75 years) with T2D (drug naïve or on metformin monotherapy; HbA1c 6.0%-10.0% [42-86 mmol/mol]) and body mass index of 25 kg/m² or higher were randomized to (a) placebo only, (b) placebo plus diet, (c) empagliflozin only or (d) empagliflozin plus diet for 24 weeks. Dietary energy restriction matched the estimated energy deficit elicited by SGLT2 inhibitor therapy through urinary glucose excretion (~360 kcal/day). The primary outcome was change in postprandial circulating total peptide-YY (PYY) during a 3-hour mixed-meal tolerance test from baseline to 24 weeks. Postprandial total glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), acylated ghrelin and subjective appetite perceptions formed secondary outcomes, along with other key components of energy balance.

RESULTS

The mean weight loss in each group at 24 weeks was 0.44, 1.91, 2.22 and 5.74 kg, respectively. The change from baseline to 24 weeks in postprandial total PYY was similar between experimental groups and placebo only (mean difference [95% CI]: -8.6 [-28.6 to 11.4], 13.4 [-6.1 to 33.0] and 1.0 [-18.0 to 19.9] pg/ml in placebo-plus diet, empagliflozin-only and empagliflozin-plus-diet groups, respectively [all P ≥ .18]). Similarly, there was no consistent pattern of difference between groups for postprandial total GLP-1, acylated ghrelin and subjective appetite perceptions.

CONCLUSIONS

In people with T2D and overweight or obesity, changes in postprandial appetite-regulatory gut peptides may not underpin the less than predicted weight loss observed with empagliflozin therapy.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02798744, www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; 2015-001594-40, www.EudraCT.ema.europa.eu; ISRCTN82062639, www.ISRCTN.org.

The Peripheral Neuropathy Prevalence and Characteristics Are Comparable in People with Obesity and Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction

Peripheral neuropathy is reported in obesity even in the absence of hyperglycaemia.

Objective

To compare the prevalence and characterise the phenotype of peripheral neuropathy in people living with obesity (OB) and long-duration type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Patients and Methods

We performed a prospective cross-sectional study of 130 participants including healthy volunteers (HV) (n = 28), people with T1D (n = 51), and OB (BMI 30–50 kg/m²) (n = 51). Participants underwent assessment of neuropathic symptoms (Neuropathy Symptom Profile, NSP), neurological deficits (Neuropathy Disability Score, NDS), vibration perception threshold (VPT) and evaluation of sural nerve conduction velocity and amplitude.

Results

Peripheral neuropathy was present in 43.1% of people with T1D (age 49.9 ± 12.9 years; duration of diabetes 23.4 ± 13.5 years) and 33.3% of OB (age 48.2 ± 10.8 years). VPT for high risk of neuropathic foot ulceration (VPT ≥ 25 V) was present in 31.4% of T1D and 19.6% of OB. Participants living with OB were heavier (BMI 42.9 ± 3.5 kg/m²) and had greater centripetal adiposity with an increased body fat percentage (FM%) (P < 0.001) and waist circumference (WC) (P < 0.001) compared to T1D. The OB group had a higher NDS (P < 0.001), VAS for pain (P < 0.001), NSP (P < 0.001), VPT (P < 0.001) and reduced sural nerve conduction velocity (P < 0.001) and amplitude (P < 0.001) compared to HV, but these parameters were comparable in T1D. VPT was positively associated with increased WC (P = 0.011), FM% (P = 0.001) and HbA1c (P < 0.001) after adjusting for age (R² = 0.547). Subgroup analysis of respiratory quotient (RQ) measured in the OB group did not correlate with VPT (P = 0.788), nerve conduction velocity (P = 0.743) or amplitude (P = 0.677).

Conclusion

The characteristics of peripheral neuropathy were comparable between normoglycaemic people living with obesity and people with long-duration T1D, suggesting that metabolic factors linked to obesity play a pivotal role in the development of peripheral neuropathy. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanistic link between visceral adiposity and neuropathy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02208-z.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin According to Background Use of Cardiovascular Medications in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Dapagliflozin was shown to reduce the cardiovascular (CV) and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, data are limited on the relationship of the effect and safety with the concurrent use of CV medications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective

To assess whether the cardiorenal efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin were consistent with and without background use of CV medications commonly used for heart failure (HF) and kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study is a prespecified secondary analysis of DECLARE-TIMI 58, which was a randomized trial of dapagliflozin vs placebo in 17 160 patients with type 2 diabetes and either atherosclerotic disease or multiple risk factors for CV disease. Patients were stratified by baseline use of the following CV medications: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs), β-blockers, diuretics, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). The study was conducted from May 2013 to September 2018, and data were evaluated for this analysis from February 2021 to May 2022.

Interventions

Dapagliflozin or placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcomes of interest were the composite of CV death or hospitalization for HF (HHF), HHF alone, and a kidney-specific composite outcome (persistent ≥40% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], end-stage kidney disease, or kidney-related death).

Results

Among 17 160 patients, 13 950 (81%) used ACEI/ARBs, 9030 (53%) used β-blockers, 6205 (36%) used diuretics, and 762 (4%) used MRAs at baseline. Changes in blood pressure and eGFR at 48 months with dapagliflozin compared with placebo did not differ regardless of concurrent therapy (placebo-corrected change, -1.6 mm Hg [95% CI, -4.2 to 1.0] to -2.6 mm Hg [95% CI, -3.3 to -2.9]; P > .05 for each interaction). Dapagliflozin consistently reduced the risk of CV death/HHF, HHF alone, and the kidney-specific composite outcome regardless of background use of selected medications (hazard ratio [HR] range: HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39-0.63; to HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.95; P > .05 for each interaction). In patients receiving ACEI/ARBs + β-blockers + diuretics (n = 4243), dapagliflozin reduced the risk of CV death/HHF and of the kidney-specific outcome by 24% (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.93) and 38% (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44-0.87), respectively. There were no significant treatment interactions with the concomitant CV medications for adverse events of volume depletion, acute kidney injury, or hyperkalemia (range: HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.99; to HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.83-1.32; P > .05 for each interaction).

Conclusions and Relevance

Dapagliflozin consistently reduced the risk of CV and kidney outcomes irrespective of background use of various CV medications without any treatment interaction for key safety events. These data show the clinical benefit and safety of dapagliflozin in a broad range of patients with type 2 diabetes regardless of background therapy.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01730534.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes According to Baseline Blood Pressure: Observations From DECLARE-TIMI 58 Trial

Background: Dapagliflozin improved heart failure and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease in the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial. Here, the aim was to analyze efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin stratified according to baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP). Methods: The DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial randomized patients with T2DM and either prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or ASCVD risk factors to dapagliflozin or placebo. Patients were categorized by baseline SBP levels: < 120, 120-129, 130-139, 140-159 and ≥ 160 mmHg (respectively, normal, elevated, stage 1, stage 2 and severe hypertension). Efficacy outcomes of interest were hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and a renal-specific composite outcome (sustained decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate by 40%, progression to end-stage renal disease or renal death). Safety outcomes included symptoms of volume depletion, lower extremity amputations and acute kidney injury. Results: The trial comprised 17,160 patients; mean age of 64.0 ± 6.8 years ; 37.4% women; median duration of T2DM 11 years; 40.6% with prevalent CVD. Overall, dapagliflozin reduced SBP by 2.4 mmHg (95% CI 1.9-2.9; p < 0.0001) compared with placebo at 48 months. The beneficial effects of dapagliflozin on HHF and renal outcomes were consistent across all baseline SBP categories, with no evidence of modification of treatment effect (p-interactions = 0.28 and 0.52, respectively). Among normotensive patients, the HR´s were 0.66 (95% CI 0.42-1.05) and 0.39 (95% CI 0.19-0.78), respectively for HHF and the renal specific outcome. Events of volume depletion, amputation and acute kidney injury did not differ with dapagliflozin overall or within any baseline SBP group. Conclusions: In patients with T2DM with or at high ASCVD risk, dapagliflozin reduced risk for HHF and renal outcomes regardless of baseline systolic blood pressure, with no difference in adverse events of interest at any level of baseline SBP. These results indicate that dapagliflozin provides important cardiorenal benefit in patients with T2DM at high ASCVD risk, independent of baseline blood pressure.

The Place and Value of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in the Evolving Treatment Paradigm for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

Over recent years, the expanding evidence base for sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapies has revealed benefits beyond their glucose-lowering efficacy in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), resulting in their recognition as cardiorenal medicines. While SGLT2is continue to be recommended among the second-line therapies for the treatment of hyperglycaemia, their true value now extends to the prevention of debilitating and costly cardiovascular and renal events for high-risk individuals, with particular benefit shown in reducing major adverse cardiac events and heart failure (HF) and slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease. However, SGLT2i usage is still suboptimal among groups considered to be at greatest risk of cardiorenal complications. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has intensified financial pressures on healthcare systems, which may hamper further investment in newer effective medicines. Emerging evidence indicates that glycaemic control should be prioritised for people with T2DM in the era of COVID-19 and practical advice on the use of T2DM medications during periods of acute illness remains important, particularly for healthcare professionals working in primary care who face multiple competing priorities. This article provides the latest update from the Improving Diabetes Steering Committee, including perspectives on the value of SGLT2is as cost-effective therapies within the T2DM treatment paradigm, with particular focus on the latest published evidence relating to the prevention or slowing of cardiorenal complications. The implications for ongoing and future approaches to diabetes care are considered in the light of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, and relevant aspects of international treatment guidelines are highlighted with practical advice on the appropriate use of SGLT2is in commonly occurring T2DM clinical scenarios. The 'SGLT2i Prescribing Tool for T2DM Management', previously published by the Steering Committee, has been updated to reflect the latest evidence and is provided in the Supplementary Materials to help support clinicians delivering T2DM care.

Association of Baseline HbA1c With Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes: Analyses From DECLARE-TIMI 58

OBJECTIVE

Current guidelines recommend prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors to patients with type 2 diabetes and established or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), irrespective of HbA1c levels. We studied the association of HbA1c with cardiovascular and renal outcomes and whether the benefit of dapagliflozin varies by baseline HbA1c.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events trial (DECLARE-TIMI 58), 17,160 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to dapagliflozin or placebo for a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Cardiovascular and renal outcomes by baseline HbA1c in the overall population and with dapagliflozin versus placebo in HbA1c subgroups were studied by Cox regression models.

RESULTS

In the overall population, higher baseline HbA1c was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF); major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke; and cardiorenal outcomes (adjusted hazard ratios 1.12 [95% CI 1.06-1.19], 1.08 [1.04-1.13], and 1.17 [1.11-1.24] per 1% higher level, respectively). Elevated HbA1c was associated with a greater increased risk for MACE and cardiorenal outcomes in patients with multiple risk factors (MRF) than in established ASCVD (P-interaction = 0.0064 and 0.0093, respectively). Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin decreased the risk of cardiovascular death/HHF, HHF, and cardiorenal outcomes, with no heterogeneity by baseline HbA1c (P-interaction > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher HbA1c levels were associated with greater cardiovascular and renal risk, particularly in the MRF population, yet the benefits of dapagliflozin were observed in all subgroups irrespective of baseline HbA1c, including patients with HbA1c <7%.

Long-term effects of dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin versus glimepiride on a background of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: Results of a 104-week extension to a 52-week randomized, phase 3 study and liver fat MRI substudy

AIM

To report the results of a 104-week extension to a 52-week study in which dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin (DAPA+SAXA) improved glycaemic control, liver fat and metabolic variables compared with glimepiride (GLIM) in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving background metformin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This extension to a 52-week global, multicentre, parallel-group, active-controlled, double-blind study (NCT02419612) continued randomized participants (1:1) on DAPA+SAXA (10/5 mg) plus placebo, or GLIM (1-6 mg) plus placebo, once daily. Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years, had T2D (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 58.5-91.3 mmol/mol [7.5%-10.5%]), and a body mass index of 20.0 to 45.0 kg/m² , and were receiving metformin (MET; ≥1500 mg/d). Key outcomes were: requirement for treatment intensification, based on HbA1c ≥53 mmol/mol (7%); achieving therapeutic glycaemic response; and changes in adipose tissue and liver fat on magnetic resonance imaging in a substudy.

RESULTS

Overall, 382 participants entered and 338 completed the 104-week extension period (MRI substudy, n = 82). The need for treatment intensification during the 156-week period was lower for DAPA+SAXA+MET (37.0%) than GLIM+MET (55.6%; hazard ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.68; P < 0.001). At week 156, 21.4% of DAPA+SAXA+MET versus 11.7% of GLIM+MET participants achieved therapeutic glycaemic response (HbA1c <53 mmol/mol; odds ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.23-3.42; P = 0.006). DAPA+SAXA+MET led to greater adjusted mean reductions from baseline in liver fat and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes versus GLIM+MET at week 122 (least-squares mean difference from GLIM+MET -4.89%, -0.41 L and -0.44 L, respectively; nominal P values ≤ 0.008). Safety was consistent with that of the monocomponents.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, glycaemic control, metabolic benefits and efficacy were better maintained with DAPA+SAXA+MET than with GLIM+MET in T2D.

The expanding role of SGLT2 inhibitors beyond glucose-lowering to cardiorenal protection

The kidney plays a major physiological role in glucose homeostasis but also contributes to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D), mediated by renal sodium glucose cotransporters (SGLTs). This recognition led to the development of SGLT2 inhibitors that inhibit proximal renal tubular renal glucose and sodium reabsorption. The glucoretic and natriuretic effect of SGLT2 inhibitors is associated with reductions in HbA1c levels, body weight, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides. Major vascular complications of T2D include cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results from several cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) with these drugs have highlighted benefits in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events by 11%, reducing the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (HF) by 23% and reducing the risk of progression of renal disease by 45%. Their cardiorenal benefits are apparent across a range of eGFRs (within CKD1-3 groups) and the presence or absence of ischaemic heart disease, HF or T2D. In patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), similar risk reductions in cardiovascular death and HF events are also seen; results from studies in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are awaited. Cardiorenal benefits have been recently reported in patients with CKD, regardless of the presence or absence of T2D. Indications for use of SGLT2 inhibitors have extended beyond glucose-lowering to a central role in cardiorenal protection. This review will first explore the mechanisms by which glycaemic control, weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors are modulated therapeutically with SGLT2 inhibitors. Subsequently, we outline putative mechanisms underpinning the cardiorenal benefits seen, including in HF and CKD, in the context of completed and ongoing clinical studies. Treatment strategies with SGLT2 inhibitors in individuals with CKD or HF, with and/or without T2D are increasingly appealing. Combination therapy with complementary therapeutic agents is also explored.

A Biomarker-Based Score for Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Failure in Patients With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Heart failure (HF) is an impactful complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to develop and validate a risk score for hospitalization for HF (HHF) incorporating biomarkers and clinical factor(s) in patients with T2DM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We derived a risk score for HHF using clinical data, high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), and N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from 6,106 placebo-treated patients with T2DM in SAVOR-TIMI 53 (Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53). Candidate variables were assessed using Cox regression. The strongest indicators of HHF risk were included in the score using integer weights. The score was externally validated in 7,251 placebo-treated patients in DECLARE-TIMI 58 (Dapagliflozin Effect on CardiovascuLAR Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58). The effect of dapagliflozin on HHF was assessed by risk category in DECLARE-TIMI 58.

RESULTS

The strongest indicators of HHF risk were NT-proBNP, prior HF, and hsTnT (each P < 0.001). A risk score using these three variables identified a gradient of HHF risk (P-trend <0.001) in the derivation and validation cohorts, with C-indices of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84-0.89) and 0.84 (0.81-0.86), respectively. Whereas there was no significant effect of dapagliflozin versus placebo on HHF in the low-risk group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.98 [95% CI 0.50-1.92]), dapagliflozin significantly reduced HHF in the intermediate-, high-, and very-high-risk groups (HR 0.64 [0.43-0.95], 0.63 [0.43-0.94], and 0.72 [0.54-0.96], respectively). Correspondingly, absolute risk reductions (95% CI) increased across these latter 3 groups: 1.0% (0.0-1.9), 3.0% (0.7-5.3), and 4.4% (-0.2 to 8.9) (P-trend <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a risk score for HHF in T2DM that incorporated NT-proBNP, prior HF, and hsTnT. The risk score identifies patients at higher risk of HHF who derive greater absolute benefit from dapagliflozin.

Obesity and effects of dapagliflozin on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial

AIMS 

We investigated the associations between obesity, cardiorenal events, and benefits of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS AND RESULTS 

DECLARE-TIMI 58 randomized patients with T2DM and either atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease or multiple risk factors to dapagliflozin vs. placebo. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI, kg/m2): normal (18.5 to <25), overweight (25 to <30), moderately obese (30 to <35), severely obese (35 to <40), and very-severely obese (≥40). Outcomes analysed were CV death, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), renal-specific composite outcome, and atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF/AFL). Of 17 134 patients, 9.0% had a normal BMI, 31.5% were overweight, 32.4% were moderately, 17.2% severely, and 9.8% were very-severely obese. Higher BMI was associated with a higher adjusted risk of HHF and AF/AFL (hazard ratio 1.30 and 1.28, respectively, per 5 kg/m2; P < 0.001 for all). Dapagliflozin reduced body weight by similar relative amounts consistently across BMI categories (percent difference: -1.9 to -2.4%). Although relative risk reductions in CV and renal-specific composite outcomes with dapagliflozin did not significantly differ across the range of BMI (P for interaction ≥0.20 for all outcomes), obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) tended to derive greater absolute risk reduction in HHF and AF/AFL (P for interaction 0.02 and 0.09, respectively) than non-obese patients.

CONCLUSIONS 

In DECLARE-TIMI 58, patients with T2DM and higher BMI were more likely to have HHF and AF/AFL. Whereas relative risk reductions in CV and renal outcomes with dapagliflozin were generally consistent across the range of BMI, absolute risk reduction in obesity-related outcomes including HHF and AF/AFL tended to be larger in obese patients with T2DM.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT01730534.

The Effect of Dapagliflozin on Albuminuria in DECLARE-TIMI 58

OBJECTIVE

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve albuminuria in patients with high cardiorenal risk. We report albuminuria change in the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE-TIMI 58) cardiovascular outcome trial, which included populations with lower cardiorenal risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

DECLARE-TIMI 58 randomized 17,160 patients with type 2 diabetes, creatinine clearance >60 mL/min, and either atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD; 40.6%) or risk-factors for CVD (59.4%) to dapagliflozin or placebo. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was tested at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. The change in UACR over time was measured as a continuous and categorical variable (≤15, >15 to <30, ≥30 to ≤300, and >300 mg/g) by treatment arm. The composite cardiorenal outcome was a ≥40% sustained decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to <60 mL/min/1.73 m², end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular or renal death; specific renal outcome included all except cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

Baseline UACR was available for 16,843 (98.15%) participants: 9,067 (53.83%) with ≤15 mg/g, 2,577 (15.30%) with >15 to <30 mg/g, 4,030 (23.93%) with 30-300 mg/g, and 1,169 (6.94%) with >300 mg/g. Measured as a continuous variable, UACR improved from baseline to 4.0 years with dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, across all UACR and eGFR categories (all P < 0.0001). Sustained confirmed ≥1 category improvement in UACR was more common in dapagliflozin versus placebo (hazard ratio 1.45 [95% CI 1.35-1.56], P < 0.0001). Cardiorenal outcome was reduced with dapagliflozin for subgroups of UACR ≥30 mg/g (P < 0.0125, P _interaction = 0.033), and the renal-specific outcome was reduced for all UACR subgroups (P < 0.05, P _interaction = 0.480).

CONCLUSIONS

In DECLARE-TIMI 58, dapagliflozin demonstrated a favorable effect on UACR and renal-specific outcome across baseline UACR categories, including patients with normal albumin excretion. The results suggest a role for SGLT2i also in the primary prevention of diabetic kidney disease.

SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists: established and emerging indications

SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are used in patients with type 2 diabetes as glucose lowering therapies, with additional benefits of weight loss and blood pressure reduction. Data from cardiovascular outcome trials have highlighted that these drugs confer protection against major cardiovascular disease in those with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of admission to hospital for heart failure, and reduce cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Ongoing research using hard renal endpoints such as end stage kidney disease rather than surrogate markers might clarify the renoprotective benefits of both agents. When used for glucose lowering, SGLT2 inhibitors are most effective if the estimated glomerular filtration rate is more than 60 ml per min per 1·73m² at initiation and should be avoided where there is a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. GLP-1 receptor agonists are contraindicated in those with a history of medullary thyroid cancer and used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis of a known cause. These drugs are now second-line, or even arguably first-line, glucose lowering therapies in patients with cardiorenal disease, irrespective of glycaemic control. If an SGLT2 inhibitor or GLP-1 receptor agonist is considered suitable in patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment should be prioritised according to existing evidence: GLP-1 receptor agonists should be considered in patients at a high risk of, or with established, cardiovascular disease and SGLT2 inhibitors considered for patients with heart failure (with reduced ejection fraction) or chronic kidney disease (with or without established cardiovascular disease). There is now compelling data on the benefits of these drugs for a range of other clinical indications even without type 2 diabetes, including for GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with obesity and overweight with weight-related comorbidities.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on Cardiovascular Outcomes According to Baseline Kidney Function and Albuminuria Status in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin, promote renal glucose excretion and reduce cardiovascular (CV) deaths and hospitalizations for heart failure (HHF) among patients with type 2 diabetes. The relative CV efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin according to baseline kidney function and albuminuria status are unknown.

Objective

To assess the CV efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin according to baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This secondary analysis of the randomized clinical trial Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 compared dapagliflozin vs placebo in 17 160 patients with type 2 diabetes and a baseline creatinine clearance of 60 mL/min or higher. Patients were categorized according to prespecified subgroups of baseline eGFR (<60 vs ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR; <30 vs ≥30 mg/g), and of chronic kidney disease (CKD) markers using these subgroups (0, 1, or 2). The study was conducted from May 2013 to September 2018.

Interventions

Dapagliflozin vs placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The dual primary end points were major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and CV death) and the composite of CV death or HHF.

Results

At baseline, 1265 patients (7.4%) had an eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 5199 patients (30.9%) had albuminuria. Among patients having data for both eGFR and UACR, 10 958 patients (65.1%) had an eGFR equal to or higher than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and an UACR below 30 mg/g (mean [SD] age, 63.7 [6.7] years; 40.1% women), 5336 patients (31.7%) had either an eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or albuminuria (mean [SD] age, 64.1 [7.1] years; 32.6% women), and 548 patients (3.3%) had both (mean [SD] age, 66.8 [6.9] years; 30.5% women). In the placebo group, patients with more CKD markers had higher event rates at 4 years as assessed using the Kaplan-Meier approach for the composite of CV death or HHF (3.9% for 0 markers, 8.3% for 1 marker, and 17.4% for 2 markers) and major adverse cardiovascular events (7.5% for 0 markers, 11.6% for 1 marker, and 18.9% for 2 markers). Estimates for relative risk reductions for the composite of CV death or HHF and for major adverse cardiovascular events were generally consistent across subgroups (both P > .24 for interaction), although greater absolute risk reductions were observed with more markers of CKD. The absolute risk difference for the composite of CV death or HHF was greater for patients with more markers of CKD (0 markers, -0.5%; 1 marker, -1.0%; and 2 markers, -8.3%; P = .02 for interaction). The numbers of amputations, cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, fractures, and major hypoglycemic events were balanced or numerically lower with dapagliflozin compared with placebo for patients with an eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and an UACR of 30 mg/g or higher.

Conclusions and Relevance

The effect of dapagliflozin on the relative risk for CV events was consistent across eGFR and UACR groups, with the greatest absolute benefit for the composite of CV death or HHF observed among patients with both reduced eGFR and albuminuria.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01730534.

Optimising the Heart Failure Treatment Pathway: The Role of SGLT2 Inhibitors

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were first developed as glucose-lowering therapies for the treatment of diabetes. However, these drugs have now been recognised to prevent worsening heart-failure events, improve health-related quality of life, and reduce mortality in people with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), including those both with and without diabetes. Despite robust clinical trial data demonstrating favourable outcomes with SGLT2 inhibitors for patients with HFrEF, there is a lack of familiarity with the HF indication for these drugs, which have been the remit of diabetologists to date. In this article we use consensus expert opinion alongside the available evidence and label indication to provide support for the healthcare community treating people with HF regarding positioning of SGLT2 inhibitors within the treatment pathway. By highlighting appropriate prescribing and practical considerations, we hope to encourage greater, and safe, use of SGLT2 inhibitors in this population.

The efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in women and men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Women remain underrepresented in clinical trials and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) events. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin reduces the risk of CV death or heart failure hospitalisations in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Here, we performed a pre-specified analysis to examine whether sex modifies these effects.

METHODS

The DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial randomised 17,160 patients with type 2 diabetes with or at risk for atherosclerotic disease to dapagliflozin or placebo (median follow-up 4.2 years). The dual efficacy outcomes were CV death or heart failure hospitalisations, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; CV death, myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke). The renal-specific composite outcome was a sustained ≥40% drop in eGFR to <60 ml min-1 [1.73 m]-2, new end-stage renal disease or renal death. Cox models were run separately by sex with treatment-by-sex interaction testing for each outcome.

RESULTS

At baseline, women (n = 6422, 37.4%) had higher HbA1c, longer type 2 diabetes duration, and were on fewer glucose-lowering medications. There was no evidence of modification of the effect of dapagliflozin by sex for (1) CV death or heart failure hospitalisations: women (3.8% vs 4.5%; HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.66, 1.07) and men (5.3% vs 6.4%; HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71, 0.96; pinteraction = 0.90); (2) MACE: women (6.3% vs 6.8%; HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.77, 1.12) and men (10.0% vs 10.7%; HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.83, 1.05; pinteraction = 0.99); or (3) renal-specific composite: women (1.4% vs 2.8%; HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35, 0.70) and men (1.5% vs 2.5%; HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42, 0.73; pinteraction = 0.64). The overall safety profile of dapagliflozin was similar for women and men.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Dapagliflozin offers comparable CV and renal benefits and a comparable safety profile in women and men.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov NCT01730534.

Impact of Semaglutide on Body Composition in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: Exploratory Analysis of the STEP 1 Study

Background: Central obesity is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. Weight loss reduces lean muscle mass, potentially impacting resting energy expenditure and/or physical functioning. This analysis of the STEP 1 trial evaluated the impact of subcutaneous (s.c.) semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, on body composition in adults with overweight/obesity using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Methods: In STEP 1, 1961 adults aged ≥18 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2 with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity or BMI ≥30 kg/m2, without diabetes, were randomized to s.c. semaglutide 2.4 mg once-weekly or matched placebo (2:1) for 68 weeks, plus lifestyle intervention. Participants with BMI ≤40 kg/m2 from 9 sites were eligible for the substudy. Total fat mass, total lean body mass and regional visceral fat mass were measured using DEXA at screening and week 68; visceral fat mass was calculated in the L4 region (both males/females), android region (males), or gynoid region (females), depending on site scanner methodology. Proportions of total fat and lean body mass are shown relative to total body mass; proportion of visceral fat mass is expressed relative to region assessed.

Results: This analysis included 140 participants (semaglutide n=95; placebo n=45) (mean weight 98.4 kg, BMI 34.8 kg/m2; 76% female). Baseline body composition was similar in those receiving semaglutide and placebo (total fat mass proportion: 43.4% vs 44.6%; regional visceral fat mass proportion: 33.8% vs 36.3%; total lean body mass proportion: 53.9% vs 52.7%; respectively). Percentage change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was -15.0% with semaglutide vs -3.6% with placebo. This resulted in reductions from baseline with semaglutide in total fat mass (-19.3%) and regional visceral fat mass (-27.4%), leading to 3.5%-point and 2.0%-point reductions in the proportions of total fat mass and visceral fat mass, respectively. Total lean body mass decreased from baseline (-9.7%); however, the proportion relative to total body mass increased by 3.0%-points. An increasing improvement in lean body mass:fat mass ratio was seen with semaglutide with increasing weight loss from baseline to week 68 (continuous data). Overall, the ratio increased from baseline (1.34 [95% CI: 1.22, 1.47]) to week 68 by 0.23 [0.14, 0.32], with greater improvement in those with ≥15% weight loss (n=44; 0.41 [0.28, 0.53]) vs &lt;15% weight loss (n=39; 0.03 [-0.05, 0.12]) (observed, dichotomized data; no imputation for missing data). There were no major changes in body composition with placebo from baseline to week 68.

Conclusion: In adults with overweight/obesity, semaglutide 2.4 mg was associated with reduced total fat mass and regional visceral fat mass, and an increased proportion of lean body mass. Greater weight loss was associated with greater improvement in body composition (lean body mass:fat mass ratio).

Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide 2.4 MG in Adults With Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1)

Background: Despite the increasing global adverse health impact of obesity, there are few pharmacological options for effective weight management. STEP 1 investigated the efficacy and safety of the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, subcutaneous (s.c.) semaglutide, for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial was conducted at 129 sites across 16 countries (NCT03548935). Adults aged ≥18 years with either body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity, without type 2 diabetes, were randomized 2:1 to 68 weeks’ treatment with once-weekly s.c. semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo, both as adjunct to lifestyle intervention. The co-primary endpoints were percentage change in body weight and achievement of weight loss ≥5%. Cardiometabolic risk factors, patient-reported outcomes, and safety/tolerability were also assessed. Two estimands were defined: treatment policy (effect regardless of treatment adherence and use of rescue intervention) and trial product (effect assuming treatment adherence and without rescue intervention); results are presented for the treatment policy estimand, unless stated otherwise. P values for parameters marked with ^# were not controlled for multiplicity.

Results: 1961 randomized participants (mean age 46 years, body weight 105.3 kg, BMI 37.9 kg/m²; 74.1% female) were included. Mean body weight change from baseline to week 68 was −14.9% in the semaglutide group vs −2.4% with placebo (estimated treatment difference [ETD]: −12.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI): −13.4, −11.5; p<0.0001). Similar results were obtained with the trial product estimand: mean body weight change^# was -16.9% for semaglutide vs -2.4% for placebo (ETD: -14.4%; 95% CI: -15.3, -13.6; p<0.0001). Participants were more likely to achieve weight loss ≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15%, and ≥20%^# with semaglutide vs placebo (86.4% vs 31.5%, 69.1% vs 12.0%, 50.5% vs 4.9%, and 32.0% vs 1.7%, respectively; p<0.0001 for all). Greater improvements were seen with semaglutide vs placebo in waist circumference, BMI^#, systolic and diastolic^# blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin^#, fasting plasma glucose^#, C-reactive protein^#, fasting lipid profile^#, and self-reported physical functioning (p<0.05 for all). No new safety signals with semaglutide were observed. The most frequent adverse events with semaglutide were gastrointestinal disorders (typically transient and mild-to-moderate).

Conclusion: In adults with overweight or obesity, once-weekly s.c. semaglutide 2.4 mg plus lifestyle intervention induced a mean weight loss of approximately 15% by week 68. Clinically beneficial weight loss of ≥10% was achieved by over two-thirds of participants and ≥20% by one-third of participants, along with associated improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and physical functioning.

Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Outcomes of Dapagliflozin Versus Placebo in a Primary Cardiovascular Prevention Cohort: Analyses From DECLARE-TIMI 58

OBJECTIVE

International guidelines propose prescribing sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as secondary prevention in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with multiple risk factors (MRF) for ASCVD. The current analyses expand on the cardiovascular renal and metabolic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in MRF patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In DECLARE-TIMI 58, 17,160 patients with T2D and MRF (59.4%) or established ASCVD (40.6%) were randomized to dapagliflozin versus placebo; patients were followed for a median of 4.2 years. The cardiovascular and renal outcomes in the MRF cohort were studied across clinically relevant subgroups for treatment effect and subgroup-based treatment interaction.

RESULTS

Among patients with MRF, the reduction with dapagliflozin in risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (CVD/HHF) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.67-1.04) and the renal-specific outcome (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.37-0.69) did not differ from that for patients with ASCVD (P _interaction 0.99 and 0.72, respectively). The effect on CVD/HHF was entirely driven by a reduction in HHF (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.88). The benefits of dapagliflozin on HHF and on the renal-specific outcome, among the subset with MRF, were directionally consistent across clinically relevant subgroups. At 48 months, HbA_1c, weight, systolic blood pressure, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were lower with dapagliflozin versus placebo and estimated glomerular filtration rate was higher (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2D and MRF, dapagliflozin reduced the risk of HHF and adverse renal outcomes regardless of baseline characteristics. These analyses support the benefit of dapagliflozin for important outcomes in a broad primary prevention population.

Short-Term Physical Inactivity Induces Endothelial Dysfunction

Objective

This study examined the effects of a short-term reduction in physical activity, and subsequent resumption, on metabolic profiles, body composition and cardiovascular (endothelial) function.

Design

Twenty-eight habitually active (≥10,000 steps/day) participants (18 female, 10 male; age 32 ± 11 years; BMI 24.3 ± 2.5 kg/m²) were assessed at baseline, following 14 days of step-reduction and 14 days after resuming habitual activity.

Methods

Physical activity was monitored throughout (SenseWear Armband). Endothelial function (flow mediated dilation; FMD), cardiorespiratory fitness ( V . ⁢ O 2 peak) and body composition including liver fat (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were determined at each assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way within subject's ANOVA; data presented as mean (95% CI).

Results

Participants decreased their step count from baseline by 10,111 steps/day (8949, 11,274; P < 0.001), increasing sedentary time by 103 min/day (29, 177; P < 0.001). Following 14 days of step-reduction, endothelial function was reduced by a 1.8% (0.4, 3.3; P = 0.01) decrease in FMD. Following resumption of habitual activity, FMD increased by 1.4%, comparable to the baseline level 0.4% (-1.8, 2.6; P = 1.00). Total body fat, waist circumference, liver fat, whole body insulin sensitivity and cardiorespiratory fitness were all adversely affected by 14 days step-reduction (P < 0.05) but returned to baseline levels following resumption of activity.

Conclusion

This data shows for the first time that whilst a decline in endothelial function is observed following short-term physical inactivity, this is reversed on resumption of habitual activity. The findings highlight the need for public health interventions that focus on minimizing time spent in sedentary behavior.

Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a global health challenge with few pharmacologic options. Whether adults with obesity can achieve weight loss with once-weekly semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention has not been confirmed.

METHODS

In this double-blind trial, we enrolled 1961 adults with a body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) of 30 or greater (≥27 in persons with ≥1 weight-related coexisting condition), who did not have diabetes, and randomly assigned them, in a 2:1 ratio, to 68 weeks of treatment with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide (at a dose of 2.4 mg) or placebo, plus lifestyle intervention. The coprimary end points were the percentage change in body weight and weight reduction of at least 5%. The primary estimand (a precise description of the treatment effect reflecting the objective of the clinical trial) assessed effects regardless of treatment discontinuation or rescue interventions.

RESULTS

The mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was -14.9% in the semaglutide group as compared with -2.4% with placebo, for an estimated treatment difference of -12.4 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], -13.4 to -11.5; P<0.001). More participants in the semaglutide group than in the placebo group achieved weight reductions of 5% or more (1047 participants [86.4%] vs. 182 [31.5%]), 10% or more (838 [69.1%] vs. 69 [12.0%]), and 15% or more (612 [50.5%] vs. 28 [4.9%]) at week 68 (P<0.001 for all three comparisons of odds). The change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was -15.3 kg in the semaglutide group as compared with -2.6 kg in the placebo group (estimated treatment difference, -12.7 kg; 95% CI, -13.7 to -11.7). Participants who received semaglutide had a greater improvement with respect to cardiometabolic risk factors and a greater increase in participant-reported physical functioning from baseline than those who received placebo. Nausea and diarrhea were the most common adverse events with semaglutide; they were typically transient and mild-to-moderate in severity and subsided with time. More participants in the semaglutide group than in the placebo group discontinued treatment owing to gastrointestinal events (59 [4.5%] vs. 5 [0.8%]).

CONCLUSIONS

In participants with overweight or obesity, 2.4 mg of semaglutide once weekly plus lifestyle intervention was associated with sustained, clinically relevant reduction in body weight. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; STEP 1 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03548935).

The prevalence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in prediabetes: a systematic review

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is independently associated with silent myocardial ischaemia, major cardiovascular events, myocardial dysfunction and cardiovascular mortality. Several studies have highlighted the increased prevalence of CAN in prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose). Considering the exponential rise of prediabetes, we aimed to determine the prevalence of CAN through a systematic literature review.

METHODS

This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019125447). An electronic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane databases. Published full text, English language articles that provide CAN prevalence data of studies in individuals with prediabetes and aged over 18 years were included. Prevalence data for normal glucose tolerance and diabetes were also extracted from the selected articles, if present. All articles were screened by two independent reviewers using a priori criteria. Methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using a critical appraisal tool.

RESULTS

Database searches found 4500 articles; subsequently, 199 full text articles were screened, 11 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria (4431 total participants, 1730 people with prediabetes, 1999 people with normal glucose tolerance [NGT] and 702 people with predominantly type 2 diabetes). Six of the selected studies reported definite CAN prevalence data (9-39%). Only a single large population-based study by Ziegler et al (KORA S4 study, 1332 participants) determined definite CAN based on two or more positive autonomic function tests (AFTs), with a mean prevalence of 9% in all prediabetes groups (isolated impaired glucose tolerance 5.9%; isolated impaired fasting glucose 8.1%; impaired fasting glucose plus impaired glucose tolerance 11.4%), which was higher than NGT (4.5%). This study is most likely to provide a reliable population-specific estimate of CAN in prediabetes. There was a higher than expected prevalence of CAN in prediabetes (9-38%) when compared with normal glucose tolerance (0-18%) within the same studies (n = 8). There was a wide prevalence of possible CAN based on one positive AFT (n = 5). There was heterogeneity between the studies with variations in the definition of CAN, methodology and characteristics of the populations, which likely contributed to the diversity of prevalence estimates. The overall risk of bias was low.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

There is a higher than expected prevalence of CAN in prediabetes. Early detection of CAN in prediabetes through population screening needs careful consideration in view of the excess morbidity and mortality risk associated with this condition. Graphical abstract.

Estimating and reporting treatment effects in clinical trials for weight management: using estimands to interpret effects of intercurrent events and missing data

In the approval process for new weight management therapies, regulators typically require estimates of effect size. Usually, as with other drug evaluations, the placebo-adjusted treatment effect (i.e., the difference between weight losses with pharmacotherapy and placebo, when given as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention) is provided from data in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). At first glance, this may seem appropriate and straightforward. However, weight loss is not a simple direct drug effect, but is also mediated by other factors such as changes in diet and physical activity. Interpreting observed differences between treatment arms in weight management RCTs can be challenging; intercurrent events that occur after treatment initiation may affect the interpretation of results at the end of treatment. Utilizing estimands helps to address these uncertainties and improve transparency in clinical trial reporting by better matching the treatment-effect estimates to the scientific and/or clinical questions of interest. Estimands aim to provide an indication of trial outcomes that might be expected in the same patients under different conditions. This article reviews how intercurrent events during weight management trials can influence placebo-adjusted treatment effects, depending on how they are accounted for and how missing data are handled. The most appropriate method for statistical analysis is also discussed, including assessment of the last observation carried forward approach, and more recent methods, such as multiple imputation and mixed models for repeated measures. The use of each of these approaches, and that of estimands, is discussed in the context of the SCALE phase 3a and 3b RCTs evaluating the effect of liraglutide 3.0 mg for the treatment of obesity.

Cardiorenal outcomes with dapagliflozin by baseline glucose-lowering agents: Post hoc analyses from DECLARE-TIMI 58

AIM

To assess the associations between baseline glucose-lowering agents (GLAs) and cardiorenal outcomes with dapagliflozin versus placebo in the DECLARE-TIMI 58 study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DECLARE-TIMI 58 assessed the cardiorenal outcomes of dapagliflozin versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes. This post hoc analysis elaborates the efficacy and safety outcomes by baseline GLA for treatment effect and GLA-based treatment interaction.

RESULTS

At baseline, 14 068 patients (82.0%) used metformin, 7322 (42.7%) sulphonylureas, 2888 (16.8%) dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, 750 (4.4%) glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and 7013 (40.9%) insulin. Dapagliflozin reduced the composite of cardiovascular death (CVD) and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) versus placebo regardless of baseline GLA, with greater benefit in the small group of patients with baseline use of GLP-1 RAs (HR [95% CI] 0.37 [0.18, 0.78] vs. 0.86 [0.75, 0.98] in GLP-1 RA users vs. non-users, P_interaction = .03). The overall HR for major adverse cardiovascular events (CVD, myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke) was 0.93 (95% CI 0.84, 1.03) with dapagliflozin versus placebo, with no interaction by baseline GLA (P_interaction > .05). The renal-specific outcome was reduced with dapagliflozin versus placebo in the overall cohort (HR [95%CI] 0.53[0.43-0.66]), with no interaction by baseline GLA (P_interaction > .05). All of these outcomes were similar in those with versus those without baseline metformin use.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of dapagliflozin on cardiorenal outcomes were generally consistent regardless of baseline GLA, with consistent benefits regardless of baseline metformin use. The potential clinical benefit of combining sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors with GLP-1 RAs, given some evidence of cardiovascular risk reduction with both classes, should be explored further.

Cardiovascular outcome trials in obesity: A review

Obesity is a global epidemic associated with over 200 health complications and a significant risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), partly by increasing classical risk factors such as lipid and glucose levels and blood pressure. Weight loss through lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy and/or bariatric surgery improves CV risk factors. Cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) of anti-obesity medications aim to evaluate the CV safety and benefits of pharmacotherapy. Many CVOTs in obesity have either failed to demonstrate a CV benefit or have been terminated prematurely because of safety issues, prompting regulatory agencies to define new requirements (based on those for CVOTs in type 2 diabetes [T2D]). CVOTs of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in T2D have demonstrated that some GLP-1RAs reduce CV risk and may help inform future CVOTs in obesity, given the approval of liraglutide 3.0 mg for obesity. In this review, the evidence for the link between obesity and CVD is considered in the context of studies showing that weight loss improves markers of CV risk and risk of adverse CV events. The review also examines the CVOTs in obesity that have been conducted to date and those under way, such as the SELECT trial with subcutaneous semaglutide of 2.4 mg.

Mechanisms, screening modalities and treatment options for individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exists as a spectrum of disease ranging from excessive accumulation of fat within the liver (simple steatosis), inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) through to fibrosis, cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. There is also an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The principal risk factor for NAFLD is overweight or obesity, along with type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD itself is also a risk factor for incident type 2 diabetes. Overweight/obesity is synergistic with alcohol consumption in causing progressive and insidious liver damage. Recent consensus advocates a change in nomenclature from NAFLD to 'metabolic associated fatty liver disease' (MAFLD), reflective of the associated metabolic abnormalities (insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome components). Additional extra-hepatic manifestations of NAFLD include cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and certain cancers. Unlike other micro- and macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes, systematic screening or surveillance protocols have not been widely adopted in routine diabetes care to assess for presence/severity of NAFLD. Various screening tools are available (non-invasive tests and biochemical indices) combined with imaging techniques (e.g. transient elastography) to detect steatosis and more importantly advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis to facilitate appropriate surveillance. Liver biopsy may be sometimes necessary. Treatment options for type 2 diabetes, including lifestyle interventions (dietary change and physical activity), glucose-lowering therapies and metabolic surgery, can modulate hepatic steatosis and to a lesser extent fibrosis. Awareness of the impact of liver disease on the choice of glucose-lowering medications in individuals with type 2 diabetes is also critical.

Dapagliflozin and Cardiac, Kidney, and Limb Outcomes in Patients With and Without Peripheral Artery Disease in DECLARE-TIMI 58

BACKGROUND

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at heightened risk of cardiovascular complications. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin reduces the risk for hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and kidney events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. An increased risk of amputation has been observed with canagliflozin in 1 previous trial. We examined cardiovascular and kidney efficacy and the risk of limb-related events in patients with and without PAD in an exploratory analysis.

METHODS

A total of 17 160 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including 1025 (6%) with PAD, were randomized. Key efficacy outcomes were MACE (cardiovascular [CV] death, myocardial infarction, stroke), CV death/HHF, and progression of kidney disease. Amputations, peripheral revascularization, and limb ischemic adverse events were site-reported and categorized by a blinded reviewer.

RESULTS

Patients in the placebo arm with PAD versus those without tended to have higher adjusted risk of CV death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.23 [95% CI, 0.97-1.56], P=0.094) and significantly higher adjusted risk of CV death/HHF (adjusted HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.21-2.12], P=0.0010) and progression of kidney disease (adjusted HR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.13 - 2.03], P=0.0058), and limb adverse events (adjusted HR, 8.37, P<0.001). The relative risk reductions with dapagliflozin for CV death/HHF (HR, 0.86, PAD; HR, 0.82, no-PAD; P-interaction=0.79) and progression of kidney disease (HR, 0.78, PAD; HR, 0.76, no-PAD; P-interaction=0.84) were consistent regardless of PAD. There were 560 patients who had at least 1 limb ischemic event, 454 patients with at least 1 peripheral revascularization, and 236 patients with at least 1 amputation, with a total of 407 amputations reported. Overall, there were no significant differences in any limb outcome with dapagliflozin versus placebo including limb ischemic adverse events (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.90-1.26]) and amputation (HR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.84-1.40]), with no significant interactions by a history of PAD versus not (P-interactions=0.30 and 0.093, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with versus without PAD are at a higher risk of CV death of CV death, HHF, and kidney outcomes, and have a consistent benefits for CV death/HHF and progression of kidney disease with dapagliflozin. Patients with PAD had a higher risk of limb events, with no consistent pattern of incremental risk observed with dapagliflozin. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01730534.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with reduced flow mediated dilation independent of obesity status

BACKGROUND

Data suggest that metabolic health status, incorporating components of metabolic syndrome (MetS), predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk better than BMI. This study explored the association of MetS and obesity with endothelial function, a prognostic risk factor for incident CVD.

METHODS

Forty-four participants were phenotyped according to BMI as non-obese vs obese (<30 or >30 kg/m2) and according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria of MetS: ≤2 criteria MetS (MetS-) vs ≥3 criteria MetS (MetS+); (1.)non-obese MetS- vs (2.) non-obese MetS+ and (3.) obese MetS- vs (4.) obese MetS+. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), body composition including liver fat (MRI and spectroscopy), dietary intake, intensities of habitual physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness were determined. Variables were analysed using a one-factor between-groups ANOVA and linear regression; mean (95% CI) are presented.

RESULTS

Individuals with MetS+ displayed lower FMD than those with MetS-. For non-obese individuals mean difference between MetS+ and MetS- was 4.1% ((1.0, 7.3); P = 0.004) and obese individuals had a mean difference between MetS+ and MetS- of 6.2% ((3.1, 9.2); P < 0.001). Although there was no association between BMI and FMD (P = 0.27), an increased number of MetS components was associated with a lower FMD (P = 0.005), and after adjustment for age and sex, 19.7% of the variance of FMD was explained by MetS, whereas only 1.1% was explained by BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study cohort, components of MetS, rather than obesity per se, contribute to reduced FMD, which suggests a reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide and thus increased risk of CVD.

Safety of dapagliflozin in a broad population of patients with type 2 diabetes: Analyses from the DECLARE-TIMI 58 study

AIMS

To evaluate comprehensively the safety of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with emphasis placed on potential safety concerns related to the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor class.

METHODS

In the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events - Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 (DECLARE-TIMI 58) study, 17 160 patients with T2DM were randomized to dapagliflozin or placebo and followed for a median of 4.2 years. Safety was evaluated in 17 143 patients receiving at least one dose of study drug.

RESULTS

Acute kidney injury occurred less frequently with dapagliflozin, and adverse events suggestive of volume depletion were balanced between treatment groups, both irrespective of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, diuretic or loop diuretic use (interaction P values >0.05). Fractures and malignancies were balanced between the groups, irrespective of sex, diabetes duration or smoking (interaction P values >0.05) and fewer cases of bladder cancer occurred in the dapagliflozin versus the placebo group. Diabetic ketoacidosis was very rare, but more frequent with dapagliflozin versus placebo (27 vs. 12 patients with events; P = 0.02), yet signs, symptoms and contributing factors were similar in the two groups. Major hypoglycaemia occurred less frequently with dapagliflozin versus placebo, regardless of baseline use of either insulin or sulphonylureas (interaction P values >0.05). There were more adverse events of genital infections leading to discontinuation of study drug in the dapagliflozin versus the placebo group, but serious genital infections were few and balanced between treatment groups. Urinary tract infections, acute pyelonephritis and urosepsis were also balanced between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin was well tolerated. The long duration and large number of patient-years in DECLARE-TIMI 58 comprehensively addressed previous safety questions, confirming the robust safety profile of dapagliflozin.

Cardiovascular and renal benefits of dapagliflozin in patients with short and long-standing type 2 diabetes: Analysis from the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial

AIM

To investigate whether the cardiovascular and renal benefits observed with dapagliflozin in the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial are also observed in patients with short and long-standing diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This post hoc analysis studied the dual primary efficacy endpoints, a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (CVD/HHF) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; CVD, myocardial infarction [MI], ischaemic stroke) by diabetes duration.

RESULTS

Of the 17 160 patients, 3836 had diabetes duration of ≤5 years, 4731 >5-10 years, 3952 >10-15 years, 2433 >15-20 years and 2206 >20 years. Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of CVD/HHF by a similar amount across diabetes duration subgroups, ranging from HR 0.79 (0.58-1.06) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.75 (0.55-1.03) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P-value 0.76). Hazard ratios (HRs) for MACE ranged from 1.08 (0.87-1.35) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.67 (0.52-0.86) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P-value 0.004). This was driven by greater reductions in the risk of MI and ischaemic stroke with dapagliflozin in patients with long-standing diabetes (interaction trend P-values 0.019 and 0.015, respectively). The duration-based MACE heterogeneity was apparent in those with or without a history of prior MI and in those with multiple risk factors. The renal-specific outcome was reduced with dapagliflozin with HRs ranging from 0.79 (0.47-1.34) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.42 (0.25-0.72) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P-value 0.084).

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of CVD/HHF consistently, regardless of diabetes duration, whereas the treatment effect for MACE differed by duration subgroups, with significant reductions with dapagliflozin in patients with long-standing diabetes.

Dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin add-on to metformin reduces liver fat and adipose tissue volume in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To assess the effects of dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin plus metformin versus glimepiride plus metformin on liver fat (proton density fat fraction) and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes over 52 weeks of treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a magnetic resonance imaging substudy of a 52-week, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin 10 mg/day plus saxagliptin 5 mg/day versus titrated glimepiride 1-6 mg (1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 mg) in 82 patients with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 7.5%-10.5%) on metformin ≥1500 mg/day background. Analyses were exploratory and not controlled for multiplicity; P-values are nominal.

RESULTS

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 59 patients; liver fat and adipose tissue volumes were analysed for 59 and 57 patients, respectively. There was a significant >30% reduction from baseline in liver fat (P = 0.007) and >10% reduction in adipose tissue volumes (P < 0.01) with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin plus metformin at week 52 versus glimepiride plus metformin. In the full-study population, dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin plus metformin decreased body weight and serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels over 52 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin significantly decreased liver fat and adipose tissue volume versus glimepiride, and reduced serum liver enzyme levels, indicating a favourable metabolic profile of dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin therapy.

Endocrine testing in obesity

Endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism may cause weight gain and exacerbate metabolic dysfunction in obesity. Other forms of endocrine dysfunction, particularly gonadal dysfunction (predominantly testosterone deficiency in men and polycystic ovarian syndrome in women), and abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the growth hormone-IGF-1 system and vitamin D deficiency are common in obesity. As a result, endocrinologists may be referred people with obesity for endocrine testing and asked to consider treatment with various hormones. A recent systematic review and associated guidance from the European Society of Endocrinology provide a useful evidence summary and clear guidelines on endocrine testing and treatment in people with obesity. With the exception of screening for hypothyroidism, most endocrine testing is not recommended in the absence of clinical features of endocrine syndromes in obesity, and likewise hormone treatment is rarely needed. These guidelines should help reduce unnecessary endocrine testing in those referred for assessment of obesity and encourage clinicians to support patients with their attempts at weight loss, which if successful has a good chance of correcting any endocrine dysfunction.