New insulin glargine 300 Units · mL-1 provides a more even activity profile and prolonged glycemic control at steady state compared with insulin glargine 100 Units · mL-1

A pragmatic randomized clinical trial of insulin glargine 300 U/mL vs first-generation basal insulin analogues in insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes: 6-month outcomes of the ACHIEVE Control study

AIMS

To compare the safety and efficacy of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) versus first-generation standard-of-care basal insulin analogues (SOC-BI; insulin glargine 100 U/mL or insulin detemir) at 6 months.

METHODS

In the 12-month, open-label, multicentre, randomized, pragmatic ACHIEVE Control trial, insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 64 to 97 mmol/mol (8.0%-11.0%) after ≥1 year of treatment with ≥2 diabetes medications were randomized to Gla-300 or SOC-BI. The composite primary endpoint, evaluated at 6 months, was the proportion of participants achieving individualized HbA1c targets per Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) criteria without documented symptomatic (blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia at any time of the day at 6 months.

RESULTS

Of 1651 and 1653 participants randomized to Gla-300 and SOC-BI, respectively, 31.3% and 27.9% achieved the composite primary endpoint at 6 months (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.39; P = 0.03 for superiority); 78.4% and 75.3% had no documented symptomatic or severe hypoglycaemia (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.41). Changes from baseline to month 6 in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, weight, and BI analogue dose were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among insulin-naïve adults with poorly controlled T2D, Gla-300 was associated with a statistically significantly higher proportion of participants achieving individualized HEDIS HbA1c targets without documented symptomatic or severe hypoglycaemia (vs SOC-BI) in a real-life population managed in a usual-care setting. The ACHIEVE Control study results add value to treatment decisions and options for patients, healthcare providers, payers and decision makers.

Insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus first-generation basal insulin analogues in insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes: 12-month outcomes of ACHIEVE Control, a prospective, randomized, pragmatic real-life clinical trial

AIM

To report the effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) versus standard-of-care basal insulin analogues (SOC-BI) at 12 months in the ACHIEVE Control trial, which is a prospective pragmatic randomized real-life study in insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

A total of 3304 insulin-naïve adults with T2D and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration of 64 to 97 mmol/mol (8.0% to 11.0%) after ≥1 year of treatment with two or more antihyperglycaemic agents were randomized to Gla-300 or SOC-BI. Key secondary endpoints included HbA1c target attainment without documented symptomatic (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia at 12 months.

RESULTS

At 12 months, 26.1% (Gla-300) and 23.7% (SOC-BI) of adults achieved HbA1c targets without documented symptomatic (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-1.35); 33.0% and 29.5%, respectively, achieved HbA1c targets without documented symptomatic (<3.0 mmol/L [<54 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.38). The OR for HbA1c target achievement was 1.15 (95% CI 0.99-1.34), and favoured Gla-300 versus SOC-BI for absence of documented symptomatic or severe hypoglycaemia at 12 months for both ≤3.9 mmol/L (≤70 mg/dL; OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.40) and < 3.0 mmol/L (<54 mg/dL; OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07-1.48).

CONCLUSION

Gla-300 tended to be associated with lower hypoglycaemia risk than SOC-BI in real-world clinical practice during the 12-month follow-up.

Understanding the Clinical Profile of Insulin Degludec, the Latest Basal Insulin Approved for Use in Canada: a Narrative Review

In recent years, the development of basal insulin therapies has focused on insulin analogues that have longer durations of action and more predictable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles than their human insulin-based predecessors, such as neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin. Dosed once-daily, such analogues can provide a more stable glucose-lowering action, which translates clinically into a reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Insulin degludec (degludec) became available in Canada in 2017 and is the first basal insulin analogue to have a half-life exceeding the dosing interval. As well as offering the promise of an exceptionally flat PK/PD profile when at steady state, this characteristic means that insulin degludec can be dosed with some flexibility with regard to time of day and that it need not be taken at the same time each day. However, the approximately 25-h half-life also has some implications concerning dose titration. This article provides an up-to-date review of the study data describing the clinical profile of degludec, and aims to give helpful and practical advice to prescribers about its use. While the clinical benefits of degludec are described, it is also acknowledged that further study is required to better understand how its clinical performance compares with that of insulin glargine 300 units/mL.

Factors Influencing Insulin Absorption Around Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes

International charities and health care organizations advocate regular physical activity for health benefit in people with type 1 diabetes. Clinical expert and international diabetes organizations' position statements support the management of good glycemia during acute physical exercise by adjusting exogenous insulin and/or carbohydrate intake. Yet research has detailed, and patients frequently report, variable blood glucose responses following both the same physical exercise session and insulin to carbohydrate alteration. One important source of this variability is insulin delivery to the circulation. With modern insulin analogs, it is important to understand how different insulins, their delivery methods, and inherent physiological factors, influence the reproducibility of insulin absorption from the injection site into circulation. Furthermore, contrary to the adaptive pancreatic response to exercise in the person without diabetes, the physiological and metabolic shifts with exercise may increase circulating insulin concentrations that may contribute to exercise-related hyperinsulinemia and consequent hypoglycemia. Thus, a furthered understanding of factors underpinning insulin delivery may offer more confidence for healthcare professionals and patients when looking to improve management of glycemia around exercise.

The Evolution of Insulin and How it Informs Therapy and Treatment Choices

Insulin has been available for the treatment of diabetes for almost a century, and the variety of insulin choices today represents many years of discovery and innovation. Insulin has gone from poorly defined extracts of animal pancreata to pure and precisely controlled formulations that can be prescribed and administered with high accuracy and predictability of action. Modifications of the insulin formulation and of the insulin molecule itself have made it possible to approximate the natural endogenous insulin response. Insulin and insulin formulations had to be designed to produce either a constant low basal level of insulin or the spikes of insulin released in response to meals. We discuss how the biochemical properties of endogenous insulin were exploited to either shorten or extend the time-action profiles of injectable insulins by varying the pharmacokinetics (time for appearance of insulin in the blood after injection) and pharmacodynamics (time-dependent changes in blood sugar after injection). This has resulted in rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulins, as well as mixtures and concentrated formulations. An understanding of how various insulins and formulations were designed to solve the challenges of insulin replacement will assist clinicians in meeting the needs of their individual patients.

Clinical Outcomes of Switching to Insulin Glargine 300 U/ml from Other Basal Insulins in People with Type 2 Diabetes in Italy: A Real-World Study

INTRODUCTION

Primary aim was to provide real-world evidence of the outcomes after the switch to glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) from other basal insulins (first or second generation) in Italy.

METHODS

Multicenter, observational, retrospective study based on electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Overall, 953 T2DM insulin ± OAD treated people switched to Gla-300 or Gla-100 from January 2015 to July 2018. Three clinically relevant cohorts were identified: patients switching to Gla-300 from first-generation basal insulin (cohort 1), patients switching to Gla-300 from degludec-100 (Deg-100) (cohort 2), and those switching to Gla-100 from any basal insulin (cohort 3). The three cohorts differed in terms of age, diabetes duration, and metabolic control. HbA1c changes after 6 months from the switch were - 0.27% (95% CI - 0.38; - 0.16), - 0.06% (95% CI - 0.31; 0.19), and - 0.30% (95% CI - 0.51; - 0.09) in the three cohorts, respectively. FPG significantly decreased in cohort 1 (- 14.07 mg/dl, 95% CI - 20.25; - 7.89), while body weight significantly decreased in cohort 2 (- 1.47 kg, 95% CI - 2.55; - 0.39). Doses of insulin marginally changed during the follow-up (+ 0.89 U in basal insulin daily dose in cohort 1 and + 2.07 U in short-acting insulin daily dose in cohort 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to Gla-300 from first-generation basal insulin in the real world is associated with improvements in metabolic control despite a suboptimal titration of both basal and short-acting insulins. Inertia in insulin titration documented in the Gla-100 cohort is also observed with the second-generation basal insulin. The switch to Gla-300 from Deg-100 was associated with a decrease in body weight of - 1.47 kg despite a slight increase in short-acting insulin daily doses of about + 2 U.

Lower risk of severe hypoglycaemia with insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus glargine 100 U/mL in participants with type 1 diabetes: A meta-analysis of 6-month phase 3 clinical trials

Severe hypoglycaemia (SH) remains a challenge to people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), and new-generation basal insulins may improve patient outcomes. This post hoc meta-analysis explored the risk of SH with insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) versus glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) in a pooled population with T1DM from three randomized, multicentre, 6-month similarly designed phase 3 trials: EDITION 4, EDITION JP 1 and EDITION JUNIOR. Endpoints included incidence and time to first occurrence of SH. Among 629 and 626 participants randomized to Gla-300 and Gla-100, respectively, glycated haemoglobin reductions were similar. Fewer participants experienced ≥1 SH event with Gla-300 (6.2%) than with Gla-100 (9.3%). From baseline to month 6, the risk of a first SH event was lower with Gla-300: hazard ratio 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.98; stratified log-rank test P = 0.038]. SH event rates were numerically lower with Gla-300 versus Gla-100 from baseline to month 6 [relative risk (RR) 0.80 (95% CI 0.49-1.29); P = 0.356] and baseline to week 8 [RR 0.73 (95% CI 0.37-1.44); P = 0.369]. Thus, Gla-300 demonstrated similar glycaemic control with lower risk of SH versus Gla-100, particularly during the titration period.

Reduced Hypoglycemia Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Switched to/Initiating Insulin Glargine 300 vs 100 U/ml: A European Real-World Study

INTRODUCTION

Randomized controlled trials and real-world data from the USA have shown similar glycemic control with insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) and insulin glargine 100 U/ml (Gla-100) and reduced hypoglycemia risk with Gla-300. This real-world study describes the efficacy and safety of Gla-300 and Gla-100 in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in France, Spain, and Germany.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review analysis used anonymized data for adults with T2D switching basal insulin analog (BIA) therapy to Gla-300 or Gla-100, or insulin-naïve patients initiating Gla-300 or Gla-100. Outcomes included change from baseline to 6-month follow-up in glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1C), total and severe hypoglycemia incidences and events, insulin dose, and reasons for BIA choice.

RESULTS

Six hundred sixty-five physicians (33.8% Spain, 31.7% France, 34.4% Germany) provided chart data for patients switching to Gla-300 (n = 679) or Gla-100 (n = 429) or initiating Gla-300 (n = 719) or Gla-100 (n = 711). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, A1C reductions from baseline were similar for patients switching to Gla-300 or Gla-100 (- 0.87% vs. - 0.93%; p = 0.326) while those switched to Gla-300 vs. Gla-100 had a significantly greater mean reduction in hypoglycemic events (- 1.29 vs. - 0.81 events during 6 months; p = 0.012). Mean insulin doses after titration were 0.43 ± 0.36 and 0.40 ± 0.28 U/kg in Gla-300 and Gla-100 switchers, respectively. Factors that significantly influenced BIA choice included a lower risk of hypoglycemia (for Gla-300) and physician familiarity (for Gla-100). Outcomes for insulin-naïve patients were broadly similar to those of switchers.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world European study, patients with T2D who switched therapy to Gla-300 or Gla-100 had improved glycemic control and reduced hypoglycemia at 6 months, with significant hypoglycemia advantages with Gla-300.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) during hospitalization and therapy intensification at discharge in patients with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes: results of the phase IV COBALTA trial

INTRODUCTION

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) during hospitalization and therapy intensification at discharge in insufficiently controlled people with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

COBALTA (for its acronym in Spanish, COntrol Basal durante la hospitalizacion y al ALTA) was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase IV trial including 112 evaluable inpatients with type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled (glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8%-10%) with basal insulin and/or non-insulin antidiabetic drugs. Patients were treated with a basal-bolus-correction insulin regimen with Gla-300 during the hospitalization and with Gla-300 and/or non-insulin antidiabetics for 6 months after discharge. The primary endpoint was the HbA1c change from baseline to month 6 postdischarge.

RESULTS

HbA1c levels decreased from 8.8%±0.6% at baseline to 7.2%±1.1% at month 6 postdischarge (p<0.001, mean change 1.6%±1.1%). All 7-point blood glucose levels decreased from baseline to 24 hours predischarge (p≤0.001, mean changes from 25.1±66.6 to 63.0±85.4 mg/dL). Fasting plasma glucose also decreased from baseline to 24 hours predischarge (p<0.001), month 3 (p<0.001) and month 6 (p<0.001) postdischarge (mean changes 51.5±90.9, 68.2±96.0 and 77.6±86.4 mg/dL, respectively). Satisfaction was high and hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia perception was low according to the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire at month 6 postdischarge. The incidence of confirmed (glucose<70 mg/dL)/severe hypoglycemia was 25.0% during hospitalization and 59.1% 6 months after discharge. No safety concerns were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Inpatient and intensification therapy at discharge with Gla-300 improved significantly glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled with other basal insulin and/or non-insulin antidiabetic medication, with high treatment satisfaction. Gla-300 could therefore be a treatment choice for hospital and postdischarge diabetes management.

Comparable efficacy with similarly low risk of hypoglycaemia in patient- vs physician-managed basal insulin initiation and titration in insulin-naïve type 2 diabetic subjects: The Italian Titration Approach Study

AIMS

People with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) often delay initiating and titrating basal insulin. Patient-managed titration may reduce such deferral. The Italian Titration Approach Study (ITAS) compared the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) initiation and titration using patient- (nurse-supported) or physician-management in insulin-naïve patients with uncontrolled T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ITAS was a multicentre, phase IV, 24-week, open-label, randomized (1:1), parallel-group study. Insulin-naïve adults with T2DM for ≥1 year with poor metabolic control initiated Gla-300 after discontinuation of SU/glinides, and were randomized to self-titrate insulin dose (nurse-assisted) or have it done by the physician. The primary endpoint was change in HbA_1c . Secondary outcomes included hypoglycaemia incidence and rate, change in fasting self-monitored plasma glucose, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty five participants were included in the intention-to-treat population. At Week 24, HbA_1c reduction from baseline was non-inferior in patient- vs physician-managed arms [least squares mean (LSM) change (SE): -1.60% (0.06) vs -1.49% (0.06), respectively; LSM difference: -0.11% (95% CI: -0.26 to 0.04)]. The incidence and rates of hypoglycaemia were similarly low in both arms: relative risk of confirmed and/or severe nocturnal (00:00-05:59 hours) hypoglycaemia was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.27 to 2.18). No differences were observed for improvement in PROs. No safety concerns were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In the T2DM insulin-naïve, SU/glinides discontinued population, patient-managed (nurse-assisted) titration of Gla-300 may be a suitable option as it provides improved glycaemic control with low risk of hypoglycaemia, similar to physician-managed titration.

In Silico Head-to-Head Comparison of Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL and Insulin Degludec 100 U/mL in Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Second-generation long-acting insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) and degludec 100 U/mL (Deg-100) provide novel basal insulin therapies for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Both offer a flatter pharmacokinetic (PK) profile than the previous generation of long-acting insulins, thus improving glycemic control while reducing hypoglycemic events. This work describes an in silico head-to-head comparison of the two basal insulins on 24-h glucose profiles and was used to guide the design of a clinical trial. Materials and Methods: The Universities of Virginia (UVA)/Padova T1D simulator describes the intra-/interday variability of glucose-insulin dynamics and thus provides a robust bench-test for assessing glucose control for basal insulin therapies. A PK model describing subcutaneous absorption of Deg-100, in addition to the one already available for Gla-300, has been developed based on T1D clinical data and incorporated into the simulator. One hundred in silico T1D subjects received a basal insulin dose (Gla-300 or Deg-100) for 12 weeks (8 weeks uptitration, 4 weeks stable dosing) by morning or evening administration in a basal/bolus regimen. The virtual patients were uptitrated to their individual doses with two different titration rules. Results: The last 2-week simulated continuous glucose monitoring data were used to calculate various outcome metrics for both basal insulin treatments, with primary outcome being the percent time in glucose target (70-140 mg/dL). The simulations show no statistically significant difference for Gla-300 versus Deg-100 in the main endpoints. Conclusions: This work suggests comparable glucose control using either Gla-300 or Deg-100 and was used to guide the design of a clinical trial intended to compare second-generation long-acting insulin analogues.

Patient-Reported Outcomes with Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in People with Type 2 Diabetes: The MAGE Multicenter Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

MAGE was a Multicenter, single-Arm, observational 6-month (plus 6-month extension) study that aimed to assess treatment satisfaction, efficacy, and safety of insulin Glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) receiving basal-bolus insulin in a rEal-world setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants were at least 18 years old, with T2DM for more than 1 year, HbA_1c 7.0-10.0%. The primary endpoint was change in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs) total score (baseline to month 6). Secondary endpoints included reasons for starting Gla-300, changes in the DTSQ change version (DTSQc) total score, Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II (HFS-II) total behavior and worry scores at months 6 and 12, HbA_1c changes at months 3, 6, 9, and 12, and safety.

RESULTS

MAGE included 87 adults (mean T2DM duration 17 years). The primary endpoint of DTSQs mean (standard deviation) total score improvement at month 6 was achieved (2.80 [5.46] points; p < 0.0001). The main reasons for Gla-300 initiation were to decrease HbA_1c (89.7% of participants) and reduce the number of hypoglycemic events (35.6% of participants). Significant improvements were observed in the DTSQc total score and perceived hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia (baseline to month 6, p < 0.05). Significant changes in HFS-II behavior, worry, and total scores at 6 and 12 months were also observed (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in HbA_1c. Safety outcomes, including hypoglycemia, were comparable to previously reported trials.

CONCLUSIONS

The MAGE study indicates that Gla-300, as part of a basal-bolus regimen, results in improved treatment satisfaction and reduced hypoglycemia fear in people with advanced T2DM.

Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Glargine 300 Units/mL (Gla-300) Versus Insulin Glargine 100 Units/mL (Gla-100) in Children and Adolescents (6-17 years) With Type 1 Diabetes: Results of the EDITION JUNIOR Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) and 100 units/mL (Gla-100) in children and adolescents (6-17 years old) with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

EDITION JUNIOR was a noninferiority, international, open-label, two-arm, parallel-group, phase 3b trial. Participants were randomized 1:1 to Gla-300 or Gla-100, titrated to achieve fasting self-monitored plasma glucose levels of 90-130 mg/dL (5.0-7.2 mmol/L), with continuation of prior prandial insulin. The primary end point was change in HbA_1c from baseline to week 26. Other assessments included change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia with ketosis, and adverse events.

RESULTS

In 463 randomized participants (Gla-300, n = 233; Gla-100, n = 230), comparable least squares (LS) mean (SE) reductions in HbA_1c were observed from baseline to week 26 (-0.40% [0.06%] for both groups), with LS mean between-group difference of 0.004% (95% CI -0.17 to 0.18), confirming noninferiority at the prespecified 0.3% (3.3 mmol/mol) margin. Mean FPG change from baseline to week 26 was also similar between groups. During the 6-month treatment period, incidence and event rates of severe or documented (≤70 mg/dL [≤3.9 mmol/L]) hypoglycemia were similar between groups. Incidence of severe hypoglycemia was 6.0% with Gla-300 and 8.8% with Gla-100 (relative risk 0.68 [95% CI 0.35-1.30]). Incidence of any hyperglycemia with ketosis was 6.4% with Gla-300 and 11.8% with Gla-100.

CONCLUSIONS

Gla-300 provided similar glycemic control and safety profiles to Gla-100 in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, indicating that Gla-300 is a suitable therapeutic option in this population.

Low Blood Glucose Index and Hypoglycaemia Risk: Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL Versus Insulin Glargine 100 U/mL in Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

We examined differences in hypoglycaemia risk between insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) and insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using the low blood glucose index (LBGI).

METHODS

Daily profiles of self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) from the EDITION 2, EDITION 3 and SENIOR treat-to-target trials of Gla-300 versus Gla-100 were used to compute the LBGI, which is an established metric of hypoglycaemia risk. The analysis also examined documented (blood glucose readings < 3.0 mmol/L [54 mg/dL]) symptomatic hypoglycaemia (DSH).

RESULTS

Overall LBGI in EDITION 2 and SENIOR and night-time LBGI in all three trials were significantly (p < 0.05) lower with Gla-300 versus Gla-100. The largest differences between Gla-300 and Gla-100 were observed during the night. In all three trials, individual LBGI results correlated with the observed number of DSH episodes per participant (EDITION 2 [r = 0.35, p < 0.001]; EDITION 3 [r = 0.26, p < 0.001]; SENIOR [r = 0.30, p < 0.001]). Participants at moderate risk of experiencing hypoglycaemia (defined as LBGI > 1.1) reported 4- to 8-fold more frequent DSH events than those at minimal risk (LBGI ≤ 1.1) (p ≤  0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The LBGI identified individuals with T2DM at risk for hypoglycaemia using SMPG data and correlated with the number of DSH events. Using the LBGI metric, a lower risk of hypoglycaemia with Gla-300 than Gla-100 was observed in all three trials. The finding that differences in LBGI are greater at night is consistent with previously published differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of Gla-300 and Gla-100, which provides the physiological foundation for the presented results.

Glargine-300: An updated literature review on randomized controlled trials and real-world studies

Despite the availability of a variety of insulins, rates of insulinisation and the acceptance of insulin therapy is suboptimal in real-world clinical settings. Patient and physician concerns with hypoglycaemia and weight gain are the two key issues that serve to impede appropriate insulinisation in patients with diabetes. Recently introduced second-generation basal insulin analogues [for e.g., insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) and insulin degludec] are designed to have improved pharmacokinetic profiles with an intention to deliver steady insulin levels over a longer period. Several randomised controlled and real-world studies have proven the resultant advantages of second-generations insulin analogues in lowering intra-individual variability in plasma insulin levels, flexibility in dosing, a sustained glucose-lowering effect, and decreasing the risk of hypoglycaemia. Gla-300 is one of the newer second-generation basal insulin analogues to have been approved for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. In this article, we review the currently available clinical and real-world data of Gla-300.

Are newer insulin analogues better for people with Type 1 diabetes?

Achieving optimal blood glucose control in Type 1 diabetes is a delicate balance between ensuring tight glycaemic control and achieving this without the expense of hypoglycaemia and weight gain, two major factors impacting quality of life. This is a real challenge for people with Type 1 diabetes and underpins many of the struggles they face in self-managing on a day-to-day basis. The main goals of insulin delivery are to try to simulate the physiology of β-cell insulin secretion as closely as possible and to overcome the challenges of peripheral insulin administration by achieving rapidity of onset with mealtime insulins and stability of the glucose-lowering effects of long-acting insulins. Since the early days of human insulin use, there have been many developments in insulin formulations that aim to achieve these goals as much as possible, thus contributing to better glycaemic control whilst minimizing hypoglycaemia. In the present review we discuss the currently available insulin analogues and the challenges of achieving glucose control using current analogues in those on multiple daily injections, and appraise the evidence base for newer-generation insulin analogues, such as insulin degludec, glargine U300, faster-acting insulin aspart and BioChaperone lispro. We also highlight new insulins in development and unmet needs in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Risk of hypoglycaemia with insulin degludec versus insulin glargine U300 in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes: the randomised, head-to-head CONCLUDE trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

A head-to-head randomised trial was conducted to evaluate hypoglycaemia safety with insulin degludec 200 U/ml (degludec U200) and insulin glargine 300 U/ml (glargine U300) in individuals with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin.

METHODS

This randomised (1:1), open-label, treat-to-target, multinational trial included individuals with type 2 diabetes, aged ≥18 years with HbA_1c ≤80 mmol/mol (9.5%) and BMI ≤45 kg/m². Participants were previously treated with basal insulin with or without oral glucose-lowering drugs (excluding insulin secretagogues) and had to fulfil at least one predefined criterion for hypoglycaemia risk. Both degludec U200 and glargine U300 were similarly titrated to a fasting blood glucose target of 4.0-5.0 mmol/l. Endpoints were assessed during a 36 week maintenance period and a total treatment period up to 88 weeks. There were three hypoglycaemia endpoints: (1) overall symptomatic hypoglycaemia (either severe, an event requiring third-party assistance, or confirmed by blood glucose [<3.1 mmol/l] with symptoms); (2) nocturnal symptomatic hypoglycaemia (severe or confirmed by blood glucose with symptoms, between 00:01 and 05:59 h); and (3) severe hypoglycaemia. The primary endpoint was the number of overall symptomatic hypoglycaemic events in the maintenance period. Secondary hypoglycaemia endpoints included the number of nocturnal symptomatic events and number of severe hypoglycaemic events during the maintenance period.

RESULTS

Of the 1609 randomised participants, 733 of 805 (91.1%) in the degludec U200 arm and 734 of 804 (91.3%) in the glargine U300 arm completed the trial (87.3% and 87.8% completed on treatment, respectively). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two treatment arms. For the primary endpoint, the rate of overall symptomatic hypoglycaemia was not significantly lower with degludec U200 vs glargine U300 (rate ratio [RR] 0.88 [95% CI 0.73, 1.06]). As there was no significant difference between treatments for the primary endpoint, the confirmatory testing procedure for superiority was stopped. The pre-specified confirmatory secondary hypoglycaemia endpoints were analysed using pre-specified statistical models but were now considered exploratory. These endpoints showed a lower rate of nocturnal symptomatic hypoglycaemia (RR 0.63 [95% CI 0.48, 0.84]) and severe hypoglycaemia (RR 0.20 [95% CI 0.07, 0.57]) with degludec U200 vs glargine U300.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

There was no significant difference in the rate of overall symptomatic hypoglycaemia with degludec U200 vs glargine U300 in the maintenance period. The rates of nocturnal symptomatic and severe hypoglycaemia were nominally significantly lower with degludec U200 during the maintenance period compared with glargine U300.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03078478 FUNDING: This trial was funded by Novo Nordisk (Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

Real-world outcomes of treatment with insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus standard-of-care in people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To compare real-world outcomes with newer (insulin glargine 300 U/mL; Gla-300) versus standard of care (SoC) basal insulins (BIs) in the REACH (insulin-naïve; NCT02967224) and REGAIN (basal insulin-treated; NCT02967211) studies in participants with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Europe and Brazil.Methods: In these open-label, parallel-group, pragmatic studies, patients (HbA_1c > 7.0%) were randomized to Gla-300 or SoC BI for a 6-month treatment period (to demonstrate non-inferiority of Gla-300 vs SoC BIs for HbA_1c change [non-inferiority margin 0.3%]) and a 6-month extension period (continuing with their assigned treatment). Insulin titration/other medication changes were at investigator/patient discretion post-randomization.Results: Overall, 703 patients were randomized to treatment in REACH (Gla-300, n = 352; SoC, n = 351) and 609 (Gla-300, n = 305, SoC, n = 304) in REGAIN. The primary outcome, non-inferiority of Gla-300 versus SoC for HbA_1c change from baseline to month 6, was met in REACH (least squares [LS] mean difference 0.12% [95% CI -0.046 to 0.281]) but not REGAIN (LS mean difference 0.17% [0.015-0.329]); no between-treatment difference in HbA_1c change was shown after 12 months in either study. BI dose increased minimally from baseline to 12 months in REACH (Gla-300, +0.17 U/kg; SoC, +0.15 U/kg) and REGAIN (Gla-300, +0.11 U/kg; SoC, +0.07 U/kg). Hypoglycemia incidence was low and similar between treatment arms in both studies.Conclusions: In both REACH and REGAIN, no differences in glycemic control or hypoglycemia outcomes with Gla-300 versus SoC BIs were seen over 12 months. However, the suboptimal insulin titration in REACH and REGAIN limits comparisons of outcomes between treatment arms and suggests that more titration instruction/support may be required for patients to fully derive the benefits from newer basal insulin formulations.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus insulin glargine 100 U/mL in Asia Pacific insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes: The EDITION AP randomized controlled trial

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of Gla-300 versus Gla-100 in insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes in Asia Pacific.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this open-label, randomized, active-controlled, 26-week study, insulin-naïve participants with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with non-insulin antihyperglycaemic drugs were randomized (2:1) to Gla-300 or Gla-100. The initial daily dose of basal insulin was 0.2 U/kg and was adjusted at least weekly for 8-12 weeks to a target fasting self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) of 4.4-5.6 mmol/L.

RESULTS

Of the 604 participants randomized, 570 (Gla-300, n = 375; Gla-100, n = 195) completed the study. Non-inferiority of Gla-300 versus Gla-100 in HbA1c reduction from baseline to week 26 was confirmed. In the Gla-300 and Gla-100 groups, 51.1% and 52.2% of participants achieved the HbA1c target of <7.0% (rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.98 [0.84 to 1.14]) and 19.1% and 21.9% achieved the target without hypoglycaemia during the last 12 weeks of treatment (rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.87 [0.63 to 1.20]). Changes in fasting plasma glucose and 24-hour average eight-point SMPG were comparable between groups. Incidence of hypoglycaemia at any time of day was similar between treatment groups at week 26, but incidence of any nocturnal hypoglycaemia was numerically lower with Gla-300 than Gla-100 over the initial 12-week titration period and 26-week on-treatment period. Rates of adverse events were similar between groups and low for serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycaemic control of Gla-300 is non-inferior to Gla-100 with a similar or lower incidence and proportion of hypoglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes in Asia Pacific, reinforcing the results in the global EDITION programme.

Towards in vitro in vivo correlation for modified release subcutaneously administered insulins

Therapeutic proteins and peptides are mainly administrated by subcutaneous injection. In vitro release testing of subcutaneous injectables performed using methods that take the structure and environment of the subcutaneous tissue into account may improve predictability of the in vivo behavior and thereby facilitate establishment of in vitro in vivo correlations. The aim of the study was to develop a biopredictive flow-through in vitro release method with a gel-type matrix for subcutaneously administered formulations and to explore the possibility of establishing a level A in vitro in vivo correlation for selected insulin products. A novel gel-based flow-through method with the incorporation of an injection step was used to assess selected commercial insulin formulations with different duration of action (Actrapid®, Mixtard® 30, Insulatard®, Lantus®). The in vitro release method provided the correct rank ordering in relation to the in vivo performance. For the modified release insulins Insulatard® and Lantus®, an in vitro in vivo correlation using non-linear time scaling was established based on the in vitro release data and in vivo subcutaneous absorption data of the ¹²⁵I-labeled insulins taken from literature. Predicted absorption profiles were constructed using the in vitro in vivo correlation and subsequently converted into simulated plasma profiles. The approach taken may be of wider utility in characterizing injectables for subcutaneous administration.

Impact of Switching from Twice-Daily Basal Insulin to Once-Daily Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in People with Type 1 Diabetes on Basal-Bolus Insulin: Phase 4 OPTIMIZE Study

INTRODUCTION

OPTIMIZE evaluated the efficacy, safety and treatment satisfaction of insulin glargine 300 U/mL once daily (Gla-300 OD) in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) previously uncontrolled on basal insulin twice daily (BID) as part of basal-bolus therapy.

METHODS

OPTIMIZE was a 28-week, prospective, interventional, single-arm phase 4 trial in adults with T1DM. At baseline, basal insulin BID treatment was switched to Gla-300 OD titrated to a fasting self-monitored blood glucose target of 4.4-7.2 mmol/L (80-130 mg/dL). The primary endpoint was the mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) change from baseline to week 24. Secondary endpoints included self-monitored blood glucose, fasting-plasma glucose, hypoglycaemia and patient-reported outcomes including the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs).

RESULTS

Switching to Gla-300 OD significantly improved mean HbA_1c (8.54% at baseline and 8.27% at week 24 [last observation carried forward, N = 94, p < 0.0001]; mean difference 0.27% [95% CI 0.15, 0.40]). There was a statistically significant decrease in fasting self-monitored blood glucose during the study (analysis of variance for repeated measures, p = 0.014; N = 72). Eight-point self-monitored blood glucose was significantly improved between baseline and week 24 for post-breakfast (p = 0.009), post-dinner (p = 0.009) and bedtime (p = 0.049) values. The study did not allow for any significant effects on confirmed and/or severe hypoglycaemia at the ≤ 3.9 mmol/L [≤ 70 mg/dL] or < 3.0 mmol/L [< 54 mg/dL] blood glucose cut-offs to be observed. Statistically significant improvements were observed in DTSQs total scores from baseline (24.1) to week 24 (29.4, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A basal-bolus regimen including Gla-300 OD was associated with improvements in HbA_1c and treatment satisfaction in people with uncontrolled T1DM previously receiving basal-bolus insulin including a basal insulin BID analogue.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT number: 2015-001186-46.

Insulin Therapy in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a Narrative Review

Here, we review insulin management options and strategies in nonpregnant adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Most patients with T1DM should follow a regimen of multiple daily injections of basal/bolus insulin, but those not meeting individual glycemic targets or those with frequent or severe hypoglycemia or pronounced dawn phenomenon should consider continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. The latter treatment modality could also be an alternative based on patient preferences and availability of reimbursement. Continuous glucose monitoring may improve glycemic control irrespective of treatment regimen. A glycemic target of glycated hemoglobin < 7% (53 mmol/mol) is appropriate for most nonpregnant adults. Basal insulin analogues with a reduced peak profile and an extended duration of action with lower intraindividual variability relative to neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin are preferred. The clinical advantages of basal analogues compared with older basal insulins include reduced injection burden, better efficacy, lower risk of hypoglycemic episodes (especially nocturnal), and reduced weight gain. For prandial glycemic control, any rapid-acting prandial analogue (aspart, glulisine, lispro) is preferred over regular human insulin. Faster-acting insulin aspart is a relatively new option with the advantage of better postprandial glucose coverage. Frequent blood glucose measurements along with patient education on insulin dosing based on carbohydrate counting, premeal blood glucose, and anticipated physical activity is paramount, as is education on the management of blood glucose under different circumstances.Plain Language Summary: Plain language summary is available for this article.

Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL and Insulin Glulisine Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Non-Interventional Study of Effectiveness in Routine Clinical Practice

INTRODUCTION

The EDITION development program confirmed that insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) provides comparable glycemic control to insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) but with lower hypoglycemia risk. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Gla-300 in everyday practice.

METHODS

This one-arm, non-interventional study included patients with type 2 diabetes who were switched to Gla-300-based basal-bolus therapy (BBT) and followed for 6 months. Indications for switching included inadequate glycemic control and/or hypoglycemic events with the previous regimen.

RESULTS

Overall 229 patients were included, with mean age of 60.9 years. All glycemic variables improved between baseline and 6 months significantly (mean ± standard deviation [SD] hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] from 8.9 ± 1.5% to 7.5 ± 1.1%, fasting blood glucose from 9.5 ± 3.1 mmol/L to 7.0 ± 2.1 mmol/L, postprandial blood glucose from 12.0 ± 3.8 mmol/L to 8.9 ± 2.5 mmol/L). Gla-300 doses were increased and mealtime insulin doses were unchanged. Rates of both non-severe and severe hypoglycemic events decreased significantly compared to pre-study and 6-month follow-up periods. Patients switched because of elevated HbA1c had higher baseline HbA1c and greater decrease in HbA1c paralleled with increase in insulin doses compared to those switched because of hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

In day-to-day practice, switching from human insulin to Gla-300-based BBT resulted in significant improvement in glycemic control and decrease in hypoglycemia risk.

Greater Suppression of Glucagon, Lipolysis, and Ketogenesis with Insulin Glargine U300 as Compared with Glargine U100 in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this study was to establish the effects of clinical doses of Gla-300 versus Gla-100 on suppression of glucagon, lipolysis, and ketogenesis in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Eighteen persons with T1DM (age 40 ± 12 years, diabetes duration 26 ± 12 years, body mass index 23.4 ± 2 kg/m², A1C 7.19% ± 0.52% [55 ± 6 mmol/mol]) were studied after 3 months of titration with Gla-300 and Gla-100 (randomized, crossover design) with a 24-h euglycemic clamp (s.c. injection of individual insulin daily doses used by subjects for previous 2 weeks, Gla-300 0.35 ± 0.08 and Gla-100 0.28 ± 0.07 U/kg). Gla-300 resulted in (1) less increase in insulin concentration for 0-12 h, but greater insulin concentration in 12-24 h (no differences for 24 h); (2) greater glucagon suppression; (3) greater prehepatic insulin-to-glucagon molar ratio, primarily in 12-24 h (ratio 1.78, 90% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.5-2.1); and (4) lower 24-h free fatty acid (0.81; 90% CI 0.73-0.89), glycerol (0.78; 90% CI 0.65-0.94), and β-hydroxybutyrate (0.72; 90% CI 0.58-0.90). Over the 24 h postinjection, as compared with Gla-100, clinical doses of Gla-300 exhibit greater suppressive effects on glucagon, lipolysis, and ketogenesis, whereas the effects on glucose metabolism are equivalent.

Glycaemic variability: The under-recognized therapeutic target in type 1 diabetes care

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains one of the most challenging long-term conditions to manage. Despite robust evidence to demonstrate that near normoglycaemia minimizes, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of complications, its achievement has proved almost impossible in a real-world setting. HbA1c to date has been used as the gold standard marker of glucose control and has been shown to reflect directly the risk of diabetes complications. However, it has been recognized that HbA1c is a crude marker of glucose control. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides the ability to measure and observe inter- and intraday glycaemic variability (GV), a more meaningful measure of glycaemic control, more relevant to daily living for those with T1DM. This paper reviews the relationship between GV and hypoglycaemia, and micro- and macrovascular complications. It also explores the impact on GV of CGM, insulin pumps, closed-loop technologies, and newer insulins and adjunctive therapies. Looking to the future, there is an argument that GV should become a key determinant of therapeutic success. Further studies are required to investigate the pathological and psychological benefits of reducing GV.

Glycemic Management in the Operating Room: Screening, Monitoring, Oral Hypoglycemics, and Insulin Therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides a literature update and practical outline for the management of diabetes and stress hyperglycemia for adult surgical patients in the pre- and intraoperative settings.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hyperglycemia in surgical patients has been associated with increased risk of complication in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients in the perioperative setting. While current recommended perioperative blood glucose target is < 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L), optimal outcomes may require different treatment targets for diabetic versus non-diabetic patients. Hemoglobin A1C level is associated with elevated risk of hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine preoperative testing or optimal values in elective surgical patients. Day of surgery blood glucose testing and treatment are recommended in the perioperative period, and anesthetic management includes appropriate patient selection for use of subcutaneous insulin, intravenous insulin infusions, and insulin pumps. Additionally, administration of both intravenous and perineural dexamethasone is associated with increased blood glucose levels and clinicians should consider the risk benefit ratio in surgical patients. For enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, further evidence is needed to support routine use of carbohydrate loading in diabetic patients. Optimal perioperative care includes screening at-risk patients, use of preoperative oral hypoglycemics and home insulin, anesthetic type and medication selection, blood glucose testing, and treatment for hyperglycemia in the operating room. Partnerships with surgery and endocrinology teams aid optimal postoperative management and discharge planning.

Early hypoglycaemia and adherence after basal insulin initiation in a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To estimate risk factors associated with early hypoglycaemia and its impact on adherence to and persistence with therapy in Medicare Part D beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes who are initiating basal insulin (BI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis used a 5% sample of Medicare files from 2007-2013, identifying beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes initiating BI from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012. Early hypoglycaemia was defined as ≥1 hypoglycaemic event ≤6 months postindex. Outcomes included medication adherence and persistence over 12- and 36-month follow-up. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with early hypoglycaemia and BI adherence/persistence.

RESULTS

Of the 14 466 included patients, 1315 (9.1%) experienced hypoglycaemia ≤6 months after initiating BI. Factors associated with early hypoglycaemia were female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.16 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.32]), receipt of a low-income subsidy under Medicare Part D (OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.01-1.43]), high diabetes complication score index (OR 1.08 [95% CI 1.01-1.15]), and hypoglycaemia during the baseline period (OR 4.24 [95% CI 3.63-4.96]). At 12 months, patients with baseline hypoglycaemia were less likely to be adherent to (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.70-0.93]) and more likely to discontinue (OR 1.33 [95% CI 1.07-1.66]) their insulin therapy. Results were similar at 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Within 6 months of BI initiation, almost 1 in 10 Medicare Part D beneficiaries experienced hypoglycaemia. Early hypoglycaemia was associated with decreased adherence to BI treatment over 12- and 36-month follow-up.

Comparison of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of insulin degludec and insulin glargine 300 U/mL in healthy cats

Insulin glargine 300 U/mL (IGla-U300) and insulin degludec (IDeg) are synthetic insulin analogs designed as basal insulin formulations. In people, IGla-U300 is more predictable and longer acting compared with glargine 100 U/mL. The duration of action of IDeg in people is > 42 h, allowing flexibility in daily administration. We hypothesized that IDeg would have longer duration of action compared with IGla-U300 in healthy purpose-bred cats. Seven cats received 0.4 U/kg (subcutaneous) of IDeg and IGla-U300 on two different days, >1 wk apart. Exogenous insulin was measured and pharmacodynamic parameters were derived from glucose infusion rates during isoglycemic clamps and suppression of endogenous insulin. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality, and normally distributed parameters were compared using paired t-tests. There was no difference between IDeg and IGla-U300 in onset, peak action, or total metabolic effect. On average, time to peak action (T_PEAK) of IGla-U300 was 145 ± 114 min (95% confidence interval [CI] = 25-264) longer than T_PEAK of IDeg (P = 0.03) and duration of action (T_DUR) of IGla-U300 was 250 ± 173 min (95% CI = 68-432) longer than T_DUR of IDeg (P = 0.02). The "flatness" of the time-action profile (as represented by the quotient of peak action/T_DUR) was significantly greater for IGla-U300 compared with IDeg (P = 0.04). Overall, insulin concentration measurements concurred with findings from isoglycemic clamps. Based on these data, IDeg is not suitable for once-daily administration in cats. The efficacy of once-daily IGla-U300 in diabetic cats should be further investigated.

Challenges of Diabetes Care in Older People With Type 2 Diabetes and the Role of Basal Insulin

IN BRIEF The use of long-acting basal insulin analogs is a recommended strategy in older people with diabetes because of their lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to intermediate-acting insulins. In this article, we review the results from recent clinical trials of second-generation basal insulin preparations. We conclude that, although these preparations have improved the management of insulin-requiring older people with type 2 diabetes, there is a need for additional and more specific studies to address the complexities of hyperglycemia management in this population.

Comparable glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia in adults with type 2 diabetes after initiating insulin glargine 300 units/mL or insulin degludec: The DELIVER Naïve D real-world study

AIM

To compare glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia and treatment discontinuation of insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) and insulin degludec (IDeg) in a real-world study of insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DELIVER Naive D was a retrospective observational study that used electronic medical record data from the IBM Watson Health Explorys database. Insulin-naïve adults with T2D who started Gla-300 or IDeg between March 2015 and September 2017 were identified. Patients were active in the system for ≥12 months before and ≥6 months after starting Gla-300 or IDeg and had HbA1c measurements during 6-month baseline and 3- to 6-month follow-up. Outcomes were compared among 1:1 propensity score-matched cohorts.

RESULTS

In the matched cohorts (n = 638 each), the mean age was 59 years, approximately 53% were male, and mean HbA1c was 9.67% (82 mmol/mol). Mean (SD) HbA1c decreases were comparable in the Gla-300 and IDeg cohorts (-1.67% [2.22] and -1.58% [2.20]; P = 0.51), as were HbA1c target attainment [<7% (53 mmol/mol): 23.8% and 27.4%; P = 0.20; <8% (64 mmol/mol): 55.0% and 57.1%; P = 0.63] and treatment discontinuation (29.2% and 32.6%; P = 0.14). Overall and inpatient/emergency department-associated hypoglycaemia incidences and event rates were similar in both cohorts using fixed 6-month or variable on-treatment follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Among real-world insulin-naïve adults with T2D, initiation of Gla-300 or IDeg resulted in comparable improvements in glycaemic control and similar rates of hypoglycaemia. These real-world data complement and confirm a randomized trial and other real-world studies.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of once-daily insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) and long-acting second-generation basal insulin (insulin degludec and insulin glargine 300 units/mL) in insulin-naïve Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes: a pilot, randomized, controlled study

To examine the efficacy and safety of once-daily insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) or once-daily second-generation basal insulin analogs (insulin degludec and insulin glargine 300 units/mL) in insulin-naïve Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice. A 12-week multicenter, open-label, randomized, pilot study was performed in 52 subjects with type 2 diabetes treated with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs). Subjects were randomized to once-daily IDegAsp (n = 26) or basal insulin (n = 26). The primary endpoint was percent change in HbA1c from baseline to week 12. Furthermore, it was analyzed post hoc in subgroups stratified by baseline HbA1c. During a follow-up period, percent change in HbA1c was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.161). Daily insulin doses and frequency of overall hypoglycemia were also similar in the two groups. In post hoc analyses, once-daily basal insulin was more effective than IDegAsp in subjects with HbA1c more than or equal to 8.5% (p < 0.05); however, in subjects with HbA1c less than 8.5%, once-daily IDegAsp showed a significant improvement in percent change in HbA1c at week 12, compared with basal insulin (p < 0.01). Although there was no apparent difference in the HbA1c-lowering effects between two groups, when compared in subjects with HbA1c less than 8.5%, once-daily IDegAsp showed a significant effect in comparison with once-daily basal insulin. These findings suggest that the baseline HbA1c level might provide the important information for choosing IDegAsp or basal insulin in patients insufficiently controlled with OADs. This trial was registered with UMIN (no. UMIN000035431).

[Insulin therapy-new insulin analogues]

A multitude of short-acting and long-acting insulin analogues are currently available for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, which mimic physiological insulin secretion better than normal insulins. By the use of ultrarapid insulin analogues postprandial glucose increases can be significantly reduced. Newer long-acting insulin analogues have a very stable action profile and reduce the rate of hypoglycemia, especially nocturnal hypoglycemia, even more than first generation long-acting insulin analogues. Future developments focus on a further acceleration of prandial insulin effects with a simultaneous shorter effect time and an even more prolonged action of long-acting insulin analogues.

Efficacy and safety of a morning injection of insulin glargine 300 units/mL versus insulin glargine 100 units/mL in adult patients with type 1 diabetes: A multicentre, randomized controlled trial using continuous glucose monitoring

Video abstract: View a video abstract for this article.

AIMS

This multicentre (N = 104), randomized controlled phase 4 study compared the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) with insulin glargine 100 units/mL (Gla-100) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized 1:1 to self-perform morning Gla-300 or Gla-100 injections daily for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was percentage of time blood glucose remained in the target range (70-180 mg/dL) during Week 15/16, measured by blinded continuous glucose monitoring. Secondary endpoints included incidence and rate of nocturnal symptomatic hypoglycaemia (≤70 mg/dL), glycaemic variability parameters and safety assessments. Exploratory analyses were performed in patients with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <7.5% at Week 16.

RESULTS

Overall, 638 patients with T1D were included (Gla-300, n = 320; Gla-100, n = 318). In the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population, no differences between Gla-300 and Gla-100 were observed in time in range, in glycaemic variability, or in incidence or rates of nocturnal symptomatic hypoglycaemia. In exploratory analyses of patients with HbA1c <7.5% at Week 16, Gla-300 recipients had greater improvement in time in range over 24 hours, during the day and at night compared with Gla-100 recipients (P < 0.05), with small increases in overall hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Time in range and glycaemic variability were similar for Gla-300 and Gla-100 recipients at the end of study in the mITT population of relatively well-controlled patients with T1D. In patients with end-of-study HbA1c <7.5%, exploratory analyses suggested that Gla-300 provided improvements in time in range compared with Gla-100.

Clinical Use of Degludec in Children and Adolescents with T1D: A Narrative Review with Fictionalized Case Reports

The use of insulin in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a challenge because of the heterogeneity of these patients and their lifestyles, with consequent unpredictability in blood glucose levels. A new ultra-long-acting basal insulin, insulin degludec (degludec), has the potential to mitigate some of these challenges, notably variability in the glucose-lowering action of the basal insulin component of an insulin regimen, and consequent risks of hypo- and hyperglycemia. However, the protracted half-life and steady state pharmacokinetics of degludec potentially bring some new challenges. In particular, the adjustment of therapy in response to commonly encountered clinical situations might require a different approach when degludec is used in place of other currently used basal insulins in this challenging patient population. The purpose of this article is to guide clinicians through a series of case histories in the use of this insulin. These include, but are not limited to, how to initiate, titrate, switch from other basal insulin or pump therapy; how to alleviate difficulties arising as a result of unpredictable lifestyle/habits; and how to maintain treatment following diabetic ketoacidosis. The guidance presented in this review illustrates that degludec is a good option for a diverse range of children and adolescents with T1D, providing much needed flexibility in the treatment of this challenging patient population.Funding Novo Nordisk.

Achieving Glycaemic Control with Concentrated Insulin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

The recent introduction of the second-generation long-acting analogue insulins degludec and insulin glargine U300 have increased the choice of basal insulin therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these insulins result in a flatter profile that lasts over 24 h and provides an increased window of administration of 6 h once daily. Large-scale multicentre randomised clinical trial programmes (BEGIN for degludec U100 and U200 and EDITION for glargine U300) evaluating these insulin therapies against glargine U100 have demonstrated that they are either non-inferior or superior for glycaemic efficacy and safety, but less likely to result in severe or nocturnal hypoglycaemia than glargine U100. The disposable pen devices for these insulins have been designed with patient satisfaction and convenience in mind. No concerns have arisen with adverse events with insulin analogues or cardiovascular safety from the ORIGIN and DEVOTE trials. As they demonstrate equivalent glycaemic efficacy to other basal insulins, they should be considered more in selected patient groups including those with recurrent or increased risk of hypoglycaemia, especially severe or nocturnal episodes, in the elderly or those living alone, and in patients with multiple co-morbidities such as cardiovascular or renal disease.

Take Control: A randomized trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of self- versus physician-managed titration of insulin glargine 300 U/mL in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of self- versus physician-managed titration of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in people with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Take Control (EudraCT number: 2015-001626-42) was a 24-week, multi-national, open-label, controlled, two-arm, parallel-group study in insulin-naïve and pre-treated participants, randomized 1:1 to a self- or physician-managed titration of Gla-300. The fasting self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) target was 4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L. The primary outcome was non-inferiority of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change from baseline to week 24. Secondary outcomes included SMPG target achievement without hypoglycaemia, hypoglycaemia incidence, adverse events and participant-reported outcomes (PROs).

RESULTS

At week 24, the least squares (LS) mean HbA1c reduction was 0.97% (10.6 mmol/mol) and 0.84% (9.2 mmol/mol) in the self- and physician-managed groups, respectively, with an LS mean difference of -0.13% [95% confidence interval -0.2619 to -0.0004] (-1.4 mmol/mol [-2.863 to -0.004]), demonstrating non-inferiority (P < 0.0001) and superiority (P = 0.0247) of self- versus physician-managed titration. Significantly more of the self- than physician-managed group achieved SMPG target without hypoglycaemia (67% vs 58%; P = 0.0187). Overall, hypoglycaemia incidence was similar in each group. No safety concerns were reported. In both groups, similar PRO improvements were observed for distress related to diabetes disease burden and for confidence in diabetes self-management, with even more individuals achieving a clinically relevant reduction in emotional burden and fewer individuals with high emotional burden in the self-managed group.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-managed titration of Gla-300 was superior to physician-managed titration in terms of HbA1c reduction, accompanied by similar total PRO scores, with a clinically relevant reduction in emotional burden, and similar hypoglycaemia frequency.

Hypoglycaemia and treatment patterns among insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes who switched to insulin glargine 300 units/mL versus other basal insulin in a real-world setting

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by worsening pancreatic β-cell function often requiring treatment escalation with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), glucagon-like peptide-1 and eventually insulin. Although there is much evidence available on the initiation of basal insulins, fewer studies have investigated the effects of switching from one basal insulin to another. This study aims to evaluate treatment persistence and hypoglycaemia in adult patients with T2D on prior basal insulin who were switched to insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) or other basal insulins in a real-world setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of patient-level data extracted from the Optum® Clinformatics™ database between 1 October 2014 and 30 June 2016. Adult patients (≥18 years) with T2D who were being treated with basal insulin during the 6-month baseline period, who switched to either Gla-300 or other basal insulins, were followed up for ≥3 months after switching. Outcomes included treatment persistence, and incidence and number of hypoglycaemic events.

RESULTS

Of the included patients, 1204 switched to Gla-300 and 616 switched to other basal insulins. Adjusting for baseline confounders, patients who switched to Gla-300 were 34% less likely to discontinue their basal insulin than patients who switched to other basal insulins (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.81; P < 0.001). Patients who switched to Gla-300 were less likely to experience hypoglycaemia at 3-month follow-up (odds ratio [OR] 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.97; P = 0.039) and at 6-month follow-up (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.87; P = 0.009) compared with patients who switched to other basal insulins.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T2D on prior basal insulin in a real-world setting who switched to Gla-300 were more persistent with their basal insulin and experienced less hypoglycaemia than patients who switched to other basal insulins.

Modeling Subcutaneous Absorption of Long-Acting Insulin Glargine in Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Subcutaneous (sc) administration of long-acting insulin analogs is often employed in multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy of type 1 diabetes (T1D) to cover patient's basal insulin needs. Among these, insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) and 300 U/mL (Gla-300) are formulations indicated for once daily sc administration in MDI therapy of T1D. A few semi-mechanistic models of sc absorption of insulin glargine have been proposed in the literature, but were not quantitatively assessed on a large dataset. The aim of this paper is to propose a model of sc absorption of insulin glargine able to describe the data and provide precise model parameters estimates with a clear physiological interpretation.

METHODS

Three candidate models were identified on a total of 47 and 77 insulin profiles of T1D subjects receiving a single or repeated sc administration of Gla-100 or Gla-300, respectively. Model comparison and selection were performed on the basis of their ability to describe the data and numerical identifiability.

RESULTS

The most parsimonious model is linear two-compartment and accounts for the insulin distribution between the two compartments after sc administration through parameter k. Between the two formulations, we report a lower fraction of insulin in the first versus second compartment (k = 86% versus 94% in Gla-100 versus Gla-300, p < 0.05), a lower dissolution rate from the first to the second compartment ([Formula: see text] versus 0.0008 min^-1 in Gla-100 versus Gla-300, p << 0.001), and a similar rate of insulin absorption from the second compartment to plasma ([Formula: see text] versus 0.0016 min^-1 in Gla-100 versus Gla-300, p = NS), in accordance with the mechanisms of insulin glargine protraction.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed model is able to both accurately describe plasma insulin data after sc administration and precisely estimate physiologically plausible parameters.

SIGNIFICANCE

The model can be incorporated in simulation platforms potentially usable for optimizing basal insulin treatment strategies.

Pharmacologic treatment options for type 1 diabetes: what's new?

INTRODUCTION

The expanding variety of insulins, including biosynthetic human insulin and rapid and long-acting insulin analogs, have dramatically transformed the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) over the past 25 years. Moreover, increasing interest in the use of novel drugs developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) as adjunctive therapies for T1D remains a work in progress. Areas Covered: We reviewed articles published up to December 2018 in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for recent developments in the pharmacologic treatment of T1D, including inhaled insulin, ultrafast and ultralong-acting insulins and adjunctive therapies including pramlintide, metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2, and SGLT1/2 inhibitors. Expert Opinion: With the creation of ultrafast-acting insulin analogs and very prolonged duration of action of basal insulins, it is possible to more closely mimic physiologic insulin secretion. Adjunctive therapies, likewise, may also overcome some of the abnormal physiology that is a hallmark of T1D. Therefore, individualized consideration of the efficacy of these agents must be measured alongside the potential adverse effects when choosing an adjunctive therapy.

Differentiating Basal Insulin Preparations: Understanding How They Work Explains Why They Are Different

Since the introduction of insulin as a life-saving agent for patients with type 1 diabetes, insulin preparations have evolved to approximate physiologic insulin delivery profiles to meet prandial and basal insulin needs. While prandial insulins are designed to have quick time–action profiles that minimize postprandial glucose excursions, basal insulins are designed to have a protracted time–action profile to facilitate basal glucose control over 24 h. Given that all insulins have the same mechanism of action at the target tissue level, the differences in time–action profiles are achieved through different mechanisms of protraction, resulting in different behaviors in the subcutaneous space and different rates of absorption into the circulation. Herein, we evaluate the differences in basal insulin preparations based on their differential mechanisms of protraction, and the resulting clinical action profiles. Multiple randomized control trials and real-world evidence studies have demonstrated that the newer second-generation basal insulin analogs, insulin glargine 300 units/mL and insulin degludec 100 or 200 units/mL, provide stable glycemic control with once-daily dosing and are associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia compared with previous-generation basal insulin analogs insulin glargine 100 units/mL and insulin detemir. These advantages can lead to decreased healthcare resource utilization and cost. With this collective knowledge, healthcare providers and payers can make educated and well-informed decisions when determining which treatment regimen best meets the needs of each individual patient.

Funding: Sanofi US, Inc.

Efficacy and Safety of Degludec Compared to Glargine 300 Units/mL in Insulin-Experienced Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Trial Protocol Amendment (NCT03078478)

BACKGROUND

A head-to-head trial (NCT03078478) between insulin degludec and insulin glargine U300 with the primary objective of comparing the risk of hypoglycemia is being conducted. During trial conduct, safety concerns related to the glycemic data collection system led to a postinitiation protocol amendment, described here.

METHODS

This randomized (1:1), open-label, treat-to-target, multinational trial was initiated in March 2017 with a planned treatment period of 52 weeks (16 weeks titration + 36 weeks maintenance). Overall, ~1600 insulin-experienced patients at risk of developing hypoglycemia based on predefined risk factors were included. The protocol amendment implemented in February 2018 resulted in assuring patient safety and an extension of the total treatment period up to 88 weeks (16 weeks titration + variable maintenance 1 + 36 weeks maintenance 2). The original glycemic data collection system (MyGlucoHealth blood glucose meter + electronic diary) was discontinued because of safety concerns and replaced with an Abbott blood glucose meter and paper diary to collect self-measured blood glucose and hypoglycemic episodes. The primary endpoint of number of severe or blood-glucose confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes will be evaluated with the same analysis duration and statistical methods as the original protocol. Only relevant changes were implemented to maintain patient safety while permitting evaluation of the scientific objectives of the trial.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations highlight the importance of safety surveillance during trial conduct despite the use of currently marketed glucose monitoring devices. The prompt protocol amendment and ensuing actions ensured that the scientific integrity of the trial was not compromised.

Appropriate Titration of Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes and the Potential Role of the Pharmacist

A substantial proportion of patients with suboptimal control of their type 2 diabetes experience delays in treatment intensification. Additionally, patients often experience overuse of basal insulin, commonly referred to as "over-basalization," whereby basal insulin continues to be uptitrated in order to meet targets, when addition of a mealtime bolus insulin dose may be a more appropriate option. In order to overcome these challenges, there is a need to develop the capacity of allied healthcare professionals to provide appropriate support to these patients, such as during initiation or titration of basal insulin. Pharmacists play an integral role in healthcare delivery, with patients seeing their pharmacist, on average, seven times more often than their primary care physician. This places pharmacists in a unique position to provide diabetes education and care, which may help patients avoid clinical inertia. Nevertheless, the management of the disease with basal insulin is becoming increasingly complex, with growing numbers of treatment options (such as recent second-generation longer-acting basal insulin formulations) and frequently updated titration algorithms. The two most common titration schedules specify either increasing doses by a set amount every 2-3 days or a treat-to-target strategy. Neither schedule has been shown to be superior, and the decision to use one or the other should be based on a discussion between the clinician and patient after assessment of mental and physical acumen, comfort of both parties, and follow-up plans. This review article discusses basal insulin therapy options and titration algorithms from the unique perspective of the pharmacist in order to help ensure that optimal antidiabetes therapy is initiated, appropriately titrated, and maintained.Funding: Sanofi US, Inc.

Italian Titration Approach Study (ITAS) with insulin glargine 300 U/mL in insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes: Design and population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Fostering patient's self-managing of basal insulin therapy could improve glucose control, by removing patient's and physician's barriers to basal insulin initiation, titration and glucose monitoring. The Italian Titration Approaches Study (ITAS) aims at demonstrating non-inferiority (<0.3% margin) in efficacy of glucose control (change in glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] after 24 weeks) by the same titration algorithm of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300), managed by the (nurse assisted) patient versus the physician, in insulin naïve patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), uncontrolled with previous treatments.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ITAS is a phase IV, 24-week, national, multicenter, open label, randomized (1:1) parallel group study. 458 patients were enrolled, 359 randomized, and 339 completed the study, in 46 Italian centers. Baseline characteristics and previous medications of the ITT population (N = 355) are reported. Mean ± SD age, T2DM duration, HbA1c, FPG and BMI were 64.0 ± 9.8 years, 11.6 ± 7.6 years, 8.79 ± 0.65%, 170.9 ± 42.3 mg/dL, and 30.3 ± 5.6 kg/m², respectively. Vascular and metabolic disorders were most frequent (73.8% and 58.3%, respectively). More than 90% of patients were on metformin.

CONCLUSION

ITAS is the first study to compare two different managers (nurse-assisted patient vs physician) of the same titration algorithm of Gla-300 in insulin naïve patients with T2DM in unsatisfactory glucose control. This study might provide novel evidence on the efficacy/effectiveness of patient-managed titration algorithm of Gla-300 in a pragmatic setting and may reduce barriers to basal insulin initiation and its titration.