CONSENSUS STATEMENT BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY ON THE COMPREHENSIVE TYPE 2 DIABETES MANAGEMENT ALGORITHM--2016 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials Update: Insights from the DEVOTE Trial

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The DEVOTE study compared the cardiovascular safety of two basal insulins, degludec, and glargine U100 in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we summarize the results of DEVOTE and provide a clinical perspective.

RECENT FINDINGS

DEVOTE was a phase 3b, multicenter, international, treat-to-target, double-blind, event-driven trial. Patients with T2D > 50 years of age with prior CVD or > 60 years of age with CVD risk factors were randomly assigned to receive either degludec (n = 3818) or insulin glargine U100 (n = 3819) and were followed until at least 633 positively adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) accrued. At baseline, the mean age of the subjects was 65.0 years, the mean duration of diabetes was 16.4 years, and the mean HbA_1c was 8.4 ± 1.7%. After a median follow-up of 2 years, HbA_1c had decreased to 7.5 ± 1.2% in each group. Degludec was non-inferior to insulin glargine U100 with respect to the primary MACE outcome (hazard ratio 0.91; 95% CI 0.78-1.06). Significantly, lower rates of severe hypoglycemia and nocturnal severe hypoglycemia were observed with degludec compared to glargine U100 (rate ratios of 0.60; 95% CI 0.48-0.76 and 0.47; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.73, respectively). DEVOTE demonstrated that the cardiovascular safety of degludec was comparable to that of insulin glargine U100 in patients with T2D at high risk for CVD. Additionally, degludec was superior to insulin glargine U100 with respect to the risk for severe hypoglycemia. These results suggest that degludec might be preferred in patients at risk for severe hypoglycemia, including the elderly, those with CVD and/or those with chronic kidney disease.

Mixed effect machine learning: A framework for predicting longitudinal change in hemoglobin A1c

Accurate and reliable prediction of clinical progression over time has the potential to improve the outcomes of chronic disease. The classical approach to analyzing longitudinal data is to use (generalized) linear mixed-effect models (GLMM). However, linear parametric models are predicated on assumptions, which are often difficult to verify. In contrast, data-driven machine learning methods can be applied to derive insight from the raw data without a priori assumptions. However, the underlying theory of most machine learning algorithms assume that the data is independent and identically distributed, making them inefficient for longitudinal supervised learning. In this study, we formulate an analytic framework, which integrates the random-effects structure of GLMM into non-linear machine learning models capable of exploiting temporal heterogeneous effects, sparse and varying-length patient characteristics inherent in longitudinal data. We applied the derived mixed-effect machine learning (MEml) framework to predict longitudinal change in glycemic control measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among well controlled adults with type 2 diabetes. Results show that MEml is competitive with traditional GLMM, but substantially outperformed standard machine learning models that do not account for random-effects. Specifically, the accuracy of MEml in predicting glycemic change at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th clinical visits in advanced was 1.04, 1.08, 1.11, and 1.14 times that of the gradient boosted model respectively, with similar results for the other methods. To further demonstrate the general applicability of MEml, a series of experiments were performed using real publicly available and synthetic data sets for accuracy and robustness. These experiments reinforced the superiority of MEml over the other methods. Overall, results from this study highlight the importance of modeling random-effects in machine learning approaches based on longitudinal data. Our MEml method is highly resistant to correlated data, readily accounts for random-effects, and predicts change of a longitudinal clinical outcome in real-world clinical settings with high accuracy.

The place of gliclazide MR in the evolving type 2 diabetes landscape: A comparison with other sulfonylureas and newer oral antihyperglycemic agents

The sulfonylureas are effective oral glucose-lowering agents with a long history of clinical use. While all have the same general mechanism of action, their pharmacokinetic properties are influenced by factors such as dosage, rate of absorption, duration of action, route of elimination, tissue specificity, and binding affinity for pancreatic β-cell receptor. The result is a class of agents with similar HbA1c-lowering efficacy, but well-documented differences in terms of effects on hypoglycemia, and cardiovascular and renal safety. This review examines the differences between currently available sulfonylureas with a focus on how gliclazide modified release (MR) differs from other members of this class and from newer oral antihyperglycemic agents in the form of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) and sodium- glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The first part focuses on major outcome trials that have been conducted with the sulfonylureas and new oral agents. Consideration is then given to factors important for day-to-day prescribing including efficacy and durability, weight changes, hypoglycemia, renal effects and cost. Based on current evidence, third-generation sulfonylureas such as gliclazide MR possess many of the properties desired of a type 2 diabetes drug including high glucose-lowering efficacy, once-daily oral administration, few side effects other than mild hypoglycemia, and cardiovascular safety.

Burden of Illness in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

An estimated 30.2 million Americans have diabetes, and this number is expected to increase based on trends over recent decades and compounded by an aging U.S.

POPULATION

As reviewed in this article, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and with a substantial socioeconomic burden. Compared with individuals without T2DM, those with T2DM have worse HRQoL, greater decrements in HRQoL over time, and possibly greater depressive symptomology. Diabetes-related complications and comorbidities (e.g., obesity and cardiovascular disease) are associated with worse HRQoL. Hypoglycemic episodes are associated with reduced HRQoL and greater levels of depression; they can also interfere with social and occupational activities. In turn, low HRQoL can be a driver for poor glycemic control. In 2012, the total estimated cost associated with diagnosed diabetes in the United States was $245 billion. Factors contributing to increased health care resource utilization and costs in patients with T2DM include medical comorbidities, diabetes-related complications, inadequate glycemic control, and hypoglycemic episodes. Readmission is a key driver of hospital-related costs and is more common among elderly patients with T2DM. Elderly patients with T2DM represent a particularly vulnerable population given that these patients may have varying degrees of physical and mental comorbidities that can increase their risk of hypoglycemia, falls, and depression. This review demonstrates that T2DM imposes a considerable burden on both the individual and society. Treatment strategies should consider the effects of treatment on HRQoL and on outcomes (e.g., complications and hypoglycemia) that affect both HRQoL and costs. Management strategies that maximize HRQoL while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia and other treatment-related complications are particularly critical in the elderly.

DISCLOSURES

This supplement was funded by Novo Nordisk. Cannon reports speaker fees and owns stock in Novo Nordisk. Handelsman reports research grants from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Grifols, Janssen, Lexicon, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Regeneron, and Sanofi; speaker fees from Amarin, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim-Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Regeneron, and Sanofi; and has served in advisory capacity to Amarin, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eisai, Intarcia, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Merck-Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, Regeneron, and Sanofi. Heile reports speaker fees from and has served as advisor to Novo Nordisk. Shannon reports consultant and speaker fees from Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim-Lilly Alliance.

Characterization of the Open-Label Lead-In Period of Two Randomized Controlled Phase 3 Trials Evaluating Dapagliflozin, Saxagliptin, and Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

To examine the utility of sequential versus dual add-on approaches in patients who have type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control with metformin therapy alone, we characterized the efficacy and safety of dual therapy with dapagliflozin or saxagliptin added to metformin in the open-label lead-in periods of two phase 3 trials (study 1, NCT01619059; study 2, NCT01646320) that evaluated triple therapy in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

During the lead-in periods of each trial, patients [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.0-11.5%] who had been receiving metformin ≥ 1500 mg/day for ≥ 8 weeks received metformin immediate release at an equivalent dose plus dapagliflozin 10 mg/day (study 1; N = 482) or saxagliptin 5 mg/day (study 2; N = 349) for 16 weeks. Efficacy end points were assessed at week - 2 before randomization.

RESULTS

Mean change in HbA1c [95% confidence interval (CI)] from lead-in baseline (study 1, 9.3%; study 2, 9.4%) was - 1.6% (- 1.7, - 1.5) in study 1 and - 1.3% (- 1.5, - 1.2) in study 2. Mean changes (95% CI) from lead-in baseline in weight and fasting plasma glucose were - 2.4 kg (- 2.6, - 2.1) and - 47.5 mg/dL (- 52.8, - 42.3) for study 1 and - 0.5 kg (- 0.8, - 0.2) and - 28.5 mg/dL (- 35.8, - 21.2) for study 2. At the end of the lead-in period, 22.0% of patients achieved HbA1c < 7.0% in study 1 and 17.5% in study 2. Dual therapy was well tolerated, with hypoglycemia incidence < 1% in both studies.

CONCLUSION

Dual therapy improved glycemic control and was well tolerated; however, most patients required additional therapy to further improve HbA1c towards target, suggesting that an early move to triple therapy with oral glucose-lowering drugs rather than a stepwise approach may be beneficial for patients with high HbA1c levels on metformin therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01619059, NCT01646320.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Protection: Lessons and Gaps in Understanding the Current Outcome Trials and Possible Benefits of Combining SGLT-2 Inhibitors With GLP-1 Agonists

Landmark trials on diabetes control have shown variable results in terms of cardiovascular benefits, with the majority showing a favorable effect of glycemic control on microvascular and, more recently, macrovascular complications. However, some trials pointed out a CV hazard with tight diabetes mellitus (DM) control. Most of those trials were assessing the impact of glycemic control, more than evaluating the effect of a certain medication. In the last decade, food and drugs administration (FDA) has mandated that all new hypoglycemic agents run a CV outcome trial (CVOT) for safety in order to grant and sustain approval. The most stunning results came from relatively new agents in the field of diabetes management, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1 agonists), details of these CVOTs will be addressed later in this document. SGLT2i effect on the cardiovascular system remains an area of extensive research. We aimed in this review to summarize what is the current evidence of cardiovascular protection upon using SGLT2i. Moreover, we wanted to raise a point that may be strongly adopted in the future, combining SGLT2i plus GLP-1 agonists, having a cardiovascular privilege in both molecules.

Comparative cardiovascular outcomes in the era of novel anti-diabetic agents: a comprehensive network meta-analysis of 166,371 participants from 170 randomized controlled trials

Background

Cardiovascular (CV) safety of one anti-diabetic medication over another remains partially delineated. We sought to assess the comparative effect on CV outcomes among novel anti-diabetic agents.

Methods

This study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42016042063). MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched between Jan 1, 1980, and June 30, 2016. Randomized controlled trials comparing anti-diabetic drugs with other comparators in adults with type 2 diabetes were included. We used network meta-analysis to obtain estimates for the outcomes of interests. In addition, post hoc correlation analysis of severe hypoglycemia and primary outcome as per ranking order was conducted. Outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 170 trials (166,371 participants) were included. By class and by individual, sulfonylureas (SU) ranked last. Therefore, with SU as reference, categorically sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), insulin (INS), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor were significantly superior in term of MACE; as were SGLT2i and INS in term of all-cause mortality. Moreover, ranking orders of MACE and all-cause mortality were both positively correlated with that of severe hypoglycemia risk (by individual: R² = 0.3178, P = 0.018; by class: R² = 0.2574, P = 0.038).

Conclusions

Novel anti-diabetic agents possess favorable CV safety profile, despite small but robust differences between individuals. In addition, increase in CV risk was again shown to be partly attributable to a concomitant increase in the risk of severe hypoglycemia, for which SU performed the worst.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-018-0722-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of educational outreach intervention on enhancing health care providers' knowledge about statin therapy prescribing in Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

RATIONALE

Previous research reported underutilization of statin therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Improving health care providers' awareness and understanding of the benefits and risks of statin treatment could be of assistance in optimizing the statin prescribing process.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess health care providers' knowledge related to statin therapy and the impact of educational outreach intervention based on the perceived knowledge.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study based on educational outreach intervention targeting physicians and pharmacists in 1 major tertiary hospital in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. Participants responded to a 12-item, validated questionnaire both prior to and after the outreach educational program. Two sessions were conducted separately for 2 cohorts of pharmacists and physicians. The knowledge scores prior to and after the educational intervention were calculated and compared using a paired-samples t-test.

RESULTS

The response rate to both pre-and post-educational outreach questionnaires was 91% (40/44). Prior to the intervention, around 84% (n37) of the participants decided to initiate statin therapy for both pre-assessment clinical case scenarios; however, only 27% (n12) could state the clinical benefits of statin therapy. Forty-five percent (n20) could state the drug to drug interactions, and 52.3% (n23) could identify the statin therapy that can be given at any time day/evening. The educational outreach program increased participants' knowledge scores of 1.450 (95% CI, 0.918 to 1.982) point, P < .0005, which is statistically significant. Forty respondents (91%) were of the opinion that statin side effects are the most common cause of treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrated the impact of an educational outreach intervention on improving health care providers' knowledge and beliefs about statin therapy. This type of intervention is considered effective for short-term knowledge enhancement. Further research is needed to test the long-term efficacy of such intervention.

A Review of Basal-Bolus Therapy Using Insulin Glargine and Insulin Lispro in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Basal-bolus therapy (BBT) refers to the combination of a long-acting basal insulin with a rapid-acting insulin at mealtimes. Basal insulin glargine 100 U/mL and prandial insulin lispro have been available for many years and there is a substantial evidence base to support the efficacy and safety of these agents when they are used in BBT or basal-plus therapy for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM, T2DM). With the growing availability of alternative insulins for use in such regimens, it seems timely to review the data regarding BBT with insulin glargine 100 U/mL and insulin lispro. In patients with T1DM, BBT with insulin glargine plus insulin lispro provides similar or better glycemic control and leads to less nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to BBT using human insulin as the basal and/or prandial component, and generally provides similar glycemic control and rates of severe hypoglycemia to those achieved with insulin lispro administered by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Studies evaluating BBT with insulin glargine plus insulin lispro in patients with T2DM also demonstrate the efficacy and safety of these insulins. Available data suggest that BBT with insulin glargine and insulin lispro provides similar levels of efficacy and safety in pediatric and adult populations with T1DM and in adult patients and those aged more than 65 years with T2DM. These insulin preparations also appear to be safe and effective for controlling T2DM in people of different ethnicities and in patients with T1DM or T2DM and comorbidities.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.

Relative Contribution of Fasting and Postprandial Blood Glucose in Overall Glycemic Control: Post Hoc Analysis of a Phase IV Randomized Trial

INTRODUCTION

Few prospective clinical trials have investigated the role of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and/or postprandial glucose (PPG) in assessing overall glycemic control by using different insulin regimens. In the present post hoc analysis, we assessed the contribution of FBG and/or PPG in overall glycemic control in Chinese patients under insulin treatment.

METHODS

CLASSIFY is a phase IV, randomized, open-label, 26-week, parallel-arm, treat-to-target, multinational, controlled study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to compare the efficacy and safety of insulin lispro mix 25 (LM25) and insulin lispro mix 50 (LM50) as starter insulins. Insulin was titrated with an aim to target pre-meal blood glucose (BG) levels at > 3.9 and ≤ 6.1 mmol/L before breakfast and dinner. The primary outcome assessed was the change in HbA1c from baseline.

RESULTS

Chinese patients contributed 38.7% (N = 156) of the total population. The majority of patients were male (52.6%). The mean (SD) body mass index was 24.54 (3.04) kg/m2 and mean (SD) HbA1c was 8.54 (1.10) % at baseline. At week 26, LM50 showed a significantly greater reduction from baseline in HbA1c (- 2.03% vs - 1.55%, P < 0.001), average daily BG (- 3.21 vs - 2.34 mmol/L, P < 0.001), average post-meal BG (- 3.58 vs - 2.39 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and average prandial BG excursion (- 1.01 vs - 0.22 mmol/L, P = 0.006) than the LM25 group. The reductions in average pre-meal BG (- 2.59 vs - 2.28 mmol/L, P = 0.137) were not significantly different between the groups. The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c targets (< 7% or ≤ 6.5%) without nocturnal hypoglycemia or weight gain was greater (P < 0.05) with LM50 compared with LM25.

CONCLUSION

LM50 achieved better overall glycemic control than LM25 as a starter insulin in Chinese patients, which may be due to greater improvement in PPG levels.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identification number: NCT01773473.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company, Shanghai, China.

The Clinical Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes: Focus on the Long-Acting Analogs

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), introduced for clinical use in 2005, have excellent potency in reducing HbA_1c and mean glucose, improving fasting plasma glucose, inducing weight loss or protecting against the weight gain associated with insulin therapy, reducing appetite, and delaying gastric emptying. Two of these medications, liraglutide and semaglutide, appear to have cardioprotective effects as reflected in cardiovascular outcomes studies. The GLP-1 RAs are associated with gastrointestinal side effects that tend to diminish over time. They have very low risk of hypoglycemia unless used in conjunction with insulin or insulin secretagogues. Two coformulations of GLP-1 RAs together with long-acting basal insulin are available for daily use. The original GLP-1 RA, exenatide, requires twice-daily injections; two short-acting analogs are given once daily. Three currently available long-acting GLP-1 RAs are injected once weekly, providing greater convenience and potentially improving patient adherence. Semaglutide appears to be the most effective in terms of HbA_1c reduction and weight loss. GLP-1 RAs can be combined with all classes of antihyperglycemic agents except DPP-4 inhibitors. Current studies are exploring the use of an implantable osmotic pump for long-term administration of a rapid acting analog (exenatide), an oral preparation of semaglutide, benefits for management of obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and mechanisms of cardioprotective effects.

Probability of Achieving Glycemic Control with Basal Insulin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Real-World Practice in the USA

INTRODUCTION

Basal insulin (BI) plays an important role in treating type 2 diabetes (T2D), especially when oral antidiabetic (OAD) medications are insufficient for glycemic control. We conducted a retrospective, observational study using electronic medical records (EMR) data from the IBM^® Explorys database to evaluate the probability of achieving glycemic control over 24 months after BI initiation in patients with T2D in the USA.

METHODS

A cohort of 6597 patients with T2D who started BI following OAD(s) and had at least one valid glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) result recorded both within 90 days before and 720 days after BI initiation were selected. We estimated the changes from baseline in HbA1c every 6 months, the quarterly conditional probabilities of reaching HbA1c < 7% if a patient had not achieved glycemic control prior to each quarter (Q), and the cumulative probability of reaching glycemic control over 24 months.

RESULTS

Our cohort was representative of patients with T2D who initiated BI from OADs in the USA. The average HbA1c was 9.1% at BI initiation, and decreased robustly (1.5%) in the first 6 months after initiation with no further reductions thereafter. The conditional probability of reaching glycemic control decreased rapidly in the first year (26.6% in Q2; 17.6% in Q3; 8.6% in Q4), and then remained low (≤ 6.1%) for each quarter in the second year. Cumulatively, about 38% of patients reached HbA1c < 7% in the first year; only approximately 8% more did so in the second year.

CONCLUSION

Our study of real-world data from a large US EMR database suggested that among patients with T2D who initiated BI after OADs, the likelihood of reaching glycemic control diminished over time, and remained low from 12 months onwards. Additional treatment options should be considered if patients do not reach glycemic control within 12 months of BI initiation.

FUNDING

Sanofi Corporation.

Efficacy and safety of saxagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of saxagliptin for type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and two Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing saxagliptin with placebo or active comparators was performed up to July 2017. A complementary search was done to cover literature until March 2018. For continuous data, estimates were pooled using inverse variance methodology to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs). Dichotomous data were presented as Mantel-Haenzel risk ratios (RRs).

RESULTS

Thirty-nine references of 30 RCTs involving 29,938 patients were analyzed. Compared with placebo, saxagliptin significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c, WMD -0.52%, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.44) and fasting plasma glucose (WMD -13.78 mg/dL, 95% CI -15.31 to -12.25), and increased the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.75). When combined with submaximal-dose metformin, saxagliptin significantly increased the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% compared with acarbose (RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.83) and uptitrated metformin (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.63). Saxagliptin was similar to other DPP-4 inhibitors but inferior to liraglutide and dapagliflozin on glycemic control. Saxagliptin significantly decreased the incidences of overall adverse events compared with acarbose (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.89) and liraglutide (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.71) when added to metformin. Weight gain and hypoglycemia with saxagliptin was slightly but significantly higher than placebo and lower than sulfonylureas. Saxagliptin did not increase the risk of arthralgia, heart failure, pancreatitis and other adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Generally, saxagliptin has similar efficacy compared with most oral antidiabetic drugs and may be more effective than acarbose, while having a better safety profile than both acarbose and sulfonylureas.

Safety and efficacy of once-weekly semaglutide vs additional oral antidiabetic drugs in Japanese people with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes: A randomized trial

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide as monotherapy or combined with an oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) vs an additional OAD added to background therapy in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled on diet/exercise or OAD monotherapy.

METHODS

In this phase III, open-label trial, adults with T2D were randomized 2:2:1 to semaglutide 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg, or one additional OAD (a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, biguanide, sulphonylurea, glinide, α-glucosidase inhibitor or thiazolidinedione) with a different mode of action from that of background therapy. The primary endpoint was number of adverse events (AEs) after 56 weeks.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were balanced between treatment arms (601 randomized). More AEs were reported in the semaglutide 0.5 mg (86.2%) and 1.0 mg (88.0%) groups than in the additional OAD group (71.7%). These were typically mild/moderate. Gastrointestinal AEs were most frequent with semaglutide, which diminished over time. The mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration (baseline 8.1%) was significantly reduced with semaglutide 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg vs additional OAD (1.7% and 2.0% vs 0.7%, respectively; estimated treatment difference [ETD] vs additional OAD -1.08% and -1.37%, both P < .0001). Body weight (baseline 71.5 kg) was reduced by 1.4 kg and 3.2 kg with semaglutide 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg, vs a 0.4-kg increase with additional OAD (ETD -1.84 kg and -3.59 kg; both P < .0001). For semaglutide-treated participants, >80% achieved an HbA1c concentration <7.0% (Japanese Diabetes Society target).

CONCLUSIONS

Semaglutide was well tolerated, with no new safety issues identified. Semaglutide treatment significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight vs additional OAD treatment in Japanese people with T2D.

When metformin is not enough: Pros and cons of SGLT2 and DPP-4 inhibitors as a second line therapy

The newer oral therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, have advantages over older agents. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are weight neutral and have few adverse effects. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have additional benefits: weight loss, blood pressure reduction, cardiovascular risk reduction, and renoprotective effects. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have increased risk of urogenital infections and possible risk of "euglycaemic" diabetic ketoacidosis. It is important to balance the benefits over the older-oral therapies as these agents are more expensive; yet some analyses suggest that they are within the limits of what is considered cost-effective in health care. We discuss the relative merits and drawbacks of these 2 classes and consider their roles in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We suggest a number of patient profiles where early use of these agents could be used. We favour the use of SGLT2 inhibitors over DPP-4 inhibitors as add on therapy to metformin when glycaemic targets have not been achieved given their similar glycaemic efficacy and the additional benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors. We particularly favour SGLT2 inhibitors in those where additional weight loss and blood pressure reductions are desired, and in patients with heart failure or cardiovascular disease. Care should be taken to warn patients about genital fungal infections and to avoid use in people with risk factors for SGLT2 associated ketoacidosis. We favour DPP-4 inhibitors in those where side effects of other agents are of concern, the frail elderly population, and those with renal disease precluding SGTL2 inhibitor use.

The role of KATP channels in cerebral ischemic stroke and diabetes

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are ubiquitously expressed on the plasma membrane of cells in multiple organs, including the heart, pancreas and brain. KATP channels play important roles in controlling and regulating cellular functions in response to metabolic state, which are inhibited by ATP and activated by Mg-ADP, allowing the cell to couple cellular metabolic state (ATP/ADP ratio) to electrical activity of the cell membrane. KATP channels mediate insulin secretion in pancreatic islet beta cells, and controlling vascular tone. Under pathophysiological conditions, KATP channels play cytoprotective role in cardiac myocytes and neurons during ischemia and/or hypoxia. KATP channel is a hetero-octameric complex, consisting of four pore-forming Kir6.x and four regulatory sulfonylurea receptor SURx subunits. These subunits are differentially expressed in various cell types, thus determining the sensitivity of the cells to specific channel modifiers. Sulfonylurea class of antidiabetic drugs blocks KATP channels, which are neuroprotective in stroke, can be one of the high stoke risk factors for diabetic patients. In this review, we discussed the potential effects of KATP channel blockers when used under pathological conditions related to diabetics and cerebral ischemic stroke.

Effects of nutrition therapy on HbA1c and cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Nutrition Therapy (NT) is essential in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. Standards of care recommend that each patient engages with a nutritionist (RDN) to develop an individualized eating plan. However, it is unclear if it is the most efficient method of NT. This study evaluates the effects of three different methods of NT on HbA1c and cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight and obese patients with T2D.

METHODS

We randomized 108 overweight and obese patients with T2D (46 M/62F; age 60 ± 10 years; HbA1c 8.07 ± 1.05%; weight 101.4 ± 21.1 kg and BMI 35.2 ± 7.7 kg/m2) into three groups. Group A met with RDN to develop an individualized eating plan. Group B met with RDN and followed a structured meal plan. Group C did similar to group B and received weekly phone support by RDN.

RESULTS

After 16 weeks, all three groups had a significant reduction of their energy intake compared to baseline. HbA1c did not change from baseline in group A, but decreased significantly in groups B (- 0.66%, 95% CI -1.03 to - 0.30) and C (- 0.61%, 95% CI -1.0 to - 0.23) (p value for difference among groups over time < 0.001). Groups B and C also had significant reductions in body weight, body fat percentage and waist circumference.

CONCLUSION

Structured NT alone improves glycemia in comparison to individualized eating plans in overweight and obese patients with T2D. It also reduces other important cardiovascular disease risk factors like body fat percentage and waist circumference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov( NCT02520050 ).

Use and effectiveness of a fixed-ratio combination of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) in a real-world population with type 2 diabetes: Results from a European, multicentre, retrospective chart review study

AIMS

To describe the real-world use and effectiveness of IDegLira, a fixed-ratio combination of the basal insulin degludec, and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) liraglutide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This European, multicentre, retrospective chart review comprised adults (n = 611) with type 2 diabetes, who started IDegLira ≥6 months before data collection. Clinical characteristics were assessed at baseline (defined as the most recent recording during the 6 months before the first IDegLira prescription) and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months (± 45 days for each time point) after commencing IDegLira, where data were available.

RESULTS

Baseline regimens included non-injectable medications (19%), basal insulin (19%), GLP-1RA (10%), free combination therapy (insulin/GLP-1RA, 24%) and multiple daily-dose insulin injections (MDI, 28%), all ± oral antidiabetic drugs. After 6 months, significant glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reductions were observed in patients overall and in all subgroups (-10 mmol/mol [-0.9%] overall; P < .0001), and a significant reduction in mean body weight (-0.7 kg; P < .05) was observed in patients overall and in patients receiving MDI (-2.4 kg; P < .0001). The mean IDegLira dose was 22, 30 and 32 dose steps at initiation, and at 6 and 12 months follow-up, respectively. In total, only 67 patients reached the maximum 50 dose steps, with most coming from the free combination therapy (n = 31) or MDI (n = 15) baseline regimen groups. Hypoglycaemia rates were reduced by 82% (rate ratio 0.18; P < .0001) in the 6-month period after vs before IDegLira initiation. Overall, a total of 12 patients experienced 15 events in the 6 months after IDegLira initiation.

CONCLUSION

In real-world practice, after 6 months and at a moderate dose, IDegLira resulted in substantial reductions in HbA1c and body weight, with a reduced risk of hypoglycaemia.

Complementary and alternative medicine in US adults with diabetes: Reasons for use and perceived benefits

BACKGROUND

Although complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly used, little is known about the reasons for CAM use (treatment, wellness, or both), or the self-reported perceived benefits among US adults with diabetes. In this study we estimated prevalence rates of overall and specific types of CAM, as well as the perceived benefits of CAM, by reason for use among US diabetic adults.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, which represents non-institutionalized adults with diabetes (n = 3386 unweighted), were used to estimate prevalence rates of CAM use by reason. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the odds of perceived benefits of CAM by reason for use after controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

Of US diabetic adults, 26.2% reported using some form of CAM in the past year. Of these, 56.7% used CAM for both treatment and wellness, 28.3% used CAM for wellness only, and 15.0% used CAM for treatment only. Regardless of reasons for use, most commonly used CAM were herbal therapies (56.9%), followed by chiropractic (25.3%) and massage (20.2%). Those using CAM for a combination of both treatment and wellness had a higher likelihood of self-reporting a "better sense of control over their health" (P = 0.011) and "improved overall health and feeling better" (P = 0.014) than those using CAM for treatment only.

CONCLUSION

Although CAM may be a promising approach to improving health-related quality of life, future research should address efficacy and patient safety.

A Randomized Trial Investigating the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Subcutaneous Semaglutide Once-Weekly in Healthy Male Japanese and Caucasian Subjects

INTRODUCTION

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue for once-weekly subcutaneous treatment of type 2 diabetes. This trial compared the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of semaglutide in Japanese and Caucasian subjects.

METHODS

In this single-center, double-blind, parallel-group, 13-week trial, 44 healthy male subjects (22 Japanese, 22 Caucasian) were randomized within each race to semaglutide 0.5 mg (n = 8), 1.0 mg (n = 8), placebo 0.5 mg (n = 3) or 1.0 mg (n = 3). The primary endpoint was semaglutide exposure at steady state [area under the curve (AUC0-168h)].

RESULTS

Steady-state exposure of semaglutide was similar for both populations: AUC0-168h estimated race ratio (ERR), Japanese/Caucasian: 0.5 mg, 1.06; 1.0 mg, 0.99; maximum concentration (Cmax) ERR: 0.5 mg, 1.06; 1.0 mg, 1.02. Exposure after the first dose (0.25 mg) was slightly higher in Japanese versus Caucasian subjects (AUC0-168h ERR 1.11; Cmax ERR 1.14). Dose-dependent increases in AUC0-168h and Cmax occurred in both populations. Accumulation was as expected, based on the half-life (t1/2, ~ 1 week) and dosing interval of semaglutide. Significant body weight reductions were observed with semaglutide 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg in Japanese (both p ≤ 0.05) and Caucasian (both p ≤ 0.05) subjects versus placebo. No new safety issues were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety profiles of semaglutide were similar in Japanese and Caucasian subjects, suggesting that no dose adjustment is required for the clinical use of semaglutide in Japanese subjects.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02146079. Japanese trial registration number JapicCTI-142550.

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics and Clinical Efficacy of an SGLT2 Inhibitor Plus DPP-4 Inhibitor Combination Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) generally requires a combination of several pharmacological approaches to control hyperglycaemia. Combining a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT2I, also known as gliflozin) and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4I, also known as gliptin) appears to be an attractive strategy because of complementary modes of action. This narrative review analyzes the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of different combined therapies with an SGLT2I (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, ipragliflozin, luseogliflozin, tofogliflozin) and DPP-4I (linagliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, teneligliptin). Drug-drug pharmacokinetic interaction studies do not show any significant changes in peak concentrations (C _max) and total exposure (area under the curve of plasma concentrations [AUC]) of either drug when they were administered together orally compared with corresponding values when each of them was absorbed alone. Two fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) are already available (dapagliflozin-saxagliptin, empagliflozin-linagliptin) and others are in development (ertugliflozin-sitagliptin). Preliminary results show bioequivalence of the two medications administered as FDC tablets when compared with coadministration of the individual tablets. Dual therapy is more potent than either monotherapy in patients treated with diet and exercise or already treated with metformin. SGLT2I and DPP-4I could be used as initial combination or in a stepwise approach. The additional glucose-lowering effect appears to be more marked when a gliflozin is added to a gliptin than when a gliptin is added to a gliflozin. Combining the two pharmacological options is safe and does not induce hypoglycaemia.

HYPOGLYCEMIA IN THE ELDERLY WITH DIABETES: A GROWING PROBLEM WITH EMERGING SOLUTIONS

Hypoglycemia is the major side effect of insulin therapy. The elderly are especially vulnerable to episodes of hypoglycemia, and with greater risks of complications such as falls. Two new long-acting basal insulins, glargine-300 (Gla-300) and degludec, are associated with lower incidences of hypoglycemia than previously available basal insulins. One of them, Gla-300, was studied in the elderly and has a lower incidence of hypoglycemia in patients over 65 years old. These new data should be incorporated into decision making when treating the elderly patient with insulin, whether they have type 1 or 2 diabetes.

ABBREVIATIONS

A1c = glycated hemoglobin A1c Gla-100 = glargine 100 U/mL Gla-300 = glargine 300 U/mL GLP-1 RA = glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analogue.

Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular risk factors: A narrative review of head-to-head comparisons

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death and morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Five CV risk factors (blood pressure, resting heart rate, body weight, cholesterol levels and blood glucose) are monitored routinely as safety and efficacy endpoints in randomized clinical trials for diabetes therapies. To determine if different glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) had varying effects on these CV risk factors, we reviewed 16 head-to-head trials directly comparing GLP-1RAs that included at least one of the five factors. Few trials reported statistical differences between GLP-1RAs in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and total cholesterol. Liraglutide increased heart rate vs its comparators in three separate trials. All GLP-1RAs reduced glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), but exenatide twice daily and lixisenatide had statistically smaller effects compared with other GLP-1RAs. These descriptive data indicate that individual GLP-1RAs affect CV risk factors differently, potentially because of their individual pharmacokinetics and/or size. Short-acting GLP-1RAs appeared to result in smaller changes in SBP and total cholesterol compared with continuous-acting treatments, while large GLP-1RAs had a reduced effect on body weight compared with small GLP-1RAs. For glycaemic control, short-acting GLP-1RAs had a greater impact on postprandial glucose levels vs continuous-acting GLP-1RAs, but for fasting plasma glucose levels and HbA1c, continuous-acting treatments had the greater effect. No differentiating trends were obvious in heart rate data. These diverse actions of GLP-1RAs on CV risk factors should aid individualized patient treatment.

Identification of barriers to insulin therapy and approaches to overcoming them

Poor glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global problem despite the availability of numerous glucose-lowering therapies and clear guidelines for T2D management. Tackling clinical or therapeutic inertia, where the person with diabetes and/or their healthcare providers do not intensify treatment regimens despite this being appropriate, is key to improving patients' long-term outcomes. This gap between best practice and current level of care is most pronounced when considering insulin regimens, with studies showing that insulin initiation/intensification is frequently and inappropriately delayed for several years. Patient- and physician-related factors both contribute to this resistance at the stages of insulin initiation, titration and intensification, impeding achievement of optimal glycaemic control. The present review evaluates the evidence and reasons for this delay, together with available methods for facilitation of insulin initiation or intensification.

Tracking the Sugar Rush: Incorporating Continuous Glucose Monitoring Into Multisite Early Clinical Research With Type 2 Diabetes Subjects

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems allow patients with diabetes mellitus to closely track glucose concentrations over several days, identify trends in glucose levels, and avoid glucose excursions. This technology has not only advanced diabetes mellitus management but has increased patient safety through greater glycemic awareness. Due to these attributes, CGM is now being applied in therapeutic research as a pharmacodynamic tool to support early clinical drug development programs. However, to date only a handful of studies have utilized CGM in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) drug development. A potential barrier from fostering greater use of CGM in clinical development may be related to concerns over subject variability. Therefore, we investigated a key consideration when implementing CGM into early clinical research studies: daily variation within patients with T2DM from multiple clinical research units. From 24 patients with T2DM, we observed strong daily reproducibility (Pearson R = 0.86, P < .0001) in CGM results and found that this technique is practical for multisite studies. Altogether, with low daily variability, CGM is a powerful pharmacodynamic tool for drug efficacy and safety monitoring.

Integrating cardioprotective glucose-lowering medications into clinical practice

Patients with type 2 diabetes suffer from both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Optimal glycemic control is well known to reduce the microvascular complications of retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. However, despite having multiple classes of antidiabetes medications, we have not been able to favorably affect the cardiovascular (CV) complications of diabetes, which cause considerable morbidity and premature CV mortality in patients with diabetes. The recent publication of the EMPA-REG Outcome and the LEADER studies demonstrating favorable CV outcomes with empagliflozin and liraglutide have led to a decision by the Food and Drug Administration to approve an additional indication (besides glucose lowering) - to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and CV death with liraglutide, and to reduce the risk of CV death with empagliflozin in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established CV disease. This represents a paradigm shift in diabetes management and will have a major impact on diabetes treatment algorithms.

Efficacy and safety of combination therapy with SGLT2 and DPP4 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This review evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy comprising a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A literature search through to May 2017 was carried out of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were eligible if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT2i plus DPP4i (SGLT2i/DPP4i) against DPP4i±placebo or SGLT2i±placebo and published in English. The primary outcome was change in HbA_1c from baseline.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs comparing SGLT2i/DPP4i and DPP4i, and five RCTs comparing SGLT2i/DPP4i and SGLT2i, with three RCTs involving both comparisons, were included in the present review. SGLT2i/DPP4i resulted in a greater mean HbA_1c reduction [weighted mean difference (WMD]): -0.62%] than did DPP4i alone, which was a much less marked reduction (WMD: -0.35%) than with SGLT2i alone. Also, significant differences in body weight loss from baseline were observed only with SGLT2i/DPP4i vs. DPP4i, but not vs. SGLT2i. The risk of hypoglycaemic events was low and similar between treatment groups. When subjects were stratified based on baseline HbA_1c, any reduction by SGLT2i/DPP4i in relation to DPP4i was proportional to baseline HbA_1c levels. However, compared with SGLT2i, HbA_1c reductions with SGLT2i/DPP4i were modest regardless of baseline HbA_1c.

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy with SGLT2i and DPP4i is both efficacious and safe. In particular, a marked additional glucose-lowering effect is evident when SGLT2i is combined with or added to DPP4i, and not vice versa. However, baseline HbA_1c determined the additional glucose-lowering effects of SGLT2i in combined treatment with DPP4i.

Achieving the composite endpoint of HbA1c, body weight, and systolic blood pressure reduction with canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

In addition to achieving glycemic control, weight loss and blood pressure (BP) reduction are important components of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, as many patients with T2DM are overweight/obese and/or have hypertension. Canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, has demonstrated improvements in HbA1c, body weight (BW), and systolic BP across a broad range of patients with T2DM. This analysis evaluated achievement of composite endpoints of HbA1c, BW, and systolic BP targets with canagliflozin versus placebo.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis evaluated the proportion of T2DM patients achieving the composite endpoint of HbA1c reduction ≥0.5%, BW reduction ≥3%, and systolic BP reduction ≥4mmHg with canagliflozin 100 and 300mg compared with placebo using pooled data from four 26-week, phase 3 studies (N = 2313; NCT01081834, NCT01106677, NCT01106625, NCT01106690). The proportion of patients achieving the composite endpoint of HbA1c <7.0%, BW reduction ≥3%, and BP <130/80 mmHg was also evaluated.

RESULTS

At week 26, greater proportions of patients met individual HbA1c, BW, and systolic BP targets with canagliflozin versus placebo. A greater proportion of patients treated with canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg versus placebo also achieved the composite endpoint of HbA1c reduction ≥0.5%, BW reduction ≥3%, and systolic BP reduction ≥4 mmHg at week 26 (21.1%, 25.3%, and 5.7%, respectively; odds ratios [95% CI] of 4.5 [3.1, 6.5] and 5.6 [3.8, 8.2]). A greater proportion of patients also achieved the composite endpoint of HbA1c <7.0%, BW reduction ≥3%, and BP <130/80 mmHg with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo (14.7%, 20.9%, and 3.3%, respectively; odds ratios [95% CI] of 5.2 [3.2, 8.4] and 8.4 [5.2, 13.5]). Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that seen in other phase 3 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T2DM were more likely to achieve clinically important reductions in HbA1c, BW, and systolic BP with canagliflozin versus placebo.

A 32-Week Randomized Comparison of Stepwise Insulin Intensification of Biphasic Insulin Aspart (BIAsp 30) Versus Basal-Bolus Therapy in Insulin-Naïve Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

This 32-week, open-label, randomized, parallel-group, multinational trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of stepwise insulin intensification of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) relative to stepwise intensification of a basal-bolus regimen in insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who continued pretrial treatment with metformin and sulfonylurea.

METHODS

Adults with T2D were randomized into one of two treatment arms for 32 weeks: (1) BIAsp 30 once daily (OD), with the possibility of stepwise treatment intensification up to BIAsp 30 three times daily (TID); (2) insulin glargine OD, with the possibility of stepwise treatment intensification with insulin aspart up to TID. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c after 32 weeks.

RESULTS

After 32 weeks, the estimated mean change in HbA1c from baseline was statistically significantly lower in the BIAsp 30 arm (- 1.18%) versus basal-bolus (- 1.36%) [estimated treatment difference 0.18%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.01; 0.36; p < 0.05]. The proportion of patients with HbA1c below 7.0% was statistically significantly lower with BIAsp 30 (42.9%) compared with basal-bolus (56.9%) (odds ratio 0.58; 95% CI 0.37; 0.89; p = 0.01). The overall rate of severe or blood glucose (BG)-confirmed hypoglycemic events was numerically lower for BIAsp 30 compared with basal-bolus, and a statistically significantly lower rate in nocturnal severe or BG-confirmed hypoglycemia in the BIAsp 30 arm relative to basal-bolus was observed: estimated rate ratio 0.32 (95% CI 0.13; 0.79), p = 0.0131. The proportion of patients with adverse events was similar in both treatment arms.

CONCLUSION

Insulin intensification with BIAsp 30 and basal-bolus showed an improvement in glycemic control; the change in HbA1c was statistically significantly lower for BIAsp 30 compared to basal-bolus. Basal-bolus treatment was accompanied by a numerically, and statistically significantly, higher rate of overall and nocturnal severe or BG-confirmed hypoglycemia, respectively, compared with BIAsp 30.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk A/S.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02453685.

A review of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Hot topics from randomized controlled trials

The first clinical study to investigate effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition was published in 2002, and since then, numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that DPP-4 inhibitors are efficacious, safe and well-tolerated. This review will focus upon RCTs which have investigated DPP-4 inhibitors in patient groups which are often under-represented or excluded from typical phase 3 clinical trials. Large cardiovascular (CV) safety outcome trials in patients with established CV disease have confirmed that DPP-4 inhibitors are not associated with any additional CV risk in these already-at-high-risk individuals, while raising awareness of any uncommon adverse events, such as heart failure hospitalization seen in one of the trials. Studies in patients with kidney disease have shown DPP-4 inhibitors to be efficacious without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia, irrespective of the degree of renal impairment, while data from the large CV trials as well as smaller RCTs have even pointed towards potential renoprotective effects such individuals. The use of DPP-4 inhibitors with insulin when therapy requires intensification may be beneficial without affecting the incidence or severity of hypoglycaemia, with these effects also being replicated in patients with chronic kidney disease, for whom other agents may not be suitable. Attention is now turning towards exploring the potential utility of DPP-4 inhibitors in other circumstances, including for in-hospital management of hyperglycaemia and in other metabolic disorders. Together, these RCTs raise the possibility that in the future, DPP-4 inhibitors may have a broader use which may extend beyond glycaemic control in the typical type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patient seen in general practice and may encompass conditions other than T2DM.

Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide Versus Exenatide ER in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN 3): A 56-Week, Open-Label, Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 1.0 mg s.c. with exenatide extended release (ER) 2.0 mg s.c. in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this phase 3a, open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, 813 subjects with type 2 diabetes taking oral antidiabetic drugs were randomized (1:1) to semaglutide 1.0 mg or exenatide ER 2.0 mg for 56 weeks. The primary end point was change from baseline in HbA_1c at week 56.

RESULTS

Mean HbA_1c (8.3% [67.7 mmol/mol] at baseline) was reduced by 1.5% (16.8 mmol/mol) with semaglutide and 0.9% (10.0 mmol/mol) with exenatide ER (estimated treatment difference vs. exenatide ER [ETD] -0.62% [95% CI -0.80, -0.44] [-6.78 mmol/mol (95% CI -8.70, -4.86)]; P < 0.0001 for noninferiority and superiority). Mean body weight (95.8 kg at baseline) was reduced by 5.6 kg with semaglutide and 1.9 kg with exenatide ER (ETD -3.78 kg [95% CI -4.58, -2.98]; P < 0.0001). Significantly more subjects treated with semaglutide (67%) achieved HbA_1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) versus those taking exenatide ER (40%). Both treatments had similar safety profiles, but gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in semaglutide-treated subjects (41.8%) than in exenatide ER-treated subjects (33.3%); injection-site reactions were more frequent with exenatide ER (22.0%) than with semaglutide (1.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Semaglutide 1.0 mg was superior to exenatide ER 2.0 mg in improving glycemic control and reducing body weight after 56 weeks of treatment; the drugs had comparable safety profiles. These results indicate that semaglutide treatment is highly effective for subjects with type 2 diabetes who are inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs.

Quality assessment of recent evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults using the AGREE II instrument

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide and national public health problem that has a great impact on the population in Saudi Arabia. High-quality clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are cornerstones in improving the health care provided for patients with diabetes. This study evaluated the methodological rigour, transparency, and applicability of recently published CPGs.

METHODS

Our group conducted a systematic search for recently published CPGs for T2DM. The searching and screening for Source CPGs were guided by tools from the ADAPTE methods with specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. Five reviewers using the second version of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) Instrument independently assessed the quality of the retrieved Source CPGs.

RESULTS

Domains of Scope and purpose and Clarity of presentation received the highest scores in all CPGs. Most of the assessed CPGs (86%) were considered with high overall quality and were recommended for use. Rigour of development and applicability domains were together highest in 3 CPGs (43%). The overall high quality of DM CPGs published in the last 3 years demonstrated the continuous development and improvement in CPG methodologies and standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care professionals should consider the quality of any CPG for T2DM before deciding to use it in their daily clinical practice. Three CPGs have been identified, using the AGREE criteria, as high-quality and trustworthy. Ideally, the resources provided by the AGREE trust including the AGREE II Instrument should be used by a clinician to scan through the large number of published T2DM CPGs to identify the CPGs with high methodological quality and applicability.

Insights into optimal basal insulin titration in type 2 diabetes: Results of a quantitative survey

AIMS

Basal insulin (BI) treatment initiation and dose titration in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are often delayed. Such "clinical inertia" results in poor glycaemic control and high risk of long-term complications. This survey aimed to determine healthcare professional (HCP) and patient attitudes to BI initiation and titration.

METHODS

An online survey (July-August 2015) including HCPs and patients with T2DM in the USA, France and Germany. Patients were ≥18 years old and had been on BI for 6 to 36 months, or discontinued BI within the previous 12 months.

RESULTS

Participants comprised 386 HCPs and 318 people with T2DM. While >75% of HCPs reported discussing titration at the initiation visit, only 16% to 28% of patients remembered such discussions, many (32%-42%) were unaware of the need to titrate BI, and only 28% to 39% recalled mention of the time needed to reach glycaemic goals. Most HCPs and patients agreed that more effective support tools to assist BI initiation/titration are needed; patients indicated that provision of such tools would increase confidence in self-titration. HCPs identified fear of hypoglycaemia, failure to titrate in the absence of symptoms, and low patient motivation as important titration barriers. In contrast, patients identified weight gain, the perception that titration meant worsening disease, frustration over the time to reach HbA1c goals and fear of hypoglycaemia as major factors.

CONCLUSION

A disconnect exists between HCP- and patient-perceived barriers to effective BI titration. To optimize titration, strategies should be targeted to improve HCP-patient communication, and provide support and educational tools.

Improving postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes already on basal insulin therapy: Review of current strategies

A large number of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on basal insulin do not reach their HbA1c goals and require additional therapy to address postprandial hyperglycemia. Guidelines from expert bodies have outlined several approaches to accomplish postprandial glucose (PPG) control, and recent literature suggests several more. This article provides strategies for primary care physicians caring for patients with T2D who do not achieve glycemic control with basal insulin alone. Current treatment guidelines and strategies for improving PPG control are reviewed, including the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of rapid-acting insulin (RAI) analogs, premixed insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and α-glucosidase inhibitors. Other approaches, such as combinations of newer basal insulin plus RAI and a fixed-ratio combination of basal insulin and a GLP-1 RA, are also described.

Gut microbiota, hypertension and chronic kidney disease: Recent advances

A large number of different microbial species populates intestine. Extensive research has studied the entire microbial population and their genes (microbiome) by using metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomic analysis. Studies suggest that the imbalances of the microbial community causes alterations in the intestinal homeostasis, leading to repercussions on other systems: metabolic, nervous, cardiovascular, immune. These studies have also shown that alterations in the structure and function of the gut microbiota play a key role in the pathogenesis and complications of Hypertension (HTN) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Increased blood pressure (BP) and CKD are two leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease and their treatment represents a challenge for the clinicians. In this Review, we discuss mechanisms whereby gut microbiota (GM) and its metabolites act on downstream cellular targets to contribute to the pathogenesis of HTN and CKD, and potential therapeutic implications.

Baseline factors associated with better response to insulin lispro low mixture or insulin glargine: A post hoc analysis of the DURABLE study

AIMS

To identify baseline characteristics associated with better efficacy and safety responses to twice-daily insulin lispro low mixture (LM) or once-daily insulin glargine (IG) in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

This post hoc analysis of the DURABLE study used the gradient-boosting method to generate hypothetical outcomes with the alternative treatment to assigned study drug to evaluate the potential additional benefit of one insulin over the other in association with influential baseline covariates in the same patient. The magnitude of additional benefit was further quantified by the generalized linear model and recursive partitioning regression tree method.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics with the highest relative influence on 24-week outcomes in the overall population (LM, n = 1045; IG, n = 1046) were: for HbA1c change: fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (29.31%), age (28.57%); for reaching target HbA1c <7% (<53 mmol/mol): weight (22.41%); for weight change: weight (18.54%); for FPG: FPG (43.66%), age (20.8%); for 30-day hypoglycemia: FPG (57.09%), weight (10.1%). LM showed superiority over IG for HbA1c reduction and reaching HbA1c <7% overall, with clinically significant differences in HbA1c reduction (>0.4%) in some subpopulations. IG was superior over LM in most patients for less weight gain and hypoglycemia and lower FPG.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in magnitude of response to twice-daily LM and once-daily IG in association with baseline characteristics of insulin-naïve patients with T2D were found. Future real-world studies using these statistical methods could help identify patients who respond better to certain insulin regimens to help guide clinicians in treatment decisions.

Lack of coordination between partners: investigation of Physician-Preferred and Patient-Preferred (4P) basal insulin titration algorithms in the real world

BACKGROUND

Patient-centered care is respectful to a patient's preference. All prior clinical trials on patient self-titration algorithms for basal insulin were decided by physicians. We hypothesized that patients and physicians have different preferences.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Physicians and diabetes patients were asked to choose their preferred insulin glargine self-titration algorithm among 5 algorithms. Algorithm 1, 1 U increase once daily; algorithm 2, 2 U increase every 3 days; algorithm 3, 3 U increase every 3 days; algorithm 4, titration every 3 days according to fasting blood glucose, and algorithm 5, weekly titration 2-8 U based on 3-day mean fasting blood glucose levels.

RESULTS

Eleven (5.2%) out of 210 physicians and 180 (90.9%) out of 198 patients preferred algorithm 1 (χ²=300.4, p=0.000). In contrast, 195 (92.9%) physicians and 18 (9.1%) patients preferred algorithm 2 (χ²=286.6, p=0.000). In addition, 4 (1.9%) physicians but no patients preferred algorithm 3 (χ²=2.099, p=0.124). Neither physicians nor patients chose algorithms 4 or 5. Most physicians preferred algorithm 2 since it is recommended by guidelines, but most patients preferred algorithm 1 for its simplicity.

CONCLUSION

Patients had different preferences compared with physicians. Attention should be given to patients' preferences to increase adherence and improve glycemic control.

Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults is dramatically increasing. Similar to older-onset type 2 diabetes, the major predisposing risk factors are obesity, family history, and sedentary lifestyle. Onset of diabetes at a younger age (defined here as up to age 40 years) is associated with longer disease exposure and increased risk for chronic complications. Young-onset type 2 diabetes also affects more individuals of working age, accentuating the adverse societal effects of the disease. Furthermore, evidence is accumulating that young-onset type 2 diabetes has a more aggressive disease phenotype, leading to premature development of complications, with adverse effects on quality of life and unfavourable effects on long-term outcomes, raising the possibility of a future public health catastrophe. In this Review, we describe the epidemiology and existing knowledge regarding pathophysiology, risk factors, complications, and management of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults.

Glycosylated hemoglobin level may predict the severity of gastroparesis in diabetic patients

AIM

To investigate the association between glycemic control represented by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and the value of 4-h gastric retention on nuclear scan.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records of diabetic patients who had 4-h nuclear gastric emptying study, with documented 4-h retention value, between January 1st, 2002 and July 30th, 2014 and had HbA1C level close to the time of the study. We divided our cohort into patients with good glycemic control (HbA1C <7, group A), fair control (7-9, group B), and poor control (>9, group C). The 4-h retention value and symptoms were compared between the 3 groups.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 299 patients; mean age was 59 ± 14. The median interval between performing gastric emptying study and measuring HbA1C was 41 days. There were 94 patients in group A (HbA1C 6.1 ± 0.4), 131 patients in group B (HbA1C 7.9 ± 0.5), and 74 patients in group C (HbA1C 10.9 ± 1.6). The mean gastric retention value was different between the three study groups, 8.3% ±17, 11.5% ±19, and 14.4% ±21, respectively (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show that HbA1C level is significantly associated with the 4-h retention value on nuclear gastric emptying scan.