Risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a comparison of patients treated with sulfonylureas and metformin

Metformin treatment is associated with improved survival in diabetic patients hospitalized with acute heart failure: A prospective observational study using the Korean acute heart failure registry data

AIMS

Although the hypothesis that metformin is beneficial for patients with diabetes and heart failure (HF) has been steadily raised, there is limited data on metformin use in patients with acute HF. We analyzed the association of metformin on all-cause mortality in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes and acute HF.

METHODS

The Korean Acute Heart Failure registry prospectively enrolled patients hospitalized for acute HF from 2011 to 2014. Among this cohort, we analyzed patients with diabetes with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 or more. We analyzed the all-cause mortality and re-hospitalization for HF within 1 year after discharge. Inverse probability treatment weighting method was used to adjust baseline differences on metformin treatment.

RESULTS

The study analyzed data from 1,309 patients with HF and diabetes (mean age 69 years, 56 % male). Among them, 613 (47 %) patients were on metformin at admission. During the median follow-up period of 11 months, 132 (19 %) and 74 (12 %) patients not receiving and receiving metformin treatment died, respectively. The mortality rate was lower in metformin users than in non-users (hazard ratio 0.616 [0.464-0.819] P<0.001). After adjustment, metformin was significantly associated with a lower risk for the mortality (hazard ratio 0.677 [0.495-0.928] P=0.015). In subgroup analyses, this association remains significant irrespective of baseline kidney function (eGFR <60 or ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, P-for-interaction=0.176) or left ventricular ejection fraction (<40 %, 40-49 %, or ≥50 %, P-for-interaction=0.224).

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin treatment at the time of admission was associated with a lower risk for 1-year mortality in patients with diabetes, hospitalized for acute HF.

Amino acid homeostasis is a target of metformin therapy

OBJECTIVE

Unexplained changes in regulation of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) during diabetes therapy with metformin have been known for years. Here we have investigated mechanisms underlying this effect.

METHODS

We used cellular approaches, including single gene/protein measurements, as well as systems-level proteomics. Findings were then cross-validated with electronic health records and other data from human material.

RESULTS

In cell studies, we observed diminished uptake/incorporation of amino acids following metformin treatment of liver cells and cardiac myocytes. Supplementation of media with amino acids attenuated known effects of the drug, including on glucose production, providing a possible explanation for discrepancies between effective doses in vivo and in vitro observed in most studies. Data-Independent Acquisition proteomics identified that SNAT2, which mediates tertiary control of BCAA uptake, was the most strongly suppressed amino acid transporter in liver cells following metformin treatment. Other transporters were affected to a lesser extent. In humans, metformin attenuated increased risk of left ventricular hypertrophy due to the AA allele of KLF15, which is an inducer of BCAA catabolism. In plasma from a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in nondiabetic heart failure (trial registration: NCT00473876), metformin caused selective accumulation of plasma BCAA and glutamine, consistent with the effects in cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin restricts tertiary control of BCAA cellular uptake. We conclude that modulation of amino acid homeostasis contributes to therapeutic actions of the drug.

Prescription patterns and therapeutic effects of second-line drugs in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Analysis of claims data for metformin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as the first-line hypoglycemic agents

BACKGROUND

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) and metformin are the most frequently prescribed first-line drugs for Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We investigated the risk of cardiovascular events by second-line treatment type in these patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with T2D, prescribed either metformin or DPP4i as a first-line drug, were identified in claims data from Japanese acute care hospitals. The primary and secondary outcomes were cumulative risks of MI or stroke and of death, respectively, from second-line treatment initiation.

RESULTS

Patients prescribed first-line metformin or DPP4i was 16,736 and 74,464, respectively. In patients receiving first-line DPP4i, the death incidence was lower in those receiving second-line metformin than in those receiving second-line sulfonylurea (p < 0.001), whereas the primary outcome was not significantly different. No significant differences were observed for either outcome when DPP4is and metformin were used as first- and second-line drugs or vice versa.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin was suggested to have larger effect to reduce death than sulfonylurea in patients receiving first-line DPP4i. The order of first- and second-line for the DPP4i and metformin combination did not affect the outcomes. Given the nature of the study design, certain limitations, including potential under-adjustment for confounders, should be considered.

Insights on the role of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents in the amelioration of diabetes

Diabetes is a major health problem worldwide. It is a chronic metabolic disorder that produces overt hyperglycemic condition that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin due to excessive destruction of pancreatic β-cells (type 1 diabetes) or due to development of insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes). An autoimmune condition known as type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in the targeted immune death of β-cells that produce insulin. The only available treatment for T1D at the moment is the lifelong use of insulin. Multiple islet autoantibody positivity is used to diagnose T1D. There are four standard autoantibodies observed whose presence shows the development of T1D: antibodies against insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), zinc T8 transporter (ZnT8), and tyrosine phosphatase-like protein (ICA512). In type 2 diabetes (T2D), an inflammatory response precipitates as a consequence of the immune response to high blood glucose level along with the presence of inflammation mediators produced by macrophages and adipocytes in fat tissue. The slow and chronic inflammatory condition of adipose tissue produces insulin resistance leading to increased stress on pancreatic β-cells to produce more insulin to compensate for the insulin resistance. Thus, this stress condition exacerbates the apoptosis of β-cells leading to insufficient production of insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia which signifies late stage T2D. Therefore, the therapeutic utilization of immunosuppressive agents may be a better alternative over the use of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents for the treatment of T1D and T2D, respectively. This review enlightens the immune intervention for the prevention and amelioration of T1D and T2D in humans with main focus on the antigen-specific immune suppressive therapy.

Effect of metformin on adverse outcomes in T2DM patients: Systemic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background

The cardiovascular protection effect of metformin on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains inconclusive. This systemic review and meta-analysis were to estimate the effect of metformin on mortality and cardiovascular events among patients with T2DM.

Methods

A search of the Pubmed and EMBASE databases up to December 2021 was performed. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by a random-effects model with an inverse variance method.

Results

A total of 39 studies involving 2473009 T2DM patients were adopted. Compared to non-metformin therapy, the use of metformin was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (HR = 1.06, 95%CI 0.91–1.22; I² = 82%), hospitalization (HR = 0.85, 95%CI 0.64–1.13; I² = 98%), heart failure (HR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.60–1.25; I² = 99%), stroke (HR = 1.16, 95%CI 0.88–1.53; I² = 84%), and risk of AMI (HR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.69–1.14; I² = 88%) in T2DM patients. Metformin was also not associated with significantly lowered risk of MACE compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) in T2DM patients (HR = 0.95, 95%CI 0.73–1.23; I² = 84%).

Conclusions

The effect of metformin on some cardiovascular outcomes was not significantly better than the non-metformin therapy or DPP-4i in T2DM patients based on observational studies.

Emerging molecular technologies for light-mediated modulation of pancreatic beta-cell function

Background

Optogenetic modalities as well as optochemical and photopharmacological strategies, collectively termed optical methods, have revolutionized the control of cellular functions via light with great spatiotemporal precision. In comparison to the major advances in the photomodulation of signaling activities noted in neuroscience, similar applications to endocrine cells of the pancreas, particularly insulin-producing β-cells, have been limited. The availability of tools allowing light-mediated changes in the trafficking of ions such as K⁺ and Ca²⁺ and signaling intermediates such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), renders β-cells and their glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) amenable to optoengineering for drug-free control of blood sugar.

Scope of review

The molecular circuit of the GSIS in β-cells is described with emphasis on intermediates which are targetable for optical intervention. Various pharmacological agents modifying the release of insulin are reviewed along with their documented side effects. These are contrasted with optical approaches, which have already been employed for engineering β-cell function or are considered for future such applications. Principal obstacles are also discussed as the implementation of optogenetics is pondered for tissue engineering and biology applications of the pancreas.

Major Conclusions

Notable advances in optogenetic, optochemical and photopharmacological tools are rendering feasible the smart engineering of pancreatic cells and tissues with light-regulated function paving the way for novel solutions for addressing pancreatic pathologies including diabetes.

A Clinical Perspective of the Multifaceted Mechanism of Metformin in Diabetes, Infections, Cognitive Dysfunction, and Cancer

In type 2 diabetes, ecological and lifecourse factors may interact with the host microbiota to influence expression of his/her genomes causing perturbation of interconnecting biological pathways with diverse clinical course. Metformin is a plant-based or plant-derived medicinal product used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes for over 60 years and is an essential drug listed by the World Health Organization. By reducing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, metformin increased AMP (adenosine monophosphate)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and altered cellular redox state with reduced glucagon activity, endogenous glucose production, lipogenesis, and protein synthesis. Metformin modulated immune response by directly reducing neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and improving the phagocytic function of immune cells. By increasing the relative abundance of mucin-producing and short-chain-fatty-acid-producing gut microbes, metformin further improved the host inflammatory and metabolic milieu. Experimentally, metformin promoted apoptosis and reduced proliferation of cancer cells by reducing their oxygen consumption and modulating the microenvironment. Both clinical and mechanistic studies support the pluripotent effects of metformin on reducing cardiovascular–renal events, infection, cancer, cognitive dysfunction, and all-cause death in type 2 diabetes, making this low-cost medication a fundamental therapy for individualization of other glucose-lowering drugs in type 2 diabetes. Further research into the effects of metformin on cognitive function, infection and cancer, especially in people without diabetes, will provide new insights into the therapeutic value of metformin in our pursuit of prevention and treatment of ageing-related as well as acute and chronic diseases beyond diabetes.

Association of metformin treatment with enhanced effect of anti-VEGF agents in diabetic macular edema patients

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of metformin combined with anti-VEGF agents in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

METHODS

This study was a prospective, nonrandomized case-control study. Patients were included in with a diagnosis of DME who received anti-VEGF agents injection. Basic information, medical history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), the number of intravitreal injections, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), and macular grid photocoagulation treatment during the 6-month follow-up, were recorded for each patient.

RESULTS

A total of 50 DME patients were collected (24 patients with a history of oral metformin ≥ 6 months and 26 patients who had not taken metformin). The BCVA and the CMT were significantly improved after anti-VEGF treatment in two groups (F1 = 19.35, F2 = 26.78; F1 = 65.45, F2 = 76.23; P < 0.05). The BCVA in the metformin group was better than that in non-metformin group at every point after treatment (F = 34.45, P < 0.05). The CMT in metformin group decreased much more than that in non-metformin group during the follow-up period (F = 87.05, P < 0.05). The injection numbers decreased in the metformin group compared with the non-metformin group (t = 5.14, P < 0.05). However, there was no difference in PRP and macular grid photocoagulation therapy between the two groups during the 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Metformin can enhance the therapeutic effect of anti-VEGF agents on DME patients to improve their visual acuity, improve the structure of the macular area, and reduce the number of intravitreal injections 90.

Photo-Switchable Sulfonylureas Binding to ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Reveal the Mechanism of Light-Controlled Insulin Release

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are present in numerous organs, including the heart, brain, and pancreas. Physiological opening and closing of KATPs present in pancreatic β-cells, in response to changes in the ATP/ADP concentration ratio, are correlated with insulin release into the bloodstream. Sulfonylurea drugs, commonly used in type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment, bind to the octamer KATP channels composed of four pore-forming Kir6.2 and four SUR1 subunits and increase the probability of insulin release. Azobenzene-based derivatives of sulfonylureas, such as JB253 inspired by well-established antidiabetic drug glimepiride, allow for control of this process by light. The mechanism of that phenomenon was not known until now. In this paper, we use molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and metadynamics to reveal structural determinants explaining light-controlled insulin release. We show that both trans- and cis-JB253 bind to the same SUR1 cavity as antidiabetic sulfonylurea glibenclamide (GBM). Simulations indicate that, in contrast to trans-JB253, the cis-JB253 structure generated by blue light absorption promotes open structures of SUR1, in close similarity to the GBM effect. We postulate that in the open SUR1 structures, the N-terminal tail from Kir6.2 protruding into the SUR1 pocket is stabilized by flexible enough sulfonylureas. Therefore, the adjacent Kir6.2 pore is more often closed, which in turn facilitates insulin release. Thus, KATP conductance is regulated by peptide linkers between its Kir6.2 and SUR1 subunits, a phenomenon present in other biological signaling pathways. Our data explain the observed light-modulated activity of photoactive sulfonylureas and widen a way to develop new antidiabetic drugs having reduced adverse effects.

The modifying effects of adiposity on the cardiovascular safety of sulphonylureas

AIMS

To determine whether adiposity modified the effect on the cardiovascular safety of sulphonylureas as a first-line therapy compared with metformin among patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we conducted a cohort study among 13 862 new sulphonylurea users matched on body mass index (BMI) and propensity score, in a 1:1 ratio, to new metformin users between April 1, 1998 and December 31, 2016. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), individual components of MACE (myocardial infarction [MI], ischaemic stroke, cardiovascular mortality), and all-cause mortality, comparing use of sulphonylureas with use of metformin, overall and within BMI categories (≤24.9 kg/m² , 25.0-29.9 kg/m² , ≥30 kg/m² ).

RESULTS

Compared with metformin, sulphonylureas were not associated with an increased risk of MACE either overall (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.94-1.23) or by BMI category. Similar findings were observed for MI and ischaemic stroke. By contrast, sulphonylureas were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.48), primarily among obese patients (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.08-2.13), and not among normal-weight patients (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.72-1.39; P-interaction 0.21). Similar results were observed for all-cause mortality (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.32-1.62), where an increased risk was observed among obese patients (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.49-2.25), but not normal-weight patients (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.99-1.42; P-interaction: 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that adiposity may have a modifying effect on the association between sulphonylureas and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality compared with metformin.

CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF NON-INSULIN GLUCOSE-LOWERING AGENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF TRIAL EVIDENCE AND POTENTIAL CARDIOPROTECTIVE MECHANISMS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly prevalent and associated with a 2-fold increased mortality, mostly explained by cardiovascular diseases. Trial evidence on older glucose-lowering agents such as metformin and sulfonylureas is limited in terms of cardiovascular efficacy. Since 2008, after rosiglitazone was observed to increase the risk of myocardial infarction and heart failure (HF), cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) have been required by regulators for licensing new glucose-lowering agents. In the following CVOTs, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) have been shown to be safe but not to improve morbidity/mortality, except for saxagliptin which increased the risk of HF. Several glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-Ra) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. SGLT2i have shown a class effect for the reduction in risk of HF events in patients with T2DM, leading to trials testing their efficacy/safety in HF regardless of T2DM. In the DAPA-HF and the EMPEROR-Reduced trials dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, respectively, improved cardiovascular mortality/morbidity in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), with and without T2DM. Therefore, these drugs are now key part of HFrEF pharmacotherapy. In the SOLOIST-WHF, sotagliflozin reduced cardiovascular mortality/morbidity in patients with T2DM and a recent acute episode of HF regardless of EF. The DELIVER and the EMPEROR-Preserved are testing dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, respectively, in patients with HF with mildly reduced and preserved EF. A strong renal protective role of SGLT2i has also emerged in trials enrolling patients with and without T2DM.

Management of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic heart failure (CHF) occurs in 4.3-28% of patients with diabetes mellitus and is most often associated with the presence of coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension and the direct adverse effects of insulin-resistance, hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia on the myocardium. Diabetes mellitus occurs in 12-47% of patients with CHF and can develop within several years after a diagnosis of HF in 22% of patients due to insulin-resistance of failure tissues. The presence of diabetes mellitus leads to a greater severity of clinical symptoms and hospitalization rate, worsening of quality of life and prognosis in CHF. A decreased left ventricular ejection fraction is an independent predictor of the poor prognosis in the patients with diabetes mellitus. The algorithm of the treatment of CHF in the patients with and without diabetes mellitus is not fundamentally different, but it requires taking into account the metabolic effects of the prescribed drugs. Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor are increasingly used in clinical practice and are gradually replacing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and sartans in CHF both without diabetes mellitus and in its presence. Recently, the effectiveness of type 2 sodium glucose cotransporter inhibitors has been proven in patients with CHF with and without diabetes mellitus. This review is devoted to the relationship of diabetes mellitus and CHF, as well as the approaches to the management of such comorbid patients.

Concurrent diabetes and heart failure: interplay and novel therapeutic approaches

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing heart failure, and the co-existence of both diseases worsens cardiovascular outcomes, hospitalization and the progression of heart failure. Despite current advancements on therapeutic strategies to manage hyperglycemia, the likelihood of developing diabetes-induced heart failure is still significant, especially with the accelerating global prevalence of diabetes and an ageing population. This raises the likelihood of other contributing mechanisms beyond hyperglycemia in predisposing diabetic patients to cardiovascular disease risk. There has been considerable interest in understanding the alterations in cardiac structure and function in the diabetic patients, collectively termed as "diabetic cardiomyopathy". However, the factors that contribute to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathies is not fully understood. This review summarizes the main characteristics of diabetic cardiomyopathies, and the basic mechanisms that contribute to its occurrence. This includes perturbations in insulin resistance, fuel preference, reactive oxygen species generation, inflammation, cell death pathways, neurohormonal mechanisms, advanced glycated end-products accumulation, lipotoxicity, glucotoxicity, and posttranslational modifications in the heart of the diabetic. This review also discusses the impact of antihyperglycemic therapies on the development of heart failure, as well as how current heart failure therapies influence glycemic control in diabetic patients. We also highlight the current knowledge gaps in understanding how diabetes induces heart failure.

Discovery of a new molecule inducing melanoma cell death: dual AMPK/MELK targeting for novel melanoma therapies

In the search of biguanide-derived molecules against melanoma, we have discovered and developed a series of bioactive products and identified the promising new compound CRO15. This molecule exerted anti-melanoma effects on cells lines and cells isolated from patients including the ones derived from tumors resistant to BRAF inhibitors. Moreover, CRO15 was able to decrease viability of cells lines from a broad range of cancer types. This compound acts by two distinct mechanisms. First by activating the AMPK pathway induced by a mitochondrial disorder. Second by inhibition of MELK kinase activity, which induces cell cycle arrest and activation of DNA damage repair pathways by p53 and REDD1 activation. All of these mechanisms activate autophagic and apoptotic processes resulting in melanoma cell death. The strong efficacy of CRO15 to reduce the growth of melanoma xenograft sensitive or resistant to BRAF inhibitors opens interesting perspective.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors attenuate cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats with diabetes mellitus type 2

The aim of our study was to assess and compare the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors, saxagliptin and sitagliptin, on metabolic control of disease and cardiac function in rats with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). This research would provide novel understanding into the potentially protective effects of DPP4 inhibitors in helping salvage of the heart exposed to ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury. Forty-eight Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: CTRL, Control healthy group; T2DM, rats with T2DM; T2DM + Sit, rats with T2DM treated with 0.6 mg/kg of sitagliptin; T2DM + Sax, rats with T2DM treated with 0.45 mg/kg of saxagliptin for 3 weeks. At the end of the protocol, in vivo cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, while in the blood samples glucose and insulin were determined. Additionally, ex vivo heart function was estimated on a model of I-R injury using Langendorff apparatus. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to determine the degree of myocardial apoptosis and necrosis, while DPP4 staining was performed to assess the cardiac DPP4 expression. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the post hoc Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons. Improved glycoregulation was noticed in rats that received DPP4 inhibitors compared to untreated diabetic rats (P < .05). Moreover, better in vivo systolic function was observed in rats treated with both DPP4 inhibitors as evidenced by an increase in fractional shortening when compared to T2DM (P < .05). Most parameters of cardiac function in treated rats remained unaltered during reperfusion, thus suggesting that both drugs protected myocardium during flow restoration. Better effects on coronary circulation were achieved after sitagliptin application. Additionally, both DPP4 inhibitors showed similar potential to attenuate cardiac necrosis and apoptosis. Saxagliptin and sitagliptin might be efficient in preserving myocardial function and morphology in ex vivo induced I-R cardiac injury in rats with T2DM.

Where Does Metformin Stand in Modern Day Management of Type 2 Diabetes?

Metformin is the most commonly used glucose-lowering therapy (GLT) worldwide and remains the first-line therapy for newly diagnosed individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in management algorithms and guidelines after the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) showed cardiovascular mortality benefits in the overweight population using metformin. However, the improved Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) realised in some of the recent large cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) using sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have challenged metformin's position as a first-line agent in the management of T2D. Many experts now advocate revising the existing treatment algorithms to target atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and improving glycaemic control as a secondary aim. In this review article, we will revisit the major cardiovascular outcome data for metformin and include a critique of the UKPDS data. We then review additional factors that might be pertinent to metformin's status as a first-line agent and finally answer key questions when considering metformin's role in the modern-day management of T2D.

A prospective cohort study on effects of gemigliptin on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (OPTIMUS study)

This study was performed to evaluate the long-term cardiovascular safety of gemigliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). After screening, eligible patients with T2DM were enrolled, received gemigliptin, and were followed up for a median of 2.50 years. The primary outcome was a composite of confirmed cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal ischemic stroke (3-point major adverse cardiovascular event [MACE]). The key secondary outcomes were incidence of all-cause mortality and any other cardiovascular events. A total of 5179 patients were included in the study and 5113 were treated with gemigliptin. Overall, the primary outcome occurred in 26 patients within 12 months (estimated incidence by Cox proportional hazard model 0.49%, 95% CI 0.29–0.69%) and in 54 patients within 54 months (estimated incidence from Cox proportional hazard model 1.35%, 95% CI 0.92–1.77%). During the study period, the incidence rates of each component of the primary composite outcome were 0.04% (0.2 events per 1000 person-years) for cardiovascular death, 0.51% (2.2 events per 1000 person-years) for nonfatal myocardial infarction, and 0.61% (2.5 events per 1000 person-years) for nonfatal ischemic stroke. The incidence of all-cause mortality was 0.82% (3.2 events per 1000 person-years) and the incidences of other cardiovascular events were all less than 0.3%. In conclusion, T2DM patients who received gemigliptin exhibited a low incidence of the primary composite MACE and all-cause mortality. Therefore, the use of gemigliptin is expected to be safe without an increase in cardiovascular risk.

Trial registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02290301).

Association between intensive glycemic control and mortality in elderly diabetic patients in the primary care: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between the most recent HbA1c values and the mortality of elderly Type 2 Diabetic (T2DM) patients managed in the public primary care setting and to explore the associating risk factors.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS

All T2DM patients aged 65 or above, who attended a public primary care clinic for regular follow up from 01/01/2012 to 31/12/2012 were included. Their follow up status till 31/12/2017 was reviewed. Those who were deceased on or before 31/12/2017 were matched randomly with controls that were alive in the same cohort for comparison.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients' demographics, smoking status, duration of T2DM, biochemical parameters including the most recent HbA1c, lipid profile, renal function test, drug profile, co-morbidities and all-cause mortality were retrieved from Hospital Authority's CDARS and CMS systems.

RESULTS

Both high (>8.0%) and low (<6.5%) HbA1c values were associated with increased odd ratio of all-cause mortality among T2DM elderly patients treated in the primary care. There was a 3-fold increase in odd ratio when the HbA1c reading was very low (<6.0%). Associated risk factors for all-cause mortality in elderly T2DM patients included smoker status, lower BMIs, and higher LDL levels and use of sulphonylureas.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycemic target for elderly T2DM patients should be approached cautiously. Over-aggressive treatment may lead to increased mortality among elderly T2DM patients.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as new tools for cardioprotection

Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a two- to fourfold propensity to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) than nondiabetic population, making CVD a major cause of death and disability among people with T2DM. The present treatment options for management of diabetes propose the earlier and more frequent use of new antidiabetic drugs that could control hyperglycaemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Findings from basic and clinical studies pointed out DPP-4 inhibitors as potentially novel pharmacological tools for cardioprotection. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that these drugs have ability to protect the heart against acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury as well as reduce the size of infarction. Consequently, the prevention of degradation of the incretin hormones by the use of DPP-4 inhibitors represents a new strategy in the treatment of patients with T2DM and reduction of CV events in these patients. Here, we discuss the cardioprotective effects of DPP-4 inhibitors as well as proposed pathways that these hypoglycaemic agents target in the cardiovascular system.

Impact of preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus and antidiabetic drugs on all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Medicaid-insured women diagnosed with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

We investigated the influence preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and antidiabetic drugs have on all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Medicaid-insured women diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHODS

9221 women aged <64 years diagnosed with breast cancer and reported to the New York State (NYS) Cancer Registry from 2004 to 2016 were linked with Medicaid claims. Preexisting T2DM was determined by three diagnosis claims for T2DM with at least one claim prior to breast cancer diagnosis and a prescription claim for an antidiabetic drug within three months following breast cancer diagnosis. Estimated menopausal status was determined by age (premenopausal age <50; postmenopausal age ≥50). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 %CI) were calculated with Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Women with preexisting T2DM had greater all-cause (HR = 1.40; 95 %CI 1.21, 1.63), cancer-specific (HR = 1.24; 95 %CI 1.04, 1.47), and cardiovascular-specific (HR = 2.46; 95 %CI 1.54, 3.90) mortality hazard compared to nondiabetic women. In subgroup analyses, the association between T2DM and all-cause mortality was found among non-Hispanic White (HR 1.78 95 %CI 1.38, 2.30) and postmenopausal (HR = 1.47; 95 %CI 1.23, 1.77) women, but not among other race/ethnicity groups or premenopausal women. Additionally, compared to women prescribed metformin, all-cause mortality hazard was elevated among women prescribed sulfonylurea (HR = 1.44; 95 %CI 1.06, 1.94) or insulin (HR = 1.54; 95 %CI 1.12, 2.11).

CONCLUSION

Among Medicaid-insured women with breast cancer, those with preexisting T2DM have an increased mortality hazard, especially when prescribed sulfonylurea or insulin. Further research is warranted to determine the role antidiabetic drugs have on survival among women with breast cancer.

Metformin Associated Lactic Acidosis in Clinical Practice - A Case Series

AIMS

The aim of this case report is to specify the frequency and mortality of Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis (MALA) in emergency medicine, as the diagnosis seems to occur more often than estimated.

METHODS

To identify the subjects, we developed screening criteria for MALA. We measured the serum metformin concentration to confirm the diagnosis in all patients fulfilling these criteria. Retrospectively the patients were grouped according to individual risk (according to a defined risk score) and the application of renal replacement therapy.

RESULTS

From 2013 until 2018 we were able to identify 11 MALA patients revealing a frequency of 1:4,000 emergency patients. Six patients survived and five died in the follow-up. All three patients in the high-risk group died although all of them received renal replacement therapy. In the low-risk group (three patients, one with renal replacement therapy), all patients survived, while in the intermediate-risk group (five patients, one with renal replacement therapy) three patients survived and two died. Additional severe comorbidities also contributed to mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Every patient matching the screening criteria of acute renal failure, lactic acidosis and continued intake of metformin can be considered a potential MALA case. A risk score assessment which includes severe comorbidities may help to identify high-risk individuals and should be evaluated in larger studies.To prevent MALA, patients should be trained to immediately interrupt their own metformin use when showing signs of volume depletion. Physicians should be aware of the additional risk factors such as co-medication with diuretics, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs).

Real-world Evaluation of glycemic control and hypoglycemic Events among type 2 Diabetes mellitus study (REEDS): a multicentre, cross-sectional study in Thailand

OBJECTIVE

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often experience hypoglycaemia and weight gain due to treatment side effects. Sulfonylureas (SU) and the combination of SU and metformin (SU+MET) were the most common monotherapy and combination therapies used in Thailand tertiary care hospitals. This study aimed to assess the glycaemic goal attainment rates, hypoglycaemic episodes, weight gain and treatment compliance among patients with T2DM receiving SU or SU+MET.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A multicentre cross-sectional survey and retrospective review was conducted in five tertiary care hospitals, Thailand. Patients with T2DM aged ≥30 years were included consecutively during a 12-month period. Glycaemic control, experiences of hypoglycaemia, weight gain and compliance were evaluated. Glycaemic goal attainment was defined by HbA_1c level less than 7%.

RESULTS

Out of the 659 patients (mean age (±SD)), 65.5 (10.0) years and median duration of T2DM (IQR), 10 (5-15) years), 313 (47.5%) achieved the glycaemic goal. HbA_1c levels in the patients with goal attainment was significantly lower compared with those without (6.3%±0.5% vs 8.1%±1.2%, p<0.001). Goal attainment was significantly lower among patients treated with SU+MET than those treated with SU alone (43.5% vs 63.0%; OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.31, 0.66, p<0.001). A third of patients reported experiencing hypoglycaemia (30.7%) and weight gain (35.4%). Weight gain in the SU+MET group was lower than those receiving SU alone (33.1% vs 44.6%, p=0.015), but there was no difference in hypoglycaemic events. Major events in the previous 12 months were experienced by 68 patients, most commonly congestive heart failure and ischaemic heart disease. Approximately half of the patients (52.2%) reported not always taking their medication as prescribed.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with T2DM receiving SU or SU+MET, only about half of the patients achieved glycaemic goal and compliance with the treatment. Hypoglycaemia and weight gain posed a significant burden with risk of weight gain higher in the SU group.

Cardiovascular risk following metformin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results from meta-analysis

AIM

Pharmacologic therapy for T2DM has proven benefits in terms of reducing elevated blood glucose levels and reducing microvascular complications. However, the impact of metformin on adverse cardiovascular outcomes and cardiovascular mortality is less clear. We carried out this meta-analysis on all published studies to estimate the overall cardiovascular risk following metformin treatment in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases for all articles. The odds ratio (OR) corresponding to the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the cardiovascular risk following metformin treatment in patients with T2DM. The statistical heterogeneity among studies was assessed with the Q-test and I² statistics.

RESULTS

We collected 16 studies including 25 comparisons with 1,160,254 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus and 701,843 patients of T2DM following metformin treatment. Our results found statistical evidence of significantly decreased cardiovascular risk to be associated with following treatment with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.48-0.68) (shown in Table 1 and Fig. 2), both with the mortality (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.34-0.57) and incidence (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis indicated that following metformin treatment in patients with T2DM was associated with decreased cardiovascular risk, both with the mortality and incidence. However, the heterogeneity among studies may potentially affect the final results.

Positioning Metabolism as a Central Player in the Diabetic Heart

In type 2 diabetes (T2D), the leading cause of death is cardiovascular complications. One mechanism contributing to cardiac pathogenesis is alterations in metabolism, with the diabetic heart exhibiting increased fatty acid oxidation and reduced glucose utilisation. The processes classically thought to underlie this metabolic shift include the Randle cycle and changes to gene expression. More recently, alternative mechanisms have been proposed, most notably, changes in post-translational modification of mitochondrial proteins in the heart. This increased understanding of how metabolism is altered in the diabetic heart has highlighted new therapeutic targets, with an aim to improve cardiac function in T2D. This review focuses on metabolism in the healthy heart and how this is modified in T2D, providing evidence for the mechanisms underlying this shift. There will be emphasis on the current treatments for the heart in diabetes, alongside efforts for metabocentric pharmacological therapies.

Mechanisms of action of metformin with special reference to cardiovascular protection

Management guidelines continue to identify metformin as initial pharmacologic antidiabetic therapy of choice for people with type 2 diabetes without contraindications, despite recent randomized trials that have demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular outcomes with newer classes of antidiabetic therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge of metformin's therapeutic actions on blood glucose and cardiovascular clinical evidence and to consider the mechanisms that underlie them. The effects of metformin on glycaemia occur mainly in the liver, but metformin-stimulated glucose disposal by the gut has emerged as an increasingly import site of action of metformin. Additionally, metformin induces increased secretion of GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells. Clinical cardiovascular protection with metformin is supported by three randomized outcomes trials (in newly diagnosed and late stage insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients) and a wealth of observational data. Initial evidence suggests that cotreatment with metformin may enhance the impact of newer incretin-based therapies on cardiovascular outcomes, an important observation as metformin can be combined with any other antidiabetic agent. Multiple potential mechanisms support the concept of cardiovascular protection with metformin beyond those provided by reduced blood glucose, including weight loss, improvements in haemostatic function, reduced inflammation, and oxidative stress, and inhibition of key steps in the process of atherosclerosis. Accordingly, metformin remains well placed to support improvements in cardiovascular outcomes, from diagnosis and throughout the course of type 2 diabetes, even in this new age of improved outcomes in type 2 diabetes.

Re-contact demographics and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients treated for a hypoglycaemic episode in the pre-hospital environment: a rapid literature review

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus has been referred to as an ‘epidemic’ and the World Health Organization reported 422 million people with the disease in 2014. Hypoglycaemia is common among emergency presentations, yet understanding around the utilisation of emergency medical services (EMS) for this is incomplete.

Ambulance service referral pathways for those suitable to be treated in the community have been developed as a means of managing this growing demand. However, there is limited evidence to suggest how they should be constructed or implemented.

The aim of this review was to examine patients who re-contacted the health services following EMS non-transport for a hypoglycaemic episode and to determine if risk factors could be identified.

Methods:

Medline/PubMed and CINAHL online databases were searched for papers published between 1998 and 2018 relating to re-contacts following an interaction with EMS. The Cochrane Library online database was also searched, as well as manual searches from key journals. Relevant clinical manuals, guidelines and specific grey literature were also hand searched.

Results:

After duplicates were removed, 260 articles were identified, with 41 selected for full review. These were then reduced by excluding those that did not provide any data on re-contact rates/demographics. The remaining papers were then assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) appraisal tool and those identified as of low quality were removed. This produced 17 papers for final inclusion.

Conclusion:

The literature demonstrates that ambulance clinicians can appropriately treat hypoglycaemia in the community and identify those requiring further assessment at emergency departments. However, due to the very nature of diabetes, repeat episodes will and do occur, regardless of community or emergency department management, but these are rarely in the acute phase. Some groups are higher risk, but thorough holistic assessment is vital for identifying those suitable for community management.

National ambulatory care non-insulin antidiabetic medication prescribing trends in the United States from 2009 to 2015

OBJECTIVE

Despite their efficacy in lowering hemoglobin A1c, recent data suggest that sulfonylureas are associated with cardiovascular risk and hypoglycemia. The objective of this study was to determine whether prescribers decreased sulfonylurea use in favor of newer medications in the United States over seven years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Patient visits between 2009 and 2015 were included for patients who were at least 18 years old, had a documented prescription for a non-insulin antidiabetic medication, and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Sample survey data were extrapolated to national estimates using data weights. Prescribing rates were calculated as the number of visits with a documented medication class divided by the total number of visits with a prescription for any diabetes medication class, times 100%.

RESULTS

A total of 303 million patient visits were included in this study. The median (IQR) patient age was 64 (55-73) years old and 49.8% were male. Sulfonylurea prescribing rates decreased from 43% in 2009 to 36.5% in 2015. Prescribing of GLP-1 receptor agonists increased from 2009 to 2014 (3.95% to 5.30%), but then decreased to 4.19% in 2015. SGLT-2 inhibitor prescribing began in 2013 and increased to 7.3% by 2015. Metformin prescribing remained relatively stable over the study period (range 70% to 72%).

CONCLUSIONS

National ambulatory sulfonylurea prescribing decreased from 2009 to 2015 with a corresponding increase in newer non-insulin antidiabetic agent prescribing.

Safety of Metformin in Psoriasis Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A 17-Year Population-Based Real-World Cohort Study

CONTEXT

The safety of metformin usage by diabetic psoriasis patients is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the real-world safety of metformin in psoriatic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

DESIGN

We used the National Health Insurance Research Database to perform a cohort study. Based on metformin and other antidiabetic agent prescriptions, we divided all psoriasis patients with T2DM into the metformin group and the nonmetformin group. The outcomes included all-cause mortality, severe psoriasis, hospitalization due to psoriasis, and any cause for readmission.

RESULTS

The metformin group (n = 5520) and the nonmetformin group (n = 3062) did not significantly differ in the risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.08; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.30], severe psoriasis (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.09), psoriasis-related admission (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.93), and any-cause readmission (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.11). The dose-response analysis found no significant increase in the risk of severe psoriasis and psoriasis-related admission, even with more than 80 defined daily doses or 1000 mg daily dose of metformin prescribed (P for linear trend > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Metformin can be prescribed for diabetic psoriasis patients without safety concerns.

Effect of metformin on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary artery diseases: a systematic review and an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Metformin is the most widely prescribed drug to lower glucose and has a definitive effect on the cardiovascular system. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effects of metformin on mortality and cardiac function among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

Relevant studies reported before October 2018 was retrieved from databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Hazard ratio (HR) was calculated to evaluate the all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and incidence of cardiovascular events (CV events), to figure out the level of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), type B natriuretic peptide (BNP) and to compare the average level of low density lipoprotein (LDL).

RESULTS

In this meta-analysis were included 40 studies comprising 1,066,408 patients. The cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality and incidence of CV events were lowered to adjusted HR (aHR) = 0.81, aHR = 0.67 and aHR = 0. 83 respectively after the patients with CAD were given metformin. Subgroup analysis showed that metformin reduced all-cause mortality in myocardial infarction (MI) (aHR = 0.79) and heart failure (HF) patients (aHR = 0.84), the incidence of CV events in HF (aHR = 0.83) and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (aHR = 0.83), but had no significant effect on MI (aHR = 0.87) and non-T2DM patients (aHR = 0.92). Metformin is superior to sulphonylurea (aHR = 0.81) in effects on lowering the incidence of CV events and in effects on patients who don't use medication. The CK-MB level in the metformin group was lower than that in the control group standard mean difference (SMD) = - 0.11). There was no significant evidence that metformin altered LVEF (MD = 2.91), BNP (MD = - 0.02) and LDL (MD = - 0.08).

CONCLUSION

Metformin reduces cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality and CV events in CAD patients. For MI patients and CAD patients without T2DM, metformin has no significant effect of reducing the incidence of CV events. Metformin has a better effect of reducing the incidence of CV events than sulfonylureas.

Frequency and Severity of Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Treated with a Sulfonylurea-Based Regimen at University-Affiliated Hospitals in Korea: The Naturalistic Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Events in Diabetic Subjects Study

Background

We assessed the frequency and severity of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with sulfonylurea monotherapy or sulfonylurea+metformin.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study in 2011 and 2012 including patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥30 years who were treated with ≥6 months of sulfonylurea monotherapy or sulfonylurea+metformin at 20 university-affiliated hospitals in Korea. At enrollment, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was assessed; participants completed self-reported questionnaires describing hypoglycemia incidents over the past 6 months. A review of medical records up to 12 months before enrollment provided data on demographics, disease history, comorbidities, laboratory results, and drug usage.

Results

Of 726 enrolled patients, 719 were included (55.6% male); 31.7% and 68.3% were on sulfonylurea monotherapy and sulfonylurea+metformin, respectively. Mean±standard deviation age was 65.9±10.0 years; mean HbA1c level was 7.0%±1.0%; 77.8% of patients had hypertension (89.4% used antihypertensive medication); 60.5% had lipid disorders (72.5% used lipid-lowering medication); and 52.0% had one or more micro- or macrovascular diseases. Among patients with A1c measurement (n=717), 56.4% achieved therapeutic goals (HbA1c <7.0%); 42.4% (305/719) experienced hypoglycemia within 6 months of enrollment; and 38.8%, 12.9%, 12.7%, and 3.9% of patients experienced mild, moderate, severe, and very severe hypoglycemia symptoms, respectively. Several reported hypoglycemia frequency as 1–2 times over the last 6 months. The mean number of very severe hypoglycemia episodes was 3.5±5.5.

Conclusion

Among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with sulfonylurea-based regimens, glycemic levels were relatively well controlled but hypoglycemia remained a prevalent side effect.

Should metformin still be the first-line of treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus? A comprehensive review and suggested algorithm

For more than a century, the high occurrences of coronary and peripheral artery diseases in diabetes mellitus patients has been well recognised; despite that, the ability to improve CV event rates by optimizing glycaemic control has remained elusive. Nevertheless, the last decade has seen several cardiovascular outcome clinical trials (CVOTs) of many antihyperglycemic agents that reported promising results for cardiovascular and renal outcomes. This leads to a hot debate on the ideal drug choice for first-line treatment in T2DM. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence supporting the use of metformin, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and incretin-based therapies for the management of individuals with T2DM and, discuss the rationale for selection.

Impact of Metformin and Pioglitazone on Serum Level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Lipid Profiles during Implantation Window in Diabetic Rats

Background

The present study was designed to evaluate serum lipid profile and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ) level in diabetic rats at implantation time. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) could affect various systems, including innate immune system and it causes chronic low-grade inflammation, increasing level of TNF-ɑ. Furthermore, T2DM is often accompanied by impaired lipid profile. Metformin and pioglitazone are used as the first and second lines of treatment for T2DM.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 35 adult virgin female wistar rats, weighting 175-225 g, were randomly categorized into five groups: i. Control, ii. Sham, iii. Nicotinamide (NA)+streptozotocin (STZ) induced T2DM, iv. Diabetic+pioglitazone (20 mg/kg/day for 28 days oral administration), and v. Diabetic+metformin (100 mg/kg/day for 28 days oral administration). At the time of implantation, TNF-ɑ level in serum of rats was measured by ELISA kit. Glucose was measured using photometric method and lipid profiles were calculated by enzymatic methods.

Results

Level of TNF-ɑ in the diabetic group was significantly higher than other groups (P<0.001). In metformin treated group, TNF-ɑ serum level was also significantly higher than pioglitazone treated group (P<0.001). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profiles were significantly higher in diabetic group.

Conclusion

Metformin and pioglitazone have similar effects on glucose, lipid profiles and TNF-ɑ serum levels. Among these drugs, pioglitazone has more efficient influence on TNF-α serum level, in comparison with metformin.

Metformin and second- or third-generation sulphonylurea combination therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

The number of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. The combination of metformin and sulphonylurea (M+S) is a widely used treatment. Whether M+S shows better or worse effects in comparison with other antidiabetic medications for people with T2DM is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of metformin and sulphonylurea (second- or third-generation) combination therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SEARCH METHODS

We updated the search of a recent systematic review from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The updated search included CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP. The date of the last search was March 2018. We searched manufacturers' websites and reference lists of included trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and health technology assessment reports. We asked investigators of the included trials for information about additional trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) randomising participants 18 years old or more with T2DM to M+S compared with metformin plus another glucose-lowering intervention or metformin monotherapy with a treatment duration of 52 weeks or more.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors read all abstracts and full-text articles and records, assessed risk of bias and extracted outcome data independently. We used a random-effects model to perform meta-analysis, and calculated risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes, using 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for effect estimates. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE instrument.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 32 RCTs randomising 28,746 people. Treatment duration ranged between one to four years. We judged none of these trials as low risk of bias for all 'Risk of bias' domains. Most important events per person were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, serious adverse events (SAE), non-fatal stroke (NFS), non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and microvascular complications. Most important comparisons were as follows:Five trials compared M+S (N = 1194) with metformin plus a glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue (N = 1675): all-cause mortality was 11/1057 (1%) versus 11/1537 (0.7%), risk ratio (RR) 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49 to 2.67); 3 trials; 2594 participants; low-certainty evidence; cardiovascular mortality 1/307 (0.3%) versus 1/302 (0.3%), low-certainty evidence; serious adverse events (SAE) 128/1057 (12.1%) versus 194/1537 (12.6%), RR 0.90 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.11); 3 trials; 2594 participants; very low-certainty evidence; non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) 2/549 (0.4%) versus 6/1026 (0.6%), RR 0.57 (95% CI 0.12 to 2.82); 2 trials; 1575 participants; very low-certainty evidence.Nine trials compared M+S (N = 5414) with metformin plus a dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitor (N = 6346): all-cause mortality was 33/5387 (0.6%) versus 26/6307 (0.4%), RR 1.32 (95% CI 0.76 to 2.28); 9 trials; 11,694 participants; low-certainty evidence; cardiovascular mortality 11/2989 (0.4%) versus 9/3885 (0.2%), RR 1.54 (95% CI 0.63 to 3.79); 6 trials; 6874 participants; low-certainty evidence; SAE 735/5387 (13.6%) versus 779/6307 (12.4%), RR 1.07 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.18); 9 trials; 11,694 participants; very low-certainty evidence; NFS 14/2098 (0.7%) versus 8/2995 (0.3%), RR 2.21 (95% CI 0.74 to 6.58); 4 trials; 5093 participants; very low-certainty evidence; non-fatal MI 15/2989 (0.5%) versus 13/3885 (0.3%), RR 1.45 (95% CI 0.69 to 3.07); 6 trials; 6874 participants; very low-certainty evidence; one trial in 64 participants reported no microvascular complications were observed (very low-certainty evidence).Eleven trials compared M+S (N = 3626) with metformin plus a thiazolidinedione (N = 3685): all-cause mortality was 123/3300 (3.7%) versus 114/3354 (3.4%), RR 1.09 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.40); 6 trials; 6654 participants; low-certainty evidence; cardiovascular mortality 37/2946 (1.3%) versus 41/2994 (1.4%), RR 0.78 (95% CI 0.36 to 1.67); 4 trials; 5940 participants; low-certainty evidence; SAE 666/3300 (20.2%) versus 671/3354 (20%), RR 1.01 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.11); 6 trials; 6654 participants; very low-certainty evidence; NFS 20/1540 (1.3%) versus 16/1583 (1%), RR 1.29 (95% CI 0.67 to 2.47); P = 0.45; 2 trials; 3123 participants; very low-certainty evidence; non-fatal MI 25/1841 (1.4%) versus 21/1877 (1.1%), RR 1.21 (95% CI 0.68 to 2.14); P = 0.51; 3 trials; 3718 participants; very low-certainty evidence; three trials (3123 participants) reported no microvascular complications (very low-certainty evidence).Three trials compared M+S (N = 462) with metformin plus a glinide (N = 476): one person died in each intervention group (3 trials; 874 participants; low-certainty evidence); no cardiovascular mortality (2 trials; 446 participants; low-certainty evidence); SAE 34/424 (8%) versus 27/450 (6%), RR 1.68 (95% CI 0.54 to 5.21); P = 0.37; 3 trials; 874 participants; low-certainty evidence; no NFS (1 trial; 233 participants; very low-certainty evidence); non-fatal MI 2/215 (0.9%) participants in the M+S group; 2 trials; 446 participants; low-certainty evidence; no microvascular complications (1 trial; 233 participants; low-certainty evidence).Four trials compared M+S (N = 2109) with metformin plus a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (N = 3032): all-cause mortality was 13/2107 (0.6%) versus 19/3027 (0.6%), RR 0.96 (95% CI 0.44 to 2.09); 4 trials; 5134 participants; very low-certainty evidence; cardiovascular mortality 4/1327 (0.3%) versus 6/2262 (0.3%), RR 1.22 (95% CI 0.33 to 4.41); 3 trials; 3589 participants; very low-certainty evidence; SAE 315/2107 (15.5%) versus 375/3027 (12.4%), RR 1.02 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.37); 4 trials; 5134 participants; very low-certainty evidence; NFS 3/919 (0.3%) versus 7/1856 (0.4%), RR 0.87 (95% CI 0.22 to 3.34); 2 trials; 2775 participants; very low-certainty evidence; non-fatal MI 7/890 (0.8%) versus 8/1374 (0.6%), RR 1.43 (95% CI 0.49 to 4.18; 2 trials); 2264 participants; very low-certainty evidence; amputation of lower extremity 1/437 (0.2%) versus 1/888 (0.1%); very low-certainty evidence.Trials reported more hypoglycaemic episodes with M+S combination compared to all other metformin-antidiabetic agent combinations. Results for M+S versus metformin monotherapy were inconclusive. There were no RCTs comparing M+S with metformin plus insulin. We identified nine ongoing trials and two trials are awaiting assessment. Together these trials will include approximately 16,631 participants.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is inconclusive evidence whether M+S combination therapy compared with metformin plus another glucose-lowering intervention results in benefit or harm for most patient-important outcomes (mortality, SAEs, macrovascular and microvascular complications) with the exception of hypoglycaemia (more harm for M+S combination). No RCT reported on health-related quality of life.

Review of the cardiovascular safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and the clinical relevance of the CAROLINA trial

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) is a well-recognized complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and there is a clinical need for glucose-lowering therapies that do not further increase CV risk in this population. Although sulfonylureas (SUs) may be used as second-line therapy for patients requiring additional therapy after first-line metformin to improve glycemic control, their long-term effects on CV outcomes remain uncertain, and a wide range of alternative agents exist including dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.

METHODS

Literature searches in PubMed (2013-2018) were conducted with terms for DPP-4 inhibitors combined with CV terms, with preference given to cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs). Reference lists from retrieved articles and diabetes guidelines were also considered.

RESULTS

This narrative review discusses current evidence for the CV safety of these agents, describes the long-term CV effects of DPP-4 inhibitors, including effects on CV events, mortality, the risk for heart failure hospitalization, and highlights the need for further research into the CV effects of SU therapy. Although SUs remain a treatment option for T2DM, the long-term effects of these agents on CV outcomes are unclear, and further long-term studies are required. For DPP-4 inhibitors, uncertainties have been raised about their long-term effect on hospitalization for heart failure in light of the results of SAVOR-TIMI 53, although the findings of other DPP-4 inhibitor CVOTs in T2DM and data analyses have suggested these agents do not increase the occurrence of adverse CV outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on recent CVOTs and guideline updates, the choice of add-on to metformin therapy for patients with T2DM and established CV disease should be a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor or a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist with proven CV benefit. Additional treatment options for those individuals who require therapy intensification, as well as in patients with T2DM and without established CVD include DPP-4 inhibitors and SUs. Since few head-to-head trials have compared the effects of different oral glucose-lowering agents on CV outcomes in T2DM, with most CVOTs using placebo as a comparator, the CAROLINA trial will provide important information on the comparative CV safety of a commonly prescribed SU and a DPP-4 inhibitor.

Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin or dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin versus glimepiride as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin and dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin vs glimepiride as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This 52-week, multicentre, double-blind, active-controlled study (NCT02471404) randomized (1:1:1) patients (n = 939; HbA1c 7.5%-10.5%) on metformin monotherapy (≥1500 mg/day) to add-on dapagliflozin 10 mg, dapagliflozin 10 mg plus saxagliptin 5 mg, or glimepiride 1 to 6 mg (titrated). The primary efficacy end point was change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 52.

RESULTS

Baseline mean age, diabetes duration and HbA1c were 58.4 years, 7.0 years and 8.3%, respectively. Adjusted mean HbA1c change from baseline was -1.20% with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin and -0.82% with dapagliflozin, vs -0.99% with glimepiride (mean dose at Week 52, 4.6 mg). Changes in body weight (-3.2 kg and -3.5 kg vs +1.8 kg) and systolic blood pressure (SBP; -6.4 mm Hg and -5.6 mm Hg vs -1.6 mm Hg) were significantly greater with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin and dapagliflozin than with glimepiride. FPG decreased significantly with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin compared with glimepiride (-2.1 mmol/L vs -1.5 mmol/L) and was similar with dapagliflozin (-1.6 mmol/L) compared with glimepiride. Confirmed incidence of hypoglycaemia was lower with dapagliflozin regimens than with glimepiride (0 and 1 vs 13 patients) and fewer patients required rescue. Genital infections were more frequent with dapagliflozin; other AE profiles were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin improved glycaemic control compared with glimepiride plus metformin; add-on of dapagliflozin alone showed efficacy similar to that of glimepiride. Both dapagliflozin regimens decreased body weight and SBP, with a lower incidence of hypoglycaemia compared with glimepiride.

Sulfonylureas as second line drugs in type 2 diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular and hypoglycaemic events: population based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether adding or switching to sulfonylureas is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, cardiovascular death, all cause mortality, and severe hypoglycaemia, compared with remaining on metformin monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN

Population based cohort study.

SETTING

General practices contributing data to the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with type 2 diabetes initiating metformin monotherapy between 1998 and 2013.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Using the prevalent new-user cohort design we matched 1:1 patients adding or switching to sulfonylureas with those remaining on metformin monotherapy on high-dimensional propensity score, haemoglobin A1c, and number of previous metformin prescriptions. The two groups were compared using Cox proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the study outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 77 138 metformin initiators, 25 699 added or switched to sulfonylureas during the study period. During a mean follow-up of 1.1 years, sulfonylureas were associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (incidence rate 7.8 v 6.2 per 1000 person years, hazard ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.56), all cause mortality (27.3 v 21.5, 1.28, 1.15 to 1.44), and severe hypoglycaemia (5.5 v 0.7, 7.60, 4.64 to 12.44) compared with continuing metformin monotherapy. There was a trend towards increased risks of ischaemic stroke (6.7 v 5.5, 1.24, 0.99 to 1.56) and cardiovascular death (9.4 v 8.1, 1.18, 0.98 to 1.43). Compared with adding sulfonylureas, switching to sulfonylureas was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (hazard ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 2.24) and all-cause mortality (1.23, 1.00 to 1.50). No differences were observed for ischaemic stroke, cardiovascular death, or severe hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Sulfonylureas as second line drugs are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, all cause mortality, and severe hypoglycaemia, compared with remaining on metformin monotherapy. Continuing metformin when introducing sulfonylureas appears to be safer than switching.

Metformin associated lactic acidosis: a case series of 28 patients treated with sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) and long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Metformin associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is a well-known serious side effect of biguanides. However, the best treatment strategy remains a matter of debate. In the last 14 years, we observed a significant increase in hospitalizations for MALA to our Center. We report the outcomes of our clinical and therapeutic approach.

METHODS

This is a single-center case series. Twenty-eight patients affected with MALA and acute kidney failure admitted between January 2000 and September 2014 were included. We analyzed comorbidities, laboratory tests and clinical parameters at admission, at 36 h and at discharge. All patients were treated with sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) until normalization of serum lactate (≤ 3 mmol/L), bicarbonate (between 20 and 25 mmol/L) and potassium (between 4.0 and 5.1 mmol/L).

RESULTS

The mortality rate was 21.4%, with all of the events occurring within 24 h from admission, and before or during the first hemodialysis treatment. Precipitating causes included; acute dehydration (86.4%), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (57.1%), sepsis (10.7%), nephrolithiasis (14.6%) and exposure to iodinated contrast (7.1%). No further episodes of lactic acidosis were described after discontinuing the drug over a mean follow-up of 27.2 months. Furthermore, while in 2010, we had a peak incidence of MALA of 76.8 cases per 100,000 patients on metformin, this rate fell after an education campaign conducted by specialists on the proper usage of metformin in patients at risk of MALA. Although the fall in incidence after the educational program was not necessarily causal, in 2014 the incidence was 32.9/100,000.

CONCLUSIONS

We report an improved mortality rate in patients affected with MALA and acute kidney injury treated with SLED compared with other series published in literature. Rapid introduction of effective hemodialysis is critical in improving outcomes.

Trends in Diabetes Treatment and Monitoring among Medicare Beneficiaries

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a costly and common condition, but little is known about recent trends in diabetes management among Medicare beneficiaries.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of diabetes medications and testing supplies among Medicare beneficiaries.

DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective cohort analysis of Medicare claims from 2007 to 2014.

PARTICIPANTS

Traditional Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of diabetes in the current or any prior year.

MAIN MEASURES

We analyzed choices of first diabetes medication for those new to medication and patterns of adding medications. We also examined the use of testing supplies, use of statins and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and spending.

KEY RESULTS

Diagnosed diabetes increased from 28.7% to 30.2% of beneficiaries from 2007 to 2014. The use of metformin as the most commonly prescribed first medication increased from 50.2% in 2007 to 70.2% in 2014, whereas long-acting sulfonylureas decreased from 16.6% to 8.2%. The use of thiazolidinediones fell considerably, while the use of new diabetes medication classes increased. Among patients prescribed insulin, long-acting insulin as the first choice increased substantially, from 38.9% to 56.8%, but short-acting or combination regimens remained common, particularly among older or sicker beneficiaries. Prescriptions of testing supplies for more than once-daily testing were also common. The mean total cost of diabetes medications per patient increased over the period due to the increasing use of high-cost drugs, particularly by those patients with costs above the 90th percentile of spending, although the median costs decreased for both medications and testing supplies.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of metformin and long-acting insulin have increased substantially among elderly Medicare patients with diabetes, but a substantial subgroup continues to receive costly and complex treatment regimens.

The effect of antidiabetic medications on the cardiovascular system: a critical appraisal of current data

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. This risk seems to be reduced by achievement of euglycemia. However, after the withdrawal of rosiglitazone from the market, the question arose as to whether this risk concerns simply a matter of euglycemia or the distinct role played by each antidiabetic drug with respect to its effect on CVD risk. To address this issue, many studies have been published during the last decade involving old and new antidiabetic agents, which however yielded contradictory results. Briefly, metformin is still considered safe and confers a beneficial effect on CVD risk. Conflicting data exist as concerns sulfonylureas, although the second and third generation representatives are regarded as relatively safe. Pioglitazone use seems to be associated with a reduction in CVD risk, whereas the dipeptidyl-dipeptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i), lixisenatide and exenatide-LAR [from the category of glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists], confer a neutral effect. Two other GLP-1R agonists, liraglutide and semaglutide, as well as the sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2)-inhibitors, empagliflozin and cangliflozin, have shown an additional effect on CVD risk reduction, although their safety is in doubt. Insulin analogues and newer long-acting compounds are also safe for the cadiovascular system. The aim of this narrative review is to present and critically analyse the current data for each antidiabetic drug category with regard to their effect on CVD risk.

Pulse pressure and diabetes treatments: Blood pressure and pulse pressure difference among glucose lowering modality groups in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is associated with higher pulse pressure. In this study, we assessed and compared effects of classic diabetes treatments on pulse pressure (PP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in patients with type 2 diabetes.In a retrospective cohort study, 718 non-hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes were selected and divided into 4 groups including metformin, insulin, glibenclamide+metformin, and metformin+insulin. They were followed for 4 consecutive visits lasting about 45.5 months. Effects of drug regimens on pulse and blood pressure over time were assessed separately and compared in regression models with generalized estimating equation method and were adjusted for age, duration of diabetes, sex, smoking, and body mass index (BMI).Studied groups had no significant change in PP, SBP, and DBP over time. No significant difference in PP and DBP among studied groups was observed (PP:P = 0.090; DBP:P = 0.063). Pairwise comparisons of PP, SBP, and DBP showed no statistically significant contrast between any 2 studied groups. Interactions of time and treatment were not different among groups.Our results demonstrate patients using metformin got higher PP and SBP over time. Averagely, pulse and blood pressure among groups were not different. Trends of variation in pulse and blood pressure were not different among studied diabetes treatments.

Practice pearl: liraglutide and cardiovascular and renal events in type 2 diabetes

Review of: Marso S, Daniels G, Brown-Frandsen K, et al. Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med 2016; 375: 311-322. Mann J, Orsted D, Brown-Frandsen K, et al. Liraglutide and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med 2017; 377: 839-848. This comprehensive research project, LEADER, led to two reports, one focusing on the effect of liraglutide on cardiovascular events, and the second one reporting on the renal effects on the same study population. The study group included 9340 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients were required to have type 2 diabetes and an age 50 with a previous cardiovascular problem or chronic heart failure, or an age of 60 with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Patients were randomized to 1.8 mg (or the maximum tolerated dose) of liraglutide, or placebo. The median follow up was 3.8 years. The primary cardiovascular outcome, a combined endpoint of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke, was seen in 13% (608 of 4668 patients) treated with liraglutide versus 14.9 % (694 of 4672 patients) in the placebo patients (HR 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 0.97; P = 0.01 for superiority). Death from cardiovascular disease and death from any cause were also lower in the liraglutide group. The rates for nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure were not significantly reduced. In the renal report, the renal outcome was reduced in the liraglutide versus the placebo group (268 of 4668 versus 337 out of 4672 in the placebo group; HR 0.78; CI 0.67 to 0.92; p = 0.003). This improvement was mainly driven by a lower rate of the new onset of persistent macroalbuminuria in the liraglutide patients (161 vs 215 patients; HR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.91; p = 0.004), while the rates of other renal adverse events were similar in both groups. When taken together these two reports are the first data to show that the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue liraglutide can reduce cardiovascular events and halt progression to macroalbuminuria in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Association of Metformin Treatment with Reduced Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate effects of long-term metformin on the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in high-risk type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review study was conducted involving 335 DR patients with T2D ≥ 15 years from 1990 to 2013. The severity of DR was determined by Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale. The associations between metformin and DR severity were evaluated. Comparison with stratification for the use of sulfonylurea and insulin was performed to identify possible confounding effects.

RESULTS

Severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (SNPDR/PDR) was more often diagnosed in nonmetformin users (67/142, 47%) versus metformin users (48/193, 25%) (p < 0.001), regardless of gender and race of the patients. The odds ratio of metformin associated with SNPDR/PDR was 0.37 in all cases (p < 0.001), 0.35 in sulfonylurea use cohort (p < 0.05), 0.45 in nonsulfonylurea use cohorts (p < 0.01), and 0.42 in insulin use cohort (p < 0.01). Insulin users had a higher rate of SNPDR/PDR. Metformin had no influence on the occurrence of clinical significant diabetic macular edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term use of metformin is independently associated with a significant lower rate of SNPDR/PDR in patients with type 2 diabetes ≥ 15 years.

Metformin reduces all-cause mortality and diseases of ageing independent of its effect on diabetes control: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review investigated whether the insulin sensitiser metformin has a geroprotective effect in humans. Pubmed and Embase were searched along with databases of unpublished studies. Eligible research investigated the effect of metformin on all-cause mortality or diseases of ageing relative to non-diabetic populations or diabetics receiving other therapies with adjustment for disease control achieved. Overall, 260 full-texts were reviewed and 53 met the inclusion criteria. Diabetics taking metformin had significantly lower all-cause mortality than non-diabetics (hazard ratio (HR)=0.93, 95%CI 0.88-0.99), as did diabetics taking metformin compared to diabetics receiving non-metformin therapies (HR=0.72, 95%CI 0.65-0.80), insulin (HR=0.68, 95%CI 0.63-0.75) or sulphonylurea (HR=0.80, 95%CI 0.66-0.97). Metformin users also had reduced cancer compared to non-diabetics (rate ratio=0.94, 95%CI 0.92-0.97) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to diabetics receiving non-metformin therapies (HR=0.76, 95%CI 0.66-0.87) or insulin (HR=0.78, 95%CI 0.73-0.83). Differences in baseline characteristics were observed which had the potential to bias findings, although statistical adjustments were made. The apparent reductions in all-cause mortality and diseases of ageing associated with metformin use suggest that metformin could be extending life and healthspans by acting as a geroprotective agent.

Is It Time to Change the Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Paradigm? Yes! GLP-1 RAs Should Replace Metformin in the Type 2 Diabetes Algorithm

Most treatment guidelines, including those from the American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes and the International Diabetes Federation, suggest metformin be used as the first-line therapy after diet and exercise. This recommendation is based on the considerable body of evidence that has accumulated over the last 30 years, but it is also supported on clinical grounds based on metformin's affordability and tolerability. As such, metformin is the most commonly used oral antihyperglycemic agent in the U.S. However, based on the release of newer agents over the recent past, some have suggested that the modern approach to disease management should be based upon identification of its etiology and correcting the underlying biological disturbances. That is, we should use interventions that normalize or at least ameliorate the recognized derangements in physiology that drive the clinical manifestation of disease, in this circumstance, hyperglycemia. Thus, it is argued that therapeutic interventions that target glycemia but do not correct the underlying pathogenic disturbances are unlikely to result in a sustained benefit on the disease process. In our field, there is an evolving debate regarding the suggested first step in diabetes management and a call for a new paradigm. Given the current controversy, we provide a Point-Counterpoint debate on this issue. In the point narrative below that precedes the counterpoint narrative, Drs. Abdul-Ghani and DeFronzo provide their argument that a treatment approach for type 2 diabetes based upon correcting the underlying pathophysiological abnormalities responsible for the development of hyperglycemia provides the best therapeutic strategy. Such an approach requires a change in the recommendation for first-line therapy from metformin to a GLP-1 receptor agonist. In the counterpoint narrative that follows Drs. Abdul-Ghani and DeFronzo's contribution, Dr. Inzucchi argues that, based on the medical community's extensive experience and the drug's demonstrated efficacy, safety, low cost, and cardiovascular benefits, metformin should remain the "foundation therapy" for all patients with type 2 diabetes, barring contraindications.-William T. CefaluChief Scientific, Medical & Mission Officer, American Diabetes Association.

Individualized homeopathic treatment in addition to conventional treatment in type II diabetic patients in Hong Kong - a retrospective cohort study

Objective: Glycaemic goals are not achieved in most patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in those with long disease duration and taking multiple oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD). We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic treatment in glycaemic control.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: At least 6 months of individualized homeopathic treatment at a private homeopathic centre in Hong Kong.

Participants: Twenty-seven adults aged 37–84 years were treated with individualized homeopathic remedies between 2012 and 2015. Published data on 40 T2DM patients under standard conventional treatment in Hong Kong were used as a control.

Main outcome measure: Change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at 12-month or the last follow-up, whichever is earlier.

Results: Compared with the conventional treatment only group, the homeopathy group had higher baseline FPG ( p = 0.044), and more patients had a long (>20 years) duration of diabetes ( p = 0.006), and a history of cardiac events ( p = 0.022). The mean difference in FPG in the homeopathy group was significantly greater than in the control after 12 months: −2.24 mmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.47 to −1.01) vs 0.16 mmol/L (95% CI: −1.72 to 2.04), p = 0.001. The mean difference in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was also significantly greater, −1.11% (95% CI: −2.17 to −0.05) vs 0.08% (95% CI: −1.37 to 1.53), p = 0.046. Poorer baseline glycaemic control was associated with better outcome (r = −0.750, p < 0.001), but not the duration of diabetes (r = 0.058, p = 0.772). The improvement was robust to sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion: Individualized homeopathic treatment was associated with better glycaemic control compared with standard conventional treatment alone.