Aortic stiffness and ambulatory blood pressure as predictors of diabetic kidney disease: a competing risks analysis from the Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Study

Arterial Stiffness Is Related to Diabetes-Associated Microvascular Complications: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between arterial stiffness, an early marker of macrovascular cardiovascular disease, and microvascular complications in adolescents and young adults with youth-onset diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included 1,226 individuals (median age at initial visit 18 years; 58% female; 53% non-Hispanic White, 22% non-Hispanic Black, and 20% Hispanic) with youth-onset type 1 or type 2 diabetes from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study. Arterial stiffness measures included pulse wave velocity for carotid femoral, carotid radial, femoral foot, and augmentation index (AIx). Microvascular complications included microalbuminuria, peripheral neuropathy, and retinopathy. Participants were followed up once at ∼5 years.

RESULTS

Cross-sectionally, in type 1 diabetes, AIx was associated with higher odds of having any one microvascular complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.35; 95% CI 1.04-1.76), microalbuminuria (OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.78-4.39), neuropathy (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.07-2.50), and retinopathy (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.06-1.79). In type 2 diabetes, AIx was associated with higher odds of microalbuminuria (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.04-4.33; all P < 0.05). In longitudinal analysis, in type 1 diabetes, a change in AIx was associated with the development of any one microvascular complication (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.15-1.82), microalbuminuria (OR 5.42; 95% CI 1.98-14.80), neuropathy (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.22-3.40), and retinopathy (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.15-1.90). In type 2 diabetes, a change in AIx was associated with the development of microalbuminuria (OR 21.98; 95% CI 1.30-372.88; all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffness is related to and predicts microvascular complications in youth-onset type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Definition of hyperfiltration taking into account age-related decline in renal function in kidney donor candidates with obesity and glucose tolerance disorder

The definition of hyperfiltration, the main pathogenesis in renal impairment in obesity and diabetes mellitus, is uncertain. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declines physiologically with aging, and there is inaccuracy in GFR in obesity due to body surface area (BSA) correction. Here, we defined hyperfiltration using GFR without BSA correction, but with inclusion of aging, and investigated hyperfiltration using this definition and absolute GFR > 125 mL/min. The subjects were 180 kidney donor candidates (56.4 ± 11.3 years old, 79 males). GFR was evaluated using inulin clearance. A two-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. The subjects were divided into four groups with and without a combination of glucose tolerance disorder and BMI. Normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and BMI < 25 kg/m2 were defined as normal, and hyperfiltration was defined as the upper 95% confidence interval of the relationship of aging and GFR in normal cases, and compared with GFR > 125 mL/min. RESULTS: GFR without BSA correction and UAE in non-NGT subjects with obesity were higher than in other groups, but GFR with BSA correction did not show this relationship. In multiple regression analysis, BMI was independently associated with GFR without BSA correction, but not with BSA correction. Aging was consistently associated with GFR. The prevalence of hyperfiltration by our definition (GFR = -0.883 × Age + 167.398) was significantly higher than that using GFR > 125 mL/min (P < 0.0001). Hyperfiltration in obesity and/or glucose tolerance disorder should be evaluated using GFR without BSA correction and including the decline of GFR due to aging.

Prognostic importance of baseline and changes in serum uric acid for macro/microvascular and mortality outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes: The Rio de Janeiro type 2 diabetes cohort

AIMS

To investigate the associations between baseline/changes in serum uric acid (sUA) and the risks for cardiovascular/microvascular outcomes and mortality in a type 2 diabetes cohort.

METHODS

Baseline sUA was measured in 685 individuals, and 463 had a second sUA measurement during follow-up; sUA was analyzed as a continuous variable and categorized into sex-specific tertile subgroups and low/high levels (>4.5 mg/dl women; >5.5 mg/dl men). The risks associated with baseline sUA and its changes were examined by Cox analyses for all outcomes.

RESULTS

Median follow up was 10.7 years, there were 173 major cardiovascular events (MACEs), 268 all-cause deaths, 127 microalbuminuria, 104 renal failure, 160 retinopathy and 178 peripheral neuropathy outcomes. Baseline sUA was predictor of all outcomes, except all-cause mortality and retinopathy. In tertile and high/low sUA analyses, the hazard ratios (HRs) varied from 1.6 (microalbuminuria development) to 2.4 (MACEs; cardiovascular mortality). There was interaction with sex for MACEs, an increased risk was observed in women (HR: 2.6), but not in men (HR: 1.2). Changes in sUA were associated with the renal failure (HR: 2.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In a prospective cohort, high baseline sUA was a predictor of cardiovascular, renal and peripheral neuropathy. However, sUA changes were only predictor of renal failure.

Importance of the Hemoglobin Glycation Index for Risk of Cardiovascular and Microvascular Complications and Mortality in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGRUOUND

This study investigated the prognostic importance of the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) for macrovascular and microvascular outcomes, mortality, and hypoglycemia occurrence in a type 2 diabetes cohort and compared it to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

METHODS

Baseline and mean first-year HGI and HbA1c, and the variability thereof, were assessed in 687 individuals with type 2 diabetes (median follow-up, 10.6 years). Multivariable Cox regression was conducted to evaluate the associations of HGI and HbA1c parameters with macrovascular (total and major cardiovascular events) and microvascular outcomes (microalbuminuria, advanced renal failure, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy), mortality (all-cause and cardiovascular), and moderate/severe hypoglycemia occurrence.

RESULTS

During follow-up, there were 215 total cardiovascular events (176 major) and 269 all-cause deaths (131 cardiovascular). Microalbuminuria developed in 126 patients, renal failure in 104, retinopathy in 161, and neuropathy in 177. There were 90 hypoglycemia episodes. Both HGI and HbA1c predicted all adverse outcomes, except microalbuminuria and hypoglycemia. Their adjusted risks were roughly equivalent for all outcomes. For example, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), estimated for 1 standard deviation increments, of mean first-year HGI were 1.23 (1.05 to 1.44), 1.20 (1.03 to 1.38), 1.36 (1.11 to 1.67), 1.28 (1.09 to 1.67), and 1.29 (1.09 to 1.54), respectively, for cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, renal failure, retinopathy, and neuropathy; whereas the respective HRs (95% CIs) of mean HbA1c were 1.31 (1.12 to 1.53), 1.28 (1.11 to 1.48), 1.36 (1.11 to 1.67), 1.33 (1.14 to 1.55), and 1.29 (1.09 to 1.53).

CONCLUSION

HGI was no better than HbA1c as a predictor of adverse outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and its clinical use cannot be currently advised.

Association of Arterial Stiffness with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Significant kidney function may be lost before CKD is diagnosed. Arterial stiffness may be a risk factor for CKD and the relationship may be bi-directional. A systematic review of cohort studies was undertaken to ascertain the temporal relationship of arterial stiffness and CKD.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase were searched to 4 October 2023 to identify studies that investigated whether arterial stiffness, as estimated by pulse wave velocity, was predictive of the development or progression of CKD, rapid decline in kidney function, and vice versa. The characteristics and outcomes of the included studies were set out in a qualitative summary. The review protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019129563).

RESULTS

Forty-two studies were included, all of which were high quality with respect to bias. Thirteen of seventeen studies that investigated arterial stiffness as a predictor of incident CKD found a positive association (p < 0.05). Of the 10 studies that controlled for CKD risk factors, 6 found a positive association. Eight of seventeen studies that investigated arterial stiffness as a predictor of progression of CKD, and five out of eight studies, which investigated rapid kidney decline, found a positive association. One study of six found kidney function was able to predict future elevated arterial stiffness.

CONCLUSION

Arterial stiffness may predict incident CKD and a rapid decline in CKD. It is uncertain if arterial stiffness is associated with CKD progression or whether reduced kidney function is predictive of increased arterial stiffness. Further longitudinal research is required.

Effects of body weight variability on risks of macro- and microvascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes: The Rio de Janeiro type 2 diabetes cohort

AIMS

To investigate the effects of body weight variability (BWV) on macro- and microvascular outcomes in a type 2 diabetes cohort.

METHODS

BWV parameters were assessed in 684 individuals. Multivariable Cox regressions examined associations between BWV parameters and cardiovascular outcomes (total cardiovascular events [CVEs], major CVEs [MACEs], cardiovascular deaths),all-cause mortality and microvascular outcomes. Interaction/subgroup analyses were performed according to being physically-active/sedentary and having/not lost ≥ 5 % of weight.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 11 years over which 194 total CVEs (174 MACEs), and 223 all-cause deaths (110 cardiovascular), occurred. There were 215 renal, 152 retinopathy and 167 peripheral neuropathy development/worsening outcomes. In general, increased BWV was associated with higher risks of CVEs, MACEs, all-cause mortality, advanced renal failure and peripheral neuropathy outcomes, but not of microalbuminuria and retinopathy outcomes. On interaction/subgroup analyses, increased BWV was associated with higher risks of outcomes in sedentary individuals and in those who did not lose ≥ 5 % of body weight. In physically-active participants or in those who lost ≥ 5 % weight, the adjusted risks were null or protective.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased BWV was associated with most adverse outcomes; however, in those who were physically-active or consistently losing weight, it was not hazardous and might be even beneficial.

Prognostic Impact of On-Treatment Cumulative Ambulatory Blood Pressures for Adverse Macro- and Microvascular Outcomes in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: The Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of on-treatment mean cumulative ambulatory blood pressures (BPs) in type 2 diabetes has never been investigated. We aimed to assess it in a prospective cohort of 647 individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Clinic-office and ambulatory BPs were measured at baseline and serially during follow-up. Multivariable Cox analyses assessed the associations between baseline and mean cumulative BPs with the occurrence of cardiovascular events, major adverse cardiovascular events, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and microvascular outcomes (microalbuminuria, renal failure, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy). C statistics and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index evaluated the improvement in risk discrimination by using cumulative ambulatory BPs instead of baseline BPs.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 10.6 years, there were 202 cardiovascular events (163 major adverse cardiovascular events), 254 all-cause deaths (118 cardiovascular); 125 individuals had microalbuminuria development/progression, 104 developed advanced renal failure, 159 had retinopathy, and 174 individuals had peripheral neuropathy development/progression. The risks associated with mean cumulative ambulatory BPs were in general higher than those associated with baseline BPs, particularly for cardiovascular (HR, 1.42 versus 1.25 for increments of 1 SD in 24-hour systolic blood pressure) and mortality outcomes (1.56 versus 1.26). Compared with cumulative clinic BPs, mean cumulative ambulatory BPs improved risk discrimination for most outcomes, with IDIs from 11% to 14% for major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality up to 24% to 26% for microalbuminuria and neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with clinic-office BPs, mean cumulative ambulatory BPs during follow-up improve risk discrimination for most complications and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Serial ambulatory BP monitoring shall be more widely used in clinical management.

Diabetic vascular diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Vascular complications of diabetes pose a severe threat to human health. Prevention and treatment protocols based on a single vascular complication are no longer suitable for the long-term management of patients with diabetes. Diabetic panvascular disease (DPD) is a clinical syndrome in which vessels of various sizes, including macrovessels and microvessels in the cardiac, cerebral, renal, ophthalmic, and peripheral systems of patients with diabetes, develop atherosclerosis as a common pathology. Pathological manifestations of DPDs usually manifest macrovascular atherosclerosis, as well as microvascular endothelial function impairment, basement membrane thickening, and microthrombosis. Cardiac, cerebral, and peripheral microangiopathy coexist with microangiopathy, while renal and retinal are predominantly microangiopathic. The following associations exist between DPDs: numerous similar molecular mechanisms, and risk-predictive relationships between diseases. Aggressive glycemic control combined with early comprehensive vascular intervention is the key to prevention and treatment. In addition to the widely recommended metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, for the latest molecular mechanisms, aldose reductase inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonizts, glucokinases agonizts, mitochondrial energy modulators, etc. are under active development. DPDs are proposed for patients to obtain more systematic clinical care requires a comprehensive diabetes care center focusing on panvascular diseases. This would leverage the advantages of a cross-disciplinary approach to achieve better integration of the pathogenesis and therapeutic evidence. Such a strategy would confer more clinical benefits to patients and promote the comprehensive development of DPD as a discipline.

The effect of arteriosclerosis on new-onset renal damage in diabetic patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of arteriosclerosis on new-onset renal damage in a Chinese community population with diabetes. Patients with diabetes who had attended at least one physical examination after the Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) test from 2010 to 2018 were selected as subjects. A total of 4,462 patients were included in the study cohort. BaPWV levels <1,400 cm/s, 1,400-1,799 cm/s, and ≥1,800 cm/s were applied to divide the subjects into a normal arterial stiffness group, borderline atherosclerosis group and atherosclerosis group. Renal damage was defined by isolated proteinuria, isolated eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m², proteinuria and eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m². A Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the effect of different groups on new-onset renal damage. After a median follow-up of 2.85 (1.88-4.90) years, Cox proportional risk models showed that after adjusting for risk factors, compared with the normal group, the HR and 95% CI of the risk of new-onset renal damage were 1.29 (95% CI: 0.95-1.76) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.14-2.22) in the borderline atherosclerosis group and the atherosclerosis group, respectively. Atherosclerosis is a risk factor for new-onset renal damage, especially new-onset proteinuria, in diabetic patients.

Diabetic Kidney Disease versus Primary Glomerular Disease: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of Association between Ambulatory Blood-Pressure Monitoring and Target-Organ Damage

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and primary glomerular disease (PGD) are the main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study was conducted to compare the characteristics of ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring (ABPM) and its relationship with target-organ damage (TOD) in patients with DKD and PGD matched by propensity score. The assessment of TOD included macroalbuminuria, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and macrovascular disease. Propensity-score weighting (PSW) was used in stratified analysis. Results: Patients with DKD had a higher prevalence of abnormal blood-pressure patterns such as reversed dipper pattern, nocturnal hypertension, and sustained hypertension and had a higher prevalence of TOD than did patients with PGD. Logistic regression indicated that patients with DKD were more related to TOD than to PGD. The stratified analysis indicated that DKD patients with white-coat hypertension, masked hypertension and sustained hypertension had closer relationships with TOD compared with PGD patients. Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease had more abnormal blood-pressure patterns and were more closely related to target organ damage than were patients with primary glomerular disease.

Evaluation of Subclinical Vascular Disease in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Tool for Personalization of Management of a High-Risk Population

Background: Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular events but traditional risk factors do not fully explain this association. Evaluation of subclinical vascular disease might improve risk stratification and management of these patients. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of markers of arterial stiffness, carotid atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease between patients with DKD and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and preserved kidney function. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with DKD and age- and gender-matched patients with T2DM but without DKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < and ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). The presence of arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), AIx adjusted to a heart rate of 75 beats/min (AIx@75) and central systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean blood pressure. The presence of carotid atherosclerosis was evaluated by measuring carotid stenosis, carotid intima-media thickness and maximal plaque thickness. The presence of PAD was evaluated with the measurement of ankle-brachial index (ABI). Results: Forty patients with T2DM were included in the study (mean age 71.6 ± 8.9 years). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was similar in patients with and without DKD. PWV was higher in the former (9.8 ± 5.5 and 6.6 ± 4.4 m/s, respectively; p < 0.05) and carotid stenosis of the left carotid artery was also greater in patients with DKD (36.5 ± 12.6 and 22.1 ± 17.2%, respectively; p < 0.05). Other markers of arterial stiffness and carotid atherosclerosis and ABI did not differ between patients with DKD and those without DKD. Conclusions: Patients with DKD appear to have more pronounced arterial stiffness and carotid atherosclerosis than patients with T2DM and preserved kidney function despite the similar prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in the two groups. Therefore, evaluating the presence of subclinical vascular disease in these patients could be a useful tool for the personalization of their management.

Effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on arterial stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness represents an established cardiovascular risk marker. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have significant cardio-protective effects. Herein we sought to determine the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on pulse wave velocity (PWV).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and grey literature from inception to 7^th February 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling adult subjects with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), assigned to a SGLT-2 inhibitor versus control and addressing their effect on PWV. We set as primary efficacy outcome the change in PWV with SGLT-2 inhibitors versus placebo or control.

RESULTS

We pooled data from six trials in a total of 452 enrolled participants assigned either to SGLT-2 inhibitor or control. Overall, SGLT-2 inhibitor treatment compared to control resulted in a nonsignificant decrease in PWV. Exclusion of a trial utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of PWV demonstrated that SGLT-2 inhibitors induce a significant reduction in PWV by 0.21 m/s. When we restricted our analysis to RCTs enrolling subjects with T2DM, we observed that SGLT-2 inhibitor compared to control resulted in a significant decrease in PWV by 0.17 m/s.

CONCLUSION

SGLT-2 inhibitors do not decrease PWV in patients with established cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. However, we have shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors lead to a slight, but significant decrease in PWV in patients with T2DM. The latter finding is of great value, based on the significant correlation between PWV and micro- and macro-vascular complications of T2DM.

Differential effects of treatment targets on risks of adverse outcomes according to diabetes duration, age and complications: Can these characteristics be used to individualize diabetes treatment? The Rio de Janeiro type 2 diabetes cohort

AIMS

To investigate interactions between more/less strict treatment targets (HbA_1c, systolic blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol) and clinical characteristics (age, diabetes duration and presence of complications) for occurrence of cardiovascular/microvascular complications and mortality in type 2diabetes.

METHODS

690 individuals were followed-up for 10 years (median). Interactions between treatment targets, estimated as mean values during the first 2-years, and clinical characteristics were tested in multivariable Cox regressions adjusted for other risk factors. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated in stratified analyses for cardiovascular/microvascular outcomes and mortality.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 214 patients had a cardiovascular event (175 MACEs); and 265 died (132 cardiovascular deaths); there were 206 renal, 161 retinopathy and 181 peripheral neuropathy events. There were interactions between treatment parameters and clinical characteristics, in most of them the HRs were higher in older individuals, in those with longer diabetes durations and with complications, particularly for the cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. For microvascular outcomes the opposite was observed. For cardiovascular mortality, the HRs of higher HbA_1c were 1.31 (1.08-1.58) and 1.09 (0.88-1.34), respectively with longer/shorter diabetes duration (p-for-interaction 0.11); and 1.43 (1.14-1.79) and 1.02 (0.85-1.23) in older/younger individuals (p-for-interaction 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings do not support less strict treatment targets for older individuals, with longer diabetes duration or with complications, particularly for cardiovascular and mortality prevention.

Increased Arterial Stiffness as a Predictor for Onset and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness, has been demonstrated to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its vascular complications. This study was aimed at investigating the correlations of baPWV with both the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) at baseline and at exploring the predictive role of baPWV in the new onset/progression of DR in the follow-up analysis.

METHODS

The prospective cohort study recruited 2,473 Chinese patients with T2DM, of whom 663 participants were finally included in the follow-up analysis. The presence and grading of DR were performed by the modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. Uni- or multivariate linear and logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Of 2,473 patients with T2DM at baseline, 734 individuals were assessed to have DR and further categorized into 630 with non-sight-threatening DR (NSTDR) and 104 with STDR. In addition to the positive relationship between increased baPWV and the presence of DR, multinominal logistic regression analysis revealed that higher tertiles of baPWV were significantly related to the NSTDR (T2: OR = 1.62 (1.22, 2.15), p < 0.001, and T3: OR = 2.58 (1.86, 3.58), p < 0.001) and STDR group (T3: OR = 3.87 (1.87, 8.02), p < 0.001). During a follow-up (mean period of 16.4 months), 111 participants had new onset/progression of DR. The cox regressions showed that high baseline baPWV was correlated with increased risk of development/progression of DR (HR = 2.24, 95% CI (1.24, 4.03), p = 0.007, for T2 baPWV and HR = 2.90, 95% CI (1.49, 5.64), p = 0.002, for T3 baPWV) after adjustments for multiple factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that baseline baPWV might be an independent predictor in new onset/worsening of DR, suggesting that increased arterial stiffness might be involved in the development of DR. Follow-up studies with a longer duration are needed.

Importance of hematological parameters for micro- and macrovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Rio de Janeiro type 2 diabetes cohort study

Background

The prognostic importance of several hematological parameters has been scarcely investigated in type 2 diabetes. So, we aimed to evaluate their prognostic importance for development of complications in a cohort of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In a prospective study, 689 individuals with type 2 diabetes had blood red cell, platelet and leukocyte parameters obtained at baseline. Multivariate Cox analyses examined the associations between several hematological parameters (including neutrophyl-to-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte, and monocyte-to-HDL ratios) and the occurrence of microvascular (retina, renal and peripheral neuropathy) and cardiovascular complications (total cardiovascular events [CVEs], and major adverse CVEs [MACEs]), and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Improvements in risk discrimination were assessed by C-statistics and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) index.

Results

During a median follow-up of 10.5 years, 212 patients had a CVE (174 MACEs), 264 patients died (131 cardiovascular deaths); 206 had a renal, 161 a retinopathy and 179 patients had a neuropathy outcome. In multivariate-adjusted analyses, the lymphocytes count and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio were protective (hazard ratios [HRs]: 0.77 and 0.72, respectively), whereas the neutrophyl-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios were associated with increased risks (HRs: 1.19 and 1.17) for all-cause mortality. For cardiovascular mortality, the monocytes count, the neutrophyl-to-lymphocyte and monocyte-to-HDL ratios were associated with increased risks and the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio was protective. Higher lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio was protective for renal failure outcome. However, none of them improved risk discrimination.

Conclusions

Low lymphocytes count and leukocyte ratios that mainly included lymphocytes were predictors of macrovascular complications and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, they did not improve risk prediction over traditional risk factors.

Importance of non-invasive liver fibrosis scores for mortality and complications development in individuals with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To evaluate the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score (NFS) and Fibrosis-4 score (FIB4) as predictors of complications development and mortality in a cohort of type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

554 type 2 diabetic subjects had NFS and FIB4 calculated at baseline. Multivariate Cox and Poisson analyses evaluated the associations between fibrosis scores and the occurrence of microvascular and cardiovascular complications, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

According to recommended cut-offs of NFS, 12.8% had advanced fibrosis and 45.9% had absence of advanced fibrosis and of FIB4, 3.8% and 86.1%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 11 years, 217subjects died, 172 had cardiovascular events (CVEs), 184 had renal events, and 139 had retinopathy and 185 neuropathy events. As continuous variables, both scores predicted all-cause mortality: NFS, HR: 1.30 (p = 0.032) and FIB4, HR: 1.24 (p = 0.021); an increased NFS implied in a significant 90% excess risk of mortality, whereas a higher FIB4 in a borderline 69% higher risk. The scores were mainly predictors of mortality in women and for non-cardiovascular deaths. The NFS was a predictor of renal events, mainly for renal function deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

The NFS and FIB4 predicted all-cause mortality, particularly in women and for non-cardiovascular causes. The NFS predicted adverse renal outcomes. These liver fibrosis scores may improve stratification risk in individuals with diabetes and NAFLD.

Association of Urinary Sodium Excretion and Diabetic Kidney Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Epidemiological evidence of the association between urinary sodium excretion and the presence of DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not yet been well established.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of 1545 patients with T2DM over aged 20 years old from January 2018 to December 2020. Urinary sodium excretion was measured by 24-hour urine samples in inpatients and morning fasting urine samples in outpatients. The associations between urinary sodium excretion and the risks of DKD were examined using stepwise regression analysis, logistic regression analysis and multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic splines (RCS).

RESULTS

Regression analysis showed that urinary sodium was independently associated with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) level (P = 0.006) and the risks of DKD (P = 0.042). In multivariable-adjusted RCS analysis, urinary sodium excretion was significantly associated with UACR in all patients (P = 0.008), and exhibited a J-shaped relationship. Logistic regression analysis showed that increased urinary sodium excretion was significantly associated with increased risks of DKD [OR (95% CI); 1.56 (1.07-2.27); P = 0.020]. However, the relationships between urinary sodium excretion and the risks of DKD and albuminuria showed no significance, after further adjustment for HOMA-IR and ba-PWV (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity) (Both P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher urinary sodium excretion level was associated with increased risks of DKD among patients with T2DM, dependent of vascular sclerosis and insulin resistance.

Prognostic impact of short-term ambulatory blood pressure variability for microvascular and macrovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic importance of short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) for the occurrence of macrovascular and microvascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Six hundred and forty patients had 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring performed at baseline and were followed-up over a median of 11.2 years. Daytime, night-time and 24-h SBP and DBPV parameters (standard deviations and variation coefficients) were calculated. Multivariate Cox analysis, adjusted for risk factors and mean BPs, examined the associations between BPV and the occurrence of microvascular (retinopathy, microalbuminuria, renal function deterioration, peripheral neuropathy) and macrovascular complications [total cardiovascular events (CVEs), major adverse CVEs [MACEs]), and cardiovascular and all-cause mortalities. Improvements in risk discrimination were assessed by the C-statistic and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) index.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 186 patients had a CVE (150 MACEs), and 237 patients died (107 from cardiovascular diseases); 155 newly developed or worsened diabetic retinopathy, 200 achieved the renal composite outcome (124 newly developed microalbuminuria and 102 deteriorated renal function), and 170 newly developed or worsened peripheral neuropathy. Daytime DBPV was the best predictor for all cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, with hazard ratios (for increments of 1SD) ranging from 1.27 (95% CI 1.09-1.48) for all-cause mortality to 1.55 (1.29-1.85) for MACEs, and it improved cardiovascular risk discrimination (with increases in C-statistic of up to 0.026, and IDIs of up to 22.8%). No BPV parameter predicted any microvascular outcome.

CONCLUSION

Short-term BPV, particularly daytime DBPV, predicts future development of macrovascular complications and mortality and improves cardiovascular risk discrimination in patients with diabetes.

Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity as a Risk Marker for Development of Complications in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background

The value of carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) as risk factor for development of complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus remains to be determined. We investigated associations between cfPWV and renal outcomes, cardiovascular events, and all‐cause mortality in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

cfPWV was measured with SphygmoCor in 633 people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 6.2 (5.8−6.7) years. End points included progression in albuminuria group, decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30%, end‐stage kidney disease, cardiovascular event, mortality, and a composite renal end point. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated per 1‐SD increase in cfPWV. Adjustments included age, sex, hemoglobin A1c, mean arterial pressure, body mass index, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, urine albumin excretion rate, and eGFR. The cohort included 45% women, mean (SD) age was 54 (13) years, mean (SD) eGFR was 83.2 (27.9) mL/min per 1.73 m², and mean (SD) cfPWV was 10.4 (3.3) m/s. Median (interquartile range) albumin excretion rate was 17 (17‐63) mg/24 h. After adjustment, higher cfPWV was associated with increased hazard of progression in albuminuria (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.10−2.32); decline in eGFR ≥30% (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06−1.79); cardiovascular event (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.01−1.70); mortality (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.00−1.85); and the composite renal end point (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04−1.63), but not with end‐stage kidney disease (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.62−2.26). Higher cfPWV was associated with steeper yearly increase in albumin excretion and steeper yearly decline in eGFR after adjustment (P=0.002 and P=0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

cfPWV was associated with increased hazard of renal outcomes, cardiovascular event, and mortality. cfPWV may be suited for risk stratification in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Patterns of Circadian Variation in 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Sympathetic Tone Correlate with Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Cluster Analysis

To investigate whether specific time series patterns for blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and sympathetic tone are associated with metabolic factors and the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). A total of 989 patients who underwent simultaneous 24-hour ambulatory BP and Holter electrocardiogram monitoring were enrolled. The patients were categorized into sixteen groups according to their circadian patterns using the consensus clustering analysis method. Metabolic factors, including cholesterol profiles and apolipoprotein, were compared. The 10-year ASCVD risk was estimated based on the Framingham risk model. Overall, 16 significant associations were found between the clinical variables and cluster groups. Age was commonly associated with all clusters in systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), HR, and sympathetic tone. Metabolic indicators, including diabetes, body mass index, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein, were associated with the four sympathetic tone clusters. In the crude analysis, the ASCVD risk increased incrementally from clusters 1 to 4 across SBP, DBP, HR, and sympathetic tone. After adjustment for multiple variables, however, only sympathetic tone clusters 3 and 4 showed a significantly high proportion of patients at high risk (≥7.5%) of 10-year ASCVD (odds ratio (OR) = 5.90, 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.27-27.46, and P value = 0.024 and OR = 15.28, 95% CI = 3.59-65.11, and P value < 0.001, respectively). Time series patterns of BP, HR, and sympathetic tone can serve as an indicator of aging. Circadian variations in sympathetic tone can provide prognostic information about patient metabolic profiles and indicate future ASCVD risk.

Chronic kidney disease in adults aged 18 years and older in Chile: findings from the cross-sectional Chilean National Health Surveys 2009-2010 and 2016-2017

OBJECTIVES

This study estimates the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Chilean adults and examines its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours and comorbidities.

DESIGN

Analysis of cross-sectional data from the two most recent large nationally representative Chilean Health Surveys (Encuesta Nacional de Salud, ENS) 2009-2010 and 2016-2017.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 18+ years with serum creatine data (ENS 2009-2010: n=4583; ENS 2016-2017: n=5084).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Reduced kidney function (CKD stages 3a-5) based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was the primary outcome measure. Using the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR ≥30 mg/g), increased albuminuria was ascertained among adults aged 40+ years with diabetes and/or hypertension. Both outcomes were analysed using logistic regression with results summarised using OR. CKD prevalence (stages 1-5) among adults aged 40+ years was estimated including participants with an eGFR of >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 but with increased albuminuria (stages 1-2).

RESULTS

Overall, 3.2% (95% CI: 2.4% to 3.8%) of adults aged 18+ in ENS 2016-2017 had reduced kidney function. After full adjustment, participants with hypertension (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.19 to 4.74) and those with diabetes (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.66) had significantly higher odds of reduced kidney function. In ENS 2016-2017, 15.5% (13.5% to 17.8%) of adults aged 40+ years with diabetes and/or hypertension had increased albuminuria. Being obese versus normal-weight (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.54) and having both diabetes and hypertension versus having diabetes alone (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.95) were significantly associated with higher odds of increased albuminuria in fully-adjusted analyses. At least 15.4% of adults aged 40+ years in ENS 2016-2017 had CKD (stages 1-5), including the 9.6% of adults at CKD stages 1-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention strategies and Chilean guidelines should consider the high percentage of adults aged 40 years and older at CKD stages 1-2.

Prognostic importance of visit-to-visit blood pressure variability for micro- and macrovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: The Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The prognostic importance of an increased visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BP-VVV) for the future development of micro- and macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes has been scarcely investigated and is largely unsettled. We aimed to evaluate it in a prospective long-term follow-up study with 632 individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

BP-VVV parameters (systolic and diastolic standard deviations [SD] and variation coefficients) were measured during the first 24-months. Multivariate Cox analysis, adjusted for risk factors and mean BP levels, examined the associations between BP-VVV and the occurrence of microvascular (retinopathy, microalbuminuria, renal function deterioration, peripheral neuropathy) and macrovascular complications (total cardiovascular events [CVEs], major adverse CVEs [MACE] and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality). Improvement in risk discrimination was assessed by the C-statistic and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 11.3 years, 162 patients had a CVE (132 MACE), and 212 patients died (95 from cardiovascular diseases); 153 newly-developed or worsened diabetic retinopathy, 193 achieved the renal composite outcome (121 newly-developed microalbuminuria and 95 deteriorated renal function), and 171 newly-developed or worsened peripheral neuropathy. Systolic BP-VVV was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio: 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.51 for a 1-SD increase in 24-month SD), but not of total CVEs, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and of any microvascular outcome. However, no BP-VVV parameter significantly improved cardiovascular risk discrimination (increase in C-statistic 0.001, relative IDI 0.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Systolic BP-VVV was an independent predictor of MACE, but it did not improve cardiovascular risk stratification. The goal of anti-hypertensive treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes shall remain in controlling mean BP levels, not on decreasing their visit-to-visit variability.

Establishment and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Early Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 20 Cohorts

BACKGROUND

Identifying patients at high risk of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) helps improve clinical outcome.

PURPOSE

To establish a model for predicting DKD.

DATA SOURCES

The derivation cohort was from a meta-analysis. The validation cohort was from a Chinese cohort.

STUDY SELECTION

Cohort studies that reported risk factors of DKD with their corresponding risk ratios (RRs) in patients with type 2 diabetes were selected. All patients had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) <30 mg/g at baseline.

DATA EXTRACTION

Risk factors and their corresponding RRs were extracted. Only risk factors with statistical significance were included in our DKD risk prediction model.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty cohorts including 41,271 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in our meta-analysis. Age, BMI, smoking, diabetic retinopathy, hemoglobin A_1c, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, UACR, and eGFR were statistically significant. All these risk factors were included in the model except eGFR because of the significant heterogeneity among studies. All risk factors were scored according to their weightings, and the highest score was 37.0. The model was validated in an external cohort with a median follow-up of 2.9 years. A cutoff value of 16 was selected with a sensitivity of 0.847 and a specificity of 0.677.

LIMITATIONS

There was huge heterogeneity among studies involving eGFR. More evidence is needed to power it as a risk factor of DKD.

CONCLUSIONS

The DKD risk prediction model consisting of nine risk factors established in this study is a simple tool for detecting patients at high risk of DKD.

Prognostic Importance of Resistant Hypertension in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic importance of resistant hypertension (RHT) for the development of complications in a cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 646 patients had the diagnosis of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aRHT) based on mean office blood pressure (BP) levels during the 1st year of follow-up. They were reclassified as white-coat/controlled or true/uncontrolled RHT according to 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), using the traditional BP cutoffs and the new 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) criteria. Multivariate Cox analyses examined the associations between RHT diagnoses and the occurrence of microvascular and cardiovascular complications and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 10 years, 177 patients had a cardiovascular event (145 major ones); 222 patients died (101 from cardiovascular diseases); 200 had a renal event; 156 had a retinopathy event; and 174 patients had a neuropathy event. In relation to non-RHT individuals, aRHT (present in 44.6% and 50% by the traditional and new criteria, respectively) predicted all cardiovascular and mortality outcomes, with hazard ratios (HRs) between 1.64 and 2.16, but none of the microvascular outcomes. True RHT increased the HRs (from 1.81 to 2.25) and additionally predicted renal outcomes. White-coat/controlled RHT implied an increased risk (HRs 1.33-1.86) that was intermediate between non-RHT and true RHT individuals. Classifications using the traditional and the new ACC/AHA criteria were equivalent.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes, the presence of aRHT implied an increased risk of cardiovascular and mortality outcomes, and classification based on ABPM predicted renal outcomes and improved cardiovascular/mortality risk stratification.

UPSTROKE TIME PER CARDIAC CYCLE IS ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIOVASCULAR PROGNOSIS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

Objective: Upstroke time per cardiac cycle (UTCC) in the lower extremities has been found to be predictive of cardiovascular mortality in the general population. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to test the associations between increasing UTCC and outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 452 patients with type 2 diabetes (age, 67.5 ± 8.6 years; male, 54%) registered in a share-care program participated in the study at an outpatient clinic in Taipei Veterans General Hospital across a mean of 5.8 years. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality hospitalization for coronary artery disease, stroke, revascularization, amputation, and diabetic foot syndrome. Secondary end-point outcome was all-cause mortality. Results: Increment of UTCC associations with primary and secondary outcomes were undertaken prior to baseline characteristic adjustments. A UTCC of 20.1% exhibited the greatest area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity balance to predict composite events in receiver operating curves (AUC, 0.63 [P = .001]; sensitivity, 67.7%; specificity, 54.9%). Sixty-four composite events and 17 deaths were identified from medical records. UTCC ≥20.1% was associated with the occurrence of composite events and an increased risk of mortality. For composite events, an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.45 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.38 to 4.35 (P = .002) were calculated. For all-cause mortality, an adjusted HR of 1.91 and 95% CI of 0.33 to 10.99 (P = .467) were calculated. Conclusion: Increasing UTCC was associated with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, UTCC is advocated as a noninvasive screening tool for ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes. Abbreviations: CAD = coronary artery disease; CI = confidence interval; eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; HR = hazard ratio; PAD = peripheral artery disease; UTCC = upstroke time per cardiac cycle.

Prognostic impact of carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques on the development of micro- and macrovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes: the Rio de Janeiro type 2 diabetes cohort study

Background

The prognostic importance of carotid atherosclerosis in individuals with diabetes is unsettled. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between parameters of carotid atherosclerosis and the future occurrence of micro- and cardiovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Ultrasonographic parameters of carotid atherosclerosis, intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaques, were measured at baseline in 478 participants who were followed-up for a median of 10.8 years. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to examine the associations between carotid parameters and the occurrence of microvascular (retinopathy, renal, and peripheral neuropathy) and cardiovascular complications (total cardiovascular events [CVEs] and cardiovascular mortality), and all-cause mortality. The improvement in risk stratification was assessed by using the C-statistic and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index.

Results

During follow-up, 116 individuals had a CVE and 115 individuals died (56 from cardiovascular diseases); 131 newly-developed or worsened diabetic retinopathy, 156 achieved the renal composite outcome (94 newly developed microalbuminuria and 78 deteriorated renal function), and 83 newly-developed or worsened peripheral neuropathy. CIMT, either analysed as a continuous or as a categorical variable, and presence of plaques predicted CVEs occurrence and renal outcomes, but not mortality or other microvascular complications. Individuals with an increased CIMT and plaques had a 1.5- to 1.8-fold increased risk of CVEs and a 1.6-fold higher risk of renal outcome. CIMT and plaques modestly improved cardiovascular risk discrimination over classic risk factors, with IDIs ranging from 7.8 to 8.4%; but more markedly improved renal risk discrimination, with IDIs from 14.8 to 18.5%.

Conclusions

Carotid atherosclerosis parameters predicted cardiovascular and renal outcomes, and improved renal risk stratification. Ultrasonographic carotid imaging may be useful in type 2 diabetes management.

Prognostic impact of the ankle-brachial index on the development of micro- and macrovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes: the Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The prognostic importance of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in individuals with diabetes is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ABI and the occurrence of micro- and macrovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The ABI was measured at baseline in 668 individuals with type 2 diabetes, and the individuals were followed-up for a median of 10 years. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to examine associations between the ABI and the occurrence of microvascular (retinopathy, microalbuminuria, renal function deterioration and peripheral neuropathy) and macrovascular (total cardiovascular events, major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE] and cardiovascular mortality) complications, and all-cause mortality. The improvement in risk stratification was assessed using the C statistic and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 168 individuals had a cardiovascular event (140 MACE) and 191 individuals died (92 cardiovascular deaths); 156 individuals newly developed or experienced worsening diabetic retinopathy, 194 achieved the renal composite outcome (122 with newly developed microalbuminuria and 93 with deteriorating renal function) and 95 newly developed or experienced worsening peripheral neuropathy. The ABI, either analysed as a continuous or as a categorical variable, was significantly associated with all macrovascular and mortality outcomes, except for non-cardiovascular mortality. Individuals with a baseline ABI of ≤0.90 had a 2.1-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality (95% CI 1.3, 3.5; p = 0.004), a 2.7-fold excess risk of cardiovascular mortality (95% CI 1.4, 5.4; p = 0.004) and a 2.5-fold increased risk of MACE (95% CI 1.5, 4.4; p = 0.001). The ABI improved risk discrimination over classical risk factors, with relative IDIs ranging from 6.3% (for all-cause mortality) to 31% (for cardiovascular mortality). In addition, an ABI of ≤0.90 was associated with the development or worsening of peripheral neuropathy (2.1-fold increased risk [95% CI 1.1, 4.3]; p = 0.033), but not with retinopathy or renal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

A low ABI is associated with excess risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, mortality and peripheral neuropathy development or worsening, and improves cardiovascular risk stratification. The ABI should therefore be routinely evaluated in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Lixisenatide Versus Insulin Glulisine on Fasting and Postbreakfast Systemic Hemodynamics in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

The prolonged treatment effects of a short-acting GLP-1RA (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist), such as lixisenatide, on fasting and postprandial systemic hemodynamics in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients are unknown. In this secondary analysis, we included 34 overweight insulin glargine-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (mean±SD age, 62±7 years; HbA_1c, 8.0±0.9%; systolic blood pressure [BP], 133.9±16.1 mm Hg; diastolic BP, 75.4±8.39 mm Hg) that were randomized to once-daily lixisenatide 20 μg or once-daily titrated insulin glulisine for 8 weeks. Systemic hemodynamics (oscillometric device and finger photoplethysmography), arterial stiffness (applanation tonometry), and cardiac sympathovagal balance (heart rate variability) were measured in the fasting state and repetitively (up to minute 175) after a standardized mixed breakfast. Acetaminophen was given orally to estimate gastric emptying rate. Lixisenatide did not affect fasting systemic hemodynamics compared with insulin glulisine from baseline to week 8. Postbreakfast overall, lixisenatide compared with insulin glulisine tended to increase systolic BP by 5.2±2.9 mm Hg (P=0.087) and increased diastolic BP by 5.4±1.4 mm Hg (P<0.001), with respective maximal differences of +10.2±3.7 mm Hg (P=0.007) and +7.2±1.5 mm Hg (P<0.001). Lixisenatide increased systemic vascular resistance (P<0.001) and arterial stiffness (P=0.007). No between-group differences in overall postbreakfast heart rate, cardiac output, or cardiac sympathovagal balance, and circulating catecholamines, angiotensin II, or aldosterone were observed. Both treatments lowered HbA_1c similarly, whereas lixisenatide achieved greater reductions in postbreakfast plasma glucose excursions. Lixisenatide slowed gastric emptying rate, which statistically explained changes in postbreakfast BP. Lixisenatide compared with once-daily titrated insulin glulisine for 8 weeks does not affect fasting but increases postbreakfast BP in insulin glargine-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This effect could, at least in part, be explained by reduced passage rate of nutrients and water and activation of the gastrovascular reflex.

Long-term visit-to-visit glycemic variability as predictor of micro- and macrovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes: The Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Long-term visit-to-visit glycemic variability is an additional measure of glycemic control. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of several measures of glycemic variability for the occurrence of micro- and macrovascular complications, and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

654 individuals were followed-up over a median of 9.3 years. Glycemic variability (SDs and coefficients of variation of HbA1c and fasting glycaemia) was measured during the first 12- and 24-months. Multivariate Cox analysis, adjusted for risk factors and mean HbA1c and fasting glycaemia levels, examined the associations between glycemic variability and the occurrence of microvascular (retinopathy, microalbuminuria, renal function deterioration, peripheral neuropathy) and macrovascular complications [total cardiovascular events (CVE), major adverse CVEs (MACE) and cardiovascular mortality], and of all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 128 patients had a CVE (96 MACE), and 158 patients died (67 from cardiovascular diseases); 152 newly-developed or worsened diabetic retinopathy, 183 achieved the renal composite outcome (89 newly developed microalbuminuria and 91 deteriorated renal function), and 96 newly-developed or worsened peripheral neuropathy. Glycemic variability, particularly the 24-month parameters either estimated by HbA1c or by fasting glycemia, predicted all endpoints, except for retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy development/progression, and was a better predictor than mean HbA1c. Glycemic variability predicted retinopathy development/progression in patients with good glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7.5%, 58 mmol/mol) and predicted new-incident peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term visit-to-visit glycemic variability is an additional and frequently a better glycemic parameter than mean HbA1c levels for assessing the risk of future development of micro- and macrovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.