Therapeutic options for elderly diabetic subjects: open label, randomized clinical trial of insulin glargine added to oral antidiabetic drugs versus increased dosage of oral antidiabetic drugs

Management of Glucose-Lowering Therapy in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Challenges and Opportunities

The population of older adults (≥65 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is diverse, encompassing individuals with varying functional capabilities, living arrangements, concomitant medical conditions, and life expectancies. Hence, their categorization into different patient profiles (ie, good health, intermediate health, poor health) may aid in clinical decision-making when establishing glycemic goals and pharmacological treatment strategies. Further granularity in assessing each patient profile through interdisciplinary collaboration may also add precision to therapeutic and monitoring decisions. In this review, we discuss with a multidisciplinary approach how to deliver the best benefit from advanced diabetes therapies and technologies to older adults with T2DM according to each patient profile. There remain however several areas that deserve further research in older adults with T2DM, including the efficacy and safety of continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery systems, the switch to once-weekly insulin, the effectiveness of multidisciplinary care models, and the use of supported telemedicine and remote blood glucose monitoring in the oldest-old (≥85 years) who particularly require the assistance of others.

Metformin: When Should We Fear Lactic Acidosis?

Metformin, a molecule belonging to the biguanide family, represents one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in the world. Over the sixty years during which it has been used, many benefits have been described, which are not limited to the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, since metformin is similar to other members of the same drug family, there is still much concern regarding the risk of lactic acidosis. This article aims to highlight the correlation between the use of metformin and the onset of renal damage or lactic acidosis. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis exists; however, it is rare. The appropriate use of the drug, under safe conditions, induces benefits without risks.

Hypoglycaemic therapy in frail older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus-a choice determined by metabolic phenotype

Frailty is a newly emerging complication of diabetes in older people and increasingly recognised in national and international clinical guidelines. However, frailty remains less clearly defined and frail older people with diabetes are rarely characterised. The general recommendation of clinical guidelines is to aim for a relaxed glycaemic control, mainly to avoid hypoglycaemia, in this often-vulnerable group of patients. With increasing age and development of frailty, body composition changes are characterised by an increase in visceral adipose tissue and a decrease in body muscle mass. Depending on the overall body weight, differential loss of muscle fibre types and body adipose/muscle tissue ratio, the presence of any associated frailty can be seen as a spectrum of metabolic phenotypes that vary in insulin resistance of which we have defined two specific phenotypes. The sarcopenic obese (SO) frail phenotype with increased visceral fat and increased insulin resistance on one side of spectrum and the anorexic malnourished (AM) frail phenotype with significant muscle loss and reduced insulin resistance on the other. In view of these varying metabolic phenotypes, the choice of hypoglycaemic therapy, glycaemic targets and overall goals of therapy are likely to be different. In the SO phenotype, weight-limiting hypoglycaemic agents, especially the new agents of GLP-1RA and SGLT-2 inhibitors, should be considered early on in therapy due to their benefits on weight reduction and ability to achieve tight glycaemic control where the focus will be on the reduction of cardiovascular risk. In the AM phenotype, weight-neutral agents or insulin therapy should be considered early on due to their benefits of limiting further weight loss and the possible anabolic effects of insulin. Here, the goals of therapy will be a combination of relaxed glycaemic control and avoidance of hypoglycaemia; and the focus will be on maintenance of a good quality of life. Future research is still required to develop novel hypoglycaemic agents with a positive effect on body composition in frailty and improvements in clinical outcomes.

[Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly patients]

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) increases markedly with age. Antidiabetic treatment and the objectives of glycaemic control in elderly patients with DM2 should be individualised according to their biopsychosocial characteristics. In elderly patients for whom the benefits of intensive antidiabetic treatment are limited, the basic objectives should be to improve the quality of life, preserve functionality and avoid adverse effects, especially hypoglycaemia. Treatment of DM2 in the elderly was the subject of a consensus document published in 2012 and endorsed by several Spanish scientific societies. Since then, new therapeutic groups and evidence have emerged that warrant an update to this consensus document. The present document focuses on the therapeutic aspects of DM2 in elderly patients, understood as being older than 75 years or frail.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly patients

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) increases markedly with age. Antidiabetic treatment and the objectives of glycaemic control in elderly patients with DM2 should be individualised according to their biopsychosocial characteristics. In elderly patients for whom the benefits of intensive antidiabetic treatment are limited, the basic objectives should be to improve the quality of life, preserve functionality and avoid adverse effects, especially hypoglycaemia. Treatment of DM2 in the elderly was the subject of a consensus document published in 2012 and endorsed by several Spanish scientific societies. Since then, new therapeutic groups and evidence have emerged that warrant an update to this consensus document. The present document focuses on the therapeutic aspects of DM2 in elderly patients, understood as being older than 75 years or frail.

Persistence with rapid-acting insulin and its association with A1C level and severe hypoglycemia among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To examine the persistence with rapid-acting insulin (RAI) and its association with clinical outcomes among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

This observational, retrospective cohort study analyzed RAI persistence and its association with change in glycated hemoglobin A1^c and risk of severe hypoglycemia among elderly (≥65 years) Medicare beneficiaries with T2D who added RAI to their basal insulin regimen.

RESULTS

Among T2D patients with >1 RAI prescriptions (n = 3927), only 21% were persistent. Baseline factors positively associated with RAI persistence (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]) were: age ≥75 vs. 65-74 years: 1.20 (1.01-1.43); use of ≥3 oral antidiabetes drugs: 1.63 (1.16-2.28); cognitive impairment: 1.34 (1.03-1.73); and A1C >9.0%: 1.58 (1.15-2.17). Elderly T2D patients having emergency department visits (0.73 [0.59-0.91]) and higher RAI out-of-pocket costs (≥$75 vs. $0 - <$6.40: 0.56 [0.44-0.70]) were less likely to be persistent. Persistent RAI users had a significantly higher reduction in A1C (beta coefficient [standard error]): -0.24 (0.10) and lower odds of severe hypoglycemia (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]): 0.73 (0.53-0.99).

CONCLUSION

Among elderly T2D patients, persistence with RAI added to basal insulin was associated with improved glycemic control and lower risk of severe hypoglycemia. Despite treatment effectiveness, RAI persistence was poor and might be improved by reducing RAI out-of-pocket costs.

Effects of Age on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Insulin Detemir: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the PREDICTIVE™ 303 Study

Background

This post-hoc sub-analysis investigated whether age (<65 years vs ≥65 years) affects glycemic control or hypoglycemic risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with once-daily insulin detemir.

Methods

This was a 26-week, randomized, open-label, phase IV trial involving 2812 patients at 1083 predominantly primary care sites throughout the United States, of which 541 were designated for investigator-led insulin titration. The main efficacy measure was change in HbA_1c (A1C) from baseline to Week 26. Patients were stratified by age in the sites designated for the investigator-led titration of insulin detemir. Safety measures included adverse events and change in hypoglycemic event rates from baseline to Week 26.

Results

At Week 26, mean A1C and fasting plasma glucose decreased in both groups, but mean differences in change from baseline were not significant between groups. Within the group ≥65 years, significant reductions occurred for all daytime hypoglycemia, but there was no significant change from baseline in the other categories. In the group <65 years, reductions from baseline were significant for all hypoglycemic event categories. Changes in hypoglycemia rates from baseline were not significantly different between the age groups and there was no weight increase in either age group.

Conclusions

This analysis demonstrates that insulin detemir has similar efficacy and safety profiles for patients with T2DM ≥65 years compared with <65 years when treated via an investigator-led algorithm.

Optimal glycaemic control in elderly people with type 2 diabetes: what does the evidence say?

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising in an ageing population through a combination of lifestyle changes and greater longevity. However, by excluding participants aged over 70 years, most major interventional trials on which current diabetes therapeutic guidelines are based have failed to provide specific evidence to support the prescribed management of diabetes in elderly people. While diabetes per se has a significant impact on the elderly person, the side effects of medications, particularly hypoglycaemia, prevent optimisation of diabetes treatment. Hypoglycaemia is associated with significant morbidity, to which elderly people are often more vulnerable because of factors such as the effects of ageing, progressive renal impairment, frailty, polypharmacy and cognitive decline. T2DM is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in some individuals, and recurrent severe hypoglycaemia has been implicated as a potential contributory factor. Although the evidence for selection of appropriate glycaemic targets in elderly patients is sparse, it is now acknowledged that prevention of hypoglycaemia must influence individualisation of treatment goals in this vulnerable group. This should also be reflected by the choice of anti-diabetes agents that are initiated when diet and lifestyle advice is ineffective. Recently developed international guidelines, which have specifically addressed the management of diabetes in elderly people, highlight the importance of a pragmatic management approach rather than attempting to achieve a generic glycated haemoglobin goal and are summarised in this article.

A real-world study of the effect of timing of insulin initiation on outcomes in older medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

To compare clinical and economic outcomes of early insulin initiation with those of delayed initiation in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Humana Medicare Advantage health insurance plan.

PARTICIPANTS

Older (≥65) Medicare beneficiaries with T2DM.

MEASUREMENTS

Subjects were grouped according to number of classes of oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs) they had taken before initiation of insulin: one (early insulin initiators), two, or three or more (delayed insulin initiators). One-year follow-up outcomes included change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), percentage of older adults with HbA1c less than 8.0%, hypoglycemic events, and total healthcare costs.

RESULTS

Overall, 14,669 individuals were included in the analysis. Baseline and 1-year follow-up HbA1c levels were available for 4,028 (27.5%) individuals. Insulin was initiated early in 32% and delayed in 20%. At follow-up, unadjusted reduction in HbA1c was 0.9±3.7% for the group with one OAD, 0.7±2.4% for those with two, and 0.5±3.6% for those with three or more. Early insulin initiation was associated with significantly greater reduction in HbA1c (0.4%; adjusted P<.001), 30% greater likelihood of achieving HbA1c less than 8.0% (adjusted odds ratio=1.30, 95% confidence interval=1.18-1.43), and no significant differences in total costs or hypoglycemia events (11.5% of early initiators vs 10.2% of delayed initiators; P=.32).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests beneficial effects of early insulin initiation in older adults with T2DM who do not have adequate glycemic control, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or greater total direct healthcare costs.

Achieving glycemic control in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: a critical comparison of current options

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in the elderly. Because of the unique characteristics of elderly people with T2DM, therapeutic strategy and focus should be tailored to suit this population. This article reviews the guidelines and studies related to older people with T2DM worldwide. A few important themes are generalized: 1) the functional and cognitive status is critical for older people with T2DM considering their life expectancy compared to younger counterparts; 2) both severe hypoglycemia and persistent hyperglycemia are deleterious to older adults with T2DM, and both conditions should be avoided when determining therapeutic goals; 3) recently developed guidelines emphasize the avoidance of hypoglycemic episodes in older people, even in the absence of symptoms. In addition, we raise the concern of glycemic variability, and discuss the rationale for the selection of current options in managing this patient population.

Ultra-long pharmacokinetic properties of insulin degludec are comparable in elderly subjects and younger adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background

Management of diabetes in elderly subjects is complex and careful management of glucose levels is of particular importance in this population because of an increased risk of diabetes-related complications and hypoglycaemia.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of insulin degludec (IDeg), a basal insulin with an ultra-long duration of action, in elderly subjects with type 1 diabetes compared with younger adults.

Methods

This trial was a randomised, double-blind, two-period, crossover trial conducted in a single centre and included both inpatient and outpatient periods. Subjects were men and women aged 18–35 years inclusive (younger adult group) or ≥65 years (elderly group) with type 1 diabetes who received IDeg (0.4 U/kg) via subcutaneous injection in the thigh once-daily for six days. Following 6-day dosing, a 26-hour euglycaemic glucose clamp procedure was conducted to evaluate the steady-state pharmacodynamic effects of IDeg. Blood samples were taken for pharmacokinetic analysis up to 120 h post-dose. Pharmacokinetic endpoints included the total exposure of IDeg, ie the area under the IDeg serum concentration curve during one dosing interval at steady state (AUC_IDeg,τ,SS) (τ = 0–24 h, equal to one dosing interval) and the maximum IDeg serum concentration at steady state (C_max,IDeg,SS). Pharmacodynamic endpoints included the total glucose-lowering effect of IDeg, ie the area under the glucose infusion rate (GIR) curve at steady state (AUC_GIR,τ,SS), and the maximum GIR at steady state (GIR_max,IDeg,SS).

Results

Total exposure (AUC_IDeg,τ,SS) and maximum concentration (C_max,IDeg,SS) of IDeg were comparable between elderly subjects and younger adults. Estimated mean age group ratios (elderly/younger adult) for AUC_IDeg,τ,SS and C_max,IDeg,SS and corresponding two-sided 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.04 (95 % CI 0.73–1.47) and 1.02 (95 % CI 0.74–1.39), respectively. Mean AUC_{IDeg,0–12h,SS}/AUC_IDeg,τ,SS was 53 % in both younger adult and elderly subjects, showing that in both age groups IDeg exposure was evenly distributed across the first and second 12 h of the 24-hour dosing interval. No statistically significant differences were observed between younger adult and elderly subjects with regard to AUC_GIR,τ,SS (the primary endpoint of this study) and GIR_max,IDeg,SS. Estimated mean age group ratios (elderly/younger adult) for AUC_GIR,τ,SS and GIR_max,IDeg,SS and corresponding two-sided 95 % CIs were 0.78 (95 % CI 0.47–1.31) and 0.80 (95 % CI 0.54–1.17), respectively. Duration of action was beyond the clamp duration of 26 h in all subjects.

Conclusions

The exposure of IDeg at steady state during once-daily dosing was similar in younger adult and elderly subjects. The glucose-lowering effect of IDeg was numerically lower in elderly subjects compared with younger adults, but no significant differences were observed between age groups. The ultra-long pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of IDeg observed in younger adults were preserved in elderly subjects with type 1 diabetes.

Clinical trials.gov number: NCT00964418

The role of co-morbidity in the selection of antidiabetic pharmacotherapy in type-2 diabetes

Metformin is, if not contraindicated and if tolerated, usually preferred over other antidiabetic drugs for the first line treatment of type-2 diabetes. The particular decision on which antidiabetic agent to use is based on variables such as efficacy, cost, potential side effects, effects on weight, comorbidities, hypoglycemia, risk, and patient preferences. However, there is no guidance how to consider these in the selection of antidiabetic drug treatment. In this work, we aimed to summarize available evidence and tried to give pragmatic treatment recommendations from a clinical practice perspective.

There are clear contraindications for some drugs in those with impaired renal and liver function and precautions in those with heart failure for the use of metformin (NYHA III-IV) and glitazones. On the other hand, GLP-1 analogs, DPP-4 inhibitors and acarbose are generally less critical and can be used in the majority of patients. We identified the following gaps with respect to the selection of antidiabetic drug treatment in patients with co-morbid disease conditions: 1) Guidelines fail to give advice on the use of specific antidiabetic drugs in patients with co-morbidity. 2) The literature is deficient in studies documenting antidiabetic drug use in patients with severely impaired renal function, diabetic retinopathy, cerebrovascular disease and systolic heart failure. 3) Further there are no specific data on patients with multiple of these co-morbid disease conditions. We postulate that differential use of antidiabetic drugs in patients with co-morbid disease constellations will help to reduce treatment related complications and might improve prognosis.

A comparison on insulin regimen treatment of elderly (>70 years) and younger (<70 years) type 2 diabetic patients in actual clinical practice

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus increases with age. However, there are few data about the most adequate type of insulin, or the most adequate insulin regimen, for elderly patients with diabetes. The present study compared insulin regimens in patients aged more than 70 years (100 subjects) with those aged less than 70 years (73 subjects) who attended a diabetes outpatient clinic. The weight, body mass index, diabetes-associated chronic complications, other cardiovascular risk factors, type of insulin, insulin regimen, total daily dose of insulin, weight-adjusted total daily dose of insulin, concomitant treatment with oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were compared between the two groups. Although both groups had the same level of metabolic control (HbA1c: 7.66 ± 0.91 in the elderly group vs. 7.62 ± 0.96 in the younger group), we have found that elderly subjects were more likely to be treated with a simple regimen, as shown by a higher use of basal insulin (15% in young patients and 41% in the elderly group; P < 0.001), lower use of fast-acting insulin (32.8% vs. 15%; P = 0.005), and fewer daily injections (45% vs. 22% received at least three injections each day; P = 0.001). There were no differences in the use of OHA; however, the majority of young patients were treated with metformin, whereas repaglinide was most commonly used in the elderly group. In conclusion, in everyday clinical practice, elderly subjects were treated with the simplest regimen and achieved the same level of metabolic control as young diabetic patients.

Insulin use in elderly adults: risk of hypoglycemia and strategies for care

Hypoglycemia is a significant problem in elderly adults with diabetes mellitus. Elderly individuals with diabetes mellitus are at greater risk than younger adults for hypoglycemic events. Several factors contribute to this risk, including the high prevalence of comorbidities, polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, and concomitant use of agents that interfere with glucose metabolism. To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia and maximize the benefits of glycemic control, guidelines typically recommend individualizing glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) targets based on life expectancy, functional status, and individual goals. Although many individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus will ultimately require insulin therapy to achieve and maintain glycemic control, earlier insulin initiation in elderly individuals may be warranted, particularly in those with renal, cardiovascular, or hepatic concerns that could interfere with the use of oral agents. There are few data on the use of insulin-or other glucose-lowering agents-in elderly adults, but limited evidence suggests that the use of insulin, especially insulin analogs, may be appropriate in this population. Insulin analogs offer a better pharmacokinetic profile, greater convenience, and less variable glycemic control than human insulin. Because of the high prevalence of cognitive impairment and other geriatric syndromes in elderly adults, clinicians should perform a comprehensive assessment of patients' ability to administer and monitor insulin therapy and recognize and treat hypoglycemia.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of insulin glargine and neutral protamine hagedorn insulin in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from a pooled analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety and efficacy of adding insulin glargine or neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin to existing oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) regimens in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

DESIGN

Pooled analysis of data from five randomized controlled trials with similar designs.

SETTING

Three hundred forty-two centers in more than 30 countries worldwide.

PARTICIPANTS

Randomly selected individuals aged ≤ 80 with a body mass index ≤ 40 kg/m(2) and a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 7.5% to 12.0%.

MEASUREMENTS

Fixed- and random-effects models were used to compare outcomes after 24 or 28 weeks of treatment (insulin glargine, n = 1,441; NPH insulin, n = 1,254) according to age (≥65, n = 604 vs < 65, n = 2,091) and age based on treatment (e.g., ≥65 receiving insulin glargine vs NPH insulin). Outcomes included change in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin dose, and hypoglycemia incidence and event rates.

RESULTS

At end point, participants aged 65 and older receiving insulin glargine had greater reductions in HbA1c and FBG than those receiving similar doses of NPH insulin. In contrast, for participants younger than 65, there were no statistically significant differences in reductions in HbA1c or FBG between insulin glargine and NPH insulin. Daytime hypoglycemia rates were similar in all groups, although the rates of nocturnal symptomatic and severe hypoglycemia were lower with insulin glargine than NPH insulin.

CONCLUSION

Addition of insulin glargine to oral antidiabetic drugs in older adults with poor glycemic control may have modestly better glycemic benefits than adding NPH insulin, with low risk of hypoglycemia.

The economic and clinical benefits of adequate insulin initiation and intensification in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

To study the clinical and economic benefits associated with adequate and early initiation and intensification of insulin in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using published articles from January 2000 to August 2010 that linked intervention, disease, study design and outcomes. Studies were further classified as initiation and intensification based on predefined criteria. Individual studies in systematic reviews and meta-analysis were searched and included if relevant.

RESULTS

A total of 2690 articles were screened with 76 (40 initiation and 36 intensification) studies included. Most initiation studies had mean baseline HbA1c values of >8.5%. The endpoint HbA1c values were reduced with insulin treatment in these studies, with endpoint values ranging from 6.6 to 9.8%. Similar results were seen with the intensification studies (endpoint HbA1c: 6.4-9.6%). Addition of insulin to oral antidiabetics (OADs) resulted in better glycaemic control in most studies. Blood glucose levels reduced substantially with OADs + insulin compared with OADs alone. Quality of life outcomes and treatment satisfaction were reported in six studies and not significantly different for insulin vs. OADs. Hypoglycaemic events were manageable with insulin initiation. However, all insulin types were associated with weight gain although the comparison with OADs elicited varying results.

CONCLUSIONS

Proactive management with early insulin initiation and intensification should be considered in people with T2DM in inadequate glycaemic control. The economic benefits with early initiation and intensification have to be fully explored.

Risk of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis with metformin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Metformin is an oral anti-hyperglycemic agent that has been shown to reduce total mortality compared to other anti-hyperglycemic agents, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin, however, is thought to increase the risk of lactic acidosis, and has been considered to be contraindicated in many chronic hypoxemic conditions that may be associated with lactic acidosis, such as cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and pulmonary disease, and advancing age.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the incidence of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis, and to evaluate blood lactate levels, for those on metformin treatment compared to placebo or non-metformin therapies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A comprehensive search was performed of electronic databases to identify studies of metformin treatment. The search was augmented by scanning references of identified articles, and by contacting principal investigators.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Prospective trials and observational cohort studies in patients with type 2 diabetes of least one month duration were included if they evaluated metformin, alone or in combination with other treatments, compared to placebo or any other glucose-lowering therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The incidence of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis was recorded as cases per patient-years, for metformin treatment and for non-metformin treatments. The upper limit for the true incidence of cases was calculated using Poisson statistics. In a second analysis lactate levels were measured as a net change from baseline or as mean treatment values (basal and stimulated by food or exercise) for treatment and comparison groups. The pooled results were recorded as a weighted mean difference (WMD) in mmol/L, using the fixed-effect model for continuous data.

MAIN RESULTS

Pooled data from 347 comparative trials and cohort studies revealed no cases of fatal or nonfatal lactic acidosis in 70,490 patient-years of metformin use or in 55,451 patients-years in the non-metformin group. Using Poisson statistics the upper limit for the true incidence of lactic acidosis per 100,000 patient-years was 4.3 cases in the metformin group and 5.4 cases in the non-metformin group. There was no difference in lactate levels, either as mean treatment levels or as a net change from baseline, for metformin compared to non-metformin therapies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence from prospective comparative trials or from observational cohort studies that metformin is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis, or with increased levels of lactate, compared to other anti-hyperglycemic treatments.

Risk of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis with metformin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Metformin is an oral anti-hyperglycemic agent that has been shown to reduce total mortality compared to other anti-hyperglycemic agents, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin, however, is thought to increase the risk of lactic acidosis, and has been considered to be contraindicated in many chronic hypoxemic conditions that may be associated with lactic acidosis, such as cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and pulmonary disease, and advancing age.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the incidence of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis, and to evaluate blood lactate levels, for those on metformin treatment compared to placebo or non-metformin therapies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A comprehensive search was performed of electronic databases to identify studies of metformin treatment. The search was augmented by scanning references of identified articles, and by contacting principal investigators.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Prospective trials and observational cohort studies in patients with type 2 diabetes of least one month duration were included if they evaluated metformin, alone or in combination with other treatments, compared to placebo or any other glucose-lowering therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The incidence of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis was recorded as cases per patient-years, for metformin treatment and for non-metformin treatments. The upper limit for the true incidence of cases was calculated using Poisson statistics. In a second analysis lactate levels were measured as a net change from baseline or as mean treatment values (basal and stimulated by food or exercise) for treatment and comparison groups. The pooled results were recorded as a weighted mean difference (WMD) in mmol/L, using the fixed-effect model for continuous data.

MAIN RESULTS

Pooled data from 347 comparative trials and cohort studies revealed no cases of fatal or nonfatal lactic acidosis in 70,490 patient-years of metformin use or in 55,451 patients-years in the non-metformin group. Using Poisson statistics the upper limit for the true incidence of lactic acidosis per 100,000 patient-years was 4.3 cases in the metformin group and 5.4 cases in the non-metformin group. There was no difference in lactate levels, either as mean treatment levels or as a net change from baseline, for metformin compared to non-metformin therapies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence from prospective comparative trials or from observational cohort studies that metformin is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis, or with increased levels of lactate, compared to other anti-hyperglycemic treatments.

Initiating insulin therapy in elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes: efficacy and safety of lispro mix 25 vs. basal insulin combined with oral glucose-lowering agents

AIMS

To compare starter insulins in the elderly subgroup of the DURABLE trial 24-week initiation phase.

METHODS

In a post-hoc analysis of the > or = 65 years subgroup enrolled in the DURABLE trial, we compared the safety and efficacy of lispro mix 25 (LM25: lispro 25%/insulin lispro protamine suspension 75%), n = 258, vs. glargine, n = 222, added to oral glucose-lowering agents.

RESULTS

Baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) was similar (LM25 8.7 +/- 1.2, glargine 8.8 +/- 1.1%, P = 0.612). At 24-weeks, LM25 patients had lower HbA(1c) (7.0 +/- 0.9 vs. 7.3 +/- 0.9%, P < 0.001), greater HbA(1c) reduction (-1.7 +/- 1.2 vs. -1.5 +/- 1.1%, P < 0.001), and more patients reaching HbA(1c) < 7.0% (55.6 vs. 41.0%, P = 0.005). LM25 patients were on more insulin (0.40 +/- 0.19 vs. 0.33 +/- 0.19 u/kg/day, P < 0.001) and experienced more weight gain (3.6 +/- 3.6 vs. 1.8 +/- 3.2 kg, P < 0.001). Additionally, LM25-treated patients reported a higher mean overall hypoglycaemia rate than glargine patients (40.8 +/- 47.6 vs. 31.1 +/- 48.5 episodes/patient/year, P = 0.037), while nocturnal hypoglycaemia rates were similar. Over 24 weeks, incidence of severe hypoglycaemia was higher for LM25 (4.3% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.018); however, by 24-week endpoint incidence was similar (0.8% vs. 0.0%P = 0.125).

CONCLUSIONS

In this elderly subgroup post-hoc analysis, LM25 demonstrated a lower endpoint HbA(1c) and a higher % of patients reaching HbA(1c) target of < 7.0%, but with more weight gain and higher rates of hypoglycaemia compared to glargine.

[The significance of long acting insulin analogues in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Between 5 and 10% of the European population suffers from diabetes, and its prevalence is constantly rising, in Austria like in other countries. The main goals in the treatment of diabetes mellitus are the prevention of complications and organ damage, the prevention of severe hypo- and hyperglycaemia and the preservation of quality of life. Many patients with type 2 diabetes become insulin-dependent in the course of their disease. The application of a long acting insulin or insulin analogue is the simplest way of initiating an insulin therapy and is in accordance with current guidelines. Current scientific evidence shows that the use of long acting insulin analogues for type 2 diabetes; which can no longer be sufficiently controlled with oral antidiabetic agents, is simple, safe and efficacious. Thus, this treatment option should be available without any restrictions to physicians and patients in order to facilitate the beginning of an insulin regime. This position paper summarises up the current evidence concerning this subject.

Insulin Glargine: a review 8 years after its introduction

Insulin Glargine was the first long-acting insulin analog produced by recombinant DNA technology, approved for use by the US FDA in April 2000 and by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products in June, 2000. It has become the most widely used insulin in the USA owing to its long duration of action without a pronounced peak. The principal advantage of insulin Glargine over neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin is in a lower frequency of hypoglycemic reactions, thus affording improved safety. It is used in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, usually as a single daily dose. In type 2 patients, it is often the first insulin introduced as a single daily dose. Although insulin Glargine is typically administered as a single nighttime dose, it can be given in the morning or at any other time convenient for the patient. In labile type 1 diabetes, it is often most effective given as two daily injections. In obese, insulin-resistant patients, it may be best to administer insulin Glargine in two separate doses, owing to the high volumes of injected insulin required. Insulin Glargine does not treat postprandial hyperglycemia. It is necessary to supplement with short-acting insulin at mealtimes to control glucose surges after meals. Insulin Glargine is effective in hospitalized and postsurgical patients on account of its lack of pronounced insulin peaks and long duration of action. Although there is considerable use of Glargine in pregnant diabetic women, there is no definitive study to confirm its benefits. Insulin Glargine is thought to coprecipitate supplementary short-acting insulins when co-administered in the same syringe. Therefore, more injections are typically needed in the usual treatment regimen for insulin requiring diabetes. In many cases, constant basal insulin levels may be achieved with multiple overlapping doses of NPH insulin given together with short-acting insulin at mealtimes. Such a therapy may be less costly, but the major advantage of insulin Glargine remains the greater safety of a lower frequency of hypoglycemic reactions.

Insulin glargine and its role in glycaemic management of Type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Insulin glargine (Lantus) was the first recombinant-DNA long-acting insulin analogue to be licensed for use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

This review considers the use of insulin glargine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for relevant papers from the year 2000 onwards.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Overall glargine provides at least equivalent glycaemic control and is associated with less hypoglycaemia, especially nocturnal hypoglycaemia owing to its 24 h peakless profile, which allows more aggressive titration to achieve glycaemic targets. Glargine has been shown to be safely initiated both individually and within a group setting and titration algorithms self-managed by patients are effective in achieving diabetes control. Despite these advantages, caution is needed as clinical guidelines do not advocate its use in all people with T2DM until clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness have been proved. However, insulin glargine is a welcome addition to the plethora of treatment options available for T2DM.