Multifactorial intervention has a significant effect on diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes

How Would You Manage This Patient With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease? Grand Rounds Discussion From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Nearly 15% of U.S. adults have diabetes; type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for more than 90% of cases. Approximately one third of all patients with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). All patients with T2D should be screened annually for CKD with both a urine albumin-creatinine ratio and an estimated glomerular filtration rate. Research into strategies to slow the worsening of CKD and reduce renal and cardiovascular morbidity in patients with T2D and CKD has evolved substantially. In 2022, a consensus statement from the American Diabetes Association and the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes recommended prioritizing the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and metformin and included guidance for add-on therapy with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors agonists for most patients whose first-line therapy failed. It also recommended nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for patients with hypertension that is not adequately controlled with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers. Here, an endocrinologist and a nephrologist discuss the care of patients with T2D and CKD and how they would apply the consensus statement to the care of an individual patient with T2D who is unaware that he has CKD.

Glycaemic control and macrovascular and microvascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials investigating intensive glucose-lowering strategies in people with type 2 diabetes

AIM

We aimed to determine the macrovascular and microvascular outcomes of intensive versus standard glucose-lowering strategies in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and investigate the relationships between these outcomes and trial arm glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we identified relevant trials from MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and bibliographies up to August 2023. Macrovascular and microvascular outcomes, along with safety outcomes, were evaluated. Pooled study-specific hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and meta-regression was employed to analyse the relationships between outcomes and HbA1c reduction.

RESULTS

We included 11 unique RCTs involving 51 469 patients with T2D (intensive therapy, N = 26 691; standard therapy, N = 24 778). Intensive versus standard therapy reduced the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75-0.94) with no difference in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.92-1.03) and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Intensive versus standard therapy reduced the risk of retinopathy (HR 0.85; 0.78-0.93), nephropathy (HR 0.71; 0.58-0.87) and composite microvascular outcomes (HR 0.88; 0.77-1.00). Meta-regression analyses showed modest evidence of inverse linear relationships between HbA1c reduction and the outcomes of major adverse cardiovascular events, non-fatal MI, stroke and retinopathy, but these were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In people with T2D, intensive glucose control was associated with a reduced risk of non-fatal MI and several microvascular outcomes, particularly retinopathy and nephropathy. The lack of an effect of intensive glucose-lowering on most macrovascular outcomes calls for a more comprehensive approach to managing cardiovascular risk factors alongside glycaemic control.

Association of different domains of physical activity with diabetic kidney disease: a population-based study

Background

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to elucidate the associations between various domains of physical activity, such as occupation-related (OPA), transportation-related (TPA), leisure-time (LTPA) and overall physical activity (PA), and diabetic kidney disease.

Methods

Our study encompassed 2,633 participants, drawn from the cross-sectional surveys of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018, and employed survey-weighted logistic regression, generalized linear regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses to ascertain the relationship between different domains of physical activity and diabetic kidney disease.

Results

After controlling for all confounders, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a lack of correlation between the various domains of physical activity and the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease. Multiple generalized linear regression analyses showed that durations of PA (β = 0.05, 95% CI, 0.01-0.09, P = 0.012) and TPA (β = 0.32, 95% CI, 0.10-0.55, P = 0.006) were positively associated with eGFR levels; and LTPA durations were inversely associated with UACR levels (β = -5.97, 95% CI, -10.50 - -1.44, P = 0.011). The RCS curves demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between PA, OPA, and eGFR, as well as a nonlinear correlation between PA and ACR. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses largely aligned with the outcomes of the multivariate generalized linear regression, underscoring the robustness of our findings.

Conclusion

Our population-based study explored the association between different domains of physical activity and diabetic kidney disease. Contrary to our expectations, we found no significant association between the duration of physical activity across all domains and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy. Nonetheless, renal function markers, including eGFR and UACR, exhibited significant correlations with the duration of total physical activity (TPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), respectively, among diabetic patients. Interestingly, our findings suggest that diabetic patients engage in physical activity to preserve renal function, ensuring moderate exercise durations not exceeding 35 hours per week.

Association between low birth weight and impaired glucose tolerance in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

A potential association between the onset of diabetes and normal birth weight (NBW) has been discovered. Diverse conclusions and study methodologies exist regarding the connection between low birth weight (LBW) and impaired glucose tolerance in children, underscoring the need for further robust research. Our institution is embarking on this study to thoroughly examine the association between LBW and impaired glucose tolerance in children.

Methods

We conducted searches on Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature data (CBM) online database, VIP full-text Database, and Wanfang Database to identify correlation analyses or case-control studies investigating the relationship between LBW and abnormal glucose tolerance in children. The search spanned from January 2010 to September 2023. The quality of observational studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. Data synthesis was performed using the statistical software RevMan 5.3 for meta-analysis.

Results

Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we finally included 10 clinical control studies consisting of a total of 2971 cases. There wasn't considerably change in blood sugar levels among LBW, NBW and high birth weight (HBW) infants (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in insulin levels between LBW infants and NBW infants (P > 0.05). The HOMA-IR of LBW infants was considerably higher than that of NBW infants (P < 0.05). The risk of abnormal glucose tolerance in LBW infants was 0.42 times higher than that in NBW and HBW infants [Fisher's Z = 0.42, 95% CI = (0.09, 0.75), P = 0.01].

Conclusion

LBW is associated with an increased risk of abnormal glucose tolerance, as indicated by elevated HOMA-IR level in LBW infants compared to NBW and HBW pediatric population. Further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings to better understand the complex relationship between LBW and impaired glucose tolerance in children.

Global trends in the burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to type 2 diabetes: An age-period-cohort analysis

AIM

To assess temporal trends of chronic kidney disease (CKD) attributable to type 2 diabetes (T2D) globally and in five sociodemographic index (SDI) regions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We extracted the population data and CKD burden attributable to T2D from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We evaluated the trends of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, prevalence and incidence through age-period-cohort modelling, and calculated net drifts (overall annual percentage changes), local drifts (annual percentage changes in each age group), longitudinal age curves (fitted longitudinal age-specific rates), period relative risks (RRs) and cohort RRs.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2019, the global burden of CKD attributable to T2D showed increasing trends in general. The burden of CKD attributable to T2D was highest in the middle SDI region and lowest in the low SDI region. Age effects increased with age, and peaked at the ages of 75-79 and 80-84 years for incidence and prevalence, respectively. Period RRs in the burden of CKD attributable to T2D increased, with the high SDI being the most remarkable in DALYs and mortality, and the middle SDI being the most notable in incidence. Cohort RRs showed unfavourable trends in incidence and prevalence among recent cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

After a lengthy period of multi-initiative diabetes management, the high-middle SDI region exhibited improvement. However, unresolved issues and improvement gaps were still remarkable. Future efforts to reduce the burden of CKD attributable to T2D in the population should prioritize addressing the unfavourable patterns identified.

Exploring mechanisms underlying diabetes comorbidities and strategies to prevent vascular complications

It is important to prevent not only diabetic complications but also diabetic comorbidities in diabetes care. We have elucidated multifaceted insulin action in various tissues mainly by means of model mice, and it was revealed that insulin regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response during feeding, whereas ER stress 'response failure' contributes to the development of steatohepatitis, one of the major diabetic comorbidities. Insulin regulates gluconeogenesis not only in the liver but also in the proximal tubules of the kidney, which is also suppressed by reabsorbed glucose in the latter. In skeletal muscle, another important insulin-targeted tissue, impaired insulin/IGF-1 signaling leads not only to sarcopenia, an aging-related disease, but also to bone loss and shorter longevity. Aging is regulated by adipokines as well, and it is deemed to be accelerated by 'imbalanced adipokines' in combination with genetic background of progeria. Moreover, we reported effects of intensive multifactorial intervention on diabetic complications and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes in a large-scale clinical trial, the J-DOIT3, followed by reports of subsequent sub-analyses of renal events and fracture events. Various approaches to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of diabetes and how it should be treated are expected to help us improve diabetes management.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Within Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

AIMS

To assess the prevalence and risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) among adults with type 2 diabetes within primary care.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated 1319 individuals receiving standard care across 26 primary units from July 2017 to January 2023. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria were used for the diagnosis of CKD. CKD was defined by eGFR values of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or albumin-to-creatine ratio ≥30 mg/g. Logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with CKD and study variables.

RESULTS

The median age of participants (60.6% females) was 55 years and the median diabetes duration was 10 years. The overall CKD prevalence in the study population was 39.2%. Within the CKD group, the prevalence rates of albuminuria, albuminuria coupled with low eGFR and isolated low eGFR were 72.1%, 19%, and 8.9%, respectively. The prevalence of CKD was 30.6% among participants under 40 years old and a higher value was observed in middle-aged adults with early-onset diabetes (at age <40 years) compared with the later-onset group. Multivariable analyses identified associations between CKD and factors such as age, the male sex, diabetes duration, hypertension, retinopathy, and metformin use.

CONCLUSION

A relatively high prevalence of CKD, especially in non-elderly adults, was revealed in this primary care study. Early recognition strategies for CKD are crucial for timely prevention within primary care.

Coagulation Function and Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Real-World Observational Study

Objectives

Type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a chronic microvascular complication of diabetes, may exhibit a complex interrelation with coagulation function. This study is aimed at elucidating the association between coagulation function and DKD.

Methods

This was a real-world observational study conducted in Beijing, involving 2,703 participants. All patients with diabetes were classified into two groups, viz., DKD and non-DKD groups. Effect magnitudes are denoted as odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). To mitigate potential bias in group comparisons, we employed propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

After adjusting for variables such as age, gender, systolic blood pressure (SBP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), c-reactive protein (CRP), platelet (PLT), and serum albumin (sALB), it was discerned that fibrinogen (FIB) (OR, 95% CI, P: 1.565, 1.289-1.901, <0.001) and fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) (1.203, 1.077-1.344, 0.001) were significantly correlated with an increased risk of DKD. To facilitate clinical applications, a nomogram prediction model was established, demonstrating commendable accuracy for DKD prediction.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that elevated levels of FIB and FDP serve as potential risk indicators for DKD, and coagulation function may play an important role in the occurrence and development of DKD.

Association between serum complements and kidney function in patients with diabetic kidney disease

Objective

We aimed to explore the association between serum complements and kidney function of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in Chinese patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study involving 2,441 participants. DKD was diagnosed according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) categories. Participants were classified as stages G1-G5 by KDIGO glomerular filtration rate (GFR) categories. Effect sizes are expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

After balancing age, gender, systolic blood pressure (SBP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), serum triglyceride (TG), and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) between the G2-G5 and control groups, per 0.1 g/L increment in serum complement C3 was significantly associated with a 27.8% reduced risk of DKD at G5 stage (OR, 95% CI, P: 0.722, 0.616-0.847, <0.001) relative to the G1 stage. Conversely, per 0.1 g/L increment in serum complement C4 was associated with an 83.0-177.6% increased risk of G2-G5 stage (P<0.001). Serum complement C1q was not statistically significant compared to controls at all stages prior to or after propensity score matching.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that high concentrations of serum C4 were associated with the significantly elevated risk of kidney function deterioration across all stages, and reduced serum C3 levels with an increased risk of DKD stage G5.

Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates diabetic vascular endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting the calpain-1/ROS/PKC-β axis

AIMS

Vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) is the onset event of cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) can improve the cardiovascular system, but its mechanism in diabetic vascular endothelial dysfunction has received little attention.

MAIN METHODS

Male calpain-1-knockout and wild-type C57BL/6 J mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin and treated with Rg1 (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were incubated with high glucose (HG) and were pretreated with Rg1 (10, 20 μM), MDL-28170 (calpain-1 inhibitor), LY-333531 (PKC-β inhibitor), NAC (ROS inhibitor) and calpain-1 overexpression. Then, factors related to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and VED were measured.

KEY FINDINGS

The administration of Rg1 and calpain-1 knockout ameliorated diabetic mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and VED and inhibited the calpain-1/ROS/PKC-β axis. LY-333531 and NAC treatment restored destructive endothelium-dependent vasodilation in mice with diabetes, while pyrogallol (ROS agonist), PMA (PKC-β agonist) or L-NAME (eNOS inhibitor) treatment abrogated the protective effect of Rg1 against diabetic endothelial dysfunction. The administration of Rg1, MDL-28170, LY-333531 and NAC improved mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and VED, whereas the overexpression of calpain-1 amplified mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and VED and further upregulated the expression of PKC-β in HAECs exposed to HG. Overexpression of calpain-1 abrogated the protective effect of Rg1 against HG-induced oxidative stress and VED.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings reveal that Rg1 can protect against VED by suppressing the calpain-1/ROS/PKC-β axis and alleviating the development of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Shear-Wave Elastography-Based Radiomics Nomogram for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients have a high risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD), placing a heavy cost on the public health system. In this study, we intended to develop and validate a shear-wave elastography (SWE)-based radiomics nomogram for predicting the development of CVD in DKD patients. This approach allows extensive use of the valuable information contained in ultrasound images, thus helping clinicians to identify CVD in DKD patients.

Methods

Totally 337 and 145 patients constituted the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The radiomics features of the segmented kidney in ultrasound images were extracted and selected to generate the rad-score of each patient. These rad-score, as well as the predictors of risk of CVD occurrence from the clinical characteristics, were included in the multivariate analysis to develop a nomogram. It was further assessed in the training and validation cohorts.

Results

Patients with CVD accounted for 30.9% (104/337) in the training cohort and 31.0% (45/145) in the validation cohort. The rad-score was calculated for each patient using 6 features extracted from the ultrasound images. The radiomics nomogram was built with the rad-score, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). It was superior to the clinical nomogram developed without the rad-score and demonstrated promising discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility in both training and validation cohorts.

Conclusion

We developed and validated an SWE-based radiomics nomogram to predict CVD risk in patients with DKD. The model was demonstrated to have a promising prediction performance, showing its potential to identify CVD in DKD patients and assist decision-making for appropriate early intervention.

[Blood Lipid Indicators and Different Clinical Classifications of Dyslipidemia and Diabetic Kidney Disease: Correlation and Predictive Value]

Objective

To explore the relationship between blood lipid indicators and different clinical classifications of dyslipidemia and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and to compare the value of different clinical classifications of dyslipidemia for predicting DKD.

Methods

Continuously enrollment of subjects was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and the Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between October 2020 and October 2021. A total of 356 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients admitted to the two hospitals were enrolled. They were divided into DKD group ( n=126) and simple T2DM group ( n=230) according to whether their T2DM was combined with DKD. In addition, 250 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination during the same period were enrolled for the control group. The blood pressure, blood lipid, blood glucose, and the kidney function indicators of the three groups were measured. The effects of different classifications of dyslipidemia on DKD were analyzed with unconditional logistic regression models, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed, the area under the curve ( AUC) of ROC was calculated, and the value of different classifications of dyslipidemia for predicting DKD was analyzed.

Results

The diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), serum creatinine (Scr), uric acid (UA), and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of the DKD group and the simple T2DM group were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels of the DKD group and the simple T2DM group were lower than that of the control group (all P<0.05). The disease course of T2DM, DBP, SBP, TC, TG, Scr, UA and HbA1c of the DKD group were significantly higher than those of the T2DM group (all P<0.05). After adjusting for the effects of T2DM disease course, DBP, SBP, Scr, UA and HbA1c, the results showed that TC ( OR=1.426, 95% CI: 1.088-1.868) and TG ( OR=1.404, 95% CI: 1.075-1.833) were independent risk factors for DKD, and that hypercholesterolemia ( OR=1.817, 95% CI: 1.040-3.177) and mixed hyperlipidemia ( OR=2.148, 95% CI: 1.110-4.159) were independent risk factors for DKD (all P<0.05). The AUC (95% CI) of hypercholesterolemia was 0.789 (0.729-0.871). The AUC (95% CI) of mixed hyperlipidemia was 0.671 (0.579-0.760). Hypercholesterolemia showed better predictive value for the diagnosis and prediction of DKD.

Conclusion

Among the blood lipid indicators, TC and TG are independent risk factors of DKD. In the clinical classifications of dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipidemia are independent risk factors of DKD. Hypercholesterolemia can be used as a predictor to screen for DKD among T2DM patients and is well suited for extensive application in outpatient screening.

Change in Liver Fibrosis Associates with Progress of Diabetic Nephropathy in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in diabetes, and liver fibrosis is a prognostic risk factor for NAFLD. The interaction between DN and liver fibrosis in NAFLD remains unclear. In 189 patients with DN and NAFLD who received an education course about diabetic nephropathy, liver fibrosis was evaluated using the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index. The association between the outcome of DN and changes in liver fibrosis was examined. The FIB-4 index was maintained at the baseline level in patients with improved DN, while it was increased in other patients. The ΔFIB-4 index was positively correlated with changes in albuminuria and proteinuria (ρ = 0.22, p = 0.004). In a multivariate analysis, changes in albuminuria and proteinuria were associated with the ΔFIB-4 index (p = 0.002). Patients with a progressive FIB-4 index category from baseline to 5 years showed a lower event-free survival rate after 5 years than patients with an improved FIB-4 index category (p = 0.037). The outcome of DN is associated with changes in liver fibrosis in patients with diabetes, NAFLD and DN. Developing a preventive and therapeutic approach for these conditions is required.

Systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and adverse kidney outcome: results from KNOW-CKD

It is unknown whether intensive control of blood pressure (BP) and lipids can delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study examined the combined association of strict targets of systolic BP (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with adverse kidney outcomes. In total, 2012 patients from the KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With CKD (KNOW-CKD) were classified into four groups according to SBP of 120 mmHg and LDL-C of 70 mg/dl: group 1, <120 and <70; group 2, <120 and ≥70; group 3, ≥120 and <70; group 4, ≥120 and ≥70. We constructed time-varying models treating two variables as time-varying exposures. The primary outcome was the progression of CKD, defined as a ≥50% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate from the baseline or the onset of kidney failure requiring replacement therapy. The primary outcome events occurred in 27.9%, 26.7%, 40.3%, and 39.1% from groups 1 to 4. In the time-varying model, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the primary outcome were 0.48 (0.33-0.69), 0.78 (0.63-0.96), and 0.96 (0.74-1.23) for groups 1 to 3, respectively, compared with group 4. When less stringent cut-offs of SBP of 130 mmHg and LDL-C of 100 mg/dl were used, this graded association was lost, while only SBP was associated with adverse kidney outcomes. In this study, the lower targets of SBP of <120 mmHg and LDL-C < 70 mg/dl were synergistically associated with a lower risk of adverse kidney outcomes.

Risk improvement and adverse kidney outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease: findings from KNOW-CKD

BACKGROUND

Many trials have attempted to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by modifying specific risk factors, but without achieving satisfactory results. We aimed to evaluate the association between the degree of improvement in multiple risk factors and adverse kidney outcomes.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of 839 patients with CKD G3-G4. The main predictors were the number of improved risk factors between baseline and year one as follows: a decrease in proteinuria, systolic blood pressure, phosphate, and uric acid, and an increase in hemoglobin and bicarbonate from the baseline status to out of the target range. The primary outcome was a composite one, including CKD progression (50% decline in eGFR or kidney replacement therapy) and all-cause death.

RESULTS

Patients whose risk factors eventually improved had more unfavorable baseline profiles of the six considered factors. During 3097.8 person-years of follow-up (median 3.5 years per patient), the composite outcome occurred in 48.0% of patients (incidence rate, 13.0 per 100 person-years). Compared with an improvement of no risk factors, the adjusted HRs (95% CI) for improvement of 1 and ≥ 2 risk factors were 0.96 (0.76-1.22) and 0.53 (0.37-0.75), respectively. The association was not affected by diabetic status or CKD severity. Among the risk factors, proteinuria accounted for the greatest contribution to CKD progression.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CKD G3-G4, improvement in multiple factors was associated with a decreased risk of CKD progression, suggesting the importance of multifactorial risk management.

Adjusting the Use of Glucose-Lowering Agents in the Real-World Clinical Management of People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Despite the availability of new treatment classes, glycaemic control in patients with diabetes remains suboptimal globally. The latter is associated with high risk of premature mortality related to diabetes and its microvascular and macrovascular complications. Practice guidelines typically focus on glycated haemoglobin < 7.0% as a therapeutic goal in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Reducing glycated haemoglobin has been proven to reduce the risk of these complications while early attainment of glycaemic goal can have a legacy effect in later life. Both glucocentric and cardiorenal-centric treatment strategies have complementary effects in reducing the trajectory of cardiorenal diseases. In real-word settings, implementation of practice guidelines developed in the USA and Europe may not be applicable to regions such as Asia, where differences in epidemiology, patient phenotypes, cultures, resource availability, and treatment affordability are important considerations. In the present review, we discuss the need to use a pragmatic, albeit evidence-based approach, to combine glucocentric and cardiorenal risk reduction strategies to improve the outcomes in patients with T2D, with particular relevance to Asia Pacific.

Risk prediction of nephropathy by integrating clinical and genetic information among adult patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major healthcare challenge. We developed and internally and externally validated a risk prediction model of DN by integrating clinical factors and SNPs from genes of multiple CKD-related pathways in the Han Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1526 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated into derivation (n = 1019) or validation (n = 507) sets. External validation was performed with 3899 participants from the Taiwan Biobank. We selected 66 SNPs identified from literature review for building our weighted genetic risk score (wGRS). The steps for prediction model development integrating clinical and genetic information were based on the Framingham Heart Study.

RESULTS

The AUROC (95% CI) for this DN prediction model with combined clinical factors and wGRS was 0.81 (0.78, 0.84) in the derivation set. Furthermore, by directly using the information of these 66 SNPs, our final prediction model had AUROC values of 0.85 (0.82, 0.87), 0.89 (0.86, 0.91), and 0.77 (0.74, 0.80) in the derivation, internal validation, and external validation sets, respectively. Under the combined model, the results with a cutoff point of 30% showed 70.91% sensitivity, 67.84% specificity, 51.54% positive predictive value, and 82.86% negative predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and internally and externally validated a model with clinical factors and SNPs from genes of multiple CKD-related pathways to predict DN in Taiwan. This model can be used in clinical risk management practice as a screening tool to identify persons who are genetically predisposed to DN for early intervention and prevention.

Intensified Multifactorial Intervention in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

In the management of diabetes mellitus, one of the most important goals is to prevent its micro- and macrovascular complications, and to that end, multifactorial intervention is widely recommended. Intensified multifactorial intervention with pharmacotherapy for associated risk factors, alongside lifestyle modification, was first shown to be efficacious in patients with microalbuminuria (Steno-2 study), then in those with less advanced microvascular complications (the Anglo-Danish-Dutch Study of Intensive Treatment In People with Screen Detected Diabetes in Primary Care [ADDITION]-Europe and the Japan Diabetes Optimal Treatment study for 3 major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases [J-DOIT3]), and in those with advanced microvascular complications (the Nephropathy In Diabetes-Type 2 [NID-2] study and Diabetic Nephropathy Remission and Regression Team Trial in Japan [DNETT-Japan]). Thus far, multifactorial intervention led to a reduction in cardiovascular and renal events, albeit not necessarily significant. It should be noted that not only baseline characteristics but also the control status of the risk factors and event rates during intervention among the patients widely varied from one trial to the next. Further evidence is needed for the efficacy of multifactorial intervention in a longer duration and in younger or elderly patients. Moreover, now that new classes of antidiabetic drugs are available, it should be addressed whether strict and safe glycemic control, alongside control of other risk factors, could lead to further risk reductions in micro- and macrovascular complications, thereby decreasing all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Referral pattern to nephrologist and prognosis in diabetic kidney disease patients: Single center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) to prevent end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has become a major challenge for health care professionals. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of patients with DKD when they are first referred to a nephrologist and the subsequent prognoses.

METHODS

A total of 307 patients who were referred to our department from October 2010 to September 2014 at Osaka General Medical Center were analyzed. Independent risk factors associated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) and cardiovascular composite events (CVE) following their nephrology referral were later identified using Cox proportional hazards analysis.

RESULTS

Of 307 patients, 26 (8.5%), 67 (21.8%), 134 (43.6%), and 80 (26.1%) patients were categorized as having chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3a, 3b, 4, and 5, respectively. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary protein levels were 22.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 2.83 g/gCr, respectively, at the time of the nephrology referral. During the follow-up period (median, 30 months), 121 patients required RRT, and more than half of the patients with CKD stages 5 and 4 reached ESKD within 60 months following their nephrology referral; 30% and <10% of the patients with CKD stages 3b and 3a, respectively, required RRT within 60 months following their nephrology referral.

CONCLUSION

Patients with DKD were referred to nephrologist at CKD stage 4. Although almost half of the patients with CKD stage 5 at the time of nephrology referral required RRT within one-and-a-half years after the referral, kidney function of patients who were referred to nephrologist at CKD stage 3 and 4 were well preserved.

Evolution of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors from a glucose-lowering drug to a pivotal therapeutic agent for cardio-renal-metabolic syndrome

Cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) syndrome, which involves type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and heart failure (HF), is a serious healthcare issue globally, with high morbidity and mortality. The disorders that comprise CRM syndrome are independent can mutually affect and accelerate the exacerbation of each other, thereby substantially increasing the risk of mortality and impairing quality of life. To manage CRM syndrome by preventing vicious interactions among individual disorders, a holistic treatment approach that can simultaneously address multiple disorders underpinning CRM syndrome is of great importance. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) lower blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule and were first indicated for the treatment of T2DM. Several cardiovascular outcome trials have demonstrated that SGLT2i not only lower blood glucose but also reduce the risk of hospitalization for HF and worsening renal function in patients with T2DM. Results have also suggested that the observed cardiorenal benefits of SGLT2i may be independent of their blood glucose-lowering effects. Several randomized controlled trials subsequently assessed the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in patients without T2DM, and revealed considerable benefits of SGLT2i treatment against HF and CKD, regardless of the presence of T2DM. Thus, SGLT2i have become an essential therapeutic option to prevent the onset, slow the progression, and improve the prognosis of CRM syndrome. This review assesses the evolution of SGLT2i from a glucose-lowering drug to a therapeutic agent for CRM syndrome by evaluating epoch-making clinical studies, including randomized control trials and real-world studies.

Preoperatively elevated HbA1c levels can meaningfully improve following total joint arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Prior literature has demonstrated that diabetic (DM) patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) with elevated preoperative HbA1c scores have poorer clinical outcomes. However, no literature has reported the effect of undergoing TJA on laboratory markers of glycemic control. This study sought to evaluate effect of undergoing TJA on postoperative glycemic control and outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed all patients with DM who underwent primary, elective TJA at our high volume orthopedic institution. Included patients had at least one HbA1c value 3 months to 2 weeks pre-surgery and 3-6 months after surgery. Changes in HbA1c from before to after surgery were calculated. Change in HbA1c greater than 1.0% was considered clinically meaningful. Change in HbA1c was analyzed and stratified into subgroups.

RESULTS

In total, 770 primary TJA patients were included. Patients with preoperative HbA1c > 7% vs. ≤ 7% were significantly more likely to have clinically meaningful post-TJA decrease in HbA1c (24.5 vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001). Patients with preoperative HbA1c > 8 were significantly more likely to have decrease of > 2.0 compared to those with HbA1c < 8 (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression revealed that preop HbA1c > 7.0, former and current smokers, males, and African-Americans were significantly more likely to achieve clinically meaningful decrease in HbA1c. Additionally, postoperative increase in HbA1c > 1% was associated with significantly higher 90-day ED visits.

DISCUSSION

Patients with higher preoperative HbA1c were more likely to have clinically meaningful decreases in HbA1c postoperatively. A combination of preoperative medical optimization and improvements in mobility after TJA may play a role in these changes. Those with elevated HbA1c can have meaningful improvement in HbA1c after TJA.

Efficacy and safety of Keluoxin capsule in combination with Western medicine for diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Keluoxin capsule (KLXC) has been widely used in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but its efficacy and safety have not yet been clarified. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the efficacy and safety of KLXC for DKD. Methods: The randomized control trials (RCTs) included KLXC searched from seven major English and Chinese databases up until 3 June 2022. The methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed by version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2) for the RCTs from the Cochrane Handbook. The analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0. Results: A total of 20 trials with 1,500 participants were identified. The meta-analysis showed that KLXC combined with Western medicine was superior to the use of Western medicine alone for DKD which included improvements in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [MD = 3.04, 95% CI (0.30, 5.78), p = 0.03], reduction in microalbuminuria (mALB) [MD = -25.83, 95% CI (-41.20, -10.47), p = 0.001], urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) [SMD = -0.97, 95% CI (-1.50, -0.44), p = 0.0003], 24-h urine protein (24hUpro) [SMD = -1.31, 95% CI (-1.82, -0.80), p < 0.00001], serum creatinine (Scr) [MD = -11.39, 95% CI (-18.76, -4.02), p = 0.002], blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [MD = -1.28, 95% CI (-1.67, -0.88), p < 0.00001], fasting blood glucose (FBG) [MD = -0.51, 95% CI (-0.90, -0.11), p = 0.01], total cholesterol (TC) [MD = -1.04, 95% CI (-1.40, -0.68), p < 0.00001], triglycerides (TG) [MD = -0.36, 95% CI (-0.50, -0.23), p < 0.00001], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) [MD = -0.39, 95% CI (-0.71, -0.07), p = 0.02]. Results showed no statistically significant difference in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p = 0.14) or adverse events (p = 0.81) between the two groups. Conclusion: The combination of KLXC and Western medicine had a positive effect on DKD. However, due to the high clinical heterogeneity and low quality of included studies, further standardized, large-scale, rigorously designed RCTs for DKD in the definitive stage are still necessary to achieve more accurate results. Systematic Review Registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-11-0067/, identifier INPLASY 2021110067.

A Multifactorial Risk Score System for the Prediction of Diabetic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE

In-depth investigations of risk factors for the identification of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are rare. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for developing DKD from multiple types of clinical data and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment for individuals with diabetes.

METHODS

We carried out a case-control study, enrolling 958 patients to identify the risk factors for developing DKD in T2DM patients from a database established from inpatient electronic medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to develop a prediction model and the performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) and calibration curve. A multifactorial risk score system was established according to the Framingham Study risk score.

RESULTS

DKD accounted for 34.03% of eligible patients in total. Twelve risk factors were selected in the final prediction model, including age, duration of diabetes, duration of hypertension, fasting blood glucose, fasting C-peptide, insulin use, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, platelet, uric acid, and thyroid stimulating hormone; and one protective factor, serum albumin. The prediction model showed an AUC of 0.862 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.834-0.890) with an accuracy of 81.5% in the derivation dataset and an AUC of 0.876 (95% CI 0.825-0.928) in the validation dataset. The calibration curves were excellent and the estimated probability of DKD was more than 80% when the cumulative score for risk factors reached 17 points.

CONCLUSION

Newly recognized risk factors were applied to assess the development of DKD in T2DM patients and the established risk score system was a reliable and feasible tool for assisting clinicians to identify patients at high risk of DKD.

Efficacy and safety of intensive versus conventional glucose targets in people with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of study is to re-evaluate the risk-benefits of intensive glycemic control in the context of multi-factorial intervention in adults with T2D.

METHODS

We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and CINHAL for randomized control trials comparing standard glucose targets to intensive glucose targets with pre-specified HbA_1clevels. Subgroup analysis was also performed to account for the inclusion of glucose only versus multi-factorial intervention trials. Results are reported as risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Fifty-seven publications including 19 trials were included. Compared to conventional glycemic control, intensive glycemic control decreased the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction (0.8, 0.7-0.91), macroalbuminuria (0.72, 0.5--0.87), microalbuminuria (0.67, 0.52-0.85), major amputation (0.6, 0.38-0.96), retinopathy (0.75 ,0.63-0.9), and nephropathy (0.78, 0.63-0.97). The risk of hypoglycemia increased with intensive glycemic control than conventional treatment (2.04, 1.34-3.1). No reduction in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality was observed. However, in the context of multifactorial intervention, intensive glucose control was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (0.74, 0.57-0.95).

CONCLUSION

Targeting HbA_1c levels should be individualized based on the clinical status, balancing risks and benefits and potential risk for developing these complications among people with T2D.

Differences and Clinical Significance of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and Vasohibin-1 (VASH-1) Levels in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy and Different Renal Injuries

Objective

We investigate the relationship between the changes of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and vasohibin-1 (VASH-1) and renal function injury in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

In this study, 143 patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) were selected as DN group, and 80 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected as T2DM group. The serum 25 (OH) D3, VASH-1, blood glucose index, inflammation index and renal function index were compared between the two groups. According to the urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), the DN group was divided into microalbuminuria group (UACR range≥30.0mg/g and <300.0mg/g) and macroalbuminuria group (UACR≥300.0mg/g) for stratified comparison. The correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, VASH-1 and inflammation index and renal function index was analyzed by simple linear correlation analysis.

Results

The level of 25 (OH) D3 in DN group was significantly lower than that in T2DM group (P<0.05). The levels of VASH-1, CysC, BUN, Scr, 24h urine protein, serum CRP, TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-6 in DN group were higher than those in T2DM group (P<0.05). The level of 25 (OH) D3 in DN patients with massive proteinuria was significantly lower than that in DN patients with microalbuminuria. The level of VASH-1 in DN patients with massive proteinuria was higher than that in DN patients with microalbuminuria (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between 25 (OH) D3 and CysC, BUN, Scr, 24h urine protein, CRP, TGF-β1, TNF-α, IL-6 in patients with DN (P<0.05). VASH-1 was positively correlated with Scr, 24h urinary protein, CRP, TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-6 in patients with DN (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The level of serum 25 (OH) D3 in DN patients was considerably decreased, and the level of VASH-1 was increased, which was related to the degree of renal function injury and inflammatory response.

Prediction models for risk of diabetic kidney disease in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common and serious complication in patients with diabetic mellitus (DM), the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality also increases in DKD patients. This study aimed to detect the influencing factors of DKD in type 2 DM (T2DM) patients, and construct DKD prediction models and nomogram for clinical decision-making.

METHODS

A total of 14,628 patients with T2DM were included. These patients were divided into pre-DKD and non-DKD groups, depending on the occurrence of DKD during a 3-year follow-up from first clinic attendance. The influencing indicators of DKD were analyzed, the prediction models were established by multivariable logistic regression, and a nomogram was drawn for DKD risk assessment.

RESULTS

Two prediction models for DKD were built by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Model 1 was created based on 17 variables using the forward selection method, Model 2 was established by 19 variables using the backward elimination method. The Somers' D values of both models were 0.789. Four independent predictors were selected to build the nomogram, including age, UACR, eGFR, and neutrophil percentages. The C-index of the nomogram reached 0.864, suggesting a good predictive accuracy for DKD development.

CONCLUSIONS

Our prediction models had strong predictive powers, and our nomogram provided visual aids to DKD risk calculation, which was simple and fast. These algorithms can provide early DKD risk prediction, which might help to improve the medical care for early detection and intervention in T2DM patients, and then consequently improve the prognosis of DM patients.

Ten-Year Effectiveness of the Multidisciplinary Risk Assessment and Management Programme-Diabetes Mellitus (RAMP-DM) on Macrovascular and Microvascular Complications and All-Cause Mortality: A Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The Risk Assessment and Management Programme-Diabetes Mellitus (RAMP-DM) is a protocol-driven, risk-stratified, and individualized management program offered by a multidisciplinary team in addition to usual care for primary care patients with diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of RAMP-DM for preventing complications and mortality over 10 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A population-based, prospective cohort study of adult patients with type 2 diabetes managed in the Hong Kong public primary health care system between 2009 and 2010 was conducted. RAMP-DM participants and usual care patients were matched using one-to-one propensity score matching and followed for 10 years. Risks of macrovascular and microvascular complications and all-cause mortality were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

A total of 36,746 patients (18,373 in each group) were included after propensity score matching, with a median follow-up of 9.5 years and 306,802 person-years. RAMP-DM participants had significantly lower risks of macrovascular (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.50-0.54) and microvascular (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.64-0.72) complications and all-cause mortality (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.43-0.47) than patients who received usual care only. However, the effect of RAMP-DM on macrovascular and microvascular complications attenuated after the 9th and 8th year of follow-up, respectively. RAMP-DM participants also showed better control of hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, triglycerides, and BMI and a slower decline in renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant reductions in diabetes-related complications and all-cause mortality were observed among RAMP-DM participants over a 10-year follow-up, yet the effect of preventing complications attenuated after 8 years.

The Efficacy of Targeted Perioperative Management for Diabetic Patients with Traumatic Calcaneal Fractures

Objective

To assess the efficacy of targeted perioperative management for diabetic patients with traumatic calcaneal fractures.

Methods

Between April 2020 and December 2020, 100 diabetic patients with traumatic calcaneal fractures treated in our institution satisfying the inclusion criteria were enrolled and assigned to receive either conventional treatment with surgery or plaster fixation (observation group) or targeted treatment with surgery or plaster fixation (experimental group) via the random number table method, with 50 patients in each group. All eligible patients were followed up for 1 year postoperatively. Outcome measures included length of hospital stay, recovery time, fracture healing, duration of postoperative wound drainage, complication rate, blood glucose, and treatment satisfaction. The Maryland score was used for the assessment of foot function.

Results

The duration of postoperative wound drainage, length of hospital stay, and recovery time in the experimental group (3.63 ± 1.04 d, 12.13 ± 3.77 d, and 111.22 ± 16.24 d) were significantly shorter than those in the observation group (5.71 ± 2.34 d, 15.28 ± 4.42 d, 123.10 ± 22.82 d) (P < 0.01). The experimental group obtained a markedly higher complete healing rate versus the observation group (P < 0.001). A significantly lower complication rate was observed in the experimental group than in the observation group (P < 0.05). The Maryland scores results were dichotomized into good (≥75 points) and poor (<75 points). The experimental group showed significantly higher Maryland scores good rate and treatment satisfaction versus the observation group (P < 0.01). The experimental group patients were associated with better postoperative fasting glucose and 2 h postprandial glucose versus those in the observation group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Targeted treatment in the perioperative management of diabetic patients with traumatic calcaneal fractures significantly promotes the recovery of patients, reduces the incidence of complications, increases treatment satisfaction, and ameliorates the doctor-patient relationship.

Initiating SGLT2 inhibitor therapy to improve renal outcomes for persons with diabetes eligible for an intensified glucose-lowering regimen: hypothetical intervention using parametric g-formula modeling

INTRODUCTION

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are now recommended in guidelines for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and at risk of advanced kidney disease as part of the glucose-lowering regimen.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To explore the optimal threshold at which to initiate SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, we conducted an observational study analyzed under a counterfactual framework. This study used the electronic healthcare database in Japan, comprising data from approximately 20 million patients at approximately 160 medical institutions. Persons with T2DM with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m² in April 2014 were eligible. The primary end point was the composite of renal deterioration (>40% decline in eGFR) and the development of eGFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m². We estimated the risk of the composite end point occurring over 77 months in different scenarios, such as early or delayed intervention with SGLT2 inhibitors for uncontrolled diabetes at different hemoglobin A1c (HbA_1c) thresholds. The parametric g-formula was used to estimate the risk of the composite end point, adjusting for time-fixed and time-varying confounders.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 36 237 persons (149 346 person-years observation), of whom 4679 started SGLT2 inhibitor therapy (9470 person-years observation). Overall, initiating SGLT2 inhibitor therapy was associated with a 77-month risk reduction in the end point by 1.3-3.7%. The largest risk reduction was observed within 3 months of initiation once the HbA_1c level exceeded 6.5% (risk reduction of 3.7% (95% CI 1.6% to 6.7%)) compared with a threshold of 7.0% or higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analyses favored early intervention with SGLT2 inhibitors to reduce the renal end point, even for persons with moderately controlled HbA_1c levels. Our findings also suggest caution against clinical inertia in the care of diabetes.

Effect of inadequate care on diabetes complications and healthcare resource utilization during management of type 2 diabetes in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the effects of inadequate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) care on health outcomes, utilizing a model that incorporates patient, physician, and health-system factors.

METHODS

The most recently available (years 2016 - 2018) Medical Expenditure panel survey longitudinal data was used to identify adults with type 2 diabetes who had received inadequate diabetes care. American Diabetes Association Standards of Diabetes guidelines were used to define inadequate care, resulting in five categories: lifestyle management, immunization, pharmacologic therapy, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation. For each of the five categories, propensity score 1:1 matching was used to match individuals who received inadequate care to similar individuals who did not. After matching, cohorts were followed for one year. The cohorts were compared by total healthcare expenditure change from baseline, total emergency healthcare visits change from baseline, total newly developed diabetes related complications, and total days absent from school or work change from baseline.

RESULTS

1,619 adults with T2D, representing 15,781,346 individuals met study inclusion criteria, of which 22.60%, 22.80%, 49.21%, 23,93%, and 23,45% received inadequate lifestyle management, immunizations, pharmacologic therapies, physical examinations, and laboratory tests, respectively. After propensity score matching, those who had received inadequate care had increased healthcare expenditure change from baseline and more new diabetes related complications in the following year. After adjusting for residual covariate imbalance, those that had received inadequate pharmacologic therapies had approximately 0.20 increased instances of emergency healthcare utilization and 0.10 increase in new diabetes related complications. Those that had received inadequate laboratory tests had 0.26 additional increased instances emergency healthcare utilization.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate T2D care is an extensive issue that may have substantial economic burden and may lead to increased diabetes related complications. Those who did not receive medications or laboratory tests that were consistent with ADA guidelines had significantly increased emergency healthcare utilization in the following year. These findings highlight the importance of careful monitoring of T2D.

Effect of a Web-Based Management Guide on Risk Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease: A JADE Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and its comorbidities can be prevented by treating multiple targets. Technology-assisted team-based care with regular feedback and patient empowerment can improve the attainment of multiple targets and clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the effects of this intervention on patients with DKD are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) web portal, nurse reminders, and team-based care on multiple risk factors in patients with DKD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This 12-month multinational, open-label randomized clinical trial was conducted between June 27, 2014, and February 19, 2019, at 13 hospital-based diabetes centers in 8 countries or regions in Asia. All patients who participated had DKD. The intention-to-treat data analysis was performed from April 7 to June 30, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio at each site to usual care, empowered care, or team-based empowered care. All patients underwent a JADE web portal-guided structured assessment at baseline and month 12. Patients in the usual care and empowered care groups received a medical follow-up. Patients in the empowered care group also received a personalized JADE report and nurse telephone calls every 3 months. Patients in the team-based empowered care group received additional face-to-face reviews every 3 months from a physician-nurse team.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who attained multiple treatment targets (defined as ≥3 of 5 targets: HbA1c level <7.0% [53 mmol/mol], blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <1.8 mmol/L, triglyceride level <1.7 mmol/L, and/or persistent use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors).

RESULTS

A total of 2393 patients (mean [SD] age, 67.7 [9.8] years; 1267 men [52.9%]) were randomized to the usual care group (n = 795), empowered care group (n = 802), and team-based empowered care group (n = 796). At baseline, 34.7% patients (n = 830) were on 3 treatment targets. On intention-to-treat analysis, the team-based empowered care group had the highest proportion of patients who had further increase in attainment of multiple treatment targets (within-group differences: usual care group, 3.9% [95% CI, 0.0%-7.8%]; empowered care group, 1.3% [95% CI, -2.8% to 5.4%]; team-based empowered care group, 9.1% [95% CI, 4.7%-13.5%]). The team-based empowered care group was more likely to attain multiple treatment targets than the usual care group (risk ratio [RR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.00-1.37) and the empowered care group (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.06-1.48) after adjustment for site. Compared with the group that did not attain multiple treatment targets, the group that attained multiple treatment targets reported a lower incidence of cardiovascular, kidney, and cancer events (8.4% [n = 51] vs 14.5% [n = 134]; P = .004). Analysis of the per-protocol population yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This trial found that technology-assisted team-based care for 12 months improved the attainment of multiple treatment targets as well as empowerment in patients with DKD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02176278.

Eighteen-year trends in the management of patients with diabetes in the Shiga Diabetes Clinical Survey: overall trends and differences by age group

Aim

To examine the trends in the management of patients with diabetes over an 18-year period in Japan.

Participants and methods

We recorded the height, body mass, laboratory data, diabetes treatment, and screening status of diabetic complications from the data collected during the Shiga Diabetes Clinical Survey, which has been performed every 6 years since 2000. We then evaluated the management of patients with diabetes in Shiga Prefecture. The study included 17,870, 18,398, 24,243, and 26,624 participants in each of the 4 years of measurements.

Results

The mean age and body mass index (BMI) of the participants gradually increased. The percentage of patients with BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m² was higher in younger patients. Glycemic control significantly improved over 18 years (hemoglobin A1c: 7.3% ± 1.4% in 2000 to 7.1% ± 1.1% in 2018, P for trend < 0.001). The mean hemoglobin A1c levels were higher in younger patients than in elderly patients and increased from 2012 to 2018 in patients aged ≥ 65 years. The proportion of participants who underwent screening for albuminuria and diabetic retinopathy increased. The mean blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration decreased.

Conclusions

Glycemic control has been maintained at an acceptable level since the previous survey. Although glycemic control has become less strict in elderly patients with diabetes, glycemic control is poorer in younger patients than in elderly patients. Obesity is an increasingly important problem, particularly in younger patients. The frequency of screening for diabetic complications and the control of blood pressure should be improved.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-022-00573-2.

The importance of addressing multiple risk markers in type 2 diabetes: Results from the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials

AIMS

To investigate to what extent multiple risk marker improvements confer lower risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications in a contemporary type 2 diabetes population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Post-hoc analysis of the LEADER (n = 8638; median follow-up 3.8 years) and SUSTAIN 6 (n = 3040; median follow-up 2.1 years) cardiovascular outcome trials. Participants were those with baseline and year-1 assessment of at least one of the parameters of interest; we pooled the liraglutide-/semaglutide- and placebo-treated groups and categorized them by number of risk markers with clinically relevant improvements after 1 year of study participation. We investigated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), expanded MACE, cardiovascular death and nephropathy. Predefined clinically relevant changes: body weight loss ≥5%; reductions in: glycated haemoglobin ≥1%, systolic blood pressure ≥5 mmHg and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥0.5 mmol/L; estimated glomerular filtration rate change ≥0 ml/min/1.73 m² and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio change ≥30% of baseline value. Cox regression analysed risk of outcomes adjusted for baseline risk marker levels and treatment group and stratified by trial.

RESULTS

Participants with two, three, or four or more improved risk markers versus participants with no risk marker improvement had reduced risk of expanded MACE [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.80 (0.67-0.96); 0.80 (0.66-0.97); 0.82 (0.66-1.02)], cardiovascular death [0.66 (0.45-0.96), 0.67 (0.45-0.99), 0.60 (0.38-0.94)] and nephropathy [0.71 (0.52-0.97), 0.48 (0.34-0.68), 0.43 (0.29-0.65)].

CONCLUSIONS

In persons with type 2 diabetes, improvements in ≥2 risk markers conferred cardiovascular risk reduction versus none or one improved risk marker. The nephropathy risk decreased with improvement in more risk markers. These findings stress the importance of multifactorial interventions targeting all risk markers.

Berberine regulates mesangial cell proliferation and cell cycle to attenuate diabetic nephropathy through the PI3K/Akt/AS160/GLUT1 signalling pathway

High glucose (HG) is one of the basic factors of diabetic nephropathy (DN), which leads to high morbidity and disability. During DN, the expression of glomerular glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) increases, but the relationship between HG and GLUT1 is unclear. Glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) have multiple roles in HG‐induced DN. Here, we report prominent glomerular dysfunction, especially GMC abnormalities, in DN mice, which is closely related to GLUT1 alteration. In vivo studies have shown that BBR can alleviate pathological changes and abnormal renal function indicators of DN mice. In vitro, BBR (30, 60 and 90 μmol/L) not only increased the proportion of G1 phase cells but also reduced the proportion of S phase cells under HG conditions at different times. BBR (60 μmol/L) significantly reduced the expression of PI3K‐p85, p‐Akt, p‐AS160, membrane‐bound GLUT1 and cyclin D1, but had almost no effect on total protein. Furthermore, BBR significantly declined the glucose uptake and retarded cyclin D1‐mediated GMC cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. This study demonstrated that BBR can inhibit the development of DN, which may be due to BBR inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/AS160/GLUT1 signalling pathway to regulate HG‐induced abnormal GMC proliferation and the cell cycle, supporting BBR as a potential therapeutic drug for DN.

Ketone bodies: back to a place in the sun

Ketone bodies have a strong negative image in medicine because of ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication in diabetes. However, Fang et al. report that ketone bodies exert antisenescent effects in podocytes under diabetic conditions, via activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-related antioxidative stress pathway. With recent progression of research on longevity, the beneficial effects of ketone bodies are being clarified, and a positive image of ketone bodies is gradually beginning to develop in many research fields including nephrology.

Incidence of end-stage renal disease and risk factors for progression of renal dysfunction in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: the Fukuoka Diabetes Registry

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological data regarding diabetic kidney disease are accumulated insufficiently in Japan. We prospectively investigated the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and risk factors for progression of renal dysfunction in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

4904 participants with type 2 diabetes (mean age 65 years, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 75 mL/min/1.73 m², proportion of eGFR  < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² 21%) were investigated for the progression to ESRD requiring dialysis in multicenter outpatients registry for 5 years. Risk factors for progression of renal dysfunction (≥ 30% decline in eGFR from the baseline and annual eGFR decline rates) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of ESRD and all-cause mortality were 4.1/1000 person-years and 12.3/1000 person-years, respectively, and increased according to stages of chronic kidney disease (eGFR  < 30 mL/min/1.73 m², incidence of ESRD 176.6/1000 person-years, all-cause mortality 57.4/1000 person-years). Incidence of  ≥ 30% decline in eGFR from the baseline was 16.4% at 5 years, and the mean annual decline rate was -1.84 mL/min/1.73 m²/year. The progression of renal dysfunction was significantly associated with older age, poor glycemic control, blood pressure, albuminuria, eGFR, previous cardiovascular disease, lifestyle factors (body mass index, reduced intake of dietary fiber, increased intake of sodium, no regular exercise), and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study has emphasized the importance of multifactorial interventions on risk factors to suppress the high incidence of ESRD in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effect of a Multifactorial Intervention on Fracture in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Subanalysis of the J-DOIT3 Study

AIMS

To evaluate the effects of an intensified multifactorial intervention and patient characteristics on the incidence of fractures comorbid with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Fracture events were identified and analyzed among adverse events reported in the J-DOIT3 study, a multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial that was conducted in Japan, in which patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to receive conventional therapy for glucose, blood pressure, and lipids (targets: HbA1c < 6.9%, blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg, LDL-cholesterol <120mg/dL) or intensive therapy (HbA1c < 6.2%, blood pressure <120/75 mm Hg, LDL-cholesterol <80mg/dL) (ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT00300976).

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of fractures did not differ between those receiving conventional therapy and those receiving intensive therapy (hazard ratio (HR) 1.15; 95% CI, 0.91-1.47; P = 0.241). Among the potential risk factors, only history of smoking at baseline was significantly associated with the incidence of fractures in men (HR 1.96; 95% CI, 1.04-3.07; P = 0.038). In contrast, the incidence of fractures in women was associated with the FRAX score [%/10 years] at baseline (HR 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07; P < 0.001) and administration of pioglitazone at 1 year after randomization (HR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.06-2.38; P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Intensified multifactorial intervention may be implemented without increasing the fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. The fracture risk is elevated in those with a history of smoking in men, whereas it is predicted by the FRAX score and is independently elevated with administration of pioglitazone in women.

Renoprotective Effects of DPP-4 Inhibitors

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). DPP-4 inhibitors reduce glucose levels by inhibiting degradation of incretins. DPP-4 is a ubiquitous protein with exopeptidase activity that exists in cell membrane-bound and soluble forms. It has been shown that an increased renal DPP-4 activity is associated with the development of DKD. A series of clinical and experimental studies showed that DPP-4 inhibitors have beneficial effects on DKD, independent of their glucose-lowering abilities, which are mediated by anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative stress properties. In this review article, we highlight the current understanding of the clinical efficacy and the mechanisms underlying renoprotection by DPP-4 inhibitors under diabetic conditions.