Decreased insulin requirement in relation to GFR in nephropathic Type 1 and insulin-treated Type 2 diabetic patients

Analysis of patient characteristics and safety of insulin glargine U300 use in 21 359 patients with type-2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: DPV registry study

AIMS

Managing type-2 diabetes (T2D) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients requires consideration of kidney function, and many drugs have not been investigated thoroughly. Clinical studies have demonstrated Glargine U300 (Gla-300) supports achievement of adequate glycemic control at low hypoglycemia risk.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This cross-sectional study analysed routine data of 21 359 T2D patients with CKD (1786 using Gla-300; 19 568 without any insulin) from the prospective Diabetes-Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV) registry to evaluate patient characteristics and safety of Gla-300 use across different CKD stages.

RESULTS

Patients on Gla-300 had T2D onset at an earlier age (median age 55.1 vs. 62.3 years), longer diabetes duration (17.3 vs. 11.3 years), higher body weight (91.3 vs. 83.9 kg) and HbA1c levels (7.3% vs. 6.7%) than non-insulin patients (all p < 0.001). Gla-300 usage increased from CKD stage 1-4 (median dose 44 vs. 55 units) with higher baseline HbA1c levels (7.2% vs. 7.4%). Although severe hypoglycemia rates were low, a slight increase (0.01%/PY vs. 0.04%/PY) was observed with decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate levels. Compared to others, stage 5 CKD patients had a distinct profile with lower HbA1c levels (6.9%), body weight (90 kg) and higher Gla-300 usage (50 units). Metformin, SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RA were common concomitant drugs with diminished usage in advanced CKD stages, while Gla-300 was common at all stages.

CONCLUSION

Despite variations in patient profiles, Gla-300 is widely used across all CKD stages, particularly in advanced stages with a low rate of severe hypoglycemia, suggesting its safe administration in CKD patients.

Insulin Requirement Profiles of Short-Term Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy

Objective: This study aimed to explore the insulin requirement during continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) treatment in patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease (T2DKD). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 150 T2DKD patients in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to December 2021. All patients received short-term CSII treatment and achieved the blood glucose target by adjusting insulin infusion. The patients' daily insulin requirements during the treatment were recorded and analyzed. Result: There were 91 males and 59 females with an average age of 60.6 ± 10.6 years. Total daily insulin dose (TDD), total daily insulin dose per kilogram (TDD kg-1), total basal insulin dose per kilogram (TBa kg-1), and total bolus insulin dose per kilogram (TBo kg-1) fell with the decline of eGFR when achieving the blood glucose target except for the ratio of total basal insulin dose (TBD) to TDD (%TBa). Insulin requirement was less in patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 compared to those with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). When achieving the blood glucose target, eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 group and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 group were 0.71 ± 0.19 U/kg and 0.60 ± 0.24 U/kg, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that glycated hemoglobin and eGFR were independent factors associated with TDD kg-1. Conclusion: In patients with T2DKD who received short-term CSII therapy, the insulin requirement decline with the decrease of eGFR, while the %TBa did not change significantly. The dosage of insulin should be adjusted according to the level of eGFR in patients with T2DKD treated with CSII.

Pharmacological Nephroprotection in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Clinical Practice Position Statement of the Polish Society of Nephrology

Both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are modern epidemics worldwide and have become a severe public health problem. Chronic kidney disease progression in T2D patients is linked to the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation and represents the risk factor predisposing to serious cardiovascular complications. In recent years, important progress has occurred in nephroprotective pharmacotherapy in CKD patients with T2D. In the current position paper, we described a nephroprotective approach in CKD patients with T2D based on the five following pillars: effective antihyperglycemic treatment, SGLT2 inhibitor or semaglutide, antihypertensive therapy, use of RASi (ARB or ACEi), and in selected patients, finerenone, as well as sodium bicarbonate in patients with metabolic acidosis. We thought that the current statement is comprehensive and up-to-date and addresses multiple pathways of nephroprotection in patients with CKD and T2D.

Diabetic Kidney Disease in Post-Kidney Transplant Patients

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common occurrence in post-kidney transplantation and is associated with greater mortality, allograft failure, and increased risk of infections. The primary goal in the management of PTDM is to achieve glycemic control to minimize the risk of complications while balancing the need for immunosuppression to maintain the health of the transplanted kidney. This review summarizes the effects of maintenance immunosuppression and therapeutic options among kidney transplant recipients. Patients with PTDM are at increased risk of diabetic kidney disease development; therefore, in this review, we focus on evidence supporting the use of novel antidiabetic agents and discuss their benefits and potential side effects in detail.

Peak insulin drip rate associated with decreased infections post-solid organ transplant

Infection and rejection outcomes were retrospectively analyzed in patients following liver transplant and separately following heart transplant with patients being stratified by their severity of immediate postoperative insulin resistance as measured by the peak insulin drip rate that was required to reduce glucose levels. For each group, these peak insulin drip rates were divided into quartiles (Q). In liver transplant patients (n = 207), those in Q4 (highest infusion rate) had significantly fewer infections up to 6 months post-transplant (42.3% vs. 60.0%, p = .036) and borderline fewer rejection episodes (25.0% vs. 40.0%, p = .066) compared to Q1-Q3 patients. To confirm these unexpected results, a subsequent similar analysis in heart transplant (n = 188) patients again showed that Q4 patients had significantly fewer infections up to 6 months (19.1% vs. 53.9%, p < .0001) compared to Q1-Q3 patients. Logistic regression in a subset of 103 cardiac transplant patients showed that the maximum glucose during surgery, prior MI, and hypertension were associated with severe insulin resistance (SIR) status, while the presence of pre-existing diabetes and BMI were not. We hypothesize that patients are who are able to mount a more robust counter-regulatory response that causes the insulin resistance may be healthier and thus able to mount a better response to infections.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Optimize Management of Diabetes in Patients with Advanced CKD

Treatment of patients with diabetes and CKD includes optimizing glycemic control using lifestyle modifications and drugs that safely control glycemia and improve clinical kidney and cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, patients with advanced CKD, defined as eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or kidney disease treated with dialysis, have limitations to the use of some preferred glucose-lowering medications, are often treated with insulin, and experience high rates of severe hypoglycemia. Moreover, hemoglobin A1c accuracy decreases as GFR deteriorates. Hence, there is a need for better glycemic monitoring tools. Continuous glucose monitoring allows for 24-hour glycemic monitoring to understand patterns and the effects of lifestyle and medications. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring can be used to guide the administration of insulin and noninsulin therapies. Continuous glucose monitoring can overcome the limitations of self-monitored capillary glucose testing and hemoglobin A1c and has been shown to prevent hypoglycemic excursions in some populations. More data are needed to understand whether similar benefits can be obtained for patients with diabetes and advanced CKD. This review provides an updated approach to management of glycemia in advanced CKD, focusing on the role of continuous glucose monitoring in this high-risk population.

Electrolyte, acid-base, and medication management with renal replacement therapy

Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis exhibited by the kidneys is a complex process that is challenging to regulate with artificial renal replacement therapy (RRT). RRT has been used as a treatment modality for electrolyte and acid-base disturbances in patients with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. This review highlights the management of electrolyte shifts, acid-base disturbances, and medication considerations in RRT, with a focus on intermittent hemodialysis and continuous RTT in the inpatient setting.

Clinical practice guidelines for management of hyperglycaemia in adults with diabetic kidney disease

A significant percentage of people with diabetes develop chronic kidney disease and diabetes is also a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The term diabetic kidney disease (DKD) includes both diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (DM CKD). DKD is associated with high morbidity and mortality, which are predominantly related to cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycaemia is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular complications and progression of DKD. Recent clinical trials of people with DKD have demonstrated improvement in clinical outcomes with sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. SGLT-2 inhibitors have significantly reduced progression of DKD and onset of ESKD and these reno-protective effects are independent of glucose lowering. At the time of this update Canagliflozin and Dapagliflozin have been approved for delaying the progression of DKD. The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) and UK Kidney Association (UKKA) Diabetic Kidney Disease Clinical Speciality Group have undertaken a literature review and critical appraisal of the available evidence to inform clinical practice guidelines for management of hyperglycaemia in adults with DKD. This 2021 guidance is for the variety of clinicians who treat people with DKD, including GPs and specialists in diabetes, cardiology and nephrology.

KDOQI US Commentary on the KDIGO 2020 Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in CKD

In October 2020, KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) published its first clinical practice guideline directed specifically to the care of patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This commentary presents the views of the KDOQI (Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) work group for diabetes in CKD, convened by the National Kidney Foundation to provide an independent expert perspective on the new guideline. The KDOQI work group believes that the KDIGO guideline takes a major step forward in clarifying glycemic targets and use of specific antihyperglycemic agents in diabetes and CKD. The purpose of this commentary is to carry forward the conversation regarding optimization of care for patients with diabetes and CKD. Recent developments for prevention of CKD progression and cardiovascular events in people with diabetes and CKD, particularly related to sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, have filled a longstanding gap in nephrology's approach to the care of persons with diabetes and CKD. The multifaceted benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors have facilitated interactions between nephrology, cardiology, endocrinology, and primary care, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to multidisciplinary care in these patients. We now have more interventions to slow kidney disease progression and prevent or delay kidney failure in patients with diabetes and kidney disease, but methods to streamline their implementation and overcome barriers in access to care, particularly cost, are essential to ensuring all patients may benefit.

Insulin use in chronic kidney disease and the risk of hypoglycemic events

BACKGROUND

We examined in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) whether the use of insulin and the risk of serious hypoglycemic events with insulin is higher in persons with more advanced CKD.

METHODS

In a national cohort of 855,133 veterans with T2D seen at Veteran Affairs clinics between Jan 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 with at least two serum creatinine measurements, we defined insulin use from pharmacy records and serious hypoglycemic events by ICD-9/10 codes from emergency room visits or hospitalizations that occurred until December 31, 2016.

RESULTS

Mean age was 66 ± 11 years and 97% were men. Mean baseline eGFR was 73 ± 22 ml/min/1.73 m². In a multivariable Cox regression model of those without insulin use at baseline (N = 653,200), compared to eGFR ≥90 group, eGFR < 30 group had higher hazard (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.74 to 1.88) of subsequent insulin use. In a multivariable Cox model with propensity score matching for baseline insulin use (N = 305,570), both insulin use (HR 2.34, 95% CI 2.24 to 2.44) and advanced CKD (HR 2.28, 95% CI 2.07 to 2.51 for comparison of eGFR < 30 to eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m² groups) were associated with increased risk of subsequent serious hypoglycemic events.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In T2D, more advanced CKD was associated with greater insulin use. Both insulin use and advanced CKD were risk factors for serious hypoglycemic events. The safety of insulin compared to newer glycemic agents in more advanced CKD needs further study.

Association between estimated GFR and incident hypoglycaemia during hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Kidney function is a significant factor associated with increased incidence of hypoglycaemia, especially among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We here quantified the association between elevated creatinine and incident hypoglycaemia among patients admitted to internal medicine departments, with and without DM.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort analysis study. Included were all patients discharged from internal medicine units between 2010 and 2013. Patients were excluded if creatinine levels rose or dropped more than 0.3 mg/dL during hospitalization. The CKD-EPI equation was used to calculate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Logistic regression analysis (backward LR method) was used to study the association between eGFR and hypoglycaemia incidence.

RESULTS

Included were 39 316 patients (mean age 68.0 ± 18.0 years, 49.3% males, 25.9% with DM, eGFR 69.5 ± 24.9 mL/min/1.73 m² ). Among study participants, 6.5% had at least one hypoglycaemic event. Logistic regression modelling showed that eGFR was inversely associated with incident hypoglycaemia (OR 0.988, 95% CI 0.986-0.990, p < .001). Results were similar for patients with and without DM. Estimated GFR was negatively correlated with admission CRP levels for patients with (r = -.143, p < .001) and without DM (r = -.166, p < .001). Estimated GFR was also positively correlated with admission serum albumin levels for both patients with (r = .304, p < .001) and without DM (r = .354, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Among non-critically-ill patients hospitalized in internal medicine departments, reduced eGFR is associated with increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Glucose monitoring for all inpatients with CKD is suggested, regardless of DM status.

Antidiabetic and Other Therapies Used in Subjects with Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease in a Hospital-Based Clinic Population in Greece

(1) Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Greece, in a population from hospital-based diabetes clinics (n = 1759), the overall prevalence of diabetic chronic kidney disease (DCKD) was 45% including mild, moderate, and severe CKD. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze how T2DM patients with mild-to-severe CKD are managed by diabetologists in Greece and assess the achievement rates in glycemic, blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) control. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study took place from June 2015 to March 2016 and collected data from diabetes centers in public hospitals all over Greece. (3) Results: With regard to the anti-diabetes treatment, most participants were on metformin, DPP-4 (Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors) inhibitors and insulin. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers were the most prescribed medications for hypertension. For the management of dyslipidemia, most participants were on statins. For patients with DCKD, the levels of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL-C were 7.2%, 137.7/76.9 mmHg and 95.9 mg/dL, respectively (mean values). (4) Conclusions: The outcomes of this study suggest that management of DCKD can be further improved and should be enhanced. These results may contribute to the whole health care system in Greece. In addition, the better understanding of therapeutic strategies used by diabetologists treating these patients offers educational benefits to primary care physicians, which can result in an overall more successful and efficient management of subjects with T2DM and DCKD.

Kidney Disease in Diabetic Patients: From Pathophysiology to Pharmacological Aspects with a Focus on Therapeutic Inertia

Diabetes mellitus represents a growing concern, both for public economy and global health. In fact, it can lead to insidious macrovascular and microvascular complications, impacting negatively on patients' quality of life. Diabetic patients often present diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a burdensome complication that can be silent for years. The average time of onset of kidney impairment in diabetic patients is about 7-10 years. The clinical impact of DKD is dangerous not only for the risk of progression to end-stage renal disease and therefore to renal replacement therapies, but also because of the associated increase in cardiovascular events. An early recognition of risk factors for DKD progression can be decisive in decreasing morbidity and mortality. DKD presents patient-related, clinician-related, and system-related issues. All these problems are translated into therapeutic inertia, which is defined as the failure to initiate or intensify therapy on time according to evidence-based clinical guidelines. Therapeutic inertia can be resolved by a multidisciplinary pool of healthcare experts. The timing of intensification of treatment, the transition to the best therapy, and dietetic strategies must be provided by a multidisciplinary team, driving the patients to the glycemic target and delaying or overcoming DKD-related complications. A timely nephrological evaluation can also guarantee adequate information to choose the right renal replacement therapy at the right time in case of renal impairment progression.

Hypoglycemic episodes in hospitalized people with diabetes in Portugal: the HIPOS-WARD study

BACKGROUND

We intended to estimate the proportion hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic emergency episodes in treated diabetes mellitus (DM) patients admitted to a hospital ward, and calculate the prevalence of risk factors for hypoglycemia and diabetic complications.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional, multicentered study, the observational data was collected by physicians from patient's hospitalization to discharge/death. Statistical tests were 2-tailed considering 5% significance level.

RESULTS

There were 646 ward admissions due to hyperglycemic emergencies and 176 hypoglycemic episodes with a ratio hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia 0.27 for all DM patients. In T2DM patients the ratio was 0.38. These were mainly female (55.1%), functionally dependent (61.4%) and retired/disabled (73.1%). Median age was 75 years and median duration of disease 11 years. Half the patients were on insulin-based therapy and 30.1% on secretagogue-based therapy. Approximately 57% of patients needed occasional/full assistance to manage the disease. The most frequent risk factor for hypoglycemia was polypharmacy (85.0%). Hypoglycemia in the 12 months before admission was higher in insulin-based therapy patients (66.1%; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemic emergencies are the most frequent cause of hospitalization in Portugal, although severe hypoglycemic events represent a health and social problem in elderly/frail patients. There is still the need to optimize therapy in terms of the potential for hypoglycemia in this patient group and a review of anti-hyperglycemic agents to add on to insulin.

The Association of Insulin-dextrose Treatment with Hypoglycemia in Patients with Hyperkalemia

Treatment of hyperkalemia with intravenous insulin-dextrose is associated with a risk of hypoglycemia. We aimed to determine the factors associated with hypoglycemia (glucose < 3.9 mmol/L, or < 70 mg/dL) and the critical time window with the highest incidence. In a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital network, we included 421 adult patients with a serum potassium ≥ 6.0 mmol/L who received insulin-dextrose treatment. The mean age was 70 years with 62% male predominance. The prevalence of diabetes was 60%, and 70% had chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). The incidence of hypoglycemia was 21%. In a multivariable logistic regression model, the factors independently associated with hypoglycemia were: body mass index (per 5 kg/m2, OR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99, P = 0.04), eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.32-4.63, P = 0.005), diabetes (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33-0.98, P = 0.043), pre-treatment blood glucose (OR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77-0.91, P < 0.001), and treatment in the emergency department compared to other locations (OR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.49-4.31, P = 0.001). Hypoglycemia occurred most frequently between 60 and 150 min, with a peak at 90 min. Understanding the factors associated with hypoglycemia and the critical window of risk is essential for the development of preventive strategies.

Tubular Secretory Clearance Is Associated With Whole-Body Insulin Clearance

CONTEXT

The kidneys eliminate insulin via glomerular and peritubular mechanisms; consequently, the kidney contribution to insulin clearance may be underestimated by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) alone.

OBJECTIVE

To determine associations of tubular secretory clearance with whole-body insulin clearance and sensitivity in a dedicated study of glucose and insulin metabolism.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed an ancillary, cross-sectional study of tubular secretion in the Study of Glucose and Insulin in Renal Disease (SUGAR). Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps were performed in 57 nondiabetic persons with chronic kidney disease and 38 persons without kidney disease.

INTERVENTION

We measured plasma and 24-hour urine concentrations of endogenous solutes primarily eliminated by tubular secretion. Kidney clearances of secretory solutes were calculated as the amount of blood fully cleared of that solute per minute.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Whole-body insulin clearance, insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS

Mean whole-body insulin clearance was 924 ± 228 mL/min. After adjustment for age, sex, Black race, fat and fat-free mass, each 20% lower estimated GFR was associated with a 13 mL/min lower insulin clearance (95% confidence interval [CI], 2-24 mL/min lower). Each 20% lower clearance of isovalerylglycine and xanthosine were associated with a 16 mL/min lower (95% CI, 5-26 mL/min lower) and 19 mL/min lower (95% CI, 7-31 mL/min lower) insulin clearance, respectively. Neither estimated GFR nor secretory solute clearances were associated with insulin sensitivity after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the importance of tubular secretory pathways to insulin elimination but suggest that kidney functions in aggregate contribute only modestly to systemic insulin clearance.

Incidence and Risk Factors Associated with Outpatient Hypoglycemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease and hypoglycemia are common complications in individuals with diabetes. Currently, the association of renal function with hypoglycemic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is inconclusive. This study aims to assess the associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and cumulative incidence of hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations, and incidence of outpatient hypoglycemia among T2DM patients in Thailand using a nationwide patient sample.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study based on the DM/HT study of the Medical Research Network of the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools. This study assessed adult T2DM patients from 831 public hospitals in Thailand in the year 2012-2013. eGFR was categorized into ≥90, 60-89, 30-59, 15-29, and <15 mL/min/1.73 m2. The associations between eGFR and hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations, and incidence of outpatient hypoglycemia were assessed using multivariate logistic regression and Poisson regression.

RESULTS

A total of 25,056 T2DM patients with available eGFR were included in the analysis. The mean age was 60.9 ± 10.5 years. The cumulative incidence of hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations was 3.6% and 1.7%, respectively. Incidence of outpatient hypoglycemia, mild hypoglycemia, and severe hypoglycemia was 2.99 (2.59-3.43), 2.47 (2.11-2.88), and 0.52 (0.36-0.72) per 100 patient-years, respectively. Patients with eGFR of 30-59, 15-29, and <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 were significantly associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations, and incidence of outpatient hypoglycemia when compared to patients with eGFR of ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2.

CONCLUSION

Reduced eGFR was independently associated with increased hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations, and risk of outpatient hypoglycemia. Increasing awareness of the heightened risk of hypoglycemia with declining renal function may prompt changes to diabetic management for at-risk individuals.

Potential Safety Issues with Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors, Particularly in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a major advance in the fields of diabetology, nephrology, and cardiology. The cardiovascular and renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors are likely largely independent of their glycaemic effects, and this understanding is central to the use of these agents in the high-risk population of people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. There are a number of potential safety issues associated with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. These include the rare but serious risks of diabetic ketoacidosis and necrotising fasciitis of the perineum. The data regarding a possibly increased risk of lower limb amputation and fracture with SGLT2 inhibitor therapy are conflicting. This article aims to explore the potential safety issues associated with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors, with a particular focus on the safety of these drugs in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. We discuss strategies that clinicians can implement to minimise the risk of adverse effects including diabetic ketoacidosis and volume depletion. Risk mitigation strategies with respect to SGLT2 inhibitor-associated diabetic ketoacidosis are of particular importance during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Glycemic Monitoring and Management in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Glucose and insulin metabolism in patients with diabetes are profoundly altered by advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Risk of hypoglycemia is increased by failure of kidney gluconeogenesis, impaired insulin clearance by the kidney, defective insulin degradation due to uremia, increased erythrocyte glucose uptake during hemodialysis, impaired counterregulatory hormone responses (cortisol, growth hormone), nutritional deprivation, and variability of exposure to oral antihyperglycemic agents and exogenous insulin. Patients with end-stage kidney disease frequently experience wide glycemic excursions, with common occurrences of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Assessment of glycemia by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is hampered by a variety of CKD-associated conditions that can bias the measure either to the low or high range. Alternative glycemic biomarkers, such as glycated albumin or fructosamine, are not fully validated. Therefore, HbA1c remains the preferred glycemic biomarker despite its limitations. Based on observational data for associations with mortality and risks of hypoglycemia with intensive glycemic control regimens in advanced CKD, an HbA1c range of 7% to 8% appears to be the most favorable. Emerging data on the use of continuous glucose monitoring in this population suggest promise for more precise monitoring and treatment adjustments to permit fine-tuning of glycemic management in patients with diabetes and advanced CKD.

Should Pre-Transplant Hemoglobin A1c Be Used to Predict Post-Transplant Compliance in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation?

Background

Patient compliance with immunosuppressive therapy after transplant has impacts on both graft and patient outcomes. For diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who are undergoing evaluation for kidney transplantation in our program, hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level of >10% is used as a flag that the patient may be at risk for noncompliance and that more comprehensive psychosocial screening is needed prior to transplant. We evaluated the association between pre-transplant HbA_1c level and post-transplant compliance, as no study to date has looked at this in the transplant population.

Material/Methods

The charts of 392 patients who received a kidney transplant at a single institution between July 2008 and June 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and sixty-five diabetic patients who received a kidney transplant alone were included in the final analysis. Our predictive variable was HbA_1c level greater than 7.7% based on previous reports in the diabetic population. Outcome measures were graft survival, rejection episodes, unexplained low immunosuppressant levels, and documented noncompliance.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the HbA_1c groups of ≤7.7% and >7.7% in outcomes of failed grafts (22.0% and 17.8%, p=0.2), rejection episodes (15.0% and 6.7%, p=0.3), unexplained low immunosuppressant level (46.6% and 37.9%, p=0.3), and documented noncompliance (25.0% and 16.7%, p=0.4).

Conclusions

In diabetic ESRD patients selected for renal transplantation, elevated pre-transplant HbA_1c levels, defined as HbA_1c >7.7%, are not predictive of post-transplant medication compliance. We advocate that this group of patients should not be denied transplant solely on their elevated pre-transplant HbA_1c.

Hypoglycemia, Malnutrition and Body Composition

Hypoglycemia is one of the most significant factors to affect prognosis, and is detrimental to patients regardless of diabetes mellitus (DM) status. The classical paradigms dictate that hypoglycemia is a result of overtreatment with glucose lowering agents (iatrogenic hypoglycemia), or, as among patients without DM, this condition is attributed to disease severity. New information shows that hypoglycemia occurs among patients that have a tendency for it. Incident hypoglycemia is very prevalent in the hospital setting, occurring in 1:6 patients with DM and in 1:17 patients without DM (Leibovitz E, Khanimov I, Wainstein J, Boaz M; Diabetes Metab Syndr Clin Res Rev. 13:222-226, 2019).One of the major factors associated with incidence of hypoglycemia is the nutritional status on hospital admission and during the hospitalization. Assessment of nutritional status using questionnaires and biomarkers might be helpful in determining risk of hypoglycemia. Moreover, administration of oral nutritional supplements was shown to decrease this risk.It is also well known that a high burden of comorbidities is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia. For example, kidney disease, whether acute or chronic, was shown to increase the risk for hypoglycemia, as well as some endocrine disorders.In this review we elaborate on specific findings that are characteristic of patients at risk for developing hypoglycemia, as well as treatment aimed at preventing its occurrence.

Relationship between hemoglobin A1c and serum troponin in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular events

OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders associated with high risk for cardiovascular disease. Although troponins are primarily clinically used for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, they are also used in risk assessment in patients with acute coronary syndrome as well as in a number of other conditions. The aim of this review was to investigate the relationship between hemoglobin A1c and serum troponin in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular events.

METHODS

Hemoglobin A1c has been chosen as the best clinical indicator of glucose control and risk of micro and macrovascular complications. We investigated cardiac troponins as a group of markers of muscle injury which includes troponin T, troponin I and troponin C. Troponin T and I are specific for myocardial injury, compared to C which is specific for skeletal muscle.

RESULTS

In this review, we showed that there was a causal relation between hemoglobin A1c levels and serum troponin concentrations. Hemoglobin A1c has shown to be a positive predictive factor of incidence, mortality and morbidity of conditions such as acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, stroke, pulmonary embolism and other conditions that causes troponin elevation by its release in circulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic hyperglycemia decreases glomerular filtration and consequently decreases troponin elimination and also by affecting the heart microcirculation it leads to microvascular damage and consequently to ischemia which contribute to troponin concentration elevation. Furthermore, correlation between hemoglobin A1c and troponin concentration manifests in their prognostic value for mortality.

Disturbances in Insulin-Glucose Metabolism in Patients With Advanced Renal Disease With and Without Diabetes

CONTEXT

Use of insulin in patients with diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD; stages 4 to 5) is challenging and shows great variability among individuals. We explored the mechanisms underlying this variability.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed was searched for articles in English from 1960 to 2018 for advanced CKD and diabetes, glucose and insulin metabolism, insulin clearance, secretion and resistance, plasma insulin concentration, glycemic control, hypoglycemia, insulin dosage, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in CKD.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The evidence shows that in most patients the daily dose of insulin needs to be significantly reduced with a high degree of variability; in some the dose remains unchanged, and rarely it is increased. The premise that the marked reduction in insulin requirement is essentially attributable to decreased insulin clearance by kidneys leading to prolongation of its plasma half-life, elevated blood insulin concentration, and hypoglycemia is not entirely correct. Other factors including decreases in food intake, insulin secretion, insulin clearance by peripheral tissues, and renal gluconeogenesis play important roles. There is also heightened resistance to insulin due to metabolic acidosis, uremic toxins, inflammatory state, and vitamin D deficiency. Importantly, the magnitude of changes in each of these factors varies between individuals with the same degree of CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

In the presence of diabetes with advanced CKD, the insulin regimen should be individualized based on knowledge of the daily glucose patterns. The use of CGM is promising for safer glycemic control in patients with advanced CKD and diabetes and helps prevent extremes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

The use of Free Style Libre Continues Glucose Monitoring (FSL-CGM) to monitor the impact of Ramadan fasting on glycemic changes and kidney function in high-risk patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease stage 3 under optimal diabetes care

AIM

To understand the risk of hypoglycaemia during Ramadan fasting by use of CGM, as well as to observe the Glycemic control and renal functions in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease stage 3 (CKD-3).

METHOD

A prospective interventional study conducted in the Dubai Hospital, a tertiary care centre in the United Arab Emirates, during the month of Ramadan 1437 AH (Hijri), which corresponded to June 6th till July 5th, 2016. 25 patients with type 2 diabetes and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 3) were included in the study, who intended to fast during Ramadan. The aim was to observe the serum glucose level through 24 h FreeStyle Libre flash continuous glucose monitor (FSL-CGM). Most patients had three sensors during the study, covering an average three weeks during Ramadan and three weeks outside Ramadan (Sha'ban and shawal). We also monitored the change in, BP, HBA1c, kidney functions and BMI before and after Ramadan.

RESULTS

This study included 25 adults with a mean age of 60 (±14 years). Fasting Ramadan did not result in any significant change in biophysical and biochemical profile of these patients. Data from FSL-CGM showed significantly longer duration (101.9 ± 119.1 Vs. 45.9 ± 47.6 min, p < 0.033) and more frequent hypoglycemic episodes (4.4 ± 4.7 Vs. 2.3 ± 3.0, p < 0.047) during Ramadan compared tonon-Ramadan respectively. The mean blood glucose readings were also significantly lower (70.7 ± 29.3 Vs.93.7 ± 57.9 mg/dl p < 0.011) during Ramadan compared to non -fasting period. The renal function mean ± SD (serum creatinine 1.48 ± 0.37, 1.44 ± 0.37 and eGFR, 49.0 ± 18.4, 48.9 ± 17.5 p 0.9) showed no significant change due to fasting.

CONCLUSION

In patients with diabetes and CKD-stage 3 Ramadan fasting under close supervision and optimal diabetes care, was not associated with worsening of HBA1c and renal function. Patients had significantly more frequent and prolonged hypoglycemic episodes during Ramadan.

The association of glycated hemoglobin with mortality and ESKD among persons with diabetes and chronic kidney disease

CONTEXT

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and is associated with a considerably shortened lifespan. While glucose-lowering therapy targeting glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7% is proven to reduce the risk of developing DKD, its effects on complications of DKD are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the associations of HbA1c with risks of progression to ESKD and death within a clinic-based study of CKD. We hypothesized that higher HbA1c concentrations would be associated with increased risks of ESKD and death.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We studied 618 participants from the Seattle Kidney Study (mean eGFR 42 ml/min), 308 of whom had diabetes, and tested associations of baseline HbA1c with time to a composite outcome of initiation of renal replacement therapy or death.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 4.2 years, there were 343 instances of the composite outcome (11.5 per 100 person-years). Among participants with diabetes, in both crude and adjusted analyses, higher HbA1c levels (examined continuously or categorically) were not associated with the risk of the composite outcome (HR (95% CI): 0.99 (0.88, 1.10) per 1% additional HbA1c, p = 0.79). HbA1c was not associated with ESKD or mortality when the outcomes were examined separately, nor when stratified between insulin users and non-users.

CONCLUSION

In a referred population of established DKD, higher HbA1c was not associated with higher risk of ESKD or death. These data support current recommendations to be conservative with glycemic control among patients with advanced diabetes complications, such as CKD.

Temporal Trends of Severe Hypoglycemia and Subsequent Mortality in Patients with Advanced Diabetic Kidney Diseases Transitioning to Dialysis

Background: Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are at higher risk of hypoglycemia than diabetic patients without DKD. We aimed to investigate the temporal trends of severe hypoglycemia in advanced DKD patients transitioning to dialysis and examine risk factors associated with severe hypoglycemia. We also investigated the association of severe hypoglycemia episodes with one-year mortality after initiation of dialysis in patients with advanced DKD. Methods: Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 46,779 advanced DKD patients transitioning to dialysis (Peritoneal dialysis 4216, hemodialysis 42,563) between 1997 and 2011 were enrolled. We calculated the rates of severe hypoglycemia from 5 years before dialysis until 10 years after dialysis. Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the risk factors of post end stage renal disease (ESRD) one-year hypoglycemia and post ESRD one-year mortality in advanced DKD patients transitioning to dialysis. Results: We found that 11.5% of advanced DKD patients had at least one episode of severe hypoglycemia the year leading up to dialysis initiation. Multivariate analysis revealed hemodialysis compared with peritoneal dialysis, stroke, use of sulfonylurea, glinide, and insulin were associated with higher risk of severe hypoglycemia one year after transitioning to dialysis. Increased frequency of severe hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations was associated with incrementally higher mortality risk one year after transitioning to dialysis (Pre-ESRD hypoglycemia: Hazard ratios: 1.28 (1.18–1.38, p < 0.001), 1.64 (1.49–1.81, p < 0.001) for one, two hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations, respectively; post-ESRD hypoglycemia: HRs of 1.56 (1.40–1.73, p < 0.001), 1.72 (1.39–2.12, p < 0.001) for one, two hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations, respectively (reference group: no hypoglycemia related hospitalization)). Conclusions: Among advanced DKD patients, we observed a progressive elevated risk of hypoglycemia during the critical dialysis transition period. Increased frequency of severe hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations was associated with higher mortality risk one year after transitioning to dialysis. Further study of glycemic management strategies which prevent hypoglycemia during the critical transition period are warranted.

Diabetes Management in Older Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Older adults often live with chronic disease including diabetes and its complications. In this review, we examine the complexity and heterogeneity of older adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, explore the nuances in their diabetes-related monitoring, and discuss their best diabetes management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although there remains an overall lack of studies in older adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, recent reports have highlighted their vulnerabilities. These individuals face an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, frailty, dysglycemia, polypharmacy, declining kidney function, and acute kidney injury. Their diabetes management should focus upon safer antihyperglycemic medications, close monitoring, and care individualization. Older adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease are a complex population who requires careful diabetes management and monitoring. Research efforts might focus on improving the care and outcomes of these patients.

Making surgical wards safer for patients with diabetes: reducing hypoglycaemia and insulin errors

High-quality perioperative diabetes care is essential to improve surgical outcomes for patients with diabetes. Inadequate perioperative diabetes care is associated with increased wound complications, higher mortality rates and increased length of hospital stay. Despite national guidelines, surgical wards remain a high-risk area for poor diabetes care. An initial baseline audit in 2014 of vascular patients with diabetes undergoing major lower limb amputation identified poor glycaemic control in 90% of patients, with high rates of hypoglycaemia and insulin management errors in 75%. Less than 15% of patients received specialist diabetes input and 20% required third-party assistance for hypoglycaemia. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce hypoglycaemia, insulin management errors and patient harm events by 50% in vascular surgery patients over a 3-year period. Key interventions over three successive Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles included educational and guideline initiatives (2015), establishing a diabetes in-reach service (2016) and implementing a whiteboard sugar cube alert system for poor glycaemic control (2017). The final introduction of the whiteboard sugar cube alert system delivered the greatest impact in reducing hypoglycaemia rates by more than 50%, insulin management errors by 70% and patient harm events by 75%.

The Association of Falling Insulin Requirements With Maternal Biomarkers and Placental Dysfunction: A Prospective Study of Women With Preexisting Diabetes in Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of falling insulin requirements (FIR) among women with preexisting diabetes with adverse obstetric outcomes and maternal biomarkers longitudinally in pregnancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A multicenter prospective cohort study of 158 women (41 with type 1 diabetes and 117 with type 2 diabetes) was conducted. Women with FIR of ≥15% from the peak total daily dose after 20 weeks' gestation were considered case subjects (n = 32). The primary outcome was a composite of clinical markers of placental dysfunction (preeclampsia, small for gestational age [≤5th centile], stillbirth, premature delivery [<30 weeks], and placental abruption). Maternal circulating angiogenic markers (placental growth factor [PlGF] and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 [sFlt-1]), placental hormones (human placental lactogen, progesterone, and tumor necrosis factor-α), HbA_1c, and creatinine were studied serially during pregnancy.

RESULTS

FIR ≥15% were associated with an increased risk of the composite primary outcome (odds ratio [OR] 4.38 [95% CI 1.9-10.3]; P < 0.001), preeclampsia (OR 6.76 [95% CI 2.7-16.7]; P < 0.001), and was more common among women with type 1 diabetes (36.6 vs. 14.5%; P = 0.002). Creatinine was modestly elevated among women with FIR ≥15%; however, there was no difference in HbA_1c. The ratio of sFlt-1 to PlGF was significantly higher among women with FIR at 25, 30, and 36 weeks, with differences maintained in the subgroup that developed preeclampsia. There was no difference in placental hormones between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first prospective study to associate FIR with altered expression of placental antiangiogenic factors and preeclampsia. FIR are an important clinical sign, among women with preexisting diabetes, that should alert the clinician to investigate underlying placental dysfunction.

Therapeutic Considerations for Antihyperglycemic Agents in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease is among the most frequent complications of diabetes, with approximately 50% of patients with ESRD attributed to diabetes in developed countries. Although intensive glycemic management has been shown to delay the onset and progression of increased urinary albumin excretion and reduced GFR in patients with diabetes, conservative dose selection and adjustment of antihyperglycemic medications are necessary to balance glycemic control with safety. A growing body of literature is providing valuable insight into the cardiovascular and renal safety and efficacy of newer antihyperglycemic medications in the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor classes of medications. Ongoing studies will continue to inform future use of these agents in patients with diabetic kidney disease.

Epidemiology and outcomes of hypoglycemia in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease on dialysis: A national cohort study

Background

Patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease (DKD) behave differently to diabetic patients without kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the associations of hypoglycemia and outcomes after initiation of dialysis in patients with advanced DKD on dialysis.

Methods

Using National Health Insurance Research Database, 20,845 advanced DKD patients beginning long-term dialysis between 2002 and 2006 were enrolled. We investigated the incidence of severe hypoglycemia episodes before initiation of dialysis. Patients were followed from date of first dialysis to death, end of dialysis, or 2008. Main outcomes measured were all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and subsequent severe hypoglycemic episodes after dialysis.

Results

19.18% patients had at least one hypoglycemia episode during 1-year period before initiation of dialysis. Advanced DKD patients with higher adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index (aDCSI) scores were associated with more frequent hypoglycemia (P for trend < 0.001). Mortality and subsequent severe hypoglycemia after dialysis both increased with number of hypoglycemic episodes. Compared to those who had no hypoglycemic episodes, those who had one had a 15% higher risk of death and a 2.3-fold higher risk of subsequent severe hypoglycemia. Those with two or more episodes had a 19% higher risk of death and a 3.9-fold higher risk of subsequent severe hypoglycemia. However, previous severe hypoglycemia was not correlated with risk of MI after dialysis.

Conclusions

The rate of severe hypoglycemia was high in advanced DKD patients. Patients with higher aDCSI scores tended to have more hypoglycemic episodes. Hypoglycemic episodes were associated with subsequent hypoglycemia and mortality after initiation of dialysis. We studied the associations and further study is needed to establish cause. In addition, more attention is needed for hypoglycemia prevention in advanced DKD patients, especially for those at risk patients.

Effect of Hypoglycemia on the Incidence of Revision in Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

It is well established that diabetic patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are more susceptible to infection, problematic wound healing, and overall higher complication rates. However, a paucity in current literature exists. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hypoglycemia on TKA revision (rTKA) incidence by analyzing a national private payer database for procedures performed between 2007 and 2015 Q1 Q2.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a national private payer database within the PearlDiver Supercomputer application for patients undergoing TKA with blood glucose levels from 20 to 219 mg/mL, in 10-mg/mL increments, was conducted. Patients who underwent TKA were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes. Glucose ranges were identified by filtering for Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes within the PearlDiver database. Patients with diagnosed diabetes mellitus type I or II were excluded by using ICD-9 codes 250.00-250.03, 250.10-250.13, and 250.20-250.21. rTKA causes including mechanical loosening, failure/break, periprosthetic fracture, osteolysis, infection, pain, arthrofibrosis, instability, and trauma were identified with CPT and ICD-9 codes. Statistical analysis was primarily descriptive.

RESULTS

Our query returned 264,824 TKAs, of which 12,852 (4.9%) were revised. Most TKAs were performed with a glucose of 70-99 mg/mL (26.1%), followed by 100-109 mg/mL (18.5%). Patients with TKAs performed with glucose 20-29 mg/mL had the highest rate of revision (17.2%; P < .001). Infection was the most common cause of revision among all glucose ranges (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Infection remains one of the most common causes of rTKA irrespective of glucose level. Our results suggest that hypoglycemia may increase revision rates among TKA patients. Tight glycemic control before and during surgery may be warranted.

Hypoglycemia Incidence in Older Adults by Estimated GFR

BACKGROUND

Bedside estimates of the risk for hypoglycemia by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), and use of antihyperglycemic medications would be helpful.

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

Older adults (mean age, 75 years) in Ontario, Canada, from April 2002 through March 2013.

FACTORS

eGFR stage, ACR stage, and use of antihyperglycemic medications.

OUTCOME

3-year incidence rate of a hospital encounter with hypoglycemia (emergency department or inpatient encounter).

RESULTS

In users and nonusers of antihyperglycemic medications, there was a graded increase in risk for hypoglycemia by eGFR stage. Incidence rates in antihyperglycemic medication users were 82 (95% CI, 71-94), 122 (95% CI, 115-130), 235 (95% CI, 218-254), 379 (95% CI, 349-413), 596 (95% CI, 524-678), and 785 (95% CI, 689-894) encounters per 10,000 person-years when eGFR was ≥90, 60 to <90, 45 to <60, 30 to <45, 15 to <30, and <15mL/min/1.73m² or the patient was receiving dialysis, respectively (P<0.001). Corresponding values in nonusers were 2 (95% CI, 2-4), 3 (95% CI, 3-4), 3 (95% CI, 2-4), 7 (95% CI, 5-9), 14 (95% CI, 9-22), and 55 (95% CI, 43-71) encounters/10,000 person-years, respectively (P<0.001). A similar relationship was evident by eGFR and ACR risk category.

LIMITATIONS

Only hypoglycemia episodes that were associated with a hospital encounter were assessed. Results cannot be generalized to younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In older adults, the risk for hypoglycemia is higher in those with lower kidney function. Our results may aid the patient-provider dialogue and inform future studies to prevent hypoglycemia in an at-risk population.

Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus Following Organ Transplantation

Hyperglycemia is common following organ transplantation, regardless of the pre-transplant diabetes status. Transient post-transplant hyperglycemia and/or new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) are common and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. NODAT and type 2 diabetes share similar characteristics, but the pathophysiology may differ. Immunosuppressive agents and steroids play a key role in the development of NODAT. Glycemic control is challenging in this population due to fluctuating renal/end-organ function, immunosuppressive dosing, nutritional status, and drug-drug interactions. A proactive and multidisciplinary approach is essential, along with flexible protocols to adjust to patient status, type of organ transplanted, and corticosteroid regimens. Insulin is the preferred agent for hospitalized patients and during the early post-transplant period; optimal glycemic control (BG < 180 mg/dl with minimal hypoglycemia [<70 mg/dl]) is desired.

Hypoglycemia in Diabetes Mellitus as a Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factor in Patients at Elevated Vascular Risk

CONTEXT

Although clinical trials have shown that hypoglycemia is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), little is known whether hypoglycemia is a CAD risk factor in primary care.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether previous hypoglycemia was associated with incident CAD, and whether this association differed in patients of different underlying vascular risk.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This is a longitudinal cohort study of diabetes patients without CAD before January 1, 2006 (n = 9173) followed at an academic network of 13 primary care practices from January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2012. Hypoglycemic events before January 1, 2006 were identified via International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision codes from emergency department, inpatient and outpatient visits.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Patients were followed until incident CAD or June 30, 2012. Cox regression with time interaction was used to determine the association between hypoglycemia and CAD (significance set at P ≤ .05). We then tested the association among high vascular risk patients (age ≥ 55 y, hemoglobin A1c ≥ 7.5%, ≥2 risk factors [dyslipidemia, hypertension or obesity]), a subset of high vascular risk patients aged 65 years or older, and the remaining patients with lower vascular risk.

RESULTS

Three percent of patients (n = 285) had previous hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia was associated with a 2-fold CAD risk (hazard ratio [HR] 2.15; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.24-3.74), adjusting for time interaction and vascular risk factors. Among high vascular risk patients, the risk was 3-fold (HR 3.01 [95%CI 1.15-7.91], n = 1823 [20% of cohort]), and over 4-fold (HR 4.62 [95%CI 1.65-12.9], n = 996) in the subset aged more than or equal to 65 years. No association was found in the remaining 80% of the cohort with lower vascular risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous hypoglycemia was associated with CAD among high vascular risk patients. Hypoglycemia may not be a CAD risk factor for the majority of primary care patients with lower underlying vascular risk.

Management of diabetes mellitus in individuals with chronic kidney disease: therapeutic perspectives and glycemic control

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic options for diabetes treatment and their potential side effects, in addition to analyzing the risks and benefits of tight glycemic control in patients with diabetic kidney disease. For this review, a search was performed using several pre-defined keyword combinations and their equivalents: "diabetes kidney disease" and "renal failure" in combination with "diabetes treatment" and "oral antidiabetic drugs" or "oral hypoglycemic agents." The search was performed in PubMed, Endocrine Abstracts and the Cochrane Library from January 1980 up to January 2015. Diabetes treatment in patients with diabetic kidney disease is challenging, in part because of progression of renal failure-related changes in insulin signaling, glucose transport and metabolism, favoring both hyperglycemic peaks and hypoglycemia. Additionally, the decline in renal function impairs the clearance and metabolism of antidiabetic agents and insulin, frequently requiring reassessment of prescriptions. The management of hyperglycemia in patients with diabetic kidney disease is even more difficult, requiring adjustment of antidiabetic agents and insulin doses. The health team responsible for the follow-up of these patients should be vigilant and prepared to make such changes; however, unfortunately, there are few guidelines addressing the nuances of the management of this specific population.

Overview of Data Concerning the Safe Use of Antihyperglycemic Medications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease

INTRODUCTION

It can be a challenge to manage glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), due to both patient and medication issues. Although most antihyperglycemic medications can be used in mild kidney disease, many medications are either not advised or require dose adjustments in more advanced CKD. This review summarizes product label information, pharmacokinetic and clinical studies, and clinical guidelines relevant to use of antihyperglycemic medications in CKD.

METHODS

Product labels and guidelines from North America and Europe, as well as pharmacokinetic and clinical studies of diabetes medication use in CKD were identified through Medline and PubMed searches, up to February 2015. Available data are summarized and correlations between treatment recommendations and available research are discussed, as are glycemic targets for patients with CKD.

RESULTS

Newer medications have significantly more data available than older medications regarding use in CKD, although larger clinical studies are still lacking for some drugs. As CKD advances, dose adjustment is needed for many medications [numerous dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, some insulins, sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors], although not for others (thiazolidinediones, meglitinides). Some medications are not recommended for use in more advanced CKD (metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, some glucagon-like protein-1 receptor agonists) for safety or efficacy reasons. There is not always good alignment between label recommendations, pharmacokinetic or clinical studies, and guideline recommendations for use of these drugs in CKD. In particular, controversy remains about the use of metformin in moderate CKD and appropriate use of liraglutide and sulfonylureas in advanced CKD.

CONCLUSION

Considerable variability exists with respect to recommendations and clinical data for the many antihyperglycemic drugs used in patients with T2DM and CKD.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.

Evaluation and management of diabetic and non-diabetic hypoglycemia in end-stage renal disease

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) regardless of diabetes status are at increased risk of hypoglycemia with a resultant array of adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, hypoglycemia should be thoroughly evaluated in ESRD patients. In diabetic dialysis patients, hypoglycemic agents and nutritional alterations can trigger hypoglycemia in the background of diminished gluconeogenesis, reduced insulin clearance by the kidney and improved insulin sensitivity following initiation of renal replacement therapy. Detailed evaluation of antidiabetic regimen and nutritional patterns, patient education on self-monitoring of blood glucose and/or referral to a diabetes specialist may reduce risk of subsequent hypoglycemia. In certain situations, it is important to recognize the possibility of non-diabetic causes of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes and to avoid treating pseudo-hyperglycemia caused by glucose- non-specific glucometers in patients utilizing icodextrin-based solutions for peritoneal dialysis. Adrenal insufficiency, certain medications, malnutrition and/or infection are among the most common causes of hypoglycemia in non-diabetic ESRD patients, and they should be suspected after exclusion of inadvertent use of hypoglycemic agents. The goal of this review article is to summarize approaches and recommendations for the work up and treatment of hypoglycemia in ESRD.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes and cancer mortality in the 2002-2009 cohort of 39,811 French dialyzed patients

End-stage renal disease is a chronic and progressive pathology associated with several comorbidities, particularly diabetes. Indeed, diabetes is the first cause of end-stage renal disease and, in France, 42% of incident patients had diabetes in 2012. In the general population, diabetes is associated with increased cancer risk. The aim of this study was to examine the association between risk of cancer death and diabetes in a large French cohort of patients with end-stage renal disease. Data on all patients with end-stage renal disease who initiated dialysis in France between 2002 and 2009 were extracted from the Renal Epidemiology Information Network registry. The risk of dying by cancer was studied using the Fine and Gray model to take into account the competing risk of death by other causes. We analyzed 39,811 patients with end-stage renal disease. Their mean age was 67.7±15 years, 39.4% had diabetes and 55.3% at least one cardiovascular disease. Compared with the non-diabetic group, patients with diabetes were older and had more cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities when they started dialysis. Conversely, fewer diabetic patients had also a tumor at the beginning of the renal replacement therapy. Cancer was indicated as the cause of death for 6.7% of diabetic and 13.4% of non-diabetic patients. The Fine and Gray multivariate analyses indicated that diabetes (HR=0.72 95% CI: [0.68-0.95], p<0.001) and also female gender, peritoneal dialysis, cardio-vascular disease and kidney transplantation were associated with decreased risk of death by cancer. In this French cohort of patients with end-stage renal disease, diabetes was not associated with a significant increased risk of dying from cancer. Studies on the incidence of cancer in patients with ESRD are now needed to evaluate the potential association between diabetes and specific malignancies in this population.

Glycemic Control in Simultaneous Islet-Kidney Versus Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation in Type 1 Diabetes: A Prospective 13-Year Follow-up

OBJECTIVE

In patients with type 1 diabetes and end-stage renal disease, combined transplantation of a kidney together with a pancreas or isolated pancreatic islets are options to improve glycemic control. The aim of this study was to compare their long-term outcome with regard to metabolic control and surgical complication rate, as well as function of the transplanted kidney.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study in consecutive patients receiving either a pancreas or islet transplant simultaneously with or after kidney transplantation (simultaneous pancreas-kidney [SPK]/pancreas-after-kidney [PAK] or simultaneous islet-kidney [SIK]/islet-after-kidney [IAK] transplantation).

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients who had undergone SPK/PAK transplantation were compared with 38 patients who had undergone SIK/IAK transplantation over a period of up to 13 years. HbA1c levels declined from 7.8 ± 1.3% (62 ± 14 mmol/mol) to 5.9 ± 1.1% (41 ± 12 mmol/mol), and from 8.0 ± 1.3% (64 ± 14 mmol/mol) to 6.5 ± 1.1% (48 ± 12 mmol/mol), respectively, in the SPK/PAK and SIK/IAK groups (P < 0.001 for both) and remained stable during follow-up, despite a reduction in the rate of severe hypoglycemia by >90%. The 5-year insulin independence rate was higher in the SPK/PAK group (73.6 vs. 9.3% in the SIK/IAK group), as was the rate of relaparotomy after transplantation (41.5 vs. 10.5% in the SIK/IAK group). There was no difference in the rate of kidney function decline.

CONCLUSIONS

During a long-term follow-up, SPK/PAK transplantation as well as SIK/IAK transplantation resulted in a sustained improvement of glycemic control with a slightly higher glycated hemoglobin level in the SIK/IAK group. While insulin independence is more common in whole-organ pancreas recipients, islet transplantation can be conducted with a much lower surgical complication rate and no difference in kidney function decline.

Hyper/hypoglycemia and acute kidney injury in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Abnormalities of blood glucose (BG) concentration (hyper- and hypoglycemia), now referred to with the cumulative term of dysglycemia, are frequently observed in critically ill patients, and significantly affect their clinical outcome. Acute kidney injury (AKI) may further complicate glycemic control in the same clinical setting. This narrative review was aimed at describing the pathogenesis of hyper- and hypoglycemia in the intensive care unit (ICU), with special regard to patients with AKI. Moreover, the complex relationship between AKI, glycemic control, hypoglycemic risk, and outcomes was analyzed.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was performed, in order to identify the relevant studies describing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment and outcome of hypo- and hyperglycemia in critically ill patients with AKI.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Patients with AKI are at increased risk of both hyper-and hypoglycemia. The available evidence does not support a protective effect on the kidney by glycemic control protocols employing Intensive Insulin Treatment (IIT), i.e. those aimed at maintaining normal BG concentrations (80-110 mg/dl). Recent guidelines taking into account the high risk for hypoglycemia associated with IIT protocols in critically ill patients, now suggest higher BG concentration targets (<180 mg/dl or 140-180 mg/dl) than those previously recommended (80-110 mg/dl). Notwithstanding the limited evidence available, it seems reasonable to extend these indications also to ICU patients with AKI.

Safety of medical therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Maintaining patient safety is a necessary step to improve healthcare delivery. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have an increased frequency of adverse safety events largely because of medication errors.

RECENT FINDINGS

CKD and ESRD have several features which threaten patient safety. Reduced glomerular filtration rate affects the clearance of many medications and is also associated with several comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic bone disease, and anemia. These comorbidities of CKD often increase the complexity of treatment regimens. Patients with ESRD, requiring dialysis or transplantation, have an even greater potential for adverse safety events because of the reliance on renal replacement modalities and the frequent requirements of polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions.

SUMMARY

There is an important need to develop strategies to provide inpatient and outpatient management plans to limit the risk of adverse medication errors across a wide range of educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, and a critical need to develop a uniform set of standards for evaluating patient safety in CKD and ESRD as well as appropriate descriptions of the prototypical safety profiles of patients who have CKD, a kidney transplant, or who are on dialysis.

Advantage of insulin glulisine over regular insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe renal insufficiency

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of insulin glulisine over regular insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe renal insufficiency.

SUBJECTS

Our study included 18 patients with type 2 diabetes and a mean (range) estimated glomerular filtration rate of 13.2 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) (5.8-27.6), which corresponds to stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease.

DESIGN

After titration of doses, regular insulin was administered thrice daily on Day 1, along with continuous glucose monitoring for 24 h starting at 7 am. Exactly equal doses of insulin glulisine were administered on Day 2. Area under the curve (AUC) for blood glucose level variation after breakfast (AUC-B 0-4), lunch (AUC-L 0-6), and dinner (AUC-D 0-6) were evaluated.

RESULTS

AUC-B 0-4 and AUC-D 0-6 were significantly lower with insulin glulisine than with regular insulin (AUC-B 0-4: 3.3 ± 4.7 vs. 6.2 ± 5.4 × 10(2) mmol/L·minute, respectively, P = .028; AUC-D 0-6: 1.8 ± 7.3 vs. 6.5 ± 6.2 × 10(2) mmol/L·minute, respectively, P = .023). In contrast, AUC-L 0-6 was higher with insulin glulisine than with regular insulin (AUC-L 0-6: 7.6 ± 6.4 vs. 4.2 ± 8.7 × 10(2) mmol/L·minute, respectively, P = .099), suggesting a prolonged hypoglycemic action of regular insulin after lunch.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin glulisine effectively suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia, whereas regular insulin caused a prolonged hypoglycemic action. These findings support the effectiveness and safety of insulin glulisine in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe renal insufficiency.

Medication pitfalls in the CKD clinic: case presentations

The kidney plays a major role in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs; therefore, medication errors can result from failure to properly adjust medications in patients with CKD. It is the responsibility of all health-care providers to work collectively when reviewing medications, initiating new medications, and adjusting doses of current medications. Awareness of appropriate dosing recommendations can significantly decrease medication error-associated morbidity, mortality, and cost.

Metformin and other antidiabetic agents in renal failure patients

This review mainly focuses on metformin, and considers oral antidiabetic therapy in kidney transplant patients and the potential benefits and risks of antidiabetic agents other than metformin in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In view of the debate concerning lactic acidosis associated with metformin, this review tries to solve a paradox: metformin should be prescribed more widely because of its beneficial effects, but also less widely because of the increasing prevalence of contraindications to metformin, such as reduced renal function. Lactic acidosis appears either as part of a number of clinical syndromes (i.e., unrelated to metformin), induced by metformin (involving an analysis of the drug's pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of action), or associated with metformin (a more complex situation, as lactic acidosis in a metformin-treated patient is not necessarily accompanied by metformin accumulation, nor does metformin accumulation necessarily lead to lactic acidosis). A critical analysis of guidelines and literature data on metformin therapy in patients with CKD is presented. Following the present focus on metformin, new paradoxical issues can be drawn up, in particular: (i) metformin is rarely the sole cause of lactic acidosis; (ii) lactic acidosis in patients receiving metformin therapy is erroneously still considered a single medical entity, as several different scenarios can be defined, with contrasting prognoses. The prognosis for severe lactic acidosis seems even better in metformin-treated patients than in non-metformin users.

Insulin degludec: pharmacokinetics in patients with renal impairment

BACKGROUND

Insulin degludec is a new-generation basal insulin with an ultra-long duration of action. We evaluated the pharmacokinetic properties of insulin degludec in subjects with normal renal function; mild, moderate or severe renal impairment; or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis.

METHODS

Thirty subjects (n = 6 per group) received a single subcutaneous dose of 0.4 U/kg insulin degludec. Blood samples up to 120 h post-dose and fractionated urine samples were collected.

RESULTS

The ultra-long pharmacokinetic properties of insulin degludec were preserved in subjects with renal impairment, with no statistically significant differences in absorption or clearance, compared with subjects with normal renal function. In subjects with ESRD, pharmacokinetic parameters were similar whether the insulin degludec pharmacokinetic assessment period included hemodialysis or not, and total exposure was comparable to subjects with normal renal function. Simulated mean steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated dose adjustments due to impaired renal function should not be required for insulin degludec.