Poor pre-dialysis glycaemic control is a predictor of mortality in type II diabetic patients on maintenance haemodialysis

Treatment Targets for Diabetic Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: Any Evidence?

Diabetic patients are often affected by comorbid conditions that influence clinical outcome. Taking care of diabetic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is a challenge for nephrologists, not only because these patients have more complications and comorbidities, but also because of their difficulties in maintaining glycemic control with the use of current glucose-containing dialysis solutions. In addition, the increased transport of small molecules and proteins by the peritoneal membrane in diabetic patients adds the further problems of ultrafiltration deficit and malnutrition. The present article reviews pertinent evidence toward establishing the best strategy for the care of diabetic PD patients. With better glycemic control, improved nutrition, improved fluid balance, and optimal preservation of residual renal function, there is hope for improving the survival of diabetic PD patients.

Improvement in Clinical Outcome by Early Nephrology Referral in Type Ii Diabetics on Maintenance Peritoneal Dialysis

← Objectives

To evaluate the influence of early nephrology referral on clinical outcome in type II diabetes mellitus patients on maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD).

← Design

This is a retrospective study in a single University Hospital in Taiwan.

← Patients

This study analyzed the type II diabetic patients entering our PD program from February 1988 to June 2000. Patients that were presented to a nephrologist more than 6 months before starting dialysis were defined as early referrals (ER). Patients were considered late referrals (LR) if they were transferred to the nephrology department within 6 months before initial dialysis.

← Main Outcome Measures

Patient survival and technique survival curves were derived from Kaplan–Meier analysis and were compared using the Cox–Mantel log rank test. Covariates were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards model.

← Results

52 type II diabetic patients were enrolled in this study: 16 in the ER group and 36 in the LR group. Patient survival was better in the ER group than in the LR group {relative risks [exp(coef)] 0.42; 95% confidence interval 0.152 – 0.666; p < 0.05}. The improved survival in the ER group was independent of age at dialysis, good glycemic control, and residual renal function, as indicated in the multivariate analysis with stepwise regression by Cox proportional hazards model. The ER group was also associated with better technique survival.

← Conclusions

These results suggest that early nephrology referral before initiating dialysis is associated with improved long-term clinical outcome in type II diabetics on maintenance PD.

Insulin and glucose-lowering agents for treating people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is the commonest cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Both conditions commonly co-exist. Glucometabolic changes and concurrent dialysis in diabetes and CKD make glucose-lowering challenging, increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia. Glucose-lowering agents have been mainly studied in people with near-normal kidney function. It is important to characterise existing knowledge of glucose-lowering agents in CKD to guide treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the efficacy and safety of insulin and other pharmacological interventions for lowering glucose levels in people with diabetes and CKD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 12 February 2018 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs looking at head-to-head comparisons of active regimens of glucose-lowering therapy or active regimen compared with placebo/standard care in people with diabetes and CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Four authors independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias, and quality of data and performed data extraction. Continuous outcomes were expressed as post-treatment mean differences (MD). Adverse events were expressed as post-treatment absolute risk differences (RD). Dichotomous clinical outcomes were presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-four studies (128 records, 13,036 participants) were included. Nine studies compared sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to placebo; 13 studies compared dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors to placebo; 2 studies compared glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists to placebo; 8 studies compared glitazones to no glitazone treatment; 1 study compared glinide to no glinide treatment; and 4 studies compared different types, doses or modes of administration of insulin. In addition, 2 studies compared sitagliptin to glipizide; and 1 study compared each of sitagliptin to insulin, glitazars to pioglitazone, vildagliptin to sitagliptin, linagliptin to voglibose, and albiglutide to sitagliptin. Most studies had a high risk of bias due to funding and attrition bias, and an unclear risk of detection bias.Compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibitors probably reduce HbA1c (7 studies, 1092 participants: MD -0.29%, -0.38 to -0.19 (-3.2 mmol/mol, -4.2 to -2.2); I2 = 0%), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (5 studies, 855 participants: MD -0.48 mmol/L, -0.78 to -0.19; I2 = 0%), systolic blood pressure (BP) (7 studies, 1198 participants: MD -4.68 mmHg, -6.69 to -2.68; I2 = 40%), diastolic BP (6 studies, 1142 participants: MD -1.72 mmHg, -2.77 to -0.66; I2 = 0%), heart failure (3 studies, 2519 participants: RR 0.59, 0.41 to 0.87; I2 = 0%), and hyperkalaemia (4 studies, 2788 participants: RR 0.58, 0.42 to 0.81; I2 = 0%); but probably increase genital infections (7 studies, 3086 participants: RR 2.50, 1.52 to 4.11; I2 = 0%), and creatinine (4 studies, 848 participants: MD 3.82 μmol/L, 1.45 to 6.19; I2 = 16%) (all effects of moderate certainty evidence). SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce weight (5 studies, 1029 participants: MD -1.41 kg, -1.8 to -1.02; I2 = 28%) and albuminuria (MD -8.14 mg/mmol creatinine, -14.51 to -1.77; I2 = 11%; low certainty evidence). SGLT2 inhibitors may have little or no effect on the risk of cardiovascular death, hypoglycaemia, acute kidney injury (AKI), and urinary tract infection (low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether SGLT2 inhibitors have any effect on death, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), hypovolaemia, fractures, diabetic ketoacidosis, or discontinuation due to adverse effects (very low certainty evidence).Compared to placebo, DPP-4 inhibitors may reduce HbA1c (7 studies, 867 participants: MD -0.62%, -0.85 to -0.39 (-6.8 mmol/mol, -9.3 to -4.3); I2 = 59%) but may have little or no effect on FBG (low certainty evidence). DPP-4 inhibitors probably have little or no effect on cardiovascular death (2 studies, 5897 participants: RR 0.93, 0.77 to 1.11; I2 = 0%) and weight (2 studies, 210 participants: MD 0.16 kg, -0.58 to 0.90; I2 = 29%; moderate certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, DPP-4 inhibitors may have little or no effect on heart failure, upper respiratory tract infections, and liver impairment (low certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, it is uncertain whether DPP-4 inhibitors have any effect on eGFR, hypoglycaemia, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or discontinuation due to adverse effects (very low certainty evidence).Compared to placebo, GLP-1 agonists probably reduce HbA1c (7 studies, 867 participants: MD -0.53%, -1.01 to -0.06 (-5.8 mmol/mol, -11.0 to -0.7); I2 = 41%; moderate certainty evidence) and may reduce weight (low certainty evidence). GLP-1 agonists may have little or no effect on eGFR, hypoglycaemia, or discontinuation due to adverse effects (low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether GLP-1 agonists reduce FBG, increase gastrointestinal symptoms, or affect the risk of pancreatitis (very low certainty evidence).Compared to placebo, it is uncertain whether glitazones have any effect on HbA1c, FBG, death, weight, and risk of hypoglycaemia (very low certainty evidence).Compared to glipizide, sitagliptin probably reduces hypoglycaemia (2 studies, 551 participants: RR 0.40, 0.23 to 0.69; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty evidence). Compared to glipizide, sitagliptin may have had little or no effect on HbA1c, FBG, weight, and eGFR (low certainty evidence). Compared to glipizide, it is uncertain if sitagliptin has any effect on death or discontinuation due to adverse effects (very low certainty).For types, dosages or modes of administration of insulin and other head-to-head comparisons only individual studies were available so no conclusions could be made.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of glucose-lowering agents in diabetes and CKD is limited. SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists are probably efficacious for glucose-lowering and DPP-4 inhibitors may be efficacious for glucose-lowering. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors probably reduce BP, heart failure, and hyperkalaemia but increase genital infections, and slightly increase creatinine. The safety profile for GLP-1 agonists is uncertain. No further conclusions could be made for the other classes of glucose-lowering agents including insulin. More high quality studies are required to help guide therapeutic choice for glucose-lowering in diabetes and CKD.

Usefulness of glycated albumin as a biomarker for glucose control and prognostic factor in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis (CKD-G5D)

In chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis (CKD-G5D) accurate assessment of glycemic control is vital to improve their outcome and survival. The best glycemic marker for glucose control in these patients is still debated because several clinical and pharmacological factors may affect the ability of the available biomarkers to reflect the patient's glycemic status properly. This review discusses the role of glycated albumin (GA) both as a biomarker for glucose control and as a prognostic factor in CKD-G5D; it also looks at the pros and cons of GA in comparison to the other markers and its usefulness in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Associations of Glycemic Control With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Hemodialysis Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Background

There is a lack of data on the relationship between glycemic control and cardiovascular end points in hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

We included adult Medicare‐insured patients with diabetes mellitus who initiated in‐center hemodialysis treatment from 2006 to 2008 and survived for >90 days. Quarterly mean time‐averaged glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) values were categorized into <48 mmol/mol (<6.5%) (reference), 48 to <58 mmol/mol (6.5% to <7.5%), 58 to <69 mmol/mol (7.5% to <8.5%), and ≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%). Medicare claims were used to identify outcomes of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), fatal or nonfatal MI, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. We used Cox models as a function of time‐varying exposure to estimate multivariable adjusted hazard ratios and 95%CI for the associations between HbA_1c and time to study outcomes in a cohort of 16 387 eligible patients. Patients with HbA_1c 58 to <69 mmol/mol (7.5% to <8.5%) and ≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%) had 16% (CI, 2%, 32%) and 18% (CI, 1%, 37%) higher rates of cardiovascular mortality (P‐trend=0.01) and 16% (CI, 1%, 33%) and 15% (CI, 1%, 32%) higher rates of nonfatal MI (P‐trend=0.05), respectively, compared with those in the reference group. Patients with HbA_1c ≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%) had a 20% (CI, 2%, 41%) higher rate of fatal or nonfatal MI (P‐trend=0.02), compared with those in the reference group. HbA_1c was not associated with stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Higher HbA_1c levels were significantly associated with higher rates of cardiovascular mortality and MI but not with stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or all‐cause mortality in this large cohort of hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus.

Consensus statement on insulin therapy in chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which eventually leads to insulin resistance and decreased insulin degradation. In patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the overall insulin requirement declines which necessitates the reassessment for individualization, adjustment and titration of insulin doses depending on the severity of kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE

To provide simple and easily implementable guidelines to primary care physicians on appropriate insulin dosing and titration of various insulin regimens in patients with DKD.

METHODS

Each insulin regimen (basal, prandial, premix and basal-bolus) was presented and evaluated for dosing and titration based on data from approved medical literatures on chronic kidney disease. These evaluations were then factored into the national context based on the expert committee representatives' and key opinion leaders' clinical experience and common therapeutic practices followed in India.

RESULTS

Recommendations based on dosing and titration of insulins has been developed. Moreover, the consensus group also recommended the strategy for dose estimation of insulin, optimal glycaemic targets and self-monitoring in patients with DKD.

CONCLUSION

The consensus based recommendations will be a useful reference tool for health care practitioners to initiate, optimise and intensify insulin therapy in patients with DKD.

Could metformin be used in patients with diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease?

Diabetes is an important cause of end stage renal failure worldwide. As renal impairment progresses, managing hyperglycaemia can prove increasingly challenging, as many medications are contra-indicated in moderate to severe renal impairment. Whilst evidence for tight glycaemic control reducing progression to renal failure in patients with established renal disease is limited, poor glycaemic control is not desirable, and is likely to lead to progressive complications. Metformin is a first-line therapy in patients with Type 2 diabetes, as it appears to be effective in reducing diabetes related end points and mortality in overweight patients. Cessation of metformin in patients with progressive renal disease may not only lead to deterioration in glucose control, but also to loss of protection from cardiovascular disease in a cohort of patients at particularly high risk. We advocate the need for further study to determine the role of metformin in patients with severe renal disease (chronic kidney disease stage 4-5), as well as patients on dialysis, or pre-/peri-renal transplantation. We explore possible roles of metformin in these circumstances, and suggest potential key areas for further study.

Diabetes-Invoked High-Density Lipoprotein and Its Association With Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Although high-density lipoprotein (HDL) can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, these potent activities can become deficient and even transform into proinflammatory effects under various pathophysiological states. We investigated the effect of diabetic HDL on the inflammatory response in human monocytes and its relation to the existence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). HDL was isolated from DM patients with (n = 61) or without (n = 31) CAD (diameter stenosis ≥50%) and healthy controls (n = 40). Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with HDL and the proinflammatory ability of HDL was determined by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Secretion of TNF-α in human monocytes in response to diabetic HDL was significantly increased compared with that of the control HDL. Of note, HDL from DM patients with CAD stimulated the release of TNF-α in monocytes to a greater extent than that of HDL from those without CAD. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the proinflammatory ability of HDL was independently associated with diabetes duration, hemoglobin A1c, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Furthermore, the proinflammatory ability of HDL was a significant predictor for the presence of CAD in patients with DM.

Distinct biomarker roles for HbA1c and glycated albumin in patients with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis

AIMS

HbA_1c and glycated albumin (GA) are used to monitor glycemia, but their accuracy to represent glycemic profiles in hemodialysis remains controversial.

METHODS

Continuous glucose monitoring in 97 patients with type 2 diabetes (41 on hemodialysis [HD] and 56 without nephropathy) was analyzed to evaluate whether HbA_1c and/or GA serve as appropriate glycemic profile markers.

RESULTS

The average glucose significantly correlated with HbA_1c in both HD group and group without nephropathy (r=0.59, P<0.0001; r=0.40, P<0.005). The slopes of linear regression lines were statistically indistinguishable (F=0.30, P=0.744), while the y-intercepts were significantly different (F=57.86, P<0.0001). GA showed strong correlation with the glycemic standard deviation (r=0.68, P<0.0001), and with the average glucose (r=0.42, P<0.001). Least square analysis revealed that only HbA_1c, but not GA, was significantly associated with the average glucose (F=10.20, P<0.0005; F=0.38, P=0.5427), while only GA was significantly associated with the glycemic variability in HD group.

CONCLUSIONS

In HD participants, HbA_1c correlates with the average glucose more than GA, but underestimates it, and a correction formula of HbA1c can be developed as an appreciable marker. GA value itself reflects the average glucose, but less accurately than HbA_1c, while it could serve as an indicator for hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia excursion.

Changes of the glycemic control and therapeutic regimen for diabetes mellitus in the Japanese patients on hemodialysis

OBJECTIVES/METHODS

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become important with regard to mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients, so it is necessary to optimize the treatment of these patients. We examined the changes in glycemic control and therapeutic regimen, including insulin and oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA) and the diet/exercise in the HD patients.

RESULTS

Although DM was observed in 42 (32.6%) of the 129 (male/female 89/40) patients, there was a male predominance, with 35 DM patients being male (83.3%). The therapeutic regimens of DM patients were as follows: insulin was used in 13, OHA in 20, and diet/exercise in nine patients. The DM patients, who had not used insulin, included five patients receiving OHA (25.0%) and diet/exercise in five patients (55.6%). Nineteen of 20 OHA patients used a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor. Although the postprandial blood glucose (PBG) in insulin was 191 ± 89 (the mean ± standard deviation [SD]) mg/dL, that in OHA group was 140 ± 36 mg/dL. The mean and the SD of the PBG were larger in insulin than in OHA group. The body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin A1c were higher in patients treated with insulin (24.1 ± 4.2 kg/m(2), 7.1 ± 1.2%) than in patients treated with the OHA (21.2 ± 2.8 kg/m(2), 5.8 ± 0.5%; P<0.05) or diet/exercise (19.2 ± 3.6 kg/m(2), 5.3 ± 0.6%; P<0.05). The BMI and hemoglobin A1c were higher in diet/exercise compared to OHA and insulin groups.

CONCLUSION

The patients undergoing HD develop DM, especially males. The BMI and hemoglobin A1c were useful to determine whether there should be a change from insulin to OHA or to diet/exercise therapy. A dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor might be a preferable treatment for the DM patients with HD in terms of the mean and SD of PBG.

What is the Role of HbA1c in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients?

The definition of a good glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus on hemodialysis is far from settled. In the general population, hemoglobin A1c is highly correlated with the average glycemia of the last 8-12 weeks. However, in hemodialysis patients, the correlation of hbA1c with glycemia is weaker as it also reflects changes in hemoglobin characteristics and red blood cells half-life. As expected, studies show that the association between HbA1c and outcomes in these patients differ from the general population. Therefore, the value of HbA1c in the treatment of hemodialysis patients has been questioned. Guidelines are generally cautious in their recommendations about possible targets of HbA1c in this population. Indeed, the risk of not treating hyperglycemia should be weighed against the particularly high risk of precipitating hypoglycemia in dialysis patients. In this review, a critical analysis of the current role of HbA1c in the care of hemodialysis patients is presented.

HbA1c and survival in maintenance hemodialysis patients with diabetes in Han Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Previous observational studies using differing methodologies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the association between glycemic control and outcomes in diabetic patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between HbA1c and survival in diabetic MHD patients in Han Chinese population.

METHODS

A 5-year cohort (October 2007-December 2013) of 236 diabetic MHD patients with HbA1c data was examined for associations between HbA1c and mortality. Death hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox regressions.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-six diabetes patients undergoing MHD in clinics over 5 years were included in our study. Unadjusted survival analyses indicated paradoxically lower death HRs with higher HbA1c values. However, after adjusting for potential confounders (demographics, dialysis vintage, comorbidity, anemia, and inflammation), higher HbA1c values were incrementally associated with higher death risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8 %) appears to be associated with decreased survival in the general population of diabetic MHD patients. Our study suggests that moderate hyperglycemia increases the risk for all-cause mortality of diabetic MHD patients in Han Chinese population.

Updates on the management of diabetes in dialysis patients

Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the U.S. and many countries globally. The role of improved glycemic control in ameliorating the exceedingly high mortality risk of diabetic dialysis patients is unclear. The treatment of diabetes in ESRD patients is challenging, given changes in glucose homeostasis, the unclear accuracy of glycemic control metrics, and the altered pharmacokinetics of glucose-lowering drugs by kidney dysfunction, the uremic milieu, and dialysis therapy. Up to one-third of diabetic dialysis patients may experience spontaneous resolution of hyperglycemia with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels <6%, a phenomenon known as "Burnt-Out Diabetes," which remains with unclear biologic plausibility and undetermined clinical implications. Conventional methods of glycemic control assessment are confounded by the laboratory abnormalities and comorbidities associated with ESRD. Similar to more recent approaches in the general population, there is concern that glucose normalization may be harmful in ESRD patients. There is uncertainty surrounding the optimal glycemic target in this population, although recent epidemiologic data suggest that HbA1c ranges of 6% to 8%, as well as 7% to 9%, are associated with increased survival rates among diabetic dialysis patients. Lastly, many glucose-lowering drugs and their active metabolites are renally metabolized and excreted, and hence, require dose adjustment or avoidance in dialysis patients.

Randomized, controlled trial of glucose-sparing peritoneal dialysis in diabetic patients

Glucose-containing peritoneal dialysis solutions may exacerbate metabolic abnormalities and increase cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. Here, we examined whether a low-glucose regimen improves metabolic control in diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 manner to the control group (dextrose solutions only) or to the low-glucose intervention group (IMPENDIA trial: combination of dextrose-based solution, icodextrin and amino acids; EDEN trial: a different dextrose-based solution, icodextrin and amino acids) and followed for 6 months. Combining both studies, 251 patients were allocated to control (n=127) or intervention (n=124) across 11 countries. The primary endpoint was change in glycated hemoglobin from baseline. Mean glycated hemoglobin at baseline was similar in both groups. In the intention-to-treat population, the mean glycated hemoglobin profile improved in the intervention group but remained unchanged in the control group (0.5% difference between groups; 95% confidence interval, 0.1% to 0.8%; P=0.006). Serum triglyceride, very-low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein B levels also improved in the intervention group. Deaths and serious adverse events, including several related to extracellular fluid volume expansion, increased in the intervention group, however. These data suggest that a low-glucose dialysis regimen improves metabolic indices in diabetic patients receiving peritoneal dialysis but may be associated with an increased risk of extracellular fluid volume expansion. Thus, use of glucose-sparing regimens in peritoneal dialysis patients should be accompanied by close monitoring of fluid volume status.

Glycemic control in diabetic dialysis patients and the burnt-out diabetes phenomenon

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease and a major risk of morbidity and mortality. It is not clear whether medical management of DM has any significant beneficial effect on clinical outcomes at the end-stage of diabetic nephropathy with full-blown micro- and macro-angiopathic complications. Both loss of kidney function and dialysis treatment interfere with glucose homeostasis and confound glycemic control. Given the unique nature of uremic milieu and dialysis therapy related alterations, there have been some debates about reliance on the conventional measures of glycemic control, in particular the clinical relevance of hemoglobin A1c and its recommended target range of <7 % in diabetic dialysis patients. Moreover, a so-called burnt-out diabetes phenomenon has been described, in that many diabetic dialysis patients experience frequent hypoglycemic episodes prompting cessation of their anti-diabetic therapies transiently or even permanently. By reviewing the recent literature we argue that the use of A1c for management of diabetic dialysis patients should be encouraged if appropriate target ranges specific for these patients (e.g. 6 to 8 %) are used. We also argue that "burnt-out diabetes" is a true biologic phenomenon and highly prevalent in dialysis patients with established history and end-stage diabetic nephropathy and explore the role of protein-energy wasting to this end. Similarly, the J- or U-shaped associations between A1c or blood glucose concentrations and mortality are likely biologically plausible phenomena that should be taken into consideration in the management of diabetic dialysis patients to avoid hypoglycemia and its fatal consequences in diabetic dialysis patients.

A critical evaluation of glycated protein parameters in advanced nephropathy: a matter of life or death: A1C remains the gold standard outcome predictor in diabetic dialysis patients. Counterpoint

Chronic kidney disease remains as one of the major complications for individuals with diabetes and contributes to considerable morbidity. Individuals subjected to dialysis therapy, half of whom are diabetic, experience a mortality of ~20% per year. Understanding factors related to mortality remains a priority. Outside of dialysis units, A1C is unquestioned as the "gold standard" for glycemic control. In the recent past, however, there is evidence in large cohorts of diabetic dialysis patients that A1C at both the higher and lower levels was associated with mortality. Given the unique conditions associated with the metabolic dysregulation in dialysis patients, there is a critical need to identify accurate assays to monitor glycemic control to relate to cardiovascular endpoints. In this two-part point-counterpoint narrative, Drs. Freedman and Kalantar-Zadeh take opposing views on the utility of A1C in relation to cardiovascular disease and survival and as to consideration of use of other short-term markers in glycemia. In the narrative preceeding this counterpoint, Dr. Freedman suggests that glycated albumin may be the preferred glycemic marker in dialysis subjects. In the counterpoint narrative below, Dr. Kalantar-Zadeh defends the use of A1C as the unquestioned gold standard for glycemic management in dialysis subjects.

Glycemic control and survival in peritoneal dialysis patients with diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

The optimal target for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has not been well defined in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The objective of our study was to examine the predictive value of predialysis and time-averaged follow-up HbA1c values on technique and patient survival in diabetic PD patients treated in the Toronto General Hospital Home Peritoneal Dialysis Unit, between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2008 with a median follow-up period of 30±23 months.

RESULTS

Ninety-one patients (mean age 64±13 years-old) were included in this retrospective study. Patients were followed between 3 and 91 months (mean duration 30±23 months). During this period, 40 patients died. We found no statistically significant correlation between baseline predialysis HbA1c values and technique and patient survival. Time-averaged follow-up HbA1c in increments<6.5%, 6.5-8%, and >8% showed no significant survival difference among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant correlation of baseline and time-averaged follow-up HbA1c values with patient and PD technique survival.

Glycemic control and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients with diabetes: a 6-year cohort study

Previous observational studies using differing methodologies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the association between glycemic control and outcomes in diabetic patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). We examined mortality predictability of A1C and random serum glucose over time in a contemporary cohort of 54,757 diabetic MHD patients (age 63 ± 13 years, 51% men, 30% African Americans, 19% Hispanics). Adjusted all-cause death hazard ratio (HR) for baseline A1C increments of 8.0-8.9, 9.0-9.9, and ≥10%, compared with 7.0-7.9% (reference), was 1.06 (95% CI 1.01-1.12), 1.05 (0.99-1.12), and 1.19 (1.12-1.28), respectively, and for time-averaged A1C was 1.11 (1.05-1.16), 1.36 (1.27-1.45), and 1.59 (1.46-1.72). A symmetric increase in mortality also occurred with time-averaged A1C levels in the low range (6.0-6.9%, HR 1.05 [95% CI 1.01-1.08]; 5.0-5.9%, 1.08 [1.04-1.11], and ≤5%, 1.35 [1.29-1.42]) compared with 7.0-7.9% in fully adjusted models. Adjusted all-cause death HR for time-averaged blood glucose 175-199, 200-249, 250-299, and ≥300 mg/dL, compared with 150-175 mg/dL (reference), was 1.03 (95% CI 0.99-1.07), 1.14 (1.10-1.19), 1.30 (1.23-1.37), and 1.66 (1.56-1.76), respectively. Hence, poor glycemic control (A1C ≥8% or serum glucose ≥200 mg/dL) appears to be associated with high all-cause and cardiovascular death in MHD patients. Very low glycemic levels are also associated with high mortality risk.

Association of pretransplant glycemic control with posttransplant outcomes in diabetic kidney transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE

Observational studies have yielded inconsistent findings regarding the association of hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) with survival in diabetic patients on dialysis. The association between pretransplant glycemic control and short- and long-term posttransplant outcomes in kidney transplant recipients is not clear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Linking the 5-year patient data of a large dialysis organization (DaVita) to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we identified 2,872 diabetic dialysis patients who underwent first kidney transplantation. Mortality or graft failure and delayed graft function (DGF) risks were estimated by Cox regression (hazard ratio [HR]) and logistic regression (odds ratio), respectively.

RESULTS

Patients were 53 ± 11 years old and included 36% women and 24% African Americans. In our fully adjusted model, allograft failure-censored, all-cause death HR and 95% CI for time-averaged pretransplant HbA(1c) categories of 7 to <8%, 8 to <9%, 9 to 10%, and ≥10%, compared with 6 to <7% (reference), were 0.89 (0.59-1.36), 2.06 (1.31-3.24), 1.41 (0.73-2.74), and 3.43 (1.56-7.56), respectively; and graft failure-censored cardiovascular death HR was 0.38 (0.13-1.05), 1.78 (0.69-4.55), 1.59 (0.44-5.76), and 4.28 (0.85-21.64), respectively. We did not find any difference in risk of death-censored graft failure or DGF with different pretransplant HbA(1c) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor pretransplant glycemic control appears associated with decreased posttransplant survival in kidney transplant recipients, whereas allograft outcomes may not be affected.

Association of HbA1c values with mortality and cardiovascular events in diabetic dialysis patients. The INVOR study and review of the literature

Background

Improved glycemic control reduces complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, it is discussed controversially whether patients with diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease benefit from strict glycemic control.

Methods

We followed 78 patients with DM initiating dialysis treatment of the region of Vorarlberg in a prospective cohort study applying a time-dependent Cox regression analysis using all measured laboratory values for up to more than seven years. This resulted in 880 HbA_1c measurements (with one measurement every 3.16 patient months on average) during the entire observation period. Non-linear P-splines were used to allow flexible modeling of the association with mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.

Results

We observed a decreased mortality risk with increasing HbA_1c values (HR = 0.72 per 1% increase, p = 0.024). Adjustment for age and sex and additional adjustment for other CVD risk factors only slightly attenuated the association (HR = 0.71, p = 0.044). A non-linear P-spline showed that the association did not follow a fully linear pattern with a highly significant non-linear component (p = 0.001) with an increased risk of all-cause mortality for HbA_1c values up to 6–7%. Causes of death were associated with HbA_1c values. The risk for CVD events, however, increased with increasing HbA_1c values (HR = 1.24 per 1% increase, p = 0.048) but vanished after extended adjustments.

Conclusions

This study considered the entire information collected on HbA_1c over a period of more than seven years. Besides the methodological advantages our data indicate a significant inverse association between HbA_1c levels and all-cause mortality. However, for CVD events no significant association could be found.

Glycemic control and survival in peritoneal dialysis patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The optimal target for glycemic control has not been established for diabetic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We examined mortality-predictability of hemoglobin A1c random serum glucose in a contemporary cohort of diabetic PD patients treated in DaVita dialysis clinics July 2001 through June 2006 with follow-up through June 2007.

RESULTS

We identified 2798 diabetic PD patients with A1c data. Serum glucose correlated with A1C (r=0.51). Adjusted all-cause death hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for baseline A1c increments of 7.0 to 7.9%, 8.0 to 8.9%, 9.0 to 9.9%, and ≥10%, compared with 6.0 to 6.9% (reference), were 1.13 (0.97 to 1.32), 1.05 (0.88 to 1.27), 1.06 (0.84 to 1.34), and 1.48 (1.18 to 1.86); and for time-averaged A1c values were 1.10 (0.96 to 1.27), 1.28 (1.07 to 1.53), 1.34 (1.05 to 1.70), and 1.81 (1.33 to 2.46), respectively. The A1c-mortality association was modified by hemoglobin level such that higher all-cause mortality was evident only in nonanemic patients. Similar but non-significant trends in cardiovascular death risk was found across A1c increments. Adjusted all-cause death HR for time-averaged blood glucose 150 to 199, 200 to 249, 250 to 299, and ≥300 mg/dl, compared with 60 to 99 mg/dl (reference), were 1.02 (0.70 to 1.47), 1.12 (0.77 to 1.63), 1.45 (0.97 to 2.18), and 2.10 (1.37 to 3.20), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor glycemic control appears associated incrementally with higher mortality in PD patients. Moderate to severe hyperglycemia is associated with higher death risk especially in certain subgroups.

Stringent glycaemic control prolongs survival in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis

AIM

No suitable index or optimal target for diabetic control has been established for diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing haemodialysis. To address these issues, the single-centre observational study was conducted.

METHODS

Two hundred and forty-five diabetic ESRD patients (23.3% female; age at initiation of haemodialysis 61.7 ± 10.7 years) at start of haemodialysis between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2004 were enrolled. Subjects were grouped according to glycaemic control level throughout the observational period as follows: mean postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) <8.9 mmol/L, 8.9 mmol/L ≤ PPG < 10.0 mmol/L, 10.0 mmol/L ≤ PPG < 11.1 mmol/L, 11.1 mmol/L ≤ PPG < 12.2 mmol/L and PPG ≥ 12.2 mmol/L; and HbA1c < 6.0%, 6.0-6.4%, 6.5-6.9% and ≥ 7.0%. Survival was then followed until 31 December 2005.

RESULTS

Cumulative survival of groups of 10.0 mmol/L ≤ PPG < 11.1 mmol/L, 11.1 ≤ PPG < 12.2 and PPG ≥ 12.2 mmol/L was significantly lower than that for PPG < 8.9 mmol/L as determined by Kaplan-Meier estimation (P = 0.016, 0.009 and 0.031, respectively; log-rank test). In both uni- and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, mortality hazard ratios were significantly higher for PPG ≥ 10.0 mmol/L than for PPG < 8.9 mmol/L (P = 0.002-0.021). Kaplan-Meier survival curves grouped by HbA1c levels showed no correlation between HbA1c and survival during the observational period. No significant difference in mortality hazard ratios was seen for any HbA1c groups evaluated by Cox proportional hazard model.

CONCLUSION

Intensive management of diabetic control at a stringent mean on-study PPG < 10.0 mmol/L will improve the life expectancy in diabetic dialysis patients. However, no range of HbA1c values obtained in this study showed any clear difference in clinical outcomes.

Influence of proteinuria on glycated albumin values in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Glycated albumin (GA), which is an alternative glycemic marker, is influenced by factors associated with albumin turnover, and it is not clear whether proteinuria influences GA values in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

We enrolled 94 diabetic patients with CKD stages 3 to 5. GA, glycated hemoglobin, and urinary protein excretion (UP) levels were consecutively obtained in each patient. The correlations between GA and UP and those between changes in GA and UP were examined.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between GA and UP in all cases (r=-0.46, p<0.0001), however no significant correlation was found in cases with UP of 0-3.49 g/day (r=0.01). GA values in cases with UP ≥3.5 g/day were significantly lower than those in cases with UP <3.5 g/day [UP ≥3.5 g/day and serum albumin (Alb) ≤3 g/dL; 12.0 ± 1.3%, UP ≥3.5 g/day and Alb >3 g/dL; 17.8 ± 4.3%, 0≥ UP <3.5 g/day; 21.2 ± 4.2%], while no significant difference in HbA(1c) or glucose levels was found. In cases with a minimum of UP ≥0.5 g/day, no significant correlation was found between the difference in GA and the difference in UP at the point of maximum UP and minimum UP (r=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Nephrotic-range proteinuria decreases GA values independent of the glycemic state, while non-nephrotic range proteinuria has no significant influence on GA values in diabetic CKD patients.

Glycemic control and extended hemodialysis survival in patients with diabetes mellitus: comparative results of traditional and time-dependent Cox model analyses

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The benefits and risks of aggressive glycemic control in diabetes mellitus complicated by end-stage kidney failure remain uncertain but have importance because of the large patient population with inferior overall prognosis. Recent large observational studies with differing methodologies reached somewhat contrasting conclusions regarding the association of hemoglobin A1c with survival in diabetic chronic hemodialysis patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

This study supplements the authors' previous analysis (which found no correlation) by extending the follow-up period to 3 years and using time-dependent survival models with repeated measures. Among 24,875 nationally distributed study patients, 94.5% had type 2 diabetes, allowing additional analysis in the subset with type 1 diabetes. Data were collected at baseline and every quarter to a maximum of 3 years' follow-up.

RESULTS

Adjusted standard and time-dependent Cox models indicated that only extremes of glycemia were associated with inferior survival. There was no effect modification by serum albumin levels, a marker of protein nutrition status, and no trend associated with random glucose measurements in a post hoc analysis. In type 1 diabetic patients, upper extreme hemoglobin A1c values indicated lower survival risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustained extremes of glycemia were only variably and weakly associated with decreased survival in this population. In the absence of randomized, controlled trials, these results suggest that aggressive glycemic control cannot be routinely recommended for all diabetic hemodialysis patients on the basis of reducing mortality risk. Physicians are encouraged to individualize glycemic targets based on potential risks and benefits in diabetic ESRD patients.

Glycemic control and burnt-out diabetes in ESRD

Treatment of early diabetes mellitus, the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), may prevent or slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy and lower mortality and the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the general diabetic population and in patients with early stages of CKD. It is unclear whether glycemic control in patients with advanced CKD, including those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who undergo maintenance dialysis treatment is beneficial. Aside from the uncertain benefits of treatment in ESRD, hypoglycemic interventions in this population are also complicated by the complex changes in glucose homeostasis related to decreased kidney function and to dialytic therapies, occasionally leading to spontaneous resolution of hyperglycemia and normalization of hemoglobin A1c levels, a condition which might be termed "burnt-out diabetes." Further difficulties in ESRD are posed by the complicated pharmacokinetics of antidiabetic medications and the serious flaws in our available diagnostic tools used for monitoring long-term glycemic control. We review the physiology and pathophysiology of glucose homeostasis in advanced CKD and ESRD, the available antidiabetic medications and their specifics related to kidney function, and the diagnostic tools used to monitor the severity of hyperglycemia and the therapeutic effects of available treatments, along with their deficiencies in ESRD. We also review the concept of burnt-out diabetes and summarize the findings of studies that examined outcomes related to glycemic control in diabetic ESRD patients, and emphasize areas in need of further research.

Glycemic control and the risk of death in 1,484 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

It is controversial whether tighter glycemic control is associated with better clinical outcomes in people with kidney failure. We aim to determine whether worse glycemic control, measured using serum glucose and hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) levels, is independently associated with higher mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

1,484 patients starting maintenance hemodialysis therapy in Alberta, Canada, between 2001 and 2007.

PREDICTOR

Serum glucose and HbA(1c) levels.

OUTCOME

All-cause mortality.

MEASUREMENTS

Monthly casual glucose levels from specimens drawn immediately before the first dialysis treatment were averaged over 3 months before and after hemodialysis therapy initiation. Similarly, monthly HbA(1c) values in patients with or at risk of diabetes were averaged.

RESULTS

Overall, median age was 66 years, 41% were women, 75% were white, and 55% had diabetes. All-cause mortality during 8 years (median, 1.5 years) was 43%; it was 49% in those with diabetes. There was no relation between average glucose level and mortality in unadjusted analysis (HR, 1.00 per 18 mg/dL [1 mmol/L]; P = 0.4) or after adjustment for confounders (HR, 0.98 per 18 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.96-1.01; P = 0.2). Higher HbA(1c) level was not associated with mortality when analyzed in the unadjusted analysis (HR, 1.01 per 1% HbA(1c); P = 0.9) or after adjustment for confounders (HR, 0.98 per 1% HbA1c; 95% CI, 0.88-1.08; P = 0.7). Results were similar when HbA(1c) values were divided into prespecified categories (adjusted P > 0.6 for trend). Markers of malnutrition-inflammation (albumin, hemoglobin, and white blood cell values) or the presence of diabetes did not influence the relation between glycemic control and death (all P for interaction > 0.2).

LIMITATIONS

Registry data; casual serum glucose measurements; HbA(1c) values available for only a subset of participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher casual glucose and HbA(1c) levels were not associated with mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients with or without diabetes. This may have implications for recommended glycemic targets, quality indicators, and how best to assess glycemic control in this high-risk population.

[Performance characteristics of glycated albumin and its clinical usefulness in diabetic patients on hemodialysis]

BACKGROUND

The HbA1c has been considered to underestimate glucose level in diabetic patients on hemodialysis, therefore, glycated albumin (GA) was recently introduced to assess the glycemic control for those cases. We evaluated the performance of GA assay kit of Lucica GA-L (Asahi Kasei Pharma Co., Japan) and compare it with HbA1c for estimating glucose levels.

METHODS

Tests for precision, linearity and interference were performed and reference interval was determined. Thirty eight of non-hemodialysis and seventy of hemodialysis patients were recruited, whose glucose levels of three-, two- and one-month prior to this study were available for calculating weighted means of glucose (WMGs). The correlation coefficients and the slopes of regression equation between WMG and HbA1c or GA were compared between two groups. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine significant predictor for HbA1c and GA.

RESULTS

Total CV was 2.2% at concentration of 13.7% and 2.8% at 24.6%. The dilution curve between 15.7% and 62.1% was linear. Reference intervals were 10.0% to 16.5% for male and 11.4% to 17.6% for female. The correlation coefficients between WMG and GA were 0.682-0.713 in hemodialysis and 0.640-0.677 in non-hemodialysis. Those between WMG and HbA1c were 0.568-0.625 in hemodialysis and 0.735-0.783 in non-hemodialysis. The slopes of regression equation between GA and WMG in hemodialysis were 0.080-0.090 and 0.130-0.147 in non-hemodialysis. Those between HbA1c and WMG in hemodialysis were 0.012-0.014 and 0.029-0.032 in non-hemodialysis. GA was not influenced by hemodialysis status while HbA1c was.

CONCLUSIONS

The claimed performance characteristic of Lucica GA-L were verified. WMG were better reflected by GA rather than HbA1c in patients on hemodialysis.

Glycemic control and cardiovascular events in diabetic hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Patients on maintenance dialysis treatment experience an excess mortality, predominantly of sudden cardiac death. Poor glycemic control is associated with cardiovascular comorbidities in the general population. This study investigated the impact of glycemic control on cardiac and vascular outcomes in diabetic hemodialysis patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Glycohemoglobin A1c (HbA(1c)) was measured in 1255 hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who participated in the German Diabetes and Dialysis Study (4D Study) and were followed up for a median of 4 years. Using Cox regression analyses, we determined hazard ratios to reach prespecified, adjudicated end points according to HbA(1c) levels at baseline: sudden cardiac death (n=160), myocardial infarction (n=200), stroke (n=103), cardiovascular events (n=469), death caused by heart failure (n=41), and all-cause mortality (n=617). Patients had a mean age of 66+/-8 years (54% male) and mean HbA(1c) of 6.7+/-1.3%. Patients with an HbA(1c) >8% had a >2-fold higher risk of sudden death compared with those with an HbA(1c) < or =6% (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.33 to 3.44), persisting in multivariate models. With each 1% increase in HbA(1c), the risk of sudden death rose significantly by 18%; similarly, cardiovascular events and mortality increased by 8%. There was a trend for higher risks of stroke and deaths resulting from heart failure, whereas myocardial infarction was not affected. The increased risks of both cardiovascular events and mortality were explained mainly by the impact of HbA(1c) on sudden death.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor glycemic control was strongly associated with sudden cardiac death in diabetic hemodialysis patients, which accounted for increased cardiovascular events and mortality. In contrast, myocardial infarction was not affected. Whether interventions achieving tight glycemic control decrease sudden death requires further evaluation. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicalstudyresults.org. Unique identifier: CT-981-423-239.

The assessment of glycemic variability and its impact on diabetes-related complications: an overview

There is a growing body of evidence that the sole use of hemoglobin A1c is insufficient to adequately reflect the metabolic situation of patients with diabetes mellitus. The risk of developing diabetes-related complications apparently not only depends on the long-term stability of glucose values, but also on the presence or occurrence of short-term glycemic peaks and nadirs lasting for minutes or hours during a day. This leads to the phenomenon of glycemic variability. This article reviews the existing evidence for the clinical relevance of short-term glucose variations and the currently available different means of measuring glycemic variability.

Review article: Biomarkers of clinical outcomes in advanced chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex condition, where the decrease in kidney function is accompanied by numerous metabolic changes affecting virtually all the organ systems of the human body. Many of the biomarkers characteristic of the individually affected organ systems have been associated with adverse outcomes including higher mortality in advanced CKD, whereas in persons without CKD these biomarkers may have no bearing on survival. It is believed that the high mortality seen in CKD is a result of several abnormalities conspiring to induce or aggravate a heightened degree of cardiovascular morbidity and predisposition to wasting syndrome. Not all the biomarkers may, however, be causally responsible for the adverse outcomes associated with them. We review various biomarkers of protein-energy wasting, inflammation, oxidative stress, potassium disarrays, acid-base disorders, bone and mineral disorders, glycemic status, and anemia. Although all of these biomarkers have shown associations with worsened outcomes in CKD, markers of protein-energy wasting, especially serum albumin, remain the strongest predictor of survival in CKD patients, especially those undergoing maintenance dialysis treatment. We also review the putative pathophysiologic mechanisms behind these associations, and present potential therapeutic interventions that could result in remedies to improve poor clinical outcomes in CKD, pending the results of current and future controlled trials.

Glycemic control and survival of diabetic hemodialysis patients--importance of lower hemoglobin A1C levels

AIMS

The significance of hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) on the survival of diabetic hemodialysis patients still remains controversial. We investigated the impact of HbA1C on the survival.

METHODS

A total of 122 diabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis (age, 59.9+/-11.9 years [mean+/-SD]; hemodialysis duration: 53+/-38 months) were surveyed (survey period: 46+/-19 months).

RESULTS

The cumulative survival of the poor glycemic control group (mean HbA1C of 3-month period > or =6.3%, n=62) was significantly lower than that of the good group (HbA1C<6.3%, n=60), as determined by Kaplan-Meier estimation (P=0.0084, log-rank test). Kaplan-Meier analysis also demonstrated that both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortalities were higher in the poor group than in the good group (P=0.0545 and P=0.0453, respectively). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, the mean HbA1C was a significant predictor of survival (OR 1.260 per 1.0%, 95% CI 1.020-0.579, P=0.0325).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor glycemic control is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in diabetic hemodialysis patients. HbA1C is a clinically useful parameter for identifying the risk for mortality, both for cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality, and that careful management of glycemic control by use of HbA1C is important.

Significant correlation of glycated albumin, but not glycated haemoglobin, with arterial stiffening in haemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We recently reported that glycated albumin (GA) is a better indicator of glycaemic control compared with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in haemodialysis (HD) patients with type 2 diabetes. As poor glycaemic control is considered an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in diabetes, the relationship between GA, HbA1c and arterial stiffening was examined in HD patients with type 2 diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study comprised 134 HD patients with type 2 diabetes, and 158 patients without diabetes. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured in all patients using a waveform analyser.

RESULTS

The mean plasma glucose (PG), GA and HbA1c levels were 7.49 +/- 2.28 mmol/l, 20.8 +/- 5.57% and 5.62 +/- 1.26%, respectively, in HD patients with diabetes (n = 134), which were significantly greater than the respective values of 5.77 +/- 1.89 mmol/l, 15.6 +/- 2.34% and 4.98 +/- 0.80% in those without diabetes (n = 158) (P < 0.0001). BaPWV was 21.69 +/- 6.90 m/s in HD patients with diabetes, which was significantly greater than the value of 18.74 +/- 4.89 m/s in those without diabetes (P < 0.0001). When the analysis was performed in a combined population of those patients with and without diabetes, the mean PG (r = 0.155, P < 0.05) and GA (r = 0.117, P < 0.05), but not HbA1c (r = 0.092, P = 0.125), exhibited significant correlations with baPWV. Multivariate regression analysis, which included age, gender, mean blood pressure, and serum levels of albumin, creatinine and LDL cholesterol, to evaluate the independent association of each marker for glycaemic control with baPWV values in HD patients demonstrated that GA, but not HbA1c or PG, was an independent factor that was significantly associated in a positive manner with baPWV in HD patients.

CONCLUSION

It was suggested that poor glycaemic control, as reflected by increased GA values, might be associated with increased arterial stiffening in HD patients.

Postprandial intradialytic dysglycaemia and diabetes in maintenance haemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Although the risk of developing dysglycaemia has been investigated in different communities this incidence is poorly studied in patients on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a multicentre observational cohort study the occurrence of dysglycaemia was assessed in 239 primary normoglycaemic end stage renal disease (ERSD) patients on MHD. Dysglycaemia (fasting blood glucose > 110 mg dL(-1), > 140 mg dL(-1) 2 h after food intake) or diabetes (fasting blood glucose > 126 mg dL(-1) or > 200 mg dL(-1) at any time) were defined according to WHO criteria and cases were compared with age matched controls within the cohort.

RESULTS

Dysglycaemia was found in 82 primary normoglycaemic ESRD patients (34%) within 31 months after initiation of MHD. In 31 of these patients type 2 diabetes was diagnosed. When compared with matched control MHD patients differences in body mass index (BMI), HbA1c and postprandial blood glucose were detectable (P < 0.05). Increments in 0.1% of HbA1c were related with 11% higher odds for dysglycaemia (P = 0.002). In a subgroup of 36 primary normoglycaemic MHD patients who developed dysglycaemia event-free survival was 64%, 53%, 31%, 17% and 11% after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years of haemodialysis treatment.

CONCLUSION

Onset of dysglycaemia or diabetes is frequent in ESRD patients after onset of chronic haemodialysis. Routine measurement of blood glucose before and after haemodialysis should be implemented as a standard of care during MHD.

Insulin therapy in renal disease

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Conversely, chronic renal failure (CRF) is also associated with diverse alterations in carbohydrate and insulin metabolism. CRF-induced metabolic disorders should be borne in mind when treating diabetic patients, to ensure the introduction of adequate therapy adjustments that are in line with the onset of renal function decline. Moreover, several specific therapies employed in CRF may also influence pharmacological therapy of DM in uraemic patients. Adequate glycaemic control has also been associated with a reduction in the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy as well as in the morbidity and mortality in uraemic diabetic patients during dialysis. Intensive insulin therapy can notably improve glycemic control and it should be considered part of the management of insulin-treated CRF diabetic patients. Insulin analogues have been recently evaluated in CRF diabetic patients, with encouraging results. In this study, we review the more relevant aspects related to insulin therapy in diabetic patients with different degrees of renal failure and in patients with ESRD, both in conservative therapy and dialysis.

Association of glycated albumin, but not glycated hemoglobin, with peripheral vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Elevated HbA(1C) is a predictor of mortality as well as peripheral vascular calcification in hemodialysis (HD) patients with diabetes. However, improved glycemic control as reflected by reduction in HbA(1C) may dismiss the relationship between HbA(1C) and mortality in those patients, due possibly to the underestimation of HbA(1C) by erythropoietin use. This study was to establish the significance of glycated albumin (GA) as a useful marker of peripheral vascular calcification in diabetic HD patients, in comparison with HbA(1C).

MAIN METHODS

We examined 49 HD patients with type 2 diabetes (37 men and 12 women). Peripheral vascular calcification at hand arteries was checked on a simple X-ray photograph. GA and HbA(1C) were determined just before HD session.

KEY FINDINGS

The prevalence of peripheral vascular calcification was significantly higher in diabetic patients (65.3%) than in non-diabetic patients (27.0%). Multiple regression analyses in diabetic patients showed that both HD duration and GA were significantly associated with the presence of peripheral vascular calcification. When GA was replaced by HbA(1C) in the same model, HbA(1C) failed to show a significant association. However, when a weekly dose of erythropoietin was simultaneously included in addition to HD duration and HbA(1C), both HbA(1C) as well as HD duration emerged as a significant factor associated with the presence of peripheral vascular calcification.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present study suggested that GA might be a better indicator of glycemic control, and raise the possibility that improvement of glycemic control might prevent against the development of peripheral vascular calcification in diabetic HD patients.