The broad clinical phenotype of Type 1 diabetes at presentation

Metabolic syndrome in type 1 diabetes: higher time above range and glycemic variability revealed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)

AIMS

To investigate the glucose profile of Chinese individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who also have metabolic syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Type 1 diabetes participants from Peking University People's Hospital were recruited from Jan 2017 to Jan 2024. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was developed based on the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, clinical information and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data were collected and compared between participants with metabolic syndrome and those without.

RESULTS

The median age of the participants was 50.0 years (IQR 35.0-63.3), and the median duration was 10.0 years (IQR 2.0-17.0). Compared to those without metabolic syndrome, participants with metabolic syndrome were older (63.0 years, IQR 41.0-69.0 vs. 48.5 years, IQR 35.0-60.0; P < 0.001) and had a longer duration (13.0 years, IQR 5.0-22.0 vs. 9.0 years, IQR 2.0-15.0; P = 0.011). The comparison of CGM metrics suggested significantly higher time above range (TAR, 48.9%, IQR 35.3-59.5 vs. 32.8%, IQR 16.1-47.6; P < 0.001), standard deviation (SD, 3.6 ± 0.9 mmol/L vs. 3.2 ± 1.0 mmol/L; P = 0.022) and interquartile range (IQR, 4.2 mmol/L, IQR 3.2-4.8 vs. 3.7 mmol/L, IQR 3.0-4.5; P = 0.046) in those with metabolic syndrome. And the Logistic regression analysis showed that TAR (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.02-2.23, per 20% increase), SD ( OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07-2.84, P = 0.025) and IQR (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.03-2.19, P = 0.036) were positively associated with metabolic syndrome after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, BMI and complication status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that in T1D participants, metabolic syndrome was associated with higher glucose level and glycemic variability. Personalized diabetes education including optimal meal planning and sufficient physical activity should be emphasized to improve glycemic control in T1D with metabolic syndrome.

Clinical features, biomarkers and diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents in Sana'a, Yemen

INTRODUCTION

There is little published information on type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children in Yemen. We aimed to identify the clinical characteristics, biomarkers and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of T1D among children and adolescents in a diabetes centre in Sana'a, Yemen.

METHODS

A total of 485 children and adolescents aged ≤18 years diagnosed with T1D during the period 2010-2020 were included in the study. The variables investigated were demographic and clinical characteristics, biomarkers, subtypes of T1D, and the risk factors for severe DKA at diagnosis.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, children aged <10 years compared with those aged ≥10 years had higher mean plasma glucose (p<0.001) and mean HbA1c (p=0.026), and lower mean C-peptide (pmol/L) (p=0.019), and a higher frequency of DKA at diagnosis than older children (p<0.001). A majority of the study population (383, 79%) presented in DKA . Children aged <10 years presenting with DKA had significantly longer median appraisal interval (p=0.009) and median total diagnosis interval (p=0.025), and significantly lower mean C-peptide (p=0.001) as compared with their peers without DKA. The prevalence of autoantibody-negative 'idiopathic' T1D was 36 (32%) of the total number tested for autoantibody and familial T1D 61 (12.6%) of all the study population.

CONCLUSION

In Yemen children aged <10 years with new-onset T1D frequently faced the challenge of a delay in diagnosis and treatment initiation, with severe hyperglycaemia and a higher risk of DKA at diagnosis.

Future is Brighter: New Potential Paradigm-Shifting Medications and Regimens for Diabetes and Obesity

Diabetes is a chronic illness that can become debilitating owing to its microvascular and macrovascular complications. Its prevalence is increasing and so is its cost. Diabetes, particularly type 2, appears to have a very close relationship with obesity. While lifestyle modifications, exercises, and current therapeutics have substantially improved clinical outcomes, the need for new therapeutics and regimens continue to exist. Several new medications and regimens for diabetes, obesity, and diabesity are showing promising results in advanced clinical trials. For type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), they include teplizumab, ustekinumab, jakinibs, and cell therapies, whereas for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), they include once-weakly insulin, tirzepatide, high oral dose of semaglutide, orforglipron, retatrutide, CagriSema, and survodutide. Given their structural and mechanistic diversity as well as their substantial efficacy and safety profiles, these medications and regimens are paradigm shifting and promise a brighter future. They will likely enable better disease prevention and management. This review will provide details about each of the above strategies to keep the scientific community up to date about progress in the fields of diabetes and obesity.

Unveiling Diabetes: Categories, Genetics, Diagnostics, Treatments, and Future Horizons

Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the categorization, disease identity, genetic architecture, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes. The categorization of diabetes is discussed, with a focus on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as the lesser-known types, type 3 and type 4 diabetes. The geographical variation, age, gender, and ethnic differences in the prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are explored. The impact of disease identity on disease management and the role of autoimmunity in diabetes are examined. The genetic architecture of diabetes, including the interplay between genotype and phenotype, is discussed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The importance of insulin injection sites and the insulin signalling pathway in diabetes management are highlighted. The diagnostic techniques for diabetes are reviewed, along with advancements for improved differentiation between types. Treatment and management approaches, including medications used in diabetes management are presented. Finally, future perspectives are discussed, emphasizing the need for further research and interventions to address the global burden of diabetes. This review serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, providing insights to develop targeted strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of this complex disease.

Diabetes mellitus: Classification, mediators, and complications; A gate to identify potential targets for the development of new effective treatments

Nowadays, diabetes mellitus has emerged as a significant global public health concern with a remarkable increase in its prevalence. This review article focuses on the definition of diabetes mellitus and its classification into different types, including type 1 diabetes (idiopathic and fulminant), type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, hybrid forms, slowly evolving immune-mediated diabetes, ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes, and other special types. Diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus are also discussed. The role of inflammation in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is explored, along with the mediators and potential anti-inflammatory treatments. Furthermore, the involvement of various organs in diabetes mellitus is highlighted, such as the role of adipose tissue and obesity, gut microbiota, and pancreatic β-cells. The manifestation of pancreatic Langerhans β-cell islet inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired insulin production and secretion are addressed. Additionally, the impact of diabetes mellitus on liver cirrhosis, acute kidney injury, immune system complications, and other diabetic complications like retinopathy and neuropathy is examined. Therefore, further research is required to enhance diagnosis, prevent chronic complications, and identify potential therapeutic targets for the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated dysfunctions.

Understanding Providers' Readiness and Attitudes Toward Autoantibody Screening: A Mixed-Methods Study

Screening for autoantibodies associated with type 1 diabetes can identify people most at risk for progressing to clinical type 1 diabetes and provide an opportunity for early intervention. Drawbacks and barriers to screening exist, and concerns arise, as methods for disease prevention are limited and no cure exists today. The availability of novel treatment options such as teplizumab to delay progression to clinical type 1 diabetes in high-risk individuals has led to the reassessment of screening programs. This study explored awareness, readiness, and attitudes of endocrinology providers toward type 1 diabetes autoantibody screening.

The Effect of COVID -19 Crisis on Hopelessness, Loneliness and Spiritual Well-Being of Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Turkey

This study aims to examine the relationship between the levels of hopelessness, loneliness, and spiritual well-being of patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes during the process of COVID-19 outbreak. The study was carried out with diabetic patients living in three different cities that are in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey between the dates of 15 of November and 30 of November 2020. The sample of the study consisted of 500 (Type 1, n = 218, Type 2, n = 282) diabetes patients. Data were collected using a demographic information form, Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS), and Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT-Sp). While the mean scores of hopelessness and loneliness of type 1 patients were below the moderate level, the mean scores of their spiritual well-being were found to be above the moderate level. Moreover, while the mean scores of hopelessness and loneliness in type 2 patients were below the moderate level, the mean scores of their spiritual well-being were found above the moderate level. A significant relationship was found between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients' levels of hopelessness, loneliness, and spiritual well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak. It was found that as the spiritual well-being levels of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients increased, the levels of their loneliness and hopelessness decreased. It is recommended that mass communication that includes spiritual care practices can be used effectively to reduce diabetes patients' levels of loneliness and hopelessness during the pandemic. In addition, while providing care to diabetes patients, it can be suggested that health professionals offer a holistic approach with initiatives that will increase diabetes patients' spiritual well-being.

Rational construction of controllable autoimmune diabetes model depicting clinical features

Through animal models, particularly non-obesity diabetes model (NOD), pathological understandings of human autoimmune diabetes have been gained. However, features of those mouse models and the human disease are not sufficiently analogous; it is therefore not unexpected that interventions based on the mouse data fail at an alarming rate in clinical settings. An improvised model that maximally resembles the real pathological course is highly desirable. Here we devised a 'double-hit' strategy, pancreas was first hit by chemical damage (streptozotocin, STZ) to unleash auto-antigens, then hit second time by transient immune-inflammation (regulatory T cell depletion). Comparing to NOD model, this strategy not only induced classical diabetic symptoms, but also depicted the crucial pathogenic features absent in conventional models, such as CD8+ T cell dominant infiltrates, strong ketoacidosis and epitope-specific T cell responses. In addition, this model allowed synchronized control of disease onset, permitting more refined temporal analysis of disease progression. We believe that this model would yield research outcomes with clinically relevant prediction power unattainable previously.

Transcriptional changes and the role of ONECUT1 in hPSC pancreatic differentiation

Cell type specification during pancreatic development is tightly controlled by a transcriptional and epigenetic network. The precise role of most transcription factors, however, has been only described in mice. To convey such concepts to human pancreatic development, alternative model systems such as pancreatic in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells can be employed. Here, we analyzed stage-specific RNA-, ChIP-, and ATAC-sequencing data to dissect transcriptional and regulatory mechanisms during pancreatic development. Transcriptome and open chromatin maps of pancreatic differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells provide a stage-specific pattern of known pancreatic transcription factors and indicate ONECUT1 as a crucial fate regulator in pancreas progenitors. Moreover, our data suggest that ONECUT1 is also involved in preparing pancreatic progenitors for later endocrine specification. The dissection of the transcriptional and regulatory circuitry revealed an important role for ONECUT1 within such network and will serve as resource to study human development and disease.

Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Go Diabetic: A Glimpse on Monogenic Variants

Diabetes, as one of the major diseases in industrial countries, affects over 350 million people worldwide. Type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are the most common forms with both types having invariable genetic influence. It is accepted that a subset of all diabetes patients, generally estimated to account for 1-2% of all diabetic cases, is attributed to mutations in single genes. As only a subset of these genes has been identified and fully characterized, there is a dramatic need to understand the pathophysiological impact of genetic determinants on β-cell function and pancreatic development but also on cell replacement therapies. Pluripotent stem cells differentiated along the pancreatic lineage provide a valuable research platform to study such genes. This review summarizes current perspectives in applying this platform to study monogenic diabetes variants.

Studying the heterogeneous pathogenesis of canine diabetes: Observational characterization of an island population

BACKGROUND

Canine diabetes mellitus has mostly been studied in northern European, Australian and American populations, whereas other regions have received less attention.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the epidemiological, clinical and histopathological features of diabetic dogs in Gran Canaria, Spain.

METHODS

Prevalence and incidence were estimated. Clinical features were analysed, and serum and genomic DNA were obtained. Dogs with presumed idiopathic or immune-mediated diabetes, were DLA-typed and antibodies against GAD65 and IA-2 were assessed. Pancreases from ten diabetic dogs were examined and compared with pancreases from non-diabetic dogs.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-nine diabetic dogs were identified in a population of 5,213 (prevalence: 0.56%; incidence: 0.37%). Most were female (79%) and sexually intact (87% of females, 83% of males). Diabetes secondary to dioestrus (55.2%) and insulin-deficient diabetes (20.7%) were the most frequent types. Antibodies against GAD65 and IA-2 were identified in two out of five cases and DLA-genotyping revealed novel haplotypes. Breed distribution differed between diabetic and non-diabetic dogs. Reduced number of pancreatic islets and β-cell mass were observed, with vacuolation of islet cells and ductal epithelium. In this population, where neutering is not standard practice, diabetes secondary to dioestrus is the most frequent diabetes subtype. Genetic susceptibility also differed from previous studies. These results support the heterogeneous pathogenesis of canine diabetes.

Salivary immunoglobulins (A, G, and M) in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients: A PROSPERO-registered systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the difference in the salivary levels of immunoglobulins between patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and healthy controls.

DESIGN

This systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42020159198) database. All references were cross-checked and the risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to appraise the quality of evidence. The standardized mean difference and Cohen's d as the effect size were used in the meta-analysis. I-square statistics was used to estimate heterogeneity. Analysis was performed using the RevMan® software (p < 0.05) with a 95 % confidence interval.

RESULTS

Of the total 92 articles, 9 were selected for this study. The meta-analysis included 333 DM1 patients and 325 healthy controls. DM1 patients showed a significant reduction in salivary flow (p = 0.0008; Cohen's d= -0.19, CI 95 %= -0.33, -0.05), although not significant enough to modify the IgA concentration (p = 0.120; Cohen's d = 0.58, CI 95 %= -0.15, 1.32). However, DM1 increased IgA concentration by reducing salivary flow (Cohen's d = 0.84; CI 95 % = 0.36, 1.32), with a strong estimate of effect (p = 0.0006). Regarding IgG, no significant change was noted with DM1 in the patient's saliva (p = 0.420). Furthermore, there was no significant variation in the salivary IgM levels (p = 0.300).

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that the salivary levels of the evaluated immunoglobulins do not seem to be altered in DM1 patients when compared to that in healthy controls. However, the increase in IgA salivary concentration was dependent on total protein estimation.

Pediatric stroke as the presenting symptom of new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus without DKA: case report and literature review

Background Stroke and other neurologic complications are rare in pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) without severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or poor glycemic control. Case presentation A previously healthy, 10-year-old female presented with acute thalamic stroke, non-acidotic new T1DM diagnosis and negative hypercoagulopathy workup. She received routine insulin therapy and aspirin, and returned to neurologic baseline within a year without stroke recurrence. Conclusions The contribution of non-acidotic hyperglycemia to stroke risk is better described in adults. Even though unable to prove causality, this case should at least raise awareness of the possible association of pediatric new-onset diabetes and stroke for optimal outcomes.

Individual and diabetes presentation characteristics associated with partial remission status in children and adults evaluated up to 12 months following diagnosis of type 1 diabetes: An ADDRESS-2 (After Diagnosis Diabetes Research Support System-2) study analysis

AIMS

People with recently-diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) may undergo a transient period of glycaemic control with less exogenous insulin. Identification of predictors of this 'remission' could inform a better understanding of glycaemic control.

METHODS

Participants in the ADDRESS-2 study were included who had 1 or 2 assessments of remission status (coincident insulin dose and HbA1c measurement, with remission defined by ≤0.4 units insulin/kg-body-weight/day with HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol). Demographic and clinical presentation characteristics were compared according to remission status and predictors of remission were explored by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

1470 first and 469 second assessments of remission status were recorded within 12 months of diagnosis of T1D. Step increases in the probability of remission were identified at age-at-diagnosis 20 years and 3 months after diagnosis (both p < 0.001). Among those aged < 20 years, remission was associated with male gender (p = 0.02), no ketoacidosis (p = 0.02) and fewer than 2 symptoms at presentation (p = 0.004). None of these characteristics predicted remission in those aged ≥ 20 years. In the subgroup with two assessments, transition to remission was independently associated with first remission assessment in months 1-2 post-diagnosis (p = 0.01), with age-at-diagnosis ≥ 20 years (p = 0.01) and, in those aged < 20 years, with an early HbA1c of <57 mmol/mol. Adiposity, ethnicity, autoantibody status and other autoimmune disease were unrelated to remission.

CONCLUSIONS

For those diagnosed before 20 years of age, males, ketoacidosis-free, with fewer symptoms and low early HbA1c were more likely to experience remission, but remission was most likely in anyone aged ≥ 20 at diagnosis.

Misdiagnosis and Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes: Patient and Caregiver Perspectives

IN BRIEF Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication that frequently occurs at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, occurs more commonly when a patient is misdiagnosed, is the leading cause of death in children with type 1 diabetes, and is associated with worse long-term outcomes. Our retrospective online survey found that 25% of all participants were misdiagnosed and that misdiagnosis was associated with an 18% increased risk for DKA compared to those correctly diagnosed. Adult providers should consider type 1 diabetes when diagnosing type 2 diabetes, and pediatric providers should rule out type 1 diabetes when a patient reports nonspecific viral symptoms.

A study of 51 subtypes of peripheral blood immune cells in newly diagnosed young type 1 diabetes patients

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in pancreatic islets. Various immune cell populations are involved in disease development and natural course. However, to our knowledge, so far there are no comprehensive comparative investigations of all main immune cell populations and their most important subsets at the onset of disease. Therefore, in the current study, we analyzed 51 peripheral blood immune cell populations in 22 young T1D patients and in 25 age-matched controls using a comprehensive polychromatic flow cytometry panel developed for whole blood by the COST Action no. BM0907 ENTIRE (European Network for Translational Immunology Research and Education: From Immunomonitoring to Personalized Immunotherapy) consortium. We found that in T1D patients, frequencies and absolute counts of natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DC) and T cells, as well as their respective subsets, were significantly altered compared to controls. Further, we observed that changes in several cell populations (e.g. CD14⁺ CD16⁺ non-classical monocytes, plasmablasts) were dependent on the age of the patient. In addition to age-related changes, we also found that alterations in immune cell patterns were associated with parameters such as the presence of ketoacidosis and C-peptide serum levels. Our study provides a foundation for future studies investigating different cell lineages and their role in T1D and illustrates the value of polychromatic flow cytometry for evaluating all main peripheral immune cells and their subsets in whole blood samples.

Long term risk of developing type 1 diabetes after HPV vaccination in males and females

INTRODUCTION

Despite minimal evidence, public concerns that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can cause autoimmune diseases (AD) persist. We evaluated whether HPV vaccine is associated with a long-term increased risk of diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study in which we identified all potential DM1 cases from Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) members who were between 11 and 26 years old any time after June 2006 through December 2015. We chart reviewed a random sample of 100 DM1 cases to confirm diagnosis and to develop a computer algorithm that reliably determined symptom onset date. Our DM1 Analysis Population comprised all individuals who met membership criteria and who were age and sex eligible to have received HPV vaccine. We adjusted for age, sex, race, Medicaid, and years of prior KPNC membership by stratification using a Cox multiplicative hazards model with a calendar timeline.

RESULTS

Our DM1 analysis included 911,648 individuals. Of 2613 DM1 cases identified, 338 remained in the analysis after applying our algorithm, HPV vaccine eligibility and membership criteria. Over the 10 years of the study period, comparing vaccinated with unvaccinated persons, we did not find an increased risk of DM1 associated with HPV vaccine receipt (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% Confidence Interval 0.94, 1.57).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no increased risk for development of DM1 following HPV vaccination. Our study provides reassurance that during the 10-year time period after HPV vaccine was introduced, there was no substantial increased risk for DM1 following HPV vaccination.

Intensive multidisciplinary weight management in patients with type 1 diabetes and obesity: A one-year retrospective matched cohort study

AIMS

Recent studies report that approximately 50% of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are overweight or obese. This work studies the effects of intensive multidisciplinary weight management (IMWM) in patients with T1D and obesity.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 68 patients with T1D and obesity who enrolled in a 12-week IMWM program (IMWM cohort: mean age, 42 ± 11 years; HbA1c, 8.3% ± 1.0%; body weight, 104.3 ± 18.2 kg; BMI, 36.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2 ). We matched them 1:1 with a similar cohort of patients receiving standard care (SC cohort: mean age, 42 ± 12 years; HbA1c, 8.3% ± 1.0%; body weight, 102.4 ± 17.9 kg; BMI, 36.1 ± 4.7 kg/m2 ). Data were collected at baseline and at 12 months.

RESULTS

Participants in the IMWM cohort had a body weight change of -6.6 ± 1.8 kg or -6.4% ± 1.6% of their initial body weight, while participants in the SC cohort had no change (P < 0.01 for group*time interaction). Participants in the IMWM cohort had a change in HbA1c of -0.4% ± 0.1% from baseline (P < 0.01), while participants in the SC cohort had no change. There was no difference in glycaemic control between cohorts at 12 months. Total daily insulin dose changed by -5.9 ± 1.8 units/d from baseline in the IMWM cohort while there was no change in the SC cohort (P < 0.01 for group*time interaction).

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison to standard care, patients with T1D and obesity who participated in an IMWM programme achieved significant weight loss and significant reduction in daily insulin dose at 1 year. Weight reduction was associated with improvements in glycaemic control compared to baseline.

Spectrum of mutations in monogenic diabetes genes identified from high-throughput DNA sequencing of 6888 individuals

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of monogenic as well as atypical forms of diabetes mellitus has important clinical implications for their specific diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted treatment. Single gene mutations that affect beta-cell function represent 1-2% of all cases of diabetes. However, phenotypic heterogeneity and lack of family history of diabetes can limit the diagnosis of monogenic forms of diabetes. Next-generation sequencing technologies provide an excellent opportunity to screen large numbers of individuals with a diagnosis of diabetes for mutations in disease-associated genes.

METHODS

We utilized a targeted sequencing approach using the Illumina HiSeq to perform a case-control sequencing study of 22 monogenic diabetes genes in 4016 individuals with type 2 diabetes (including 1346 individuals diagnosed before the age of 40 years) and 2872 controls. We analyzed protein-coding variants identified from the sequence data and compared the frequencies of pathogenic variants (protein-truncating variants and missense variants) between the cases and controls.

RESULTS

A total of 40 individuals with diabetes (1.8% of early onset sub-group and 0.6% of adult onset sub-group) were carriers of known pathogenic missense variants in the GCK, HNF1A, HNF4A, ABCC8, and INS genes. In addition, heterozygous protein truncating mutations were detected in the GCK, HNF1A, and HNF1B genes in seven individuals with diabetes. Rare missense mutations in the GCK gene were significantly over-represented in individuals with diabetes (0.5% carrier frequency) compared to controls (0.035%). One individual with early onset diabetes was homozygous for a rare pathogenic missense variant in the WFS1 gene but did not have the additional phenotypes associated with Wolfram syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Targeted sequencing of genes linked with monogenic diabetes can identify disease-relevant mutations in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes not suspected of having monogenic forms of the disease. Our data suggests that GCK-MODY frequently masquerades as classical type 2 diabetes. The results confirm that MODY is under-diagnosed, particularly in individuals presenting with early onset diabetes and clinically labeled as type 2 diabetes; thus, sequencing of all monogenic diabetes genes should be routinely considered in such individuals. Genetic information can provide a specific diagnosis, inform disease prognosis and may help to better stratify treatment plans.

Latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood: case report

BACKGROUND

Primary care clinicians will see a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes in adult patients, and the diagnosis and management of an initial presentation of type 1 diabetes can pose challenges to clinicians who see it less frequently. Symptoms of hyperglycemia and risk of ketoacidosis may be missed. Further, endocrine autoimmune disease can run together in patients and families.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 49-year-old Caucasian female with history of pituitary adenoma and Graves' disease with history of thyroid ablation presented in the outpatient setting due to hand tingling of her right middle finger that was worse in the mornings and improved throughout the day. She also complained of excessive thirst, finding herself drinking more water than usual and waking up in the night to urinate. There was no dysuria or haematuria, and no other neurologic symptoms. She did report feeling hungry. She had no family history of diabetes, normal body mass index of 21.7, and reported taking her thyroid replacement medication every day. The differential diagnosis for her thirst included dehydration, psychogenic polydipsia, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and anxiety. The patient had normal vital signs and was well appearing; labs were ordered for her on her way home from clinic with no medications. Labs revealed a random blood glucose level of 249 mg/dL, normal renal function, a normal B12 of 996 pg/mL, and an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone level of 25.67 u[iU]/mL. On follow up with her primary care provider 5 days later, additional labs were drawn showing A1C of 11.5%, 1+ ketonuria, a negative Acetest, and a normal basic metabolic panel, except for a fasting glucose of 248 mg/dL, and Free T3 of 2.42 pg/mL, and Free T4 of 1.7 ng/dL. Islet cell antibodies and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies were both positive, consistent with type 1 diabetes. She was started on insulin and improved.

CONCLUSION

Given the patient's age, this is a less common presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus, as a part of polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type IIIa. It serves as a reminder that clinicians should remember that patients with one autoimmune disease (in this case, h/o Graves' disease) are at higher risk for diabetes and other endocrine autoimmune diseases and should be screened appropriately. Clinicians should keep latent type 1 diabetes in the differential in adulthood to ensure proper and timely treatment.

Ketosis-prone diabetes and SLE co-presenting in an African lady with previous gestational diabetes

We describe the case of an African woman who was diagnosed with ketosis-prone diabetes with diabetes-associated autoantibodies, after being admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) precipitated by her first presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She had a seven-year history of recurrent gestational diabetes (GDM) not requiring insulin therapy, with return to normoglycaemia after each pregnancy. This might have suggested that she had now developed type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the diagnosis of SLE prompted testing for an autoimmune aetiology for the diabetes, and she was found to have a very high titre of GAD antibodies. Typical type 1 diabetes (T1D) was thought unlikely due to the long preceding history of GDM. Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) was considered, but ruled out as she required insulin therapy from diagnosis. The challenge of identifying the type of diabetes when clinical features overlap the various diabetes categories is discussed. This is the first report of autoimmune ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) presenting with new onset of SLE.

Glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet antigen 2 antibody profiles in people with adult-onset diabetes mellitus: a comparison between mixed ethnic populations in Singapore and Germany

AIM

To gain insight into the presence of islet cell autoimmunity in an ethnic Asian compared with a white European population.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional study we recruited people with adult-onset diabetes (age of diagnosis 20-60 years), at tertiary referral centres in Germany (n=1020) and Singapore (n=1088). Glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet antigen 2 antibodies were measured according to Islet Autoantibody Standardization Program protocols.

RESULTS

The prevalence of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positivity was 13.9% (95% CI 12.1-16.0; P<0.001) in the white European cohort compared with 6.8% (95% CI 5.5-8.4; P<0.001) in the Asian cohort. Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positivity was 11.4% (95% CI 7.7-16.6) in Indian, 6.0% (95% CI 3.6-9.9) in Malay and 5.8% (95% CI 4.3-7.7; P<0.001) in Chinese participants. In the white European participants, the prevalence of islet antigen 2 antibody positivity was 7.8% (95% CI 6.4-9.4) compared with 14.8% (95% CI 12.8-17.0; P<0.001) in the Asian cohort as a whole, and among the three ethnicities in the Asian cohort it was 12.4% (95% CI 8.6-17.7) in Indian, 16.8% (95% CI 12.6-22.2) in Malay and 15.7% (95% CI 13.2-18.6) in Chinese participants. Double antibody positivity was seen in 5.7% (95% CI 4.5-7.1) of white European participants compared with 1.6% (95% CI 1.0-2.5; P<0.01) of Asian participants. In the white European cohort, those who were glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody-positive had a lower BMI than those who were autoantibody-negative, but this trend was absent in the Asian cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

A marked prevalence of islet cell autoimmunity was observed in people with adult-onset diabetes. While glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies were more frequent in the European cohort, islet antigen 2 antibody positivity was highest in the three ethnic groups in Singapore, suggesting ethnic-specific differences in antibody profiles.

Rationale and protocol for the After Diabetes Diagnosis REsearch Support System (ADDRESS): an incident and high risk type 1 diabetes UK cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Type 1 diabetes is heterogeneous in its presentation and progression. Variations in clinical presentation between children and adults, and with ethnic group warrant further study in the UK to improve understanding of this heterogeneity. Early interventions to limit beta cell damage in type 1 diabetes are undergoing evaluation, but recruitment is challenging. The protocol presented describes recruitment of people with clinician-assigned, new-onset type 1 diabetes to understand the variation in their manner of clinical presentation, to facilitate recruitment into intervention studies and to create an open-access resource of data and biological samples for future type 1 diabetes research.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Using the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, patients >5 years of age diagnosed clinically with type 1 diabetes (and their siblings) are recruited within 6 months of diagnosis. Participants agree to have their clinical, laboratory and demographic data stored on a secure database, for their clinical progress to be monitored using information held by NHS Digital, and to be contacted about additional research, in particular immunotherapy and other interventions. An optional blood sample is taken for islet autoantibody measurement and storage of blood and DNA for future analyses. Data will be analysed statistically to describe the presentation of incident type 1 diabetes in a contemporary UK population.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from the independent NHS Research Ethics Service. Results will be presented at national and international meetings and submitted for publication to peer-reviewed journals.

Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positive neurological syndromes

A rare kind of antibody, known as anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoantibody, is found in some patients. The antibody works against the GAD enzyme, which is essential in the formation of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the brain. Patients found with this antibody present with motor and cognitive problems due to low levels or lack of GABA, because in the absence or low levels of GABA patients exhibit motor and cognitive symptoms. The anti-GAD antibody is found in some neurological syndromes, including stiff-person syndrome, paraneoplastic stiff-person syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), limbic encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, eye movement disorders, and epilepsy. Previously, excluding MFS, these conditions were calledhyperexcitability disorders. However, collectively, these syndromes should be known as "anti-GAD positive neurological syndromes." An important limitation of this study is that the literature is lacking on the subject, and why patients with the above mentioned neurological problems present with different symptoms has not been studied in detail. Therefore, it is recommended that more research is conducted on this subject to obtain a better and deeper understanding of these anti-GAD antibody induced neurological syndromes.

A case of idiopathic type 1 diabetes with subsequent recovery of endogenous insulin secretion despite initial diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is characterized by remarkably rapid and complete β-cell destruction. The established diagnostic criteria include the occurrence of diabetic ketosis soon after the onset of hyperglycemic symptoms, elevated plasma glucose with relatively low HbA1c at the first visit, and extremely low C-peptide. Serum C-peptide levels remain extremely low over a prolonged period. A 26-year-old-man with diabetic ketosis was admitted to our hospital. His relatively low HbA1c (7.6%), despite marked hyperglycemia (593 mg/dL) with marked ketosis, indicated abrupt onset. Islet-related autoantibodies were all negative. His data at onset, including extremely low serum C-peptide (0.11 ng/mL), fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for fulminant type 1 diabetes. However, his fasting serum C-peptide levels subsequently showed substantial recovery. While fasting C-peptide stayed below 0.30 ng/mL during the first two months post onset, the levels gradually increased and thereafter fluctuated between 0.60 ng/mL and 0.90 ng/mL until 24 months post onset. By means of multiple daily insulin injection therapy, his glycemic control has been well maintained (HbA1c approximately 6.0%), with relatively small glycemic fluctuations evaluated by continuous glucose monitoring. This clinical course suggests that, despite the abrupt diabetes onset with extremely low C-peptide levels, substantial numbers of β-cells had been spared destruction and their function later showed gradual recovery. Diabetes has come to be considered a much more heterogeneous disease than the present subdivisions suggest. This case does not fit into the existing concepts of either fulminant type 1 or ketosis-prone diabetes, thereby further highlighting the heterogeneity of idiopathic type 1 diabetes.

Prevalence and comorbidities of double diabetes

BACKGROUND

A growing number of people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are identified with features of metabolic syndrome (MS) known as "double diabetes", but epidemiologic data on the prevalence of MS in T1DM and its comorbidities are still lacking. Aim of this cross sectional study is to better estimate the prevalence of MS in T1DM, and to assess its association with comorbidities.

METHODS

Data of 31,119 persons with autoimmune diabetes mellitus were analysed for signs of MS and presence of late complications. Double diabetes was defined as T1DM coexisting with MS (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia). Multiple linear or logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between double diabetes and late complications.

RESULTS

25.5% (n=7926) of persons with T1DM presented additionally the MS. Persons with double diabetes showed significantly more macrovascular comorbidities (coronary heart disease 8.0% versus 3.0% w/o MS, stroke 3.6% versus 1.6%, diabetic foot syndrome 5.5% versus 2.1%). Also microvascular diseases were increased in people with double diabetes (retinopathy 32.4% versus 21.7%, nephropathy 28.3% versus 17.8%). Both macrovascular and microvascular comorbidities were increased independent of glucose control, even if patients with good metabolic control (HbA1c <7.0%, 53mmol/mol) showed significantly less macrovascular (coronary heart disease 2.3% versus 1.8%, p<0.0001) and microvascular problems (retinopathy 8.7% versus 6.6%, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Double diabetes seems to be an independent and important risk factor for persons with T1DM in developing macrovascular and microvascular comorbidities. Therefore, patients should be identified and development of MS should be avoided. Longterm studies are needed to observe the effect of insulin resistance on patients with autoimmune diabetes.

Factors influencing time to case registration for youth with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

PURPOSE

The development of a sustainable pediatric diabetes surveillance system for the United States requires a better understanding of issues related to case ascertainment.

METHODS

Using the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth registry, we examined whether time from diabetes diagnosis to case registration differed by diabetes type, patient demographics, and the type of provider reporting the case to the study. Plots for time from diagnosis to registration were developed, and differences by key variables were examined using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Compared with time to registration for type 1 cases, it took 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-2.6) times longer to register 50% of type 2 diabetes cases, and 2.3 (95% CI, 2.0-2.5) times longer to register 90% of type 2 cases. For type 1 diabetes cases, a longer time to registration was associated with older age, minority race/ethnicity, and cases, where the referring provider was not an endocrinologist. For type 2 diabetes cases, older age, non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, and cases reported by providers other than an endocrinologist took longer to identify and register.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need for continued childhood diabetes surveillance to identify future trends and influences on changes in prevalence and incidence.

Body temperature regulation in diabetes

The effects of type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the body's physiological response to thermal stress is a relatively new topic in research. Diabetes tends to place individuals at greater risk for heat-related illness during heat waves and physical activity due to an impaired capacity to dissipate heat. Specifically, individuals with diabetes have been reported to have lower skin blood flow and sweating responses during heat exposure and this can have important consequences on cardiovascular regulation and glycemic control. Those who are particularly vulnerable include individuals with poor glycemic control and who are affected by diabetes-related complications. On the other hand, good glycemic control and maintenance of aerobic fitness can often delay the diabetes-related complications and possibly the impairments in heat loss. Despite this, it is alarming to note the lack of information regarding diabetes and heat stress given the vulnerability of this population. In contrast, few studies have examined the effects of cold exposure on individuals with diabetes with the exception of its therapeutic potential, particularly for type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of diabetes on heat and cold exposure with respect to the core temperature regulation, cardiovascular adjustments and glycemic control while also considering the beneficial effects of maintaining aerobic fitness.

Beta-cell destruction and preservation in childhood and adult onset type 1 diabetes

Previous studies describing the symptomatic onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and rate of beta-cell loss (C-peptide) support the notion that childhood onset T1D exhibits more severe beta-cell depletion compared to adult onset T1D. To test this notion, we performed whole pancreas analyses in two T1D cases, one of childhood onset (7-year old, onset at 1.5-year) along with an adult onset case (43-year old with onset at 27-year). Both cases were matched for age and gender with control subjects. Striking regional differences in beta-cell loss were observed in both T1D cases, with severity of loss in the order of tail > body > head regions. In contrast, pancreatic alpha- and delta-cell mass was similar in controls and T1D patients. In the childhood onset T1D case, no intra-islet beta-cells were detected while in the adult onset case, beta-cell containing islets were found, exclusively in the head region. In the latter case, considerable numbers of small cellular clusters negative for three major endocrine hormones were observed, in islets with or without beta-cells. Ultrastructural analysis suggests these cells correspond to degenerating beta-cells, with empty granular membranes and abnormal morphology of nuclei with intranuclear pseudo-inclusions, adjacent to healthy alpha- and delta-cells. These results support a hypothesis that during T1D development in childhood, beta-cells are more susceptible to autoimmune destruction or immune attack is more severe, while beta-cell death in the adult onset T1D may be more protracted and incomplete. In addition, T1D may be associated with the formation of "empty" beta-cells, an interesting population of cells that may represent a key facet to the disorder's pathogenesis.

Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes and Clinical Utility

A large proportion of heritability of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been attributed to inherent genetics. Recent genetic studies, especially genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have identified a multitude of variants associated with T2D. It is thus reasonable to question if these findings may be utilized in a clinical setting. Here we briefly review the identification of risk loci for T2D and discuss recent efforts and propose future work to utilize these loci in clinical setting-for the identification of individuals who are at particularly high risks of developing T2D and for the stratification of specific health-care approaches for those who would benefit most from such interventions.

Leukotriene B4-mediated sterile inflammation promotes susceptibility to sepsis in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with chronic systemic inflammation and enhanced susceptibility to systemic bacterial infection (sepsis). We hypothesized that low insulin concentrations in T1DM trigger the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) to produce the lipid mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4), which triggers systemic inflammation that may increase susceptibility to polymicrobial sepsis. Consistent with chronic inflammation, peritoneal macrophages from two mouse models of T1DM had greater abundance of the adaptor MyD88 (myeloid differentiation factor 88) and its direct transcriptional effector STAT-1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) than macrophages from nondiabetic mice. Expression of Alox5, which encodes 5-LO, and the concentration of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were also increased in peritoneal macrophages and serum from T1DM mice. Insulin treatment reduced LTB4 concentrations in the circulation and Myd88 and Stat1 expression in the macrophages from T1DM mice. T1DM mice treated with a 5-LO inhibitor had reduced Myd88 mRNA in macrophages and increased abundance of IL-1 receptor antagonist and reduced production of IL-β in the circulation. T1DM mice lacking 5-LO or the receptor for LTB4 also produced less proinflammatory cytokines. Compared to wild-type or untreated diabetic mice, T1DM mice lacking the receptor for LTB4 or treated with a 5-LO inhibitor survived polymicrobial sepsis, had reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines, and had decreased bacterial counts. These results uncover a role for LTB4 in promoting sterile inflammation in diabetes and the enhanced susceptibility to sepsis in T1DM.

Morbidity and mortality in young-onset type 2 diabetes in comparison to type 1 diabetes: where are we now?

Increasingly, we recognise that type 2 diabetes in youth is a disease with an aggressive time course and a significant complication risk. On the other hand, outcomes for youth with type 1 diabetes appear generally to be improving. With increasing numbers of both types of diabetes in youth, it is timely that a comparative perspective is offered to help clinicians prognosticate more appropriately. Contemporary comparative studies add a new perspective to a consistent story, that for youth-onset type 2 diabetes, the development and progression of cardio-renal complications are increased and the survival prognosis is significantly worse than for type 1 diabetes. Here, we review this mounting evidence, highlight the importance of metabolic syndrome factors in the excess risk and underscore that there remains a significant mortality gap for youth with either type of diabetes, to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Pernicious Anemia in an Elderly Japanese Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

We herein report the case of a 66-year-old Japanese man with acute-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) accompanied by pernicious anemia. After 2 weeks of polyuria, the patient developed insulin-deficient hyperglycemia with diabetic ketoacidosis in the absence of verifiable islet-related autoantibodies and began insulin therapy in 2001. Eight years later, he developed gastric autoantibody-positive pernicious anemia and began methylcobalamin treatment. Previous studies have reported cases of slowly progressive autoimmune T1D concomitant with pernicious anemia. The present case suggests that potential associations with organ-specific autoimmune disorders should be considered during the long-term follow-up of T1D patients, even though verifiable islet-related autoantibodies are undetectable.

One year remission of type 1 diabetes mellitus in a patient treated with sitagliptin

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. This paper describes the case of a 19-year-old male patient who presented with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody positive and diabetic ketoacidosis, which mandated intensive insulin treatment. Once the ketoacidosis was controlled, an oral dose of 100 mg of sitagliptin was administered once a day. Ketoacidosis was managed by insulin and insulin daily requirement began to dwindle after one month, until its complete withdrawal at 8 weeks, when partial remission was reached. The patient has now remained on sitagliptin treatment alone for a year, without requiring insulin. The benefit observed with this medication is possibly associated with its immunological effects. Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 in animal models deregulates the Th1 immune response, increases secretion of Th2 cytokines, activates CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells, and prevents IL17 production.

Influence of lifestyle on the course of type 1 diabetes mellitus

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease that requires insulin treatment from the time of diagnosis. Its clinical course depends on both genetic and environmental factors, and the lifestyle of a patient modulates their interaction. The evidence about the influence of lifestyle on the course of T1DM is increasing. In this paper, we present evidence on the relationship between lifestyle parameters and diabetes-related outcomes. We discuss the most commonly addressed factors associated with lifestyle, such as physical activity, nutrition and smoking, and those with sparse evidence in T1DM, such as socioeconomic status, sleep duration, psychological stress and illicit drugs intake.

Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Older Adults

Older adults with type 1 diabetes are at high risk for severe hypoglycemia and may have serious comorbid conditions. Problems with cognition, mobility, dexterity, vision, hearing, depression, and chronic pain interfere with the ability to follow complex insulin regimens. With the development of geriatric syndromes, unpredictable eating, and frailty, treatment regimens must be modified with the goal of minimizing hypoglycemia and severe hyperglycemia and maximizing quality of life.

Islet autoimmunity in phenotypic type 2 diabetes patients

Historically, type 2 diabetes (T2D) was considered a metabolic disease of ageing. However, recent discoveries have demonstrated the role of chronic systemic inflammation in the development of insulin resistance and subsequent progression to T2D. Over the years, investigations into the pathophysiology of T2D have identified the presence of islet-specific T cells and islet autoimmune disease in T2D patients. Moreover, the cell-mediated islet autoimmunity has also been correlated with the progressive loss of β-cell function associated with T2D disease pathogenesis. In this manuscript, the involvement of cell-mediated islet autoimmune disease in the progression of T2D disease and the similarities in islet-specific T-cell reactivity between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D are discussed.