Implications of fasting plasma glucose variability on the risk of incident peripheral artery disease in a population without diabetes: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Mean amplitude of glycemic excursion and mortality in critically ill patients: A retrospective analysis using the MIMIC-IV database

BACKGROUND

Glycemic variability (GV) is increasingly recognised as a critical determinant of outcomes in critically ill patients. However, standardised criteria for assessing GV remain undefined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursion (MAGE) and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and to determine optimal MAGE thresholds for distinct patient populations.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 13 852 critically ill adults with ICU stays exceeding 24 h was analysed. Patients were stratified into MAGE quartiles, and various GV metrics were compared for their predictive performance on mortality. Multivariable-adjusted models were employed to examine associations between MAGE and mortality outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients in higher MAGE quartiles exhibited significantly elevated mortality risks, with the highest quartile associated with ICU mortality (HR 3.59 [95% CI: 2.99-4.31]), in-hospital mortality (HR: 3.43 [95% CI: 2.92-4.02]) and 28-day mortality (HR 2.04 [95% CI: 1.47-2.82]). The relationship between MAGE and mortality was notably stronger in non-diabetic patients (HR: 3.36 [95% CI: 2.90-3.89]) compared to diabetic patients (HR: 1.59 [95% CI: 1.33-1.91]). Restricted cubic spline analyses identified optimal MAGE thresholds of 44.28 mg/dL for the overall population, 58.97 mg/dL for diabetic patients and 17.11 and 37.72 mg/dL for non-diabetic patients. MAGE demonstrated effective predictive performance for all-cause mortality (AUC: 0.6286 [95% CI: 0.6171-0.6400]) compared to other GV metrics. Incorporating MAGE into prognostic models alongside SAPS II and SOFA scores improved performance for all-cause mortality, with net reclassification improvement (NRI) of 0.238 and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) of 0.008.

CONCLUSION

MAGE exhibits effective predictive value for mortality in ICU patients, with distinct thresholds for diabetic and non-diabetic populations. These findings underscore the importance of tailored GV management strategies in critical care settings and support the adoption of MAGE as a standardised metric for GV assessment in ICU settings.

Association between oxidative balance scores and peripheral artery disease in US adults: a cross-sectional study

Background

The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) quantifies the overall oxidative stress burden, with higher scores indicating greater antioxidant (relative to prooxidant) activity. This study aimed to examine the association between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and OBS.

Methods and materials

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2004) were analyzed for participants with ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements. The total Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) comprised a lifestyle OBS (four lifestyle categories) and a dietary OBS (16 dietary factors). Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between PAD and total OBS, lifestyle OBS, and dietary OBS. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses assessed dose-response relationships between ABI, PAD, and OBS. Mediation analyses investigated the roles of glucolipid metabolism and renal function in the OBS-PAD association. Sensitivity and stratification analyses were conducted to ensure robustness.

Results

This study included 2,437 eligible adult participants. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for multiple potential confounders, revealed negative associations between lifestyle OBS (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.00), total OBS (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.99), and the likelihood of PAD (all p < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis demonstrated a linear relationship between total OBS and PAD, with the likelihood of PAD decreasing as total OBS increased p for nonlinearity = 0.736. Dietary OBS, lifestyle OBS, and total OBS all showed positive linear correlations with ABI levels (all p < 0.05). Mediation analysis indicated that fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and creatinine (CREA) mediated 5.9 and 0.8% of the association between total OBS and PAD, respectively (all p < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the negative association between total OBS and PAD p < 0.05, supporting the stability of the results. Stratified analyses highlighted the significant influence of Age, particularly in the younger population aged 20-44 years, a group warranting greater attention.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that higher total OBS is associated with a lower likelihood of PAD. Adopting an antioxidant-rich diet alongside a healthy lifestyle may help mitigate PAD risk. Additionally, modulating FPG and CREA levels could offer potential value in addressing the link between low OBS and PAD.

Glycemic Variability as a Predictor of Graft Failure Following Infrainguinal Bypass for Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Glycemic variability (GV), measured as the change in visit-to-visit glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), increases the risk of multiple adverse outcomes. However, the impact of GV on graft patency following infrainguinal bypass (IIB) is unknown. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to assess the impact of GV on graft patency.

METHODS

A 3-year single-center retrospective case notes analysis of all people undergoing IIB between 2017 and 2019. Rutherford stage, graft conduit, level of bypass, procedure details, baseline demographics, comorbidities, and GV were assessed. Time to reintervention, ipsilateral amputation, or death was recorded to determine primary patency (PP).

RESULTS

One hundred six IIB outcomes were analyzed: mean (± standard deviation) age 68.0 (9.2) years; 69 (65.1%) male, 37 (33.9%), 75 (70.8%) had diabetes mellitus; and 46 (43.4%) underwent elective procedures. GV > 9.1% was associated with significantly lower median PP than GV < 9.1%, 198 (97-753.5) vs. 713 (166.5-1,044.5) days (P = 0.045). On univariate analysis, GV > 9.1% vs. < 9.1% was significantly associated with PP (hazard ratio [HR] 1.85 [confidence interval {CI} 1.091-3.136], P = 0.022). Bypass level was also a univariate predictor, with below knee bypasses (HR 2.31 [CI 1.164-4.564], P = 0.017), and tibial (HR 2.00 [CI 1.022-3.090], P < 0.043) having lower PP than above knee bypasses. On multivariate adjustment, GV > 9.1% and level of bypass remained independent predictors of PP, HR 1.96 (95% CI: 1.12-3.42, P = 0.018) and HR 2.54 (95% CI: 1.24-5.22, P = 0.011), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

GV is an independent predictor of PP following infrainguinal bypass, thus optimizing GV should be a therapeutic target.

Relationship Between Glycosylated Hemoglobin Variability and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) variability is a risk factor for cardiovascular complications in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but its relationship with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. Methods: Patients with T2DM who underwent coronary angiography due to angina were enrolled. HbA1c variability was expressed as coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD), variability independent of mean (VIM), and time in range (TIR). The severity of CAD was expressed by the number of involved vessels and Gensini score. Multivariate regression models were constructed to test the relationship between HbA1c variability, number of involved vessels, and the Gensini score, followed by linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 147 patients were included. In multivariate analysis, VIM-HbA1c (OR = 2.604; IQR: 1.15, 5.90; r = 0.026) and HbA1cTIR (OR = 0.13; IQR: 0.04, 0.41; r < 0.001) were independent risk factors for the number of involved vessels. After adjustment, HbA1cTIR (OR = 0.01; IQR: 0.002, 0.04; r < 0.001), SD-HbA1c (OR = 4.12, IQR: 1.64, 10.35; r = 0.001), CV-HbA1c (OR = 1.41, IQR: 1.04, 1.92; r = 0.007), and VIM-HbA1c (OR = 3.26; IQR: 1.43, 7.47; r = 0.003) were independent risk factors for the Gensini score. In the linear analysis, the Gensini score was negatively correlated with HbA1cTIR (β = -0.629; r < 0.001) and positively correlated with SD-HbA1c (β = 0.271; r = 0.001) and CV-HbA1c (β = 0.176; r = 0.033). After subgroup analysis, HbA1cTIR was a risk factor for the number of involved vessels. The Gensini score was negatively correlated with HbA1cTIR and positively correlated with SD-HbA1c at subgroups of subjects with a mean HbA1c ≤ 7%. Conclusions: Our analysis indicates that HbA1c variability, especially HbA1cTIR, plays a role for the severity of CAD in patients with T2DM. HbA1c variability may provide additional information and require management even at the glycemic target. Translational Aspects: Studies have shown that HbA1c variability is related to cardiovascular complications. Further, we explore the correlation between HbA1c variability and the severity of CAD. HbA1c variability is a risk factor for coronary stenosis in T2DM. It may be a potential indicator reflecting glycemic control for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular complications.

Perioperative Insulin Pump Therapy Decreases Readmission Risk and Improves Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of temporary insulin pump use during hospitalization on glycemia, postoperative complications, and cost/utilization in perioperative patients with diabetes.

METHODS

Patients (n=159) with type 2 diabetes and hospitalized for elective surgery were recruited from three hospitals. Subjects were categorized into the insulin pump group and the multiple daily subcutaneous insulin injection group according to their treatment therapy. Data were collected at admission, discharge, and 3 months post-discharge.

RESULTS

Subjects in the CSII group who were still on insulin therapy transitioned from CSII to MDII; however, their daily insulin dosages were lower than those in the MDII group (15.31±10.98 U/d vs. 23.48±17.02 U/d, P=0.015) after discharge. In terms of medical costs, the CSII group had significantly higher hospitalization costs than the MDII group (112.36±103.43 thousand RMB vs. 82.65±77.98 thousand RMB, P=0.043). After 3 months, the CSII group had significantly lower outpatient costs than the MDII group (3.17±0.94 thousand RMB vs. 3.98±1.76 thousand RMB, P ˂ 0.001). In the MDII group, 10 patients reported severe postoperative complications requiring re-hospitalization; there were no similar reports in the CSII group.

CONCLUSION

Temporary use of insulin pump therapy for perioperative patients with diabetes results in a reduction in blood glucose and blood glucose fluctuation during hospitalization, HbA1c, and the risk of postoperative complication and readmission, thus significantly decreasing costs in this complex patient cohort. Further work is needed to better understand indications for utilizing pump therapy based on diabetes phenotype and the complexity of planned surgical intervention.

An Insight of Naturally Occurring Phytoconstituents and Novel Approaches Towards the Treatment of Diabetes

BACKGROUND

The rising in diabetes incidents has clearly become one main worldwide health problem. Individuals suffering from diabetes are still more susceptible to many long-term and short-term side effects, which most often cause fatalities. Even though chemically synthesized anti-diabetic entities are capable of helping manage and treat, there has been significant risks related with their prolong and repetitive use. Hence, there is a requirement for safer and novel approaches that might be formed and utilized.

OBJECTIVE

Aim of the present review is to explain the naturally occurring phytochemicals and novel approach as anti-diabetic agents in the treatment of diabetes and its related issues.

METHOD

A survey of Google scholar, Research Gate, Pubmed, Science Direct, NCBI database was carried out conducted to determine a most hopeful phytochemicals and novel drug delivery systems in the management of diabetes.

RESULT

The study stressed the significance of phytomolecules and some novel approaches researched or reported in the literature for the management and cure of diabetes. It is suggested that changes in lifestyle can help patients and like nutritional support, assessment and lifestyle guidance must be individualized based on physical and functional capacity. Further evaluations and improved preventative medicine were the result of improving patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Conventional or synthetic drugs provide relief for short time but nanoformulations of phytomolecules offer an improved therapeutic with fewer negative side effects. Herbal medicines are rich in phytoconstituents and possess variety of health benefits. This review is compilation of phytoconstituents and novel drug delivery system of phytomolecules i.e. nanoparticles, niosomes, microsphere, microparticle and others.

Visit-to-Visit Variability in Fasting Blood Glucose Predicts the New-Onset Heart Failure: Results From Two Large Chinese Cohorts

Previous studies have hypothesized an association between higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) and heart failure (HF). However, FBG values fluctuate continuously over time, the association between FBG variability and the risk of HF is uncertain. We investigated the relationship between visit-to-visit variability in FBG and the risk of new-onset HF. This cohort study used data from a prospective Kailuan cohort (recruited during 2006-2007) and a retrospective cohort of family medicine patients from Hong Kong (recruited during 2000-2003) were followed up until December 31st, 2016, and December 31st, 2019, respectively, for the outcome of incident HF. Four indexes of variability were used, including standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM), and average real variability (ARV). Cox regression was used to identify HF. In total, 98,554 and 22,217 subjects without preexisting HF from the Kailuan and Hong Kong cohorts were analyzed, respectively, with 1218 cases of incident HF in the former and 4,041 in the latter. Subjects in the highest quartile of FBG-CV had the highest risk of incident HF in both cohorts (Kailuan: HR 1.245, 95% CI 1.055-1.470); Hong Kong: HR 1.362, 95%CI 1.145-1.620; compared with the lowest quartile). Similar results were observed when using FBG-ARV, FBG-VIM, and FBG-SD. Meta-analysis showed similar results (highest versus lowest quartile: HR 1.30, 95%CI 1.15-1.47, P < 0.0001). As observed from 2 large, geographically distinct Chinese cohorts, a higher FBG variability was independently associated with higher risk of incident HF.

Long-Term Visit-to-Visit Glycemic Variability as a Predictor of Major Adverse Limb and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Diabetes

Background Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a severe complication in patients with type 2 diabetes. Glycemic variability (GV) is associated with increased risks of developing microvascular and macrovascular diseases. However, few studies have focused on the association between GV and PAD. Methods and Results This cohort study used a database maintained by the National Taiwan University Hospital, a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. For each individual, GV parameters were calculated, including fasting glucose coefficient of variability (FGCV) and hemoglobin A1c variability score (HVS). Multivariate Cox regression models were constructed to estimate the relationships between GV parameters and composite scores for major adverse limb events (MALEs) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Between 2014 and 2019, a total of 45 436 adult patients with prevalent type 2 diabetes were enrolled for analysis, and GV was assessed during a median follow-up of 64.4 months. The average number of visits and time periods were 13.38 and 157.87 days for the HVS group and 14.27 and 146.59 days for the FGCV group, respectively. The incidence rates for cardiac mortality, PAD, and critical limb ischemia (CLI) were 5.38, 20.11, and 2.41 per 1000 person-years in the FGCV group and 5.35, 20.32, and 2.50 per 1000 person-years in HVS group, respectively. In the Cox regression model with full adjustment, the highest FGCV quartile was associated with significantly increased risks of MALEs (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57 [95% CI, 1.40-1.76]; P<0.001) and MACEs (HR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.25-1.56]; P<0.001). Similarly, the highest HVS quartile was associated with significantly increased risks of MALEs (HR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.28-1.62]; P<0.001) and MACEs (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.14-1.43]; P<0.001). The highest FGCV and HVS quartiles were both associated with the development of PAD and CLI (FGCV: PAD [HR, 1.57; P<0.001], CLI [HR, 2.19; P<0.001]; HVS: PAD [HR, 1.44; P<0.001], CLI [HR, 1.67; P=0.003]). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly higher risks of MALEs and MACEs with increasing GV magnitude (log-rank P<0.001). Conclusions Among individuals with diabetes, increased GV is independently associated with the development of MALEs, including PAD and CLI, and MACEs. The benefit of maintaining stable glycemic levels for improving clinical outcomes warrants further studies.