Twelve-year trends of increasing overweight and obesity in patients with diabetes: the Shiga Diabetes Clinical Survey

Trends of HbA1c and BMI in People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Japanese Claims-Based Study

INTRODUCTION

Obesity prevalence has increased in Japan in recent years. Given the strong association of obesity with poor glycemic control, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with central obesity, this study describes the current trends and relationships between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in the Japanese people with T2D.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of people with T2D who had at least one recorded HbA1c and BMI (or waist circumference) value in the Japan Medical Data Center Claims database. Five annual cohorts of the study population were formed between January 2017 and December 2021. Annual trends of HbA1c across BMI categories (obesity class I [≥ 25 ~  < 30 kg/m2]-IV [≥ 40 kg/m2]) and in people with central obesity (waist circumference: ≥ 85 cm in men; ≥ 90 cm in women) were described by sex and age groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 106,089 people with T2D (HbA1c and BMI data: 106,079; HbA1c and waist circumference data: 105,424) were included, with the majority of people belonging to obesity class I (range: 39.7-40.6%) and obesity class II (range: 16.2-17.7%) categories across all annual cohorts. People in higher BMI categories had higher mean HbA1c, with > 50% of people with T2D in obesity class I-IV (54.8-56.5%) having HbA1c ≥ 7%. Between 2017 and 2021, BMI and waist circumference increased in the age group 18-44 years. More than 50% of people with T2D and central obesity in both sexes and people of age group 18-44 years across obesity class I-IV or with central obesity had HbA1c ≥ 7%.

CONCLUSION

More than half of the people with T2D belonging to obesity class I-IV or central obesity had poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%), especially in the 18-44 age group. This highlights the need for body weight management for better glycemic control in relatively young Japanese people with T2D and obesity.

Evaluation of a creatinine clearance correction equation based on body fat mass in older Japanese patients with diabetes

Background

The estimation of creatinine clearance (CCr) in older adult patients with diabetes is subject to deviations from the results of actual measurements because of changes in body composition. In the present study, we aimed to create a correction for the equation used for the estimation of CCr in older adult Asian patients with diabetes using body composition parameters.

Methods

We enrolled 50 older Japanese patients with diabetes in whom the measured values of CCr were compared with values estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The relationships between the error in the estimated CCr and body composition parameters were investigated, and the Cockcroft-Gault equation was corrected using the appropriate parameters. To evaluate the generalizability of the corrected equation, the utility of the Cockcroft-Gault equation, which was corrected on the basis of body composition measured using a household body composition meter, was also investigated.

Results

Body fat mass (BFM) was closely correlated with the error in the estimated CCr. The BFM-corrected Cockcroft-Gault equation was more accurate than the original equation. Similarly, the error became smaller using BFM measured with a household body composition meter.

Conclusion

The BFM-corrected Cockcroft-Gault equation may provide an accurate method of estimating CCr that can be used in general practice.

Effect on Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and Body Weight After Discontinuation of Tirzepatide, a Novel Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP) and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist: A Single-Center Case Series Study

Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine changes in blood glucose levels and body weight after discontinuation of tirzepatide, a novel long-acting dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). Methods Nine subjects (five males, four females, age 54.3±5.4 years, body mass index 33.5±3.3 kg/m2) participating with type 2 diabetes in the SURPASS J-mono study were included. Subjects were randomized to tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, or a dulaglutide 0.75 mg group. Fifty-two weeks after randomization, study drug administration was discontinued. To investigate progress after the end of administration, changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and body weight were further examined two, four, and six months after discontinuation of the study drug. Results After fifty-two weeks, all tirzepatide groups had improved HbA1c and body weight compared with the dulaglutide group. At two, four, and six months after the end of study drug administration, re-elevation of HbA1c was observed in all groups. Furthermore, in the tirzepatide groups, dose-dependent weight regain was observed from an early stage. Conclusions Compared to dulaglutide, tirzepatide exhibited excellent blood-glucose-improving and weight-reducing effects. However, exacerbation of blood glucose and rebound of weight gain occurred relatively early after administration was ended. For type 2 diabetes patients who need weight loss and are prescribed tirzepatide, these findings suggest a necessity for continuous prescription or careful follow-up when stopping.

Annual trends in glycemic control and prescribing patterns in diabetic treatment according to age in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes between 2012 and 2019 (JDDM 71)

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate changes in glycemic control and diabetes treatment by age group in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The study included the results of approximately 40,000 patients/year using cross-sectional and retrospective analyses from 2012 to 2019.

RESULTS

There was little change in the glycemic control status in all age groups during the study period. However, by age group, patients aged ≤ 44 years continued to have the highest glycated hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) values during the study period (7.4 % ± 1.7 % in 2012 and 7.4 % ± 1.5 % in 2019), especially in insulin-treated patients (8.3 % ± 1.9 % in 2012 and 8.4 % ± 1.8 % in 2019). Biguanides and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors were widely prescribed. Sulfonylurea and insulin use showed a decreasing trend, but older patients had a higher percentage of prescriptions. Sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors were prescribed rapidly, especially in younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no obvious changes in glycemic control over time in the study period. The mean HbA1c level was higher in younger patients, which suggested that improvement is required. In older patients, there was a trend toward greater emphasis on management to avoid hypoglycemia. Different treatment strategies based on age showed different drug choices.

Combination of Risks of BMI and Health-Related Lifestyles on Kidney Function in the Prediabetic Japanese Population: A Prospective Cohort Study

Diabetic overweight patients are more likely to show the progression of kidney damage than the general population. The majority of people in the early stages of kidney damage do not recognize the importance of risk modification, mainly due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease. This study aimed to examine specific risk combinations of lifestyle and BMI regarding the deterioration of kidney function and to explore whether there are gender-based differences among the prediabetic population. Prediabetic participants with normal kidney function were identified via annual health examination from April 2016 to March 2019. The information on health status and lifestyle was collected at enrollment. The study subjects were followed until March 2021 to observe the progression of kidney damage. There were 2241 participants enrolled in this study. Smoking (HR = 3.5, p < 0.001), eating snacks (HR = 3.2, p < 0.001), not engaging in regular exercise (HR = 2.9, p < 0.001), and not having adequate sleep (HR = 3.0, p < 0.001) showed accelerated risks for kidney damage progression among the prediabetic population in males. These lifestyle effects were not observed in females. In conclusion, risk-based modification of lifestyle behavior is important to prevent kidney function damage among the overweight prediabetic population in males.

Changes in Eating Behaviors and Their Associations with Weight Loss in Japanese Patients Who Underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been established to provide long-term weight loss in severe obesity. In this study, we investigated the factors that affect post-operative weight loss, with a particular focus on changes in eating behaviors.

METHODS

Time-course changes in body weight and eating behaviors were examined in 49 Japanese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from the first visit to 12 months after surgery. Each eating behavior was evaluated via the questionnaire of the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity.

RESULTS

Pre-operative weight reduction mediated by dietary and lifestyle interventions showed significant positive correlations with weight loss outcomes at 12 months after surgery. We observed significant decreases in scores for most of the eating behaviors 12 months after surgery. However, "emotional eating behavior" scores declined temporarily in the early post-operative period of one month but thereafter returned to the pre-operative level at 12 months. Furthermore, increases in the scores for "emotional eating behavior" and "sense of hunger" from 1 to 12 months post-operatively were significantly associated with poor weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the beneficial effects of MBS on obesity-related eating behaviors, as well as highlighting "emotional eating behavior" as requiring particular attention.

Impact of body mass index on in-hospital mortality for six acute cardiovascular diseases in Japan

Body mass index (BMI) distribution and its impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) vary between Asian and western populations. The study aimed to reveal time-related trends in the prevalence of obesity and underweight and safe ranges of BMI in Japanese patients with CVD. We analyzed 5,020,464 records from the national Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases-Diagnosis Procedure Combination dataset over time (2012-2019) and evaluated BMI trends and the impact on in-hospital mortality for six acute CVDs: acute heart failure (AHF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute aortic dissection (AAD), ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Patients were categorized into five groups using the WHO Asian-BMI criteria: underweight (< 18.5 kg/m²), normal (18.5-22.9 kg/m²), overweight at risk (23.0-24.9 kg/m²), obese I (25.0-29.9 kg/m²), and obese II (≥ 30.0 kg/m²). Age was significantly and inversely related to high BMI for all diseases (P < 0.001). The proportion of BMI categories significantly altered over time; annual BMI trends showed a significant and gradual increase, except AAD. In adjusted mixed models, underweight was significantly associated with a high risk of in-hospital mortality in all CVD patients (AHF, OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.35-1.48, P < 0.001; AMI, OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.20-1.35, P < 0.001; AAD, OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.16-1.32, P < 0.001; IS, OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.41-1.50, P < 0.001; ICH, OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.13-1.22, P < 0.001; SAH, OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.10-1.26, P < 0.001). Moreover, obese I and II groups were significantly associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality, except AHF and IS. Age was associated with in-hospital mortality for all BMI categories in six CVD patients. BMI increased annually in patients with six types of CVDs. Although underweight BMI was associated with high mortality rates, the impact of obesity on in-hospital mortality differs among CVD types.

The Durable Safety and Effectiveness of Lixisenatide in Japanese People with Type 2 Diabetes: The Post-Marketing Surveillance PRANDIAL Study

Introduction

Real-world evidence on lixisenatide in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is lacking. Therefore, the 3-year post-marketing PRANDIAL study was conducted to evaluate the safety (primary objective) and effectiveness (secondary objective) of lixisenatide in Japanese people with T2D during routine clinical practice.

Methods

This prospective, observational, multicenter, open-label study was conducted in Japanese individuals with T2D who initiated lixisenatide treatment between March 2014 and June 2017. Using electronic case report forms, investigators collected baseline demographic and clinical information and data on medications, safety and effectiveness up to 3 years after initiation of lixisenatide.

Results

Overall, 3046 participants were analyzed; their mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 58.9 ± 13.1 years, and 53.7% were male. Mean ± SD duration of T2D was 12.8 ± 8.6 years, and baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 8.7% ± 1.7%. Most participants (93.9%) were receiving concomitant antidiabetic medications when they initiated lixisenatide. Median (range) lixisenatide treatment duration was 382 (1–1096) days. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 604 participants (19.8%) and serious ADRs in 22 (0.7%). The most common ADR was nausea (9.0%). Of ADRs of special interest, hypoglycemia occurred in 2.9% of participants, injection site reactions in 0.9%, and hypoglycemic unconsciousness in 0.03%. Baseline characteristics associated with an increased risk of ADRs (p < 0.05) were history of treatment for cardiovascular disease, hepatic dysfunction, and other complications. Effectiveness was analyzed in 2675 participants; HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, and body weight all decreased significantly at last observation (all p < 0.0001 vs. baseline).

Conclusions

Lixisenatide was well tolerated, with no unexpected ADRs or new safety signals identified, and showed effective glycemic control and weight reduction up to 3 years, supporting the use of lixisenatide as a safe and effective treatment option for T2D in routine clinical practice in Japan.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02121-5.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are antidiabetic drugs that lower blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing glucagon, the key hormones involved in controlling blood glucose levels in the body. The selective GLP-1RA lixisenatide was approved for the management of adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Japan based on data from randomized clinical trials. However, these studies may not be representative of the safety and effectiveness of the drug when used in routine clinical practice. Therefore, we conducted the 3-year post-marketing PRANDIAL study to assess the safety and effectiveness of lixisenatide in 3046 Japanese individuals with T2D who started the drug between March 2014 and June 2017. Adverse drug reactions (adverse events for which lixisenatide causality could not be excluded) occurred in 19.8% of participants, with the most common adverse drug reaction being nausea. Hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood glucose levels) was reported in 2.9%. Individuals with a history of treatment for cardiovascular disease, hepatic dysfunction, and other complications had an increased risk of adverse drug reactions. Lixisenatide provided significant improvements in blood glucose control, with significant decreases in glycated hemoglobin (a marker of blood glucose control), fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial glucose levels from baseline, as well as significant reductions in body weight. In this real-world post-marketing surveillance study, lixisenatide was well tolerated, raising no new safety concerns, and provided durable effective blood glucose control and weight reduction. These results support the use of lixisenatide in Japanese individuals with T2D in routine clinical practice.

Trends in maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes among Japanese pregnant women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes from 1982 to 2020

Aims/Introduction

This study investigated the time trends of the maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of Japanese pregnant women with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 621 deliveries in 429 Japanese women with diabetes between 1982 and 2020. The association of the delivery date with clinical features was analyzed using the generalized estimating equations to adjust for the within‐person correlation.

Results

The mean age of delivery and the mean diabetes duration increased over time (both P < 0.001), while the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy decreased (P = 0.006). The mean HbA1c values during pregnancy decreased significantly over time (all P < 0.001). The decreasing trends were associated with preterm delivery (P = 0.021) but not with other perinatal outcomes. The time trends were significantly different between patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and with type 2 diabetes mellitus in large for gestational age (LGA) and stillbirth (both P for interaction <0.05). The rate of LGA decreased among patients with type 2 diabetes (P = 0.003) but not those with type 1 diabetes (P = 0.413). In contrast, the prevalence of stillbirth was decreased among those with type 1 diabetes (P < 0.001) but not those with type 2 diabetes (P = 0.768). The proportion of major congenital anomalies did not change in the overall population (P = 0.259) and among patients with type 2 diabetes (P = 0.229), but it increased among those with type 1 diabetes (P = 0.044), although the difference between those with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes was not statistically significant (P for interaction = 0.166).

Conclusions

Maternal glycemic control has improved over the decades, whereas the improvement of perinatal outcomes has been limited. Perinatal outcomes still need to be improved in Japanese women with diabetes.

Safety and effectiveness of empagliflozin according to body mass index in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a subgroup analysis of a 3-year post-marketing surveillance study

BACKGROUND

Empagliflozin, a glucose-lowering drug licensed for type 2 diabetes (T2D), demonstrated tolerability and effectiveness overall in a post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study in Japan. However, the impact of body mass index (BMI) is unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a prespecified sub-analysis of the prospective, 3-year, PMS study of empagliflozin in Japan where the primary endpoint was adverse drug reactions (ADRs). We evaluated results according to BMI.

RESULTS

We enrolled 7931 T2D patients treated with empagliflozin. Baseline mean age was 58.7 years; 63.01% were male. Baseline BMI was <20 kg/m² in 2.06% of patients, while 21.28%, 37.35%, and 24.97% had BMI 20-<25, 25-<30 and ≥30 kg/m², respectively. ADRs occurred in 19 (11.66%), 203 (12.03%), 411 (13.88%), and 295 (14.90%) patients with BMI <20, 20-<25, 25-<30 and ≥30 kg/m², respectively. Excessive/frequent urination was the most frequent ADR of special interest in all BMI subgroups except 20-<25 kg/m² (urinary tract infection). Mean change in glycated hemoglobin from baseline was -0.75%, with similar magnitude across BMI subgroups. Body-weight reduction seemed dependent on BMI, with almost no change in the <20 kg/m² subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Empagliflozin appeared well tolerated and effective in Japanese T2D patients regardless of BMI, although the number of patients with BMI <20 kg/m² was small in this study.

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

Aim

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

Participants and methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Supplementary Information

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

A phase 1 multiple-ascending dose study of tirzepatide in Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of tirzepatide in Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

This phase 1, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-dose, multiple-ascending dose study randomized participants to once-weekly subcutaneous tirzepatide or placebo. The tirzepatide treatment groups were: 5 mg (5 mg, weeks 1-8), 10 mg (2.5 mg, weeks 1-2; 5 mg, weeks 3-4; 10 mg, weeks 5-8), and 15 mg (5 mg, weeks 1-2; 10 mg, weeks 3-6; 15 mg, weeks 7-8). The primary outcome was tirzepatide safety and tolerability.

RESULTS

Forty-eight participants were randomized. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were decreased appetite and gastrointestinal AEs, which were generally dose-dependent and mild in severity. The plasma tirzepatide concentration half-life was approximately 5 days. After 8 weeks of treatment, fasting plasma glucose decreased from baseline with tirzepatide versus placebo; the least squares (LS) mean decrease compared with placebo (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 52.7 (35.9-69.6), 69.1 (52.3-85.9), and 68.9 (53.2-84.6) mg/dL in the 5-, 10-, and 15-mg treatment groups, respectively (P < .0001 for all treatment groups). Tirzepatide also resulted in LS mean decreases from baseline versus placebo at 8 weeks in HbA1c up to 1.6% (95% CI 1.2%-1.9%; P < .0001 for all treatment groups) and body weight up to 6.6 kg (95% CI 5.3-7.9; P < .0001 for all treatment groups).

CONCLUSIONS

All tirzepatide doses were well tolerated. The safety, tolerability, PK, and PD profiles of tirzepatide support further evaluation of once-weekly dosing in Japanese people with T2D.

Adult-onset autoimmune diabetes identified by glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies: a retrospective cohort study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Patients with GAD antibodies (GADAb) showing clinical features of type 2 diabetes typically exhibit progression to an insulin-dependent state in several months or years. This condition is diagnosed as slowly progressive insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus (SPIDDM) or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, a subtype of adult-onset autoimmune diabetes. However, some patients diagnosed with adult-onset autoimmune diabetes do not progress to an insulin-dependent state. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to identify patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes among those diagnosed with adult-onset autoimmune diabetes using measurable indicators in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

We surveyed data from the electronic medical records of all patients with GADAb from eight medical centres in Japan for selecting and analysing patients who matched the diagnostic criteria of SPIDDM.

RESULTS

Overall, 345 patients were analysed; of these, 162 initiated insulin therapy (insulin therapy group), whereas 183 did not (non-insulin therapy group) during the follow-up period (median 3.0 years). Patients in the non-insulin therapy group were more likely to be male and presented a later diabetes onset, shorter duration of diabetes, higher BMI, higher blood pressure levels, lower HbA_1c levels, lower GADAb levels and lesser antidiabetic agent use than those in the insulin therapy group when GADAb was first identified as positive. A Cox proportional hazards model showed that BMI, HbA_1c levels and GADAb levels were independent factors for progression to insulin therapy. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that 86.0% of the patients with diabetes having GADAb who presented all three factors (BMI ≥ 22 kg/m², HbA_1c < 75 mmol/mol [9.0%] and GADAb <10.0 U/ml) did not require insulin therapy for 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Higher BMI (≥22 kg/m²), lower HbA_1c (<75 mmol/mol [9.0%]) and lower GADAb levels (<10.0 U/ml) can predict a non-insulin-dependent state for at least several years in Japanese patients with diabetes having GADAb.

Trends in diabetes care and education by primary health care nurses in Auckland, New Zealand

AIMS

To examine trends in the management of patients with diabetes by primary health care nurses, its association with diabetes education and how valued and supported nurses feel in Auckland, New Zealand.

METHODS

Two representative cross-sectional surveys of all nurses providing community-based care, and patients with diabetes they consult, were conducted in 2006-8 and 2016. All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on biographical details and a telephone interview on their provision of diabetes care.

RESULTS

Significantly more nurses discussed serum glucose and medications with patients, planned follow-up and scheduled practice nurse appointments in 2016 compared with 2006-8, and fewer specialist diabetologist appointments were made (12% versus 2%). Fewer nurses in 2016 than in 2006-8 felt valued (62% versus 75%) and supported (78% versus 89%) when managing patients (p-values = 0.0004). Nurses diabetes education was associated with recommended practice and feeling valued. Significantly more patients were prescribed metformin (81%) and insulin (46%) in 2016 compared with 58% and 30% in 2006-8. Despite this, HbA_1c levels remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Prescribed glycaemic-related medications increased, and more nurses engaged with patients about glycaemic control and medications in 2016 compared with 2006-8. Nurses undertaking diabetes education was strongly associated with best management practices and nurses feeling valued.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Utilization in Type 2 Diabetes in Japan: A Retrospective Database Analysis (JDDM 57)

INTRODUCTION

There are limited real-world data on the prescribing of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of the CoDiC® database of the Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study Group (JDDM). Demographic and clinical characteristics, concomitant treatment patterns, and GLP-1 RA treatment persistence or modification in patients with T2DM initiating GLP-1 RA therapy were evaluated.

RESULTS

The analysis included 932 eligible patients with T2DM who had their first GLP-1 RA prescription (index date) between September 2016 and July 2018. Mean age was 63.8 years and 56.0% were male. Most patients had an index GLP-1 RA of dulaglutide (65.7%) or liraglutide (29.1%). Common comorbidities were obesity (58.7%), hypertension (54.7%), dyslipidemia (52.0%), retinopathy (11.3%), and nephropathy (10.2%). Mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels decreased from 8.3 to 7.8% over 6 months after GLP-1 RA initiation, and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7.0% increased from 14.4% at index date to 22.9% at 6 months. Reductions occurred in mean body weight, body mass index, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and adjusted urinary albumin over 6 months. Antidiabetic medication use decreased after GLP-1 RA initiation, whereas non-antidiabetic medication prescribing showed little change. Index GLP-1 RA persistence rates were 80.5%, 66.2%, and 51.6% at 6, 12, and 18 months post-index, respectively, with a median persistence until discontinuation or switch of 600 days. Persistence rates at 6, 12, and 18 months post-index, respectively, were 81.9%, 70.7%, and 65.4% for dulaglutide and 79.7%, 60.0%, and 30.4% for liraglutide.

CONCLUSION

The study shows real-world benefits of GLP-1 RA therapy for T2DM, including improvements in HbA1c, body weight, and blood lipid profile, and supports the high rates of long-term persistence previously reported with dulaglutide, the GLP-1 RA most commonly prescribed for T2DM in Japanese clinical practice.

Nutrition Management in Older Adults with Diabetes: A Review on the Importance of Shifting Prevention Strategies from Metabolic Syndrome to Frailty

The increasing prevalence of older adults with diabetes has become a major social burden. Diabetes, frailty, and cognitive dysfunction are closely related to the mechanisms of aging. Insulin resistance, arteriosclerosis, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction may be common mechanisms shared by frailty and cognitive impairment. Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, obesity, vascular factors, physical inactivity, and malnutrition are important risk factors for cognitive impairment and frailty in older adults with diabetes. The impact of nutrients on health outcomes varies with age; thus, shifting diet therapy strategies from the treatment of obesity/metabolic syndrome to frailty prevention may be necessary in patients with diabetes who are over 75 years of age, have frailty or sarcopenia, and experience malnutrition. For the prevention of frailty, optimal energy intake, sufficient protein and vitamin intake, and healthy dietary patterns should be recommended. The treatment of diabetes after middle age should include the awareness of proper glycemic control aimed at extending healthy life expectancy with proper nutrition, exercise, and social connectivity. Nutritional therapy in combination with exercise, optimal glycemic and metabolic control, and social participation/support for frailty prevention can extend healthy life expectancy and maintain quality of life in older adults with diabetes mellitus.

Trends in cardiovascular management of people with diabetes by primary healthcare nurses in Auckland, New Zealand

AIMS

The study aim was to re-examine current work practices and evaluate time trends in the cardiovascular management of people with diabetes consulted by primary healthcare nurses in New Zealand.

METHODS

Primary healthcare nurses in the Auckland region were surveyed in 2006-2008 and 2016, with about one-third of practice, home care and specialist nurses randomly selected to participate. Nurses completed a self-administered questionnaire about demographic and workplace details, and a telephone interview about clinical care provided for people with diabetes during nursing consultations. Information was collected on a representative sample of people with diabetes consulted on one randomly selected work-day in the previous week.

RESULTS

Of all people with diabetes consulted by nurses, practice nurses consulted significantly more in 2016 (83%) compared with 60% in 2006-2008, whereas specialist nurse consultations decreased from 23% to 8% (P = 0.01). In 2016, in people with diabetes, BMI was higher, and total cholesterol lower, yet the proportions of those receiving lifestyle advice (dietary and activity) remained unchanged from 2006-2008 levels. Smoking prevalence in people with diabetes was unchanged between the two surveys, although more people were asked if they wished to stop in 2016 compared with 2006-2008 (98% vs. 73%). In 2016, hours of nurses' diabetes education were associated with increased routine assessments of risk factors in people with diabetes and checking laboratory results.

CONCLUSIONS

Practice nurses are undertaking an increasing proportion of diabetes consultations. Although BMI in people with diabetes is increasing, the proportion of nurses offering lifestyle advice remains unchanged. Increasing diabetes education could strengthen the management of people with diabetes by community nurses.

Impact of Obesity on the Metabolic Control of Type 2 Diabetes: Results of the Turkish Nationwide Survey of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (TEMD Obesity Study)

BACKGROUND

Obesity is the main obstacle for metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Turkey has the highest prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Europe. The effect of obesity on the metabolic control, and the macro- and microvascular complications of patients are not apparent.

OBJECTIVES

This nationwide survey aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes and to search for the impact of obesity on the metabolic control of these patients. We also investigated the independent associates of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled patients who were under follow-up for at least 1 year in 69 tertiary healthcare units in 37 cities. The demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data including medications were recorded. Patients were excluded if they were pregnant, younger than 18 years, had decompensated liver disease, psychiatric disorders interfering with cognition or compliance, had bariatric surgery, or were undergoing renal replacement therapy.

RESULTS

Only 10% of patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 4,648) had normal body mass indexes (BMI), while the others were affected by overweight (31%) or obesity (59%). Women had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity (53.4 vs. 40%) and severe obesity (16.6 vs. 3.3%). Significant associations were present between high BMI levels and lower education levels, intake of insulin, antihypertensives and statins, poor metabolic control, or the presence of microvascular complications. Age, gender, level of education, smoking, and physical inactivity were the independent associates of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The TEMD Obesity Study shows that obesity is a major determinant of the poor metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results underline the importance of prevention and management of obesity to improve health care in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, the results point out the independent sociodemographic and clinical associates of obesity, which should be the prior targets to overcome, in the national fight with obesity.