Hypoglycaemia in Elderly Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Perception of hyper-/hypoglycemia and its related factors in type 2 diabetes: a continuous glucose monitoring-based prospective observational study

Aims

Underestimating hyper-/hypoglycemia or failure to perceive hyperglycemia hinders optimal glucose management in diabetes care. Our study investigated individuals who, while aware of their hyper-/hypoglycemia, may not perceive them as problematic. Also, we clarified the factors contributing to discrepancies between these individuals' perceptions and the objective measurements.

Materials and methods

This study was a prospective observational study comprising 284 Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes who underwent ambulatory blinded professional continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and self-administered the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ). Individuals with a time above range (TAR; > 180 mg/dL) ≥ 25% and those who answered 0 ("never") or + 1 ("almost never") for the frequency of hyperglycemia in the DTSQ were defined as having no-perception of hyperglycemia. Individuals with a time below range (TBR; < 70 mg/dL) ≥ 4% with an answer of 0 or + 1 for the frequency of hypoglycemia were labeled as having no-perception of hypoglycemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze clinical characteristics associated with the discrepancies between failure to perceive hyper-/hypoglycemia and TAR ≥ 25% or TBR ≥ 4%.

Results

Insulin-use (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29, p < 0.05) and older age (OR = 1.05, p < 0.05) were independent determinants of no-perception of hyperglycemia. Low eGFR was an independent determinant of no-perception of hypoglycemia (OR = 0.94, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

No-insulin-use, being an older adult, and renal dysfunction are linked to the discrepancy between the perception of hyper-/hypoglycemia and actual blood glucose. These results will help create personalized diabetes care.

Prevalence and factors of fear of hypoglycemia among Chinese older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

The fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has seriously affected their glycemic control and quality of life. This was a cross-sectional study to identify the disease-related characteristics, psychological and social factors of FOH in older persons with T2DM, and to explore the relationship between these factors. A total of 332 older Chinese adults diagnosed with T2DM completed the survey. Results: The mean FOH score was 33.14 ± 11.273, which was associated with age, education, frequency of hypoglycemic episodes and types of hypoglycemia. Social support and psychological resilience were negatively correlated with FOH, and the association between social support and FOH in the participants was partially mediated by psychological resilience. Conclusions: Our study highlight that medical staff should pay more attention to the mental health status of older adults with T2DM, improving mental resilience and strengthening social support can help reduce their FOH level, and thereby help them control blood glucose scientifically and improve their quality of life.

The Intersection between Frailty, Diabetes, and Hypertension: The Critical Role of Community Geriatricians and Pharmacists in Deprescribing

Background: Frailty is a clinical syndrome prevalent among the elderly, characterised by a decline in physiological reserves and increased susceptibility to stressors, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality. Diabetes and hypertension are common in frail older individuals, often leading to polypharmacy. In this narrative review, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between frailty, diabetes, and hypertension and to identify effective management strategies and future research directions. Methods: This narrative review was conducted using the Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Results: Frailty significantly impacts the management and prognosis of diabetes and hypertension, which, in turn, affects the progression of frailty. Managing these conditions often involves multiple drugs to achieve strict glycaemic control and blood pressure targets, leading to polypharmacy and associated morbidities, including orthostatic hypotension, falls, fractures, hypoglycaemia, and reduced medication adherence. Identifying frailty and implementing strategies like deprescribing can mitigate the adverse effects of polypharmacy and improve outcomes and quality of life. Despite the availability of effective tools for identifying frailty, many frail individuals continue to be exposed to complex treatment regimens for diabetes and hypertension, leading to increased hospital admissions, morbidity, and mortality. Conclusions: Managing diabetes and hypertension in the frail ageing population requires a multidisciplinary approach involving hospital and community geriatricians and pharmacists. This is important due to the lack of sufficient clinical trials dedicated to diabetes and hypertension in the context of frailty. Future large population studies are needed to assess the best approaches for managing diabetes and hypertension in frail individuals.

4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Effects of Polypharmacy in Elderly Diabetic Patients: A Review

Diabetes is a chronic condition brought on by either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or inefficient insulin utilization by the body or both. A hormone called insulin controls blood sugar. Multiple co-morbidities can arise as a result of the progressive nature of diabetes, necessitating the use of numerous medications. As one or more medications may be used to treat each ailment, the older population with multimorbidity frequently uses many medications, also known as polypharmacy. Due to polypharmacy, harmful medication interactions, and food-drug interactions can occur. Because of the numerous co-morbidities that already exist, there is an increasing tendency of prescribing polypharmacy.

Update on the management of diabetes in long-term care facilities

The number of patients with diabetes is increasing among older adults in the USA, and it is expected to reach 26.7 million by 2050. In parallel, the percentage of older patients with diabetes in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) will also rise. Currently, the majority of LTCF residents are older adults and one-third of them have diabetes. Management of diabetes in LTCF is challenging due to multiple comorbidities and altered nutrition. Few randomized clinical trials have been conducted to determine optimal treatment for diabetes management in older adults in LTCF. The geriatric populations are at risk of hypoglycemia since the majority are treated with insulin and have different levels of functionality and nutritional needs. Effective approaches to avoid hypoglycemia should be implemented in these settings to improve outcome and reduce the economic burden. Newer medication classes might carry less risk of developing hypoglycemia along with the appropriate use of technology, such as the use of continuous glucose monitoring. Practical clinical guidelines for diabetes management including recommendations for prevention and treatment of hypoglycemia are needed to appropriately implement resources in the transition of care plans in this vulnerable population.

Switching from Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) Insulin to Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in Older and Younger Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Older age and longer disease duration are key risk factors for hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who receive insulin. Previous studies have shown that insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) improves glycemic control and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia, but whether this effect is observed in older patients switching from neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin is unclear.

METHODS

In this multicenter, observational study involving patients with T2D aged ≥ 18 years with glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) ≥ 8%, we compared the safety and effectiveness of switching from NPH insulin to Gla-300 in subgroups of patients differing by age (< 65 vs. ≥ 65 years) and duration of diabetes (≤ 13 vs. > 13 years).

RESULTS

A total of 469 participants were included in the study. From baseline to 6 months after switching to Gla-300, mean HbA_1c decreased from 9.23% to 8.13% (p < 0.001) among patients aged ≤ 65 years (224 patients), and from 9.15% to 8.20% (p < 0.001) among those aged > 65 years (245 patients). The proportion of patients with ≥ 1 episodes of hypoglycemia decreased from 19.1% to 13.6% (p = 0.11) among those aged ≤ 65 years, and from 26.9% to 13.0% (p < 0.001) among those aged > 65 years; the reduction was significantly greater in those aged > 65 years (p = 0.001). The reduction in HbA_1c was greater in those with a disease duration ≤ 13 years (p = 0.007), but the reduction in hypoglycemia was greater in those with a disease duration > 13 years (p < 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

The switch from NPH insulin to Gla-300 improved glycemic control in older patients with T2D and in those with a longer disease duration. Older patients with T2D and those with a longer disease duration benefited even more from the switch to Gla-300 than younger patients and those with a shorter disease duration, with significantly greater reductions in the risk of hypoglycemia.

4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Assessment of suspected adverse drug reactions in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus based on a Portuguese spontaneous reporting database: analysis of reporting from 2008 to 2018

BACKGROUND

Age is one of the most important risk factors in the development of diabetes mellitus and certain drug classes indicated for this condition may be associated with clinically important adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of this study was to analyze the suspected ADRs in older patients with diabetes mellitus, reported to the Portuguese Pharmacovigilance System from 2008 to 2018.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of suspected ADRs reports was performed, involving patients aged ≥65 years.

RESULTS

Of a total of 751 reports collected, 439 were considered serious, 199 led to hospitalization and in 19 of them occurred a fatal outcome. Most of them were observed in females (n = 393) and involved patients belonging mainly to the age group 65-74 years (n = 405). Taking into account a total of 2134 suspected ADRs, the most frequent were hypoglycemia (2.67%) and lactic acidosis (2.62%). The drugs specifically indicated for glycemic control were the most frequently involved in ADRs.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the ADRs were reported as serious and were mainly associated to drugs in diabetes mellitus. In addition, the majority of them, such as hypoglycemia, are preventable, highlighting the importance to identify possible factors that determine this occurrence, especially in the elderly.

4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2021

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Hypoglycemia in Older Patients

Hypoglycemia is a serious problem in older patients with diabetes mellitus. This chapter discusses risk factors associated with hypoglycemia and approaches to mitigation of the risk for hypoglycemia. Specific considerations include selection of glucose lowering agents, comorbid conditions and the implications of declining cognitive dysfunction.

4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2020

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Frequency and Predisposing Factors for Drug-Induced Hypoglycemia in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:

Hypoglycemia is the most common complication of the treatment for diabetes mellitus. Various factors predispose an individual for drug-induced hypoglycemia. The aim of this study was to explore the relative frequency and likely predisposing factors for drug-induced hypoglycemia among type-2 diabetic patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional survey-based study which was conducted from February to April 2018 in two local community pharmacies in the UAE, diabetic patients underwent a structured interview on their diabetes mellitus status and management and specific open-ended questions related to hypoglycemic symptoms that they might have experienced and the occurrence of symptoms. Collected data were used to estimate the relative frequency of drug-induced hypoglycemia and to identify the probable predisposing factors and their contribution in causing hypoglycemia using relative risk, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test.

Findings:

The relative frequency of drug-induced hypoglycemia in our study was 46.25%. Patients' age of ≥65 years, duration of diabetes mellitus for more than 1 year, patients with more than one comorbid condition, and patients using more than one antidiabetic medication were predisposing for developing drug-induced hypoglycemia.

Conclusion:

The relative frequency of drug-induced hypoglycemia in a nontrial environment which lacks the special cares routinely provided in drug development clinical trials is high. We suggest that more attention should be paid to identify, prevent, and manage drug-induced hypoglycemia in type-2 diabetic patients who have more than 1 year of diabetes, more than one comorbidity, using more than one antidiabetic medication, and elderly.

Approaches to Risk Assessment Among Older Patients With Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A patient's prognosis and risk of adverse drug effects are important considerations for individualizing care of older patients with diabetes. This review summarizes the evidence for risk assessment and proposes approaches for clinicians in the context of current clinical guidelines.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diabetes guidelines vary in their recommendations for how life expectancy should be estimated and used to inform the selection of glycemic targets. Readily available prognostic tools may improve estimation of life expectancy but require validation among patients with diabetes. Treatment decisions based on prognosis are difficult for clinicians to communicate and for patients to understand. Determining hypoglycemia risk involves assessing major risk factors; models to synthesize these factors have been developed. Applying risk assessment to individualize diabetes care is complex and currently relies heavily on clinician judgment. More research is need to validate structured approaches to risk assessment and determine how to incorporate them into patient-centered diabetes care.

Efficacy and Safety of Adding Sitagliptin in Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Insulin: Age-Stratified Comparison at One Year in the ASSIST-K Study

Background

Sitagliptin, the first dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy and safety as monotherapy and as add-on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents or insulin. However, there have been few reports about sitagliptin in elderly patients. The ASSIST-K observational study was performed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving sitagliptin as add-on therapy to insulin. Changes of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body weight, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as adverse events, were investigated over 12 months in age-stratified groups.

Methods

Among outpatients with T2DM treated at member institutions of Kanagawa Physicians Association, those starting sitagliptin as add-on therapy to insulin were followed for 12 months. HbA1c (National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program), body weight, and eGFR were the efficacy endpoints, while adverse events were investigated to assess safety. Patients were stratified into three age groups (≤ 64 years, 65 - 74 years, and ≥ 75 years) for comparison of the endpoints.

Results

Among 937 patients on insulin before starting sitagliptin, 821 patients were analyzed after excluding those without HbA1c data at baseline and 12 months. The two groups of elderly patients (65 - 74 years and ≥75 years) had more complications and their HbA1c was lower at initiation of sitagliptin therapy. The dose of sitagliptin, daily number of insulin injections, and number of concomitant oral antidiabetic agents were all lower in the elderly patients. HbA1c showed a significant decrease after initiation of sitagliptin in all age groups, and there were no significant intergroup differences in the change of HbA1c at 12 months. Body weight did not change significantly in any group. eGFR decreased significantly in all groups, with no significant intergroup differences at 12 months. Regarding adverse events, there were no significant intergroup differences in the incidence of severe hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal symptoms, or constipation.

Conclusions

Despite baseline differences in demographic factors and medications, sitagliptin showed good efficacy and safety in all age groups of patients receiving it as add-on therapy to insulin during routine management of T2DM. Adding sitagliptin to insulin achieves similar efficacy and safety outcomes at 12 months in both elderly and non-elderly T2DM patients.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) fixed-ratio combination in older adults with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi (a titratable, fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine [iGlar] plus lixisenatide) in older patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis used patient-level data from patients aged ≥65 years from the phase III LixiLan-O and LixiLan-L studies, which compared iGlarLixi with iGlar and lixisenatide (LixiLan-O only). Efficacy endpoints were changes in glycated hemoglobin A1C, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, weight, and achievement of A1C <7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Safety measures included incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (defined as typical symptoms of hypoglycemia plus self-measured plasma glucose ≤70 mg/dL [3.9 mmol/L]), severe hypoglycemia (requiring assistance of another person), and incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events. Results were compared with those from patients aged <65 years.

RESULTS

In both trials, older patients treated with iGlarLixi achieved significantly greater reductions in A1C at Week 30 than comparators. Treatment with iGlarLixi mitigated insulin-associated weight gain and lixisenatide-associated gastrointestinal events. Results were largely comparable between patients aged ≥65 versus <65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

iGlarLixi provides significant improvements in glycemic control in patients aged ≥65 years without increasing hypoglycemia risk. As a once-daily injection, it simplifies treatment regimens and may contribute to improved adherence in this patient population.

4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2019

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Switching from glargine+insulin aspart to glargine+insulin aspart 30 before breakfast combined with exercise after dinner and dividing meals for the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients with poor glucose control - a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the switch from glargine+once daily insulin aspart (1 + 1 regimen) to glargine+insulin aspart 30 before breakfast combined with exercise and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with poorly controlled blood glucose levels.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with poorly controlled T2DM (n = 182) were switched from the 1 + 1 regimen to glargine+insulin aspart 30 before breakfast in combination with exercise after dinner and dividing meals in two (same final calories intake). The insulin doses were adjusted according to blood glucose levels within 4 weeks after the switch and maintained for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hpostprandial glucose (2hPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), daily insulin dose, and hypoglycemia events were assessed.

RESULTS

Sixteen weeks after the switch, 2 h PG levels and HbA1c levels (from 8.5 to 7.4%, P = 0.001) were improved. The proportions of patients reaching the HbA1c targets of 7.5% were improved (from 22.5 to 58.7%, P = 0.001). Among the 182 patients, 24 (13.2%) divided one meal into two meals, and 23 (12.6%) divided two meals into four meals. Among all patients, 8.5% had to reuse insulin aspart before dinner after the study. One patient with diarrhea and poor appetite experienced severe hypoglycemia. The rate of hypoglycemia was 3.76 events/patient-year. The daily insulin Aspart 30 dose was higher than the original insulin aspart dose (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with poorly controlled T2DM under the 1 + 1 regimen, switching to glargine+insulin aspart 30 before breakfast combined with exercise after dinner and dividing meals showed promising benefits.

Does hypoglycaemia affect the improvement in QoL after the transition to insulin in people with type 2 diabetes?

PURPOSE

Quality of Life (QoL) of insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) improves after transition to insulin. Little is known about the role of hypoglycaemia in this context. Secondary analyses of the Study of the Psychological Impact in Real care of Initiating insulin glargine Treatment (SPIRIT) aimed to investigate the relationship between hypoglycaemia and QoL when transitioning to insulin.

METHODS

Insulin-naïve Dutch people with T2DM in suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c >53 mmol/mol; 7.0%) on maximum dose of oral glucose-lowering medications were included from 363 primary care practices (n = 911). Participants started insulin glargine and completed QoL-questionnaires (WHO-5 Well-being Index (WHO-5; emotional well-being), Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey-worry scale (HFS-w; hypoglycaemia fear) and Diabetes Symptom Checklist-revised (DSC-r; diabetes symptom distress) at baseline, 3 and 6 months follow-up. Linear GEE analyses were used to investigate the association between symptomatic, nocturnal, severe hypoglycaemia (number of episodes during 3 months prior to visit) and QoL over time.

RESULTS

52.5% men participated, mean age 62.2 years (SD ± 10.92), and median HbA1c 67 mmol/mol (range 61-77) (8.3%). More symptomatic hypoglycaemic episodes were associated with higher HFS-w and DSC-r scores (P < 0.01). Experiencing multiple nocturnal or severe episodes was related to higher symptom distress as well, when compared to no episodes. These associations did not change significantly over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoglycaemia is associated with lower QoL in terms of hypoglycaemia fear and diabetes symptom distress. The transition to insulin does not affect this relationship, suggesting hypoglycaemia in itself has a detrimental effect on diabetes-related QoL independent of treatment regimen.

Glycaemic outcomes of an Individualized treatMent aPproach for oldER vulnerable patIents: A randomized, controlled stUdy in type 2 diabetes Mellitus (IMPERIUM)

AIMS

To compare the glycaemic outcomes of 2 glucose-lowering treatment strategies in vulnerable (moderately ill and/or frail) patients aged ≥65 years with type 2 diabetes whose individual HbA1c targets were not met with diet/exercise and/or oral anti-hyperglycaemic medications (OAMs).

METHODS

The primary endpoint of this study was a composite of achieving/maintaining individualized HbA1c targets without "clinically significant" hypoglycaemia (severe hypoglycaemia or repeated hypoglycaemia causing interruption of patients' activities or blood glucose <54 mg/dL). Strategy-A comprised glucose-dependent therapies (n = 99) with a non-sulphonylurea OAM and a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist as the first injectable. Strategy-B comprised non-glucose-dependent therapies (n = 93) with sulphonylurea as the preferred OAM and insulin glargine as the first injectable.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between Strategy-A and Strategy-B in percentages of patients achieving the primary endpoint (64.5% vs 54.9%; P = .190). Mean incidences (A vs B) of total (10.2% vs 53.8%), documented symptomatic (5.1% vs 36.6%), and asymptomatic (8.2% vs 32.3%) hypoglycaemia were lower for Strategy-A (P < .001 each). Proportions of patients achieving/maintaining HbA1c target (A, 63.3% vs B, 55.9%) were similar.

CONCLUSION

Similar proportions of older, vulnerable aged ≥65 years patients with type 2 diabetes achieved/maintained glycaemic treatment goals without clinically significant hypoglycaemia with Strategies A or B. However, Strategy-A resulted in lower risk of total, documented symptomatic, and asymptomatic hypoglycaemia. These results identify an approach of potential clinical benefit in this age group and will inform future clinical research in older patients with type 2 diabetes.

The GesTIO protocol experience: safety of a standardized order set for subcutaneous insulin regimen in elderly hospitalized patients

BACKGROUNDS

In non-critical hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus, guidelines suggest subcutaneous insulin therapy with basal-bolus regimen, even in old and vulnerable inpatients.

AIM

To evaluate safety, efficacy, and benefit on clinical management of the GesTIO protocol, a set of subcutaneous insulin administration rules, in old and vulnerable non-ICU inpatients.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational study. Patients admitted to Geriatric Clinic of Padua were studied. 88 patients matched the inclusion criteria: type 2 diabetes or hospital-related hyperglycemia, ≥65 years, regular measurements of capillary glycemia, and basal-bolus subcutaneous insulin regimen managed by "GesTIO protocol" for five consecutive days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

ratio of patients with blood glucose (BG) <3.9 mmol/l; number of BG per patient in target range (5-11.1 mmol/l); daily mean BG; and calls to physicians for adjusting insulin therapy.

RESULTS

Mean age was 82 ± 7 years. 9.1% patients experienced mild hypoglycaemia, and no severe hypoglycaemia was reported. The median number of BG per patients in target range increased from 2.0 ± 2 to 3.0 ± 2 (p < 0.001). The daily mean BG decreased from 11.06 ± 3.03 to 9.64 ± 2.58 mmol/l (-12.8%, p < 0.005). The mean number of calls to physicians per patient decreased from 0.83 to 0.45 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with GesTIO protocol allows a safe and effective treatment even in very old and vulnerable inpatients with a faster management insulin therapy.

Diabetes in the elderly

The prevalence of both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes increases with advancing age. The most important factors leading to hyperglycaemia are as follows: deficiency of insulin secretion developing with age, and growing insulin resistance caused by a change in body composition and sarcopaenia. Clinical features of diabetes in the elderly could be different. Diabetes in elderly people is often diagnosed with delay due to atypical symptoms (dementia, urinary incontinence) and occurrence of mainly postprandial hyperglycaemia. Elderly people are more exposed to diabetes complications, have more risk of myocardial infarction and end-stage renal disease, and are hospitalised more often due to hypoglycaemia than are younger patients. Elderly people with diabetes are a heterogeneous group with different life expectancy, concomitant of chronic diseases, and the ability to self-control blood glucose or give themselves an injection. The therapy should be individualised. Older people with long-term diabetes and numerous chronic complications need a more liberal approach to reach specific goals of therapy. Additional goals should be avoiding hypoglycaemia, safety of the therapy, and its acceptance by the patient.

Efficacy and safety analyses across 4 subgroups combining low and high age and body mass index groups in Japanese phase 3 studies of dulaglutide 0.75 mg after 26 weeks of treatment

In 855 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes receiving once weekly dulaglutide 0.75 mg in 3 phase 3 studies, the effects on efficacy and safety at week 26 (last observation carried forward) were investigated in a post hoc descriptive analysis of subgroups of age (<65 years [young], ≥65 years [elderly]) and body mass index (BMI [<25 kg/m², ≥25 kg/m²]). The 4 subgroups were as follows: 1) the young/low-BMI subgroup (Y/L) (n = 255); 2) the young/high-BMI subgroup (Y/H) (n = 386), 3) the elderly/low-BMI subgroup (E/L) (n = 137), and 4) the elderly/high-BMI subgroup (E/H) (n = 77). The mean changes from baseline in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight, respectively, were -1.69% and -0.29 kg in the Y/L subgroup; -1.48% and -0.09 kg in the Y/H subgroup; -1.68% and -0.20 kg in the E/L subgroup; and -1.72% and -0.26 kg in the E/H subgroup. The incidences of nausea and hypoglycemia, respectively, were 6.7% and 11.0% in the Y/L subgroup; 7.0% and 8.0% in the Y/H subgroup; 10.2% and 18.2% in the E/L subgroup; and 3.9% and 22.1% in the E/H subgroup. Dulaglutide improved HbA1c regardless of age or BMI; a higher incidence of hypoglycemia was observed in elderly patients compared to younger patients.

Uncertainties around incretin-based therapies: A literature review

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic debilitating and non-communicable disease. It has several long-term outcomes that are associated with various end organ damage, mainly the heart, blood vessels, eyes, nerves, and kidneys. There are different modalities of treatment of diabetes. The recent incretin-based therapies provided an innovative class of drugs including GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors. This review aims to summarize the available evidence of their effectiveness. Method: This is a narrative review. Several databases were searched. Search terms used were MeSH and keywords with different combinations of Boolean operators according to the database but were comparable. Studies included were: randomized controlled trials, cohort and case-controlled studies, health technology report, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews. Results were analysed and reported in a narrative style with emphasis on the effectiveness and adverse effects of various types of incretin based therapies. Results: 17 articles were retrieved as they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. They were heterogeneous in terms of interventions, participants, settings and outcomes. Studies varied in their quality and/or reporting of their findings conducted in several settings. There are two types of incretin: Glucose dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP) and Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1). There is no question that incretin-based glucose-lowering medications have demonstrated to be effective glucose-lowering drugs. They proved an evidence-based efficacy profile and appear to do so with significant effects to stimulate weight loss with minimal hypoglycaemia. However, there are few side effects that should not be overlooked when deciding to use such therapies. Conclusion: The findings of our review presented here, do not prove that these agents are unsafe, but it does suggest that the burden of evidence now rests with those who hope to persuade us of their safety. Continuous clinical monitoring and more research are essential to clarify the actions of GLP-1R agonists and DPP-4 on the normal and diabetic exocrine pancreas.

Utilization study of antidiabetic agents in a teaching hospital of Sikkim and adherence to current standard treatment guidelines

Objective:

Diabetes has gradually emerged as one of the most serious public health problems in our country. This underlines the need for timely disease detection and decisive therapeutic intervention. This prospective cross-sectional observational study aims at analyzing the utilization pattern of antidiabetic agents in a remote North-East Indian tertiary care teaching hospital in the perspective of current standard treatment guidelines.

Materials and Methods:

Diabetic patients receiving antidiabetic medication, both as outpatients and inpatients in our hospital over a period of 12 months (May 2013–May 2014), were included in this study. The data obtained were sorted and analyzed on the basis of gender, type of therapy, and hospital setting.

Results:

A total of 310 patients were included in the study. Metformin was the single most frequently prescribed antidiabetic agent (66.8%) followed by the sulfonylureas group (37.4%). Insulin was prescribed in 23.2% of the patients. Combination antidiabetic drug therapy (65.1%) was used more frequently than monotherapy (34.8%). The use of biguanides (P < 0.0001) and sulfonylureas (P = 0.02) in combination was significant as compared to their use as monotherapy. A total of 48% of all antidiabetic combinations used, comprised metformin and sulfonylureas (n = 96). Insulin use was significantly higher as monotherapy and in inpatients (P < 0.0001). The utilization of drugs from the National List of Essential Medicines was 51.2%, while 11% of antidiabetics were prescribed by generic name.

Conclusion:

The pattern of utilization largely conforms to the current standard treatment guidelines. Increased use of generic drugs is an area with scope for improvement.

Efficacy of hypoglycemic treatment in type 2 diabetes stratified by age or diagnosed age: a meta-analysis

AIM

To compare the effects of blood glucose lowering regimens in groups of patients categorized by baseline age and diagnosed age.

METHODS

Placebo-controlled randomized trials in type 2 diabetes patients with a study length ≥12 weeks were included.

RESULTS

A total of 246 trials were included. HbA1c changes from baseline corrected by placebo were comparable in sulfonylurea treatment between older and younger patients' groups (weighted mean difference (WMD), -1.28% vs -0.92%, p > 0.05). Treatment with metformin between groups resulted in a comparable change in HbA1c levels (WMD, -0.97% vs -1.23%, p > 0.05). Treatment with α-glucosidase inhibitor (WMD, -0.68% vs -0.67%, p > 0.05), treatment with thiazolidinedione (WMD, -0.74% vs -1.01%, p > 0.05), treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors (WMD, -0.67% vs -0.67%, p > 0.05), and treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors (WMD, -0.54% vs -0.67%, p > 0.05) between groups also resulted in comparable HbA1c changes. Treatment with GLP-1 analogs between groups in HbA1c changes were also comparable (p > 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that the baseline age or diagnosed age was not associated with the HbA1c changes from baseline.

CONCLUSION

In each hypoglycemic treatment, the baseline age or diagnosed age was not associated with the HbA1c changes from baseline.

Polypharmacy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes receiving oral antidiabetic treatment

AIM

Polypharmacy in older diabetics can have detrimental effects linked to poor adherence and the risk of drug interaction or more serious/frequent side effects. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics associated with polypharmacy in a cohort of elderly diabetic patients being treated with oral hypoglycemic agents.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 1342 diabetic patients consecutively enrolled in 57 diabetes centers in Italy participating in the METABOLIC Study. Patients meeting the following inclusion criteria were enrolled: diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, age ≥65 years, and receiving oral antidiabetic treatment. Data concerning diabetes duration and complications, the medications the patients were taking, and the number of hypoglycemic events were registered. Multidimensional impairment was assessed using the Multidimensional Prognostic Index.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 73.3 ± 5.5 years. Polypharmacy, defined as being prescribed contemporaneously at least five drugs, was found in 57.1 % of the study population. According to a multivariable logistic model, the female gender was significantly associated with polypharmacy, as were living in Northern Italian regions, diabetes duration longer than 4 years, and having a body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2). Comorbidities, diabetes complications, a better cognitive performance on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, and being malnourished/at risk of malnourishment according to the mini nutritional assessment were associated with polypharmacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Polypharmacy, a condition that may lead to many potential detrimental outcomes in older diabetic subjects, was significantly associated with some risk factors that may be useful to identify subjects at risk.

Review of Hypoglycemia in the Older Adult: Clinical Implications and Management

The aging of the population is a worldwide phenomenon. The prevalence of diabetes rises with increasing age, so the personal and financial costs of diabetes in the aging population have become significant burdens. In 2012, 104 billion (59%) of the estimated $176 billion in United States healthcare expenditures attributable to diabetes were utilized by patients older than 65 years of age [American Diabetes Association (1)]. With improvement in diabetes management and better glycemic control in the general population, there is an increase in the prevalence of hypoglycemia, which is the complication of the treatment of diabetes. Older adults with diabetes have a higher risk for hypoglycemia due to altered adaptive physiologic responses to low glucose levels. These patients also have comorbidities, such as cognitive and functional loss, that interfere with prompt identification and/or appropriate treatment of hypoglycemia. Older adults who suffer from hypoglycemia also have increased risk for falls, fall-related fractures, seizures and comas and exacerbation of chronic conditions, such as cognitive dysfunction and cardiac events. Thus, hypoglycemia in the older adult must be proactively avoided to decrease significant morbidity and mortality. Education of the patients and caregivers is important in prevention and treatment of hypoglycemia. In this article, we discuss the important aspects and unique challenges pertaining to hypoglycemia in older population. We also highlight the risks, consequences and prevention and management strategies for hypoglycemia that can be used by healthcare providers caring for older populations.

Tighter glycemic control is associated with ADL physical dependency losses in older patients using sulfonylureas or mitiglinides: Results from the DIMORA study

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence that tight glycemic control may be more harmful than beneficial in older persons with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It remains controversial if tight glycemic control (lower glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1c)) is associated with functional impairments in older frail patients with T2DM. We explored associations between A1c and losses in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in diabetic nursing home (NH) patients and tested for differences according to anti-diabetic treatment: diet, anti-diabetic oral drug (AOD), insulin, combined insulin+AOD.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1845 older NH patients with T2DM from 150 sites across Italy. Complete evaluations on ADLs, glycemic control, anti-diabetic treatments, comorbidities, and clinical data were recorded. ANOVA was applied to compare clinical characteristics across A1c tertiles. Multivariate regression models evaluated associations between A1c and ADL losses.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age [SD]=82 [8] years; BMI=25.5 kg/m(2) [4.7]; Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)=7.4 [3.0] mmol/l; Post-prandial glucose (PPG)=10.3 [3.6] mmol/l; A1c=7.0% (54 mmol/mol), ADL losses=3.7 [1.8]. Compared to higher A1c tertiles, patients in the lower tertile had greater ADL losses, were more likely to use AODs, while less likely to use insulin or insulin+AOD. After adjusting for multiple confounders, impairments in ADLs were associated with tighter A1c levels (B=-0.014; p=0.002). Regression models according to anti-diabetic treatment showed that tighter A1c levels continued as independent determinants of ADL losses in patients using AODs (B=-0.023; p=0.001), particularly in those using sulfonylureas (B=-0.043; p<0.001) or mitiglinides (B=-0.044; p=0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Tighter glycemic control was associated with ADL physical dependency losses, especially in those using sulfonylureas and mitiglinides.

Complementary glucagonostatic and insulinotropic effects of DPP-4 inhibitors in the glucose-lowering action in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have a low risk of causing hypoglycemia as monotherapy. However, insulin administration is frequently required, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes and with reduced insulin secretory capacity. The effects of adding DPP-4 inhibitors were evaluated using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who were insufficiently controlled by basal insulin with biguanide. The effects of adding DPP-4 inhibitors on blood glucose and plasma insulin and glucagon levels were evaluated. Δ glucagon showed a significant association with post-prandial glucose increase in the group with diminished insulin secretory capacity, C-peptide index (CPI) <0.8 (p = 0.016), while Δ C-peptide reached significant association in the group with relatively intact insulin secretory capacity, CPI ≥0.8 (p = 0.017). The mean plasma glucose levels and M values were similarly improved in patients treated with the three DPP-4 inhibitors. Hypoglycemia did not occur in any of the DPP-4 inhibitor groups. In conclusion, complementary glucagonostatic and insulinotropic effects of adding DPP-4 inhibitors are involved in the glucose-lowering action of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes according to their insulin secretory capacity. Such combination therapy may well be a superior therapeutic option for the treatment of diabetes in Japanese patients who often exhibit reduced insulin secretory capacity.

Two-year assessment of the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: Post hoc analysis of the ASSET-K study

BACKGROUND

There have only been a few reports about use of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), suggesting that the safety of these agents has not been sufficiently demonstrated. We performed a comparative review of the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin for Japanese patients with T2DM managed in the real-world clinical setting.

METHODS

An age-stratified analysis was performed of 831 patients who were treated with sitagliptin for 2 years. Parameters assessed included the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body weight, serum creatinine, and adverse events. HbA1c and the incidence of hypoglycemia were also evaluated in patients treated with sitagliptin and a sulfonylurea (SU), who were divided into three age groups (<65 years, 65-74 years, and ≥75 years).

RESULTS

Comparison of glycemic control parameters, laboratory values, and adverse events revealed significant improvement of HbA1c, casual postprandial plasma glucose, and fasting plasma glucose in each age group with no change in body weight. Serum creatinine increased significantly in all age groups. Hypoglycemia only occurred in patients who received combined treatment with an SU and sitagliptin, and there was no age-related difference in its incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c was improved by 2 years of sitagliptin therapy in all three age groups, and age did not seem to influence the incidence of hypoglycemic events. These results confirm the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in patients ≥ 75 years old, suggesting that it is also useful for treating elderly patients with T2DM.

Diabetes in older people: new insights and remaining challenges

Diabetes in ageing communities imposes a substantial personal and public health burden by virtue of its high prevalence, its capacity to cause disabling vascular complications, the emergence of new non-vascular complications, and the effects of frailty. In this Review, we examine the current state of knowledge about diabetes in older people (aged ≥ 75 years) and discuss how recognition of the effect of frailty and disability is beginning to lead to new management approaches. A multidimensional and multidisciplinary assessment process is essential to obtain information on medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities, and also on how impairments of these functions could limit activities. Major aims of diabetes care include maintenance of independence, functional status, and quality of life by reduction of symptom and medicine burden, and active identification of risks. Linking of therapeutic targets to individual functional status is mandatory and very tight glucose control is often not necessary. Hypoglycaemia remains an important avoidable iatrogenic event. Quality diabetes care in older people remains an important challenge for health professionals.

Hypoglycemia in older people - a less well recognized risk factor for frailty

Recurrent hypoglycemia is common in older people with diabetes and is likely to be less recognized and under reported by patients and health care professionals. Hypoglycemia in this age group is associated with significant morbidities leading to both physical and cognitive dysfunction. Repeated hospital admissions due to frequent hypoglycemia are also associated with further deterioration in patients' general health. This negative impact of hypoglycemia is likely to eventually lead to frailty, disability and poor outcomes. It appears that the relationship between hypoglycemia and frailty is bidirectional and mediated through a series of influences including under nutrition. Therefore, attention should be paid to the management of under nutrition in the general elderly population by improving energy intake and maintaining muscle mass. Increasing physical activity and having a more conservative approach to glycemic targets in frail older people with diabetes may be worthwhile.

Association between hypoglycemia and fall-related events in type 2 diabetes mellitus: analysis of a U.S. commercial database

BACKGROUND

Hypoglycemia is a major barrier to achieving optimal glycemic control and managing diabetes successfully in patients with diabetes. Falls are the most significant consequences caused by hypoglycemia episodes. Both hypoglycemia and falls lead to substantial economic burden on the health care system in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of hypoglycemia with fall-related outcomes in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Records were obtained for T2DM patients (N = 1,147,937) from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011. The nonhypoglycemia patients were randomly matched 1:1 by age and gender to the hypoglycemia patients. Fall-related events (composite of fall-related outcomes) were defined using ICD-9-CM codes. Conditional logistic regression models were used to compare the fall-related events within 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and 365 days between the 2 cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 21,613 hypoglycemia patients were matched with 21,613 nonhypoglycemic patients. Patients with hypoglycemia had higher fall-related events within 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and 365 days (P  less than  0.001 for all frequency differences). Conditional logistic regression analyses showed an elevated risk for fall-related events over 365 days (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.70-2.24). Subgroup analysis showed elevated risk for patients aged less than  75 years and ≥ 75 years. Elevated risks were also seen for individual fall-related outcomes of fractures, head injuries, long-term care placement, and hospital admissions.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of fall-related events over 365 days increased 2-fold among elderly patients with diabetes who experienced hypoglycemia.

Potential glycemic overtreatment in patients ≥75 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal disease: experience from the observational OREDIA study

BACKGROUND

Few data exist examining the management of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal impairment (RI). This observational study assessed the therapeutic management of this fragile population.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study: data from 980 diabetic patients ≥75 years with renal disease are presented.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age of 81 years (range 75-101) with long-standing diabetes (15.4 years) often complicated (half with macrovascular disease). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 43 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and 20% had severe RI. Mean hemoglobin A1c was 7.4%. Anti-diabetic therapy was oral based for 51% of patients (60% ≥2 oral anti-diabetic drugs [OAD]) and insulin based for 49% (combined with OAD in 59%). OAD included metformin (47%), sulfonylureas (26%), glinides (19%), and DPP-4 inhibitors (31%). Treatments were adjusted to increasing RI, with less use of metformin, sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors, and more glinides and insulin in severe RI. In all, 579 (60%) of these elderly patients with comorbidities had hemoglobin A1c <7.5% (mean 6.7%) while being intensively treated: 69% under insulin-secretagogues and/or insulin, putting them at high risk for severe hypoglycemia. Only one-fourth were under oral monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

In clinical practice, a substantial proportion of elderly patients may be overtreated. RI is insufficiently taken into account when prescribing OAD.

Assessment of Insulin Administration Methods: Perceptions by Patients and Significant Others Instrument Development

Background and Purpose: To develop, test, and establish the validity and reliability of 4 instruments to evaluate perceptions of paired patients and patient-identified significant others to assess the impact of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and multiple daily insulin injections (MDII) on diabetes management and lifestyle. Methods: Sociotechnical systems theory and the life patterns model framed the study. Four parallel survey instruments (patient CSII and MDII and significant other CSII and MDII) were developed to elicit demographic information and perceptions concerning CSII and MDII. Results: Validity and reliability were established. Conclusions: The instruments developed for this study could be adapted or used as templates in management approach impact studies of other chronic diseases. The study should be replicated with a different geographic sample.

Achieving glycemic control in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: a critical comparison of current options

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in the elderly. Because of the unique characteristics of elderly people with T2DM, therapeutic strategy and focus should be tailored to suit this population. This article reviews the guidelines and studies related to older people with T2DM worldwide. A few important themes are generalized: 1) the functional and cognitive status is critical for older people with T2DM considering their life expectancy compared to younger counterparts; 2) both severe hypoglycemia and persistent hyperglycemia are deleterious to older adults with T2DM, and both conditions should be avoided when determining therapeutic goals; 3) recently developed guidelines emphasize the avoidance of hypoglycemic episodes in older people, even in the absence of symptoms. In addition, we raise the concern of glycemic variability, and discuss the rationale for the selection of current options in managing this patient population.

Recommendations to prescribe in complex older adults: results of the CRIteria to assess appropriate Medication use among Elderly complex patients (CRIME) project

The occurrence of several geriatric conditions may influence the efficacy and limit the use of drugs prescribed to treat chronic conditions. Functional and cognitive impairment, geriatric syndromes (i.e. falls or malnutrition) and limited life expectancy are common features of old age, which may limit the efficacy of pharmacological treatments and question the appropriateness of treatment. However, the assessment of these geriatric conditions is rarely incorporated into clinical trials and treatment guidelines. The CRIME (CRIteria to assess appropriate Medication use among Elderly complex patients) project is aimed at producing recommendations to guide pharmacologic prescription in older complex patients with a limited life expectancy, functional and cognitive impairment, and geriatric syndromes, and providing physicians with a tool to improve the quality of prescribing, independent of setting and nationality. To achieve these aims, we performed the following: (i) Existing disease-specific guidelines on pharmacological prescription for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease were reviewed to assess whether they include specific indications for complex patients; (ii) a literature search was performed to identify relevant articles assessing the pharmacological treatment of complex patients; (iii) A total of 19 new recommendations were developed based on the results of the literature search and expert consensus. In conclusion, the new recommendations evaluate the appropriateness of pharmacological prescription in older complex patients, translating the recommendations of clinical guidelines to patients with a limited life expectancy, functional and cognitive impairment, and geriatric syndromes. These recommendations cannot represent substitutes for careful clinical consideration and deliberation by physicians; the recommendations are not meant to replace existing clinical guidelines, but they may be used to help physicians in the prescribing process.

Predictors of hypoglycaemia in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients in primary care: a retrospective database analysis

AIMS

To investigate the frequency and predictors (diabetes care and treatment, comorbidity) of documented hypoglycaemia in primary care patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Data from 32,545 patients (mean age: 70 (SD 11) years, 50.3% males) from 1072 practices were retrospectively analyzed (Disease Analyzer database Germany: 09/2011-08/2012). Logistic regression (≥1 documented hypoglyemia) was used to adjust for confounders (age, sex, practice characteristics, diabetes treatment regimen).

RESULTS

The prevalence of patients (12 months) with at least one reported hypoglycaemia was 2.2% (95% CI: 2.0-2.4%). The adjusted odds of having hypoglycemia were increased for renal failure (OR; 95% CI: 1.26; 1.16-1.37), autonomic neuropathy (1.34; 1.20-1.49), and adrenocortical insufficiency (3.08; 1.35-7.05). Patients with mental disorders including dementia (1.49; 1.31-1.69), depression (1.24; 1.13-1.35), anxiety (1.18; 1.01-1.37), and affective disorders (1.80; 1.36-2.38) also showed an increased odds of having hypoglycemia. Location of the practice in an urban area was associated with a lower odds ratio (0.74; 0.68-0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Both individual patient characteristics (e.g. comorbidity) and regional factors (practice location) have a substantial impact on hypoglycaemia in primary care patients with insulin therapy.

Recent advances with insulin degludec for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes has been referred to as the global epidemic of the 21st century, and is associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality. Estimates suggest that over 50% of people with Type 2 diabetes will at some point need insulin injections to help treat their diabetes. Once daily insulin injections are being increasingly used to initiate insulin in people with Type 2 diabetes and the development of novel, safe, once daily basal insulins with low rates of hypoglycaemia are important to help achieve internationally recommended glycaemic targets for individual patients. Insulin degludec is a novel once daily basal insulin analogue that has been developed for use in people with Type 2 diabetes. A comprehensive drug development program suggests that it can achieve comparable glycaemic control to existing basal insulins but with reduced rates of hypoglycaemia.

Nursing home patients with diabetes: prevalence, drug treatment and glycemic control

AIMS

Determine prevalence of diabetes, and describe use of blood glucose lowering (BGL) drugs and glycemic control in Norwegian nursing homes.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study we collected details of BGL drugs, capillary blood glucose measurements (CBGM) in the last four weeks and HbA1c measurements in the last 12 months from the medical records of patients with diabetes, within a population of 742 long-term care patients from 19 randomly selected nursing homes in Western Norway. Descriptive statistics were applied, and Pearson's chi-squared (P≤0.05) or non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals were interpreted as significant effects.

RESULTS

116 patients (16%) had diabetes, 100 of these gave informed consent and medical data were available. BGL treatment was as follows: (1) insulin only (32%), (2) insulin and oral antidiabetics (OADs) (15%), (3) OADs only (27%) and (4) no drugs (26%). Patients with cognitive impairment were less likely to receive medical treatment (P=0.04). CBGM and HbA1c measurements were performed for 73% and 77% of patients, respectively. Mean HbA1c was 7.3% (57 mmol/mol), 46% of patients had an HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol), and CBGM consistent with risk of hypoglycemia was found for 60% of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of diabetes and BGL treatment in Norwegian nursing homes is comparable to other European countries. Although special care seems to be taken when choosing treatment for patients with cognitive impairment, there are signs of overtreatment in the population as a whole. The strict glycemic control unveiled may negatively affect these frail patients' quality of life and increase the risk of early death.

Efficacy of treatment for hyperglycemic crisis in elderly diabetic patients in a day hospital

Background

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to compare the costs of day hospital (DH) care for hyperglycemic crisis in elderly diabetic patients with those of conventional hospitalization (CH). Secondary objectives were to compare these two clinical scenarios in terms of glycemic control, number of emergency and outpatient visits, readmissions, hypoglycemic episodes, and nosocomial morbidity.

Methods

The study population comprised diabetic patients aged >74 years consecutively admitted to a tertiary teaching hospital in Spain for hyperglycemic crisis (sustained hyperglycemia [>300 mg/dL] for at least 3 days with or without ketosis). The patients were assigned to DH or CH care according to time of admission and were followed for 6 months after discharge. Exclusion criteria were ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar crisis, hemodynamic instability, severe intercurrent illness, social deprivation, or Katz index >D.

Results

Sixty-four diabetic patients on DH care and 36 on CH care were included, with no differences in baseline characteristics. The average cost per patient was 1,345.1±793.6 € in the DH group and 2,212.4±982.5 € in the CH group (P<0.001). There were no differences in number of subjects with mild hypoglycemia during follow-up (45.3% DH versus 33.3% CH, P=0.24), nor in the percentage of patients achieving a glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) <8% (67.2% DH versus 58.3% CH, P=0.375). Readmissions for hyperglycemic crisis and pressure ulcer rates were significantly higher in the CH group.

Conclusion

DH care for hyperglycemic crises is more cost-effective than CH care, with a net saving of 1,418.4 € per case, lower number of readmissions and pressure ulcer rates, and similar short-term glycemic control and hypoglycemia rates.

Patient safety and minimizing risk with insulin administration - role of insulin degludec

Diabetes is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing medical care and patient self-management. Exogenous insulin therapy is essential in type 1 diabetes and becomes a necessity in patients with longstanding type 2 diabetes who fail to achieve optimal control with lifestyle modification, oral agents, and glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapy. One of the risks that hinders insulin use is hypoglycemia. Optimal insulin therapy should therefore minimize the risk of hypoglycemia while improving glycemic control. Insulin degludec (IDeg) is a novel basal insulin that, following subcutaneous injection, assembles into a depot of soluble multihexamer chains. These subsequently release IDeg monomers that are absorbed at a slow and steady rate into the circulation, with the terminal half-life of IDeg being ~25 hours. Thus, it requires only once-daily dosing unlike other basal insulin preparations that often require twice-daily dosing. Despite its long half-life, once-daily IDeg does not cause accumulation of insulin in the circulation after reaching steady state. IDeg once a day will produce a steady-state profile with a lower peak:trough ratio than other basal insulins. In clinical trials, this profile translates into a lower frequency of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared with insulin glargine, as well as an ability to allow some flexibility in dose timing without compromising efficacy and safety. Indeed, a study that tested the extremes of dosing intervals of 8 and 40 hours showed no detriment in either glycemic control or hypoglycemic frequency versus insulin glargine given at the same time each day. While extreme flexibility in dose timing is not recommended, these findings are reassuring. This may be particularly beneficial to elderly patients, patients with learning difficulties, or others who have to rely on health-care professionals for their daily insulin injections. Further studies are required to confirm whether this might benefit adherence to treatment, reduce long-term hypoglycemia or reduce diabetes-related complications.

Optimal therapy of type 2 diabetes: a controversial challenge

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic disorders in older adults and the number of elderly diabetic subjects is growing worldwide. Nonetheless, the diagnosis of T2DM in elderly population is often missed or delayed until an acute metabolic emergency occurs. Accumulating evidence suggests that both aging and environmental factors contribute to the high prevalence of diabetes in the elderly. Clinical management of T2DM in elderly subjects presents unique challenges because of the multifaceted geriatric scenario. Diabetes significantly lowers the chances of "successful" aging, notably it increases functional limitations and impairs quality of life. In this regard, older diabetic patients have a high burden of comorbidities, diabetes-related complications, physical disability, cognitive impairment and malnutrition, and they are more susceptible to the complications of dysglycemia and polypharmacy. Several national and international organizations have delivered guidelines to implement optimal therapy in older diabetic patients based on individualized treatment goals. This means appreciation of the heterogeneity of the disease as generated by life expectancy, functional reserve, social support, as well as personal preference. This paper will review current treatments for achieving glycemic targets in elderly diabetic patients, and discuss the potential role of emerging treatments in this patient population.

Hypoglycemia is independently associated with multidimensional impairment in elderly diabetic patients

Aim. To identify the characteristics associated with multidimensional impairment, evaluated through the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), a validated predictive tool for mortality derived from a standardized Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), in a cohort of elderly diabetic patients treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Methods and Results. The study population consisted of 1342 diabetic patients consecutively enrolled in 57 diabetes centers distributed throughout Italy, within the Metabolic Study. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), 65 years old or over, and treatment with oral antidiabetic medications. Data concerning DM duration, medications for DM taken during the 3-month period before inclusion in the study, number of hypoglycemic events, and complications of DM were collected. Multidimensional impairment was assessed using the MPI evaluating functional, cognitive, and nutritional status; risk of pressure sores; comorbidity; number of drugs taken; and cohabitation status. The mean age of participants was 73.3 ± 5.5 years, and the mean MPI score was 0.22 ± 0.13. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age, female gender, hypoglycemic events, and hospitalization for glycemic decompensation were independently associated with a worse MPI score. Conclusion. Stratification of elderly diabetic patients using the MPI might help to identify those patients at highest risk who need better-tailored treatment.

The older patient with diabetes: a practical approach

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is very prevalent among persons aged 60-80 years old. This population is expected to increase in number and is characterized by the presence of comorbidities, long standing diabetes, frailty, high rate of cognitive impairment and limited life expectancy. These characteristics have a significant impact on diabetes and treatment among the elderly, much as diabetes predisposes to these conditions. In this article we will describe mechanisms that may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes among the elderly and also how these conditions contribute to the development of frailty and cognitive impairment. Hypoglycemia and it's consequences are important considerations when planning the treatment of diabetes. Treatment options in light of new goals and the danger of hypoglycemia will be detailed.

Experience with vildagliptin in patients ≥75 years with type 2 diabetes and moderate or severe renal impairment

INTRODUCTION

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are at increased risk for renal impairment (RI) and, in addition, there is an age-related decline in renal function. At the same time, T2DM treatment is more complex and treatment options are more limited in elderly patients as well as patients with RI, with the patient population ≥75 years with moderate or severe RI posing unique challenges, in particular, the high risk and more severe consequences of hypoglycemia. It was, therefore, of interest to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor vildagliptin in patients with T2DM ≥75 years who also have moderate or severe RI.

METHODS

In this sub-analysis of data derived from a previously described randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, 24-week study, 105 patients (50 randomized to vildagliptin 50 mg qd and 55 to placebo) ≥75 years (mean age ~78 years) with T2DM and moderate or severe RI (mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate ~35 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) were included.

RESULTS

The adjusted mean change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with vildagliptin was -1.0% from a baseline of 7.8% (between-group difference -0.8%; p < 0.001). This improvement in glycemic control was not associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia; the rate of confirmed hypoglycemia was 0.49 events per patient-year with vildagliptin and 0.96 events per patient-year with placebo (not significant). Weight remained stable with vildagliptin treatment. Adverse events (AEs) (58.0% vs. 72.7%), serious AEs (14.0% vs. 16.4%), discontinuations due to AEs (4.0% vs. 9.1%) and deaths (0% vs. 5.5%) were reported at a comparable or lower frequency in patients receiving vildagliptin versus patients receiving placebo.

CONCLUSION

In this uniquely fragile elderly population ≥75 years with T2DM and moderate or severe RI, vildagliptin was well tolerated and efficacious, with no increase in the rate of hypoglycemia compared to placebo despite the marked improvement in glycemic control.