Diabetes and Its Complications: Therapies Available, Anticipated and Aspired

The prognostic impact of insulin resistance surrogates in patients with acute myocardial infarction with and without type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Novel markers of insulin resistance and progression of atherosclerosis include the triglycerides and glucose index (TyG index), the triglycerides and body mass index (Tyg-BMI) and the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR). Establishing independent risk factors for in-hospital death and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) remains critical. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of in-hospital death and MACCE within 12 months after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients with and without T2DM based on TyG index, Tyg-BMI and METS-IR.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis included 1706 patients with STEMI and NSTEMI hospitalized between 2013 and 2021. We analyzed prognostic value of TyG index, Tyg-BMI and METS-IR for in-hospital death and MACCE as its components (death from any cause, MI, stroke, revascularization) within 12 months after STEMI or NSTEMI in patients with and without T2DM.

RESULTS

Of 1706 patients, 58 in-hospital deaths were reported (29 patients [4.3%] in the group with T2DM and 29 patients [2.8%] in the group without T2DM; p = 0.1). MACCE occurred in 18.9% of the total study population (25.8% in the group with T2DM and 14.4% in the group without T2DM; p < 0.001). TyG index, Tyg-BMI and METS-IR were significantly higher in the group of patients with T2DM compared to those without T2DM (p < 0.001). Long-term MACCE were more prevalent in patients with T2DM (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) for the prediction of in-hospital death and the TyG index was 0.69 (p < 0.001). The ROC curve for predicting in-hospital death based on METS-IR was 0.682 (p < 0.001). The AUC-ROC values for MACCE prediction based on the TyG index and METS-IR were 0.582 (p < 0.001) and 0.57 (p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TyG index was an independent risk factor for in-hospital death in patients with STEMI or NSTEMI. TyG index, TyG-BMI and METS-IR were not independent risk factors for MACCE at 12 month follow-up. TyG index and METS-IR have low predictive value in predicting MACCE within 12 months after STEMI and NSTEMI.

Advances in secondary prevention mechanisms of macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a comprehensive review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant global health burden. This is particularly due to its macrovascular complications, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease, which have emerged as leading contributors to morbidity and mortality. This review comprehensively explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these complications, protective strategies, and both existing and emerging secondary preventive measures. Furthermore, we delve into the applications of experimental models and methodologies in foundational research while also highlighting current research limitations and future directions. Specifically, we focus on the literature published post-2020 concerning the secondary prevention of macrovascular complications in patients with T2DM by conducting a targeted review of studies supported by robust evidence to offer a holistic perspective.

Recent therapeutic targets for the prevention and management of diabetic complications

Diabetes and associated complications represent major global public health issues which are associated with impaired quality of life and premature death. Although some diabetic complications have decreased in the developed world, the majority are still prevalent, with an increasing trend in the developing world. Currently used therapies are mainly 'glucocentric', focusing on the optimization of glycemic control to prevent, delay or manage diabetes-associated complications- other common comorbidities, such as dyslipidemia and hypertension are often underestimated. Although a number of novel therapeutic approaches have been reported recently, some of them have not received comparable attention in relation to either further studies or potential clinical implementation. This editorial briefly discusses some recent therapeutic approaches to the prevention and management of diabetes and its associated complications, as well as potential directions for future research and development in this area.