Oscillating glucose is more deleterious to endothelial function and oxidative stress than mean glucose in normal and type 2 diabetic patients

Prognostic value of glycemic gap in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction-associated acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) is a common phenomenon in acute myocardial infarction and is associated with poor prognosis. The relationship between glycemic gap (GG), a marker of SIH, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-associated acute kidney injury (STAAKI) remains unclear. This study aims to explore the predictive value of GG for the risk of STAAKI after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in STEMI patients.

METHODS

This study retrospectively selected patients diagnosed with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with STAAKI. To examine the dose-response relationship between GG and STAAKI, restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed. The predictive accuracy of the models was assessed using Delong test, net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

RESULTS

This study included 595 patients, the incidence of STAAKI was 9.2%. Multivariate logistic regression showed LVEF (OR per 1% increase = 0.931, 95% CI: 0.895 ~ 0.969), NT-proBNP (OR per 1 pg/mL increase = 1.579, 95% CI: 1.212 ~ 2.057), and GG (OR per 1 mmol/L increase = 1.379, 95% CI: 1.223 ~ 1.554) as independent predictors of STAAKI. RCS analysis indicated a linear dose-response relationship between GG and STAAKI. After integrating GG, the new model could significantly improve the risk model for STAAKI (Z = 2.77, NRI = 0.780, and IDI = 0.095; All P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

GG is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of STAAKI after PCI in STEMI patients, and integrating GG can significantly improve risk modeling regarding STAAKI.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Combined assessment of stress hyperglycemia ratio and glycemic variability to predict all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases across different glucose metabolic states: an observational cohort study with machine learning

BACKGROUND

Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and glycemic variability (GV) reflect acute glucose elevation and fluctuations, which correlate with adverse outcomes in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the prognostic significance of combined SHR-GV evaluation for ASCVD mortality remains unclear. This study examines associations of SHR, GV, and their synergistic effects with mortality in patients with ASCVD across different glucose metabolic states, incorporating machine learning (ML) to identify critical risk factors influencing mortality.

METHODS

Patients with ASCVD were screened in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database and stratified into normal glucose regulation (NGR), pre-diabetes mellitus (Pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus (DM) groups based on glucose metabolic status. The primary endpoint was 28-day mortality, with 90-day mortality as the secondary outcome. SHR and GV levels were categorized into tertiles. Associations with mortality were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier(KM) curves, Cox proportional hazards models, restricted cubic splines (RCS), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, landmark analyses, and subgroup analyses. Five ML algorithms were employed for mortality risk prediction, with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) applied to identify critical predictors.

RESULTS

A total of 2807 patients were included, with a median age of 71 years, and 58.78% were male. Overall, 483 (23.14%) and 608 (29.13%) patients died within 28 and 90 days of ICU admission, respectively. In NGR and Pre-DM subgroups, combined SHR-GV assessment demonstrated superior predictive performance for 28-day mortality versus SHR alone [NGR: AUC 0.688 (0.636-0.739) vs. 0.623 (0.568-0.679), P = 0.028; Pre-DM: 0.712 (0.659-0.764) vs. 0.639 (0.582-0.696), P = 0.102] and GV alone [NGR: 0.688 vs. 0.578 (0.524-0.633), P < 0.001; Pre-DM: 0.712 vs. 0.593 (0.524-0.652), P < 0.001]. Consistent findings were observed for 90-day mortality prediction. However, in the DM subgroup, combined assessment improved prediction only for 90-day mortality vs. SHR alone [AUC 0.578 (0.541-0.616) vs. 0.560 (0.520-0.599), P = 0.027], without significant advantages in other comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined SHR and GV assessment serves as a critical prognostic tool for ASCVD mortality, providing enhanced predictive accuracy compared to individual metrics, particularly in NGR and Pre-DM patients. This integrated approach could inform personalized glycemic management strategies, potentially improving clinical outcomes.

Association between stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and long-term mortality in patients with ischemic stroke: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) at the time of admission has been linked to short-term adverse outcomes in patients suffering from ischemic stroke (IS). However, the connection between SHR and long-term mortality in cases of IS has yet to be investigated. This study aimed to elucidate the connection between SHR and long-term mortality in IS patients, while also investigating the impact of stratification status on this relationship.

METHODS

Data regarding IS patients were extracted from our medical institution's undisclosed internal stroke database, spanning from January 2016 to December 2023. Participants were classified into three groups according to the tertiles of continuous SHR. The primary outcome centered on all-cause mortality over a six-year period, whereas the secondary outcome focused on in-hospital all-cause mortality. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to assess the connection between SHR and mortality rates. To further investigate the nature of this relationship, a restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was performed to determine its linearity, and an iterative algorithm was employed to pinpoint the inflection points. Variations among the strata were depicted in a subgroup forest plot. The prognostic ability of SHR concerning mortality risk was illustrated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Among the 4330 participants, the mean age was 69.3 ± 13.4 years, with 2805 individuals (64.8%) identified as male. SHR was linked to a heightened risk of all-cause mortality at the six-year follow-up (HR 1.605, 95% CI 1.099-2.345) and during hospitalization (HR 3.698, 95% CI 1.950-7.014) (P < 0.05). The RCS analysis uncovered a "U-shaped" nonlinear relationship between SHR and six-year all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses revealed that, among the non-diabetic cohort, patients devoid of atrial fibrillation, and those who had not undergone endovascular treatment, both low and high SHR significantly elevated the six-year mortality risk compared to moderate SHR.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that SHR is correlated with a heightened risk of six-year and in-hospital all-cause mortality in IS patients. A U-shaped nonlinear association is observed between SHR and six-year all-cause mortality. Therefore, SHR could potentially act as a significant predictor for adverse long-term outcomes in IS patients, thereby facilitating clinical decision-making and risk evaluation.

Association of stress hyperglycemia ratio with short-term and long-term prognosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting across different glucose metabolism states: a large-scale cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is recognized as a reliable indicator of acute hyperglycemia during stress. Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are at high risk of stress hyperglycemia, but little attention has been paid to this population. This study is the first to investigate the association between SHR and both short-term and long-term prognosis in CABG patients, with a further exploration of the impact of SHR across different glucose metabolic states.

METHODS

A total of 18,307 patients undergoing isolated CABG were consecutively enrolled and categorized into three groups based on SHR tertiles. The perioperative outcome was defined as a composite of in-hospital death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and reoperation during hospitalization. The long-term outcome was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Restricted cubic spline and logistic regression linked SHR to perioperative risks. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the relationship with long-term prognosis. Subgroup analyses were further conducted based on different glucose metabolic states.

RESULTS

A U-shaped association was observed between SHR and perioperative outcome in the overall population (P for nonlinear < 0.001). As SHR increased, the risk of perioperative events initially decreased (OR per SD: 0.87, 95% CI 0.79-0.97, P = 0.013) and then elevated (OR per SD: 1.16, 95% CI 1.04-1.28, P =  0.004), with an inflection point at 0.79. A similar U-shaped pattern was identified in patients with normal glucose regulation. Among those with prediabetes, the association was J-shaped, while in patients with diabetes, the association became nonsignificant when SHR exceeded 0.76. Adding SHR to the existing risk model improved the predictive performance for perioperative outcomes in the overall population (AUC: 0.720 → 0.752, P < 0.001; NRI: 0.036, P =  0.003; IDI: 0.015, P < 0.001). For long-term outcomes, the risk of events was monotonically elevated with increasing SHR, regardless of glucose metabolic status. The third tertile showed a 10.7% greater risk of MACCEs (HR: 1.107, 95% CI 1.023-1.231, P =  0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

SHR was significantly associated with prognosis in CABG patients, demonstrating a non-linear U-shaped relationship with short-term outcomes and a linear positive association with long-term outcomes. The in-hospital risk associated with SHR was attenuated in patients with diabetes.

RESEARCH INSIGHTS

WHAT IS CURRENTLY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Stress hyperglycemia is common during the perioperative period in CABG patients and is linked to adverse short- and long-term outcomes. The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is a novel metric that accounts for baseline glycemia to better reflect acute stress-induced hyperglycemia. However, SHR has not been studied in the CABG population. WHAT IS THE KEY RESEARCH QUESTION?: This study is the first to investigate the association between SHR and both short-term and long-term prognosis in patients undergoing CABG, while further exploring its impact across different glucose metabolic states, categorized as normal glucose regulation, prediabetes, and diabetes. WHAT IS NEW?: In CABG patients, SHR shows a U-shaped relationship with perioperative events and a linear positive association with long-term outcomes, both of which are modulated by glucose metabolic status. HOW MIGHT THIS STUDYINFLUENCE CLINICAL PRACTICE?: Findings support the incorporation of SHR for risk stratification and personalized glucose management in CABG patients, ultimately improving both in-hospital and long-term prognosis.

Assessing the predictive value of time-in-range level for the risk of postoperative infection in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cohort study

Aim

To analyze the correlation between preoperative time-in-range (TIR) levels and postoperative infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to evaluate the value of the TIR as a predictor of postoperative infection in patients with T2DM.

Methods

A total of 656 patients with T2DM during the perioperative period were divided into a TIR standard group (TIR≥70%) and a TIR nonstandard group (TIR<70%) according to the TIR value. Modified Poisson regression was used to analyze postoperative risk factors in patients with T2DM. All patients were subsequently divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. LASSO regression and the Boruta algorithm were used to screen out the predictive factors related to postoperative infection in T2DM patients in the training set. The discrimination and calibration of the model were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve, and the clinical net benefit of the model was evaluated and verified through the decision analysis (DCA) curve. Finally, a forest plot was used for relevant subgroup analysis.

Results

Modified Poisson regression analysis revealed that the TIR was a risk factor for postoperative infection in T2DM patients, and when the TIR was <70%, the risk of postoperative infection increased by 52.2% (P <0.05). LASSO regression and Boruta algorithm screening variables revealed that the TIR, lymphocytes, neutrophils, total serum cholesterol, superoxide dismutase and type of incision were predictive factors for postoperative infection in patients with T2DM (P<0.05). The calibration curve confirmed that the model predictions were consistent with reality, and the decision curve confirmed that the model had better clinical benefits. Finally, the results of the subgroup analysis revealed that in each subgroup, the risk of postoperative infection was greater when the TIR was <70% than when the TIR was ≥70%, and there was no interaction between subgroups.

Conclusion

The TIR is related to postoperative infection and can be used as a new indicator to predict the risk of postoperative infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The association between stress hyperglycemia ratio and 1-year outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective large sample cohort study

Background

The Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio (SHR) is associated with poor outcomes in coronary artery disease patients, but its link to Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) prognosis is unclear. This study explores the relationship between SHR and 1-year outcomes after AMI using a large cohort analysis.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 4012 AMI patients from General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University(2016-2019). These patients were stratified into three distinct groups according to the tertiles of the SHR: Group T1 (SHR < 0.90, n=1337), Group T2 (0.90 ≤ SHR < 1.11, n=1337), and Group T3 (SHR ≥ 1.11, n=1338). All patients were clinically followed for 1-years to collect major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). After controlling for different confounding factors, cox regression models and restricted quadratic splines were used to investigate the relationship between SHR and 1-years clinical outcomes.

Results

During the 1-year follow-up, 229 all-cause deaths were recorded, yielding a mortality rate of 5.71% (n=229). Additionally, 861 MACCE were recorded, yielding a MACCE rate of 21.46%. After adjusting for covariates, SHR was found to be significantly associated with 1-year MACCE [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.64-2.89; P < 0.001] and all-cause mortality (HR = 3.11; 95% CI = 1.77-5.46; P < 0.001) in patients with AMI, and the T3 group exhibited a higher risk of 1-year MACCE (HR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.34-2.09; P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.02-2.73; P =0.042) compared with T1 group. A J-shaped relationship was observed between SHR and 1-year MACCE as well as all-cause mortality, showing a turning point at 0.87. Beyond this threshold, the hazard ratio for 1-year MACCE was 2.64 (95% CI: 1.91-3.65), and for all-cause mortality was 4.26 (95%: CI 2.30-7.86). The results remained consistent across subgroup.

Conclusion

SHR is significantly and positively associated with one-year clinical outcomes in patients with AMI. Furthermore, there is a specific non-linear association between SHR and MACCE and all-cause mortality (both inflection point 0.87). Interventions aimed at reducing SHR levels below 0.87 through medication management have the potential to significantly improve outcomes.

Effects of switching from dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors to oral semaglutide on oxidative stress and glycemic variability in patients with type 2 diabetes: an open-label, prospective, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group comparison study

BACKGROUND

To compare the effects of switching from dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors to oral semaglutide on oxidative stress and glucose variability assessed by continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This was an open-label, prospective, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group comparison study conducted over 24 weeks. Patients with T2DM who had been taking regular doses of DPP-4 inhibitors for at least 12 weeks were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to either continue on DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitor group) or switch to oral semaglutide at 3 mg/day, with a dose increase to 7 mg/day after 4 weeks (semaglutide group). The primary endpoint was the change in the diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites test, an oxidative stress marker. Secondary endpoints included changes in glucose variability assessed using continuous glucose monitoring, metabolic indices, physical assessments, and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients with T2DM were randomized to the semaglutide group (n = 30) and the DPP-4 inhibitor group (n = 28). Six patients in the semaglutide group and one patient in the DPP-4 inhibitor group dropped out during the study. Ultimately, data from 24 patients in the semaglutide group and 27 patients in the DPP-4 inhibitor group were included for analysis. Switching to oral semaglutide therapy for 24 weeks significantly reduced oxidative stress, glucose variability, and hemoglobin A1c levels compared to continuous treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors. However, there was no significant difference in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores between the two groups.

(II) CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that switching to oral semaglutide therapy from DPP-4 inhibitors significantly improved oxidative stress and glycemic parameters, including glucose variability, in patients with T2DM.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

jRCT1031210620.

Association between glycemic variability and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective study based on the MIMIC-IV database

BACKGROUND

Abnormal glycemic variability (GV), defined as acute fluctuations in blood glucose, is a prevalent phenomenon observed in critically ill patients and has been linked to unfavorable outcomes, including elevated mortality. However, the impact of this factor on patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between GV and all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients with non-traumatic SAH.

METHODS

All blood glucose measurements taken within the initial 72-h period following intensive care unit (ICU) admission for non-traumatic SAH patients were extracted. The coefficient of variation (CV) was employed to quantify GV, defined as the ratio of the standard deviation (SD) to the mean blood glucose. Patients were stratified into tertiles based on their GV. Furthermore, we assessed ACM at multiple timepoints, including at ICU, in-hospital, 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and 1 year. The relationship between GV and ACM was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate survival across different GV groups. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the findings.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised a total of 1056 patients, of whom 55.6% were female. The mortality rates observed in the ICU, hospital, and at various timepoints, including 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and 1 year, were 12.8%, 16.2%, 17.5%, 21.5%, 24.3%, and 26.6%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between the high GV (≥ 20.4%) and ACM among patients with SAH. RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear U-shaped correlation between GV and ACM.

CONCLUSIONS

GV was identified as an independent risk factor for ACM in critically ill patients with non-traumatic SAH. These findings indicate that enhancing GV stability could potentially contribute to reducing mortality rates among non-traumatic SAH patients.

U-shaped association between the glycemic variability and prognosis in hemorrhagic stroke patients: a retrospective cohort study from the MIMIC-IV database

Background

Elevated glycemic variability (GV) is commonly observed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and has been associated with clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between GV and prognosis in ICU patients with hemorrhagic stroke (HS) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between GV and short- and long-term all-cause mortality.

Methods

Clinical data for hemorrhagic stroke (HS) patients were obtained from the MIMIC-IV 3.1 database. GV was quantified using the coefficient of variation (CV), calculated as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean blood glucose level. The association between GV and clinical outcomes was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Additionally, restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were employed to examine the nonlinear relationship between GV and short- and long-term all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 2,240 ICU patients with HS were included in this study. In fully adjusted models, RCS analyses revealed a U-shaped association between the CV and both short- and long-term all-cause mortality (P for nonlinearity < 0.001 for all outcomes). Two-piecewise Cox regression models were subsequently applied to identify CV thresholds. The thresholds for all-cause mortality in ICU, during hospitalization, and at 30, 90, and 180 days were determined to be 0.14, 0.16, 0.155, 0.14, and 0.14, respectively. These findings were consistent in sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

In HS patients, higher GV is associated with an increased risk of both short- and long-term all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest that stabilizing GV may improve the prognosis of HS patients.

Glycemic Variability and Its Association with Traditional Glycemic Control Biomarkers in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional, Multicenter Study

Background/Objectives: Glycemic variability (GV) is a novel concept in the assessment of the quality of glycemic control in patients with diabetes, with its importance emphasized in patients with type 1 diabetes. Its adoption in clinical practice emerged with the increased availability of continuous glycemic monitoring systems. The aim of this study is to evaluate the GV in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to assess its associations with other parameters used to evaluate the glycemic control. Methods: GV indexes and classical glycemic control markers were analyzed for 147 adult patients with T1DM in a multicentric cross-sectional study. Results: Stable glycemia was associated with a higher time in range (TIR) (78% vs. 63%; p < 0.001) and a lower HbA1c (6.8% vs. 7.1%; p = 0.006). The coefficient of variation (CV) was reversely correlated with TIR (Spearman's r = -0.513; p < 0.001) and positively correlated with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (Spearman's r = 0.349; p < 0.001), while TIR was reversely correlated with HbA1c (Spearman's r = -0.637; p < 0.001). The composite GV and metabolic outcome was achieved by 28.6% of the patients. Conclusions: Stable glycemia was associated with a lower HbA1c, average and SD of blood glucose, and a higher TIR. A TIR higher than 70% was associated with a lower HbA1c, and SD and average blood glucose. Only 28.6% of the patients with T1DM achieved the composite GV and metabolic outcome, despite 53.7% of them achieving the HbA1c target, emphasizing thus the role of GV in the assessment of the glycemic control.

Reduced glomerular filtration rate in individuals with intermediate hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes as defined by 1-hour post-load glucose levels according to the newly released IDF criteria

AIMS

Recently, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has recommended determination of 1 h-post-load glucose (PG) to diagnose intermediate hyperglycemia (IH) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Herein, we investigate the implication of IDF recommendation in identifying subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed on 2161 subjects classified on the basis of their fasting, 1 h and 2 h-PG, according to the IDF criteria, as having normal glucose tolerance (NGT), isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG), IH and T2DM.

RESULTS

Prevalence of CKD (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and mildly reduced kidney function (eGFR 90-60 ml/min/1.73 m2) progressively increased at worsening of glucose tolerance. In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for several cardio-metabolic confounders, individuals with iIFG and IH exhibited a 3.48- (95 %CI = 1.01-11.00, P = 0.05) and 3.69- (95 %CI = 1.42-9.60, P = 0.007) fold increased risk of having CKD compared to the NGT group. The risk for CKD was further increased in subjects with T2DM (OR = 3.93, 95 %CI = 1.36-10.66, P = 0.007). Additionally, participants with IH and T2DM had a 1.89-fold (95 %CI = 1.38-2.60, P < 0.0001) and 2.78-fold (95 %CI = 1.97-3.98, P < 0.0001) higher risk of mildly reduced GFR compared to the NGT group.

CONCLUSIONS

The 1 h-PG thresholds proposed by IDF as diagnostic for IH and T2DM are capable of identifying individuals at risk of kidney dysfunction.

The Association Between Dysglycemia and Endotheliopathy in ICU Patients With and Without Diabetes: A Cohort Study

IMPORTANCE

Dysglycemia in critically ill patients is associated with endotheliopathy. This relationship may be altered in patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

Dysglycemia is common in critically ill patients and associated with increased mortality. Endotheliopathy is thought to play a role in this relationship; however, evidence is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between dysglycemia and endotheliopathy to inform future glycemic management.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This prospective observational study included 577 acutely admitted adult ICU patients at Copenhagen University Hospital-North Zealand, Denmark.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Up to twenty-four hours of patient glycemia was paired with same-day levels of endothelial biomarkers measured after each 24-hour period for three consecutive days. Endotheliopathy was assessed by measurement of Syndecan-1, Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (PECAM-1), and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM).

RESULTS

Of the included patients, a total 57.5% were males, median age was 71 yr (interquartile range [IQR], 63-79), and 24.6% had diabetes prior to admission. Median admission time was 5 d (IQR, 3-10). Time above range (TAR) greater than 13.9 mmol/L, but not TAR 10.0-13.9 mmol/L, was associated with increase in sTM (0.01 ng/mL per %-point increase in TAR, p = 0.049) and PECAM-1 (0.01 ng/mL per %-point increase, p = 0.007). Glycemic variability was associated with increases in sTM (0.24 ng/mL per mmol/L increase in sd, p = 0.001 and 0.03 ng/mL per %-point increase in coefficient of variation, p < 0.001). Hypoglycemia 3.0-3.9 mmol/L was associated with increases in sTM (3.0 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and PECAM-1 (1.54 ng/mL, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In acutely admitted adult ICU patients, hypoglycemia was associated with endotheliopathy regardless of preadmission diabetes status. Hyperglycemia and high glycemic variability were associated with endotheliopathy in patients without diabetes. This suggests different responses to acute dysglycemia in patients with and without diabetes and warrants further investigation in clinical trials.

Assessment of stress hyperglycemia ratio to predict mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis: a retrospective cohort study from the MIMIC-IV database

Introduction

The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is a new insulin resistance assessment tool for patients, which has been linked to clinical adverse events. We aimed to explore the SHR-mortality relationship in critically ill patients with sepsis.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with sepsis, along with blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels measured within 24 hours of admission, were retrospectively included in the analysis from the MIMIC-IV database between 2008 to 2019. Patients were stratified into quartile groups (quartile 1 (Q1) to quartile 4 (Q4)) according to SHR level, with 28-day mortality as the primary outcome. The SHR and short term mortality association in patients with sepsis was investigated via Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. The robustness of the results was verified via multivariate adjustments, multicollinearity, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and the Boruta algorithm method. The complex relationships among the SHR, short-term mortality were estimated via restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses.

Results

2407 sepsis patients were involved, with a median age of 67 years, and 59.5% were male. Overall, 28-day, 60-day and 90-day mortality were 17.49% (n=421), 21.31% (n=513) and 23.89% (n=575), respectively. After adjusting confounding variables, the SHR was associated with greater short-term mortality, including 28-day (hazard ratio (HR)=1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04-1.24, p=0.005; Q4 vs. Q1 (reference group), HR=1.41, 95% CI=1.06-1.87, p=0.017, p_trend=0.005), 60-day (HR=1.12, 95% CI=1.02-1.70, p=0.015; Q4 vs. Q1, HR=1.32, 95% CI=1.02-1.72, p=0.037, p_trend=0.021) and 90-day (HR=1.11, 95% CI=1.02-1.22, p=0.019; Q4 vs. Q1, HR=1.32, 95% CI=1.03-1.68, p=0.027, p_trend=0.017) mortality. Furthermore, the RCS analysis revealed a quasi U-shaped relationship with regards to SHR and short-term mortality in sepsis. The mortality rate increased with a SHR value larger or smaller than 0.9.

Conclusions

Our research revealed that SHR could serve as a novel indicator for predicting short-term mortality in sepsis patients. SHR demonstrated a quasi U-shaped relationship with short-term mortality in sepsis.

Impact of glycemic control metrics on short- and long-term mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients: a retrospective cohort study from the MIMIC-IV database

BACKGROUND

Glycemic control is critical for managing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients, especially those in intensive care units (ICUs). Emerging metrics such as the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI), stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), and glycemic variability (GV) offer advanced insights into glucose metabolism. However, their prognostic implications for short- and long-term outcomes post-TAVR remain underexplored.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 3342 ICU-admitted TAVR patients via the MIMIC-IV database. Patients were stratified into tertiles for HGI, SHR, and GV levels. Survival analyses, including Kaplan‒Meier curves, Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines (RCSs), were used to assess associations between glycemic control metrics and 30-day and 365-day all-cause mortality in these patients. Sensitivity analyses, subgroup assessments, and external validation were also performed to verify the study findings.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 1.6% and 6.9% of patients experienced 30-day and 365-day mortality after TAVR, respectively. In the fully adjusted cox regression model, lower HGI (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.05-2.09, P = 0.025) and higher SHR (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.15-2.32, P = 0.006) were most significantly associated with an increased risk of 365-day mortality. Higher SHR was also significantly associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality in patients (HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.32-6.45, P = 0.008). Both lower (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38-0.92, P = 0.019) and higher GV levels (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.06-1.93, P = 0.020) were associated with the risk of 365-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill TAVR patients, glycemic control metrics are closely associated with long-term all-cause mortality. The HGI, SHR, and GV provide prognostic insights into clinical outcomes that surpass conventional glucose measurements. These findings highlight the importance of personalized glycemic management strategies in improving TAVR patient outcomes.

Continuous glucose monitoring‑derived time in range and CV are associated with elevated risk of adverse kidney outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes

Current guidelines recommend assessing glycemic control using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which provides a comprehensive glycemic profile to supplement HbA1c measurement. However, the association between CGM-derived metrics and risk of adverse kidney outcomes is not entirely clear. This retrospective cohort study included 1274 patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized from July 2020 to December 2022, with a median follow-up time of 923 days. Monitor using CGM at baseline and evaluate renal function indicators of participants at baseline and end of follow-up. Multiple CGM-derived metrics, particularly time in range (TIR) and glucose coefficient of variation (CV), were calculated from 3-day glucose profiles obtained from CGM. Relevant clinical data was collected from clinical records and/or patient interviews. The primary outcome was chronic-kidney-disease (CKD) progression. Secondary outcomes included worsening of albuminuria and, all-cause mortality and major-adverse-cardiac-events(MACE). Multivariate regression models were employed to analyze the association between CGM-derived indices, particularly TIR and CV, and the risk of adverse kidney outcomes. We demonstrated that the lower TIR categories had a remarkably increased risk of CKD progression, with a HR per 10 % increment of 0.90 (95 %CI:0.83-0.91). Conversely, higher CV was positively related to the subsequent risk of CKD progression, with an HR per 10 % increment of 1.30 (95 %CI:1.07-1.59). These results were consistent across various subgroups and sensitivity analyses. This study found that TIR and CV are significantly associated with CKD progression, proteinuria deterioration, all-cause mortality, and the risk of MACE. These findings have elasticity in adjusting for multiple covariates and have been confirmed in different subgroups and sensitivity analyses.

Comprehensive treatment of diabetic endothelial dysfunction based on pathophysiological mechanism

Vascular endothelium is integral to the regulation of vascular homeostasis and maintenance of normal arterial function in healthy individuals. Endothelial dysfunction is a significant contributor to the advancement of atherosclerosis, which can precipitate cardiovascular complications. A notable correlation exists between diabetes and endothelial dysfunction, wherein chronic hyperglycemia and acute fluctuations in glucose levels exacerbate oxidative stress. This results in diminished nitric oxide synthesis and heightened production of endothelin-1, ultimately leading to endothelial impairment. In clinical settings, it is imperative to implement appropriate therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing endothelial function to prevent and manage diabetes-associated vascular complications. Various antidiabetic agents, including insulin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), and metformin, are effective in mitigating blood glucose variability and improving insulin sensitivity by lowering postprandial glucose levels. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicinal compounds, such as turmeric extract, resveratrol, matrine alkaloids, tanshinone, puerarin, tanshinol, paeonol, astragaloside, berberine, and quercetin, exhibit hypoglycemic properties and enhance vascular function through diverse mechanisms. Consequently, larger randomized controlled trials involving both pharmacological and herbal interventions are essential to elucidate their impact on endothelial dysfunction in patients with diabetes. This article aims to explore a comprehensive approach to the treatment of diabetic endothelial dysfunction based on an understanding of its pathophysiology.

Comparative Study of Oxidative Stress Responses in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes and Transient Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia significantly initiates oxidative stress in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). This study investigates the differences in oxidative stress markers between pediatric patients with T1DM and those experiencing transient hyperglycemia. In this case-control study, 42 children diagnosed with T1DM, according to ISPAD (International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes), and their healthy counterparts, aged 1-6 years old, participated. Blood samples were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). There was no statistically significant association found between the A1c % and age, BMI, and insulin dose (p > 0.05). A negative correlation was found between Se, Zn, cholesterol, GSH, and GPx (p < 0.05), as well as a statistically meaningful positive correlation with the A1c % (p < 0.001). GSH exhibited a statistically significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) with diabetic group. In comparison to control participants, plasma MDA levels (1.3 ± 0.36 µmol/L) had already increased significantly. MDA did correlate in a diabetic group with triglyceride levels (p > 0.0001) or total cholesterol. In the healthy group, the cholesterol levels were normal and apparently did not influence MDA levels. The oxidative state remained unchanged in the healthy participants experiencing temporary hyperglycemia, even though T1DM altered the link between selenium, zinc, and lipids.

Sequence of Eating at Japanese-Style Set Meals Improves Postprandial Glycemic Elevation in Healthy People

BACKGROUND

The meal sequencing of macronutrients has been shown to ameliorate postprandial glucose excursion, but its effects in daily meals has not been investigated. We examined the impact on the glucose response to meal sequencing in healthy Japanese adults using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during a typical lunch meal.

METHODS

The test meal was a Japanese set meal or a beef and rice bowl, the contents of which were categorized as "rice" or "non-rice". In the meal experiments, the subjects ingested the two categories of food in one of three orders: non-rice before rice, non-rice and rice together, and non-rice after rice. In the beef and rice bowl experiments, the subjects ingested either non-rice 15 min before rice or the two foods together.

RESULTS

The postprandial glucose level was measured over a 4 h period and the mean level of postprandial glucose was significantly lower than that when eating rice before non-rice or both together. Consuming non-rice before rice significantly reduced postprandial glycemic excursions in healthy adults in both experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

Meal-sequencing by "eat carbs last" is a feasible dietary strategy for the better prevention and management of diabetes.

Assessment of stress hyperglycemia ratio to predict all-cause mortality in patients with critical cerebrovascular disease: a retrospective cohort study from the MIMIC-IV database

BACKGROUND

The association between the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), which represents the degree of acute stress hyperglycemic status, and the risk of mortality in cerebrovascular disease patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the predictive ability of SHR for in-hospital mortality in critically ill cerebrovascular disease patients and to assess its potential to enhance existing predictive models.

METHODS

We extracted data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database for patients diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease and used Cox regression to assess the association between SHR and mortality. To investigate the nature of this association, we applied restricted cubic spline analysis to determine if it is linear. The predictive ability of SHR for mortality risk was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the C-index.

RESULTS

We included a total of 2,461 patients, with a mean age of 70.55 ± 14.59 years, and 1,221 (49.61%) being female. Cox regression analysis revealed that SHR was independently associated with both in-hospital mortality (per standard deviation (SD) increase: hazard ratio (HR) 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-1.48) and ICU mortality (per SD increase: HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.21-1.54). The risk of death increased in an approximately linear fashion when SHR exceeded 0.77-0.79. Subgroup analysis indicated the association was more pronounced in non-diabetic individuals. Additionally, incorporating SHR into existing models improved both discrimination and reclassification performance.

CONCLUSION

SHR serves as an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in cerebrovascular disease patients in the ICU. Adding SHR to existing models enhances their predictive performance, offering clinical value in the identification of high-risk patients.

Glucose control and variability assessed by continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 1 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has emerged as a superior method to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) monitoring for glycemic control assessment in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The association between CGM parameters and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has not been extensively researched. The aim of the present study was to compare CGM metrics between patients with stable and progressive DKD and T1D. A cross-sectional study was performed with 75 patients with T1D, of which 28 had progressive DKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease of ≥3 ml/min/year or an increased albuminuria stage over the median follow-up time of 7.46 (6.50-8.16) years. FreeStyle Libre ProiQ Sensors were used for CGM. Insulin sensitivity was calculated according to the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) formula. The results revealed that as compared with subjects with stable DKD, individuals with progressive DKD exhibited a higher average glucose level (P=0.03), spent more time above the target range (P=0.05), less time in time in range (TIR; P=0.03), had a higher median estimated HbA1c (P=0.02) and glucose management indicator (P=0.03), as well as a longer duration of hypoglycemic events (P=0.03). There were no differences in compliance levels and recognition of hypoglycemia between the DKD study groups. Differences in correlation patterns between CGM parameters in patients with stable and progressive DKD were observed. For example, glucose variability was significantly positively correlated with TIR in subjects with DKD (Ρ=0.390; P=0.04) but not in individuals without DKD. The progression of DKD was statistically significantly associated with several CGM parameters in multivariate logistic regression models. Collectively, associations between CGM metrics and DKD status were demonstrated in patients with T1D. The findings of the present study indicate the necessity for regular CGM in patients with progressive DKD for improvement of their glycemic control and DKD outcomes but also call for the development of a personalized approach to CGM data interpretation and establishing therapeutic targets in these subjects.

A Narrative Review: Relationship Between Glycemic Variability and Emerging Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

A growing body of evidence emphasizes the role of glycemic variability (GV) in the development of conventional diabetes-related complications. Furthermore, advancements in diabetes management and increased life expectancy have led to the emergence of new complications, such as cancer, liver disease, fractures, infections, and cognitive dysfunction. GV is considered to exacerbate oxidative stress and inflammation, acting as a major mechanism underlying these complications. However, few reviews have synthesized the association between GV and these emerging complications or examined their underlying mechanisms. Hence, this narrative review provides a comprehensive discussion of the burden, risks, and mechanisms of GV in these complications, offering further evidence supporting GV as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes management.

Visit-to-visit HbA1c variability and risk of potentially avoidable hospitalisations in adults with type 2 diabetes receiving outpatient care at a tertiary hospital

AIMS

This study aims to investigate the relationship between long-term visit-to-visit within-person HbA1c variability and hospitalisation outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study at a tertiary hospital in Singapore involving people aged 21 to 101 years with T2D who had ≥3 HbA1c tests over 2 years. HbA1c variability was assessed using coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM) and HbA1c variability score (HVS). A 1-year follow-up was performed after the last HbA1c measurement to identify all-cause and potentially avoidable hospitalisations (PAH), categorised as overall, acute, chronic and diabetes composites.

RESULTS

The study included 14 923 patients (mean age: 62.9 ± 12.9 years; 55% male). The median HbA1c variability was 8.6% CV (IQR: 5.1-14.3). Higher quartiles of HbA1c variability were associated with greater risks of PAH and all-cause hospitalisations, independent of glycaemic control. Compared to Q1, for example, the risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals for diabetes-related PAH based on HbA1c CV were as follows: Q2, 1.32 (0.93-1.88); Q3, 1.65 (1.18-2.31) and Q4, 2.16 (1.54-3.03). For all-cause hospitalisations, they were as follows: Q2, 0.97 (0.90-1.05); Q3, 1.08 (1.00-1.17) and Q4, 1.16 (1.07-1.26). When stratified by glycaemic control, elevated risk of PAH persisted even in those with optimal glycaemic control. Consistent findings were observed using HbA1c VIM and HVS measures.

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals receiving care at specialist outpatient clinics of a tertiary hospital, HbA1c variability is associated with a higher risk of PAH. Comprehensive diabetes management strategies addressing both glycaemic control and variability may offer benefits.

Non-Invasive Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Patients Without Diabetes: Use in Cardiovascular Prevention-A Systematic Review

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) might provide immediate feedback regarding lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity (PA). The impact of dietary habits and physical activity can be demonstrated in real time by providing continuous data on glucose levels and enhancing patient engagement and adherence to lifestyle modifications. Originally developed for diabetic patients, its use has recently been extended to a non-diabetic population to improve cardiovascular health. However, since data in this population are scarce, the effect on cardiovascular outcomes is unclear. CGM may offer potential benefits for cardiovascular prevention in healthy individuals without diabetes. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the use of CGM in healthy non-diabetic individuals, focusing on its potential to guide lifestyle interventions in the context of cardiovascular prevention, which may ultimately reduce cardiovascular risk.

Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Induced by Advanced Glycation End Products on Energy Metabolism in Vascular Endothelial Cells

Introduction

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a critical role in the development of vascular diseases in diabetes. Although stem cell therapies often involve exposure to AGEs, the impact of this environment on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and endothelial cell metabolism remains unclear.

Methods

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were treated with either 0 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml AGEs in a serum-free medium for 48 hours, after which MSC-EVs were isolated. The EVs were characterized by morphology, particle size, and protein markers of MSC-EVs, and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs. MSC-EVs were cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to assess effects on cell viability, metabolic activity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity. Tube formation and glucose transporter protein analyses were conducted to evaluate the angiogenic ability and glucose metabolism capacity.

Results

MSC-EVs ranged from 30 to 150 nm, which is consistent with exosomal properties. AGEs treatment reduced MSC viability but had minimal effect on EV morphology and protein markers. miRNA sequencing showed downregulation of hsa-miR-223-3p and hsa-miR-126-3p_R-1, with upregulation of hsa-miR-574-5p, implicating changes in glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. MSC-EVs treated with AGEs decreased HUVEC viability (P < 0.05), pH (P < 0.05), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism (P < 0.05), glucose metabolism (P < 0.05), while enhancing glycolysis processes, including glycolytic activity, capacity, and reserve (P < 0.05). This likely resulted from impaired mitochondrial function, including reduced ATP production, maximal respiration, basal respiration, and spare respiratory capacity (P < 0.05), or increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P < 0.05) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity (P < 0.05). In addition, AGEs reduced glucose transporter types 1, 3, and 4 (GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4), and synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 expression (P < 0.05), along with angiogenic capacity (P < 0.05) in HUVECs.

Conclusion

Exposure to AGEs diminishes the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived EVs by disrupting energy metabolism and promoting metabolic reprogramming in endothelial cells. These findings suggest that adjusting the dosage or frequency of MSC-EVs may enhance their efficacy for treating diabetes-related vascular conditions. Further research is warranted to evaluate AGEs' broader impact on various cell types and metabolic pathways for improved exosome-based therapies.

Multiple positive points during the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test are good predictors for early insulin therapy in gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed before 24 gestational weeks

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated the risk factors for insulin therapy before 24 gestational weeks (early insulin therapy) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes diagnosed before 24 gestational weeks (E-GDM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 530 singleton mothers with E-GDM who underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the first trimester at Keio University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2021. E-GDM can be classified according to its management into only diet therapy until delivery (Diet E-GDM), insulin therapy started before 24 gestational weeks (EarlyIns E-GDM), and insulin therapy started after 24 gestational weeks (LateIns E-GDM). We analyzed the risk factors for EarlyIns E-GDM.

RESULTS

Patients with EarlyIns E-GDM had a significantly higher maternal age at delivery, pre-pregnancy BMI, first trimester hemoglobin A1c, 1 h plasma glucose levels (1 h-PG), and 2 h-PG, as well as a more pronounced initial increase and subsequent decrease, compared with those in the Diet E-GDM group. However, the Apgar scores at both 1 and 5 min were significantly lower in patients with EarlyIns E-GDM than in those with Diet E-GDM. The number of abnormal values in the OGTT showed the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting EarlyIns E-GDM (0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-0.86), followed by the 1 h-PG value (AUC: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77-0.85). The initial increase showed the third largest AUC (0.78, 95% CI: 0.74-0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Although further research is needed, our data suggest the importance of early insulin therapy in cases of E-GDM with multiple abnormal OGTT values, especially with high 1 h-PG levels and initial increase.

Personal and Social-Built Environmental Factors of Glucose Variability Among Multiethnic Groups of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Research Protocol Using Ecological Momentary Assessment, Continuous Glucose Monitoring, and Actigraphy

Glucose variability (GV)-the degree of fluctuation in glucose levels over a certain period of time-is emerging as an important parameter of dynamic glycemic control. Repeated glycemic oscillations have been reported to be the link to diabetes complications. This prospective observational study aims to: (1) identify multilevel risk factors (personal and social-built environmental factors) associated with high GV; (2) identify "within-person predictors" of high GV leveraging the intra-person data to inform future personalized diabetes interventions; and (3) examine which lifestyle factors either mediate or moderate the relationship between emotional well-being and GV among diverse adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We will recruit 200 adults with T2D from the community. All participants will complete baseline surveys assessing demographics, lifestyle, social-built environmental, and clinical factors. Real-time dynamic glucose levels will be measured using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Sleep, physical activity, diet/eating, and emotional well-being will be measured with an actigraphy device and a real-time self-report tool (ecological momentary assessment [EMA]) across 14 days. Two 24-h dietary recall data will be collected by online video calls. Generalized linear models, multilevel models, and structural equation models will be developed to achieve the study aims. The findings from the study will identify high-risk groups of high GV who would benefit from CGM to improve diabetes outcomes and inform the future development of personalized just-in-time interventions targeting lifestyle behaviors with an increased understanding of GV and by supporting healthcare providers' clinical decisions.

The Interconnection Between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Diet: Unmet Needs, Available Evidence, and Guidance-A Patient-Driven, Multistep-Approach Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Inflammation and immunological dysregulation are central to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the potential role of dietary factors in SLE. This study aimed to explore the relationship between diet and SLE by addressing patient needs, conducting a systematic review, and providing guidance to the patient community.

METHODS

This four-step study started with a survey of patients with SLE that was conducted to gather frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to diet. Using the PICO framework, two comprehensive systematic literature searches were performed in PubMed to address these FAQs. Subsequently, the evidence retrieved was used to answer FAQs and provide guidance to people with SLE. A second survey was conducted to gather patient feedback on the topics and guidance provided.

RESULTS

A literature review of 28 systematic reviews was performed, evaluating the impact of diet on inflammation, immune response, and health outcomes in SLE patients. The review focused on key nutritional elements, including vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin supplements, and low-calorie or low-glycemic index diets. Seven guidance statements were developed based on these findings. All the answers provided were positively assessed by participants.

CONCLUSIONS

This patient-centered study improves our understanding of the diet-SLE relationship through systematic reviews and patient feedback. While specific dietary recommendations for SLE are not yet established, patient input underscores the need for ongoing research to optimize treatment strategies and quality of life for those with SLE.

Stress hyperglycemia ratio association with all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with coronary heart disease: an analysis of the MIMIC-IV database

Background The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) indicates relative hyperglycemia levels. Research on the impact of SHR on mortality in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients in intensive care is limited. This study explores the predictive accuracy of SHR for the prognosis of CHD patients in the ICU. Methods This study included 2,059 CHD patients from the American Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database. SHR was determined using the formula: SHR = (admission glucose) (mmol/L) / (1.59 * HbA1c [%] - 2.59). Subjects were stratified into quartiles based on SHR levels to examine the correlation between SHR and in-hospital mortality. The restricted cubic splines and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess this association, while Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was executed to ascertain the mortality rates across the SHR quartiles. Results Among the 2059 participants (1358 men), the rates of in-hospital and ICU mortality were 8.5% and 5.25%, respectively. Analysis showed SHR as a significant predictor of increased risk for both in-hospital (HR,1.16, 95% CI: 1.02-1.32, P = 0.022) and ICU mortality (HR, 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01-1.35, P = 0.040) after adjustments. A J-shaped relationship was noted between SHR and mortality risks (p for non-linearity = 0.002, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed substantial differences in in-hospital and ICU mortality across SHR quartiles. Conclusions SHR significantly predicts in-hospital and ICU mortality in critically ill CHD patients, indicating that higher SHR levels correlate with longer ICU stays and increased mortality. This underscores the potential of SHR as a prognostic marker for ICU CHD patients.

Prognostic effects of glycaemic variability on diastolic heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus: insights and 1-year mortality machine learning prediction model

BACKGROUND

Diastolic heart failure (DHF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often coexist, causing increased mortality rates. Glycaemic variability (GV) exacerbates cardiovascular complications, but its impact on outcomes in patients with DHF and T2DM remains unclear. This study examined the relationships between GV with mortality outcomes, and developed a machine learning (ML) model for long-term mortality in these patients.

METHODS

Patients with DHF and T2DM were included from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV, with admissions (2008-2019) as primary analysis cohort and admissions (2020-2022) as external validation cohort. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to evaluate the associations of GV with 90-day, 1-year, and 3-year all-cause mortality. The primary analysis cohort was split into training and internal validation cohorts, then developing ML models for predicting 1-year all-cause mortality in training cohort, which were validated using the internal and external validation cohorts.

RESULTS

2,128 patients with DHF and T2DM were included in primary analysis cohort (meidian age 71.0years [IQR: 62.0-79.0]; 46.9% male), 498 patients with DHF and T2DM were included in the external validation cohort (meidian age 75.0years [IQR: 67.0-81.0]; 54.0% male). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models showed that high GV tertiles were associated with higher risk of 90-day (T2: HR 1.45, 95%CI 1.09-1.93; T3: HR 1.96, 95%CI 1.48-2.60), 1-year (T2: HR 1.25, 95%CI 1.02-1.53; T3: HR 1.54, 95%CI 1.26-1.89), and 3-year (T2: HR 1.31, 95%CI: 1.10-1.56; T3: HR 1.48, 95%CI 1.23-1.77) all-cause mortality, compared with lowest GV tertile. Chronic kidney disease, creatinine, potassium, haemoglobin, and white blood cell were identified as mediators of GV and 1-year all-cause mortality. Additionally, GV and other clinical features were pre-selected to construct ML models. The random forest model performed best, with AUC (0.770) and G-mean (0.591) in internal validation, with AUC (0.753) and G-mean (0.599) in external validation.

CONCLUSION

GV was determined as an independent risk factor for short-term and long-term all-cause mortality in patients with DHF and T2DM, with a potential intervention threshold around 25.0%. The ML model incorporating GV demonstrated strong predictive performance for 1-year all-cause mortality, highlighting its importance in early risk stratification management of these patients.

The Association Between Glycemic Variability and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Background: Glycemic variability (GV) is a prevalent and significant condition observed in critically ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early glycemic variability parameters and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, and observational study was performed at five tertiary intensive care units (ICUs) in Turkey. All patients who had more than six blood glucose level (BGL) measures per 24 h were included. The parameters of GV including the SD, MGL, MGD (the difference between the maximal and minimal glucose level), and the CV (the percentage of SD to the MGL) in the first 24 h were recorded. Results: A total of 578 eligible patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 43.6% were women. The mean age of the patients was 68.09 ± 16.62 years. Overall mortality was 31.5% (n = 182). The glycemic parameters of the CV, SD, and MGD were significantly higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (p = 0.040, 0.006, and 0.002, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the CV (OR 1.023; 95% CI 1.004-1.042; p = 0.017) was an independent factor that increased mortality. Spearman's rho correlation analysis revealed a strong (r:0.871) and statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001) between the CV and MGD. Conclusions: The CV calculated within the first 24 h of ICU admission is independently associated with 28-day mortality. The MGD is correlated with the CV and is maybe a practical tool to predict increased risk of mortality at the bedside. However, further studies are needed to establish the independent association of the MGD with mortality.

Glycemic profile variability as an independent predictor of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study

Background

Glycemic variability is a novel predictor for diabetic complications. Different studies have demonstrated contradictory results for the association between HbA1c variability and diabetic retinopathy. We aimed to assess the relationship between visit-to-visit variability in glycemic profile (HbA1c, 2hPP, and FBS) and diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes were monitored for the development of retinopathy for 10 years. The association between the incidence of retinopathy and glycemic variability was assessed via Cox regression analysis, and coefficient of variation for glycemic indices was compared using independent sample t-test.

Results

Patients with diabetic retinopathy had significantly higher glycemic profile variability. The incidence of retinopathy was positively correlated with cv-FBS10% (10% of coefficient of variance), cv-FBS20%, cv-2hpp10%, and cv-HbA1c5%. Our analysis revealed that the higher variability of FBS increased the incidence and progression of retinopathy (HR: 12.29, p-value = 0.003).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated glycemic profile variability as an independent risk factor for diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and support glycemic profile variability measurement in addition to common glycemic parameters to improve risk stratification in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further investigation is required to demonstrate the long-term effects of alleviating glycemic variability on the prognosis of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Association between stress hyperglycemia ratio and postoperative major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in noncardiac surgeries: a large perioperative cohort study

BACKGROUND

There has been a concerning rise in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) following noncardiac surgeries (NCS), significantly impacting surgical outcomes and patient prognosis. Glucose metabolism abnormalities induced by stress response under acute medical conditions may be a risk factor for postoperative MACCE. This study aims to explore the association between stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and postoperative MACCE in patients undergoing general anesthesia for NCS.

METHODS

There were 12,899 patients in this perioperative cohort study. The primary outcome was MACCE within 30 days postoperatively, defined as angina, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, heart failure, stroke, or in-hospital all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves visualized the cumulative incidence of MACCE. Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to assess the association between the risk of MACCE and different SHR groups. Restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to explore potential nonlinear relationships. Additionally, exploratory subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 592 (4.59%) participants experienced MACCE within 30 days after surgery, and 1,045 (8.10%) within 90 days. After adjusting for confounding factors, compared to the SHR T2 group, the risk of MACCE within 30 days after surgery increased by 1.34 times (95% CI 1.08-1.66) in the T3 group and by 1.35 times (95% CI 1.08-1.68) in the T1 group respectively. In the non-diabetes group, the risk of MACCE within 30 days after surgery increased by 1.60 times (95% CI 1.21-2.12) in the T3 group and by 1.61 times (95% CI 1.21-2.14) in the T1 group respectively, while no statistically significant increase in risk was observed in the diabetes group. Similar results were observed within 90 days after surgery in the non-diabetes group. Additionally, a statistically significant U-shaped nonlinear relationship was observed in the non-diabetes group (30 days: P for nonlinear = 0.010; 90 days: P for nonlinear = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

In this large perioperative cohort study, we observed that both higher and lower SHR were associated with an increased risk of MACCE within 30 and 90 days after NCS, especially in patients without diabetes. These findings suggest that SHR potentially plays a key role in stratifying cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk after NCS.

Korean Red Ginseng Extract Powder Mitigates Fasting And Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) involves insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels, causing complications. Red ginseng extract powder (RGEP) from Panax ginseng Meyer shows promise for diabetes treatment. However, its efficacy in managing T2DM remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of RGEP in a mouse model of T2DM. The efficacy of RGEP in treating T2DM was assessed in db/db mice. Mice were divided into seven groups: control, db/db, metformin, and RGEP at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Administered orally for 9 weeks, RGEP effects on glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity were assessed through various metabolic parameters. In addition, mRNA expression levels of genes associated with hepatic gluconeogenesis and insulin sensitivity were examined. Fasting blood sugar showed a significant decrease in all RGEP concentration groups, but OGTT and insulin tolerance test showed a significant decrease at the RGEP concentration of 400 mg/kg, indicating enhanced glycemic control. Moreover, RGEP dose-dependently decreased serum glucose, HbA1c levels, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance values, suggesting its effectiveness in reducing insulin resistance in db/db mice. Furthermore, RGEP downregulated mRNA expression of key components in the gluconeogenesis pathway (G6Pase, FOXO1, GLUT4, and PEPCK), insulin sensitivity (leptin, insulin1, PTP1B, GLP-1, and DPP-4), and mitochondria energy metabolism (PGC1) in either the liver or pancreas, while simultaneously upregulating GLP-1 expression. In conclusion, these findings highlight the potential of RGEP as a complementary therapy for T2DM, indicating therapeutic efficacy in managing diabetic complications through improved metabolic parameters.

Association of glycemic variability and prognosis in patients with traumatic brain injury: A retrospective study from the MIMIC-IV database

BACKGROUND

Elevated glycemic variability (GV) often occurs in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with patient prognosis. However, the association between GV and prognosis in ICU patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unclear.

METHOD

Clinical data of ICU patients with TBI were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) -IV database. The coefficient of variation (CV) was utilized to quantify GV, while the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was employed to evaluate the consciousness status of TBI patients. Pearson linear correlation analysis, linear regression, COX regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to investigate the relationship between CV and consciousness impairment, as well as the risk of in-hospital mortality.

RESULT

A total of 1641 ICU patients with TBI were included in the study from the MIMIC-IV database. Pearson linear correlation and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis results showed a negative linear relationship between CV and the last GCS (P = 0.002) with no evidence of nonlinearity (P for nonlinear = 0.733). Multivariable linear regression suggested a higher CV was associated with a lower discharge GCS [β (95 %CI) = -1.86 (-3.08 ∼ -0.65), P = 0.003]. Furthermore, multivariable COX regression indicated that CV ≥ 0.3 was a risk factor for in-hospital death in TBI patients [HR (95 %CI) = 1.74 (1.15-2.62), P = 0.003], and this result was also consistent across sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSION

Higher GV is related to poorer consciousness outcomes and increased risk of in-hospital death in ICU patients with TBI. Additional research is needed to understand the logical relationship between GV and TBI progression.

Prognostic value of the stress-hyperglycaemia ratio in patients with moderate-to-severe coronary artery calcification: Insights from a large cohort study

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between the stress-hyperglycaemia ratio (SHR) and the clinical prognosis of patients with moderate-to-severe coronary artery calcification (MSCAC).

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled 3841 patients with angiography-detected MSCAC. The individuals were categorized into three groups based on SHR tertiles: T1 (SHR ≤ 0.77), T2 (0.77 < SHR ≤ 0.89) and T3 (SHR > 0.89). The SHR value was calculated using the formula SHR = [admission glucose (mmol/L)]/[1.59 × HbA1c (%) - 2.59]. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), including all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 3.11 years, 241 MACCEs were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the SHR T3 group had the highest incidence of MACCEs (P < .001). Moreover, findings from the restricted cubic spline analysis showed a significant and positive association between the SHR and MACCEs. This correlation remained consistent even after considering other variables that could potentially impact the results (Pnon-linear = .794). When comparing SHR T1 with SHR T3, it was found that SHR T3 was significantly associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MSCAC showed a positive correlation between the SHR and MACCE rate over a 3-year follow-up period. The study showed that an SHR value of 0.83 is the key threshold, indicating a poor prognosis. Future large-scale multicentre investigations should be conducted to determine the predictive value of the SHR in patients with MSCAC.

Trajectory of haemoglobin A1c and incidence of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

To evaluate the association between changes in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the concurrent incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among T2DM patients with HbA1c measurement after T2DM diagnosis between August 2009 and September 2010. The patients were classified into six subgroups based on baseline HbA1c (<7%; 7%-7.9%; ≥8%) and age (<65; ≥65 years), and then clustered into classes by HbA1c trajectory and CVD incidence over the 12-year follow-up period using joint latent class mixture models. We explored the HbA1c trajectories and CVD incidences in each latent class. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare the baseline characteristics among different latent classes.

RESULTS

A total of 128 843 T2DM patients were included with a median follow-up period of 11.7 years. Ten latent classes were identified in patients with baseline HbA1c ≥ 8% and age <65 years, while seven classes were identified in the other five groups. Among all the identified latent classes, patients with fluctuating HbA1c trajectories, characterized by alternating periods of increase and decrease, had higher CVD incidences. Male patients, and patients with higher baseline HbA1c and use of antidiabetic drugs were more likely to have a fluctuating HbA1c trajectory. More specifically, patients aged < 65 years with younger age or a smoking habit, and patients aged ≥ 65 years with a longer duration of T2DM were more likely to have a fluctuating HbA1c trajectory.

CONCLUSION

We found that T2DM patients with fluctuating HbA1c trajectories could have a higher CVD risk. Different trajectory-associated characteristics in age subgroups highlight the need for individualized management of T2DM patients.

Breakfast skipping suppresses the vascular endothelial function of the brachial artery after lunch

Breakfast skipping has been suggested to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, whether breakfast skipping affects vascular endothelial function (VEF), a marker of cardiovascular diseases, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of breakfast consumption (Eating trial) and skipping (Skipping trial) on brachial artery (BA) VEF in healthy breakfast eaters. A total of nine healthy individuals (4 females and 5 males) either had breakfast between 830 and 900 or skipped it and had lunch between 1200 and 1230, followed by a 3-h rest period until 1530. For BA VEF evaluation, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured by ultrasound before and after breakfast and lunch. FMD was calculated as the percent change in BA diameter normalized to the shear rate area under the curve (FMD/SRAUC). Blood glucose, plasma insulin, and plasma free fatty acid levels in capillaries were measured before and after breakfast and lunch. At 1530, the Eating trial, but not the Skipping trial, significantly increased FMD/SRAUC from baseline (P = 0.006). The Skipping trial showed significantly lower changes in FMD/SRAUC from 830 than the Eating trial at 1530 (P < 0.001). We found a significant inverse correlation between changes in FMD/SRAUC between 830 and 1530 and peak glucose levels after lunch (r = -0.882, P < 0.001) and with an incremental area under the curve for glucose between 830 and 1530 (r = -0.668, P < 0.001). These results suggest that a single bout of breakfast skipping can suppress BA VEF in the afternoon because of postlunch hyperglycemia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Skipping breakfast does not affect vascular endothelial function (VEF) before lunch. However, after lunch on normal meals (i.e., not oral glucose tolerance test), VEF was found to be lower in those who skipped breakfast than those who ate breakfast. Such reduced postlunch VEF after skipping breakfast was associated with postprandial hyperglycemia. These results provide important insight into the impact of eating breakfast on VEF and glycemic control in healthy adults.

Remnant cholesterol and new-onset atrial fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between remnant cholesterol (RC) and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively explore the association between RC characteristics and new-onset AF.

METHODS

Data from 5 follow-up visits of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study were analyzed. RC were multidimensionally evaluated in 4 characteristics: baseline level, variability, cumulative exposure, and trajectory. Baseline RC was obtained from the initial visit (V1), and new-onset AF was monitored in V2 to V5 (cohort 1, n = 14,450). RC variability, cumulative RC, and RC trajectory were calculated by RC values gathered from V1 to V3, and new-onset AF was monitored in V4 and V5 (cohort 2, n = 11,012). Participants were divided into 4 groups based on quartiles or trajectories. Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to investigate the relationship between RC characteristics and AF.

RESULTS

Following median follow-up of 22.39 years in cohort 1 and 16.71 years in cohort 2, a total of 1993 AF events in cohort 1 and 1571 in cohort 2 were identified. Participants with the highest quartile exhibited an elevated risk of new-onset AF, with the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of 1.16 (P = .039) for baseline RC and 1.30 (P < .001) for RC variability. Although the highest quartile of cumulative RC (P = .241) and the high-increasing trajectory (P = .210) did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with AF occurrence, they indicate a trend toward heightened risk.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal that higher levels of RC, particularly at baseline and in variability, are associated with an increased risk of AF.

Utilising continuous glucose monitoring for glycemic control in diabetic kidney disease

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Zhang et al. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant challenge in managing glycemic control, especially in diabetic patients with diabetic kidney disease undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation. Conventional markers like glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) may not accurately reflect glycemic fluctuations in these populations due to factors such as anaemia and kidney dysfunction. This comprehensive review discusses the limitations of HbA1c and explores alternative methods, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in CKD patients. CGM emerges as a promising technology offering real-time or retrospective glucose concentration measure-ments and overcoming the limitations of HbA1c. Key studies demonstrate the utility of CGM in different CKD settings, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, as well as kidney transplant recipients. Despite challenges like sensor accuracy fluctuation, CGM proves valuable in monitoring glycemic trends and mitigating the risk of hypo- and hyperglycemia, to which CKD patients are prone. The review also addresses the limitations of CGM in CKD patients, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize its utilization in clinical practice. Altogether, this review advocates for integrating CGM into managing glycemia in CKD patients, highlighting its superiority over traditional markers and urging clinicians to consider CGM a valuable tool in their armamentarium.

Suppression of the postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes by a raw medicinal herb powder is weakened when consumed in ordinary hard gelatin capsules: A randomized crossover clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Contradictory claims about the efficacy of several medicinal plants to promote glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been explained by divergences in the administration form and by extrapolation of data obtained from healthy individuals. It is not known whether the antidiabetic effects of traditional herbal medicines are influenced by gelatin capsules. This randomized crossover trial aimed to evaluate the acute effect of a single dose of raw cinnamon consumed orally either dissolved in water as a beverage or as ordinary hard gelatin capsules on postprandial hyperglycemia (>140 mg/dL; >7.8 mmol/L) in T2DM patients elicited by a nutritionally-balanced meal providing 50 g of complex carbohydrates.

METHODS

Fasting T2DM patients (n = 19) randomly ingested a standardized meal in five experimental sessions, one alone (Control) and the other after prior intake of 3 or 6 g of crude cinnamon in the form of hard gelatin capsules or powder dissolved in water. Blood glucose was measured at fasting and at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5 and 2 hours postprandially. After each breakfast, its palatability scores for visual appeal, smell and pleasantness of taste were assessed, as well as the taste intensity sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, sourness and creaminess.

RESULTS

The intake of raw cinnamon dissolved in water, independently of the dose, decreased the meal-induced large glucose spike (peak-rise of +87 mg/dL and Δ1-hour glycemia of +79 mg/dL) and the hyperglycemic blood glucose peak. When cinnamon was taken as capsules, these anti-hyperglycemic effects were lost or significantly diminished. Raw cinnamon intake did not change time-to-peak or the 2-h post-meal glycaemia, but flattened the glycemic curve (lower iAUC) without changing the shape that is typical of T2DM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This cinnamon's antihyperglycemic action confirms its acarbose-like property to inhibit the activities of the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes α-amylases/α-glucosidases, which is in accordance with its exceptionally high content of raw insoluble fiber. The efficacy of using raw cinnamon as a diabetes treatment strategy seems to require its intake at a specific time before/concomitantly the main hyperglycemic daily meals. Trial registration: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC), number RBR-98tx28b.

Before or Concomitant Drinking Greenleaf Juice with Rice Reduces Postprandial Blood Glucose Levels in Healthy Young Women

The purpose of this study was to examine how green leaf juice drinking affect the postprandial blood glucose. Postprandial hyperglycemia causes vascular endothelial damage and chronic inflammation, promoting atherosclerosis, regardless of the presence of diabetes. Some ingredients in greenleaf juice have been reported to suppress blood glucose levels; however, the effect of greenleaf juice on reducing blood glucose levels in healthy individuals is unclear. We observed changes in postprandial blood glucose levels in 13 healthy young women who drank greenleaf juice before or concomitantly with rice. Compared to water, greenleaf juice consumption reduced blood glucose levels at 90 and 120 min after rice consumption, with no difference regardless of the time of greenleaf juice consumption. Greenleaf juice may be one of the most convenient and cost-effective methods for reducing postprandial blood glucose in healthy people.

Glycated albumin levels are associated with adverse stroke outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke in China

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Glycated albumin (GA) is a biomarker monitoring glycemia 2-4 weeks before stroke onset. This study was designed to explore the association between GA levels with poststroke outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHOD

Participants with ischemic stroke or TIA who had a baseline GA measurement were included in the Third China National Stroke Registry study. The effect of GA on stroke recurrence, poor functional outcomes, and combined vascular events was examined during the 1-year follow-up period. Multivariate Cox and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the association. Discrimination tests were used to examine the incremental predictive value of GA when incorporating it into the conventional model.

RESULTS

A total of 3861 participants were enrolled. At the 3-month follow-up, the elevated GA level was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.09). A similar increase was observed for stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.09-2.24), poor functional outcomes (adjusted OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.07-2.45), and combined vascular events (adjusted HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.09-2.20) at the 1-year follow-up. In nondiabetic patients, the association between GA and poor functional outcomes was more pronounced (adjusted OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.05-2.50). Adding GA into the conventional model resulted in slight improvements in predicting poor functional outcomes (net reclassification improvement [NRI]: 12.30% at 1 year).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that elevated GA levels in serum were associated with stroke adverse outcomes, including stroke recurrence, poor functional outcomes, and combined vascular events, in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA.

Age of Diabetes Diagnosis and Lifetime Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

OBJECTIVE

The impact of age of diabetes diagnosis on dementia risk across the life course is poorly characterized. We estimated the lifetime risk of dementia by age of diabetes diagnosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 13,087 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study who were free from dementia at age 60 years. We categorized participants as having middle age-onset diabetes (diagnosis <60 years), older-onset diabetes (diagnosis 60-69 years), or no diabetes. Incident dementia was ascertained via adjudication and active surveillance. We used the cumulative incidence function estimator to characterize the lifetime risk of dementia by age of diabetes diagnosis while accounting for the competing risk of mortality. We used restricted mean survival time to calculate years lived without and with dementia.

RESULTS

Among 13,087 participants, there were 2,982 individuals with dementia and 4,662 deaths without dementia during a median follow-up of 24.1 (percentile 25-percentile 75, 17.4-28.3) years. Individuals with middle age-onset diabetes had a significantly higher lifetime risk of dementia than those with older-onset diabetes (36.0% vs. 31.0%). Compared with those with no diabetes, participants with middle age-onset diabetes also had a higher cumulative incidence of dementia by age 80 years (16.1% vs. 9.4%) but a lower lifetime risk (36.0% vs. 45.6%) due to shorter survival. Individuals with middle age-onset diabetes developed dementia 4 and 1 years earlier than those without diabetes and those with older-onset diabetes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventing or delaying diabetes may be an important approach for reducing dementia risk throughout the life course.

Perspective on the health value of carbohydrate-rich foods: glycemic index and load; fiber and whole grains

BACKGROUND

For over 45 y increasingly comprehensive food tables of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) have been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition to determine the GI and GL values of diets. Recently the WHO based on a 2019 series of meta-analyses concluded that increases in dietary fiber and whole grains but not reduction in GI or GL warranted recommendations for chronic disease reduction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We therefore provide a perspective on the current evidence that indicates that GI and GL are also determinants of risk of chronic disease outcomes. We are also concerned with the term dietary fiber used in the singular when there are many dietary fibers that may differ in their physiological effects. Furthermore, the term "whole grains" that refers to "whole grain flour" limits the exploration of "intact" grains that are low GI and have useful physiological effects.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that all these determinants of the health values of carbohydrate-rich foods should be used in combination to assess the health value of carbohydrate-rich foods.

Useful of proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction in preventing glucose spikes

BACKGROUND

Volatile glucose levels after gastrectomy induce dumping syndrome, which adversely affects patient quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the glycemic variability of proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (PGDTR) as a function-preserving procedure.

METHODS

This study used a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system to record glycemic profiles of patients who underwent PGDTR or total gastrectomy (TG) and compared them. Moreover, this study evaluated postgastrectomy syndrome, including dumping symptoms, between the PGDTR and TG groups using the 37-item Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale (PGSAS-37) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of note, 44 patients underwent PGDTR, and 42 patients underwent TG, which included more advanced cases. CGM results showed that the SD, relative SD, and maximum drop in glucose level between 30 min and 2 h after a meal were smaller in the PGDTR group than in the TG group (14.81 vs 22.40 mg/dL [P < .001], 0.14 vs 0.20 mg/dL [P < .001], and 42.06 vs 117.67 mg/dL [P < .001], respectively). For nocturnal glucose levels, SD and percentage time below the range were smaller in the PGDTR group than in the TG group (11.76 vs 15.16 mg/dL [P = .005] and 11.25% vs 35.27% [P < .001]). The PGDTR group generally performed better than the TG group on all the PGSAS-37 questionnaire items. Patients in the PGDTR group without food inflow into the remnant stomach showed similar CGM results as those in the TG group but with stronger dumping symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Food inflow into the remnant stomach is essential for PGDTR to be a function-preserving procedure as it leads to the control of dumping symptoms and lower glucose level spikes.

Development and validation of 10-year risk prediction models of cardiovascular disease in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in primary care using interpretable machine learning-based methods

AIM

To develop 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) managed in primary care using machine learning (ML) methods.

METHODS

In this 10-year population-based retrospective cohort study, 141 516 Chinese T2DM patients aged 18 years or above, without history of CVD or end-stage renal disease and managed in public primary care clinics in 2008, were included and followed up until December 2017. Two-thirds of the patients were randomly selected to develop sex-specific CVD risk prediction models. The remaining one-third of patients were used as the validation sample to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the models. ML-based methods were applied to missing data imputation, predictor selection, risk prediction modelling, model interpretation, and model evaluation. Cox regression was used to develop the statistical models in parallel for comparison.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 9.75 years, 32 445 patients (22.9%) developed CVD. Age, T2DM duration, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), systolic blood pressure variability and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) variability were the most important predictors. ML models also identified nonlinear effects of several predictors, particularly the U-shaped effects of eGFR and body mass index. The ML models showed a Harrell's C statistic of >0.80 and good calibration. The ML models performed significantly better than the Cox regression models in CVD risk prediction and achieved better risk stratification for individual patients.

CONCLUSION

Using routinely available predictors and ML-based algorithms, this study established 10-year CVD risk prediction models for Chinese T2DM patients in primary care. The findings highlight the importance of renal function indicators, and variability in both blood pressure and HbA1c as CVD predictors, which deserve more clinical attention. The derived risk prediction tools have the potential to support clinical decision making and encourage patients towards self-care, subject to further research confirming the models' feasibility, acceptability and applicability at the point of care.

Preoperative Carbohydrate Load Does Not Alter Glycemic Variability in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients Undergoing Major Gynecological Surgery: A Retrospective Study

Background/Objectives: Elevated glycemic variability (GV) has been associated with postoperative morbidity. Traditional preoperative fasting guidelines may contribute to high GV by driving the body into catabolism. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols that include a preoperative carbohydrate load (PCL) reduce hospital length of stay and healthcare costs; however, it remains unclear whether PCL improves GV in surgical patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of a PCL on postoperative GV in diabetic and non-diabetic patients having gynecological surgery. Methods: Retrospective data were collected on patients who had gynecological surgery before and after the rollout of an institutional ERAS protocol that included PCL ingestion. The intervention group included patients who underwent surgery in 2019 and were enrolled in the ERAS protocol and, therefore, received a PCL. The control group included patients who underwent surgery in 2016 and, thus, were not enrolled in the protocol. The primary endpoint was GV, calculated by the coefficient of variance (CV) and glycemic lability index (GLI). Results: A total of 63 patients in the intervention group and 45 in the control were analyzed. GV was not statistically significant between the groups for CV (19.3% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.65) or GLI (0.58 vs. 0.54, p = 0.86). Postoperative pain scores (4.5 vs. 5.2 p = 0.23) and incentive spirometry measurements (1262 vs. 1245 p = 0.87) were not significantly different. A subgroup analysis of patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus revealed no significant differences in GV for any of the subgroups. Conclusions: This retrospective review highlights the need for additional GV research, including consensus agreement on a gold standard GV measurement. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to test the effectiveness of the PCL in reducing GV.

Clinical application of real-time continuous glucose monitoring system during postoperative enteral nutrition therapy in esophageal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Enteral nutrition (EN) support therapy increases the risk of abnormal blood glucose (BG). The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of a real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) system in BG monitoring during postoperative EN support therapy in patients with esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) with esophageal cancer who planned to receive postoperative EN were enrolled. With the self-monitoring of BG value as the reference BG, the accuracy of rt-CGM was evaluated by the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) value, correlation efficient, agreement analysis, and Parkes and Clarke error grid plot. Finally, paired t tests were used to compare the differences in glucose fluctuations between EN and non-EN days and slow and fast days.

RESULTS

The total MARD value of the rt-CGM system was 13.53%. There was a high correlation between interstitial glucose and fingertip capillary BG (consistency correlation efficient = 0.884 [95% confidence interval, 0.874-0.894]). Results of 15/15%, 20/20%, 30/30% agreement analysis were 58.51%, 84.71%, and 99.65%, respectively. The Parkes and Clarke error grid showed that the proportion of the A and B regions were 100% and 99.94%, respectively. The glucose fluctuations on EN days vs non-EN days and on fast days vs slow days were large, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The rt-CGM system achieved clinical accuracy and can be used as a new option for glucose monitoring during postoperative EN therapy. The magnitude of glucose fluctuation during EN therapy remains large, even in the postoperative population without DM.