Pathophysiologic differences among Asians, native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders and treatment implications

The bidirectional association between diabetes and periodontitis, from basic to clinical

The prevalence and severity of periodontitis are increased and advanced in diabetes. Severe periodontitis elicits adverse effects on diabetes by impairing insulin actions due to systemic microinflammation. Recent studies unveil the emerging findings and molecular basis of the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes. In addition to conventional mechanisms such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and chronic inflammation, deficient insulin action may play a pathogenic role in the progression of periodontitis under diabetes. Epidemiologically, from the viewpoint of the adverse effect of periodontitis on diabetes, recent studies have suggested that Asians including Japanese and Asian Americans with diabetes and mild obesity (BMI <25 kg/m2) should pay more attention to their increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the effect of diabetes on periodontitis from the viewpoint of abnormalities in metabolism and insulin resistance with novel mechanisms, and the influence of periodontitis on diabetes mainly focused on micro-inflammation related to mature adipose tissue and discuss future perspectives about novel approaches to interrupt the adverse interrelationship.

Turning the Health Equity Lens to Diversity in Asian American Health Profiles

The monolithic misrepresentation of Asian American (AsAm) populations has maintained assumptions that AsAm people are not burdened by health disparities and social and economic inequities. However, the story is more nuanced. We critically review AsAm health research to present knowledge of AsAm health profiles from the past two decades and present findings and opportunities across three topical domains: (a) general descriptive knowledge, (b) factors affecting health care uptake, and (c) effective interventions. Much of the literature emphasized underutilization of health care services; low knowledge and awareness among AsAms about health-related risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; inadequate efforts by health systems to improve language access, provider-patient communication, and trust; and the critical roles of community- and faith-based organizations and leaders in health promotion initiatives. Future opportunities for AsAm health research will require adoption of and significant investment in community-engaged research infrastructure to increase representation, funding, and research innovation for AsAm communities.

Diet Quality and Body Mass Index Over 20 Years in the Multiethnic Cohort

BACKGROUND

With increasing rates of overweight and obesity and disparities by ethnicity, it is important to understand the role of diet in ameliorating this health problem.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the relation of diet quality as measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2015 with body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m2) and obesity among participants of the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) in cross-sectional analyses at 3 time points (T-1, T-2, and T-3) over 20 years.

DESIGN

In a subset of 1,860 MEC participants, 3 cross-sectional analyses at cohort entry (1993 to 1996, T-1) and follow-ups in 2003 to 2008 (T-2) and 2013 to 2016 (T-3) were performed.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

The cohort consists of African American, Native Hawaiian, Japanese American, Latino, and White adults in Hawaii and California; mean age was 48 years at T-1.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

BMI and weight status in relation to diet quality were measured.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Linear and multinomial logistic regressions were applied to analyze the relation of diet quality with BMI and obesity, while adjusting for known confounders.

RESULTS

Healthy Eating Index 2015 increased by 6.1 and 5.1 units for men and women, respectively, from T-1 to T-3; the respective values for BMI were 1.5 and 2.4. Diet quality was inversely associated with BMI across time: BMI was lower by -0.47, -0.72, and -0.92 units for every 10-point increase in Healthy Eating Index 2015 scores at T-1, T-2, and T-3, respectively (P < .0001 for all). During the 20 years, the association was consistently high among Japanese American participants (-0.79, -0.87, and -1.02) and weakest in African American cohort members (-0.34, -0.37, and -0.40). Higher diet quality was related to lower odds of having obesity at all 3 time points; prevalence odds ratios were 0.72, 0.57, and 0.60.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that consuming a high-quality diet is related to lower BMI and rates of overweight and obesity but with the strongest association at an older age. To understand the ethnic differences, investigations of dietary habits and behaviors and/or fat distribution patterns will be needed in the future.

Research on the changes and predictions of the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pacific Island countries from 1990 to 2019

AIMS

To assess the burden of type 2 diabetes in Pacific Island countries and predict future trends.

METHODS

We analyzed and processed data using R and Excel software, performed Joinpoint 4.7.0 software analysis to investigate changing trends in disease burden, and used an autoregressive integrated moving average model to forecast future trends.

RESULTS

Our study showed that from 1990 to 2019, the burden of type 2 diabetes in Pacific Island countries continues to increase, with the standardized incidence rate showing the most significant growth. Moreover, there were significant differences in the burden of type 2 diabetes between regions. In 2019, American Samoa had the highest standardized incidence rate, while Fiji had the highest standardized death rate and disability-adjusted life year rate. The standardized incidence rate peaked at ages 65-69 years, while the standardized death rate and disability-adjusted life year rate peaked at ages 95 years and 70-74 years respectively. Type 2 diabetes burden was higher among males than females. Based on our forecasting, from 2020 to 2030, the standardized incidence rate is expected to continue to rise, while the standardized death rate and disability-adjusted life year rate will slowly decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights that the burden of type 2 diabetes in Pacific Island countries has been increasing from 1990 to 2019. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen disease prevention and control measures in the region.

Disparities in diabetes prevalence and management by race and ethnicity in the USA: defining a path forward

Type 2 diabetes disparities in the USA persist in both the prevalence of disease and diabetes-related complications. We conducted a literature review related to diabetes prevention, management, and complications across racial and ethnic groups in the USA. The objective of this review is to summarise the current understanding of diabetes disparities by examining differences between and within racial and ethnic groups and among young people (aged <18 years). We also examine the pathophysiology of diabetes as it relates to race and ethnic differences. We use a conceptual framework built on the socioecological model to categorise the causes of diabetes disparities across the lifespan looking at factors in five domains of health behaviours and social norms, public awareness, structural racism, economic development, and access to high-quality care. The range of disparities in diabetes prevalence and management in the USA calls for a community-engaged and multidisciplinary approach that must involve community partners, researchers, practitioners, health system administrators, and policy makers. We offer recommendations for each of these groups to help to promote equity in diabetes prevention and care in the USA.

Short sleep duration and interest in sleep improvement in a multi-ethnic cohort of diverse women participating in a community-based wellness intervention: an unmet need for improvement

BACKGROUND

Disparities in sleep duration are a modifiable contributor to increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders in communities of color. We examined the prevalence of short sleep duration and interest in improving sleep among a multi-ethnic sample of women participating in a culturally tailored wellness coaching program and discussed steps to engage communities in sleep health interventions.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial were used. The wellness coaching trial utilized a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. Data were from the baseline survey and baseline wellness coaching notes. Short sleep duration was defined as < 7 h of self-reported sleep. Participants were prompted to set a goal related to healthy eating/physical activity and had the opportunity to set another goal on any topic of interest. Those who set a goal related to improving sleep or who discussed a desire to improve sleep during coaching were classified as having an interest in sleep improvement. Analyses utilized multivariable models to evaluate factors contributing to short sleep and interest in sleep improvement. We present our process of discussing results with community leaders and health workers.

RESULTS

A total of 485 women of color participated in the study. Among these, 199 (41%) reported short sleep duration. In adjusted models, Blacks/African Americans and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders had higher odds of reporting < 7 h of sleep than Hispanics/Latinas. Depression symptoms and self-reported stress management scores were significantly associated with short sleep duration. Interest in sleep improvement was noted in the wellness coaching notes of 52 women (10.7%); sleep was the most common focus of goals not related to healthy eating/physical activity. African Immigrants/Refugees and African Americans were less likely to report interest in sleep improvement. Community leaders and health workers reported lack of awareness of the role of sleep in health and discussed challenges to obtaining adequate sleep in their communities.

CONCLUSION

Despite the high prevalence of short sleep duration, interest in sleep improvement was generally low. This study highlights a discrepancy between need and interest, and our process of community engagement, which can inform intervention development for addressing sleep duration among diverse women.

Clinical and humanistic impact of pharmacotherapeutic follow-up in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated judicially

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of studies that assess the effectiveness of pharmacotherapeutic follow-up in the context of the judicialization of insulin analogues.

AIMS

To evaluate the clinical and humanistic impact of pharmacotherapeutic follow-up in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who receive insulin analogues by judicial decision in a Brazilian municipality.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study of the before-and-after type was carried out through pharmacotherapeutic follow-up. Patients who accepted to participate in the study underwent laboratory tests of glycemic and lipid profile before and after the intervention, and underwent five pharmaceutical consultations. In addition, quality of life and health, knowledge, and skills related to insulin application techniques were analyzed.

RESULTS

28 patients participated in all stages. Of these, most were female (53.6%), with a mean age of 32.8 ± 11.6 years. After the intervention, there was a reduction in blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and increased body mass index. In addition, there was greater knowledge and skills regarding insulin application techniques, improved quality of life, health, greater number of medications used, reduction of pharmacotherapeutic problems, and improvement in eating habits.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacotherapeutic follow-up promoted clinical and humanistic benefits, with improvement in quality of life and health.

Educational Attainment and Prevalence of Cardiovascular Health (Life's Simple 7) in Asian Americans

Asian Americans have a high burden of cardiovascular disease, yet little is known about the social patterning of cardiovascular health (CVH) in this population. We examined if education (<high school diploma, high school diploma, some college, and college degree+) was associated with CVH and if this varied by time in the United States (U.S.). Our study population included Asian Americans 20+ years of age sampled in the 2011-16 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 1634). Ideal cardiovascular health was based on a composite score of adiposity, total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose, smoking, physical activity, and diet. We fit sequential weighted multivariate logistic regression models for all analyses. The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular (CV) health was 17.1% among those living in the U.S. <10 years, 7.1% for those living in the U.S. >10+ years, and 15.9% for the U.S.-born. All models showed that low education compared to high education was associated with lower odds of having ideal CVH. This pattern remained in adjusted models but became non-significant when controlling for nativity (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.10, 1.13). Models stratified by time in the U.S. were less consistent but showed similar education gradients in CVH. Low education is a risk factor for attaining ideal cardiovascular health among Asian Americans, regardless of time in the U.S.

Early combination versus initial metformin monotherapy in the management of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: An East Asian perspective

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the East Asian population is characterized by phenotypes such as low body mass index, an index of β-cell dysfunction, and higher percentage of body fat, an index of insulin resistance. These phenotypes/pathologies may predispose people to early onset of diabetes with increased risk of stroke and renal disease. Less than 50% of patients with T2D in East Asia achieve glycaemic targets recommended by national or regional guidelines, which may be attributable to knowledge and/or implementation gaps. Herein, we review the latest evidence with special reference to East Asian patients with T2D and present arguments for the need to use early combination therapy to intensify glycaemic control. This strategy is supported by the 5-year worldwide VERIFY study, which reported better glycaemic durability in newly diagnosed patients with T2D with a mean HbA1c of 6.9% treated with early combination therapy of vildagliptin plus metformin versus those treated with initial metformin monotherapy followed by addition of vildagliptin only with worsening glycaemic control. This paradigm shift of early intensified treatment is now recommended by the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. In order to translate these evidence to practice, increased awareness and strengthening of the healthcare system are needed to diagnose and manage patients with T2D early for combination therapy.

Food Insecurity and the Risk of Obesity, Depression, and Self-Rated Health in Women

Background/Introduction/Objective: Recent studies have shown that food insecurity is associated with obesity, depression, and other adverse health outcomes although little research has been focused on these relationships in underrepresented cultural and social groups. In this study we elucidate the relationship between food insecurity, community factors, dietary patterns, race/ethnicity and health among underrepresented women. Materials and Methods: The data for this investigation come from a cross-sectional survey of women drawn from five urban Utah communities of color, including African immigrants/refugees, African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders, and women from four rural Utah counties. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between food insecurity and obesity risk, self-reported depression, and self-assessed health. Results: Urban women of color were more likely to report food insecurity than rural non-Hispanic white women. Obesity and depression scores were positively associated with food insecurity. Conclusions: Utah women of color had higher levels of food insecurity than reported in state or national data, highlight an important disparity. Nutritional education initiatives, evaluating food assistance programs, and screenings in clinical settings targeting specific racial/ethnic groups may help address the disparities observed in this study.

Characteristics and Early Hypoglycemic Medications of Patients at Risk of Progression to Type 2 Diabetes in Japan: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Health Checkup and Claims Data

Medication therapy management by tracking patients with risk of progression to type 2 diabetes has not been investigated in Japan. We aimed to assess the characteristics of these patients and their early medications. Claims (n = 190507) and health checkup data (n = 106984) between April 2005 and March 2015 in Japan were selected. We selected patients aged ≥40 years with fasting plasma glucose levels of 100-125 mg/dL or glycated hemoglobin A1c values of 5.7-6.4%. The early-medication group comprised patients who received hypoglycemic medications within 6 months after their first clinic visit, while the no-medication group comprised patients who did not receive any hypoglycemic medications. Main outcome measures were characteristics and early hypoglycemic medications of patients at risk of progression to type 2 diabetes. Of 5676 individuals, hypoglycemic medications were initiated in 276 (5%). The early-medication group had a higher proportion of individuals with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m² and current smokers and drinkers than the no-medication group. Approximately 83% of patients in the early-medication group were prescribed a single hypoglycemic medication, and since 2010, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors were prescribed to one-third of these patients. In our population, early hypoglycemic medication was initiated within 6 months of the first clinic visit, indicating that initiation took place earlier than recommended by current guidelines. Early hypoglycemic medications, especially dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors with low risks of hypoglycemia, might be prescribed based on patient characteristics. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm the suitability of early hypoglycemic medication.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes by BMI: Patient Outcomes Research To Advance Learning (PORTAL) Multisite Cohort of Adults in the U.S

OBJECTIVE

To examine racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes by BMI category.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a consortium of three U.S. integrated health care systems, 4,906,238 individuals aged ≥20 years during 2012-2013 were included. Diabetes and prediabetes were ascertained by diagnosis and laboratory results; antihyperglycemic medications were also included for diabetes ascertainment.

RESULTS

The age-standardized diabetes and prediabetes prevalence estimates were 15.9% and 33.4%, respectively. Diabetes but not prediabetes prevalence increased across BMI categories among all racial/ethnic groups (P for trend < 0.001). Racial/ethnic minorities reached a given diabetes prevalence at lower BMIs than whites; Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders and Asians had a diabetes prevalence of 24.6% (95% CI 24.1-25.2%) in overweight and 26.5% (26.3-26.8%) in obese class 1, whereas whites had a prevalence of 23.7% (23.5-23.8%) in obese class 2. The age-standardized prediabetes prevalence estimates in overweight among Hispanics (35.6% [35.4-35.7%]), Asians (38.1% [38.0-38.3%]), and Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (37.5% [36.9-38.2%]) were similar to those in obese class 4 among whites (35.3% [34.5-36.0%]), blacks (36.8% [35.5-38.2%]), and American Indians/Alaskan Natives (34.2% [29.6-38.8%]). In adjusted models, the strength of association between BMI and diabetes was highest among whites (relative risk comparing obese class 4 with normal weight 7.64 [95% CI 7.50-7.79]) and lowest among blacks (3.16 [3.05-3.27]). The association between BMI and prediabetes was less pronounced.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial/ethnic minorities had a higher burden of diabetes and prediabetes at lower BMIs than whites, suggesting the role of factors other than obesity in racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes and prediabetes risk and highlighting the need for tailored screening and prevention strategies.

Type 2 diabetes and obesity in midlife and breast cancer risk in the Reykjavik cohort

PURPOSE

As obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been increasing worldwide, we investigated their association with breast cancer incidence in the Reykjavik Study.

METHODS

During 1968-1996, approximately 10,000 women (mean age = 53 ± 9 years) completed questionnaires and donated blood samples. T2D status was classified according to self-report (n = 140) and glucose levels (n  = 154) at cohort entry. A linkage with the Icelandic Cancer Registry provided breast cancer incidence through 2015. Cox regression with age as time metric and adjusted for known confounders was applied to obtain hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Of 9,606 participants, 294 (3.1%) were classified as T2D cases at cohort entry while 728 (7.8%) women were diagnosed with breast cancer during 28.4 ± 11.6 years of follow-up. No significant association of T2D (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.56-1.53) with breast cancer incidence was detected except among the small number of women with advanced breast cancer (HR 3.30; 95% CI 1.13-9.62). Breast cancer incidence was elevated among overweight/obese women without (HR 1.18; 95% CI 1.01-1.37) and with T2D (HR 1.35; 95% CI 0.79-2.31). Height also predicted higher breast cancer incidence (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.02-1.05). All findings were confirmed in women of the AGES-Reykjavik sub-cohort (n  = 3,103) who returned for an exam during 2002-2006. With a 10% T2D prevalence and 93 incident breast cancer cases, the HR for T2D was 1.18 (95% CI 0.62-2.27).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings in a population with low T2D incidence suggest that the presence of T2D does not confer additional breast cancer risk and confirm the importance of height and excess body weight as breast cancer risk factors.

Cardiovascular Health Among Non-Hispanic Asian Americans: NHANES, 2011-2016

Background Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the United States, but little is known about their cardiovascular health (CVH). The objective of this study was to assess CVH among non-Hispanic Asian Americans (NHAAs) and to compare these estimates to those of non-Hispanic white (NHW) participants. Methods and Results Merging NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data from 2011 to 2016, we examined 7 metrics (smoking, weight, physical activity, diet, blood cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure) to assess CVH among 5278 NHW and 1486 NHAA participants aged ≥20 years. We assessed (1) the percentage meeting 6 to 7 metrics (ideal CVH), (2) the percentage meeting only 0 to 2 metrics (poor CVH), and (3) the overall mean CVH score. We compared these estimates between NHAAs and NHWs and among foreign-born NHAAs by birthplace and number of years living in the United States. The adjusted prevalence of ideal CVH was 8.7% among NHAAs and 5.9% among NHWs ( P<0.001). NHAAs were significantly more likely to have ideal CVH (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.42; 95% CI, 1.29-1.55) compared with NHWs. Among NHAAs, there was no significant difference in ideal CVH between US- and foreign-born participants, nor by number of years living in the United States. With lower body mass index thresholds (<23, normal weight) for NHAAs, there were no statistically significant differences in the adjusted prevalence of ideal CVH (6.5% versus 5.9%, P=0.216) between NHAAs and NHWs. Conclusions NHAAs had a higher prevalence of overall ideal CVH compared with NHWs. However, when using a lower body mass index threshold for NHAAs, there was no difference in ideal CVH between the groups.

Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and breast cancer risk among Japanese women of the atomic bomb survivor cohort

BACKGROUND

Much less is known about diabetes than obesity as a predictor of breast cancer incidence and most previous studies have been conducted in white populations. Therefore, this project within the Radiation Effects Research Foundation's cohort of Japanese atomic bomb survivors aimed to determine the independent contributions of obesity and diabetes to develop breast cancer.

METHODS

After excluding women with unknown A-bomb radiation dose, a radiation dose of ≥100 mGy, a pre-existing history of breast cancer, and missing body mass index (BMI), the analysis included 29,818 women. Breast cancer status and deaths until 2009 were identified from cancer registries and vital records. Cox regression with age as the time metric was applied to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for BMI and diabetes status as time-varying exposures alone and in combination while adjusting for known confounders.

RESULTS

Diabetes prevalence increased from 2.6% to 5.3% and 7.5% from the first to the second and third data collection. During 27.6 ± 12.2 years of follow-up, 703 women had developed breast cancer (mean age of 66.0 ± 12.9 years) and 31 (4.4%) had been diagnosed with diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes was not significantly associated with breast cancer incidence without (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.77-1.64) and with BMI (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.69-1.49) as a covariate. The respective HRs for overweight and obesity were 1.61 (95% CI 1.34-1.93) and 2.04 (95% CI 1.40-2.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Among a long-time Japanese cohort, excess body weight but not a diabetes diagnosis was significantly associated with breast cancer risk.

Motivating people to sustain healthy lifestyles using persuasive technology: A pilot study of Korean Americans with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To test the efficacy of a hybrid model of the self-help intervention program (hSHIP), which combines a mobile version of SHIP (mSHIP) and personal coaching, to address unique cultural and motivational factors for optimal self-management of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes among Korean Americans (KAs).

METHODS

A single-group feasibility study design was used. The hSHIP utilizes texts and motivational counseling based on well-tested intervention content for KAs. To facilitate the dissemination of hSHIP, we developed a web application adopting the principles of persuasive technology to motivate behavior changes.

RESULTS

Feasibility assessment found that hSHIP was well accepted by both participants and community health workers who delivered the intervention. An average of 1.3% A1C reduction (from 7.8% to 6.5%) was achieved by KAs with diabetes (n = 165), 51.5% of whom lowered their A1C below 6.5% in 6-months. No one with prediabetes (n = 50) progressed to diabetes. Other clinical outcomes (e.g., weight, depression, and blood pressure) also improved significantly; 41.2% were able to reduce or discontinue antidiabetic drugs.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility and initial efficacy of hSHIP were demonstrated.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

This hybrid diabetes self-management model is a viable tool for traditionally underserved groups with diabetes or prediabetes.

A COMMENTARY ON CLASSIFICATION OF DIABETES: LATENT AUTOIMMUNE DIABETES IN ADULTS (LADA) OR INTERMEDIARY DIABETES MELLITUS (IDM)?

Diabetes Mellitus is a huge syndrome which can be detected from the first day of life until the last year of life of a centenarian. In the current classification of diabetes among the so-called "idiopathic phenotypes", apart Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has been included provisionally term "Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults" (LADA). This has unclear characterization regarding the age at onset, the presence of anti-β-cell antibodies and the level of insulin secretory function, in conformity with C-peptide levels. According to several recent publications, there are no specific biochemical or genetic markers for Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), but only a gradual transition from T1D to T2D. In addition, the word "latent" in the construction of "LADA" term is inaccurate because in this phenotype nothing is latent: both the autoimmunity and diabetes are present and are even parts of the diagnosis. So that, the best term should be what in reality this sub-phenotype is: an Intermediary Diabetes Mellitus (IDM). Some recent genetic data strongly support this designation.

Cross-Validating a Structural Model of Factors Influencing Diabetes Self-Management in Chinese Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to cross-validate a structural model depicting the effects of individual and environmental factors on diabetes self-management in Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of 209 Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes in the Midwest of the United States. Structural equation modeling was used to cross-validate the model fit. Results: Provider–patient communication indirectly influenced self-management via belief in treatment. Knowledge indirectly influenced self-management via belief in treatment and self-efficacy. Social support indirectly influenced self-management via belief in treatment and knowledge. Discussion: This study demonstrated that the structural model, previously tested with Chinese diabetes patients in China, also fits Chinese Americans in the United States with few modifications. The cross-validated model provides a theoretical basis for developing culturally relevant diabetes self-management interventions for Chinese Americans, which may lead to health improvements in this ethnic population.

Risk factors associated with the development of postpartum diabetes in Japanese women with gestational diabetes

BACKGROUND

Although the onset of gestational diabetes (GDM) is known to be a significant risk factor for the future development of type 2 diabetes, this risk specifically in women with GDM diagnosed by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study was performed to investigate the risk factors associated with the development of postpartum diabetes in Japanese women with a history of GDM, and the effects of the differences in the previous Japanese criteria and the IADPSG criteria.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included Japanese women with GDM who underwent at least one postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 2003 and 2014. Cases with overt diabetes in pregnancy were excluded. We investigated the risk factors including maternal baseline and pregnancy characteristics associated with the development of postpartum diabetes.

RESULTS

Among 354 women diagnosed with GDM during the study period, 306 (86%) (116/136 [85.3%] and 190/218 [87.2%] under the previous criteria and the IADPSG criteria, respectively) who underwent at least 1 follow-up OGTT were included in the study. Thirty-two women (10.1%) developed diabetes within a median follow-up period of 57 weeks (range, 6-292 weeks). Eleven (9.5%) and 21 (11.1%) were diagnosed as GDM during pregnancy based on the previous Japanese criteria and the IADPSG criteria, respectively, which did not significantly differ between those criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HbA1c and 2-h plasma glucose (PG) at the time of the diagnostic OGTT during pregnancy were independent predictors of the development of diabetes after adjusting for confounders. The adjusted relative risk of HbA1c ≥5.6% for the development of diabetes was 4.67 (95% confidence interval, 1.53-16.73), while that of 2-h PG ≥183 mg/dl was 7.02 (2.51-20.72).

CONCLUSIONS

A modest elevation of the HbA1c and 2-h PG values at the time of the diagnosis of GDM during pregnancy are independent predictors of the development of diabetes during the postpartum period in Japanese women with a history of GDM. The diagnostic criteria did not affect the incidence of postpartum diabetes.

Is β-cell aging involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes?

BACKGROUND

β-Cells at different stages have different functions and capacity for proliferation, regenerative and apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there are changes in β-cell phonotype in the development of diabetes to identify potential β-cell targets to prevent the progression of diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed on pancreatic tissues obtained from 80 patients classified into three groups: 25 with type 2 diabetes (T2D), 25 with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and 30 non-diabetics (ND). The ratio of the insulin-positive area to pancreatic area was used as an indirect marker of β-cell mass. Insulin-positive duct cells and scattered β-cells were defined as newly generated β-cells, whereas insulin/neurogenin 3 (Ngn3), insulin/v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family, protein A (MafA) and insulin/P16 double-positive cells were defined as immature, mature, and senescent β-cells, respectively; Ki67 was used as a marker of cell proliferation, and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) was used as a marker of cell apoptosis. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in β-cell mass, the prevalence of insulin-positive duct cells, scattered β-cells, or insulin/Ngn3, insulin/MafA, and Insulin/Ki67 double-positive cells among groups. The incidence of insulin/P16 double-positive cells was significantly higher in T2D than ND. β-Cell apoptosis was significantly higher in T2D and IFG than ND.

CONCLUSION

The senescence and apoptosis of β-cells may be involved in the course of diabetes.

2016 Writing Contest Undergraduate Winner: The Relationship Between Medication Adherence and Total Healthcare Expenditures by Race/Ethnicity in Patients with Diabetes in Hawai'i

Diabetes is a costly, chronic disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Studies show that Native Hawaiians suffer from higher rates of diabetes and lower rates of medication adherence compared to Caucasians and Japanese. This study compared total annual healthcare expenditures of patients with diabetes in Hawai'i by race and ethnicity and determined whether any existing differences persisted after controlling for medication adherence and demographic factors. The study population consisted of 30,445 individuals, using administrative claims data from a large health plan in Hawai'i. Filipinos, Native Hawaiians, and Other Pacific Islanders had significantly lower medication adherence rates compared to other groups. These ethnic groups also had the lowest median healthcare costs. In contrast, Caucasians had one of the highest medication adherence rates coupled with the highest median annual healthcare expenditures at $5,132. Generalized linear regression models showed that after controlling for demographic factors and medication adherence, Japanese (RR=0.86, 95%CI [0.78, 0.94]), Chinese (RR=0.83, 95%CI [0.73, 0.95]), Filipinos (RR=0.74, 95%CI [0.67, 0.82]), and Native Hawaiians (RR=0.74, 95%CI [0.67, 0.82]) had significantly lower total healthcare costs compared to Caucasians. Costs for Other Pacific Islanders were not significantly different from those of Caucasians. This study provides evidence that total health-related cost is associated with a multitude of factors that further research may reveal.

Social and clinically-relevant cardiovascular risk factors in Asian Americans adults: NHANES 2011-2014

Little evidence exists examining cardiovascular risk factors among Asian Americans and how social determinants such as nativity status and education pattern risk in the United States (U.S.) context. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which purposely oversampled Asian Americans from 2011 to 2014, and examined prevalence of Type II diabetes, smoking and obesity for Asian Americans (n=1363) and non-Latino Whites (n=4121). We classified Asian Americans as U.S. or foreign-born and by years in the U.S. Obesity status was based on standard body mass index (BMI) cut points of ≥30kg/m² and Asian-specific cut points (BMI≥25kg/m²) that may be more clinically relevant for this population. We fit separate logistic regression models for each outcome using complex survey design methods and tested for the joint effect of race, nativity and education on each outcome. Diabetes and obesity prevalence (applying Asian-specific BMI cut points) were higher among Asian Americans when compared to non-Latino Whites but smoking prevalence was lower. These patterns remained in fully adjusted models and showed small increases with longer duration in the U.S. Joint effects models showed higher odds of prevalent Type II diabetes and obesity (Asian-specific) for foreign-born Asians, regardless of years in the U.S. and slightly higher risk for low education, when compared to non-Latino Whites with high education. Smoking models showed significant interaction effects between race and education for non-Latino Whites only. Our study supports the premise that social as well as clinical factors should be considered when developing health initiatives for Asian Americans.

Type II Diabetes, Obesity, and Breast Cancer Risk: The Multiethnic Cohort

Background: Obesity has been more consistently associated with breast cancer than type II diabetes. This analysis examined the combination of the two factors in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC).Methods: Women ages 45-75 years entered the MEC in 1993-1996 by completing a questionnaire. Type II diabetes status was self-reported at baseline, two follow-up questionnaires, and confirmed by administrative data. Cancers were identified from tumor registries and deaths through vital records until 2010. Cox regression was applied to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for BMI and type II diabetes status alone and in combination.Results: Among 103,721 (25,146 white, 20,255 African American, 7,681 Native Hawaiian, 28,012 Japanese American, 22,627 Latina) women with 14,558 type II diabetes cases, 6,692 women developed breast cancer during 14.8 ± 4.1 years of follow-up. Type II diabetes was significantly associated with breast cancer risk (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.07-1.23), but including body mass index (BMI) lowered the HR to 1.08 (95% CI, 1.00-1.16). Ethnic-specific BMI-adjusted models showed elevated risks for type II diabetes in Latinas only (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.11-1.52). In contrast, obesity predicted statistically significant 21%-46% higher risks, after type II diabetes adjustment, in all ethnic groups except Latinas (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.99-1.38).Conclusions: As reported previously, inclusion of BMI weakened the association of type II diabetes with breast cancer. Type II diabetes status, but not BMI, was primarily associated with higher breast cancer risk in Latinas.Impact: The role of obesity and type II diabetes in breast cancer etiology may differ by ethnicity suggesting metabolic differences related to obesity. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 854-61. ©2017 AACR.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Screening Between Asian Americans and Other Adults: BRFSS 2012-2014

BACKGROUND

Although Asian Americans are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, it is not known whether they are appropriately screened for this disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes screening between Asian Americans and other adults.

DESIGN

Analysis of pooled cross-sectional data from 45 U.S. states and territories using the 2012-2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We calculated the weighted proportions of adults in each racial and ethnic group who received recommended diabetes screening. To assess for racial and ethnic disparities, we used multivariable logistic regression to model receipt of recommended diabetes screening as a function of race and ethnicity, adjusting for demographics, healthcare access, survey year, and state.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 526,000 adults who were eligible to receive diabetes screening according to American Diabetes Association guidelines from 2012 to 2014 (age ≥ 45 years or age < 45 years with a body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m²).

MAIN MEASURES

Self-reported receipt of diabetes screening (defined as a test for high blood sugar or diabetes within the past 3 years) and self-reported race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic or Latino, and non-Hispanic multiracial or other).

KEY RESULTS

Asian Americans were the least likely racial and ethnic group to receive recommended diabetes screening. Overall, Asian Americans had 34% lower adjusted odds of receiving recommended diabetes screening compared to non-Hispanic whites (95 % CI: 0.60, 0.73). In subgroup analyses by age and weight status, disparities were widest among obese Asian Americans ≥ 45 years (AOR = 0.56; 95 % CI: 0.39, 0.81). Disparities persisted among Asian Americans who completed other types of preventive cancer screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their high risk of diabetes, Asian Americans were the least likely racial and ethnic group to receive recommended diabetes screening.

Comparison of baseline characteristics and clinical course in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes among whom different types of oral hypoglycemic agents were chosen by diabetes specialists as initial monotherapy (JDDM 42)

Little is known about the relationships between patient factors and the antihyperglycemic agents that have been prescribed as initial therapy by diabetes specialists for patients with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, there has been little clarification of the subsequent usage patterns and related factors that influenced the continuation or discontinuation of the drug or the addition of another drug. To provide information on these issues, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes for whom different types of oral hypoglycemic agents (i.e., either sulfonylureas, biguanides, or DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4Is)) were chosen as initial monotherapy by diabetes specialists and evaluated subsequent usage patterns.Prescription data on 3 different antidiabetic agents from December 2009 to March 2015 from diabetes specialists' patient registries were used to identify variables at baseline related to initial prescriptions; also, the addition of another hypoglycemic drug or discontinuation of the initial therapy was evaluated 1 year after the initial prescription. Analyzed were data on 2666 patients who received initial monotherapy with either a sulfonylurea (305 patients), biguanide (951 patients), or DPP-4I (1410 patients). Patients administered sulfonylureas were older, had a lower body mass index (BMI), longer duration of diabetes, and worse glycemic control than recipients of biguanides. Use of biguanides was related to younger age, short duration of diabetes, and obesity but was negatively associated with poor glycemic control. Older age but neither obesity nor poor glycemic control was associated with DPP-4Is. In all 3 groups a high HbA1c value was related to adding another hypoglycemic agent to the initial therapy. Moreover, adding another drug to a DPP-4I was related to a younger age and higher BMI.Patients' age, duration of diabetes, obesity, and glycemic control at baseline influenced the choice of hypoglycemic agents. Selection of a biguanide differs greatly from that of a sulfonylurea or DPP-4I with regard to age and obesity.

HbA1c as a predictor of diabetes after gestational diabetes mellitus

AIM

We wanted to investigate third-trimester HbA1c as a predictor of diabetes after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

Women with GDM were followed up prospectively for five years from pregnancy to detect the development of diabetes. The ability of HbA1c to predict diabetes was evaluated with receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

By five years, 73 of 196 women had been diagnosed with diabetes. An optimal cut-off point for HbA1c of 36mmol/mol (5.4%) could predict diabetes with 45% sensitivity and 92% specificity. For HbA1c ≥39mmol/mol (≥5.7%), sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were 30%, 97%, and 91%, respectively. In logistic regression analysis, adjusting for the diagnostic glucose concentration during pregnancy, HbA1c levels in the upper quartile (≥36mmol/mol) were associated with a 5.5-fold increased risk of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Third-trimester HbA1c levels in the pre-diabetes range revealed women with post-partum diabetes with high specificity and high positive predictive value. HbA1c testing could be used as a strategy to select high-risk women for lifestyle interventions aimed at prevention of diabetes starting during pregnancy. The results should encourage further validation in other populations using new diagnostic criteria for GDM.

Acculturation and bicultural efficacy effects on Chinese American immigrants' diabetes and health management

The primary goal of this study was to examine effects of bicultural efficacy, or perceived confidence in dealing with bicultural acculturation stressors, on type 2 diabetes management and health for first-generation, Cantonese-speaking, Chinese American immigrants (N = 162) recruited for a larger community-based diabetes intervention study (Chesla et al. in Res Nurs Health 36(4):359-372, 2013. doi: 10.1002/nur.21543 ). The current study also tested whether a new Bicultural Efficacy in Health Management (BEFF-HM) scale is a more robust predictor of diabetes and health outcomes than proxy (years in the U.S.) and general acculturation measures. Hierarchical regression analyses of cross-sectional data revealed that high BEFF-HM was significantly related to positive outcomes on five of six diabetes and health measures as hypothesized after accounting for participant characteristics, proxy and general acculturation measures, and social support. Proxy and general acculturation measures failed to predict any study outcome supporting our secondary hypothesis that BEFF-HM is a better predictor of Chinese American immigrants' diabetes and health management. An immigrant-focused research approach advances understanding of acculturation and bicultural efficacy effects on health by identifying key acculturation domains for study.

Why are there race/ethnic differences in adult body mass index-adiposity relationships? A quantitative critical review

Body mass index (BMI) is now the most widely used measure of adiposity on a global scale. Nevertheless, intense discussion centers on the appropriateness of BMI as a phenotypic marker of adiposity across populations differing in race and ethnicity. BMI-adiposity relations appear to vary significantly across race/ethnic groups, but a collective critical analysis of these effects establishing their magnitude and underlying body shape/composition basis is lacking. Accordingly, we systematically review the magnitude of these race-ethnic differences across non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH black and Mexican American adults, their anatomic body composition basis and potential biologically linked mechanisms, using both earlier publications and new analyses from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our collective observations provide a new framework for critically evaluating the quantitative relations between BMI and adiposity across groups differing in race and ethnicity; reveal new insights into BMI as a measure of adiposity across the adult age-span; identify knowledge gaps that can form the basis of future research and create a quantitative foundation for developing BMI-related public health recommendations.

Dynamic pathology of islet endocrine cells in type 2 diabetes: β-Cell growth, death, regeneration and their clinical implications

Diabetes is defined as a disease of hyperglycemic metabolic disorder caused by impaired insulin action or low insulin secretion, resulting in the occurrence of vascular complications. Based on this definition, diabetes therapy has long been oriented to correct hyperglycemia against the specific complications of diabetes. This definition has posed some difficulties, however, in understanding of the pathophysiology of this complicated disease and as such in the establishment of an effective treatment. With continuing efforts to explore the structural basis for diabetes onset and methodological development of immunohistochemistry, progressive decline of β-cells is now established as a salient feature of type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, diabetes therapy has now turned out to protect β-cells concurrently with the correction of hyperglycemia. Together with this effort, exploration of the means to regenerate β-cells or to supply new β-cells by, for example, induced pluripotential stem cells, are vigorously made with the search for the mechanism of β-cell decline in diabetes. In the present review, we describe the advances in the islet pathology in type 2 diabetes with special reference to the dynamic alterations of islet endocrine cells in the milieu of maturation, obesity, aging and ethnic differences. The effect of amyloid deposition is also discussed. We hope it will help with understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes, and suggest the future direction of diabetes treatment.

Effects of Glucocorticoid Treatment on β- and α-Cell Mass in Japanese Adults With and Without Diabetes

The aim of this study was 1) to clarify β-cell regenerative capacity in the face of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced insulin resistance and 2) to clarify the change in β- and α-cell mass in GC-induced diabetes in humans. We obtained the pancreases from 100 Japanese autopsy case subjects. The case subjects were classified according to whether or not they had received GC therapy before death and the presence or absence of diabetes. Fractional β-cell area (%BCA) and α-cell area (%ACA) were quantified, and the relationship with GC therapy was evaluated. As a result, in case subjects without diabetes, there was no significant difference in %BCA between case subjects with and without GC therapy (1.66 ± 1.05% vs. 1.21 ± 0.59%, P = 0.13). %ACA was also not significantly different between the two groups. In case subjects with type 2 diabetes, %BCA and %ACA were both significantly reduced compared with control subjects without diabetes; however, neither %BCA nor %ACA was significantly decreased in case subjects with GC-induced diabetes. There was a significant negative correlation between %BCA and HbA1c measured before death; however, this relationship was attenuated in case subjects with GC therapy. In conclusion, the current study suggests that β- and α-cell mass remain largely unchanged in the face of GC-induced insulin resistance in Japanese individuals, implying limited capacity of β-cell regeneration in adult humans. The absence of apparent β-cell deficit in case subjects with GC-induced diabetes suggests that GC-induced diabetes is mainly caused by insulin resistance and/or β-cell dysfunction, but not necessarily a deficit of β-cell mass.

Complicações e o tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes mellitus na atenção primária

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o tempo da doença e o aparecimento de complicações do diabetes mellitus e descrever as características da população de diabéticos de um município de médio porte do Centro Oeste mineiro. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 1320 usuários com diabetes mellitus. Os dados foram obtidos do sistema de cadastramento de Hipertensos e Diabéticos e foram avaliadas as variáveis: características sociodemográficas, duração da doença e complicações do diabetes. Resultados: Entre os usuários que possuem o diagnóstico da doença há mais de 10 anos, o percentual daqueles que apresentam complicações 156 (32,2%) é maior do que entre os que possuem o diagnóstico da doença há menos de 10 anos 45 (12,1%). Conclusão: Os resultados apontaram que a presença de complicações relacionadas ao diabetes pôde ser associada ao tempo de duração da doença.

Optimum BMI cut points to screen asian americans for type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Asian Americans manifest type 2 diabetes at low BMI levels but may not undergo diagnostic testing for diabetes if the currently recommended BMI screening cut point of ≥25 kg/m(2) is followed. We aimed to ascertain an appropriate lower BMI cut point among Asian-American adults without a prior diabetes diagnosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We consolidated data from 1,663 participants, ages ≥45 years, without a prior diabetes diagnosis, from population- and community-based studies, including the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study, the North Kohala Study, the Seattle Japanese American Community Diabetes Study, and the University of California San Diego Filipino Health Study. Clinical measures included a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, BMI, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

RESULTS

Mean age was 59.7 years, mean BMI was 25.4 kg/m(2), 58% were women, and type 2 diabetes prevalence (American Diabetes Association 2010 criteria) was 16.9%. At BMI ≥25 kg/m(2), sensitivity (63.7%), specificity (52.8%), and Youden index (0.16) values were low; limiting screening to BMI ≥25 kg/m(2) would miss 36% of Asian Americans with type 2 diabetes. For screening purposes, higher sensitivity is desirable to minimize missing cases, especially if the diagnostic test is relatively simple and inexpensive. At BMI ≥23 kg/m(2), sensitivity (84.7%) was high in the total sample and by sex and Asian-American subgroup and would miss only ∼15% of Asian Americans with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The BMI cut point for identifying Asian Americans who should be screened for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes should be <25 kg/m(2), and ≥23 kg/m(2) may be the most practical.

Alogliptin benzoate for management of type 2 diabetes

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, a new class of oral hypoglycemic agents, augment glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppress glucagon levels through enhancement of the action of endogenous incretin by inhibiting DPP-4, an incretin-degrading enzyme. DPP-4 inhibitors are generally well tolerated because of their low risk of hypoglycemia and other adverse events. Moreover, with their potential to improve beta cell function, a core defect of type 2 diabetes, DPP-4 inhibitors are becoming a major component of treatment of type 2 diabetes. Alogliptin benzoate is a newly developed, highly selective DPP-4 inhibitor which has been approved in many countries throughout the world. Once-daily administration of alogliptin as either monotherapy or combination therapy with other oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin has a potent glucose-lowering effect which is similar to that of other DPP-4 inhibitors, with a low risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain. The cardiovascular safety of this drug has been confirmed in a recent randomized controlled trial. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety of alogliptin, and discusses the role of DPP-4 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Cognitive Interviews of Vietnamese Americans on Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Health Educational Materials

The purpose of this study was to better understand if a health educational presentation using culturally adapted materials was understandable and culturally appropriate, and that the content was retained, in an older Vietnamese American population. This study used cognitive interviewing. A convenient sampling was used to recruit eight participants by staff of a community-based organization from its client base. This is the first study to document that family eating style poses a challenge for estimating food intake among Vietnamese Americans. Participants who ate in a family eating style were not able to recall or estimate the number of servings of protein and vegetables. Some older Vietnamese Americans used food for healing and self-adjusted portion sizes from dietary recommendations. Cognitive interviewing is a useful method to improve comprehension, retention, and cultural appropriateness of health educational materials. Further nutrition research concerning intake measurement in ethnic groups that practice a family eating style is warranted.

Effect of US health policies on health care access for Marshallese migrants

The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a sovereign nation previously under the administrative control of the United States. Since 1986, the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States allows Marshall Islands citizens to freely enter, lawfully reside, and work in the United States, and provides the United States exclusive military control of the region. When the COFA was signed, COFA migrants were eligible for Medicaid and other safety net programs. However, these migrants were excluded from benefits as a consequence of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. Currently, COFA migrants have limited access to health care benefits in the United States, which perpetuates health inequalities.

β-cell dysfunction: Its critical role in prevention and management of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Although, in contrast to type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance is assumed to be a major pathophysiological feature of T2DM, T2DM never develops unless β-cells fail to compensate insulin resistance. Recent studies have revealed that a deficit of β-cell functional mass is an essential component of the pathophysiology of T2DM, implying that β-cell deficit is a common feature of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. β-cell dysfunction is present at the diagnosis of T2DM and progressively worsens with disease duration. β-cell dysfunction is associated with worsening of glycemic control and treatment failure; thus, it is important to preserve or recover β-cell functional mass in the management of T2DM. Since β-cell regenerative capacity appears somewhat limited in humans, reducing β-cell workload appears to be the most effective way to preserve β-cell functional mass to date, underpinning the importance of lifestyle modification and weight loss for the treatment and prevention of T2DM. This review summarizes the current knowledge on β-cell functional mass in T2DM and discusses the treatment strategy for T2DM.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of Billroth reconstruction on type 2 diabetes: A new perspective on old surgical methods

BACKGROUND

Studies have reported that Billroth II (BII) reconstruction after subtotal gastrectomy for cancer or intractable ulcers can more effectively improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) than Billroth I (BI) reconstruction by allowing patients to achieve normoglycemia without or with lower doses of diabetes medications. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to assess the effect of Billroth techniques on postoperative T2D status and identify the clinical predictors of amelioration.

METHODS

The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies using a list of keywords. Moreover, reference lists from relevant review articles were searched. We included studies comparing BI with BII reconstruction as well as those with available outcome data for postoperative T2D status. Of the 52 potentially relevant studies, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Data were combined using a fixed- or random-effects model.

RESULTS

Compared with the BI group, the relative risk for postoperative T2D remission and amelioration in the BII group was 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 2.19) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.54), respectively. Patients who achieved amelioration had a higher body mass index than those who did not (weighted mean difference, .88 kg/m(2); 95% CI, .38 to 1.37) and shorter duration of diabetes (weighted mean difference, -0.40; 95% CI, -0.23 to -.70) at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

BII reconstruction after subtotal gastrectomy for cancer or intractable ulcers more effectively improved T2D than BI reconstruction. Thus, BII reconstruction may provide a treatment strategy for diabetic patients with gastric cancer or ulcers and enable metabolic surgery for nonobese patients.

Asian American and Pacific Islander military veterans in the United States: health service use and perceived barriers to mental health services

OBJECTIVES

We (1) compared use of various health services nationally between Asian American and Pacific Islander (AA/PI) veterans and veterans of other racial/ethnic groups and (2) specifically compared perceived barriers and stigma related to mental health services.

METHODS

Using bivariate and multivariable statistics, we analyzed a population-weighted sample of 8315 veterans from the 2010 National Survey of Veterans and a random sample of 567 recent veterans from Hawaii.

RESULTS

A total of 1.5% of veterans were AA/PI compared with 0.4% a decade ago. Compared with other veterans, AA/PI veterans reported higher socioeconomic status and better mental health, although these findings may be specific to AA veterans. Adjusting for sociodemographic and health differences, we found no differences in health service use or perceived barriers or stigma related to mental health services.

CONCLUSIONS

AA/PIs are a small but fast-growing racial/ethnic group within the veteran population that deserves attention. Although veteran status may be protective against some barriers to mental health care found in the general AA/PI population, efforts to reduce barriers to health care among veterans should be continued.

Improvement of insulin sensitivity by isoenergy high carbohydrate traditional Asian diet: a randomized controlled pilot feasibility study

The prevalence of diabetes is rising dramatically among Asians, with increased consumption of the typical Western diet as one possible cause. We explored the metabolic responses in East Asian Americans (AA) and Caucasian Americans (CA) when transitioning from a traditional Asian diet (TAD) to a typical Western diet (TWD), which has not been reported before. This 16-week randomized control pilot feasibility study, included 28AA and 22CA who were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Eight weeks of TAD were provided to all participants, followed by 8 weeks of isoenergy TWD (intervention) or TAD (control). Anthropometric measures, lipid profile, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers were assessed. While on TAD, both AA and CA improved in insulin AUC (-960.2 µU/mL × h, P = 0.001) and reduced in weight (-1.6 kg; P<0.001), body fat (-1.7%, P<0.001) and trunk fat (-2.2%, P<0.001). Comparing changes from TAD to TWD, AA had a smaller weight gain (-1.8 to 0.3 kg, P<0.001) than CA (-1.4 to 0.9 kg, P = 0.001), but a greater increase in insulin AUC (AA: -1402.4 to 606.2 µU/mL × h, P = 0.015 vs CA: -466.0 to 223.5 µU/mL × h, P = 0.034) and homeostatic static model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (AA: -0.3 to 0.2, P = 0.042 vs CA: -0.1 to 0.0, P = 0.221). Despite efforts to maintain isoenergy state and consumption of similar energy, TAD induced weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in both groups, while TWD worsened the metabolic profile.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00379548.

The potential for measuring ethnicity and health in a multicultural milieu--the case of type 2 diabetes in Australia

OBJECTIVE

Ethnicity influences health in many ways. For example, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is disproportionately prevalent among certain ethnic groups. Assessing ethnicity is difficult, and numerous proxy measures are used to capture its various components. Australian guidelines specify a set of variables for measuring ethnicity, and how such parameters should be categorised. Using T2DM data collections as an illustrative example, this study sought to examine how ethnicity is measured in Australian health databases and, by comparing current practice with Australia's existing benchmark recommendations, to identify potential areas for improvement of the health data landscape.

DESIGN

We identified databases containing information from which ethnic group-specific estimates of T2DM burden may be gleaned. For each database, details regarding ethnicity variables were extracted, and compared with the Australian guidelines.

RESULTS

Data collection instruments for 32 relevant databases were reviewed. Birthplace was recorded in 27 databases (84%), but mode of birthplace assessment varied. Indigenous status was commonly recorded (78%, n=25), but only nine databases recorded other aspects of self-perceived race/ethnicity. Of 28 survey/audit databases, 14 accommodated linguistic preferences other than English, and 11 either excluded non-English speakers or those for whom a translator was not available, or only offered questionnaires in English.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable variation exists in the measurement of ethnicity in Australian health data-sets. While various markers of ethnicity provide complementary information about the ethnic profile within a data-set, non-uniform measurement renders comparison between data-sets difficult. A standardised approach is necessary, and identifying the ethnicity variables that are particularly relevant to the health sector is warranted. Including self-identified ethnicity in Australia's set of recommended indicators and as a core component of the national census should be considered. Globalisation and increasing migration mean that these findings have implications internationally, including for multi-ethnic countries throughout North America and Europe.

Utility of the triglyceride level for predicting incident diabetes mellitus according to the fasting status and body mass index category: the Ibaraki Prefectural Health Study

AIM

The levels of lipids, especially triglycerides (TG), and obesity are associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although typically measured in fasting individuals, non-fasting lipid measurements play an important role in predicting future DM. This study compared the predictive efficacy of lipid variables according to the fasting status and body mass index (BMI) category.

METHODS

Data were collected for 39,196 nondiabetic men and 87,980 nondiabetic women 40-79years of age who underwent health checkups in Ibaraki-Prefecture, Japan in 1993 and were followed through 2007. The hazard ratios (HRs) for DM in relation to sex, the fasting status and BMI were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 8,867 participants, 4,012 men and 4,855 women, developed DM during a mean follow-up of 5.5 years. TG was found to be an independent predictor of incident DM in both fasting and non-fasting men and non-fasting women. The multivariable-adjusted HR for DM according to the TG quartile (Q) 4 vs. Q1 was 1.18 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.34) in the non-fasting men with a normal BMI (18.5-24.9). This trend was also observed in the non-fasting women with a normal BMI. That is, the multivariable-adjusted HRs for DM for TG Q2, Q3 and Q4 compared with Q1 were 1.07 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.23), 1.17 (95%CI: 1.03, 1.34) and 1.48 (95%CI: 1.30, 1.69), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The fasting and non-fasting TG levels in men and non-fasting TG levels in women are predictive of future DM among those with a normal BMI. Clinicians must pay attention to those individuals at high risk for DM.

The growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes: increased incidence or improved survival?

Approximately 347 million persons were estimated to have diabetes worldwide in 2008, an increase of 194 million cases from 1980. Diabetes now affects both high- and low-income countries, with low-income countries bearing the majority of the burden. The epidemiologic transition from traditional health risks, such as poor hygiene, to modern health risks, such as sedentary lifestyle, has facilitated the increase in incidence in diabetes, especially in developing countries. The effect of these risk factors may be especially pronounced in some racial and ethnic populations. Increased surveillance for diabetes has contributed to increased diabetes prevalence in higher-income countries. Survival with and some risk factors for diabetes have improved in developed countries, but global diabetes mortality has increased by 20 % since 1990. Population growth and aging will only increase the burden of diabetes, and public health interventions are needed to address diabetes risk factors to stem the tide of this epidemic.

The impact of ethnicity on glucose homeostasis after gestational diabetes mellitus

The objective of this study was to examine measures of insulin resistance and beta cell function in relation to ethnicity and the development of diabetes after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Glucose homeostasis was assessed during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test 1-2 years after delivery in 456 women with previous GDM (362 European, 94 non-European; including 41 Arab and 43 Asian women) and 133 control women. Insulin resistance was estimated using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The insulinogenic index (I/G30) and the disposition index [(I/G30)/HOMA-IR] were used to quantify insulin secretion. Women developing diabetes after GDM were characterized by increased HOMA-IR [p = 0.010, adjusted for body mass index (BMI)], whereas the disposition index was decreased in all women with previous GDM irrespective of glucose tolerance, most pronounced in the presence of diabetes (BMI-adjusted p = 1 × 10(-5)). Non-European origin was associated with increased HOMA-IR (p = 0.001 vs. European), strengthened by adjustment for BMI in Asian women (p = 0.046 vs. p = 0.016), but eradicated among Arab women (p = 0.004 vs. p = 0.65). Non-European women exhibited an increased frequency of diabetes after GDM (17 % vs. European 4 %, p = 2 × 10(-5)). In addition to BMI, non-European and Asian origin was associated with the development of diabetes after GDM in a multivariate logistic regression analysis, whereas Arab origin was not. Our results highlight the importance of preventive measures to ensure a healthy lifestyle in women with GDM, particularly in high-risk ethnic groups.

Short-term intensive insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that, when implemented early in the course of type 2 diabetes mellitus, treatment with intensive insulin therapy for 2-3 weeks can induce a glycaemic remission, wherein patients are able to maintain normoglycaemia without any anti-diabetic medication. We thus did a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies to assess the effect of short-term intensive insulin therapy on the pathophysiological defects underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus (pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance) and identify clinical predictors of remission.

METHODS

We identified studies published between 1950 and Nov 19, 2012, which assessed the effect of intensive insulin therapy on β-cell function or insulin resistance, or both, or assessed long-term drug-free glycaemic remission in adults aged 18 years or older with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. We calculated pooled estimates by random-effects model. This study is registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, number CRD42012002829.

FINDINGS

We identified 1645 studies of which seven fulfilled inclusion criteria (n=839 participants). Five studies were non-randomised. A pooled analysis of the seven studies showed a post-intensive insulin therapy increase in Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-cell function as compared with baseline (1·13, 95% CI 1·02 to 1·25) and a decrease in Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (-0·57, -0·84 to -0·29). In the four studies that assessed glycaemic remission (n=559 participants), the proportion of participants in drug-free remission was about 66·2% (292 of 441 patients) after 3 months of follow-up, about 58·9% (222 of 377 patients) after 6 months, about 46·3% (229 of 495 patients) after 12 months, and about 42·1% (53 of 126 patients) after 24 months. Patients who achieved remission had higher body-mass index than those who did not achieve remission (1·06 kg/m(2), 95% CI 0·55 to 1·58) and lower fasting plasma glucose (-0·59 mmol/L, 95% CI -1·11 to -0·07) at baseline.

INTERPRETATION

Short-term intensive insulin therapy can improve the underlying pathophysiology in early type 2 diabetes mellitus, and thus might provide a treatment strategy for modifying the natural history of diabetes.

FUNDING

None.

A genome-wide search for type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes in an extended Arab family

Twenty percent of people aged 20 to 79 have type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genes for T2D have not been reported for Arab countries. We performed a discovery GWAS in an extended UAE family (N=178; 66 diabetic; 112 healthy) genotyped on the Illumina Human 660 Quad Beadchip, with independent replication of top hits in 116 cases and 199 controls. Power to achieve genome-wide significance (commonly P=5×10(-8)) was therefore limited. Nevertheless, transmission disequilibrium testing in FBAT identified top hits at Chromosome 4p12-p13 (KCTD8: rs4407541, P=9.70×10(-6); GABRB1: rs10517178/rs1372491, P=4.19×10(-6)) and 14q13 (PRKD1: rs10144903, 3.92×10(-6)), supported by analysis using a linear mixed model approximation in GenABEL (4p12-p13 GABRG1/GABRA2: rs7662743, Padj-agesex=2.06×10(-5); KCTD8: rs4407541, Padj-agesex=1.42×10(-4); GABRB1: rs10517178/rs1372491, Padj-agesex=0.027; 14q13 PRKD1: rs10144903, Padj-agesex=6.95×10(-5)). SNPs across GABRG1/GABRA2 did not replicate, whereas more proximal SNPs rs7679715 (Padj-agesex=0.030) and rs2055942 (Padj-agesex=0.022) at COX7B2/GABRA4 did, in addition to a trend distally at KCTD8 (rs4695718: Padj-agesex=0.096). Modelling of discovery and replication data support independent signals at GABRA4 (rs2055942: Padj-agesex-combined=3×10(-4)) and at KCTD8 (rs4695718: Padj-agesex-combined=2×10(-4)). Replication was observed for PRKD1 rs1953722 (proxy for rs10144903; Padj-agesex=0.031; Padj-agesex-combined=2×10(-4)). These genes may provide important functional leads in understanding disease pathogenesis in this population.

Characterization of factors affecting attainment of glycemic control in Asian Americans with diabetes in a culturally specific program

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a culturally specific pilot clinic for Asian Americans (AA) in reaching glycemic target and to characterize factors affecting the attainment of glycemic control in comparison with white counterparts.

METHODS

This electronic health record review included all new AA patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 109) in a culturally specific program and a randomly selected sample of new white patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 218) in the adult clinic within the same time period and diabetes center.

RESULTS

AA and whites had a comparable proportion of patients with A1C ≤7% (32.1%, 34.9%; P = .621) at baseline and after 12 months of care (48.6%, 56.0%; P = .210), with a similar A1C decline (-0.9% ± 1.6%, -0.8% ± 1.7%, P = .710) by 12 months. Factors associated with the lack of success in reaching target in AA but not in whites included older age, lower educational attainment, less likelihood of having health insurance, and a need for more educational visits. The percentage of AA reaching A1C ≤7%, as compared to whites, worsened among those with highest initial A1C when stratified by ascending quartiles (96.7% vs 85.2%, P = .101; 61.9% vs 58.9%, P = .813; 24.0% vs 37.7%, P = .230; 15.2% vs 35.4%, P = .044).

CONCLUSION

While a culturally specific diabetes program in a specialty setting achieved a similar glycemic outcome for AA compared with whites, reasons for not reaching glycemic target differed. The findings suggest that the elimination of diabetes disparities requires not only culturally and linguistically specific programs, but must also identify and address the socio-environmental differences unique to each population.