Contemporary Management of Heart Failure in Patients With Diabetes

The double burden: type 1 diabetes and heart failure-a comprehensive review

Heart failure (HF) is increasing at an alarming rate, primary due to the rising in aging, obesity and diabetes. Notably, individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face a significantly elevated risk of HF, leading to more hospitalizations and increased case fatality rates. Several risk factors contribute to HF in T1D, including poor glycemic control, female gender, smoking, hypertension, elevated BMI, and albuminuria. However, early and intensive glycemic control can mitigate the long-term risk of HF in individuals with T1D. The pathophysiology of diabetes-associated HF is complex and multifactorial, and the underlying mechanisms in T1D remain incompletely elucidated. In terms of treatment, much of the evidence comes from type 2 diabetes (T2D) populations, so applying it to T1D requires caution. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have shown benefits in HF outcomes, even in non-diabetic populations. However, most of the information about HF and the evidence from cardiovascular safety trials related to glucose lowering medications refer to T2D. Glycemic control is key, but the link between hypoglycemia and HF hospitalization risk requires further study. Glycemic variability, common in T1D, is an independent HF risk factor. Technological advances offer the potential to improve glycemic control, including glycemic variability, and may play a role in preventing HF. In summary, HF in T1D is a complex challenge with unique dimensions. This review focuses on HF in individuals with T1D, exploring its epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for developing tailored prevention and management strategies for this population.

Association of T-wave electrocardiogram changes and type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional sub-analysis of the MASHAD cohort population using the Minnesota coding system

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has become a major health concern with an increasing prevalence and is now one of the leading attributable causes of death globally. T2DM and cardiovascular disease are strongly associated and T2DM is an important independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease. T-wave abnormalities (TWA) on electrocardiogram (ECG) can indicate several pathologies including ischemia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between T2DM and T-wave changes using the Minnesota coding system.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the MASHAD cohort study population. All participants of the cohort population were enrolled in the study. 12-lead ECG and Minnesota coding system (codes 5-1 to 5-4) were utilized for T-wave observation and interpretation. Regression models were used for the final evaluation with a level of significance being considered at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 9035 participants aged 35-65 years old were included in the study, of whom 1273 were diabetic. The prevalence of code 5-2, 5-3, major and minor TWA were significantly higher in diabetics (p < 0.05). However, following adjustment for age, gender, and hypertension, the presence of TWAs was not significantly associated with T2DM (p > 0.05). Hypertension, age, and body mass index were significantly associated with T2DM (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although some T-wave abnormalities were more frequent in diabetics, they were not statistically associated with the presence of T2DM in our study.

Neighbourhood-level social deprivation and the risk of recurrent heart failure hospitalizations in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The importance of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) is acknowledged. As information on the prevalence and influence of social deprivation on HFH is limited, we studied this issue in a racially diverse cohort.

METHODS

Linking data from US Veterans with stable T2D (without prevalent HF) with a zip-code derived population-level social deprivation index (SDI), we grouped them according to increasing SDI as follows: SDI: group I: ≤20; II: 21-40; III: 41-60; IV: 61-80; and V (most deprived) 81-100. Over a 10-year follow-up period, we identified the total (first and recurrent) number of HFH episodes for each patient and calculated the age-adjusted HFH rate [per 1000 patient-years (PY)]. We analysed the incident rate ratio between SDI groups and HFH using adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

In 1 012 351 patients with T2D (mean age 67.5 years, 75.7% White), the cumulative incidence of first HFH was 9.4% and 14.2% in SDI groups I and V respectively. The 10-year total HFH rate was 54.8 (95% CI: 54.5, 55.2)/1000 PY. Total HFH increased incrementally from SDI group I [43.3 (95% CI: 42.4, 44.2)/1000 PY] to group V [68.6 (95% CI: 67.8, 69.9)/1000 PY]. Compared with group I, group V patients had a 53% higher relative risk of HFH. The negative association between SDI and HFH was stronger in Black patients (SDI × Race pinteraction  < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Social deprivation is associated with increased HFH in T2D with a disproportionate influence in Black patients. Strategies to reduce social disparity and equalize racial differences may help to bridge this gap.

Longitudinal HbA1c trajectory modelling reveals the association of HbA1c and risk of hospitalization for heart failure for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Inconsistent conclusions in past studies on the association between poor glycaemic control and the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) have been reported largely due to the analysis of non-trajectory-based HbA1c values. Trajectory analysis can incorporate the effects of HbA1c variability across time, which may better elucidate its association with macrovascular complications. Furthermore, studies analysing the relationship between HbA1c trajectories from diabetes diagnosis and the occurrence of HHF are scarce.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study of the SingHealth Diabetes Registry (SDR). 17,389 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from 2013 to 2016 with clinical records extending to the end of 2019 were included in the latent class growth analysis to extract longitudinal HbA1c trajectories. Association between HbA1c trajectories and risk of first known HHF is quantified with the Cox Proportional Hazards (PH) model.

RESULTS

5 distinct HbA1c trajectories were identified as 1. low stable (36.1%), 2. elevated stable (40.4%), 3. high decreasing (3.5%), 4. high with a sharp decline (10.8%), and 5. moderate decreasing (9.2%) over the study period of 7 years. Poorly controlled HbA1c trajectories (Classes 3, 4, and 5) are associated with a higher risk of HHF. Using the diabetes diagnosis time instead of a commonly used pre-defined study start time or time from recruitment has an impact on HbA1c clustering results.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that tracking the evolution of HbA1c with time has its importance in assessing the HHF risk of T2DM patients, and T2DM diagnosis time as a baseline is strongly recommended in HbA1c trajectory modelling. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to identify an association between HbA1c trajectories and HHF occurrence from diabetes diagnosis time.

Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mouse Models Show Different Functional, Cellular and Molecular Patterns of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

The main cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes mellitus (DM) is cardiovascular complications. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains incompletely understood. Animal models have been crucial in exploring DCM pathophysiology while identifying potential therapeutic targets. Streptozotocin (STZ) has been widely used to produce experimental models of both type 1 and type 2 DM (T1DM and T2DM). Here, we compared these two models for their effects on cardiac structure, function and transcriptome. Different doses of STZ and diet chows were used to generate T1DM and T2DM in C57BL/6J mice. Normal euglycemic and nonobese sex- and age-matched mice served as controls (CTRL). Immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and RNA-seq were employed to compare hearts from the three animal groups. STZ-induced T1DM and T2DM affected left ventricular function and myocardial performance differently. T1DM displayed exaggerated apoptotic cardiomyocyte (CM) death and reactive hypertrophy and fibrosis, along with increased cardiac oxidative stress, CM DNA damage and senescence, when compared to T2DM in mice. T1DM and T2DM affected the whole cardiac transcriptome differently. In conclusion, the STZ-induced T1DM and T2DM mouse models showed significant differences in cardiac remodeling, function and the whole transcriptome. These differences could be of key relevance when choosing an animal model to study specific features of DCM.

Evaluation and Management of Patients With Diabetes and Heart Failure: A Korean Diabetes Association and Korean Society of Heart Failure Consensus Statement

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure. Furthermore, the prognosis of heart failure is worse in patients with diabetes mellitus than in those without it. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper management of heart failure in patients with diabetes mellitus are important. This review discusses the current criteria for diagnosis and screening tools for heart failure and the currently recommended pharmacological therapies for heart failure. We also highlight the effects of anti-diabetic medications on heart failure.

Evaluation and Management of Patients with Diabetes and Heart Failure: A Korean Diabetes Association and Korean Society of Heart Failure Consensus Statement

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure. Furthermore, the prognosis of heart failure is worse in patients with diabetes mellitus than in those without it. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper management of heart failure in patients with diabetes mellitus are important. This review discusses the current criteria for diagnosis and screening tools for heart failure and the currently recommended pharmacological therapies for heart failure. We also highlight the effects of anti-diabetic medications on heart failure.

Endocrine system dysfunction and chronic heart failure: a clinical perspective

Chronic heart failure (CHF) leads to an excess of urgent ambulatory visits, recurrent hospital admissions, morbidity, and mortality regardless of medical and non-medical management of the disease. This excess of risk may be attributable, at least in part, to comorbid conditions influencing the development and progression of CHF. In this perspective, the authors examined and described the most common endocrine disorders observed in patients with CHF, particularly in individuals with reduced ejection fraction, aiming to qualify the risks, quantify the epidemiological burden and discuss about the potential role of endocrine treatment. Thyroid dysfunction is commonly observed in patients with CHF, and sometimes it could be the consequence of certain medications (e.g., amiodarone). Male and female hypogonadism may also coexist in this clinical context, contributing to deteriorating the prognosis of these patients. Furthermore, growth hormone deficiency may affect the development of adult myocardium and predispose to CHF. Limited recommendation suggests to screen endocrine disorders in CHF patients, but it could be interesting to evaluate possible endocrine dysfunction in this setting, especially when a high suspicion coexists. Data referring to long-term safety and effectiveness of endocrine treatments in patients with CHF are limited, and their impact on several "hard" endpoints (such as hospital admission, all-cause, and cardiovascular mortality) are still poorly understood.

Diabetes mellitus and the causes of hospitalisation in people with heart failure

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of hospitalisation in people with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, little is known about the causes of these events.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of 711 people with stable HFrEF. Hospitalisations were categorised by cause as: decompensated heart failure; other cardiovascular; infection or other non-cardiovascular. Rates of hospitalisation and burden of hospitalisation (percentage of follow-up time in hospital) were compared in people with and without DM.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 4.0 years, 1568 hospitalisations occurred in the entire cohort. DM (present in 32% [n=224]) was associated with a higher rate (mean 1.07 vs 0.78 per 100 patient-years; p<0.001) and burden (3.4 vs 2.2% of follow-up time; p<0.001) of hospitalisation. Cause-specific analyses revealed increased rate and burden of hospitalisation due to decompensated heart failure, other cardiovascular causes and infection in people with DM, whereas other non-cardiovascular causes were comparable. Infection made the largest contribution to the burden of hospitalisation in people with and without DM.

CONCLUSIONS

In people with HFrEF, DM is associated with a greater burden of hospitalisation due to decompensated heart failure, other cardiovascular events and infection, with infection making the largest contribution.

Role of Diabetes Mellitus in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Review Article

The pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is complex and poorly understood. There is a high prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in patients with HFpEF, and the presence of DM has been shown to increase mortality of patients with HFpEF by 30%-50% even after adjustment for age, gender, hospital factors, and other patient characteristics. Since the prevalence of both entities is increasing worldwide, there is a need to explore their intricate relationship in order to elucidate potential management strategies to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this duo. In this review article, we explore the role of DM in the pathophysiology of HFpEF, ethnic and gender differences, and some therapeutic strategies in the management of patients with HFpEF and DM.

Use of disease-modifying drugs in diabetic patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure are closely related, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of developing heart failure, and those with heart failure are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Although no specific randomized clinical trials have been conducted to test the effect of cardiovascular therapies (drugs and/or devices) in diabetic patients with heart failure, a lot of evidence shows that all interventions effective in improving prognosis in patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction are equally beneficial in patients with and without diabetes. However, the use of disease-modifying drugs in patients with diabetes and heart failure reduced ejection fraction is a clinical challenge due to the increased risk of adverse effects. For example, β-blockers are underutilized in diabetic patients due to the theoretical unfavorable effects on glucose metabolism as well as the use of drugs that interact with the renin-angiotensin system can be challenged in patients with diabetic nephropathy because of the risk of hyperkalemia. This review outlines the current use of disease-modifying drugs in diabetic patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction. In addition, the role of novel pharmacologic agents as type 2 sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors (SGLT2ii) is discussed.

Heart Failure in Type 1 Diabetes: A Complication of Concern? A Narrative Review

Heart failure (HF) has been a hot topic in diabetology in the last few years, mainly due to the central role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (iSGLT2) in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and heart failure. It is well known that HF is a common complication in diabetes. However, most of the knowledge about it and the evidence of cardiovascular safety trials with antidiabetic drugs refer to type 2 diabetes (T2D). The epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiology of HF in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is still not well studied, though there are emerging data about it since life expectancy for T1D has increased in the last decades and there are more elderly patients with T1D. The association of T1D and HF confers a worse prognosis than in T2D, thus it is important to investigate the characteristics, risk factors, and pathophysiology of this disease in order to effectively design prevention strategies and therapeutic tools.

PUFA Supplementation and Heart Failure: Effects on Fibrosis and Cardiac Remodeling

Heart failure (HF) characterized by cardiac remodeling is a condition in which inflammation and fibrosis play a key role. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seems to produce good results. In fact, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and different cardioprotective mechanisms. In particular, following their interaction with the nuclear factor erythropoietin 2 related factor 2 (NRF2), the free fatty acid receptor 4 (Ffar4) receptor, or the G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) fibroblast receptors, they inhibit cardiac fibrosis and protect the heart from HF onset. Furthermore, n-3 PUFAs increase the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), reduce global longitudinal deformation, E/e ratio (early ventricular filling and early mitral annulus velocity), soluble interleukin-1 receptor-like 1 (sST2) and high-sensitive C Reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, and increase flow-mediated dilation. Moreover, lower levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serum norepinephrine (sNE) are reported and have a positive effect on cardiac hemodynamics. In addition, they reduce cardiac remodeling and inflammation by protecting patients from HF onset after myocardial infarction (MI). The positive effects of PUFA supplementation are associated with treatment duration and a daily dosage of 1–2 g. Therefore, both the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) define dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs as an effective therapy for reducing the risk of hospitalization and death in HF patients. In this review, we seek to highlight the most recent studies related to the effect of PUFA supplementation in HF. For that purpose, a PubMed literature survey was conducted with a focus on various in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials from 2015 to 2021.

Sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors for prevention and treatment of cardiorenal complications of type 2 diabetes

Hospitalization for major diabetes complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke, lower-extremity amputation, and end-stage kidney disease, is on the rise and represents a great health burden for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), in particular for older people. Newer glucose-lowering medications have generated some optimism on the possibility to influence the natural history of cardiorenal complications of T2D. This review summarizes work in the area of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) treatment and prevention of cardiorenal complications in patients with T2D (major adverse cardiovascular events, hospitalization for heart failure, kidney outcomes), with a particular emphasis on the effect of age, the role of primary versus secondary prevention and the possible extension of their cardiorenal benefits to the entire class of SGLT-2i.