Long-term Outcomes Among Young Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Based on Durability of Glycemic Control: Results From the TODAY Cohort Study

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024: Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from genetic, environmental, and metabolic causes that differ among individuals and populations. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines and summarizes recent advances in the management of T2D in children and adolescents. Updates include diagnostic algorithm for youth with new onset T2D, algorithms and tables for treatment, management, and assessment of comorbidities and complications and recommendations on recently approved pharmacologic therapies for the treatment of youth-onset T2D and management strategies. Youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from genetic, environmental, and metabolic causes that differ among individuals and populations. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines and summarizes recent advances in the management of T2D in children and adolescents. Updates include diagnostic algorithm for youth with new onset T2D, algorithms and tables for treatment, management, and assessment of comorbidities and complications and recommendations on recently approved pharmacologic therapies for the treatment of youth-onset T2D and management strategies.

Circulating MicroRNAs as Predictors of Beta Cell Function in Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes: The TODAY Study

AIMS

In the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study, an intervention trial followed by an observational phase, half the participants reached the primary outcome [hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 8% for at least 6 months] within 4 years, which was associated with a decrease in C-peptide oral disposition index (oDI). We aimed to identify circulating microRNA (miRNA) species associated with a decline in beta cell function.

METHODS

Following a preliminary survey of select participants using nCounter Human v3 miRNA Panel (NanoString Technologies), polymerase chain reaction analyses were carried out for 17 miRNAs from 365 participants from samples at baseline, 24, 60, 96, and 120 months.

RESULTS

Using a backward selection approach, 4 baseline miRNA log2 fold-changes independently predicted treatment failure; however, baseline HbA1c was higher in those with treatment failure. Three baseline miRNA log2 fold-changes remained significant predictors of this C-peptide oDI decline ≥20% (P < .05). Increased levels of miRNA-155 [odds ratio (OR): 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-1.4] and miRNA-130b (OR:1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.7) were associated with oDI decline, while decreased levels of miRNA-126 (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: .4-.8) were associated with oDI decline. miRNA-122 was negatively correlated with C-peptide oDI at baseline and 24 months (R = 0.22, P < .01 and R = 0.19, P < .01, respectively) and positively correlated with proinsulin at baseline, 24, and 60 months (R = 0.26, P < 0.01, R = 0.26, P < .01, R = 0.18, P < .01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The miRNA species associated with beta cell function are associated with alterations in cellular metabolism and apoptosis, suggesting that differences in baseline abundance may serve as circulating markers of beta cell dysfunction and provide potential mechanistic insights into the aggressive nature of youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

Elucidating the role of weight loss and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To investigate the independent contributions of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction and weight loss to clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with antidiabetic drugs, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This observational, retrospective cohort study used deidentified electronic health record-derived data from patients evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic (1 January 2000-31 December 2020). Cohort A included 8876 patients with newly diagnosed T2D treated with any of six antidiabetic drug classes. Cohort B included 4161 patients with T2D initiating GLP-1RA treatment. The effects of body mass index (BMI) and HbA1c reduction, variability, and durability on clinical outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

In Cohort A, each 1% BMI reduction was associated with 3%, 1%, and 4% reduced risk of heart failure (p = 0.017), hypertension (p = 0.006), and insulin initiation (p = 0.001), respectively. Each 1% (~11 mmol/mol) HbA1c reduction was associated with 4% and 29% reduced risk of hypertension (p = 0.041) and insulin initiation (p = 0.001), respectively. In Cohort B, each 1% BMI reduction was associated with 4% and 3% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (p = 0.008) and insulin initiation (p = 0.002), respectively. Each 1% (~11 mmol/mol) HbA1c reduction was associated with 4% and 16% reduced risk of chronic kidney disease (p = 0.014) and insulin initiation (p = 1 × 10-4), respectively. Lower BMI variability and greater BMI durability were associated with decreased risk of clinical outcomes in both cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Antidiabetic medication-associated, and specifically GLP-1RA-associated, weight loss and HbA1c reductions independently reduce real-world clinical outcome risk.

Circulating Metabolite Biomarkers of Glycemic Control in Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify metabolites associated with loss of glycemic control in youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We measured 480 metabolites in fasting plasma samples from the TODAY (Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth) study. Participants (N = 393; age 10-17 years) were randomly assigned to metformin, metformin plus rosiglitazone, or metformin plus lifestyle intervention. Additional metabolomic measurements after 36 months were obtained in 304 participants. Cox models were used to assess baseline metabolites, interaction of metabolites and treatment group, and change in metabolites (0-36 months), with loss of glycemic control adjusted for age, sex, race, treatment group, and BMI. Metabolite prediction models of glycemic failure were generated using elastic net regression and compared with clinical risk factors.

RESULTS

Loss of glycemic control (HbA1c ≥8% or insulin therapy) occurred in 179 of 393 participants (mean 12.4 months). Baseline levels of 33 metabolites were associated with loss of glycemic control (q < 0.05). Associations of hexose and xanthurenic acid with treatment failure differed by treatment randomization; youths with higher baseline levels of these two compounds had a lower risk of treatment failure with metformin alone. For three metabolites, changes from 0 to 36 months were associated with loss of glycemic control (q < 0.05). Changes in d-gluconic acid and 1,5-AG/1-deoxyglucose, but not baseline levels of measured metabolites, predicted treatment failure better than changes in HbA1c or measures of β-cell function.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolomics provides insight into circulating small molecules associated with loss of glycemic control and may highlight metabolic pathways contributing to treatment failure in youth-onset diabetes.

Current landscape and comprehensive management of glycemic variability in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a well-known microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, remains the main cause of vision loss in working-age adults worldwide. Up to now, there is a shortage of information in the study regarding the contributing factors of DR in diabetes. Accumulating evidence has identified glycemic variability (GV), referred to fluctuations of blood glucose levels, as a risk factor for diabetes-related complications. Recent reports demonstrate that GV plays an important role in accounting for the susceptibility to DR development. However, its exact role in the pathogenesis of DR is still not fully understood. In this review, we highlight the current landscape and relevant mechanisms of GV in DR, as well as address the mechanism-based therapeutic strategies, aiming at better improving the quality of DR management in clinical practice.

Glycemic control and clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: insight from ventricular remodeling using cardiac MRI

BACKGROUND

Glycemic control, as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), is an important biomarker to evaluate diabetes severity and is believed to be associated with heart failure development. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) commonly coexist, and the combination of these two diseases indicates a considerably poorer outcome than either disease alone. Therefore, glycemic control should be carefully managed. The present study aimed to explore the association between glycemic control and clinical outcomes, and to determine the optimal glycemic target in this specific population.

METHODS

A total of 262 patients who underwent cardiac MRI were included and were split by HbA1c levels [HbA1c < 6.5% (intensive control), HbA1c 6.5-7.5% (modest control), and HbA1c > 7.5% (poor control)]. The biventricular volume and function, as well as left ventricular (LV) systolic strains in patients in different HbA1c categories, were measured and compared. The primary and secondary outcomes were recorded. The association of different HbA1c levels with adverse outcomes was assessed.

RESULTS

Despite similar biventricular ejection fractions, both patients with intensive and poor glycemic control exhibited prominent deterioration of LV systolic strain in the longitudinal component (P = 0.004). After a median follow-up of 35.0 months, 55 patients (21.0%) experienced at least one confirmed endpoint event. Cox multivariable analysis indicated that both patients in the lowest and highest HbA1c categories exhibited a more than 2-fold increase in the risk for primary outcomes [HbA1c < 6.5%: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-5.45; P = 0.033; HbA1c > 7.5%: HR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.01-4.99; P = 0.038] and secondary outcomes (HbA1c < 6.5%: HR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.16-6.96; P = 0.022; HbA1c > 7.5%: HR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.08-6.50; P = 0.038) compared with those in the middle HbA1c category.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed a U-shaped association of glycemic control with clinical outcomes in patients with T2DM and HFrEF, with the lowest risk of adverse outcomes among patients with modest glycemic control. HbA1c between 6.5% and 7.5% may be served as the optimal hypoglycemic target in this specific population.

Are treatment options used for adult-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (equally) available and effective for children and adolescents?

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), influenced by an increase in obesity, is a rising problem worldwide. Pathophysiological mechanisms of this early-onset T2DM include both peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance, along with increased hepatic fasting glucose production accompanied by inadequate first and second-phase insulin secretion. Moreover, the incretin effect is reduced. The initial presentation of type 2 diabetes can be dramatic and symptoms may overlap with those of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, immediate therapy should address hyperglycemia and associated metabolic derangements irrespective of ultimate diabetes type, while further therapy adjustments are prone to patients' phenotype. New agents with proven glycemic and beyond glycemia benefits, such as Glucagon-like polypeptide 1 receptor agonists and Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, used in the adult population of T2DM patients, might become increasingly important in the treatment armamentarium. Moreover, metabolic surgery is an option for markedly obese (body mass index > 35 kg/m2) children and adolescents suffering from T2DM who have uncontrolled glycemia and/or serious comorbidities when lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions fail. In this mini-review, we will discuss the potential of treatment options considering new data available from randomized control trials, including individuals with adult-onset type diabetes mellitus.

Plasma miRNAs and Treatment Failure in Participants in the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify plasma miRNAs related to treatment failure in youth with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined whether a panel of miRNAs could predict treatment failure in training/test data sets among participants in the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study (N = 209). We also examined whether individual miRNAs were associated with treatment failure.

RESULTS

Participants were age 14.5 years, and 62% were female. A panel of miRNAs did not predict treatment failure. However, for each doubling, miR-4306 was associated with a 12% decrease (P = 0.040) and miR-483-3p was marginally associated with a 12% increase (P = 0.080) in failure independently of sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, Tanner stage, HbA1c, maternal diabetes, oral disposition index, and treatment arm. The addition of both miRNAs improved model fit (log likelihood without vs. with miRNAs -360.3 vs. -363.5; P = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

miR-483-3p and miR-4306 may be associated with treatment failure in youth with T2D.

Cumulative HbA1c exposure as a CVD risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of ACCORD trial

AIMS

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between cumulative HbA1c exposure and cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

This study included 9307 participants from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial. Cumulative HbA1c exposure was calculated as the area under the curve during exposure time.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, a 1-SD increase in cumulative HbA1c exposure was significantly associated with a higher risk of the primary outcome (HR 1.32, 95 % CI: 1.22-1.43, P < 0.001), all-cause mortality (HR 1.33, 95 % CI: 1.21-1.46, P < 0.001), and cardiovascular death (HR 1.45, 95 % CI: 1.27-1.67, P < 0.001). These associations were independent of baseline HbA1c and the first HbA1c level after enrollment. Cross-tabulation analysis showed that participants in the intensive-therapy group with high baseline HbA1c and cumulative HbA1c exposure had a significantly higher risk of primary outcome, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher cumulative HbA1c exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death among T2D patients. Patients with T2D should strive for stable glycemic control to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events, and that those with high baseline HbA1c may require more intensive therapy to achieve this goal.

A self-management plus mind body intervention for adolescents and young adults with type 2 diabetes: Trial design and methodological report

BACKGROUND

The onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly common in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Improving self-management skills and the mental health of this population is important, but understudied.

METHODS

The goal of this research was to develop a mind-body intervention which could serve as an adjunctive therapy to support AYAs with T2D (INTEND intervention). Toward that end, we used an iterative process, including use of focus groups, advisory board, and cognitive semi-structured interviews with patients, parents of patient and clinical providers, to understand the gaps in the current information provided to AYAs with T2D. Based on the data gathered from the focus groups and interviews, we enhanced an existing self-management intervention for adults with T2D to include an additional mind body intervention for AYAs with T2D. The INTEND intervention will be piloted in a group of AYAs with T2D.

RESULTS

This report describes the methodology and design of the InterveNTion for Early oNset type 2 Diabetes (INTEND) study. The details of this single arm pre-post pilot feasibility trial are described.

DISCUSSION

If successful, the INTEND approach has the potential to advance care for vulnerable youth with T2D.

Effect of Early Glycemic Control in Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes on Longer-Term Glycemic Control and β-Cell Function: Results From the TODAY Study

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the impact of early attainment of tight glycemic control on long-term β-cell function and glycemic control in youth-onset type 2 diabetes. We examined the effect of the initial 6 months of glycemic control on β-cell function and glycemic control longitudinally over 9 years and the impact of sex, race/ethnicity, and BMI on these relationships in adolescents with youth-onset type 2 diabetes in the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed longitudinally through year 9 to derive estimates of insulin sensitivity and secretion. Early glycemia was defined by mean HbA1c during the first 6 months postrandomization, categorized into five HbA1c groups (<5.7%, 5.7 to <6.4%, 6.4 to <7.0%, 7.0 to <8.0%, and ≥8.0%). The long-term period was defined as the period between years 2 and 9.

RESULTS

A total of 656 participants (64.8% female, baseline mean age 14 years, diabetes duration <2 years) had longitudinal data available over an average of 6.4 ± 3.2 years of follow-up. HbA1c significantly increased in all early glycemic groups during years 2-9, with a steeper increase (+0.40%/year) among participants with the tightest initial control (mean early HbA1c <5.7%), in parallel to a decline in the C-peptide-derived disposition index. Nevertheless, the lower HbA1c categories continued to have relatively lower HbA1c over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Early tight glycemic control in the TODAY study was related to β-cell reserve and translated to better long-term glycemic control. However, tight early glycemic control on the randomized treatment in the TODAY study did not prevent deterioration of β-cell function.

Short-term use of CGM in youth onset type 2 diabetes is associated with behavioral modifications

Background

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is beneficial to glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, studies in youth with T2D are limited.

Objective

Determine if 10-day trial CGM use in youth with T2D improves glycemic control and behavioral modifications.

Methods

Youth with T2D > 3 months, on insulin, with no prior CGM use were enrolled. Staff placed CGM and provided education. Participants received 5-day and 10-day follow-up phone calls to review CGM data, behavioral modifications, and adjust insulin doses as needed. We compared 5-day to 10-day TIR, and baseline to 3-6 month HbA1c via paired t-test.

Results

Participants (n=41) had median age of 16.2 y, were 61% female, 81% NH Black, median diabetes duration of 0.8 y, and baseline HbA1c of 10.3%. A majority had household income<$50,000 (81%) and parental education level of HS or less (73%). Average 5-day TIR 49% was similar to 10-day TIR 51% (p=0.62). There was no change in HbA1c after 3-6 months (10.2% v 10.3%, p=0.89). Nineteen participants completed full 10-day CGM use; of those, 84% wanted a CGM long-term. Adolescents reported behavioral changes including increased blood sugar checks, increased insulin administration and overall improved diabetes management.

Conclusion

Although 10-day CGM use did not impact short-term or long-term glycemic control in youth with T2D, most participants reported behavioral changes and wanted to continue using CGM. Future studies with longer use of CGM may clarify the potential impact of CGM in youth with T2D.