Clinical characteristics and management of type 1 diabetes in Spain. The SED1 study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the sociodemographic and clinical profile of a representative sample of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) in Spain and identify factors associated with glycemic control.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in adults and children with DM1 treated in 75 Spanish public hospitals, geographically distributed in order to be representative of the Spanish population. Within each center, the patients were included on a consecutive basis as they visited the clinic. They were interviewed, and their clinical histories were reviewed. A descriptive statistical analysis was made, and factors associated with HbA_1c were analysed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 647 patients were included: 55.3% females, aged 36.6 ± 14.4 years, 97.2% Caucasians, BMI 24.7 ± 4.4 kg/m² (12.1% ≥ 30 kg/m²), and 74.0% had secondary / university education. A total of 20.2% were active smokers. The mean time from the diagnosis of DM1 was 17.9 ± 12.0 years. A total of 48.7% presented comorbidities: 19.3% retinopathy and 16.4% hypothyroidism. As regards treatment for DM1, 76.5% received basal-bolus insulin therapy and 20.7% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII); 51.0% of the patients used an insulin/carbohydrate ratio (ICR), with 4.6 ± 1.6 self-monitored capillary blood glucose (SMCBG) measurements a day, and 24.8% used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The mean HbA_1c value was 7.6 ± 1.1% (30% below 7%). Metabolic control improved (lower HbA_1c) with more daily SMCBG (B = -0.053; p = 0.009), a higher educational level (B = 0.461; P < 0.001), greater number of hypoglycemia episodes (B = -0.253; P = 0.018) and carbohydrate counting (B = -0.190; P = 0.048), and worsened the longer the duration of the disease (B = 0.010; P = 0.010), higher total dose of insulin (B = 0.010; P < 0.0001), poorer adherence to diet (B = 0.650; P < 0.0001) and a family history of DM (B = -0.233; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The management of patients with DM1 in Spain, as well as the treatment they receive, is similar to that seen in other Western countries. Blood glucose control is associated with educational level, disease duration, and the characteristics of treatment and self-care.

Effect of the COVID-19 quarantine on metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) depends on many factors such as eating habits, exercise and lifestyle. The objective of this study was to investigate how these factors were affected during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and impacted metabolic control in children with T1D.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

One hundred children with T1D were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements, snack and meal frequency, carbohydrate consumption, HbA1c levels, and exercise patterns were recorded and compared before and after the lockdown. Subjects were divided into two subgroups-patients with decreased and patients with increased HbA1c levels after the lockdown-and comparisons of the same parameters were also made between these two subgroups.

RESULTS

In the overall group, the mean HbA1c level was significantly higher after the lockdown compared to before (p=0.035). Meal schedules changed due to delayed sleep and waking times, and total daily carbohydrate consumption increased in the subgroup with increased HbA1c while it decreased in the subgroup with decreased HbA1c (p<0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION

Our study supports the notion that blood sugar management in children with T1D worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it is not possible to explain this with any one factor, some behavioral changes observed in our study, such as inactivity, irregular meal frequency and timing, and irregular sleep and waking patterns appeared to be associated with blood sugar management.

The presence of microvascular complications is associated with a poor evolution of metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To report the evolution of metabolic control and to assess the clinical and metabolic factors associated with the presence of microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational study analysing clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data from a registry of patients with T1DM created in 2010.

RESULTS

Data recorded from 586 patients (males: 50.2%; mean age: 36.1±13.5 years; T1DM duration: 18.0±12.1 years) followed for a mean of 6.0±3.1 years were assessed, and 8133 HbA1c levels (13.2±7.6 measurements/patient) were analysed, with a mean evolutionary HbA1c of 7.9%±1.2%. The mean annual HbA1c level gradually improved from 8.6%±1.6% in 2010 to 7.5%±1.4% in 2019, with 34.3% and 69.0% of patients having HbA1c levels ≤7% and ≤8% respectively. Patients with T1DM duration of <10 years and ≥20 years, non-smokers, CSII users, and those using the insulin/carbohydrate ratio had better current and evolutionary HbA1c levels. The presence of microvascular complications was independently associated with T1DM lasting ≥20 years, the presence of HBP, and evolutionary HbA1c≥7.0%.

CONCLUSION

A progressive but still inadequate improvement in metabolic control over 10 years was seen in patients with T1DM. Poor metabolic control (mean HbA1c over 10 years ≥7%) was independently associated with the presence of microvascular complications.

Clinical characteristics and management of type 1 diabetes in Spain. The SED1 study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the sociodemographic and clinical profile of a representative sample of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) in Spain and identify factors associated with glycemic control.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in adults and children with DM1 treated in 75 Spanish public hospitals, geographically distributed in order to be representative of the Spanish population. Within each center, the patients were included on a consecutive basis as they visited the clinic. They were interviewed, and their clinical histories were reviewed. A descriptive statistical analysis was made, and factors associated with HbA1c were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 647 patients were included: 55.3% females, aged 36.6±14.4 years, 97.2% Caucasians, BMI 24.7±4.4kg/m2 (12.1% ≥30kg/m2), and 74.0% had secondary / university education. A total of 20.2% were active smokers. The mean time from the diagnosis of DM1 was 17.9±12.0 years. A total of 48.7% presented comorbidities: 19.3% retinopathy and 16.4% hypothyroidism. As regards treatment for DM1, 76.5% received basal-bolus insulin therapy and 20.7% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII); 51.0% of the patients used an insulin/carbohydrate ratio (ICR), with 4.6±1.6 self-monitored capillary blood glucose (SMCBG) measurements a day, and 24.8% used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The mean HbA1c value was 7.6±1.1% (30% below 7%). Metabolic control improved (lower HbA1c) with more daily SMCBG (B=-0.053; p=0.009), a higher educational level (B=0.461; P<0.001), greater number of hypoglycemia episodes (B=-0.253; P=0.018) and carbohydrate counting (B=-0.190; P=0.048), and worsened the longer the duration of the disease (B=0.010; P=0.010), higher total dose of insulin (B=0.010; P<0.0001), poorer adherence to diet (B=0.650; P<0.0001) and a family history of DM (B=-0.233; P=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The management of patients with DM1 in Spain, as well as the treatment they receive, is similar to that seen in other Western countries. Blood glucose control is associated with educational level, disease duration, and the characteristics of treatment and self-care.

Feeding behavior pattern and glycosylated hemoglobin in people with type 2 diabetes at the beginning and end of an educational intervention

OBJECTIVE

To assess the changes in food consumption pattern and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes after an educational intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive study in people over 18 years of age with type 2 diabetes receiving the educational intervention provided by the health facilities of the Costa Rican Social Security. Sociodemographic, biochemical, and anthropometric variables were collected. Glycemic control was classified as good (≤7%), fair (7.1-8%), and poor (>8%). The usual daily diet record was used to assess the food consumption pattern based on the 11 criteria, divided into the following categories: poor compliance (0-3 criteria), fair compliance (4-7 criteria), and good compliance (8-11 criteria). Data collected were processed using SPSS version 16 software. A Student's t test was used for dependent samples. The impact of the educational intervention on metabolic control and food consumption pattern was determined using a McNemar test with a level of significance of 5% for hypothesis testing.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 702 patients with a mean age of 54.5±11.6 years, 73.8% females. Mean initial glycosylated hemoglobin level was 8.8±2.14%, while final level was 7.8±1.78% (P<.05). Glycosylated hemoglobin levels less than 7% were found in 23.9% of the population at study start and in 41.3% at study end. As regard the food consumption pattern, the mean number of criteria met was 6±3 at study start and 9±2 at study end (P<.000). Mean glycosylated hemoglobin level showed at the start of intervention a similar behavior in all 3 categories of the food consumption pattern, and at the end the changes in glycosylated hemoglobin in the poor and fair compliance categories were statistically significant (P<.022 and P<.000 respectively), unlike in the good compliance category (P<.065). At the end of the intervention, of the 75.6% of the population with good compliance, 41.3% had good metabolic control (P<.0001). The educational intervention was significant (P<.000) using the McNemar test.

CONCLUSION

The educational intervention approach to nutritional therapy had a positive impact on the food consumption pattern and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, showing that therapeutic education is part of the treatment of diabetes to achieve the objectives.

[Lixisenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity: Beyond glycaemic control]

Objetivo

Evaluar la tolerancia a lixisenatida y sus efectos sobre el peso y el control metabólico de pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 y obesidad.

Diseño

Estudio prospectivo.

Emplazamiento

Consultas de atención especializada de Endocrinología y Nutrición en Almería, Granada y Málaga.

Participantes

Pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 y obesidad.

Intervenciones

Respuesta y tolerancia al tratamiento con lixisenatida.

Mediciones principales

Se analizaron datos clínicos y analíticos con medidas de cambio intrasujeto antes-después del tratamiento.

Resultados

Evaluamos 104 pacientes (51% mujeres) con diabetes tipo 2 y obesidad (Almería 18,3%; Granada 40,4%; Málaga 41,3%). Edad media 58,4 ± 10,5 años y duración media de diabetes 11,2 ± 6,7 años. El tiempo medio desde la visita basal a la revisión tras inicio de tratamiento con lixisenatida fue de 3,8 ± 1,6 meses. Encontramos mejoría significativa del peso (p < 0,001), índice de masa corporal (p < 0,001), circunferencia de cintura (p = 0,002), presión arterial sistólica (p < 0,001) y diastólica (p = 0,001), glucemia en ayunas (p < 0,001), HbA1c (p = 0,022), colesterol total (p < 0,001), colesterol LDL (p = 0,046) y triglicéridos (p = 0,020). No se observó alteración de cifras de amilasa en relación con el tratamiento con lixisenatida, y el 7,9% no lo toleraron.

Conclusiones

Lixisenatida consigue: 1) mejoría significativa de parámetros antropométricos y control glucémico (glucemia basal y HbA1c); 2) descenso significativo de la presión arterial y del perfil lipídico, y 3) seguridad y buena tolerancia en la mayoría de los pacientes. Además, encontramos una significativa intensificación del tratamiento antihipertensivo e hipolipemiante.

[Quality in diabetes mellitus control in Primary Care Units in Mexico. A study of the perspectives of the patient's family]

Objetivo

Identificar las perspectivas de la familia de los pacientes en la calidad del control de la diabetes mellitus.

Diseño

Metodología cualitativa orientada a la investigación de servicios de salud; diseño exploratorio, realizado en 2014, a través de muestreo no probabilístico.

Emplazamiento

unidades de atención primaria con mayor jerarquización poblacional en el estado de Tabasco, México.

Participantes y/o contextos

Se seleccionaron 42 integrantes de la familia que aceptaron participar voluntariamente.

Método

Se integraron 6 grupos focales, se emplearon guías de entrevista y dinámica de grupos. La información fue documentada, saturada y categorizada; se utilizaron los discursos más representativos, derivando en conclusiones.

Resultados

Muestran una posición altamente crítica de los familiares con respecto al paciente. Algunos parecen justificados y otros tienen una connotación cultural, histórica y, en alguna medida, de desconocimiento. Se han pronunciado con respecto a la atención sanitaria y al contexto donde pacientes y familiares se desempeñan, en ambos casos con expresiones también críticas.

Conclusiones

Las perspectivas de los familiares revelan lo que piensan y sienten de la diabetes mellitus. Es importante observar el contenido de sus expresiones cargadas de desconocimiento acerca de la enfermedad y la falta de apoyo. Sus discursos contienen críticas, mitos, creencias falsas y temores de ser portadores futuros del padecimiento. Se compadecen del paciente, pero se resisten a cuidarse y no desean una vida con diabetes. La familia es la red de apoyo más cercana para el paciente y un recurso inapreciable para los servicios de salud.

Metabolic control after years of completing a clinical trial on sensor-augmented pump therapy

BACKGROUND

Sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy has been shown to be effective and safe for improving metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in a number of trials. Our objective was to assess glycemic control in a group of T1DM patients on insulin pump or SAP therapy after years of participating in the SWITCH (Sensing With Insulin pump Therapy To Control HbA1c) trial and their return to routine medical monitoring.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study of 20 patients who participated in the SWITCH trial at our hospital from 2008 to 2010. HbA1c values were compared at the start, during (at the end of the periods with/without SAP use - Sensor On/Sensor Off period respectively - of the cross-over design), and 3 years after study completion. HbA1c values of patients who continued SAP therapy (n=6) or only used insulin pump (n=14) were also compared.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with T1DM (44.4±9.3 years, 60% women, baseline HbA1c level 8.43±0.55%) were enrolled into the SWITCH study). Three years after study completion, HbA1c level was 7.79±0.77 in patients on pump alone, with no significant change from the value at the end of the Off period of the study (7.85±0.57%; p=0.961). As compared to the end of the On period, HbA1c worsened less in patients who remained on SAP than in those on pump alone (0.18±0.42 vs. 0.55±0.71%; p=0.171), despite the fact that levels were similar at study start (8.41±0.60 vs. 8.47±0.45; p=0.831) and at the end of the On period (7.24±0.48 vs. 7.38±0.61; p=0.566). Frequency of CGM use in patients who continued SAP therapy was high (61.2% of the time in the last 3 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the additional benefit of SAP therapy achieved in a clinical trial may persist in the long term in routine clinical care of patients with T1DM.

Assessment of metabolic control in patients with diabetes treated with insulin using Contour USB and A1cNow+ devices (COMET study)

OBJECTIVES

The self-determination of blood glucose is relevant for diabetes mellitus (DM) insulin-treated patients. The use of glucometers with advanced features and measuring glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) may help improve metabolic control. The main objective of this study was to determine the percentage of insulin treated patients who reduced HbA1c by at least 0.4% after 6 months of using Contour and A1CNow+.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observational, prospective, multicentre study in adult DM insulin treated patients, with HbA1c> 8%.

RESULTS

Of the 454 recruited patients analysed, a total of 333 were evaluable. After 6 months the HbA1c decreased (P<.05) in both groups [-0.89 (95% CI -1.01 to -0.76) and -0.98 (95% CI: -1.21 to -0.76), in type 1 and 2 DM, respectively]. An HbA1c reduction of 0.4% was observed in 73% of patients after 6 months of device use. A decrease in the number of patients with HbA1c > 8% was observed, with this reaching: 41% for all, 45% in type 1 DM, and 25% in type 2 DM. In the glycaemic profile, a reduction (P<.05) was observed in pre- and post-prandial glycaemia in both groups (-20.7±36.4 and -37.1±47.1mg/dL, respectively), with 23% pre-prandial glucose < 130mg/dL and post-prandial < 180mg/dL CONCLUSION: The use of glucometers with advanced features, and measuring glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) may help improve metabolic control and to monitor insulin treated DM patients more closely.

Relationship between metabolic control and self-monitoring of blood glucose in insulin-treated patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between metabolic control (MC) and frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in insulin-treated patients with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus, and to analyze the factors associated to MC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in which endocrinologists enrolled diabetic patients treated with insulin who used a glucometer. The cut-off value for MC was HbA1c ≤ 7%. Grade of acceptance of the glucometer was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

A total of 341 patients (53.5% males) with a mean age (SD) 52.8 (16.3) years, mean HbA1c of 7.69% (1.25) and 128 (37.5%) with T1DM and 211 (61.9%) with T2DM were evaluable. SMBG was done by 86.1% at least once weekly. No relationship was seen between MC and SMBG (P=.678) in the overall sample or in the T1DM (P=.940) or T2DM (P=.343) subgroups. In the logistic regression model, hyperglycemic episodes (Exp-b [risk] 1.794, P=0.022), falsely elevated HbA1c values (Exp-b 3.182, P=.005), and VAS (Exp-b 1.269, P=.008) were associated to poor MC in the total sample. Hyperglycemic episodes (Exp-b 2.538, P=.004), falsely elevated HbA1c values (Exp-b 3.125, P=.012), and VAS (Exp-b 1.316, P=.026) were associated to poor MC in the T2DM subgroup, while body mass index (Exp-b 1.143, P=.046) was associated to poor MC in the T1DM subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective, non-controlled study on patients with DM treated with insulin who used a glucometer, no relationship was seen between the degree of metabolic control and frequency of use of the glucometer.

[Control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain today: identification of the main obstacles in daily clinical practice]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a highly prevalent chronic disease with major social and healthcare repercussions due to the development of acute and chronic complications. The care of patients with DM2 represents between 6.3% and 7.4% of the budget of the Spanish national health service and is mainly centered on hospital admissions and hypoglycemic agents, leading to an annual expenditure of 1.290 € to 1.476 € per patient. The attainment of glycemic targets remains complex and inadequate, despite new drugs for the treatment of DM2, the available scientific evidence, and national and international guidelines. The main causes proposed for failure to achieve these targets in DM2 are clinical inertia (found in 40% of physicians in Spain treating patients with HbA1c > 7%), poor treatment adherence, the problems inherent to the health system, and the natural history of the disease.