Prevalence and clinical characteristics of diabetic cardiomyopathy in patients with acute heart failure

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetic cardiomyopathy refers to cases of diabetes mellitus (DM) complicated by cardiac dysfunction in the absence of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Its epidemiology remains unclear due to the high rate of coexistence between DM and hypertension. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of diabetic cardiomyopathy among patients with acute heart failure (HF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This multicenter, retrospective study included 17,614 consecutive patients with acute HF. DM-related HF was defined as HF complicating DM without known manifestations of coronary artery disease, significant valvular heart disease, or congenital heart disease, while diabetic cardiomyopathy was defined as DM-related HF without hypertension. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Diabetic cardiomyopathy prevalence was 1.6 % in the entire cohort, 5.2 % in patients with acute HF complicating DM, and 10 % in patients with DM-related HF. Clinical characteristics, including the presence of comorbidities, laboratory data on admission, and factors associated with in-hospital mortality, significantly differed between the diabetic cardiomyopathy group and the DM-related HF with hypertension group. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy than in patients with DM-related HF with hypertension (7.7 % vs. 2.8 %, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of diabetic cardiomyopathy was 1.6 % in patients with acute HF, and patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy were at high risk for in-hospital mortality. The clinical characteristics of patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy were significantly different than those of patients with DM-related HF with hypertension.

Effects of a low carbohydrate diet on heart failure symptoms and quality of life in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy: A randomised controlled trial pilot study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Heart failure, insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus coexist in the syndrome that is diabetic cardiomyopathy. Patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy experience high symptom burden and poor quality of life. We tested the hypothesis that a low carbohydrate diet improves heart failure symptoms and quality of life in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a 16-week randomised controlled pilot trial comparing the effects of a low carbohydrate diet (LC) to usual care (UC) in 17 adult patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy. New York Heart Association classification, weight, thirst distress and quality of life scores as well as blood pressure and biochemical data were assessed at baseline and at 16 weeks. Thirteen (n = 8 LC; n = 5 UC) patients completed the trial. The low carbohydrate diet induced significant weight loss in completers (p = 0.004). There was a large between-group difference in systolic blood pressure at the end of the study (Hedges's g 0.99[-014,2.08]). There were no significant differences in thirst or quality of life between groups.

CONCLUSION

This is the first clinical trial utilising the low carbohydrate dietary approach in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy in an outpatient setting. A low carbohydrate diet can lead to significant weight loss in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy. Future clinical trials with larger samples and that focus on fluid and sodium requirements of patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy who engage in a low carbohydrate diet are warranted.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12620001278921.

DATE OF REGISTRATION

26th November 2020.

Identification of Crucial Genes and Key Functions in Type 2 Diabetic Hearts by Bioinformatic Analysis

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized develop an acute cardiovascular syndrome. It is urgent to elucidate underlying mechanisms associated with the acute cardiac injury in T2D hearts. We performed bioinformatic analysis on the expression profiles of public datasets to identify the pathogenic and prognostic genes in T2D hearts. Cardiac RNA-sequencing datasets from db/db or BKS mice (GSE161931) were updated to NCBI-Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO), and used for the transcriptomics analyses with public datasets from NCBI-GEO of autopsy heart specimens with COVID-19 (5/6 with T2D, GSE150316), or dead healthy persons (GSE133054). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and overlapping homologous DEGs among the three datasets were identified using DESeq2. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were conducted for event enrichment through clusterProfile. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was established and visualized by Cytoscape. The transcriptions and functions of crucial genes were further validated in db/db hearts. In total, 542 up-regulated and 485 down-regulated DEGs in mice, and 811 up-regulated and 1399 down-regulated DEGs in human were identified, respectively. There were 74 overlapping homologous DEGs among all datasets. Mitochondria inner membrane and serine-type endopeptidase activity were further identified as the top-10 GO events for overlapping DEGs. Cardiac CAPNS1 (calpain small subunit 1) was the unique crucial gene shared by both enriched events. Its transcriptional level significantly increased in T2D mice, but surprisingly decreased in T2D patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. PPI network was constructed with 30 interactions in overlapping DEGs, including CAPNS1. The substrates Junctophilin2 (Jp2), Tnni3, and Mybpc3 in cardiac calpain/CAPNS1 pathway showed less transcriptional change, although Capns1 increased in transcription in db/db mice. Instead, cytoplasmic JP2 significantly reduced and its hydrolyzed product JP2NT exhibited nuclear translocation in myocardium. This study suggests CAPNS1 is a crucial gene in T2D hearts. Its transcriptional upregulation leads to calpain/CAPNS1-associated JP2 hydrolysis and JP2NT nuclear translocation. Therefore, attenuated cardiac CAPNS1 transcription in T2D patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection highlights a novel target in adverse prognostics and comprehensive therapy. CAPNS1 can also be explored for the molecular signaling involving the onset, progression and prognostic in T2D patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Association of visit-to-visit glycemic variability with risk of cardiovascular diseases in high-risk Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A subanalysis of the EMPATHY trial

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Long-term glycemic variability is important for predicting diabetic complications, but evaluation in a Japanese population is lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between visit-to-visit glycemic variability (VVV) and cardiovascular diseases (CV) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, using the prospective cohort of the EMPATHY trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 4532 participants with at least three HbA1c measurements, VVV was defined using the coefficient of variation (CV-HbA1c). The outcomes were the composite cardiovascular endpoints, including cardiac, cerebral, renal, and vascular events. The odds ratios (ORs) for the development of outcomes were estimated by using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 38 months, 190 subjects developed CV events. The risk of developing CV events increased significantly with increasing quintile of CV-HbA1c, after multivariable adjustment including the mean-HbA1c (OR for the fifth vs first quintile, 1.73; 95%CI, 1.03-2.91; P for trend test = 0.003). There was a stronger association between CV-HbA1c and CV events in patients with a mean-HbA1c of <7% compared with those with a mean-HbA1c of ≥7% (OR per 1 standard deviation, 1.51; 95%CI, 1.23-1.85 and 1.13; 95%CI, 0.98-1.29, respectively; P for interaction = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Increases of VVV were associated with the risk of CV events in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes independent of the mean-HbA1c. The long-term variability of HbA1c as well as the mean HbA1c might be an important glycemic indicator in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in those with a mean-HbA1c of <7%.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Diabetes in French Guiana: Epidemiology and Relation with Microvascular and Macrovascular Complications

Vitamin D (VD) insufficiency is common among patients with diabetes in French Guiana. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of VD deficiency in the different type of diabetes encountered and to analyze the relationship between VD deficiency and diabetes complications. Methods: An observational study was conducted between May 2019 and May 2020 in French Guiana, based on data from the CODIAM study (Diabetes Cohort in French Amazonia), describing the characteristics of patients with diabetes mellitus. Among 600 patients enrolled with diabetes, 361 had an available VD assay. Results: The mean 25(OH)VD (hydroxycalciferol) level was 27.9 ng/mL. The level of VD was inversely proportional to the HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) level. Patients with angina pectoris had a greater proportion of deficiencies VD < 20 ng/mL than those without angina. By contrast, patients with retinopathy had higher vitamin D concentrations than those without retinopathy. There was no association between vitamin D and arteriopathy, stroke, nephropathy and polyneuropathy. VD deficiency was more frequent in women, and in patients with a high school education. Conclusion: The prevalence of VD deficiency was high in patients with diabetes in French Guiana, emphasizing the importance of VD supplementation.

Association between glycemic control and cardiovascular events in older Japanese adults with diabetes mellitus: An analysis of the Japanese medical administrative database

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and cardiovascular events in older adults was investigated using a Japanese administrative medical database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anonymized medical data on patients with diabetes mellitus aged ≥65 years for the period from January 2010 to December 2019 were extracted from the EBM Provider database. The primary end-point was a composite of cardiovascular events, whereas the other end-points included severe hypoglycemia and fracture. The association between cardiovascular events and HbA1c at the index date (i.e., approximately 10 months after initial diabetes mellitus diagnosis) was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Among the 3,186,751 patients in the database, 3,946 older adults with diabetes mellitus were eligible for inclusion and were subsequently grouped according to HbA1c quartiles at the index date. Cardiovascular events occurred in 142 patients. Patients with HbA1c in the highest quartile had significantly higher risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease than those with HbA1c in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio 1.948; 95% confidence interval 1.252-3.031, P = 0.003). However, the events risk was similar across subgroups with HbA1c <7.2%. The incidence of hypoglycemia and fracture was not significantly associated with the level of glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older adults with diabetes mellitus, those with poor glycemic control were at higher risk for cardiovascular events compared with those with better glycemic control. However, strict glycemic control had no effect on cardiovascular risk in patients with HbA1c <7.2%.

Glucose-lowering Drugs and Hospitalization for Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Additive-effects Network Meta-analysis With More Than 500 000 Patient-years

BACKGROUND

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) prevent hospitalization resulting from heart failure (HHF). However, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus use multiple antihyperglycemic drugs to achieve glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) targets. In these drug combinations, the risk of HHF is unpredictable and so is the parallel effect of glucose-lowering.

PURPOSE

To examine the impact of antihyperglycemic drugs and their association on HHF.

DATA SOURCES

Forty randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting HHF.

STUDY SELECTION

Published RCTs were the data source.

DATA EXTRACTION

Incidence rates of HHF.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Random additive-effects network meta-analysis showed that metformin (P = 0.55), sulfonylureas (P = 0.51), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor-agonist (P = 0.16), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4is; P = 0.54) were neutral on the risk of HHF. SGLT2is and SGLT2is + DPP4is reduced the risk of HHF with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.60-0.76; P < 0.0001) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.81; P < 0.0001), respectively. Increased risk of HHF was associated with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) as monotherapy or in combination with DPP4is (HR: 1.45; 95% CI, 1.18-1.78; P = 0.0004) and 1.49 (95% CI, 1.18-1.88; P = 0.0008), respectively. Regardless of the therapy, a 1% reduction in HbA1c reduced the risk of HHF by 31.3% (95% CI, 9-48; P = 0.009).

LIMITATIONS

There are no data to verify drug combinations available for clinical use and to discriminate the effect of drugs within each of the therapeutic classes.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of HHF is reduced by SGLT2is as monotherapy or in combination with DPP4is and increased by TZDs as monotherapy or in combination. Glucose-lowering provides an additive effect of reducing HHF.

High prevalence of fragmented QRS on electrocardiography in Japanese patients with diabetes irrespective of metabolic syndrome

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) on electrocardiography is a marker of myocardial fibrosis and myocardial scar formation. This study aimed to clarify the relationship of fQRS with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Japanese patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Approximately 702 individuals who had a routine health checkup at the Hokuriku Health Service Association (Toyama, Japan) in October 2014 were enrolled and categorized into one of the following four groups based on MetS and diabetes mellitus status: with diabetes mellitus (+) MetS+ (164 participants); diabetes mellitus+ without MetS (Mets-; 103 participants); diabetes mellitus- MetS+ (133 participants); and diabetes mellitus- MetS- (302 participants). fQRS was assessed using the results of electrocardiography.

RESULTS

The prevalence of fQRS was statistically higher in patients with diabetes mellitus+ MetS+ (37%) and diabetes mellitus+ MetS- (35%), than those with diabetes mellitus- MetS+ (14%) or diabetes mellitus- MetS- (10%; P < 0.0001). Significant differences were observed between the fQRS(+) and fQRS(-) groups for age, sex, waist circumference, heart rate, hypertension, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, MetS and diabetes mellitus. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for traditional risk factors and diabetes mellitus was 0.72 (P = 0.0007, 95% confidence interval 0.67-0.76), and for traditional risk factors and MetS it was 0.67 (P = 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.62-0.72). Patients with diabetes mellitus had more than threefold higher likelihood of showing fQRS (odds ratio 3.41; 95% confidence interval 2.25-5.22; P < 0.0001) compared with the reference group without diabetes mellitus, after adjusting for age, sex, dyslipidemia, hypertension and waist circumference.

CONCLUSIONS

fQRS was observed more frequently in diabetes mellitus patients than in MetS and control individuals. Diabetes mellitus was the most significant determinant for fQRS among MetS and other traditional metabolic risk factors.

The role of insulin resistance in the relation of visceral, abdominal subcutaneous and total body fat to cardiovascular function

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The separate cardiovascular effects of type 2 diabetes and adiposity remain to be examined. This study aimed to investigate the role of insulin resistance in the relations of visceral (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous (aSAT) adipose tissue and total body fat (TBF) to cardiovascular remodeling.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this cross-sectional analysis of the population-based Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, 914 middle-aged individuals (46% men) were included. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Standardized linear regression coefficients (95%CI) were calculated, adjusted for potential confounding factors. All fat depots and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), separate from VAT and TBF, were associated with lower mitral early and late peak filling rate ratios (E/A): -0.04 (-0.09;0.01) per SD (54 cm²) VAT; -0.05 (-0.10;0.00) per SD (94 cm²) aSAT; -0.09 (-0.16;-0.02) per SD (8%) TBF; -0.11 (-0.17;-0.05) per 10-fold increase in HOMA-IR, whereas VAT and TBF were differently associated with left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume: -8.9 (-11.7;-6.1) mL per SD VAT; +5.4 (1.1;9.7) mL per SD TBF. After adding HOMA-IR to the model to evaluate the mediating role of insulin resistance, change in E/A was -0.02 (-0.07;0.04) per SD VAT; -0.03 (-0.08;0.02) per SD aSAT; -0.06 (-0.13;0.01) per SD TBF, and change in LV end-diastolic volume was -7.0 (-9.7;-4.3) mL per SD VAT. In women, adiposity but not HOMA-IR was related to higher aortic arch pulse wave velocity.

CONCLUSION

Insulin resistance was associated with reduced diastolic function, separately from VAT and TBF, and partly mediated the associations between adiposity depots and lower diastolic function.

Myocardial glucotoxicity: Mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

Besides coronary artery disease, which remains the main cause of heart failure in patients with diabetes, factors independent of coronary artery disease are involved in the development of heart failure in the onset of what is called diabetic cardiomyopathy. Among them, hyperglycaemia - a hallmark of type 2 diabetes - has both acute and chronic deleterious effects on myocardial function, and clearly participates in the establishment of diabetic cardiomyopathy. In the present review, we summarize the cellular and tissular events that occur in a heart exposed to hyperglycaemia, and depict the complex molecular mechanisms proposed to be involved in glucotoxicity. Finally, from a more translational perspective, different therapeutic strategies targeting hyperglycaemia-mediated molecular mechanisms will be detailed.

Frequency of Reduced Left Ventricular Contractile Efficiency and Discoordinated Myocardial Relaxation in Patients Aged 16 to 21 Years With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (from the Emerald Study)

Early-onset cardiomyopathy is a major concern for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Studies examining myocardial deformation indices early in the disease process in people with have provided conflicting results. Accordingly, the objective was to examine left ventricular (LV) function in adolescents with type 1 DM using novel measures of cardiomyopathy, termed ventricular discoordination indices, including systolic stretch fraction (SSF), and our newly developed diastolic relaxation fraction (DRF). Adolescents with DM (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 20) underwent cardiac MRI (CMR) tissue tracking analysis for standard volumetric and functional analysis. Segment-specific circumferential strain and strain rate indices were evaluated to calculate standard mechanical dyssynchrony and discoordination. SSF and DRF were calculated from strain rate data. There were no global or regional group differences between participants with DM and controls in standard LV strain mechanics. However, youth with DM had lower diastolic strain rate around the inferior septal and free wall region (all p <0.05) as well as higher SSF (p = 0.03) and DRF (p <0.001) compared with controls. None of the CMR indices correlated with HbA1c or diabetes duration. In conclusion, our results suggest that adolescents with DM have LV systolic and diastolic discoordination, providing early evidence of cardiomyopathy despite their young age. The presence of discoordination in the setting of normal LV size and function suggests that the proposed novel discoordination indices could serve as a more sensitive marker of cardiomyopathy than previously employed mechanical deformation indices.

The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Cardiovascular Risk Onset in Children and Adolescents

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising among children and adolescents worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. We review the impact of diabetes on establishing, during childhood and adolescence, the premises for cardiovascular diseases later in life. Interestingly, it seems that hyperglycemia is not the only factor that establishes an increased cardiovascular risk in adolescence. Other factors have been recognized to play a role in triggering the onset of latent cardiovascular diseases in the pediatric population. Among these cardiovascular risk factors, some are modifiable: glucose variability, hypoglycemia, obesity, insulin resistance, waist circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking alcohol, microalbuminuria and smoking. Others are unmodifiable, such as diabetes duration and family history. Among the etiological factors, subclinical endothelial dysfunction represents one of the earliest key players of atherosclerosis and it can be detected during early ages in patients with diabetes. A better assessment of cardiovascular risk in pediatric population still represents a challenge for clinicians, and thus further efforts are required to properly identify and treat pediatric patients who may suffer from cardiovascular disease later in early adulthood.

Associations between the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Diabetic Complications in Adults with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inexpensive and easily measurable laboratory index indicating systemic inflammation, while the application of many other inflammatory markers has been limited in daily clinical practice. However, large population studies about investigating the associations of the NLR level with diabetic complications including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the same population were limited. The aim of our study is to evaluate the associations between the NLR level and the prevalence of CVD, DKD, and DR in adults with diabetes simultaneously.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 4,813 diabetic adults was conducted in seven communities in China. Persons underwent several medical examinations, including the measurement of anthropometric factors, blood pressure, routinely analyzed leukocyte characteristics, glucose, lipid profiles, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, and fundus photographs.

RESULTS

Compared with the first quartile of the NLR level, the odds of having CVD was significantly increased by 21% for participants in the highest quartile (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.00, 1.47) (P for trend < 0.05). Similarly, the prevalence of DKD among participants in the highest quartile of the NLR level was significantly increased by 150% (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.95, 3.19) (P for trend < 0.05). However, no association was found between the NLR level and the prevalence of DR (P for trend > 0.05). These associations were all fully adjusted.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher NLR level was associated with an increased prevalence of CVD and DKD, other than DR, in diabetic adults.

Contrasting Associations of Body Mass Index and Hemoglobin A1c on the Excess Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Body mass index (BMI) may be a stronger risk factor for heart failure than for coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus, but prior studies have not been powered to investigate the relative and absolute risks for acute myocardial infarction and heart failure in type 2 diabetes mellitus by BMI and glycemic level combined as compared with age- and sex-matched general population comparators. Methods and Results We identified 181 045 patients from The Swedish National Diabetes Registry, registered during 1998 to 2012 and 1538 434 general population comparators without diabetes mellitus, matched for age, sex, and county, all without prior major cardiovascular disease. Cases and comparators were followed with respect to the outcomes through linkage to the Swedish Inpatient Registry. Over a median follow-up time of 5.7 years, there were 28 855 acute myocardial infarction and 33 060 heart failure cases among patients and comparators. Excess risk (above that of comparators in whom no data on hemoglobin A1c and BMI was available), incidence rates and hazard ratios for heart failure were substantially higher among the obese patients compared with those with low BMI, where very obese patients (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) who also had poor glycemic control, suffered a 7-fold risk of heart failure versus comparators (reference level). By contrast, for acute myocardial infarction, the highest absolute and relative risks were found among patients with poor glycemic control, with no additional risk conferred by increasing BMI. Conclusions BMI is a strong independent risk factor for heart failure but not for acute myocardial infarction among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Long-term effects of intensive multifactorial therapy in individuals with screen-detected type 2 diabetes in primary care: 10-year follow-up of the ADDITION-Europe cluster-randomised trial

BACKGROUND

The multicentre, international ADDITION-Europe study investigated the effect of promoting intensive treatment of multiple risk factors among people with screen-detected type 2 diabetes over 5 years. Here we report the results of a post-hoc 10-year follow-up analysis of ADDITION-Europe to establish whether differences in treatment and cardiovascular risk factors have been maintained and to assess effects on cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

As previously described, general practices from four centres (Denmark, Cambridge [UK], Leicester [UK], and the Netherlands) were randomly assigned by computer-generated list to provide screening followed by routine care of diabetes, or screening followed by intensive multifactorial treatment. Population-based stepwise screening programmes among people aged 40-69 years (50-69 years in the Netherlands), between April, 2001, and December, 2006, identified patients with type 2 diabetes. Allocation was concealed from patients. Following the 5-year follow-up, no attempts were made to maintain differences in treatment between study groups. In this report, we did a post-hoc analysis of cardiovascular and renal outcomes over 10 years following randomisation, including a 5 years post-intervention follow-up. As in the original trial, the primary endpoint was a composite of first cardiovascular event, including cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular morbidity (non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke), revascularisation, and non-traumatic amputation, up to Dec 31, 2014. Analyses were based on the intention-to-treat principle. ADDITION-Europe is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00237549.

FINDINGS

343 general practices were randomly assigned to routine diabetes care (n=176) or intensive multifactorial treatment (n=167). 317 of these general practices (157 in the routine care group, 161 in the intensive treatment group) included eligible patients between April, 2001, and December, 2006. Of the 3233 individuals with screen-detected diabetes, 3057 agreed to participate (1379 in the routine care group, 1678 in the intensive treatment group), but at the 10-year follow-up 14 were lost to follow-up and 12 withdrew, leaving 3031 to enter 10-year follow-up analysis. Mean duration of follow-up was 9·61 years (SD 2·99). Sustained reductions over 10 years following diagnosis were apparent for bodyweight, HbA_1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol in both study groups, but between-group differences identified at 1 and 5 years were attenuated at the 10-year follow-up. By 10 years, 443 participants had a first cardiovascular event and 465 died. There was no significant difference between groups in the incidence of the primary composite outcome (16·1 per 1000 person-years in the routine care group vs 14·3 per 1000 person-years in the intensive treatment group; hazard ratio [HR] 0·87, 95% CI 0·73-1·04; p=0·14) or all-cause mortality (15·6 vs 14·3 per 1000 person-years; HR 0·90, 0·76-1·07).

INTERPRETATION

Sustained reductions in glycaemia and related cardiovascular risk factors over 10 years among people with screen-detected diabetes managed in primary care are achievable. The differences in prescribed treatment and cardiovascular risk factors in the 5 years following diagnosis were not maintained at 10 years, and the difference in cardiovascular events and mortality remained non-significant.

FUNDING

National Health Service Denmark, Danish Council for Strategic Research, Danish Research Foundation for General Practice, Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Danish Centre for Evaluation and Health Technology Assessment, Danish National Board of Health, Danish Medical Research Council, Aarhus University Research Foundation, Astra, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Servier, HemoCue, Wellcome Trust, UK Medical Research Council, UK National Institute for Health Research, UK National Health Service, Merck, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UK Department of Health, and Nuts-OHRA.

Longitudinal changes in left ventricular structure and function in patients with type 2 diabetes: Normal weight versus overweight/obesity

OBJECTIVE

Although reported to be independent of obesity, the longitudinal changes of left ventricular structure and function have not been well characterized in normal-weight individuals with type 2 diabetes compared with overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 558 participants in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study who underwent tissue Doppler echocardiography at baseline (cycle 4) and after 8 years (cycle 8) were classified into three groups based on body mass index and diabetes status: (1) normal-weight individuals without type 2 diabetes, (2) normal-weight individuals with type 2 diabetes and (3) overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Only overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes group had higher adjusted left ventricular mass index and lower tissue Doppler imaging early diastolic velocity and E/Em ratio compared with the normal-weight individuals without type 2 diabetes group at baseline and after 8 years. Participants in overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes group also showed the higher prevalence and odds of left ventricular hypertrophy (16.0%; adjusted odds ratio: 2.24; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-5.06) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (49.1%; 3.45; 1.01-4.32). Among participants with normal left ventricular structure and function at baseline, only overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes group was associated with greater incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (relative risk: 2.28; 1.04-4.98) over 8 years but not diastolic dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Cross-sectional and longitudinal observations suggest that increasing body mass index category and its associated metabolic abnormalities at baseline are associated with an increased risk for left ventricular hypertrophy and greater impairment in left ventricular diastolic parameters.

Analysis of the duration and extent of the legacy effect in patients with type 2 diabetes: A real-world longitudinal study

AIMS

To analyze the duration and extent of the legacy effect on diabetic complications in real-world patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. We included the following three cohorts of patients: diabetic retinopathy (DR) (n = 1107), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) (n = 1486), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (n = 1485). Patients were enrolled from 1995 to 1999 and followed up to 2017. Endpoints were DR incidence, ≥40% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate, and CVD incidence. The relationships between HbA1c as a time-dependent variable and the risk of reaching each endpoint were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 313 patients developed DR, 316 developed DKD, and 177 developed CVD. Hazard ratios as a function of time-dependent HbA1c (moving mean) accumulated over time. This accumulation was largest for DR, followed by DKD and CVD. The hazard ratios for each endpoint reached a plateau during the preceding 14-19 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of past glycemic control may continue during 14-19 years, with a greater effect during ≤10 years. Therefore, the end of the legacy effect could be 15-20 years. This effect may be the greatest for DR, followed by DKD, and the smallest for CVD.

Actinic keratosis and diabetes complications: A nationwide population-based study in South Korea (2009-2015)

AIM

As the associations between actinic keratosis (AK) and diabetes complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have never been investigated, this study aimed to evaluate any such associations in patients with DM.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed clinical data for DM patients aged>40 years who had undergone the health examination recommended by the South Korea National Health Insurance Program between 2009 and 2012 (n=2,056,580). All of these patients were classified according to the presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and history of DVD; myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischaemic attacks. Newly diagnosed AK was identified using claims data from baseline to the date of diagnosis or 31 December 2015, whichever came first.

RESULTS

Of the 2,056,580 patients with DM, 6404 (0.31%) developed AK. Those patients in the DR, ESRD and CVD groups were more likely to be diagnosed with AK (P<0.001, by log-rank test). After adjusting for age and gender, the risks for AK were significantly higher in the DR, ESRD and CVD groups: HR (95% CI): 1.29 (1.21-1.39), HR: 4.24 (3.28-5.47) and HR: 1.22 (1.13-1.31), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study has revealed that the incidence of AK is higher in diabetes patients with ocular, renal and cardiovascular complications.

Cause-specific risk of major adverse cardiovascular outcomes and hypoglycemic in patients with type 2 diabetes: a multicenter prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Glycated hemoglobin A1_c (HbA1_c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was identified to account for the risk of cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetic patients, but no study evaluated the risk based on both HbA1_c and FPG levels. We described the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and hypoglycemic in type 2 diabetic patients according to both HbA1_c and FPG levels.

METHODS

With the usage of databases of Action in Diabetes and Vascular disease: preterAx and diamicroN-MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE), 1815 patients from 61 centers in China was identified and grouped according to the criterion value of HbA1_c and FPG: Good glycemic control (HbA1_c < 6.5%, FPG < 6.1 mmol/L); Insufficient glycemic control (HbA1_c < 6.5%, FPG ≥ 6.1 mmol/L or HbA1_c ≥ 6.5%, FPG < 6.1 mmol/L); Poor glycemic control (HbA1_c ≥ 6.5%, FPG ≥ 6.1 mmol/L). Time-varying multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were employed.

RESULTS

Average age was 64.8 ± 5.8 years, with a median of 4.8 years of follow-up. Overall, the incidence rates of MACE were 20.6 per 1000-person-years in Good glycemic control compared with 45.9 per 1000-person-years in Insufficient glycemic control (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.99; 95% CI 1.11-3.56; p = 0.02) and 54.7 per 1000-person-years in Poor glycemic control (aHR: 2.46; 95% CI 1.38-4.40; p = 0.002), respectively. The risk of hypoglycemic was highest in Insufficient glycemic control; 67.3 per 1000-person-years compared with 46.3 per 1000-person-years in Good glycemic control (aHR: 1.62; 95% CI 1.03-2.56; p = 0.04). Apart from this, we also observed that both MACE (aHR:1.41; 95% CI 1.13-1.77; p = 0.003) and hypoglycemic episodes (aHR: 1.82; 95% CI 1.48-2.24; p < 0.001) were sufficiently more frequent in the insulin-exposed group than the non-exposed group. In a post-hoc analysis, the risk of MACE (aHR:1.43; 95% CI 1.09-1.86; p = 0.01) and hypoglycemic (aHR: 1.99; 95% CI 1.46-2.69; p < 0.001) were more pronounced in Insufficient glycemic control with insulin exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a significant association of cause-specific risk of MACE and hypoglycemic with Insufficient glycemic control, particularly with insulin exposure.

The prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in men and women with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for the development of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Our aim was to provide a summary estimate of the prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in type 2 diabetes patients and to investigate sex disparities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic search of the databases Medline and Embase was conducted for studies reporting the prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction among type 2 diabetes patients. Studies were only included if echocardiography was performed. Prevalence estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. A total of 28 studies were included. Data on the prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were available in 27 studies. The pooled prevalence for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the hospital population (2959 type 2 diabetes participants) and in the general population (2813 type 2 diabetes participants) was 48% [95% confidence interval: 38%-59%] and 35% (95% confidence interval: 24%-46%), respectively. Heterogeneity was high in both populations, with estimates ranging from 19% to 81% in the hospital population and from 23% to 54% in the general population. For women and men, the pooled prevalence estimates of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were 47% (95% confidence interval: 37%-58%) and 46% (95% confidence interval: 37%-55%), respectively. Only two studies presented the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; 8% (95% confidence interval: 5%-14%) in a hospital population and 25% (95% confidence interval: 21%-28%) in the general population [18% in men (mean age: 73.8; standard deviation: 8.6) and 28% in women (mean age: 74.9; standard deviation: 6.9)].

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction among type 2 diabetes patients is similarly high in men and women, while heart failure with preserved ejection fraction seems to be more common in women than men, at least in community people with type 2 diabetes.

Use of the waist-to-height ratio to predict cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes: Results from the ADVANCE-ON study

AIMS

Patients with type 2 diabetes have a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Central obesity has been particularly associated with this risk relationship. We aimed to evaluate waist to height ratio (WHtR) as a predictor of risk in such patients.

METHODS

WHtR was evaluated as a predictor of the risk of CVD and mortality amongst 11 125 participants with type 2 diabetes in the ADVANCE and ADVANCE-ON studies, and was compared with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist hip ratio (WHR). Primary outcome was a composite of death from CVD, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death and death from any cause. Cox models were used, with bootstrapping to compare associations between anthropometric measures for the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 9.0 years. There was a positive association between WHtR and adverse outcomes. The hazard ratio (HR) (confidence interval), per SD higher WHtR, was 1.16 (1.11-1.22) for the primary endpoint, with no heterogeneity by sex or region, but a stronger effect in individuals aged 66 years or older. The other 3 anthropometric measurements showed similar associations, although there was evidence that WHtR marginally outperformed BMI and WHR. Based on commonly used BMI cut-points, the equivalent WHtR cut-points were estimated to be 0.55 and 0.6, with no evidence of a difference across subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with diabetes, WHtR is a useful indicator of future adverse risk, with similar effects in different population subgroups.

Burden of cardio-renal-metabolic conditions in adults with type 2 diabetes within the Diabetes Collaborative Registry

We examined the prevalence of cardio-renal-metabolic (CaReMe) conditions and their combinations among 530 747 adults with type 2 diabetes in a USA-based outpatient registry of 271 primary care, cardiology and endocrinology offices. We evaluated the following CaReMe conditions: hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and gout or hyperuricaemia; prevalence estimates were adjusted based on the distribution of diabetes by age in the US population in 2015. We found that it was uncommon for patients to have isolated type 2 diabetes without other CaReMe conditions, with only 6.4% having no other CaReMe conditions and 51% having ≥3 other CaReMe conditions. The most prevalent individual conditions were hypertension (83%), hyperlipidemia (81%), CAD (32%) and CKD (20%), and the most common combinations included various groupings of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and CKD. Older age, male sex and tobacco use were each associated with increased numbers of CaReMe conditions. These findings highlight the clinical need for novel treatment strategies for diabetes that address both glycaemia and coexisting disease states.

Haemoglobin A1c variability is a strong, independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To evaluate various measures of haemoglobin (Hb) A1c variability, compared with average HbA1c, as independent predictors of mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events Italian multicentre study enroled 15 733 patients with type 2 diabetes from 19 diabetes clinics during 2006-2008. A total of 3 to 5 HbA1c measures, obtained during the 2-year period before enrolment, were available from 9 centres (8290 patients) and were used to calculate average HbA1c (HbA1c -MEAN) and HbA1c variability, measured as intra-individual standard deviation (HbA1c-SD), SD adjusted for the number of HbA1c assessments (HbA1c-AdjSD) and coefficient of variation (HbA1c-CV), that is, the HbA1c-SD to HbA1c-MEAN ratio. Vital status on October 31, 2015 was retrieved for 8252 patients (99.5%).

RESULTS

The measures of HbA1c variability increased according to quartiles of HbA1c-MEAN and vice versa. HbA1c-MEAN and measures of HbA1c variability were associated with all-cause mortality; however, the strength of association of HbA1c-MEAN was lower than that of HbA1c -SD, HbA1c-CV or HbA1c-AdjSD, and disappeared after adjusting for confounders and any of the measures of HbA1c variability. Mortality increased with quartiles of HbA1c-MEAN, HbA1c -SD, HbA1c-CV and HbA1c-AdjSD, but only the association with HbA1c variability measures remained after adjustment for confounders and/or each other measure. In the fully adjusted model, mortality risk was lower for HbA1c-SD below the median and higher for HbA1c-SD above the median, regardless of whether HbA1c-MEAN was below or above the median. Conclusions HbA1c variability is a strong, independent predictor of all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes and appears to be even more powerful than average HbA1c in predicting mortality.

Mortality risk remains higher in individuals with type 1 diabetes: A population-based cohort study (the Ayrshire diabetes follow-up cohort [ADOC])

AIMS

Type 1 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Numerous studies have demonstrated that outcomes for diabetes are improved by intensive glycaemic control, blood pressure control, and treatment of dyslipidaemia in addition to cessation of smoking. The aim of this study was to compare mortalities in individuals with type 1 diabetes with that in non-diabetic individuals, and to investigate the effects of age, gender, glycaemic control, socio-economic status, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), smoking status, body mass index (BMI) and dyslipidaemia.

METHODS

A population-based analysis in Ayrshire and Arran, Scotland included 253 304 non-diabetic individuals and 1324 individuals with type 1 diabetes who were tracked from 2009 to 2014.

RESULTS

Patients with type 1 diabetes had higher mortality rates than non-diabetic individuals (HR, 3.20; P < .01), with relative mortality in female individuals with type 1 diabetes being higher than that in males (OR, 2.38 vs 1.52; P < .01). Increasing age (HR, 2.37), smoking (HR, 1.85), IHD (HR, 1.62) and hypertension (HR, 1.21) (all P < .01) increased mortality risk. A hypertensive female with type 1 diabetes and IHD who smoked had an HR of 11.6 compared with a non-smoking, normotensive non-diabetic female without IHD. For a hypertensive male with type 1 diabetes and IHD who smoked, HR was 6.96. BMI > 30 kg/m² was associated with reduced mortality risk in both non-diabetic (HR, 0.61) and diabetic subjects (HR, 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that the risk of mortality in individuals with type 1 diabetes remains elevated. Further studies are required to understand how gender affects the disparity in mortality and why obesity appears to be protective.

Rates of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients initiating treatment with SGLT2-inhibitors versus other glucose-lowering agents in real-world clinical practice: Results from the CVD-REAL study

The multinational, observational CVD-REAL study recently showed that initiation of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) was associated with significantly lower rates of death and heart failure vs other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLDs). This sub-analysis of the CVD-REAL study sought to determine the association between initiation of SGLT-2i vs oGLDs and rates of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Medical records, claims and national registers from the USA, Sweden, Norway and Denmark were used to identify patients with T2D who newly initiated treatment with SGLT-2i (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin or empagliflozin) or oGLDs. A non-parsimonious propensity score was developed within each country to predict initiation of SGLT-2i, and patients were matched 1:1 in the treatment groups. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were generated using Cox regression models. Overall, 205 160 patients were included. In the intent-to-treat analysis, over 188 551 and 188 678 person-years of follow-up (MI and stroke, respectively), there were 1077 MI and 968 stroke events. Initiation of SGLT-2i vs oGLD was associated with a modestly lower risk of MI and stroke (MI: HR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.72-1.00; P = .05; Stroke: HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97; P = .02). These findings complement the results of the cardiovascular outcomes trials, and offer additional reassurance with regard to the cardiovascular effects of SGLT-2i, specifically as it relates to ischaemic events.

Decreases in neprilysin and vasoconstrictors and increases in vasodilators following bariatric surgery

The aim of this study was to determine if weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery in morbidly obese patients is associated with a decrease in plasma concentrations of neprilysin, mediators of the renin angiotensin system (RAS), catecholamines and endothelin-1, and also with an increase in the concentrations of vasodilators. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 15 patients with morbid obesity and diabetes prior to and 6 months after RYGB surgery. Circulating levels of neprilysin, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, and the mRNA expression of related genes in circulating mononuclear cells (MNC) were measured. Six months after RYGB surgery the concentrations of neprilysin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin II, renin and endothelin-1 fell significantly by 27 ±16%, 22 ±10%, 22 ±8%, 35 ±13% and 17 ±6% (P < .05 for all), respectively, while ANP concentrations increased significantly by 24 ±13%. There was no significant change in aldosterone, BNP, cAMP or cGMP concentrations, or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) expression. These changes may contribute to the reduction of congestive cardiac failure and blood pressure risks after RYGB surgery.

Relation of Aortic Stiffness to Left Ventricular Remodeling in Younger Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals with type 2 diabetes have a three- to fivefold increased risk of developing heart failure. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is typified by left ventricular (LV) concentric remodeling, which is a recognized predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Although the mechanisms underlying LV remodeling in type 2 diabetes are unclear, progressive aortic stiffening may be a key determinant. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between aortic stiffness and LV geometry in younger adults with type 2 diabetes, using multiparametric cardiovascular MRI. We prospectively recruited 80 adults (aged 18-65 years) with type 2 diabetes and no cardiovascular disease and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent comprehensive bio-anthropometric assessment and cardiac MRI, including measurement of aortic stiffness by aortic distensibility (AD). Type 2 diabetes was associated with increased LV mass, concentric LV remodeling, and lower AD compared with control subjects. On multivariable linear regression, AD was independently associated with concentric LV remodeling in type 2 diabetes. Aortic stiffness may therefore be a potential therapeutic target to prevent the development of heart failure in type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular biomarkers in clinical studies of type 2 diabetes

When planning cardiovascular (CV) studies in type 2 diabetes (T2D), selection of CV biomarkers is a complex issue. Because the pathophysiology of CV disease (CVD) in T2D is multifactorial, ideally, the selected CV biomarkers should cover all aspects of the known pathophysiology of the disease. This will allow the researcher to distinguish between effects on different aspects of the pathophysiology. To this end, we discuss a host of biomarkers grouped according to their role in the pathogenesis of CVD, namely: (1) cardiac damage biomarkers; (2) inflammatory biomarkers; and (3) novel biomarkers (oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers). Within each category we present the best currently validated biomarkers, with special focus on the population of interest (people with T2D). For each individual biomarker, we discuss the physiological role, validation in the general population and in people with T2D, analytical methodology, modifying factors, effects of glucose-lowering drugs, and interpretation. This approach will provide clinical researchers with the information necessary for planning, conducting and interpreting results from clinical trials. Furthermore, a systematic approach to selection of CV biomarkers in T2D research will improve the quality of future research.

Individual variability in response to renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibition predicts cardiovascular outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes: A primary care cohort study

AIMS

To assess variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and albuminuria (urinary albumin creatinine ratio [UACR]) responses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition, and to assess the association of response variability with cardiovascular outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed an observational cohort study in patients with type 2 diabetes who started RAAS inhibition between 2007 and 2013 (n = 1600). Patients were identified from general practices in the Netherlands. Individual response in SBP and UACR was assessed during 15 months' follow-up. Patients were categorized as: good responders (∆SBP <0 mm Hg and ∆UACR <0%); intermediate responders (∆SBP <0 mm Hg and ∆UACR >0% or ∆SBP >0 mm Hg and ∆UACR <0%); or poor responders (∆SBP >0 mm Hg and ∆UACR >0%). Multivariable Cox regression was performed to test the association between initial RAAS inhibition response and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes.

RESULTS

After starting RAAS inhibition, the mean SBP change was -13.2 mm Hg and the median UACR was -36.6%, with large between-individual variability, both in SBP [5th to 95th percentile: 48.5-20] and UACR [5th to 95th percentile: -87.6 to 171.4]. In all, 812 patients (51%) were good responders, 353 (22%) had a good SBP but poor UACR response, 268 (17%) had a good UACR but poor SBP response, and 167 patients (10%) were poor responders. Good responders had a lower risk of cardiovascular events than poor responders (hazard ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.86; P = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

SBP and UACR response after RAAS inhibition initiation varied between and within individual patients with type 2 diabetes treated in primary care. Poor responders had the highest risk of cardiovascular events, therefore, more efforts are needed to develop personalized treatment plans for these patients.

Results of ACCORDIAN in ACCORD with lower blood pressure begetting lower mortality in patients with diabetes

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a common reason for admission to the hospital, and readmission is frequent. Multiple factors contribute to rehospitalizations, but inadequate assessment of volume status leading to persistent congestion is an important factor. We sought to determine if focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) of the inferior vena cava (IVC), as a surrogate of volume status, would predict readmission of ADHF patients after index hospitalization. Patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of ADHF were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent FCU of the IVC on admission and then daily. 82 patients were enrolled. Patients demonstrated improvement in heart failure physical examination findings and symptoms during the hospitalization. There was a reduction in the size of the IVC and a significant increase in patients with small collapsible vena cava. Logistic regression analysis of physical examination, patient symptoms, and IVC parameters at discharge demonstrated IVC collapsibility and patient reported dyspnea improvement as the only significant variables to predict readmission or emergency department visit. FCU assessment of IVC size and collapsibility may be useful in patients with ADHF to predict risk of being readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge.

Legacy benefits of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid control in individuals with diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Time to overcome multifactorial therapeutic inertia?

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally and the largest contributor to healthcare costs. There is good evidence that management of risk factors such as blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and glucose can lead to improved microvascular and macrovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Legacy effect is a phenomenon used to describe the prolonged benefits of glucose, blood pressure or lipid control in individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes or in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease by early risk factor control. There is now also good quality evidence on the legacy benefits of multifactorial risk factor interventions on renal, cardiovascular and mortality outcomes. Despite this robust evidence, therapeutic inertia is widespread in the management of these risk factors in clinical practice.

Perspectives on diabetes mortality as the result of residual confounding and reverse causality by common disease

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with major global health burdens, including 2 to 4 times increased rates of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. However, T2D remains an exclusion diagnosis in individuals with arbitrarily elevated blood-glucose levels. While it is well-established that diabetes is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it has recently been shown that heart failure and cancer may precede, and even contribute to, the development of T2D. In the present review, we have summarized these findings and discuss their potential implications for our understanding of the T2D disease entity, including its treatment and associated increased mortality. We suggest that the existence of a hitherto unrecognized distinct T2D subtype, secondary to heart failure and/or cancer, may substantially contribute to the excess mortality reported in T2D patients with mild disease. Treatment and clinical care of this subtype needs to be defined separately from the general T2D phenotype.

Have we really demonstrated the cardiovascular safety of anti-hyperglycaemic drugs? Rethinking the concepts of macrovascular and microvascular disease in type 2 diabetes

A primary goal of the treatment of type 2 mellitus is the prevention of morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease; however, anti-hyperglycaemic drugs have the capacity to cause deleterious effects on the circulation, a risk that is not adequately reflected by the endpoints selected for emphasis in large-scale clinical trials that are designed to evaluate cardiovascular safety. The primary endpoint of the large-scale studies mandated by regulatory authorities focuses only on 3 to 4 events that depict only a limited view of the circulatory system. One of the most serious adverse effects of many glucose-lowering drugs is new-onset or worsening heart failure. Most antidiabetic drugs can aggravate heart failure because they exert anti-natriuretic actions, and possibly, adverse effects on the myocardium. In addition, certain anti-hyperglycaemic agents may worsen peripheral vascular disease and trigger cardiac arrhythmias that may lead to sudden death. Initiation of treatment with antidiabetic medications may also cause deterioration of the function of the kidneys, retina and peripheral nerves, which are typically regarded as reflecting microvascular disease. The current confusion about the cardiovascular effects of glucose-lowering drugs may be exacerbated by conceptual uncertainties about the classification of large and small vessel disease in determining the clinical course of diabetes. Physicians should not be falsely reassured by claims that a new treatment appears to have passed a narrowly defined regulatory test. The management of people with diabetes often carries with it the risk of important cardiovascular consequences, even for drugs that do not overtly increase the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke.

DECLARE-TIMI 58: Participants' baseline characteristics

AIM

To describe the baseline characteristics of participants randomized in the Dapagliflozin Effect on CardiovascuLAR Events (DECLARE-TIMI 58) trial, the pivotal study conducted to assess cardiovascular (CV) outcomes with dapagliflozin.

METHODS

The DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial will analyse 17 160 patients with type 2 diabetes randomized to treatment with dapagliflozin (10 mg/d) or matching placebo. We analysed their baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

The participants' mean ± SD age was 63.8 ± 6.8 years, 62.6% were male, and their mean ± SD diabetes duration was 11.8 ± 7.8 years, glycated haemoglobin 8.3% ± 1.2% (67 mmol/mol ± 9.7 mmol/mol) and body mass index 32.1 ± 6.0 kg/m² . Randomization included 6971 (40.6%) patients with atherosclerotic CV disease (CVD), and 10 189 (59.4%) patients with multiple risk factors (MRF) for CVD (defined as men age ≥ 55 years or women ≥60 years, with at least one of dyslipidaemia, hypertension or smoking). Patients with CVD compared with patients with MRF were younger (62.5 ± 8.1 vs 64.7 ± 5.6 years), more frequently male (72.1% vs 56.1%), less often used metformin (74.6% vs 81.2%), more often used insulin (44.2% vs 36.4%), and more frequently used statins, aspirin, clopidogrel and β-blockers (82.2%, 71.1%, 24.7% and 66.6% vs 63.7%, 39.1%, 1.5% and 32.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial is expected to provide conclusive data on the effect of treatment with dapagliflozin in addition to standard of care, on CV outcomes in a broad patient population with type 2 diabetes and CVD or MRF for CVD.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease through reduction of glycaemic exposure in type 2 diabetes: A perspective on glucose-lowering interventions

Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Observational studies have consistently shown an association between glycaemic level and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE); however, intervention studies have provided limited evidence supporting a reduction in the cardiovascular burden of diabetes through intensive glucose control. In the present review, we aimed to examine the concept of cumulative glycaemic exposure with regard to protection against CVD in diabetes. We address how we can move from a binary approach in trials, to a more quantitative approach based on differences in cumulative glycaemic exposure. We plotted the association between differing glycaemic exposures between study arms and the hazard ratio for MACE in randomized controls trials comparing intensive with conventional glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. We found a strikingly strong correlation between differential exposure and cardiovascular risk reduction. Similar results were obtained for trials comparing antidiabetes drugs with placebo. The results suggest that a minimum study duration and a minimum gain in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction are necessary to drive a relevant risk reduction in CVD risk, and we provide a quantitative perspective in that respect. The present analysis underlines that the duration of the intensification of glycemic control, and the amplitude of the resulting reduction in HbA1c, are important notions for clinical decision-making.

Dapagliflozin is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in people with type 2 diabetes (CVD-REAL Nordic) when compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor therapy: A multinational observational study

AIMS

To compare the sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor dapagliflozin with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors with regard to risk associations with major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (MACE; non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or cardiovascular mortality), hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), atrial fibrillation and severe hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a real-world setting.

METHODS

All patients with T2D prescribed glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) during 2012 to 2015 were identified in nationwide registries in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Patients were divided into two groups: new users of dapagliflozin and new users of DPP-4 inhibitors, matched 1:3 by propensity score, calculated by patient characteristics, comorbidities and drug treatment. Cox survival models were used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) per country separately, and a weighted average was calculated.

RESULTS

After matching, a total of 40 908 patients with T2D were identified as new users of dapagliflozin (n = 10 227) or a DPP-4 inhibitor (n = 30 681). The groups were well balanced at baseline; their mean age was 61 years and 23% had CV disease. The mean follow-up time was 0.95 years, with a total of 38 760 patient-years. Dapagliflozin was associated with a lower risk of MACE, HHF and all-cause mortality compared with DPP-4 inhibitors: HRs 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-0.94), 0.62 (95% CI 0.50-0.77), and 0.59 (95% CI 0.49-0.72), respectively. Numerically lower, but non-significant HRs were observed for myocardial infarction (0.91 [95% CI 0.72-1.16]), stroke (0.79 [95% CI 0.61-1.03]) and CV mortality (0.76 [95% CI 0.53-1.08]) Neutral associations with atrial fibrillation and severe hypoglycaemia were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin was associated with lower risks of CV events and all-cause mortality compared with DPP-4 inhibitors in a real-world clinical setting and a broad T2D population.

Development of a cardiovascular diseases risk prediction model and tools for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A population-based retrospective cohort study

AIMS

Evidence-based cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk prediction models and tools specific for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are currently unavailable. This study aimed to develop and validate a CVD risk prediction model for Chinese T2DM patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 137 935 Chinese patients aged 18 to 79 years with T2DM and without prior history of CVD, who had received public primary care services between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Using the derivation cohort over a median follow-up of 5 years, the interaction effect between predictors and age were derived using Cox proportional hazards regression with a forward stepwise approach. Harrell's C statistic and calibration plot were used on the validation cohort to assess the discrimination and calibration of the models. The web calculator and chart were developed based on the developed models.

RESULTS

For both genders, predictors for higher risk of CVD were older age, smoking, longer diabetes duration, usage of anti-hypertensive drug and insulin, higher body mass index, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, a total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) ratio and urine albumin to creatinine ratio, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Interaction factors with age demonstrated a greater weighting of TC/HDL-C ratio in both younger females and males, and smoking status and HbA1c in younger males.

CONCLUSION

The developed models, translated into a web calculator and color-coded chart, served as evidence-based visual aids that facilitate clinicians to estimate quickly the 5-year CVD risk for Chinese T2DM patients and to guide intervention.

Efficacy and tolerability of the new autoinjected suspension of exenatide once weekly versus exenatide twice daily in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To simplify administration of aqueous exenatide once weekly, which requires reconstitution, the exenatide microspheres have been reformulated in a ready-to-use autoinjector with a Miglyol diluent (exenatide QWS-AI). This study compared the efficacy and safety of exenatide QWS-AI with the first-in-class glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exenatide twice daily (BID).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized, open-label, controlled study in patients with type 2 diabetes using diet and exercise or taking stable oral glucose-lowering medication randomized patients 3:2 to either exenatide QWS-AI (2 mg) or exenatide BID (10 μg) for 28 weeks. The primary outcome was the 28-week change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). A subset of patients completed a standardized meal test for postprandial and pharmacokinetic assessments.

RESULTS

A total of 375 patients (mean HbA1c, 8.5% [69 mmol/mol]; body mass index, 33.2 kg/m² ; diabetes duration, 8.5 years) received either exenatide QWS-AI (n = 229) or exenatide BID (n = 146); HbA1c was reduced by -1.4% and -1.0%, respectively (least-squares mean difference, -0.37%; P = .0072). More patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% with exenatide QWS-AI (49.3%) than with exenatide BID (43.2%; P = .225). Body weight was reduced in both groups (P = .37 for difference). Gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) were reported in 22.7% (exenatide QWS-AI) and 35.6% (exenatide BID) of patients; fewer patients in the exenatide QWS-AI group withdrew because of AEs than in the exenatide BID group. Minor hypoglycaemia occurred most often with concomitant sulfonylurea use.

CONCLUSIONS

Exenatide QWS-AI was associated with a greater reduction in HbA1c, similar weight loss and a favorable gastrointestinal AE profile compared with exenatide BID.

The importance of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and blood pressure pattern in asymptomatic type-2 diabetic patients: the diagnostic and prognostic significance of Tissue Doppler parameters, left ventricular global longitudinal strain, and nighttime blood pressure during sleep

The primary aims of this study have been to explore the diagnostic and prognostic significance of Tissue Doppler parameters (TDI), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and blood pressure (BP) pattern in normotensive diabetic patients.

METHODS

The study consisted of 121 diabetic patients and 41 healthy subjects. Conventional and TDI echocardiography were performed on all patients, including E/Em (ratio of diastolic velocities). GLS was derived from two-dimensional speckle-tracking. Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) was obtained over 24h. Over the three year follow up, the end points were cardiac events (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization procedures, new-onset angina, heart failure).

RESULTS

GLS was found to be significantly lower (-17.5±2.1vs-24.4±2.4; p<0.001), while E/Em was significantly higher (10.3±2.24vs7.4±1.8; p<0.001) in diabetic patients. A non-dipping pattern of BP was observed in 38 diabetic patients (31.4%); 14 diabetic patients had an increase in their nocturnal BP. Significant predictors of an adverse cardiac event: a reduction of GLS value (-17%,p=0.05) increase in E/Em (>15, p=0.002) and systolic BP during nocturnal sleep (>119mmHg,p=0.020).

CONCLUSION

Early detection of nocturnal hypertension and subclinical LV dysfunction by TDI and 2D spackle tracking are of significant clinical and prognostic importance.

Favourable changes in mortality in people with diabetes: US NHANES 1999-2010

AIMS

Diabetes-related complications have declined during the past two decades. We aimed to examine whether mortality in people with diabetes improved over time in the 1999 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study using 1999 to 2004 and 2005 to 2010 data from the NHANES. For primary analyses, we compared the unadjusted, age-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for mortality outcomes (total, cardiovascular, cardiac and cancer deaths) of the participants with diabetes with those without diabetes using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

For each mortality outcome, HR (95% confidence interval) in diabetic participants during the period 2005 to 2010 was lower than that during the period 1999 to 2004 (all-cause death, 2.76 [1.87-4.08] vs 4.23 [2.57-6.98]; cardiovascular death, 2.70 [1.20-6.04] vs 8.82 [3.28-23.70]; cardiac death, 2.45 [0.98-6.09] vs 15.55 [7.01-34.50]; cancer death, 2.33 [0.87-6.23] vs 3.03 [1.20-7.65]). Compared with mortality outcome during the period 1999 to 2004, greater declines in mortality during the period 2005 to 2010 were observed for cardiovascular (-54.0%) and cardiac deaths (-64.8%). In age-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted models, the cumulative event rates for total, cardiovascular and cardiac deaths were not significantly different between participants with and without diabetes during the period 2005-2010; this was not the case during the period 1999-2004. The leading cause of death was malignant neoplasm during the period 2005-2010.

CONCLUSION

Considerably improved outcomes for total, cardiovascular and cardiac deaths were observed in people with diabetes during the 2005 to 2010 NHANES compared to the 1999 to 2004 NHANES.

Design and baseline characteristics of participants in the Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial on the cardiovascular effects of dulaglutide

The aim was to determine the effects of dulaglutide, a synthetic once-weekly, injectable human glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue that lowers blood glucose, body weight, appetite and blood pressure, on cardiovascular outcomes. People with type 2 diabetes, aged ≥50 years, with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤9.5%, and either a previous cardiovascular event, evidence of cardiovascular disease or ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors were randomly allocated to a weekly subcutaneous injection of either dulaglutide (1.5 mg) or placebo and followed within the ongoing Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial every 3 to 6 months. The primary cardiovascular outcome is the first occurrence of the composite of cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes include each component of the primary composite cardiovascular outcome, a composite clinical microvascular outcome comprising retinal or renal disease, hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure requiring hospitalization or an urgent heart failure visit, and all-cause mortality. Follow-up will continue until the accrual of 1200 confirmed primary outcomes. Recruitment of 9901 participants (mean age 66 years, 46% women) occurred in 370 sites located in 24 countries over a period of 2 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 10 years, mean baseline HbA1c was 7.3%, and 31% had prior cardiovascular disease. The REWIND trial's international scope, high proportion of women, high proportion of people without prior cardiovascular disease and inclusion of participants whose mean baseline HbA1c was 7.3% suggests that its cardiovascular and safety findings will be directly relevant to the typical middle-aged patient seen in general practice throughout the world.

Relations of Demographic and Clinical Factors With Cardiovascular Autonomic Function in a Population-Based Study: An Assessment By Quantile Regression

BACKGROUND

The relationships of many factors with cardiovascular autonomic function (CVAF) outcome parameters may not be uniform across the entire distribution of the outcome. We examined how demographic and clinical factors varied with different subgroups of CVAF parameters.

METHODS

Quantile regression was applied to a cross-sectional analysis of 4,167 adults (56% male; age range, 50-84 years) from 4 ethnic groups (3,419 New Zealand European, 303 Pacific, 227 Maori, and 218 South Asian) and without diagnosed cardiac arrhythmia. Pulse rate variability (root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and SD of pulse intervals) and baroreflex sensitivity were response variables. Independent variables were age, sex, ethnicity, brachial and aortic blood pressure (BP) variables, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes.

RESULTS

Ordinary linear regression showed that age, sex, Pacific and Maori ethnicity, BP variables, BMI, and diabetes were associated with CVAF parameters. But quantile regression revealed that, across CVAF percentiles, the slopes for these relationships: (i) varied by more than 10-fold in several cases and sometimes changed direction and (ii) noticeably differed in magnitude often (by >3-fold in several cases) compared to ordinary linear regression coefficients. For instance, age was inversely associated with RMSSD at the 10th percentile of this parameter (β = -0.12 ms/year, 95% confidence interval = -0.18 to -0.09 ms/year) but had a positive relationship at the 90th percentile (β = 3.17 ms/year, 95% confidence interval = 2.50 to 4.04 ms/year).

CONCLUSIONS

The relationships of demographic and clinical factors with CVAF parameters are, in many cases, not uniform. Quantile regression provides an improved assessment of these associations.

Relation of elevated serum uric acid levels to first-degree heart block and other cardiac conduction defects in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Several studies have reported that moderately elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with an increased risk of tachyarrhythmias (mainly atrial fibrillation) in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is currently unknown whether an association also exists between elevated serum uric acid levels and cardiac conduction defects in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a hospital-based sample of 967 patients with T2DM discharged from our Division of Endocrinology over the years 2007-2014. Standard electrocardiograms were performed on all patients and were interpreted by expert cardiologists.

RESULTS

Overall, 267 (27.6%) patients had some type of conduction defects on electrocardiograms (defined as at least one block among first-degree atrio-ventricular block, second-degree block, third-degree block, left bundle branch block, right bundle branch block, left anterior hemi-block or left posterior hemi-block). Patients in the 3rd serum uric acid tertile had a higher prevalence of any cardiac conduction defects than those belonging to 2nd or 1st tertile, respectively (35.8% vs. 25.0% vs. 22.6%; p<0.0001). Elevated serum uric acid levels were associated with a nearly twofold increased risk of cardiac conduction defects after adjustment for age, sex, hemoglobin A1c, diabetes duration, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease and medication use (adjusted-odds ratio 1.84, 95% confidence intervals 1.2-2.9; p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderately elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with an increased prevalence of any cardiac conduction defects in hospitalized patients with T2DM, independent of multiple risk factors and potential confounding variables.

Cost-effectiveness of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine as add-on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes in China

AIMS

To estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily as add-on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

The Cardiff Diabetes Model was used to simulate disease progression and estimate the long-term effects of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily. Patient profiles and treatment effects required for the model were obtained from literature reviews (English and Chinese databases) and from a meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials comparing exenatide twice daily with insulin glargine once daily add-on to OADs for T2DM in China. Medical expenditure data were collected from 639 patients with T2DM (aged ≥18 years) with and without complications incurred between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 from claims databases in Shandong, China. Costs (2014 Chinese Yuan [¥]) and benefits were estimated, from the payers' perspective, over 40 years at a discount rate of 3%. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Patients on exenatide twice daily + OAD had a lower predicted incidence of most cardiovascular and hypoglycaemic events and lower total costs compared with those on insulin glargine once daily + OAD. A greater number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs; 1.94) at a cost saving of ¥117 706 gained was associated with exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily. (i.e. cost saving of ¥60 764/QALY) per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In Chinese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled by OADs, exenatide twice daily is a cost-effective add-on therapy alternative to insulin glargine once daily, and may address the problem of an excess of medical needs resulting from weight gain and hypoglycaemia in T2DM treatment.

A comprehensive review of the FDA-approved labels of diabetes drugs: Indications, safety, and emerging cardiovascular safety data

AIMS

FDA-approved drug labels are an important source of information for clinicians who prescribe medications for treatment of diabetes. We reviewed drug labels to (1) understand the landscape of classes of medications approved for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), (2) explore the indications and safety information and (3) examine their cardiovascular safety.

METHODS

We searched four public references and reviewed all FDA-approved labels for "indication and usage," "adverse effects," "warnings and precautions," and "cardiovascular outcomes" from October 1982 to July 2016. We also reviewed FDA drug-safety communications from January 2015 to May 2017.

RESULTS

The labels reveal 12 classes of medications approved for T2DM with only 2 classes approved for T1DM. There is emerging evidence about cardiovascular safety and risk reduction from diabetes medications which is now being incorporated in drug labels.

CONCLUSIONS

All currently available diabetes medications are approved for adults with T2DM with a remarkably limited number for adults with T1DM and children with T1DM or T2DM. The incorporation of emerging data on cardiovascular outcomes in FDA drug labels is expected to influence the way physicians treat patients with diabetes.

The fasting serum triglyceride levels of elderly population with different progression stages of diabetes mellitus in China

AIMS

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate triglyceride level among Chinese elderly population with different diabetic progressions and related factors of triglyceride.

METHODS

Study participants (≥65years) were recruited from a nationwide cross-sectional surveillance and were divided into four subgroups according to diabetic progression. Their information was obtained via questionnaire and physical examination. Their lipids in fasting serum samples were analyzed.

RESULTS

The serum triglyceride levels (mmol/L, mean±SD) were 1.3±0.8 (subgroup of no prediabetes and no DM), 1.5±1.0 (subgroup of prediabetes), 1.6±1.1 (subgroup of newly diagnosed DM) and 1.7±1.1 (subgroup of previously diagnosed DM), respectively. Only one female participant had a higher triglyceride than upper limit for prevention of acute pancreatitis (11.0mmol/L). However, 23.1% of participants and 34.8% of DM participants had higher triglyceride than upper limit for prevention of cardiovascular diseases (1.7mmol/L). Triglyceride level was positively correlated with diabetic progression (r_s=0.17, p<0.01). Age, gender, waist-to-height ratio (rather than BMI), systolic pressure, serum total cholesterol and HDL-C levels were statistically correlated with triglyceride level for total participants (R²=0.39, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Aggravation of serum triglyceride level was related to diabetic progression in Chinese elderly population. Triglyceride control was unsatisfactory in Chinese elderly population, especially in elderly population with DM.

A review of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and their effects on lowering postprandial plasma glucose and cardiovascular outcomes in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities, with CV disease being the most common cause of death in adults with T2DM. Although glucocentric therapies may improve glycaemic control (as determined by glycated haemoglobin levels), evidence suggests that this approach alone has limited beneficial effects on CV outcomes relative to improvements in lipid and blood pressure control. This may be explained in part by the fact that current antidiabetic treatment regimens primarily address overall glycaemia and/or fasting plasma glucose, but not the postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) excursions that have a fundamental causative role in increasing CV risk. This literature review evaluates the relationship between PPG and the risk of CV disease, discusses the treatment of T2DM with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and examines the associated CV outcomes. The literature analysis suggests that exaggerated PPG excursions are a risk factor for CV disease because of their adverse pathophysiologic effects on the vasculature, resulting in increased all-cause and CV-related mortality. Although GLP-1 RAs are well established in the current T2DM treatment paradigm, a subgroup of these compounds has a particularly pronounced, persistent and short-lived effect on gastric emptying and, hence, lower PPG substantially. However, current long-term data on CV outcomes with GLP-1 RAs are contradictory, with both beneficial and adverse effects having been reported. This review explores the opportunity to direct treatment towards controlling PPG excursions, thereby improving not only overall glycaemic control but also CV outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of alirocumab in insulin-treated individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk: The ODYSSEY DM-INSULIN randomized trial

AIMS

To investigate the efficacy and safety of alirocumab in participants with type 2 (T2D) or type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with insulin who have elevated LDL cholesterol levels despite maximally tolerated statin therapy.

METHODS

Participants at high cardiovascular risk with T2D (n = 441) or T1D (n = 76) and LDL cholesterol levels ≥1.8 mmol/L (≥70 mg/dL) were randomized 2:1 to alirocumab:placebo administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks, for 24 weeks' double-blind treatment. Alirocumab-treated participants received 75 mg every 2 weeks, with blinded dose increase to 150 mg every 2 weeks at week 12 if week 8 LDL cholesterol levels were ≥1.8 mmol/L. Primary endpoints were percentage change in calculated LDL cholesterol from baseline to week 24, and safety assessments.

RESULTS

Alirocumab reduced LDL cholesterol from baseline to week 24 by a mean ± standard error of 49.0% ± 2.7% and 47.8% ± 6.5% vs placebo (both P < .0001) in participants with T2D and T1D, respectively. Significant reductions were observed in non-HDL cholesterol (P < .0001), apolipoprotein B (P < .0001) and lipoprotein (a) (P ≤ .0039). At week 24, 76.4% and 70.2% of the alirocumab group achieved LDL cholesterol <1.8 mmol/L in the T2D and T1D populations (P < .0001), respectively. Glycated haemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels remained stable for the study duration. Treatment-emergent adverse events were observed in 64.5% of alirocumab- vs 64.1% of placebo-treated individuals (overall population).

CONCLUSIONS

Alirocumab produced significant LDL cholesterol reductions in participants with insulin-treated diabetes regardless of diabetes type, and was generally well tolerated. Concomitant administration of alirocumab and insulin did not raise any safety concerns (NCT02585778).

Impact of diabetes on heart failure incidence in adults with ischemic heart disease

BACKGROUND

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most potent risk factor for heart failure (HF). Our study aims to evaluate the incremental impact of diabetes on the incidence of HF in individuals with IHD.

METHODS

Data from the NHANES Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study (Baseline: 1971 to 1974) were linked to the facility and mortality files up to 1992. Our analyses were restricted to patients with IHD without prevalent HF at baseline. The cumulative incidence of HF in patients with diabetes and IHD versus those with IHD alone was assessed using failure curves. Cox proportional hazards models were used to control for important covariates. All analyses incorporated the complex sample design by including the weights and clustering variables.

RESULTS

Out of the 14,407 participants, 497 had IHD without prevalent HF and had information about diabetes status. Among these participants, the cumulative incidence of HF was 38.1% for those with diabetes (n=63) and 26.5% in those without diabetes (n=434) (log-rank p-value<0.005). The multivariate hazard ratio (adjusted for age, BMI, alcohol consumption, hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking) for incident HF for people who had myocardial infarction (MI) and diabetes compared to people who had MI alone was 2.98 (95% CI 1.51, 5.88).

CONCLUSION

Among participants with MI, those with diabetes had a substantially higher incidence of HF than those without diabetes. Based on these findings, practitioners should focus greater attention on patients with diabetes and previous MI in order to potentially prevent incident HF.