Decrease In A1c Research Articles

Interprofessional education clinics and improved outcomes for primary care patients with diabetes

University of Maryland Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Social Work faculty partnered with three local safety net clinics to develop biweekly, faculty-precepted, student-led interprofessional team care clinics to enhance primary care for patients with complex medical and/or psychosocial conditions. Over two years, fifty patients with diabetes mellitus received interprofessional care and experienced an average decrease in hemoglobin A1c of 2.2% from baseline, a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement. Mean systolic blood pressure also decreased significantly, and emergency department visits decreased by 75% in the six months post-participation. A sub-group of patients also experienced significant reductions in Patient Health Questionnaire scores. Improvements in diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index were not statistically significant. Academic practice partnerships can facilitate new team-based models of care that contribute to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs of care. However, developing effective faculty-precepted, student-led interprofessional care is challenging, requiring planning and coordination.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: No Significant Change in Glycemic Control During The Pandemic Lockdown of 2020

ImportanceThere is no consensus on the impact of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the US.AimTo determine the impact of the pandemic lockdown of March 15th through July 6th, 2020 on glycemic control after controlling for confounders.Subjects and MethodsAn observational study of 110 subjects of mean age 14.8 ± 4.9 years(y), [male 15.4 ± 4.0y, (n=57); female 14.1 ± 3.8y, (n=53), p=0.07] with T1D of 6.31 ± 4.3y (95% CI 1.0-19.7y). Data were collected at 1-4 months before the lockdown and 1-4 months following the lifting of the lockdown at their first post-lockdown clinic visit.ResultsThere was no significant change in A1c between the pre- and post-pandemic lockdown periods, 0.18 ± 1.2%, (95% CI -0.05 to 0.41), p=0.13. There were equally no significant differences in A1c between the male and female subjects, -0.16 ± 1.2 vs -0.19 ± 1.2%, p=0.8; insulin pump users and non-pump users, -0.25 ± 1.0 vs -0.12 ± 1.4%, p=0.5; and pubertal vs prepubertal subjects, 0.18 ± 1.3 vs -0.11 ± 0.3%, p=0.6. The significant predictors of decrease in A1c were pre-lockdown A1c (p<0.0001) and the use of CGM (p=0.019). The CGM users had significant reductions in point-of-care A1c (0.4 ± 0.6%, p=0.0012), the CGM-estimated A1c (p=0.0076), mean glucose concentration (p=0.022), a significant increase in sensor usage (p=0.012), with no change in total daily dose of insulin (TDDI). The non-CGM users had significantly increased TDDI (p<0.0001) but no change in HbA1c, 0.06 ± 1.8%, p=0.86.ConclusionsThere was no change in glycemic control during the pandemic lockdown of 2020 in US children.

Effect of a very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet vs recommended diets in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis.

There is renewed interest in using very low-carbohydrate ketogenic (VLCK) diets to manage diabetes. Many clinical trials have been published, often with mixed results. This meta-analysis compares the effect of a VLCK diet on glycemic control, body weight, lipid profile, medication use, and dropouts with that of recommended diets for 12 weeks or longer in people with type 2 diabetes. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases were searched (January 1980 through September 2019). Two authors independently reviewed search results to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a VLCK diet (carbohydrate intake < 50 g/d or < 10% of total energy) with any recommended diet for type 2 diabetes in adults. Discrepancies were resolved after consulting with the third author. Eight RCTs with 648 participants were identified. Compared with control diets, the VLCK diet resulted in a greater decrease in hemoglobin A1c after 3 months (weighted mean difference[WMD]: -6.7 mmol/mol; 95%CI, -9.0 to -4.4) (WMD: -0.61%; 95%CI, -0.82 to -0.40; P < 0.001; moderate-certainty evidence) and after 6 months (WMD: -6.3 mmol/mol; 95%CI, -9.3 to -3.5) (WMD: -0.58%; 95%CI, -0.85 to -0.32; low-certainty evidence). There was a significantly greater weight loss with the VLCK diet after 3 months (WMD: -2.91 kg; 95%CI, -4.88 to -0.95; low-certainty evidence) and after 6 months (WMD: -2.84 kg; 95%CI, -5.29 to -0.39; low-certainty evidence). The VLCK diet was not better than a control diet after 12 months. It was superior in decreasing triglyceride levels, increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and reducing the use of antidiabetic medications for up to 12 months. The VLCK diet appears to control glycemia and decrease body weight for up to 6 months in people with obesity and diabetes. Beneficial changes in serum triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, along with reductions in antidiabetic medications, continued in the VLCK group until 12 months. However, the quality of currently available evidence is not sufficient to recommend VLCK diets. A major limitation of the VLCK diet is patients' lack of adherence to carbohydrate restriction. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020154700.

Association between Flash Glucose Monitors and A1C: A Retrospective Pre-Post Analysis.

Background: Randomized controlled trials have investigated the effect of continuous glucose monitors on hemoglobin A1C; however, more evidence is needed to justify their use and expand insurance coverage. Additionally, there are few published studies investigating the A1C lowering effect of flash glucose monitors (FGMs) in broad diabetes populations with varying insulin requirements. This analysis aimed to help fill this gap in medical literature and help clinicians evaluate costs/benefits when considering FGMs for their patients with diabetes. Objectives: To determine the association between FGM use and A1C reduction in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus regardless of insulin dependence. Methods: Pharmacy dispensing records were used to identify patients for inclusion. Patients who received a FGM from a University of Utah pharmacy between July 7, 2018 and July 7, 2020 were included. Patients who did not receive at least an 84-day supply of FGM sensors or did not have a baseline or follow-up A1C were excluded. Baseline and follow-up A1Cs, defined as A1Cs that are within one year before and 3-12 months after the FGM dispense date, were collected for each patient. New diabetes medications within a six-month window of the initial FGM dispense date were also recorded. Outcome variables were collected before and after patients received their first FGM (pre-FGM vs. post-FGM, respectively). The primary outcome was the difference between baseline and follow-up A1C for each patient. Secondary outcomes were the difference in baseline and follow-up A1C for various clinical subgroups within the overall sample. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline characteristics and outcome data. Paired Student's t-tests were used to evaluate outcome differences (α=0.05). Results: Fifty-seven patients (50.8% male; mean age: 49 years) were included. For the primary outcome, the average baseline and follow-up A1Cs were 9.33% and 8.32%, respectively for a difference of -1.01% ([95%CI -1.31:-0.72]; p<0.0001). Conclusions: The use of FGMs is associated with decreases in A1C within a cohort of patients at one health system. Further effort to determine impact of FGM on clinical and economic outcomes is warranted.

Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: Real-world experience from Turkey (ARNi-TR).

Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) has emerged as a promising treatment for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Here, we shared our experience with the use of ARNi in HFrEF from multiple centers in Turkey. The ARNi-TR is a multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective, observational study. Overall, 779 patients with HF from 22 centers in Turkey who were prescribed sacubitril/valsartan were examined. Initial clinical status, biochemical and echocardiographic parameters, and New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA-FC) values were compared with follow-up values after 1 year of ARNi use. In addition, the effect of ARNi on number of annual hospitalizations was investigated, and the patients were divided into 2 groups, depending on whether ARNi was initiated at hospitalization or under outpatient clinic control. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left-ventricle ejection fraction (LV-EF), and NYHA-FC values improved significantly in both groups (all parameters, p<0.001) within 1-year follow-up. In both groups, a decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values was observed in ARNi use (p<0.001), and a decrease in daily diuretic doses and hospitalizations owing to HF were observed after ARNi use (all comparisons, p<0.001). Hypotension (16.9%) was the most common side effect in patients using ARN. The ARNi-TR study offers comprehensive real-life data for patients using ARNi in Turkey. The use of ARNi has shown significant improvements in FC, NT-proBNP, HbA1c levels, and LV-EF. Likewise, reductions in the number of annual hospitalizations and daily furosemide doses for HF were seen in this study.

Ipragliflozin Improves the Hepatic Outcomes of Patients With Diabetes with NAFLD.

Sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are now widely used to treat diabetes, but their effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain to be determined. We aimed to evaluate the effects of SGLT2is on the pathogenesis of NAFLD. A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes with NAFLD. The changes in glycemic control, obesity, and liver pathology were compared between participants taking ipragliflozin (50 mg/day for 72 weeks; IPR group) and participants being managed without SGLT2is, pioglitazone, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogs, or insulin (CTR group). In the IPR group (n = 25), there were significant decreases in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and body mass index (BMI) during the study (HbA1c, −0.41%, P < 0.01; BMI, −1.06 kg/m2, P < 0.01), whereas these did not change in the CTR group (n = 26). Liver pathology was evaluated in 21/25 participants in the IPR/CTR groups, and hepatic fibrosis was found in 17 (81%) and 18 (72%) participants in the IPR and CTR groups at baseline. This was ameliorated in 70.6% (12 of 17) of participants in the IPR group and 22.2 % (4 of 18) of those in the CTR group (P < 0.01). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) resolved in 66.7% of IPR‐treated participants and 27.3% of CTR participants. None of the participants in the IPR group developed NASH, whereas 33.3% of the CTR group developed NASH. Conclusion: Long‐term ipragliflozin treatment ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Thus, ipragliflozin might be effective for the treatment and prevention of NASH in patients with diabetes, as well as improving glycemic control and obesity. Therefore, SGLT2is may represent a therapeutic choice for patients with diabetes with NAFLD, but further larger studies are required to confirm these effects.

Clinical Findings and Management of Diabetic Papillopathy

Diabetic papillopathy is an uncommon ocular manifestation of diabetes and is associated with a rapid decrease in hemoglobin A1c. The typical presentation of this condition tends to be asymptomatic with normal intracranial pressure. This case report reviews a 64-year-old Caucasian male presenting with diabetic papillopathy. Because this is a diagnosis of exclusion, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance venography, and lumbar puncture must be performed to rule out other possible causes of optic disc edema, including ischemia, infection, inflammation, increased intracranial pressure from space-occupying lesions, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Impact of medication therapy management service on selected clinical and humanistic outcomes in the ambulatory diabetes patients of Tikur Anbessa Specialist Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are at increased risk of developing drug therapy problems (DTPs). The patients had a variety of comorbidities and complications, and they were given multiple medications. Medication therapy management (MTM) is a distinct service or group of services that optimize therapeutic outcomes for individual patients. The study assessed the impact of provision of MTM service on selected clinical and humanistic outcomes of diabetes patients at the diabetes mellitus clinic of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). A pre-post interventional study design was carried out at DM clinic from July 2018 to April 2019. The intervention package included identifying and resolving drug therapy problems, counseling patients in person at the clinic or through telephone calls, and providing educational materials for six months. This was followed by four months of post-intervention assessment of clinical outcomes, DTPs, and treatment satisfaction. The interventions were provided by pharmacist in collaboration with physician and nurse. The study included all adult patients who had been diagnosed for diabetes (both type I & II) and had been taking anti-diabetes medications for at least three months. Patients with gestational diabetes, those who decided to change their follow-up clinic, and those who refused to participate in the study were excluded. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, t-test, and logistic regressions were performed for data analyses. Of the 423 enrolled patients, 409 fulfilled the criteria and included in the final data analysis. The intervention showed a decrease in average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 0.92%, 25.04 mg/dl, and 6.62 mmHg, respectively (p<0.05). The prevalence of DTPs in the pre- and post-intervention of MTM services was found to be 72.9% and 26.2%, respectively (p<0.001). The overall mean score of treatment satisfaction was 90.1(SD, 11.04). Diabetes patients of age below 40 years (92.84 (SD, 9.54)), type-I DM (93.04 (SD, 9.75)) & being on one medication regimen (93.13(SD, 9.17)) had higher satisfaction score (p<0.05). Provision of MTM service had a potential to reduce DTPs, improve the clinical parameters, and treatment satisfaction in the post-intervention compared to the pre-intervention phase.

617-P: Association between Change in Time-in-Range and A1C in Basal Insulin-Treated People with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: The SWITCH PRO trial demonstrated increased time in range (TIR) with insulin degludec vs. insulin glargine U100 in basal insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D). This post hoc analysis of SWITCH PRO evaluated correlation of change in TIR with change in A1C during the trial.Methods: Correlation between change in TIR (70-180 mg/dL) and change in A1C from baseline (BL) to end of Maintenance 1 in the full cohort or subgroups stratified by BL median A1C (<7.5% or ≥7.5%) was assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient (rs).Results: BL characteristics between subgroups were similar. A linear correlation between change in TIR and change in A1C was demonstrated (Figure) in the full (rs -0.400) and BL A1C ≥7.5% (rs -0.426) subgroups, but this was less apparent in the BL A1C <7.5% subgroup (rs -0.173) (interaction p = 0.07). Increase in TIR equated to the greatest decrease in A1C in the BL A1C ≥7.5% subgroup: a 5% increase in TIR corresponded to estimated decreases in A1C of -0.4%, -0.1% and -0.7% in full, BL A1C <7.5% and BL A1C ≥7.5% subgroups, respectively; and a 10% increase in TIR to estimated A1C decreases of -0.5%, -0.1% and -0.8%, respectively.Discussion: Change in TIR was associated with change in A1C in this basal insulin-treated population, with closer association at higher baseline A1C. Change in TIR may offer complementary insights to change in A1C in measuring response to therapy.View largeDownload slideView largeDownload slide DisclosureR. Goldenberg: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company, HLS Therapeutics Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Sanofi, Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company, HLS Therapeutics Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Sanofi, Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Sanofi, Speaker's Bureau; Self; Agora , Amgen Canada, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., CCRN, CHRC, CMS Canada, CSEM, Eli Lilly and Company, EOCI , HLS Therapeutics Inc., Inceptus, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., liV Medical Education Agency, Master Clinician Alliance , Medplan, Merck & Co., Inc., Mylan N. V., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Sanofi, Servier Laboratories, STA Communications Inc., TKTWG, Valeant . V. R. Aroda: Consultant; Self; Applied Therapeutics, Duke, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Employee; Spouse/Partner; Janssen , Merck , Research Support; Self; Applied Therapeutics, Eli Lilly and Company, Fractyl , Medpace, Medpace, Novo Nordisk, Premier , Sanofi, Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Janssen, Merck. L. K. Billings: Advisory Panel; Self; Bayer Inc., Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi. A. Meller donatsky: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. M. Frederiksen: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. D. C. Klonoff: Consultant; Self; EOFlow, Fractyl Laboratories, Inc., LifeCare, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Roche Diagnostic USA, Samsung, Thirdwayv, Employee; Self; DIabetes Technology Society. E. Parvaresh rizi: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk. R. M. Bergenstal: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Onduo LLC., Roche , Sanofi, United Healthcare , Consultant; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Ascensia , Dexcom, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Hygieia, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Onduo LLC., Roche, Sanofi, United Healthcare, Other Relationship; Self; HealthPartners Institute, Research Support; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Dexcom, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Helmsley Charitable Trust, Hygieia, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, NIDDK, Novo Nordisk, Onduo LLC., Roche, Sanofi, United Healthcare.FundingNovo Nordisk A/S

147-LB: Targeted Intervention for At-Risk Patients with Diabetes to Reduce Readmissions

With benefits to patient outcomes, provider burden, and health system costs, the goal of reducing hospital readmissions for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is multifaceted. Current studies have neither elucidated a clear approach to accurately identify at-risk patients nor implemented reliable interventions to significantly reduce readmissions. We trialed a Quality Improvement project utilizing a diabetes Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) to see at-risk patients during initial hospitalization and in close clinic follow-up after discharge with an endpoint of reducing future readmissions. Over 21 months, 79 hospitalized patients with DM were identified as high-risk for readmission. Identifying factors included previous admission, DKA/HHS, new DM diagnosis, new to insulin, high-dose steroid use, or provider discretion. The NP/CDCES provided DM management, education, and coordinated discharge. Patients were called shortly after discharge and had a 2-4 week clinic follow-up with the NP/CDCES. The primary endpoint was number of readmissions 180 days post-discharge after NP/CDCES intervention versus number of previous readmissions pre-intervention. Change in hemoglobin A1C, time to post-hospital phone call, and time to outpatient follow-up were also evaluated. Pre- and post-intervention readmission rates remained unchanged; average pre-intervention readmissions per patient was 1.7 versus 1.88 post-intervention readmissions (p=0.74). However, a secondary endpoint of reduction in A1C was statistically significant, with a mean decrease in A1C of 0.97% per patient (p=0.0025). Time to post-hospital phone call and early follow-up did not affect readmission rates. While targeted inpatient-to-outpatient intervention for high-risk patients with DM did not reduce readmission rates, our data suggests coordinated inpatient intervention with close hospital follow-up may improve A1C in high-risk patients with diabetes. Disclosure A. Harris: None. K. Grdinovac: None.

1267-PUB: Sustained Reduction of A1C through Use of AI Digital Coach and Consumer-Friendly Glucose Measurement

Management of diabetes has always depended upon sustained self-management by the person with diabetes. Data continues to show that people do a poor job of diabetes management. Many telehealth solutions achieve short-term, but not sustained results. This investigated platform implements two unique elements to improve the ability to achieve sustained self-management. One element is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) digital coach that exists in the mobile app--keeping the right behaviors in front of people with diabetes and encouraging continual engagement. The second element is an integrated glucose meter with a dramatically more friendly user experience--defined by smaller size, discreet (no visible assembly), and less painful. The platform has been commercialized for more than 12 months. A clinical registry has been established and currently includes 50 commercial users of the platform and more than 25,000 glucose tests are included. Demographics include both type 1 and type 2, 42% male, 58% female, with ages ranging from 24 to 69 years old. With use of the platform, Figure 1 shows a significant decrease in A1C, as calculated from glucose measurements, of 1.4 points (p = 0.0001) in early use to a sustained reduction of 0.9 points (p=0.0001). These results may indicate that easier visibility of results causes immediate reduction of glucose and that this easier visibility combined with the AI coach may sustain results. These results potentially demonstrate that a simpler experience for self-management will improve sustained diabetes management results. Future studies of the registry data will include improved compliance toward ADA guidelines and glucose time in range. Disclosure T. Balder: Advisory Panel; Self; POPS Diabetes Care.

811-P: Durable Insulin Pumps vs. Multiple Daily Injections for Type 1 Diabetes: Health Care Utilization and A1C

Objectives: The healthcare utilization benefits associated with insulin pump therapy compared to multiple daily injections (MDI) therapy are not well known. This study sought to compare the impact of using a durable insulin pump versus MDI therapy on healthcare utilization and A1C among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: This population-based, longitudinal analysis used a large repository of healthcare claims data to compare diabetes-related and all-cause inpatient admissions (IP) and emergency room (ER) visits in individuals with T1D using durable pumps (N=1,286) versus MDI (N=3,854). The study period was June 1, 2017 to July 31, 2019. The study index date was assigned to the first date of pump use in the pump cohort and a random index date was assigned to the MDI cohort. Continuous insurance enrollment 1-year before and 1-year after adoption/index date was required. Generalized linear model regression was used to test the difference-in-difference effect of therapy type on rates of utilization and A1C. The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Prevention Quality Indicator (PQI) algorithm was used to define diabetes-related utilization. Results: Individuals on insulin pump therapy had a significant decrease in IP utilization compared to little change among individuals using MDI therapy (-41% vs. +3%, p=0.01), and similar decreases in ER utilization (-27% vs. -16%, p=0.64). Combining diabetes-related IP and ER utilization, individuals on insulin pump therapy experienced a decrease of 34% compared to decrease of 8% among those using MDI therapy (p= 0.02). Individuals on insulin pump therapy also experienced a larger decrease in A1C (-7% vs. -1%, p=&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusions: Compared to MDI therapy, use of a durable insulin pump associated with a significantly smaller increase in diabetes-related healthcare utilization and A1C over time. Disclosure M. Shah: Employee; Self; Medtronic. C. Zhu: Employee; Self; Medtronic. K. Wherry: Employee; Self; Medtronic.

1269-PUB: Evaluating the Response to GLP-1 Agonists in Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose: To delineate which factors help predict whether a patient is likely to respond or not respond to treatment with a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. Methods: The medical records for veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus who began treatment with any GLP-1 agonist at the Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care system from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and baseline objective data were collected at treatment onset. Defined decreases in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), body weight, and insulin dose over a minimum 6-month period were used to identify responders and nonresponders. Associations between categorical variables and response status were assessed using Chi-Square tests or Fisher’s exact tests, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used to examine differences in distributions of variables of interest between response status groups. Results: Of the 55 veterans evaluated during the study period, forty-two subjects (78%) responded to treatment with a GLP-1 agonist whereas twelve subjects (22%) did not respond. The median baseline HbA1c of those who responded was 8.7 (IQR: 8.3, 10.0) compared to 8.1 (IQR: 7.6, 8.8) for those who did not respond (p = 0.03). Among patients with peripheral neuropathy, 88.5% responded while only 65.5% of those without peripheral neuropathy responded (p = 0.046). Conclusion: We demonstrate that a response to GLP-1 agonist treatment was associated with a higher baseline HbA1C and the presence of peripheral neuropathy. These findings warrant future multivariate analyses of a larger cohort to determine the ideal candidates for GLP-1 agonist therapy. Disclosure B. A. Begley: None. C. Desouza: Advisory Panel; Self; Bayer AG, Novo Nordisk, Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca. V. Shivaswamy: Research Support; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Kowa Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk. K. Samson: None. E. Silverman: None.

Effect of Covid-19 quarantine on diabetes Care in Children

BackgroundWith the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and state-mandated school closures in the spring of 2020, the management of type 1 diabetes in children underwent significant changes. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of stay-at-home orders on glycemic control in children.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 238 children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who were seen in the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic at the University of South Alabama. Average Hemoglobin A1c (A1c) levels in the year prior to stay-at home orders (May 2019–April 2020) were compared with A1c values during the quarantine period (May 2020–July 2020) using a paired t-test. We also analyzed the change of A1c level with respect to sex, race, type of diabetes, type of insurance, and mode of insulin administration, using a 2-sample t-test.ResultsThe average A1c significantly increased from 9.2% during the previous year to 9.5% during the quarantine period (p = 0.0097). The increase of A1c was significantly higher in public insurance patients (0.49% increase) compared to private insurance patients (0.03% increase), (p = 0.0137). We also observed a significant association between the direction of change and type of insurance. Forty-eight percent of public insurance patients had an A1c increase of > 0.5% while 54% of private insurance patients had no change or decrease in A1c (p = 0.0079).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in worsening glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes, with those on public insurance affected in greater proportion than those with private insurance.

Blood glucose monitoring (BGM) still matters for many: Associations of BGM frequency and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes

AimsThis study aimed to compare three approaches of blood glucose monitoring (BGM) frequency attainment and to examine their associations with glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). MethodsCross-sectional data was derived from the baseline assessment in three clinical trials. Clinical and demographic characteristics of youth with T1D was obtained by chart review. BGM frequency was assessed by parent-youth interview, chart review, and meter downloads. To examine the relationship between A1c and frequency of BGM we performed analysis of variance. ResultsIn youth with T1D (N = 385, 50% female, age 13.6 ± 2.5 years, 74% pump users), the 3 methods of assessing BGM frequency were significantly correlated. Frequency by self-report (6.4 ± 2.3 times/day) was significantly higher than both meter download (5.6 ± 2.4 times/day, p < 0.0001) and clinician report (5.7 ± 2.4 times/day, p < 0.0001). For all methods, more frequent BGM was associated with lower A1c and lower mean glucose (p < 0.0001). For each additional daily blood glucose check, there was a 0.2% decrease in A1c (p < 0.0001). ConclusionBGM remains a potent predictor of glycemic control, warranting continued targeting in clinical efforts to improve glycemic management in youth with T1D.

The Improvement in Hepatic Steatosis After Cushing’s Syndrome Treatment Is an Early Sign of Metabolic Recovery

Context: Cushing Syndrome (CS) is characterized by cortisol excess, impaired glucose tolerance, and obesity. As assessed by CT imaging, 20% of CS patients develop steatohepatitis (NASH). The gold standard test, liver biopsy, is associated with CS complications and cannot be used to confirm the diagnosis. This study evaluated the ability of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).Objective: To identify the prevalence of NASH and its temporal changes in relation to other metabolic parameters in CS before and after successful treatment. Primary Outcome Measure: PDFF measured by MRS at 3T before, 6 and 12 months after Cushing’s syndrome treatment DESIGN: In this prospective IRB-approved study, 41 consecutive CS patients (44±1.8 y; 34(85%) females, 32.6±1.5 kg/m²; urine cortisol excretion 2242.7±1806.3 [3.5–45.0 mcg/24h]) underwent MRS before, 6 and 12months after successful treatment. PDFF was measured by MRS at 3T; NASH was defined as >5% PDFF. Metabolic markers – glycohemoglobin (A1C) and body mass index (BMI) – were measured; Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test evaluated changes over time, and spearman rank test evaluated the correlation between variables. Results: At baseline, mean PDFF was 10.4±1.7 and correlated positively with BMI (r=0.5710, p<0.0001). NASH was present in 32% of patients. After treatment, PDFF decreases were similar at 6 and 12 months (-52%, p=0.001 and -50%, p=0.02, respectively); rates of NASH declined to 13% and 11%. BMI decreased (-9%; p=0.0018 and -12%, p=0.0003) but without a statistically significant change overweight/obese status. A significant decrease in A1C followed at 12 months (-12%, p=0.0005).Conclusions: MRS-PDFF is valuable for diagnosing NASH in Cushing Syndrome, which can affect a third of this patient population. Liver fat decreases by 6 months after normalization of cortisol and precedes the improvement of A1C. Indicating that liver insulin resistance due to fat accumulation has an essential role in diabetes pathophysiology in CS.

A Multidisciplinary Diabetes Clinic Improves Clinical and Behavioral Outcomes in a Primary Care Setting.

The percentage of adults achieving hemoglobin A1c goals less than 7% remains a challenge. The study objective was to evaluate effects of a multidisciplinary approach on behavioral outcomes and mean change in A1c in immediate start (intervention) versus 6-month delay (control) groups at 6 months. The study assessed 111 patients recruited from a safety-net primary care clinic with a pharmacist-led multidisciplinary team and found that the intervention improved mean A1c outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes. A1c values were measured every 3 months, and a self-efficacy scale to measure behaviors was evaluated at baseline and 6 months. After 6 months from baseline, the intervention group showed an A1c decrease of 2.4 compared with the control group's 1.1 decrease. Mean increase in self-efficacy score in the intervention group at baseline versus after 6 months showed a statistically significant change (P = .01) compared with the control group (P = .26). Results revealed a post hoc association between A1c and PHQ-9 such that patients with higher baseline PHQ-9 scores experienced greater mean decrease in A1c. In the immediate start arm, mean A1c values decreased from 10.6 at baseline to 7.7 at month 12. For the delayed intervention group, mean A1c values decreased from 10.2 at baseline to 9.0 after 6 months.

Effect of Liraglutide on Cardiometabolic Risk Profile in People with Coronary Artery Disease with or without Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Whether liraglutide use improves cardiometabolic risk factors in different subsets of subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we quantified the effects of liraglutide on cardiometabolic risk profile in subjects with CAD with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Methods: Online database searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar from incept up to 15th January 2021. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of liraglutide compared to placebo on cardiometabolic risk profile. We used the random- or fixed-effect models to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Out of a total of 7,320 citations, six articles (seven RCTs) with 294 subjects with CAD (mean age, 61.21 years; 19% women) were included. Our findings presented as WMD and 95% CI showed a statistical significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) [−0.36%; −0.47; −0.26, p < 0.001; I 2 = 0.0% (with 6 RCTs)], body mass index (BMI) [−0.61 kg/m2; −1.21; −0.01, p = 0.047; I 2 = 72.2% (with five RCTs)], and waist circumference [−2.41 cm; −3.47; −1.36, p < 0.001; I 2 = 0.0% (with three RCTs)]. Through a set of subgroup analyses, we found a significant reduction in BMI in CAD patients with T2D [WMD = −1.06; 95% CI, −1.42, −0.70, p < 0.001; I 2 = 0.0% (with three RCTs)] compared to CAD only patients [WMD = −0.08; 95% CI, −0.45, 0.29, p = 0.66; I 2 = 0.0% (with two RCTs)] in the liraglutide group compared with the placebo group. No significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and lipid profiles were observed. Conclusions: Among people with established CAD, liraglutide significantly improved HbA1c, BMI, and waist circumference values. The effect of liraglutide on BMI was more robust in individuals with T2D compared to those without.

Influence of Framing: Recruitment to a Diabetes Disease Management Program From an Emergency Department Improves Enrollment and Outcomes

IntroductionDisease management programs (DMPs) provide education, self-management skills, care coordination, and frequent clinical assessment and medication adjustment. Our health system’s diabetes mellitus (DM) DMP recruited patients from an emergency department (ED) and outpatient settings (primary care physicians’ [PCP] and endocrinologists’ offices; cold calling patients with poorly-controlled diabetes). We investigated whether recruitment to a DMP from an ED is feasible and effective, hypothesizing such patients would have better enrollment rates, future A1c control, and ED utilization because their receptiveness to change was “framed” by their ED visit. “Framing” is the notion that the same problem presented using a different context impacts response to the information. Being told in an acute-care ED setting one has newly-diagnosed or poorly-controlled DM, or DM-related complications may influence desire/commitment to enroll in the DMP and make lifestyle/medication changes. That is, acute illness or acute setting may influence/”frame” willingness to enroll and improve glycemic control. MethodsWe captured all DMP recruitees’ demographic, medical, insurance, A1c, and recruitment venue characteristics and evaluated future enrollment rates, A1c, and ED utilization from any ED in our health system. We analyzed pre- vs. post-recruitment changes in A1c and ED visit rates, comparing patients recruited from the ED who enrolled, patients recruited from the ED who did not enroll, patients recruited from outpatient settings who enrolled, and patients recruited from outpatient settings who did not enroll. Continuous enrollment predictor and outcome variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney test; categorical outcome variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in characteristics (including mean baseline A1c [~11.4%]) among patients recruited from the ED, clinics, or cold calling. Twenty-five percent of all ED-recruited patients enrolled vs. 35% from outpatient settings. When a recruiter familiar with the DMP was in the ED, 41% of ED patients enrolled vs. 12% at other times (p=0.0001). Nearly 84% of ED visits were for direct DM-related causes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state) or complications with a well-established link to diabetes (eg, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, wound infection); there was no statistically-significant difference in enrollment rates between patients whose ED visit was vs. was not for a DM-related complaint (53.8% vs. 60.0%, p=0.8018). No other variables, including whether the patient had newly diagnosed DM, were associated with enrollment. Enrollees with worse baseline glycemic control (A1c ≥11%) had a greater median A1c decrease (3.5% vs. 1.9%) vs. those with less-poor baseline glycemic control (A1c <11%) or those declining the program (p=0.05). Post-recruitment ED visits-per-patient-per-month decreased among patients recruited from the ED (-0.08), but not among those recruited from outpatient settings. (+0.08), p<0.0001).ConclusionED recruitment to a diabetes DMP is feasible and effective. An ED-based diabetes DMP recruiter had enrollment rates substantially greater than a cold-calling DMP recruiter, comparable to enrollment rates from PCPs and endocrinologists, suggesting the importance of the recruitment framing/context. ED-recruited patients achieved substantial improvements in A1c and future ED visit rates.

Glycaemic Control with Insulin Glargine 300U/mL in Individuals with Type2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A REALI European Pooled Data Analysis.

IntroductionManagement of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with chronic kidney disease is complex. Using the REALI European pooled database, we determined the impact of baseline renal function on the effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) initiated in adults with inadequately controlled T2DM.MethodsData from 1712 patients with available estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline were pooled from six 24-week prospective studies. Patients who received once-daily subcutaneous injections of Gla-300 were classified into four renal function subgroups, according to baseline eGFR: ≥ 90 (N = 599), 60–89 (N = 786), 45–59 (N = 219), and 15–44 mL/min/1.73 m2 (N = 108).ResultsCompared to those with baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, patients with lower eGFR values tended to be older, had a longer T2DM duration, and were more likely to present diabetic complications. After 24 weeks of Gla-300 therapy, the least-squares mean (95% confidence interval) decrease in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline (− 1.14% [− 1.28 to − 1.00], − 1.21% [− 1.34 to − 1.08], − 1.19% [− 1.36 to − 1.01], and − 0.99% [− 1.22 to − 0.76]) and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7.5% (53.3%, 51.3%, 49.5%, and 51.5%) were comparable in the ≥ 90, 60–89, 45–59, and 15–44 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroups, respectively. Although the incidence of hypoglycaemia was overall low, more patients in the eGFR 15–44 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup experienced hypoglycaemia at night or at any time of the day compared with higher eGFR subgroups. There were no notable differences between the renal function subgroups in the changes in Gla-300 daily dose and body weight from baseline to week 24.ConclusionAlthough an eGFR of 15–44 mL/min/1.73 m2 was associated with a slightly increased risk of hypoglycaemia among patients with inadequately controlled T2DM, Gla-300 provided glycaemic improvement with an overall favourable safety profile regardless of baseline eGFR.