Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Medication Research Articles

Endoscopic duodenal mucosa ablation techniques for diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing at an alarming rate, and only 50% of patients with T2DM achieve or maintain adequate glycemic control with pharmacological therapies. Metabolic surgery demonstrated superior efficacy compared to medical therapy but is unfeasible for most patients with T2DM. Duodenal mucosal resurfacing (DMR) by hydrothermal mucosal ablation, recellularization via electroporation therapy (ReCET), and photodynamic therapy are novel endoscopic procedures that use thermal, electrical, and photochemical energy, respectively, to ablate and reset dysfunctional duodenal mucosa. We assessed the data on the effects of these techniques on glycemic control and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We systematically searched independently and in duplicate English and non-English language publications through January 31st, 2024. Outcomes assessed were an improvement in different metabolic health parameters and the safety of duodenal mucosal ablation (DMA) procedures. Outcomes were presented descriptively. We selected 12 reports reporting results from 3 randomized and 6 uncontrolled trials (seven evaluating DMR, two evaluating ReCET, all with a low risk of bias) for a total of 317 patients enrolled. DMA reduced HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and liver fat. When combined with newer antidiabetic drugs, it allowed insulin discontinuation in up to 86% patients. No major safety signal emerged. All DMA techniques improve glucose homeostasis; DMR and ReCET appear to be safe in patients with T2DM. If confirmed by future randomized trials and by trials with histological endpoints in NAFLD, then DMA appears to be a promising alternative or complement option to medications for T2DM and NAFLD treatment. This study received no funding.

Evaluation of Healthcare Utilisation and Expenditures in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery.

Changes in healthcare utilisation and expenditures after bariatric-metabolic surgery (BMS) for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are unclear. We used the Dutch national all-payer claims database (APCD) to evaluate utilisation and expenditures in people with T2DM who underwent BMS. In this cohort study, patients with T2DM who had BMS in 2016 were identified in the APCD. This group was matched 1:2 to a control group with T2DM who did not undergo BMS based on age, gender and healthcare expenditures. Data on healthcare expenditures and utilisation were collected for 2013-2019. In total, 1751 patients were included in the surgery group and 3502 in the control group. After BMS, total median expenditures in the surgery group stabilised (€ 3156 to € 3120) and increased in the control group (€ 3174 to € 3434). Total pharmaceutical expenditures decreased 28% in the surgery group (€957 to €494) and increased 55% in the control group (€605 to €936). In the surgery group, 67.1% did not use medication for T2DM in 2019 compared to 13.3% in the control group. Healthcare use for microvascular complications increased in the control group, but not in the surgery group. BMS in people with T2DM stabilises healthcare expenditures and decreases medication use and care use for microvascular complications. In contrast, healthcare use and expenditures in T2DM patients who do not undergo surgery gradually increase over time. Due to the progressive nature of T2DM, it is expected that these differences will become larger in the long-term.

Low-Carbohydrate and Ketogenic Dietary Patterns for Type 2 Diabetes Management.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been traditionally considered a chronic, progressive disease. Since 2017, guidelines from the US Department of Veterans Affairs and US Department of Defense have included low-carbohydrate (LC) dietary patterns in managing T2DM. Recently, carbohydrate reduction, including ketogenic diets, has gained renewed interest in the management and remission of T2DM. This narrative review examines the evidence behind carbohydrate reduction in T2DM and a practical guide for clinicians starting patients on therapeutic LC diets. We present an illustrative case and provide practical approaches to prescribing a very LC ketogenic (< 50 g), LC (50-100 g), or a moderate LC (101-150 g) dietary plan and discuss adverse effects and management of LC diets. We provide a medication management and deprescription approach and discuss strategies to consider in conjunction with LC diets. As patients adopt LC diets, glycemia improves, and medications are deprescribed, hemoglobin A1c levels and fasting glucose may drop below the diagnostic threshold for T2DM. Remission of T2DM may occur with LC diets (hemoglobin A1c < 6.5% for ≥ 3 months without T2DM medications). Finally, we describe barriers and limitations to applying therapeutic carbohydrate reduction in a federal health care system. The effective use of LC diets with close and intensive lifestyle counseling and a safe approach to medication management and deprescribing can improve glycemic control, reduce the overall need for insulin and medication and provide sustained weight loss. The efficacy and continuation of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction for patients with T2DM appears promising. Further research on LC diets, emerging strategies, and long-term effects on cardiometabolic risk factors, morbidity, and mortality will continue to inform practice.

Machine learning-based prediction of medication refill adherence among first-time insulin users with type 2 diabetes

AimsThe prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is projected to be 7 % in 2030. Despite its need for long-term diabetes care, the adherence rate of injectable medications such as insulin is around 60 %, lower than the acceptable threshold of 80 %. This study aims to create classification models to predict insulin adherence among adult T2DM naïve insulin users. MethodsClinical data were extracted from Taipei Medical University Clinical Research Database (TMUCRD) from January 1st, 2004 to December 30th, 2020. A patient was regarded as adherent if his/her medication possession ratio (MPR) was at least 80 %. Seven domains of predictors were created, including demographics, baseline medications, baseline comorbidities, baseline laboratory data, healthcare resource utilization, index insulins, and the concomitant non-insulin T2DM medications. We built two Xgboost models for internal and external testing respectively. ResultsUsing a cohort of 4134 patients from Taiwan, our model achieved the Area Under the curve of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) of the internal test was 0.782 and the AUROC of the external test was 0.771. the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) value showed that the number of prescribed medications, the number of outpatient visits, and laboratory data were predictive of future insulin adherence. ConclusionsThis is the first study to predict adherence among adult naïve insulin users. The developed model is a potential clinical decision support tool to identify possible non-adherent patients for healthcare providers to design individualized education plans.

Redefining Diabetes Strategies in Primary Care: Four New Pillars of Management

The management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is possibly becoming one of the most challenging aspects of primary care. With millions of individuals worldwide living with T2DM, who are at a higher risk of developing multiple additional chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and renal disease, it is imperative that primary care practitioners (PCPs) around the world are comfortable with the management of T2DM. However, with dozens of T2DM medications available, many of which have associated risks of side effects such as hypoglycemia, the management of T2DM can be quite time-consuming for the busy family physician.&#x0D; In light of the above, it is important that we look at T2DM through a new lens. It is imperative that clinicians view the management of T2DM not just as “blood glucose management” but rather, that they adopt a person-centric, holistic management approach that takes into account the mitigation of microvascular and macrovascular complications, in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the condition. When it comes to the management of this condition, one needs to be less of a “glucologist” and more of a “diabetologist”. In order to develop this approach, with the busy PCP in mind, I suggest four pillars on which to focus during a T2DM appointment, that are beyond the laboratory HbA1c measurement.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Efficacy Outcomes from Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Patients with Cancer.

No evidence exists as to whether type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) impairs clinical outcome from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with solid tumors. In a large cohort of ICI recipients treated at 21 institutions from June 2014 to June 2020, we studied whether patients on glucose-lowering medications (GLM) for T2DM had shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). We used targeted transcriptomics in a subset of patients to explore differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of patients with or without diabetes. A total of 1,395 patients were included. Primary tumors included non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; 54.7%), melanoma (24.7%), renal cell (15.0%), and other carcinomas (5.6%). After multivariable analysis, patients on GLM (n = 226, 16.2%) displayed an increased risk of death [HR, 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI),1.07-1.56] and disease progression/death (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03-1.43) independent of number of GLM received. We matched 92 metformin-exposed patients with 363 controls and 78 patients on other oral GLM or insulin with 299 control patients. Exposure to metformin, but not other GLM, was associated with an increased risk of death (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.16-2.03) and disease progression/death (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.72). Patients with T2DM with higher pretreatment glycemia had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.04), while exploratory tumoral transcriptomic profiling in a subset of patients (n = 22) revealed differential regulation of innate and adaptive immune pathways in patients with T2DM. In this study, patients on GLM experienced worse outcomes from immunotherapy, independent of baseline features. Prospective studies are warranted to clarify the relative impact of metformin over a preexisting diagnosis of T2DM in influencing poorer outcomes in this population.

MP10-05 LITHOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GLP-1 AGONISTS IN DIABETIC STONE FORMERS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP10-05 LITHOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GLP-1 AGONISTS IN DIABETIC STONE FORMERS Kelley Zhao, Brian Shkolnik, Jennifer Lu, Joshua Miller, and David Schulsinger Kelley ZhaoKelley Zhao More articles by this author , Brian ShkolnikBrian Shkolnik More articles by this author , Jennifer LuJennifer Lu More articles by this author , Joshua MillerJoshua Miller More articles by this author , and David SchulsingerDavid Schulsinger More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003225.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased risk of calcium oxalate and uric acid (UA) stones. The most commonly prescribed medication for T2DM, Metformin, worsens this risk by increasing urinary oxalate, increasing urinary calcium and decreasing urine pH. With the increasing popularity of next-generation hypoglycemic agents, it is important to study the risk of stone formation with these newer medications. This study aims to assess the effects of various hypoglycemic agents on 24-hour urine studies in diabetic stone formers. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for all patients with a history of nephrolithiasis and a 24-hour urine study seen between July 2017-December 2019 for an outpatient visit. Patients with T2DM were assessed for use of hypoglycemic agents (metformin, sulfonylurea, GLP-1 agonist, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, insulin), stone analysis, BMI, HbA1c, and 24-hour urine study. Two-tailed t-tests were used for mean comparison and chi square tests for stone rate comparison. RESULTS: Among the included 510 patients, 86 had T2DM (45 males, 41 females, mean age 63.6 years). Compared to the non-T2DM cohort, T2DM patients had lower urine pH (5.62 vs 6.14, p<0.00001), higher urine oxalate (41.7 vs 36.14, p=0.013) and higher UA supersaturation (1.45 vs 0.94, p<0.00001). Patients on GLP-1 agonists had greater urinary citrate than both the T2DM cohort (927.94 vs 544.59, p=0.007) and the non-T2DM cohort (566.55, p<0.0001). Between diabetic GLP-1 agonist users and non-users, there was no significant difference in BMI (non-GLP 33.1 vs GLP 35.4, p=0.34) or HbA1c (non-GLP 7.0 vs GLP 7.2, p=0.74). Though T2DM patients had higher rates of UA stones (31.7% vs 12.1%, p<0.0001), GLP-1 agonists users did not have a higher rate of UA stones compared to non-T2DM patients (18.2% vs 12.1%, p=0.54). There were no significant differences found with Metformin, sulfonylurea, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, or insulin. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM is a known risk factor for nephrolithiasis, however, treatment with GLP-1 agonists may be litho-protective. The significant increase in urine citrate and reduction in UA stone formation suggests a lithoprotective effect of GLP-1 agonists independent of weight or diabetes control. Consideration should be made to recommend GLP-1 agonists to T2DM patients with nephrolithiasis. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e115 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kelley Zhao More articles by this author Brian Shkolnik More articles by this author Jennifer Lu More articles by this author Joshua Miller More articles by this author David Schulsinger More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

GLUT4 as A Protein Target for Type 2-Diabetes Mellitus Therapy With Natural Compounds

WHO reported 1.9 million death cases of diabetes patients in 2019. Diabetes is caused by damage in the pancreas which resulted in a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. Medication for Type 2-Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) mainly focuses on lowering blood glucose and treating affected organs. Current medications are still lacking; thus research is needed in finding novel medications to accommodate T2DM. This paper aims to present the current research on potential plant extract in increasing GLUT4 translocation in diabetes conditions. insulin resistance state affecting GLUT4 translocation which is important in affecting glucose uptake. Some research shows that plant extract proved to be potential in increasing the translocation of GLUT4 and helping lowering blood glucose levels.

Impact of telemedicine on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

The lockdown at the start of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Saudi Arabia (March 2020 to June 2020) shifted routine in-person care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to telemedicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact telemedicine had during this period on glycemic control (HbA1c) in patients with T2DM. 4,266 patients with T2DM were screened from five Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c (before and after the COVID-19 lockdown), duration of T2DM, comorbidities and antidiabetic medications data were obtained. Mean and standard deviation of differences in HbA1c were calculated to assess the impact of telemedicine intervention. Correlations between clinically significant variances (when change in the level is ≥0.5%) in HbA1c with demographics and clinical characteristic data were determined using chi square test. Most of the participants were Saudis (97.7%) with 59.7% female and 56.4% ≥60 years of age. Obesity was 63.8%, dyslipidemia 91%, and hypertension 70%. Mean HbA1c of all patients slightly rose from 8.52% ± 1.5% before lockdown to 8.68% ± 1.6% after lockdown. There were n=1,064 patients (24.9%) whose HbA1c decreased by ≥0.5%, n =1,574 patients whose HbA1c increased by ≥0.5% (36.9%), and n =1,628 patients whose HbA1c changed by <0.5% in either direction (38.2%). More males had significant improvements in glycemia compared to females (28.1% vs 22.8%, p<0.0001), as were individuals below the age of 60 years (28.1% vs 22.5%, p<0.0001). Hypertensive individuals were less likely than non-hypertensive to have glycemic improvement (23.7% vs 27.9%, p=0.015). More patients on sulfonylureas had improvements in HbA1c (42.3% vs 37.9%, p=0.032), whereas patients on insulin had higher HbA1c (62.7% vs 56.2%, p=0.001). HbA1c changes were independent of BMI, duration of disease, hyperlipidemia, heart and kidney diseases. Telemedicine was helpful in delivering care to T2DM patients during COVID-19 lockdown, with 63.1% of patients maintaining HbA1c and improving glycemia. More males than females showed improvements. However, the HbA1c levels in this cohort of patients pre- and post-lockdown were unsatisfactorily high, and may be due to in part lifestyle, age, education, and hypertension.

Age-dependent prevalence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk profiles and use of diabetes drugs in Germany using health claims data.

This study evaluates type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence in Germany, focusing on patients at risk for, or with already established, cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as their antidiabetic and cardiovascular treatments. Using anonymized claims data from the WIG2 database, we calculated 2018 T2DM prevalence, extrapolating rates to the German statutory health insurance population. In the study period, 3 376 228 patients were eligible in the database. Forming antidiabetic medication groups, we evaluated treatment regimens of patients at risk for, or with already established CVD, based on the REWIND study criteria. We also evaluated their CVD medication prescriptions. Statutory health insurance extrapolated T2DM prevalence was estimated at 11.9%, with higher prevalence rates in older patients. When only patients with prescriptions of antidiabetic drugs were included, prevalence was 7.6%. At least 94% of patients with T2DM medication had at least one risk factor (without considering age) according to REWIND criteria, while 67%-80% had at least two risk factors depending on treatment received. Patients taking insulin combined with oral therapy comprised the largest proportion of patients with at least two REWIND risk factors. Approximately 85% of all patients with T2DM in the population were treated with antihypertensive medication. T2DM is widespread and affects older patients particularly. Most patients with T2DM had at least one CV risk factor, and about half already had established CVD. Early prevention of CVD, which disproportionately affects patients with T2DM, is necessary. Furthermore, the treatment of older patients with T2DM with insulin is still common and needs further evaluation.

IDF21-0136 VIEW-Iran: A real-world study of liraglutide effectiveness on glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Despite the availability of multiple treatment options for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), many people in Iran fail to achieve glycaemic control. Though Victoza® (liraglutide) is a regulatory‑approved medication for T2DM, it is less frequently used. This could be due to the lack of real‑world evidence of liraglutide effectiveness in Iran.

Long-term Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Drug Costs of Japanese Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common type of bariatric surgery in Japan, and it is the only such procedure covered by national health insurance. The long-term cost of bariatric surgery in Japan has not yet been analyzed. We aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of LSG on the drug treatment costs of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We retrospectively analyzed data from 230 patients who had undergone LSG at our institution for their obesity and T2DM between 2007 and 2018. The clinicopathological data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), as well as preoperative and postoperative medications for T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. We then calculated the drug treatment costs for T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia before and after LSG; and we evaluated the remission rates of these obesity-related diseases. The median preoperative body weight and BMI of the 230 patients who underwent LSG were 115kg and 40.6kg/m2, respectively. Preoperative drug treatment costs per month per patient for T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were ¥3795 (¥0-40285), ¥3269 (¥0-14577), and ¥1428 (¥0-19464). Post-operation, the median drug treatment costs for all these diseases became nil. The remission rates of T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia 5years after LSG were 82.8%, 50%, and 43.8%, respectively. In Japan, the cost of an LSG operation corresponds to 4.75years of median drug costs to treat T2DM and hypertension. In the long term, LSG in Japan is effective both physically and cost-wise for patients with obesity and T2DM.

The Place and Value of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in the Evolving Treatment Paradigm for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review.

Over recent years, the expanding evidence base for sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapies has revealed benefits beyond their glucose-lowering efficacy in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), resulting in their recognition as cardiorenal medicines. While SGLT2is continue to be recommended among the second-line therapies for the treatment of hyperglycaemia, their true value now extends to the prevention of debilitating and costly cardiovascular and renal events for high-risk individuals, with particular benefit shown in reducing major adverse cardiac events and heart failure (HF) and slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease. However, SGLT2i usage is still suboptimal among groups considered to be at greatest risk of cardiorenal complications. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has intensified financial pressures on healthcare systems, which may hamper further investment in newer effective medicines. Emerging evidence indicates that glycaemic control should be prioritised for people with T2DM in the era of COVID-19 and practical advice on the use of T2DM medications during periods of acute illness remains important, particularly for healthcare professionals working in primary care who face multiple competing priorities. This article provides the latest update from the Improving Diabetes Steering Committee, including perspectives on the value of SGLT2is as cost-effective therapies within the T2DM treatment paradigm, with particular focus on the latest published evidence relating to the prevention or slowing of cardiorenal complications. The implications for ongoing and future approaches to diabetes care are considered in the light of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, and relevant aspects of international treatment guidelines are highlighted with practical advice on the appropriate use of SGLT2is in commonly occurring T2DM clinical scenarios. The ‘SGLT2i Prescribing Tool for T2DM Management’, previously published by the Steering Committee, has been updated to reflect the latest evidence and is provided in the Supplementary Materials to help support clinicians delivering T2DM care.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13300-022-01228-w.

The Effect of Orlistat Administration in Change of Glycemic Control and Weight Loss of Obesity or Overweight Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Hightlight:The effect of orlistat on glycemic control and weight loss in overweight or obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was determinedHbA1c and FPG level in overweight and obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patient can improved by orlistat as an adjuvant therapy. Abstract:Risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases steadily with increasing overweight and obesity, and these two-health problems are emerging epidemics worldwide. Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor for weight loss drug, is often used in T2DM medication as adjuvant therapy, but effectiveness of the drug for improving glycemic control on T2DM patients is unclear. This study was to determine the effect of orlistat on glycemic control and weight loss in overweight or obese patients with T2DM. Term “Orlistat” AND “(obesity OR overweight)” AND “(HbA1c OR A1C)” AND “diabetes” were systematically searched in Pubmed and Science Direct web databases up to March 2021. Only randomized controlled study (RCT) methods studies were included in this study. Collected final samples were presented in a table with narrative review. There were 9 RCT studies with a total 2,175 subjects that met inclusion criteria. Of the sample, 360 mg/day orlistat as an adjuvant therapy, was administered to overweight or obese T2DM patients together with hypocaloric intake (8 studies) or without hypocaloric intake (1 study) intervention. They were examined for 12-52 weeks. From 2 short-term (12 weeks) studies, one study revealed that orlistat improved HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level significantly, while one study showed no significant effect compared to placebo. Seven other studies (long term observation) had found that orlistat significantly improved HbA1c and FPG level. All studies found that orlistat significantly reduced body weight. As an adjuvant therapy, Orlistat improved HbA1c and FPG level in overweight and obese T2DM patients.

Time-series analysis of recent antihyperglycemic medication prescribing trends for a diverse sample of Medicare enrollees with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an integrated health system.

Despite high type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence in Medicare enrollees, newer therapeutic options, and revised treatment guidelines, little is known about US antihyperglycemic prescribing trends after 2015. This research describes recent monthly antihyperglycemic prescribing trends in a large, diverse population of Medicare enrollees from the US Mid-Atlantic region. Encounter data (July 2018-July 2020) for Medicare enrollees 65 years of age or older with T2DM were extracted from electronic health records of a large integrated health system. Descriptive time-series regression models were estimated to describe monthly prescribing rates (ie, prescription orders per 100 eligible plan members with T2DM) overall and by medication subgroups for all-eligible and continuously-eligible samples. Trends in monthly prescription orders per 100 eligible plan members with T2DM were reported. The monthly all-eligible member sample (n > 22,000) exhibited an overall positive baseline monthly prescribing rate of 23.88 T2DM medication orders per 100 members with T2DM and a significant positive monthly prescribing rate trend (ie, change) of 0.12 T2DM medication orders per 100 members with T2DM (P < 0.05). Subgroup T2DM medication order rates per 100 members with T2DM at baseline were 16.28 for first-generation medications, 3.87 for human insulins, 3.04 for insulin analogs, 0.58 for second-generation medications, and 0.11 for combination medications. Human insulins, insulin analogs, and second-generation medications had positive monthly trends (P < 0.05). Among second-generation medications, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists had positive monthly trends (P < 0.05). Continuously eligible members with T2DM (n = 19,185) had no significant overall monthly prescribing trend; however, human insulins, insulin analogs, and second-generation medications and the SGLT-2 inhibitor class had positive monthly prescribing trends (P < 0.05). In a diverse Medicare sample, this study observed increasing monthly trends for second-generation medications, human insulins, and insulin analogs consistent with emerging evidence. Among second-generation medications, SGLT-2 inhibitors became the most commonly prescribed over time.

A Tale of Two Diseases: Exploring Mechanisms Linking Diabetes Mellitus with Alzheimer's Disease.

Dementias, including the type associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), are on the rise worldwide. Similarly, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally. Although mechanisms and treatments are well-established for T2DM, there remains much to be discovered. Recent research efforts have further investigated factors involved in the etiology of AD. Previously perceived to be unrelated diseases, commonalities between T2DM and AD have more recently been observed. As a result, AD has been labeled as "type 3 diabetes". In this review, we detail the shared processes that contribute to these two diseases. Insulin resistance, the main component of the pathogenesis of T2DM, is also present in AD, causing impaired brain glucose metabolism, neurodegeneration, and cognitive impairment. Dysregulation of insulin receptors and components of the insulin signaling pathway, including protein kinase B, glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and mammalian target of rapamycin are reported in both diseases. T2DM and AD also show evidence of inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, advanced glycation end products, and amyloid deposition. The impact that changes in neurovascular structure and genetics have on the development of these conditions is also being examined. With the discovery of factors contributing to AD, innovative treatment approaches are being explored. Investigators are evaluating the efficacy of various T2DM medications for possible use in AD, including but not limited to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists. Furthermore, there are 136 active trials involving 121 therapeutic agents targeting novel AD biomarkers. With these efforts, we are one step closer to alleviating the ravaging impact of AD on our communities.

Polypharmacy influences the renal composite outcome in patients treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors.

Polypharmacy is a serious concern in general practice, especially among elder patients; however, the evidence showing significantly poor renal outcomes is not sufficient. This survey was performed to evaluate the effect of polypharmacy on the incidence of the renal composite outcome among a sample of patients with sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) treatment. We assessed 624 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease who received SGLT2i treatment for greater than 1 year. The patients were classified as those with concomitant treatment, that was limited to the medications for hypertension, T2DM, and dyslipidemia, with greater than or equal to seven medications (n = 110) and those with less than seven medications (n = 514). Evaluation of the renal composite outcome was performed by propensity score matching and stratification into quintiles. A subgroup analysis of patients of greater than or equal to 62 years of age and less than 62 years of age was also performed. The incidence of the renal composite outcome was larger in patients with greater than or equal to seven medications than in those with less than seven medications in the propensity score‐matched cohort model (6% vs. 17%, respectively, p = 0.007) and also in the quintile‐stratified analysis (odds ratio [OR], 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI, 1.21–4.12, p = 0.01). The quintile‐stratified analysis of patients of less than 62 years of age—but not those of greater than or equal to 62 years of age—also showed a significant difference (OR, 3.29, 95% CI, 1.41–7.69, p = 0.006). Polypharmacy appears to be associated to the incidence of the renal composite outcome, especially in young patients.

Very low-calorie diet in patients with longstanding type 2 diabetes mellitus: a study of real-world outcomes

Introduction: There is a paucity of evidence regarding the efficacy of a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) in the real-world setting. We evaluated outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent VLCD. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all patients who had undergone VLCD from 2014 to 2017 (n=61). The VLCD consisted of an eight-week 800 kcal/day dietary restriction. Metabolic parameters and medications were recorded at baseline, immediately post-VLCD and at 6 and 12 months. Results: There was a significant reduction in weight of 9.96 kg (p&lt;0.001) immediately post-VLCD, with net weight loss sustained to 12 months (p&lt;0.05). There was a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) sustained to 12 months (p&lt;0.05). Paired HbA1c data were available for 38 patients. There was a significant reduction in HbA1c of 13.29 mmol/mol immediately post-VLCD (p&lt;0.001), however no significant reduction was observed at 12 months (p&gt;0.05). 78.7% patients had a reduction in T2DM medication burden post-VLCD, sustained in 44.3% of patients at 12 months. Analysis of patients with T2DM diagnosis duration &gt;6 years demonstrated statistically significant weight loss sustained to 12 months (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate sustained reduction in BMI and weight, reduction in medication burden and temporary reduction in HbA1c in patients with T2DM undertaking a VLCD in the real-world setting

Diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia medication prescribing in Qatari primary care settings: a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records

BackgroundGlobally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are recognised as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Medications and medicines optimisation play an important role in the management of modifiable physiological risk factors and NCDs. The importance of lifestyle interventions in prevention of modifiable risk factors is also well established. The aim of this paper was to describe the quantity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension and dyslipidaemia prescribing in Qatari primary care settings. Its findings will provide necessary information to inform pharmaceutical policy and practice.MethodsThe study was undertaken in Qatar’s publicly funded primary health care centres. Data sources for this study comprised electronic medical records. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) drug classification system was used to classify the medications prescribed. The number and proportion of medications by age, sex, nationality and diagnosis (T2DM, hypertension and dyslipidaemia) were reported.ResultsA total 81,569 individuals were included (18–29 years 2.4%; 30–39 years 11.7%; 40–49 years 25.4%; 50–59 years 31.9% and ≥ 60 years 28.6%). 55.6% participants were male. On average 10.2 medications were prescribed per person and 2.3 medications were included in each prescription. T2DM medications were most prescribed (N = 361,87780,799; 43.2%) followed by hypertension (N = 303,086; 36.2%) and dyslipidaemia (N = 172,163; 20.5%). Of the total medications prescribed, 72% (N = 605,488) were prescribed in individuals aged 50 years and above. Men were prescribed 62% (N = 515,043) medications while women were prescribed 38% (N = 322,083) medications. Southern Asians (N = 330,338; 39%) were prescribed most medication followed by Qataris (N = 181,328; 22%) and Northern African (N = 145,577; 17%).ConclusionsIn Qatar’s primary care settings, average medications prescribed per patients were found to be higher compared to other populations. While medications were actively prescribed for the 3 conditions, the study found variations by medication type, age, gender and nationality. Rational guidelines for the utilisation of medications need to be established with the support of real-world evidence.

A Claims-Based Cohort Study on the Treatment Patterns of Japanese Patients with Type2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Association of Early First Physician Visit with Time to Prescription of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents.

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the relationships between timing of the first physician visit after detection of an abnormal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value at routine annual check and the time to antidiabetic treatment prescription; and understand treatment patterns in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MethodsThis retrospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study examined data from JMDC Inc., an administrative claims database. Patients with HbA1c value of at least 6.5% at routine annual check, aged 20 years or older, and prescribed at least one antidiabetic drug were included. This cohort was classified into early physician visit and delayed physician visit groups based on the timing of the first physician visit relative to the median. Patients were monitored from the date of first HbA1c checkup of at least 6.5% to the date of first physician visit with an HbA1c test, and from the date of the first physician visit to the date of prescription of first-line and second-line T2DM treatments. The time to first prescription of antidiabetic treatment for the two groups was then compared.ResultsOf 4798 eligible patients, 54.8% were prescribed first-line T2DM therapy less than 2 months from the first physician visit for T2DM diagnosis. A lower percentage of the early group compared with the delayed group required T2DM pharmacological therapy in less than 2 months (46.1% vs. 63.4%). The early group had a longer median time to prescription of first-line therapy [92 days vs. 15 days, p < 0.0001; hazard ratio (HR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24, 1.39] and second-line therapy (1599 days vs. 1315 days, p < 0.0001; HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11, 1.34) compared with the delayed group.ConclusionIn Japanese patients with T2DM, early physician visit after abnormal HbA1c detection at routine annual check is associated with a longer period before T2DM medication requirement, and may improve disease course.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13300-021-01090-2.