Use of SGLT2 inhibitors during Ramadan: An expert panel statement.

Fasting from dawn to sunset, during the holy month of Ramadan, constitutes one of the five main pillars in Islam and is observed by the majority of Muslims. Owing to important physiological changes, Ramadan fasting holds a crucial place in the context of diabetes management. Approximately one-fifth of the world's Muslim population resides in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. To discuss the challenges and management of diabetes during Ramadan fasting in the MEA region, a panel of 12 experts in the field of diabetes from across the MEA region attended two expert committee meetings held in Dubai. The key point of discussion was the safety and efficacy of the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) during Ramadan, based on outcomes of the recent clinical trials with SGLT2i. This is the first consensus recommendation on the management of diabetes with SGLT2i across the MEA region during Ramadan. The document summarizes expert views and opinions on the current management of diabetes with SGLT2i during Ramadan and aims to enhance the current knowledge and understanding on the issue of diabetes management during Ramadan. This will aid the physicians of the MEA region with appropriate decision-making for their patients during Ramadan.

Expert Opinion: Patient Selection for Premixed Insulin Formulations in Diabetes Care.

Premixed insulins are an important tool for glycemic control in persons with diabetes. Equally important in diabetes care is the selection of the most appropriate insulin regimen for a particular individual at a specific time. Currently, the choice of insulin regimens for initiation or intensification of therapy is a subjective decision. In this article, we share insights, which will help in rational and objective selection of premixed formulations for initiation and intensification of insulin therapy. The glycemic status and its variations in a person help to identify the most appropriate insulin regimen and formulation for him or her. The evolution of objective glucometric indices has enabled better glycemic monitoring of individuals with diabetes. Management of diabetes has evolved from a 'glucocentric' approach to a 'patient-centered' approach; patient characteristics, needs, and preferences should be evaluated when considering premixed insulin for treatment of diabetes.Funding: Novo Nordisk, India.

Safety and effectiveness of bolus insulin aspart in people with type 2 diabetes: a1chieve sub-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This sub-analysis evaluated clinical safety and effectiveness of bolus insulin aspart [with/without oral glucose-lowering drugs (OGLDs)] as the only insulin therapy. METHODS: A1chieve was an international, multicenter, prospective, open-label, non-interventional, observational, 24-week study in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus starting/switching to biphasic insulin aspart 30, insulin detemir or insulin aspart treatment (alone/in combination) in routine clinical practice. This sub-analysis evaluated clinical safety and effectiveness of bolus insulin aspart (±OGLDs) as the only insulin therapy. Data were analyzed for all patients, insulin-experienced and insulin-naive sub-groups, and sub-groups defined by the number of OGLDs prescribed at baseline (no OGLDs, one OGLD or ≥two OGLDs). Safety and effectiveness endpoints were assessed at baseline and following 24 weeks' therapy. RESULTS: In total, 2,026 patients were included (insulin-experienced, n = 561; insulin-naive, n = 1,465) in this sub-analysis. Significant improvements from baseline after 24 weeks' treatment with insulin aspart ± OGLDs were observed across all sub-groups for: glycated hemoglobin (range of means across sub-groups -1.6 to -2.4%; p < 0.001 for all comparisons), fasting plasma glucose (-2.5 to -3.8 mmol/l; p < 0.001 for all comparisons), post-breakfast post-prandial glucose (-3.4 to -5.8 mmol/l; p < 0.001 for all comparisons), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The proportion of patients reporting hypoglycemia events was significantly reduced from baseline after 24 weeks (insulin-naive cohort: 7.9-2.8%; p < 0.001; insulin-experienced cohort: 23.2-7.8%; p < 0.001). There were no reports of major hypoglycemia events at 24 weeks; risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia was <0.6 events/person-year. No serious adverse drug reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: Insulin aspart ± OGLDs is associated with significant improvements in glycemic control and HRQoL, without increased risk of hypoglycemia, in people with type 2 diabetes and sub-optimal glucose control.