Basal and Bolus Insulin Dose Changes after Switching Basal Insulin to Insulin Degludec in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultra-long-acting insulin degludec (DEG) has a longer duration of action and less daily variability relative to other basal insulin (BI), and thus may benefit patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We examined the impact of switching BI to DEG on glycemic control and insulin dose in T1DM. METHODS: T1DM patients (n = 22; six male; mean age: 64.5 ± 12.6 years) receiving basal-bolus insulin therapy were included. Initially, the BI dose was replaced with DEG in a 1:1 ratio; 80-100% of the total dose was replaced with DEG for multiple basal insulin injections. DEG was titrated according to study protocol. Changes in HbA1c, daily insulin dose, glycemic self-monitored blood glucose variations, and hypoglycemia frequency were evaluated for 24 weeks. RESULTS: Once-daily DEG significantly decreased HbA1c levels when switched from once-daily BI (7.9 ± 0.8 vs. 7.5 ± 0.9%, p = 0.020) and maintained HbA1c when switched from twice-daily BI (8.5 ± 1.6 vs. 8.4 ± 1.2%, p = 0.457). The BI dose decreased by -7.8 ± 13.9% (p = 0.017) and -16.6 ± 16.9% (p = 0.050) when switched from once-daily BI and twice-daily BI, respectively. The total bolus insulin dose significantly decreased when switched from once-daily BI (21.7 ± 8.3 to 19.3 ± 8.8 U/day, p = 0.016) especially in the injection before breakfast and evening meal. Body weight and hypoglycemia frequency was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: DEG improved glycemic control when switched from once-daily BI and maintained glycemic control when switched from twice-daily BI without increasing hypoglycemia.

Smoking counteracts the favorable effect of exercise training on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training can improve endothelial function in patients with diabetes. We hypothesized that the favorable effect of exercise training on endothelial function in patients with diabetes is counteracted by cigarette smoking. PURPOSE: To assess whether there is a difference in the effect of exercise on endothelial function in smokers and non-smokers with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We performed a 3-month controlled trial in 27 never-smoking and 17 smoking individuals with type 2 diabetes who participated in a home-based walking program. The percentage decrease in post-exercise ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), which is an index of endothelial function, was assessed at baseline and after 3 months. RESULTS: Compared to the smoking group, the never-smoking group showed a more significant improvement in post exercise ABI during the 3 months of home-based training (interaction, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that smoking may counteract the favorable effects of exercise training on endothelial function. Endothelial function plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease among patients with diabetes. Therefore, a Certified Diabetes Educator should strongly advise diabetic patients not to smoke.

The Eradication of Helicobacter pylori does not Affect Glycemic Control in Japanese Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes.

Since infection with Helicobacter pylori has been suggested to play a pathogenic role in diabetes mellitus, we investigated whether eradication therapy for H. pylori might affect glycemic control in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes. A total of 72 subjects (55 males, 17 females; aged 63.7 years) with type 2 diabetes who received eradication therapy for H. pylori were included. The change of their blood glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels 3 months before (-3 m) the H. pylori eradication, as well as 3 months (3 m) and 6 months (6 m) after were evaluated. Their A1C levels did not show any significant change after therapy {6.9 [0.1]% (-3 m) to 7.0 [0.1]% (3 m); P = 0.3, 7.0 [0.1] (6 m); P = 0.3}. Our findings suggest that the eradication therapy for H. pylori does not, at least profoundly, affect glycemic control in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Male gonadotroph adenoma: report of three cases and a review of the literature.

We herein report three cases of gonadotroph adenoma in men (36-72 years of age) presenting with visual impairment and suprasellar masses measuring approximately 20 to 30 mm in diameter. Endocrinological examinations were normal, except for slightly increased follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in two cases. Based on the tentative diagnosis of non-functioning pituitary adenoma, transsphenoidal surgery was performed, which revealed that the tumors consisted of FSH- and LH-positive cells. As gonadotroph adenoma is very common among patients with clinically silent pituitary adenoma, it should be diagnosed using pathological examinations.

Safety, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to herpes zoster vaccine in subjects with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate varicella zoster virus-specific cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunogenicity against the herpes zoster vaccine, which is licensed as the Live Varicella Vaccine (Oka Strain) in Japan, in elderly people with or without diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted between May 2010 and November 2010 at Kitano Hospital, a general hospital in the city of Osaka in Japan. A varicella skin test, interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot assay and immunoadherence hemagglutination tests were performed 0, 3, and 6 months after vaccination. Vaccine safety was also assessed using questionnaires for 42 days and development of zoster during the one-year observational period. We enrolled 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with diabetes mellitus aged 60-70 years. RESULTS: The live herpes zoster vaccine boosted virus-specific, cell-mediated and humoral immunity between elderly people, with or without diabetes. Moreover, no systemic adverse reaction was found. None of the study participants developed herpes zoster. CONCLUSION: The live herpes zoster vaccine was used safely. It effectively enhanced specific immunity to varicella zoster virus in older people with or without diabetes mellitus.

Possible link of pioglitazone with bladder cancer in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

We retrospectively examined the frequency of bladder cancer in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes in relation to use of pioglitazone. Among a total of 663 patients identified to be taking pioglitazone, 9 had bladder cancer (1.36%). Overall the hazard ratio of 1.75 [95% CI: 0.89-3.45] for pioglitazone for bladder cancer was not significant. However the prevalence of bladder cancer was 2.10% in patients taking pioglitazone for less than 24 months which was significant increased (HR 2.73 [95% CI: 1.11-6.72]).

Less variation of R-R interval of electrocardiogram in nonobese type 2 diabetes with nocturnal intermittent hypoxia.

Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). However, many Japanese subjects with diabetes are less obese despite compared with Caucasian. We evaluated the relationship between SDB and clinical characteristics other than obesity, especially in relation to cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in Japanese subjects with diabetes. The study included a total of 261 consecutive Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes, including nonobese subjects defined as BMI <25 kg/m² for Japanese. SDB was screened by 4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI) level of 5 or more events per hour, which was measured by nocturnal pulse oximetry. CAN was examined with the variation of R-R intervals (CVRR). The SDB were found in 24.5% of total subjects and 16.3% of nonobese subjects with type 2 diabetes, respectively. The nonobese type 2 diabetes subjects with SDB had significantly lower coefficient of CVRR than those without SDB. Multiple regression analysis revealed that BMI and heart rate were significant independent factors for SDB in total subjects with type 2 diabetes, but CVRR was the only significant independent factor for SDB in nonobese subjects with type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest that the presence of SDB should be kept in mind in type 2 diabetic patients with abnormality in CVRR variation in electrocardiogram even though they are not obese.

Safety of exenatide once weekly for 52 weeks in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: An initial 26-week, randomized, open-label study compared the efficacy and safety of exenatide 10 mcg twice daily with exenatide 2 mg once weekly in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes who experienced inadequate glycemic control with oral antidiabetes medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of exenatide once weekly in Japanese patients, a subset of the initial patient population, who continued into this extension study for an additional 26 weeks of therapy on exenatide once weekly, followed by 10 weeks without exenatide once weekly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Japanese patients initially assigned to exenatide twice daily (n = 62) switched to exenatide once weekly for the extended 26 weeks, and patients initially assigned to exenatide once weekly (n = 74) continued on this regimen for the remainder of the study (total treatment of 52 weeks). RESULTS: A total of 68% of patients reported one or more treatment-emergent adverse events during the extension period; the most common of these were nasopharyngitis (14%) and vomiting (6%). No major hypoglycemic episodes were reported. Improvements in glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and postprandial glucose were maintained over 52 weeks of treatment. At week 52, bodyweight remained reduced from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Exenatide once weekly added to oral antidiabetes medication was well tolerated in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, and was associated with glycemic control and weight loss through to 52 weeks, supporting the use of exenatide once weekly as an adjunctive treatment for type 2 diabetes in this patient population. The initial 26-week portion of this trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT00917267).

The limited usefulness of the treadmill test or a risk-guided approach in screening for asymptomatic coronary heart disease in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: We prospectively investigated the efficacy of the screening methods for asymptomatic coronary heart disease (CHD) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes using the treadmill tolerance test (TTT) as a first-line test or the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. METHODS: The subjects included consecutive inpatients with type 2 diabetes (n=331) assessed with both electrocardiogram (ECG) at rest and TTT. Subjects with abnormal TTT findings were evaluated using stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). RESULTS: A total of 60 out of 69 subjects with positive TTT findings underwent MPS, among whom a total of 22 subjects (6.6% of the total number of subjects) had positive MPS results. Among those with positive MPS results, a total of 14 subjects underwent coronary angiography, eight of whom were determined to have significant coronary artery stenosis. The prevalence rates of hypertension and micro/macroalbuminuria were significantly higher in the MPS-positive group (77.3% and 54.5%, respectively) than in the TTT-negative group (44.7% and 27.1%, respectively). Among the subjects with positive MPS results, 68.2% met the 1998 ADA criteria. CONCLUSION: Neither the TTT as a first-line test nor the ADA guidelines are sufficiently adequate screening methods to detect asymptomatic CHD in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes. Conducting routine screening for asymptomatic CHD in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes may therefore not be very useful.

Adrenal cavernous hemangioma with subclinical Cushing's syndrome: report of a case.

Cavernous hemangioma of the adrenal gland is a rare tumor, which does not usually have endocrinological function. We report to our knowledge, the third documented case of a functioning adrenal hemangioma. Interestingly, this tumor indicated glucocorticoid hypersecretion, whereas the two previous cases showed mineralocorticoid hypersecretion. The tumor was 5 cm in diameter with typical computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Subclinical Cushing's syndrome was diagnosed preoperatively, as there was insufficient suppression of cortisol by low-dose dexamethasone, a low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration, and diminished ACTH and cortisol circadian rhythms without the typical clinical manifestation and symptoms of hypercortisolism. Intraoperative hypotension occurred immediately after tumor removal and following postoperative adrenal insufficiency, which support that the tumor was hyperfunctioning. The postoperative adrenal insufficiency had recovered completely by 12 months after the operation.

Clinical heterogeneity of adult Japanese diabetes depending on titers of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies.

UNLABELLED: Aims/Introduction: We examined whether levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADAb) might show the clinical heterogeneity of adult Japanese diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the serum levels of GADAb were measured in a total of 1857 consecutive adult diabetic patients aged 20 years or older. The patients with positive GADAb, arbitrarily defined as ≥1.5 U/mL, were divided into quartiles according to the number of patients. The age- and sex-matched diabetic patients without GADAb were selected as a control group. RESULTS: A total of 103 (5.5%) of the diabetic patients had GADAb, and showed higher HbA1c and serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, lower body mass index (BMI), urinary C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR), serum triglycerides (TG) and uric acid (UA) levels, and lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome than the control group (P < 0.05). Quartiles 3 and 4 (i.e. GADAb ≥4.6 U/mL) showed a higher HbA1c level, lower BMI, urinary CPR, serum TG and UA levels, quartile 2 (2.5 ≤ GADAb < 4.6 U/mL) showed a lower BMI level than the control group (P < 0.05). Among the clinical parameters, we observed significant upward trends for both HbA1c and serum HDL cholesterol levels, and significant downward trends for BMI, serum TG and UA, urinary CPR levels, and prevalence of metabolic syndrome across GADAb quartiles (P < 0.05 for trend). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the clinical phenotype of adult Japanese diabetes correlates with GADAb levels, and that patients with GADAb (≥2.5 U/mL) show different characteristics from those without GADAb, although further longitudinal studies are required. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040-1124.2011.00190.x, 2011).

Explanation of the insulin paradox from the evolutionary point of view.

No abstract supplied by author.

Two adjacent mutations on chromosome 16 discovered in a patient presenting with generalized convulsions after influenza A virus infection.

A 49-year-old otherwise healthy man was admitted to our hospital because of repeated generalized convulsions after influenza A virus infection. His family history was notable for consanguinity of parents. Initial laboratory tests revealed metabolic alkalosis with hypomagnesemia, as well as an elevated high density lipoprotein cholesterol level. He was diagnosed with Gitelman's syndrome and cholesteryl ester transfer protein deficiency by identifying homozygous mutations of causative genes, SLC12A3 and CETP, respectively. These two genes are located in the vicinity on chromosome 16, suggesting the possibility of autozygosity. This is the first case report highlighting the co-existence of these genetic disorders.

A case of diabetic ketoacidosis associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

A 64-year-old woman was referred to our center presenting with thirst, malaise, and pain in both legs which occurred one week before admission. She was revealed to have hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). After therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis was started, her blood glucose levels were improved, but urinary ketone body excretion persisted. Laboratory examination indicated a significant impairment of insulin secretion, although anti-GAD and anti-IA-2 antibody were not detected. After admission, she complained about weakness of lower extremities, which spread to her upper extremities. The diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was made based on the nerve conduction study and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was started, and her muscle weakness showed gradual improvement. Although the possibility that GBS was casually accompanied with DKA could not be completely excluded, we considered that DKA triggered the development of GBS in this case. Although GBS is a rare condition, the present case suggests that GBS should be included in the differential diagnosis of DKA with its atypical course.

Pitavastatin reduces elevated IL-18 levels in Japanese subjects with hypercholesterolemia: sub-analysis of Kansai investigation of statin for hyperlipidemic intervention in metabolism and endocrinology (KISHIMEN).

AIM: Pitavastatin significantly improved lipid profiles and reduced serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in a multi-center and prospective study. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of pitavastatin on serum levels of another inflammatory biomarker, interleukin-18 (IL-18), in a sub-analysis of the previous multi-center prospective study. METHODS: The subjects were 83 patients derived from the KISHIMEN study. Pitavastatin (1-2 mg/day) was administered for 12 months. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C), triglycerides (TG), IL-18, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured. RESULTS: TC, LDL-C, and RLP-C levels were significantly reduced by 18.3%, 30.1%, and 21.0% (mean values) at 12 months after pitavastatin administration. TG levels were decreased by 9.8% in subjects whose basal TG levels were above 150 mg/dL. HDL-C levels were significantly increased at 6 months (11.9%). Pitavastatin did not significantly alter IL-18 levels in overall subjects, but reduced IL-18 levels in the highest quartile by 24.5% (median value) at 12 months. Pitavastatin significantly reduced hs-CRP levels by 28.6% in overall subjects and by 62.4% in the highest quartile at 12 months. There was a significant correlation between IL-18 and hs-CRP at baseline after both values were transformed into logarithms (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = 0.259, p = 0.0181); however, percent changes in these levels were not significantly correlated. CONCLUSION: Pitavastatin significantly improves lipid profiles, and reduces enhanced inflammation monitored by IL-18, as well as by hs-CRP, in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Lymphocytic panhypophysitis: its clinical features in Japanese cases.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is divided into three forms according to the involved tissues, lymphocytic adenohypophysitis, lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis, and lymphocytic panhypophysitis (LPH). The term LPH was first proposed by us in 1995, although its entity and pathogenesis still remain controversial. Here we report five cases of LPH, who visited our clinics during 1994 to 2009. All cases were female of 20 to 77 years of age, and one case was associated with pregnancy. They presented with polyuria (n = 4), headache (n = 3), general malaise, polydipsia (n = 2), blunted vision, diplopia, amenorrhea or appetite loss (n = 1). Magnetic resonance imaging showed the pituitary swelling, the thickened stalk, the loss of the T1 hyperintense neurohypophysis (n = 4), or the atrophic pituitary (n = 1). Endocrinological examinations revealed deficiencies of TSH, ADH in all cases, GH, ACTH in three cases, LH, PRL in two cases, and FSH in one case, respectively. The severity of ADH deficiency varied among the cases. Anti-pituitary antibody was not detected in the cases examined. The biopsy of the pituitary lesions was performed except for one case, all of which revealed the diffuse lymphocytic infiltration. These results suggest that LPH is characterized by the female predominance, the atypical patterns of anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies and the variable degrees of diabetes insipidus in Japanese.

Post-exercise ankle-brachial pressure index demonstrates altered endothelial function in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), the ratio of the systolic blood pressure of the ankle to the systolic brachial pressure, is commonly measured at rest, but ABI values post-exercise enhance the sensitivity of the test and can be used to identify atherosclerotic vascular damage. However, it has not been established whether or not enhanced post-exercise ABI is also associated with endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized that a decrease in post-exercise ABI is related to impaired endothelial function. PURPOSE: To investigate alterations in post-exercise ABI values and endothelial dysfunction in the elderly. METHODS: The study population comprised 35 men and women aged 51-77 years (mean age: 66 years). Patients with peripheral arterial disease or a history of heart failure were excluded. The ABI was estimated at rest and immediately after exercise. The exercise protocol comprised 2.5 min of active pedal flexion exercises at a speed of 60 times/min. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in the brachial artery using ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: No correlation was found between FMD and the ABI at rest. However, a weak correlation was found between FMD and post-exercise ABI (r = 0.46, P = 0.06). A strong correlation was observed between FMD and a decrease in post-exercise ABI compared to baseline readings (r = -0.52, P = 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to generate a prediction equation for FMD using the percentage decrease in post-exercise ABI. Significant correlations were observed between the ultrasound imaging-measured FMD and the predicted FMD (R(2) = 0.27, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Post-exercise ABI appears to be a simple surrogate marker for endothelial function in the elderly, although larger studies are required for validation.

ROADMAP and ORIENTAL Trials: the Re-emergence of J-Curve Ghost?

It still remains unknown whether angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) are cardioprotective in patients with type 2 diabetes. The recent two clinical trials, the ROADMAP and the ORIENT, have suggested that fatal cardiovascular events or cardiovascular deaths were unexpectedly higher in olmesartan group. These results suggest that aggressive blood pressure lowering may cause a higher risk in some high-risk patients, especially in those with preexisting coronary heart disease, indicating a possibility that the J-curve phenomenon may exist in some group of patients.

Further possible mechanisms of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors to decrease blood glucose in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Recently, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have been launched into clinical use for type 2 diabetes in Japan. Shortly after its use, several cases have been reported, in which the co-administration of DPP-4 inhibitors with sulfonylureas caused severe hyperglycemia in Japan. Additionally, the efficacy to improve glycemic control was greater than expected. Taken together, it is suggested that DPP-4 inhibitors may have other action mechanisms than to stimulate insulin secretion in glucose-dependent manner. I present here several possible mechanisms of DPP-4 inhibitors to reduce blood glucose in type 2 diabetes; first, to inhibit glucagon secretion, second, to stimulate glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) secretion, which may regain its action to stimulate insulin secretion when hyperglycemia has been improved, third, to recover the response to sulfonylureas by restoring pancreatic ATP levels, fourth, to stimulate glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1 ) secretion directly from the intestine, and finally to inhibit the action of DPP-4 as an adipokine.