Progressive Acceleration of Insulin Exposure Over 7 Days of Infusion Set Wear.

Insulin exposure varies over 3 days of insulin infusion set (IIS) wear making day-to-day insulin dosing challenging for people with diabetes (PWD). Here we report insulin pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) data extending these observations to 7 days of IIS wear. PWD (A1C ≤8.5%, C-peptide <0.6 nmol/L, ≥6 months pump use) were enrolled in a crossover euglycemic clamp pilot study comparing conventional Teflon angled IISs with an investigational extended-wear IIS. PK/PD data from six participants were obtained for 5 h postbolus. Although PD data were unstable, PK profiles (pooled data from both groups) of insulin lispro (0.15 U/kg bolus) showed statistically significant progressive decreases from days 0 to 7 for tmax (P < 0.001), Cmax (P < 0.05), and mean residence time (P < 0.0001). Area under the insulin concentration curve (AUC0-300) declined by ∼24% from days 0 to 7 (P < 0.05). These results confirm/extend previous observations showing progressive acceleration of insulin exposure over IIS wear time. This may have implications for PWD and designers of closed-loop algorithms, although larger studies are necessary to confirm this. The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04398030).

Feasibility study of a prototype extended-wear insulin infusion set in adults with type 1 diabetes.

AIM: To assess the feasibility of a prototype insulin infusion set (IIS) for extended wear in adults with type 1 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prototype Capillary Biomedical investigational extended-wear IIS (CBX IIS) incorporates a soft, flexible, reinforced kink-resistant angled nylon-derivative cannula with one distal and three proximal ports to optimize insulin delivery. Twenty adult participants with type 1 diabetes established on insulin pump therapy used the CBX IIS for two 7-day test periods while wearing a Dexcom G5 continuous glucose monitor. RESULTS: Participants were able to wear the CBX IIS for an average of 6.6 ± 1.4 days. Eighty-eight percent (36 of 41) of sets were worn for 7 days. No serious adverse events were reported. Five infusion sets failed prematurely because of: unresolvable hyperglycaemia (three); hyperglycaemia with elevated ketones (one); or infection (one). Median time in range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) was 62% (54-76). Average glucose levels per day of infusion set wear showed a statistically significant increase over time (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary observations confirm the tolerability of the prototype CBX IIS for extended wear, albeit with a deterioration in glucose control after the third day.

NEWTON-2 Cisternal (Nimodipine Microparticles to Enhance Recovery While Reducing Toxicity After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage): A Phase 2, Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Safety Study of Intracisternal EG-1962 in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: A sustained release microparticle formulation of nimodipine (EG-1962) was developed for treatment of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). OBJECTIVE: To assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of intracisternal EG-1962 in an open-label, randomized, phase 2 study of up to 12 subjects. METHODS: Subjects were World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grades 1 to 2, modified Fisher grades 2 to 4, and underwent aneurysm clipping within 48 h of aSAH. EG-1962, containing 600 mg nimodipine, was administered into the basal cisterns. Outcome on the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (eGOS), pharmacokinetics, delayed cerebral ischemia and infarction, rescue therapy, and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: The study was halted when a phase 3 study of intraventricular EG-1962 stopped because that study was unlikely to meet its primary endpoint. Six subjects were randomized (5 EG-1962 and 1 oral nimodipine). After 90-d follow-up, favorable outcome on the eGOS occurred in 1 of 5 EG-1962 and in the single oral nimodipine patient. Four EG-1962 and the oral nimodipine subject had angiographic vasospasm. One EG-1962 subject had delayed cerebral ischemia, and all subjects with angiographic vasospasm received rescue therapy except 1 EG-1962 patient. One subject treated with EG-1962 developed right internal carotid and middle cerebral artery narrowing 5 mo after placement of EG-1962, leading to occlusion and cerebral infarction. Pharmacokinetics showed similar plasma concentrations of nimodipine in both groups. CONCLUSION: Angiographic vasospasm and unfavorable clinical outcome still occurred after placement of EG-1962. Internal carotid artery narrowing and occlusion after placement of EG-1962 in the basal cisterns has not been reported.

Effectiveness of V-Go® for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a Real-World Setting: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: V-Go is a wearable, patch-like, 24-h insulin delivery device that delivers both a continuous preset basal rate and on-demand bolus dosing. The aim of this study was to observe glycemic control, insulin dosing, and hypoglycemia risk in patients switched to V-Go in a real-world setting. The primary objective was to compare change in mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to the end of V-Go use. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, multicenter study recruited patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) across 28 centers. Efficacy analyses were conducted for all patients with a post-baseline HbA1c and results stratified based on prior antihyperglycemic medication therapies. Insulin dosing was at the discretion of the health care provider and the protocol did not mandate glycemic targets. Treatment satisfaction surveys were utilized to gain patient feedback on the use of V-Go. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-eight patients were enrolled in the study, among whom 140 patients had a valid post-baseline HbA1c and were included in the primary efficacy analysis. Use of V-Go resulted in a change of - 0.64%; (P = 0.003) in HbA1c from baseline, and in those prescribed insulin, the total daily dose of insulin was decreased by 12 units/day (P < 0.0001). Twenty-two patients (12%) reported hypoglycemic events (≤ 70 mg/dL), with an event rate of 1.51 events/patient/year. CONCLUSION: In a T2D population with suboptimal HbA1c, initiating V-Go therapy in a real-world setting significantly improved glycemic control and led to significant insulin dose reductions. ClinicalTrial.gov registry identifier: NCT01326598.

Nimodipine pharmacokinetics after intraventricular injection of sustained-release nimodipine for subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure the concentration of nimodipine in CSF and plasma after intraventricular injection of a sustained-release formulation of nimodipine (EG-1962) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: Patients with SAH repaired by clip placement or coil embolization were randomized to EG-1962 or oral nimodipine. Patients were classified as grade 2-4 on the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grading scale for SAH and had an external ventricular drain inserted as part of their standard of care. Cohorts of 12 patients received 100-1200 mg of EG-1962 as a single intraventricular injection (9 per cohort) or they remained on oral nimodipine (3 per cohort). Plasma and CSF were collected from each patient for measurement of nimodipine concentrations and calculation of maximum plasma and CSF concentration, area under the concentration-time curve from day 0 to 14, and steady-state concentration. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients in North America were randomized to EG-1962 and 18 to oral nimodipine. Plasma concentrations increased with escalating doses of EG-1962, remained stable for 14 to 21 days, and were detectable at day 30. Plasma concentrations in the oral nimodipine group were more variable than for EG-1962 and were approximately equal to those occurring at the EG-1962 800-mg dose. CSF concentrations of nimodipine in the EG-1962 groups were 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than in the oral nimodipine group, in which nimodipine was only detected at low concentrations in 10% (21/213) of samples. In the EG-1962 groups, CSF nimodipine concentrations were 1000 times higher than plasma concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma concentrations of nimodipine similar to those achieved with oral nimodipine and lasting for 21 days could be achieved after a single intraventricular injection of EG-1962. The CSF concentrations from EG-1962, however, were at least 2 orders of magnitude higher than those with oral nimodipine. These results supported a phase 3 study that demonstrated a favorable safety profile for EG-1962 but yielded inconclusive efficacy results due to notable differences in clinical outcome based on baseline disease severity.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01893190 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

A Pragmatic Clinical Trial to Compare the Real-World Effectiveness of V-Go versus Standard Delivery of Insulin in Patients with Advanced Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not have adequate glycemic control, leading to poor patient outcomes and high healthcare costs. OBJECTIVE: This prospective pragmatic clinical trial evaluated V-Go, a wearable insulin delivery device, compared with standard treatment optimization (STO) among insulin-treated patients with T2DM in a real-world, community-based practice setting. METHODS: Study sites, rather than individual patients, were randomized to V-Go or STO via cluster randomization. Patients were treated according to routine clinical practice and followed up to 4 months. T2DM medications and supplies were purchased utilizing usual insurance and co-pay systems. The primary analysis was an unadjusted treatment group comparison of glycosylated hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) change from baseline to end of study (EOS). A cost of therapy analysis was completed on patients who had received comparable baseline T2DM treatment with multiple daily basal-bolus insulin injections (MDI). RESULTS: Analysis included 415 patients (169 V-Go, 246 STO) enrolled from 52 US sites. Mean baseline HbA1c (9.6%) was higher in V-Go (9.9%, range 8.0% - 14.2%) than STO (9.3%, range 7.9% - 13.9%, p <.001). HbA1c decreased from baseline to EOS in both V-Go (-1.0%, p<.001) and STO (-0.5%, p<.001); V-Go had significantly larger decrease (p=.002). V-Go had a significant reduction (p<.001) in mean insulin total daily dose (TDD; 0.76 U/kg baseline, 0.57 U/kg EOS), not seen in STO (0.72 U/kg baseline and EOS). The MDI group included 95 (56.2%) V-Go and 113 STO (45.9%) patients. Mean baseline HbA1c was significantly higher in V-Go (9.9%) than STO (9.4%). V-Go also experienced larger decrease in HbA1c from baseline (-1.0%) than STO (-0.36%) (p=.006) with a decrease in TDD, while STO TDD remained unchanged. EOS mean per patient per day cost of diabetes treatment was lower for V-Go ($30.59) vs STO ($32.20) (p=.006). V-Go was more cost effective than STO ($24.02 per 1% drop in HbA1c vs $58.86, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This pragmatic clinical trial demonstrated improved HbA1c levels, lower cost, and decreased insulin dose in patients with T2DM initiating V-Go vs STO in a real-world community-based practice setting. Observed baseline HbAlc indicated use of V-Go in more difficult to manage diabetes patients.

Control of Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes by 24-Hour Fixed-Dose Coadministration of Pramlintide and Regular Human Insulin: A Randomized, Two-Way Crossover Study.

OBJECTIVE: Healthy pancreatic ß-cells secrete the hormones insulin and amylin in a fixed ratio. Both hormones are lacking in type 1 diabetes, and postprandial glucose control using insulin therapy alone is difficult. This study tested the pharmacodynamic effects of the amylin analog pramlintide and insulin delivered in a fixed ratio over a 24-h period. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with type 1 diabetes were stabilized on insulin pump therapy with insulin lispro before a randomized, single-masked, two-way crossover, 24-h inpatient study in which regular human insulin was administered with pramlintide or placebo using separate infusion pumps in a fixed ratio (9 µg/unit). Meal content and timing and patient-specific insulin doses were the same with each treatment. The primary outcome measure was change in mean glucose by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Profiles of laboratory-measured glucose, insulin, glucagon, and triglycerides were also compared. RESULTS: Mean 24-h glucose measured by CGM was lower with pramlintide versus placebo (8.5 vs. 9.7 mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.012) due to a marked reduction of postprandial increments. Glycemic variability was reduced, and postprandial glucagon and triglycerides were also lower with pramlintide versus placebo. Gastrointestinal side effects were more frequent during use of pramlintide; no major hypoglycemic events occurred with pramlintide or placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Coadministration of fixed-ratio pramlintide and regular human insulin for 24 h improved postprandial hyperglycemia and glycemic variability in patients with type 1 diabetes. Longer studies including dose titration under daily conditions are needed to determine whether this regimen could provide long-term improvement of glycemic control.

Effects of Dapagliflozin on 24-Hour Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and measures of short-term glycemia do not fully capture daily patterns in plasma glucose dynamics. This study evaluated 24-h glycemic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiated on dapagliflozin treatment using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). METHODS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter parallel-design 4-week study compared dapagliflozin (10 mg/d; n = 50) with placebo (n = 50) in adult patients with T2D uncontrolled (HbA1c 7.5%-10.5%) on either stable doses of metformin monotherapy (≥1500 mg/d) or insulin (≥30 U/d with or without up to two oral antidiabetes drugs). CGM was used to measure 24-h glycemic profiles for 7 days pretreatment and during week 4 of treatment. The primary outcome was change from baseline in 24-h mean glucose (MG) at week 4. RESULTS: The 24-h MG decreased 18.2 mg/dL with dapagliflozin and increased 5.8 mg/dL with placebo (P < 0.001). The proportion of time spent in the target glucose range (70-180 mg/dL) increased significantly with dapagliflozin versus placebo (69.6% vs. 52.9%; P < 0.001), with a small (0.3%) increase in time spent in the hypoglycemic range (<70 mg/dL), driven by those on background insulin therapy. Dapagliflozin reduced postprandial glucose and significantly decreased overall glucose variability. Few events of symptomatic hypoglycemia occurred. The most common adverse event was urinary tract infection (6% in each treatment arm). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin improved measures of glycemic control and variability as assessed by CGM. Glycemic improvements were more pronounced in the group on background metformin than those receiving basal insulin.

Design and Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Low-Glucose Prediction Algorithm with Mini-Dose Stable Glucagon Delivery in Post-Bariatric Hypoglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) is a complication of bariatric surgery with limited therapeutic options. We developed an event-based system to predict and detect hypoglycemia based on continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data and recommend delivery of minidose liquid glucagon. METHODS: We performed an iterative development clinical study employing a novel glucagon delivery system: a Dexcom CGM connected to a Windows tablet running a hypoglycemia prediction algorithm and an Omnipod pump filled with an investigational stable liquid glucagon formulation. Meal tolerance testing was performed in seven participants with PBH and history of neuroglycopenia. Glucagon was administered when hypoglycemia was predicted. Primary outcome measures included the safety and feasibility of this system to predict and prevent severe hypoglycemia. Secondary outcomes included hypoglycemia prediction by the prediction algorithm, minimization of time below hypoglycemia threshold using glucagon, and prevention of rebound hyperglycemia. RESULTS: The hypoglycemia prediction algorithm alerted for impending hypoglycemia in the postmeal state, prompting delivery of glucagon (150 µg). After observations of initial incomplete efficacy to prevent hypoglycemia in the first two participants, system modifications were implemented: addition of PBH-specific detection algorithm, increased glucagon dose (300 µg), and a second glucagon dose if needed. These modifications, together with rescue carbohydrates provided to some participants, contributed to progressive improvements in glucose time above the hypoglycemia threshold (75 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results indicate that our event-based automatic monitoring algorithm successfully predicted likely hypoglycemia. Minidose glucagon therapy was well tolerated, without prolonged or severe hypoglycemia, and without rebound hyperglycemia.

Exenatide once weekly improved 24-hour glucose control and reduced glycaemic variability in metformin-treated participants with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

AIM: To assess the effects of once-weekly exenatide on 24-hour glucose control and variability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized metformin-treated adults with type 2 diabetes to once-weekly exenatide 2.0 mg or placebo. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was performed at baseline and weeks 4 and 10. The primary outcome was change in CGM-measured 24-hour mean glucose level. RESULTS: In the once-weekly exenatide (n = 60) and placebo (n = 56) groups (modified intention-to-treat population), the baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations were 8.2% and 8.0%, respectively, and the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentration was 9.86 and 9.32 mmol/L, respectively. Once-weekly exenatide significantly (p < 0.001) reduced 24-hour mean glucose level versus placebo (week 4, -1.44 vs -0.29 mmol/L; week 10, -1.71 vs -0.17 mmol/L), with consistent control throughout the week. Once-weekly exenatide significantly reduced FPG and 2-hour postprandial glucose (PPG) levels versus placebo at week 4 (FPG, -1.65 vs -0.11 mmol/L; PPG, -1.79 vs -0.11 mmol/L) and week 10 (FPG, -2.32 vs -0.28 mmol/L; PPG, -2.46 vs -0.33 mmol/L). At week 10, once-weekly exenatide reduced the mean amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE; -0.84 vs 0.16 mmol/L) and standard deviation (s.d.) of mean glucose (-0.35 vs 0.04 mmol/L). By week 10, once-weekly exenatide-treated participants spent more time in euglycaemia (once-weekly exenatide, 77% vs placebo, 58%), less time in hyperglycaemia (22% vs 42%), and a similar time in hypoglycaemia (0.7% vs 0.3%). Common adverse events were injection-site nodule (once-weekly exenatide, 10.0% vs placebo, 0.0%), urinary tract infection (6.7% vs 8.9%) and nausea (6.7% vs 0.0%). CONCLUSIONS: In metformin-treated participants with type 2 diabetes, once-weekly exenatide significantly improved daily glucose control and reduced glycaemic variability at weeks 4 and 10, as shown by reductions in 24-hour glucose, FPG and PPG levels, MAGE and s.d., and increased time spent in euglycaemia.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Study of Liquid Stable Glucagon Versus Lyophilized Glucagon in Type 1 Diabetes Subjects.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no stable liquid form of glucagon commercially available. The aim of this study is to assess the speed of absorption and onset of action of G-Pump™ glucagon at 3 doses as compared to GlucaGen®, all delivered subcutaneously via an OmniPod®. METHODS: Nineteen adult subjects with type 1 diabetes participated in this Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, cross-over, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study. Subjects were given 0.3, 1.2, and 2.0 µg/kg each of G-Pump glucagon and GlucaGen via an OmniPod. RESULTS: G-Pump glucagon effectively increased blood glucose levels in a dose-dependent fashion with a glucose Cmax of 183, 200, and 210 mg/dL at doses of 0.3, 1.2, and 2.0 µg/kg, respectively (P = ns vs GlucaGen). Mean increases in blood glucose from baseline were 29.2, 52.9, and 77.7 mg/dL for G-Pump doses of 0.3, 1.2, and 2.0 µg/kg, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between treatments in the glucose T50%-early or glucagon T50%-early with one exception. The glucagon T50%-early was greater following G-Pump treatment at the 2.0 µg/kg dose (13.9 ± 4.7 min) compared with GlucaGen treatment at the 2.0 µg/kg dose (11.0 ± 3.1 min, P = .018). There was more pain and erythema at the infusion site with G-Pump as compared to GlucaGen. No serious adverse events were reported, and no unexpected safety issues were observed. CONCLUSIONS: G-Pump glucagon is a novel, stable glucagon formulation with similar PK/PD properties as GlucaGen, but was associated with more pain and infusion site reactions as the dose increased, as compared to GlucaGen.

NEWTON: Nimodipine Microparticles to Enhance Recovery While Reducing Toxicity After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. EG-1962 is a sustained-release microparticle formulation of nimodipine that has shown preclinical efficacy when administered intraventricularly or intracisternally to dogs with SAH, without evidence of toxicity at doses in the anticipated therapeutic range. Thus, we propose to administer EG-1962 to humans in order to assess safety and tolerability and determine a dose to investigate efficacy in subsequent clinical studies. METHODS: We describe a Phase 1/2a multicenter, controlled, randomized, open-label, dose escalation study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and assess the safety and tolerability of EG-1962 in patients with aSAH. The study will comprise two parts: a dose escalation period (Part 1) to determine the MTD of EG-1962 and a treatment period (Part 2) to assess the safety and tolerability of the selected dose of EG-1962. Patients with a ruptured saccular aneurysm treated by neurosurgical clipping or endovascular coiling will be considered for enrollment. Patients will be randomized to receive either EG-1962 (study drug: nimodipine microparticles) or oral nimodipine in the approved dose regimen (active control) within 60 h of aSAH. RESULTS: Primary objectives are to determine the MTD and the safety and tolerability of the selected dose of intraventricular EG-1962 as compared to enteral nimodipine. The secondary objective is to determine release and distribution by measuring plasma and CSF concentrations of nimodipine. Exploratory objectives are to determine the incidence of delayed cerebral infarction on computed tomography, clinical features of delayed cerebral ischemia, angiographic vasospasm, and incidence of rescue therapy and clinical outcome. Clinical outcome will be determined at 90 days after aSAH using the extended Glasgow outcome scale, modified Rankin scale, Montreal cognitive assessment, telephone interview of cognitive status, and Barthel index. CONCLUSION: Here, we describe a Phase 1/2a multicenter, controlled, randomized, open-label, dose escalation study to determine the MTD and assess the safety and tolerability of EG-1962 in patients with aSAH.

Efficacy and safety of ETC-1002, a novel investigational low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol-lowering therapy for the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: 8-Hydroxy-2,2,14,14-tetramethylpentadecanedioic acid (ETC-1002) is a small molecule with a unique mechanism of action shown in nonclinical studies to modulate pathways of cholesterol, fatty acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. In previous phase 2 clinical trials, once daily oral treatment with ETC-1002 significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia. In this trial, the lipid-lowering efficacy of ETC-1002 was evaluated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. Additional cardiometabolic biomarkers, including glycemic measures, were also assessed. APPROACH AND RESULTS: A single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and elevated low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Patients discontinued all diabetes mellitus and lipid-regulating drugs and were randomized to receive ETC-1002 80 mg QD for 2 weeks followed by 120 mg QD for 2 weeks or placebo for 4 weeks. ETC-1002 lowered low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels by 43±2.6% (least squares mean±SE), compared with a reduction of 4±2.5% by placebo at day 29 (P<0.0001; primary end point). Non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and total cholesterol were also significantly lowered by ETC-1002 compared with placebo (P<0.0001). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was reduced by 41% (median) compared with a placebo reduction of 11% (P=0.0011). No clinically meaningful safety findings were observed. CONCLUSIONS: ETC-1002 lowered low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and other lipids and demonstrated improvement in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia without worsening glycemic control. ETC-1002 was well tolerated in this population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT# 01607294.

TheV-Go insulin delivery device used in clinical practice: patient perception and retrospective analysis of glycemic control.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patient perceptions regarding their experience and to report findings in a retrospective analysis of glycemic control in a cohort of patients who used the V-Go, a mechanical, 24-hour disposable, subcutaneous continuous insulin delivery device that delivers a preset basal infusion rate and on-demand insulin. METHODS: Patients used the V-Go and answered telephone surveys about their perception of device use. Corresponding clinical data were retrospectively collected before V-Go initiation, after 12 weeks of use, at the end of treatment, and 12 weeks after discontinuation. Analyses were performed with nonparametric statistical tests. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients participated. Mean values of the following characteristics were documented: patient age, 61 years; body mass index, 30 kg/m2; diabetes duration, 16 years; duration of insulin therapy, 7 years; average duration of V-Go use, 194 days; and mean total daily insulin dose, 50 U at baseline, 46 U while on V-Go, and 51 U after stopping V-Go treatment. Mean patient rating of the overall experience was 9.1 at 12 weeks on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being most positive). Mean hemoglobin A1c value decreased from baseline (8.8% to 7.6%; [P = .005]) while using the V-Go, and it increased to 8.2% after treatment. Fasting plasma glucose trended from 205 mg/dL at baseline to 135 mg/dL while using V-Go and increased to 164 mg/dL after V-Go was stopped. Weight was essentially unchanged. No differences in hypoglycemic events were found; site reactions were minor. CONCLUSION: Glycemic control improved when patients were switched to the V-Go for insulin delivery, and it deteriorated when the V-Go was discontinued.

Does glycemic variability impact mood and quality of life?

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Poor glycemic control is associated with more diabetes complications, depression, and worse quality of life. The impact of glycemic variability on mood and quality of life has not been studied. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory design was used. Twenty-three women with type 2 diabetes wore a continuous glucose monitoring system for 72 h and completed a series of questionnaires. Measurements included (1) glycemic control shown by glycated hemoglobin and 24-h mean glucose, (2) glycemic variability shown by 24-h SD of the glucose readings, continuous overall net glycemic action (CONGA), and Fourier statistical models to generate smoothed curves to assess rate of change defined as "energy," and (3) mood (depression, anxiety, anger) and quality of life by questionnaires. RESULTS: Women with diabetes and co-morbid depression had higher anxiety, more anger, and lower quality of life than those without depression. Certain glycemic variability measures were associated with mood and quality of life. The 24-h SD of the glucose readings and the CONGA measures were significantly associated with health-related quality of life after adjusting for age and weight. Fourier models indicated that certain energy components were significantly associated with depression, trait anxiety, and overall quality of life. Finally, subjects with higher trait anxiety tended to have steeper glucose excursions. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that greater glycemic variability may be associated with lower quality of life and negative moods. Implications include replication of the study in a larger sample for the assessment of blood glucose fluctuations as they impact mood and quality of life.

Enhanced absorption of Nasulin™, an ultrarapid-acting intranasal insulin formulation, using single nostril administration in normal subjects.

BACKGROUND: This pharmacokinetic (PK) study was designed to investigate the maximum intranasal insulin dose that could be achieved by repeated doses in a single nostril of a nasal spray of recombinant regular human insulin 1% in combination with cyclopentadecalactone (CPE-215) 2%, a compound that enhances absorption of molecules across mucous membranes (Nasulin™, CPEX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). METHOD: A nine-period crossover study of 8 healthy, nonsmoking subjects (ages 18-50, body mass index <33 kg/m², weight >70 kg) were studied. In a fasted state, subjects were randomly given 25, 50, and 75 U in a single nostril on the first day and randomly given 50, 75, and 100 U doses utilizing both nostrils on two subsequent days. After a 45-minute PK assessment, subjects were given a meal. To determine the mechanism of enhanced absorption in a single nostril, a second study utilizing 24 subjects under similar conditions received 25 U, placebo (P) that included CPE-215 plus 25 U, and 50 U in a single nostril. RESULTS: Single nostril administration revealed enhanced absorption with maximum concentrations (C(max)) of 13, 65, and 96 µU/ml for the 25, 50, and 75 U doses, respectively. Dual nostril administration in two cohorts resulted in C(max) of 31/42, 65/52, and 88/79 µU/ml for the 50, 75, and 100 U, respectively. In the second cohort, C(max) was 23, 19, 56 µU/ml for the 25, P + 25, and 50 U doses, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated dosing in a single nostril resulted in enhanced absorption; this was not due to the increased CPE-215 but to the increased insulin administered.

Comparison pharmacokinetics of two concentrations (0.7% and 1.0%) of Nasulin, an ultra-rapid-acting intranasal insulin formulation.

BACKGROUND: This pharmacokinetic (PK) study was designed to characterize the dose response of two concentrations (0.7% and 1%) of a nasal spray of recombinant regular human insulin in combination with cyclopentadecalactone (CPE-215), a compound that enhances absorption of molecules across mucous membranes (Nasulin, CPEX Pharmaceuticals). Nasulin has been effective in lowering blood glucose in both normal subjects and diabetes patients, and additional dosing options would allow greater titration flexibility. METHOD: A five-period crossover study of 24 healthy, nonsmoking subjects (ages 18-50, basal metabolic index <33 kg/m(2), weight >70 kg) were studied. Subjects were in a fasted state for 5 h before and 45 min after administration for PK assessment and were then given a meal. Each spray contained 100 microl. Doses tested were 25, 35, 50, 70, and 100 U. Maximum concentration (C(max)) and area under the curve (AUC) were estimated for each dose group. Glucose measurements were also performed. RESULTS: A dose response (slope of the natural log response versus dose) was demonstrated by baseline-adjusted C(max) of 22, 27, 56, 62, and 84 microU/ml for the 25, 35, 50, 70, and 100 U doses (p < .0001), respectively, and by baseline-adjusted AUC((0-45 min)) values of 491, 592, 1231, 1310, and 1894 microU/ml/min (p < .0001). Glucose AUC((0-45 min)) determinations also demonstrated a pharmacodynamic (PD) dose response. CONCLUSIONS: Proportional and linear dose responses for both PK and PD parameters were demonstrated for the two concentrations, making multiple doses available for clinical development.

Reconsideration of severe hypoglycemic events in the treat-to-target trial.

OBJECTIVE: This article reevaluates the hypoglycemic episodes reported as severe in the Treat-to-Target Trial comparing insulin glargine and NPH insulin use in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Case report forms from the Treat-to-Target Trial were reviewed to identify additional severe hypoglycemic events and to further characterize those events already identified. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as symptoms consistent with hypoglycemia requiring assistance of another person and associated with either glucose levels < or =56 mg/dL or prompt recovery after oral carbohydrate intake, intravenous glucose administration, or glucagon injection. RESULTS: This analysis confirmed that severe hypoglycemia was similarly uncommon with both insulins (insulin glargine [n = 367], nine patients, 14 events; NPH insulin [n = 389], nine patients, 13 events); all hypoglycemic events for glargine and nine for NPH were treated effectively at home. All severe hypoglycemic episodes were associated with sulfonylurea use. A review of case report forms demonstrated inconsistencies in identification of severe hypoglycemia (seven of 14 severe events for glargine and three of 13 severe events for NPH were coded as moderate). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of severe hypoglycemia in this trial was low. Difficulties in gathering and interpreting hypoglycemia data highlight the need for more objective methods.

Lower severe hypoglycemia risk: insulin glargine versus NPH insulin in type 2 diabetes.

Hypoglycemia is a common consequence of achieving tight glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes, with clinical effects ranging from occasional mild discomfort to incapacitation, coma, or in rare cases, death. Severe hypoglycemic events, particularly those resulting in emergency medical intervention or hospitalization, incur substantial medical costs for patients and the healthcare system. Although vigilance is needed for the possibility of severe events, hypoglycemia need not be a barrier to effective glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Data from clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that the basal insulin analog insulin glargine results in a reduced rate of severe hypoglycemic events compared with conventional insulin therapy such as neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin. Overall, use of insulin glargine compared with NPH insulin appears to reduce the risk of nocturnal and severe hypoglycemia by 40% to 60% and may result in cost savings. Analyses of hypoglycemia rates from "real-world" clinical practice databases and retrospective analyses of medical claims data also have revealed reduced rates with insulin glargine, consistent with the findings from clinical trials.

Basal-prandial insulin delivery in type 2 diabetes mellitus via the V-Go: a novel continuous subcutaneous infusion device.

BACKGROUND: The V-Go is a once-daily disposable device that allows coverage of basal and prandial insulin requirements over a period of 24 hours. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the clinical functionality, safety, and pharmacodynamics of the V-Go delivering insulin aspart and redistributing a single basal dose of insulin glargine as a constant basal infusion supplemented with prandial insulin in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: In six subjects receiving once-daily subcutaneous (SC) injections of insulin glargine (> or =15 U/day) with or without concomitant oral antidiabetic drugs, glargine was discontinued following a 3-day baseline phase. The V-Go was then applied to the lower abdomen of the subjects once daily for 7 days (days 1-3 inpatient, days 4-7 outpatient). Each V-Go provided a continuous 24-hour preset basal infusion rate of insulin aspart (0.6 U/h) and up to three daily prandial doses at mealtimes. Capillary blood glucose concentrations were measured at 11 time points per day during the baseline and inpatient phases and at 4 time points per day during the outpatient phase. Additionally, glucose profiles were measured continuously on all days. RESULTS: The V-Go was well tolerated and operated as anticipated. The mean +/- SEM prestudy daily dose of SC insulin glargine was 33.3 +/- 13.8 U; the mean daily total insulin aspart dose infused with the V-Go was 31.5 +/- 7.5 and 32.3 +/- 7.8 U for the inpatient and outpatient periods, respectively. Fasting blood glucose values were similar to those observed at baseline throughout the study, with nonsignificant (NS) reductions in readings collected during the outpatient phase before lunch (-35 +/- 27 mg/dl) and before dinner (-38 +/- 25 mg/dl). The 2-hour postprandial glucose trended lower from 231 to 195 mg/dl (NS) at breakfast, 234 to 166 mg/dl (NS) at lunch, and 222 to 171 mg/dl (NS) at dinner. Bedtime blood glucose decreased (mean change from baseline -52 +/- 21 mg/dl; P = 0.0313), as did nighttime (3:00 AM) measurements (-20 +/- 9 mg/dl; P = 0.0313). Overall glycemic control tended to improve, as shown by continuous glucose monitoring changing from 173 to 157 mg/dl (P = 0.063, NS) and 156 mg/dl (P = 0.219) during inpatient and outpatient periods, respectively. Glycemic variability assessed by the M value similarly tended to decrease from 33 +/- 9 to 25 +/- 4 (NS) and 21 +/- 4 (NS) for inpatient and outpatient periods, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These first data suggest that use of the V-Go is an attractive alternative to SC insulin injection therapy because metabolic control appears to be maintained or even improved without increasing daily insulin doses.