Is insomnia severity a moderator of the associations between obstructive sleep apnea severity with mood and diabetes-related distress?

PURPOSE: This study examined insomnia severity as a moderator of the associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity with impaired mood and diabetes-related distress in adults with OSA and type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: This secondary analysis used pooled baseline data from two randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of treatment of OSA or insomnia in adults with T2D. Participants for this analysis had OSA (Apnea Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥ five events/hour obtained from an in-home sleep apnea testing device) and completed questionnaires on insomnia, mood, and diabetes-related distress. Hierarchical multiple linear regression and multivariate linear regression analyses were used controlling for demographic characteristics and restless leg syndrome. RESULTS: Of 240 participants, mean age was 57.8 ± 10.17, 50% were female, and 35% were non-White. Participants had poorly controlled diabetes (Mean HbA1C = 7.93 ± 1.62), and moderate OSA (Mean AHI = 19.3 ± 16.2). Insomnia severity significantly moderated the association between OSA severity and mood (b = -0.048, p = .017). Although insomnia severity did not moderate the relationship between OSA severity and diabetes-related distress (b = -0.009, p = .458), insomnia severity was independently associated with greater diabetes-related distress (b = 1.133, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In adults with T2D and OSA, as insomnia severity increased, increasing OSA severity was associated with lower level of mood disturbances. Insomnia independently increased the level of diabetes-related distress. These findings suggest that comorbid insomnia may be more impactful than OSA on increasing mood disturbances and diabetes-related distress in adults with T2D.

Insulin Pump-Associated Adverse Events: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Clinical Consequences and Potential Root Causes.

Objective: To explore the clinical consequences and potential root causes of insulin pump-associated adverse events (AEs) reported in the Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. Research Design and Methods: Qualitative template analysis of narrative data in a 20% stratified random sample (n = 2429) of reported AEs that occurred during the first 6 months of 2020 involving five insulin pump models marketed at that time: (1) MiniMed™ 670G, (2) MiniMed™ 630G, (3) Omnipod®, (4) Omnipod DASH®, and (5) t:slim X2™. Results: Of the 2429 AEs, 92% included a clinical consequence in the narrative description, with critical hyperglycemia (i.e., blood glucose [BG] >400 mg/dL; 47%) and critical hypoglycemia (i.e., BG <54 mg/dL; 24%) being the most common consequence cited. Only 50% of the AE narratives included information to support the identification of a root cause. The most cited root cause informing remarks were issues with the pump or pod reservoir/cartridge (9%), the occurrence of an obstruction of flow alarm (8%), and problems with the infusion set or site (8%). Some clinical consequences and root cause informing remarks were cited more frequently in AE narratives involving specific insulin pump models, but manufacturer variability in the amount and type of information reported may have affected these findings. Conclusions: Our findings show general themes found in insulin pump-associated AE that providers can use to raise patient awareness of potential risks associated with insulin pump use and develop strategies to prevent future AEs. Improvements in AE investigation and reporting processes are still necessary.

Current and Emerging Trends in Diabetes Care and Education: 2021 National Practice and Workforce Survey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the National Practice Survey is to understand current trends related to the diabetes care and education specialist's integration into the full care team beyond formal diabetes self-management education and support services. METHODS: The 2021 National Practice Survey (NPS2021) contained 61 questions for all respondents with an additional 56 questions pertaining to specific diabetes care and education segments. An anonymous survey was administered online to respondents who are diabetes care and education specialists or a part of the diabetes care team. Email lists were obtained from the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) and the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE). Approximately 39,258 emails were sent, and 3357 were undeliverable, with 3797 surveys completed between February 9 to April 6, 2021, resulting in an 11% response rate. The response rate may have been affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. RESULTS: Diabetes care and education specialists represent an interprofessional specialty of nurses, dietitians, physicians, pharmacists, health educators, and others. Many respondents reported holding either certification as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) or being Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM). In addition, there appears to be a slight increase in those trained as a Lifestyle Coach to provide the National Diabetes Prevention Program (CDC Recognized National DPP) compared to NPS2017. Most respondents reported being Caucasian/White (84%), followed by Hispanic or Latinx (7%) and African American/Black and Asian/Asian American (at 4% each), like in previous surveys. Respondents reported diverse care delivery models, including traditional and nontraditional services, and expanded models of care such as population health/risk stratification models, the Chronic Care Model, Accountable Care Organizations, managed care, and others. CONCLUSION: The NPS2021 describes DCES workforce opportunities and challenges. Identifying and addressing those that impact the specialty's sustainability, diversity, and growth will guide strategies for the future workforce and their practice settings. Opportunities identified include embracing diabetes community care coordinators for person-centered delivery of care and education services and supporting frontline health care team members to increase competence and expertise in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, diabetes care, and education/support for related chronic diseases. In addition, as health care evolves, it creates opportunities for the DCESs to demonstrate a broader, key role as part of the diabetes care team.

Effects of an integrated mindfulness intervention for veterans with diabetes distress: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: US military veterans have disproportionately high rates of diabetes and diabetes-related morbidity in addition to being at risk of comorbid stress-related conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of a technology-supported mindfulness intervention integrated into usual diabetes care and education on psychological and biobehavioral outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Veterans (N=132) with type 1 or 2 diabetes participated in this two-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial. The intervention arm received a one-session mindfulness intervention integrated into a pre-existing program of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) plus one booster session and 24 weeks of home practice supported by a mobile application. The control arm received one 3-hour comprehensive DSMES group session. The primary outcome was change in diabetes distress (DD). The secondary outcomes were diabetes self-care behaviors, diabetes self-efficacy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, mindfulness, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), body weight, and blood pressure. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Participant satisfaction and engagement in home practice were assessed in the intervention group at 12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat group by time analyses showed a statistically significant improvement in DD in both arms without significant intervention effect from baseline to 24 weeks. Examination of distal effects on DD between weeks 12 and 24 showed significantly greater improvement in the intervention arm. Improvement in DD was greater when baseline HbA1C was <8.5%. A significant intervention effect was also shown for general dietary behaviors. The secondary outcomes diabetes self-efficacy, PTSD, depression, and HbA1C significantly improved in both arms without significant intervention effects. Mindfulness and body weight were unchanged in either group. CONCLUSIONS: A technology-supported mindfulness intervention integrated with DSMES showed stronger distal effects on DD compared with DSMES control. Examination of longer-term outcomes, underlying mechanisms, and the feasibility of virtual delivery is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02928952.

Comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia and its associations with mood and diabetes-related distress in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Previous research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia frequently coexist and are prevalent in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study compared mood and diabetes-related distress among OSA, insomnia, and comorbid OSA and insomnia groups in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted with baseline data from 2 independent randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of OSA and insomnia treatment. The pooled sample (n = 224) included participants with OSA only (n = 68 [30.4%]), insomnia only (n = 107 [47.8%]), and OSA and insomnia (OSA+insomnia; n = 49 [21.9%]). OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h; insomnia was defined as an Insomnia Severity Index score ≥ 15. Mood was measured by the Profile of Mood States total and subscale scores; diabetes-related distress was assessed by the Problem Areas in Diabetes questionnaire. One-way analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of covariance were conducted, controlling for demographic characteristics and restless legs syndrome. RESULTS: The insomnia group had on average significantly higher scores for total mood disturbance (insomnia vs OSA = 45.32 vs 32.15, P = .049), tension-anxiety (insomnia vs OSA = 12.64 vs 9.47, P = .008), and confusion-bewilderment (insomnia vs OSA = 9.45 vs 7.46, P = .036) than the OSA group. The OSA+insomnia group had on average significantly greater diabetes-related distress than the OSA group (OSA+insomnia vs OSA = 40.61 vs 30.97, P = .036). CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia may have greater impact on mood disturbance and diabetes-related distress than OSA in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In particular, comorbid insomnia may contribute to greater diabetes-related distress in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus and OSA. CITATION: Jeon B, Luyster FS, Sereika SM, DiNardo MM, Callan JA, Chasens ER. Comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia and its associations with mood and diabetes-related distress in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(4):1103-1111.

Sleep and Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to the clustering of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, including central adiposity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. During the past 20 years, there have been parallel and epidemic increases in MetS and impaired sleep. This article describes evidence on the association between MetS and short sleep duration, circadian misalignment, insomnia, and sleep apnea. Potential mechanisms where impaired sleep desynchronizes and worsens metabolic control and interventions to improve sleep and potentially improve MetS are presented.

Veterans' Experiences With Diabetes: A Qualitative Analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore an understanding of the psychosocial-behavioral impact of diabetes self-management among veterans with diabetes. METHODS: Twenty-six veterans participated in 1 of 9 focus groups that were conducted following a group diabetes self-management education class and prior to a mindfulness intervention as part of a feasibility pilot study. Discussions were guided by open-ended questions that addressed the overarching research question, "How do attitudes and experiences with diabetes inform psychosocial-educational approaches to diabetes self-management education and care for veterans?" Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed. The data was then independently coded and thematically analyzed by 2 coders. RESULTS: Five main themes that reflect veterans' perceptions of their experiences with diabetes and diabetes self-management were identified: (1) distress and negative emotions, (2) social isolation, (3) perceived lack of control, (4) attitudes toward diabetes support, and (5) desire for information about stress, diabetes, health, and behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans experience emotional distress and have unmet psychosocial needs related to diabetes self-management. Insight gained from these veteran perspectives suggests a framework for integrating psycho-educational interventions like mindfulness into diabetes care that emphasize stress reduction, person-centered communication, and opportunities for peer support.

Age-Related Differences in Mood, Diabetes-Related Distress, and Functional Outcomes in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Insomnia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine age-related differences in mood, diabetes-related distress, and functional outcomes in activities sensitive to impaired sleep in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia. This study also evaluated the associations of age, insomnia severity, and OSA severity on outcome variables. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of pooled baseline data from 2 randomized controlled trials among adults with T2DM with symptoms of sleep disorders (N = 145,109 younger adults, 36 older adults; 46.2% male; 67.6% white). Comorbid OSA and insomnia was defined as Apnea-Hypopnea Index ≥5 events per hour and Insomnia Severity Index ≥10. Outcome variables included mood, diabetes-related distress, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Older adults reported better mood, lower diabetes-related distress, and higher functional outcomes relative to younger adults (all Ps < .05). Insomnia severity was associated with worse mood (b = 2.59, P < .001) and diabetes-related distress (b = 1.40, P < .001) and lower functional outcome (b = -0.22, P < .001). Older age was associated with lower diabetes-related distress (b = -0.44, P = .040). CONCLUSION: Older age was a protective factor of mood disturbance, diabetes-related distress, and functional impairment in adults with T2DM and comorbid OSA and insomnia. Insomnia severity was associated with greater mood disturbance, diabetes-related distress, and functional impairment when OSA and insomnia coexist. The results suggest that diabetes care and education specialists should assess patients for impaired sleep.

Alcohol brief intervention for hospitalized veterans with hazardous drinking: protocol for a 3-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial.

BACKGROUND: Various hospital accreditation and quality assurance entities in the United States have approved and endorsed performance measures promoting alcohol brief intervention (BI) for hospitalized individuals who screen positive for unhealthy alcohol use, the spectrum of use ranging from hazardous use to alcohol use disorders. These performance measures have been controversial due to the limited and equivocal evidence for the efficacy of BI among hospitalized individuals. The few BI trials conducted with hospital inpatients vary widely in methodological quality. While the majority of these studies indicate limited to no effects of BI in this population, none have been designed to account for the most pervasive methodological issue in BI studies presumed to drive study findings towards the null: assessment reactivity (AR). METHODS/DESIGN: This is a three-arm, single-site, randomized controlled trial of BI for hospitalized patients at a large academic medical center affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who use alcohol at hazardous levels but do not have an alcohol use disorder. Participants are randomized to one of three study conditions. Study Arm 1 receives a three-part alcohol BI. Study Arm 2 receives attention control. To account for potential AR, Study Arm 3 receives AC with limited assessment. Primary outcomes will include the number of standard drinks/week and binge drinking episodes reported in the 30-day period prior to a final measurement visit obtained 6 months after hospital discharge. Additional outcomes will include readiness to change drinking behavior and number of adverse consequences of alcohol use. To assess differences in primary outcomes across the three arms, we will use mixed-effects regression models that account for a patient's repeated measures over the timepoints and clustering within medical units. Intervention implementation will be assessed by: a) review of intervention audio recordings to characterize barriers to intervention fidelity; and b) feasibility of participant recruitment, enrollment, and follow-up. DISCUSSION: The results of this methodologically rigorous trial will provide greater justification for or against the use of BI performance measures in the inpatient setting and inform organizational responses to BI-related hospital accreditation and performance measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01602172.

Shorter sleep duration is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity in healthy white men.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Short sleep has been linked to increased risk for type 2 diabetes and incident cardiovascular disease and acute sleep restriction impairs insulin-mediated glucose disposal. Here, we examined whether indices of glucose metabolism vary with naturally occurring differences in sleep duration. DESIGN AND MEASURES: Subjects were midlife, nondiabetic community volunteers (N = 224; mean age 44.5 ± 6.6 y [range: 30-54]; 52% female; 89% white). Laboratory measures of insulin sensitivity (Si) and acute secretion (AIRg), glucose effectiveness (Sg), and disposition index (Di) were obtained from a 180-min, intravenous glucose tolerance test. RESULTS: Shorter self-reported sleep duration (in hours) was associated with lower Si (P = 0.043), although an interaction of sleep duration with participant race (ß = -0.81, P = 0.002) showed this association significant only in whites. Moreover, sex-stratified analyses revealed that shorter sleep duration predicted lower Si in white men (ß = 0.29, P = 0.003) but not in white women (P = 0.22). Findings were similar for AIRg. The relationship between sleep duration and AIRg was moderated by race as well as sex, such that shorter sleep duration associated with greater insulin release only in white men (ß = -0.28, P = 0.004). Sleep duration was unrelated to Sg and Di (P's > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that shorter sleep duration may impair insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in nondiabetic white men, possibly contributing to later type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Pilot trial of diabetes self-management education in the hospital setting.

AIMS: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is recommended for all patients with diabetes. Current estimates indicate that <50% of patients receive DSME, increasing risk for hospitalization which occurs more frequently with diabetes. Hospitalization presents opportunities to provide DSME, potentially decreasing readmissions. To address this, we investigated the feasibility of providing DSME to inpatients with diabetes. METHODS: Patients hospitalized on four medicine units were randomized to receive DSME (Education Group) (n=9) prescribed by a certified diabetes educator and delivered by a registered nurse, or Usual Care (n=12). Participants completed Diabetes Knowledge Tests (DKT), Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-36), Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ), and the DTSQ-inpatient (DTSQ-IP). Bedside capillary blood glucoses (CBG) on day of admission, randomization and discharge were compared. RESULTS: There were no group differences in demographics, diabetes treatment, admission CBG (186±93 mg/dL vs. 219±84 mg/dL, p=0.40), DKT scores (Education vs. Usual Care 48±25 vs. 68±19, p=0.09), SF-36, and DTSQ scores (28±6 vs. 25±7, p=0.41). Patients receiving education reported more satisfaction with inpatient treatment (83±13 vs. 65±19, p=0.03), less hyperglycemia prior to (2.7±4.5 vs. 4.5±1.4, p=0.03) and during hospitalization (3.9±1.9 vs. 5.5±1.2, p=0.04); and had lower mean discharge CBG (159±38 mg/dL vs. 211±67 mg/dL, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient diabetes education has potential to improve treatment satisfaction, and reduce CBG.

Complementary and alternative medicine in diabetes care.

Growing numbers of people with diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) while receiving conventional medical therapy as a means of managing disease and improving quality of life. Although herbal and natural products are the most commonly used forms of CAM, mind-body approaches are also gaining popularity and scientific interest. Current findings suggest that CAM may help to promote an integrative, participatory model of diabetes care that relies upon provider knowledge of evidence-based therapies and patient disclosure of CAM use. Emerging evidence of positive findings with some natural products and mind-body therapies have been reported in glycemic parameters, markers of cardiovascular risk, and quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes; however, further investigation in well-designed, adequately powered studies is needed before use of CAM modalities can be recommended as part of clinical care.

Effect of a targeted glycemic management program on provider response to inpatient hyperglycemia.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of implementation of a Targeted Glycemic Management (TGM) Service pilot, with the goals of improving clinician awareness of available inpatient glycemic management protocols and improving responsiveness to and frequency of severe hyperglycemia. METHODS: Patients with a blood glucose (BG) level ≥300 mg/dL who were hospitalized on a general medicine unit during three 12-week periods before, during, and after the TGM pilot were compared for responsiveness by the primary team, percentage of subsequent BG measurements between 80 and 180 mg/dL, and frequency of subsequent severe hyperglycemia (BG levels ≥300 mg/dL) and hypoglycemia (BG values <70 mg/dL). RESULTS: In comparison with pre-TGM and post-TGM periods, more patients during the TGM pilot had a modification of their glycemic regimen in response to severe hyperglycemia (49% versus 73% versus 50%, before, during, and after TGM, respectively; P = .044), and the percentage of patients with ≥50% of subsequent BG measurements in the desired range (27% versus 53% versus 32%; P = .035) was greatest during the TGM period. The incidence of subsequent severe hyperglycemia (20% versus 9% versus 16%; P = .0004) was lowest during the TGM period; however, the incidence of hypoglycemia was similar in all 3 periods (3.9% versus 3.7% versus 3.7%). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that a TGM Service can favorably influence glycemic management practices and improve glycemic control, but ongoing intervention is necessary for maintenance of these results.

Patient outcomes after implementation of a protocol for inpatient insulin pump therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and the results of use of an inpatient insulin pump protocol (IIPP). METHODS: In this quality improvement initiative, review of medical records of bedside capillary blood glucose (CBG) levels and pump-related adverse events was performed on 50 consecutive inpatients admitted to the hospital with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) after implementation of our IIPP. Patients were categorized in 3 groups on the basis of evidence in the medical records for IIPP in combination with inpatient diabetes service consultation (group 1; n = 34), for IIPP alone (group 2; n = 12), or for usual care (group 3; n = 4). Patients identified during hospital admission as using CSII therapy were invited to complete a satisfaction questionnaire for inpatient CSII use. RESULTS: Mean CBG levels were similar among the 3 groups (groups 1, 2, and 3: 173 +/- 43 mg/dL versus 187 +/- 62 mg/dL versus 218 +/- 46 mg/dL, respectively). Although there were more patient-days with blood glucose >300 mg/dL in group 3 (P = .02), there were no significant group differences in the frequency of hypoglycemia (CBG <70 mg/dL). Only 1 pump malfunction and 1 infusion site problem were reported among all study patients. No serious adverse events related to CSII therapy occurred. The majority of patients (86%) reported satisfaction with their ability to continue CSII use in the hospital. CONCLUSION: Patients using CSII as outpatients are candidates for inpatient diabetes self-management. Inexperience with these devices on the part of hospital personnel together with the limited studies of patient experience with CSII in the hospital contributes to inconsistencies in management of these patients. An IIPP provides a standardized and safe approach to the use of CSII in the hospital.

The importance of normoglycemia in critically ill patients.

Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in acutely ill patients with and without diabetes. One third of all patients admitted to tertiary care facilities have hyperglycemia, with approximately 12% having had no prior history of diabetes. Hyperglycemia adversely affects fluid balance, predisposes to infection, morbidity following acute cardiovascular events, and increases the risk for renal failure, polyneuropathy, and mortality in ICU patients. Because traditional thought suggests hypoglycemia presents a more serious risk to critically ill patients than does hyperglycemia, clinicians are often less than aggressive in treating blood glucoses under 200 mg/dl. Current research, however, demonstrates that even modest degrees of hyperglycemia are associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Safe implementation of normoglycemia in intensive care patients can be labor intensive and requires well-formulated treatment strategies and interdisciplinary support. Therefore, understanding the importance of intensive glucose control, being comfortable with current clinical treatment modalities, and having the necessary resources to provide this type of care, are vital to critical care nursing practice today.