Improvement of ß-Cell Function After Switching From DPP-4 Inhibitors to Oral Semaglutide: SWITCH-SEMA2 Post Hoc Analysis.

CONTEXT: Whether continuation of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) or switching to oral semaglutide is more beneficial for ß-cell function is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of switching from DPP-4is to oral semaglutide for ß-cell function compared with DPP-4i continuation. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of SWITCH-SEMA 2, a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial on the switch to oral semaglutide vs DPP-4i continuation without dose adjustment for 24 weeks in subjects with type 2 diabetes treated with DPP-4is, was conducted. Changes in markers for glucose metabolism, including homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2) scores and disposition index (DI), were compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 146 subjects (semaglutide group, 69; DPP-4i group, 77) were analyzed. In the semaglutide group, glycemic control, liver enzyme deviations, and lipid profiles improved after 24 weeks. Regarding indices for ß-cell function, changes in HOMA2-ß as well as DI, reflecting the ability of ß-cells to compensate for insulin resistance, were significantly higher in the semaglutide group compared with the DPP-4i group (mean change, +10.4 vs +0.6 in HOMA2-ß [P = .001] and +0.09 vs 0.0 in DI [P < .001]). Improvement in DI in the semaglutide group was correlated significantly to changes in body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, and fatty liver index reflecting liver steatosis. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that dose of semaglutide (≥ 7 mg/day), reduction in fatty liver index, and metformin nonuse were independently associated with improvement of DI. CONCLUSION: Switching to oral semaglutide ameliorated ß-cell function compared with DPP-4is, presumably via tissue-to-tissue crosstalk between liver and ß-cells.

Glycaemic control efficacy of switching from dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors to oral semaglutide in subjects with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre, prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparison study (SWITCH-SEMA 2 study).

AIM: To assess whether oral semaglutide provides better glycaemic control, compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) continuation, in people with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicentre, open-label, prospective, randomized, parallel-group comparison study, participants receiving DPP-4is were either switched to oral semaglutide (3-14 mg/day) or continued on DPP-4is. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) over 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included changes in metabolic parameters and biomarkers, along with the occurrence of adverse events. Factors associated with HbA1c improvement were also explored. RESULTS: In total, 174 eligible participants were enrolled; 17 dropped out of the study. Consequently, 82 participants in the DPP-4i group and 75 participants in the semaglutide group completed the study and were included in the analysis. Improvement in HbA1c at week 24 was significantly greater when switching to semaglutide compared with DPP-4i continuation [-0.65 (95% confidence interval: -0.79, -0.51) vs. +0.05 (95% confidence interval: -0.07, 0.16) (p < .001)]. Body weight, lipid profiles and liver enzymes were significantly improved in the semaglutide group than in the DPP-4i continuation group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline HbA1c and homeostasis model assessment 2-R were independently associated with HbA1c improvement after switching to semaglutide. Seven participants in the semaglutide group discontinued medication because of gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although the potential for gastrointestinal symptoms should be carefully considered, switching from DPP-4is to oral semaglutide may be beneficial for glycaemic control and metabolic abnormalities in people with higher HbA1c and insulin resistance.

Improvement of glycaemic control and treatment satisfaction by switching from liraglutide or dulaglutide to subcutaneous semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre, prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparison study (SWITCH-SEMA 1 study).

AIM: To investigate the effects of switching from liraglutide or dulaglutide to once-weekly semaglutide on glycaemic control and treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicentre, open-labelled, prospective, randomized, parallel-group comparison study, patients treated with liraglutide 0.9-1.8 mg/day (plan A) or dulaglutide 0.75 mg/week (plan B) were either switched to semaglutide or continued current therapy. The primary endpoint was the mean change in glycated haemoglobin over 24 weeks. The secondary endpoints included the changes of Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores, body weight and metabolic indices. RESULTS: In total, 110 patients were enrolled, and 10 were excluded; therefore, 37 patients in plan A and 63 patients in plan B completed the study. Glycated haemoglobin levels were significantly reduced in the semaglutide group in both plans [plan A, 7.8% ± 1.0% to 7.8% ± 0.7% (liraglutide) vs. 7.9% ± 0.7% to 7.3% ± 0.7% (semaglutide), p < .01; plan B, 7.8% ± 1.0% to 7.9% ± 1.2% (dulaglutide) vs. 7.8% ± 0.8% to 7.1% ± 0.6% (semaglutide), p < .01]. Semaglutide also improved Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores in both groups (plan A, +0.1 vs. +8.3, p < .01; plan B, -1.2 vs. +3.5, p < .01). Switching from dulaglutide yielded greater reductions in body weight and improved metabolic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Once-weekly semaglutide administration improved glycaemic control and treatment satisfaction after switching from liraglutide or dulaglutide. These results highlighted a useful treatment option for patients with metabolic abnormalities despite glucagon-like receptor-1 receptor agonist treatment.

Effects of pemafibrate on lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia: A multi-center prospective observational study, the PARM-T2D study.

AIMS: Pemafibrate, a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor modulator, was shown to ameliorate lipid abnormalities in a phase III clinical trial of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its efficacy has not been demonstrated in real-world clinical practice in patients with T2DM. METHODS: We performed a multi-center prospective observational study of the use of pemafibrate in patients with T2DM and hypertriglyceridemia versus conventional therapy, with or without a fibrate. The primary outcomes were the changes from baseline in fasting serum triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations at week 52. RESULTS: We recruited 650 patients, and data from 504 (252 per group) were analyzed after propensity score matching. In the pemafibrate group, both TG and HDL-C showed significant improvements (p < 0.001), and several indices reflecting TG-rich lipoproteins, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol particle size, and liver enzyme elevations were significantly ameliorated compared with the control group, but there was no difference in glycemic control markers. One of the key secondary endpoints showed that switching from conventional fibrates to pemafibrate improved eGFR but increased uric acid concentration. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with T2DM, pemafibrate has superior effects on lipid profile as well as liver and renal dysfunction to conventional fibrates.

Association between Obesity and Intake of Different Food Groups among Japanese with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study (JDDM68).

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between various food groups and obesity in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: 2070 patients with type 2 diabetes who attended 26 diabetes clinics throughout Japan were analyzed and were divided into obese and non-obese groups. Intakes of food groups determined by a food frequency questionnaire were compared. Odds ratios for obesity for quartiles of individual food groups were calculated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Non-obese patients consumed a larger variety of food groups than obese patients, with the diets of non-obese individuals closer to the traditional Japanese diet characterized by fish, seaweed, and soybeans/soy products. Among 21 food groups, low vegetable intake and high sweets intake were the most strongly associated with obesity in both men and women. Low intake of both fruits and vegetables and the combination of high intake of sweets and low intake of fruits were associated with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Food groups and their combinations that were strongly associated with obesity in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were identified. Our findings also suggested an inverse association between the traditional Japanese diet and obesity.

The renoprotective effect of once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide on progression of nephropathy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (JDDM67).

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Few studies have investigated the renoprotective effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study evaluated the effect of dulaglutide 0.75 mg on renal function in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD stage 3 to 4. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dulaglutide (group A) and non-dulaglutide (group B) were compared using data collected from a computerized diabetes care database. For group B, propensity score weighting based on propensity scores was performed. Evaluation items were a change from baseline in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body weight, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), for 3 years. RESULTS: In total, the data obtained from 255 patients (125 and 130 patients for group A and B, respectively) were analyzed. Propensity score-adjusted patient background characteristics (group A vs B) were age 70.8 vs 69.4 years, body weight 70.2 vs 72.9 kg, body mass index 27.3 vs 28.1 kg/m2 , HbA1c 8.4 vs 8.5%, eGFR 47.9 vs 47.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and UACR 218 vs 251 mg/gCr. Although there were no statistically significant differences in the change from baseline between groups A and B at most time points in eGFR, a statistically significant eGFR decline in group B was observed in slope analysis for 3 years. This renoprotective effect was marked in patients with macro-albuminuria and/or concomitant SGLT2 inhibitor use. CONCLUSIONS: Dulaglutide slowed the eGFR decline in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD stage 3 to 4.

Positive Pattern Recognition System Using Alanine Aminotransferase, Type IV Collagen 7s, and E Value (Liver Stiffness) for the Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Based on Natural History.

Introduction: The use of a simple diagnostic system for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) instead of a biopsy is expected. We investigated a positive pattern recognition system for the evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and the stages of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: A total of 68 Japanese patients with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD were enrolled. Serological biomarkers and medical imaging markers were investigated to determine candidate markers. The markers were statistically evaluated, and the patients were distributed to pattern combinations. Results: We selected three markers based on natural history and set the critical values: alanine aminotransferase/ALT (persistent ≧ 44 IU/L) as a marker for hepatitis, type IV collagen 7S (≧5.1 ng/mL) for fibrosis, and E value (≧5.5 kPa) for stiffness. After evaluation of statistical accuracies, every patient was classified into their combination patterns. Comparing the relationships between histological classifications and positive patterns, the patients with NAFL were mainly distributed in pattern (ALT, type IV collagen, E value: -, -, -), those with NASH stage 0-1 in (+, -, +), those with NASH stage 2-3 in (+, +, +), and those with NASH stage 4 in (-, +, +). Conclusions: The positive patters changed with the NAFL and NASH conditions. Our results indicated a correlation between the positive patterns using three markers and the histological results. The positive pattern recognition system based on natural history is useful for the differential diagnosis of NAFLD and for the evaluation of the severity of fibrosis in patients with NASH.

Effects of switching from a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor to oral semaglutide on glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes: protocol for a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, parallel-group comparison study (the SWITCH-SEMA 2 study).

INTRODUCTION: Incretin-based therapies exert antihyperglycaemic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a blood glucose concentration-dependent fashion. The first-in-class oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide has potent effects on glycaemic and weight control, but little evidence has been published for the superiority of semaglutide for glycaemic control in patients after switching from a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. Therefore, we aim to verify the efficacy of oral semaglutide in patients with T2D being treated with a DPP-4 inhibitor. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, parallel-group trial. In total, 172 participants with T2D who have been treated with a DPP-4 inhibitor for more than 12 weeks and who have a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 7.0%-9.9% will be randomised to continue using their existing DPP-4 inhibitor or switch to oral semaglutide for 24 weeks. Biochemical analyses and physical assessment will be performed, and adverse events will be recorded at baseline and at the end of the study. The primary endpoint will be the effect of oral semaglutide on the change in HbA1c. The secondary endpoints will be the mean changes in body weight, abdominal circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, the relationship between improvement of metabolic parameters including HbA1c and patient background characteristics, side effects and other laboratory parameters. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This will be the first study to compare the effects of switching from a DPP-4 inhibitor to oral semaglutide on glycaemic control in patients with T2D. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. Hokkaido University Certified Review Board (CRB no.1180001) has approved the protocol (no. 020-013). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000045270 in the University Hospital Medical Information Network; jRCT1011210032 in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials.

Higher Iron Intake Is Independently Associated with Obesity in Younger Japanese Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

We aimed to analyze the association between dietary iron intake and obesity assessed by BMI after adjustment for nutrient intake (macronutrients and fiber) and food groups. The study design was cross-sectional. Patients with type-2 diabetes (n = 1567; 63.1% males; mean age 62.3 ± 11.6 years) were included in the study. To assess diet, consumption of typical food groups was determined by a food frequency questionnaire. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. We performed a binary regression analysis between quartiles of iron intake and obesity by quartiles of age group. A direct linear association was found for the highest quartile of iron intake and obesity in the younger age group of 30 to 54 years (OR = 3.641, 95% CI = 1.020-12.990; p trend = 0.011). Multivariate analysis using food groups as opposed to nutrients revealed a positive trend for obesity in the younger age group after adjusting for lifestyle factors, energy intake and bean and vegetable intake (p trend = 0.023). In all participants, an inverse association was observed before adjustment by vegetable intake (OR = 0.453, 95% CI = 0.300-0.684; p trend = 0.001). Higher iron intake was associated with obesity independent of macronutrient and fiber intake but only in the youngest quartile of age group examined.

Do the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors exceed the risks in patients with type 1 diabetes?

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are well-established means of improving glycemia and preventing cardio-renal events in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, their efficacy and safety have yet to be fully characterized in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We studied patients with T1D who regularly attended one of five diabetes centers and treated with an SGLT2i (ipragliflozin or dapagliflozin) for >52 weeks, and the changes in HbA1c, body mass, insulin dose, and laboratory data were retrospectively evaluated and adverse events (AEs) recorded during December 2018 to April 2021. A total of 216 patients with T1D were enrolled during the period. Of these, 42 were excluded owing to short treatment periods and 15 discontinued their SGLT2i. The mean changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass, and insulin dose were -0.4%, -2.1 kg, and -9.0%, respectively. The change in HbA1c was closely associated with the baseline HbA1c (p < 0.001), but not with the baseline body mass or renal function. The basal and bolus insulin doses decreased by 18.2% and 12.6%, respectively, in participants with a baseline HbA1c <8%. The most frequent AE was genital infection (2.8%), followed by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA; 1.4%). None of the participants experienced severe hypoglycemic events. In conclusion, the administration of an SGLT2i in addition to intensive insulin treatment in patients with T1D improves glycemic control and body mass, without increasing the incidence of hypoglycemia or DKA.

Comparing Associations of Dietary Energy Density and Energy Intake, Macronutrients with Obesity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (JDDM 63).

To investigate the association between dietary energy density (DED) and obesity in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, we compared the strength of the associations of DED with intake of energy and macronutrients in terms of obesity as well as nutritional factors that have long been used for medical nutritional therapy. Cross-sectionally investigated were 1615 outpatients with type 2 diabetes who attended 26 clinics nationwide with diabetes specialists. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the association between obesity and DED, energy, and macronutrients by quintile categories and a 1 SD increment with adjustment for potential confounders. ß coefficients were calculated for the association between body mass index (BMI) and each nutritional factor by 1 SD increments in nutritional values. Multi-adjusted OR for obesity between extreme quintiles of DED was 2.99 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.01-3.12). Conversely, the ORs did not differ significantly according to the quintiles of other nutrient factors. Multi-adjusted ß coefficient of BMI per 1 SD according to DED was far higher than those of other nutrient factors (ß coefficient 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41-0.88). These findings indicated that DED in persons with type 2 diabetes was positively associated with BMI and the prevalence of obesity. DED was also much more potently associated with obesity and BMI than nutritional indicators such as intake of energy or macronutrients.

Lowering of blood pressure and pulse rate by switching from DPP-4 inhibitor to luseogliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with hypertension: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparison trial (LUNA study).

AIMS: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) reduces clinic blood pressure (BP), but the effects on BP circadian rhythm remain unclear. The present study aimed to determine the nighttime antihypertensive effect of SGLT2i compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, open-label, parallel-group trial, patients treated with DPP-4i were either switched to luseogliflozin 2.5 mg/day (Luseo group;n = 30) or continued DPP-4i (DPP-4i group;n = 26). The patients undertook 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring before and 8 weeks after the group allocation. The primary endpoint was mean change in nighttime systolic BP (SBP). RESULTS: Nighttime SBP, as well as daytime SBP, was significantly reduced in the Luseo group compared with the DPP-4i group (nighttime, -4.0 ± 11.4 vs. 3.6 ± 10.7 mmHg,P = 0.01; daytime, -4.4 ± 10.9 vs. 3.7 ± 11.9 mmHg,P = 0.01). Similarly, nighttimepulse rate(PR) was significantly reduced in the Luseo group (-2.0 ± 4.8 vs. 0.9 ± 4.8 bpm,P = 0.03). The proportion of patients with abnormal BP circadian rhythms (non-dipper pattern plus riser pattern) was significantly lower in the Luseo group (36.6% vs. 56.7%,P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Switching from DPP-4i to luseogliflozin decreased nighttime SBP and PR; moreover, BP circadian rhythm was improved.

Improved time in range and postprandial hyperglycemia with canagliflozin in combination with teneligliptin: Secondary analyses of the CALMER study.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: We recently reported the beneficial effect of the combination of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor on daily glycemic variability in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additional favorable effects of combination therapy were explored in this secondary analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CALMER study was a multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized, parallel-group comparison trial for type 2 diabetes mellitus involving continuous glucose monitoring under meal tolerance tests. Patients were randomly assigned to switch from teneligliptin to canagliflozin (SWITCH group) or to add canagliflozin to teneligliptin (COMB group). The continuous glucose monitoring metrics, including time in target range, were investigated. RESULTS: All 99 participants (mean age 62.3 years; mean glycated hemoglobin 7.4%) completed the trial. The time in target range was increased in the COMB group (71.2-82.7%, P < 0.001). The extent of the reduction in time above target range was significantly larger in the COMB group compared with the SWITCH group (-14.8% vs -7.5%, P < 0.01). Area under the curve values for glucose at 120 min after all meal tolerance tests were significantly decreased in the COMB group compared with the SWITCH group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor combined with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor improved the quality of glycemic variability and reduced postprandial hyperglycemia compared with each monotherapy.

Effects of Switching from Liraglutide or Dulaglutide to Subcutaneous Semaglutide on Glucose Metabolism and Treatment Satisfaction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Protocol for a Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded-Endpoint, Parallel-Group Comparison Study (The SWITCH-SEMA 1 Study).

INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists exert potent hypoglycemic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a blood glucose concentration-dependent manner. Once-weekly subcutaneous administration of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide has beneficial effects on glycemic and body weight control, but it is currently unclear if semaglutide provides superior glycemic control compared to conventional GLP-1 receptor agonists in the Japanese population. We aim to compare the effects of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide with those of liraglutide or dulaglutide administration in Japanese patients with T2D. METHODS: This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint, parallel-group trial. In total, 100 participants with T2D who have been treated with liraglutide (0.9-1.8 mg/day in plan A) or dulaglutide (0.75 mg/week in plan B) for more than 12 weeks and have a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 6.0-9.9% and a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 22 kg/m2 will be randomized to either continue using their existing GLP-1 receptor agonist or switch to subcutaneous semaglutide once weekly for 24 weeks. Biochemical analysis, physical assessment, and a quality-of-life questionnaire (DTSQ) will be completed at baseline and at the end of the study. The primary endpoint is the effect of semaglutide on the change in HbA1c. The secondary endpoints are the mean changes in total DTSQ score, body mass, abdominal circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, factors associated with improvement in HbA1c and secondary endpoints, side effects, and other laboratory parameters. PLANNED OUTCOMES: The results of the study will provide useful information regarding the effects of switching to semaglutide from other GLP-1 receptor agonists on glycemic control in patients with T2D. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Hokkaido University Certified Review Board (CRB no. 1180001) has approved the protocol (no. 018-005). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000042369 in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN); jRCT1011200008 in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT); pre-results.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce day-to-day glucose variability in patients with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are used worldwide because of their multiple benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in patients with type 1 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with type 1 diabetes who had been treated with SGLT2i for >12 weeks were included in this retrospective observation study. We recorded the changes in body mass, insulin dose, blood and urine test data, and adverse events. The changes in day-to-day glucose variability, as the primary end-point, was evaluated using the interquartile range (P25/P75) of the ambulatory glucose data obtained using continuous glucose monitoring. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (37 women; mean age 52.7 years) were included. Glycated hemoglobin and body mass significantly decreased by 0.4% and 1.6 kg, respectively. The total required insulin dose decreased by 9.4% (42.7 ± 26.6-38.7 ± 24.3 units/day). Continuous glucose monitoring data were obtained from 30 patients. P25/P75 decreased by 17.6 ± 20.7% during SGLT2i treatment (P < 0.001). The percentage of time per day within the target glucose range of 70-180 mg/dL significantly increased (from 42.2 to 55.5%, P < 0.001), without an increase in the percentage of time spent in the hypoglycemic range (<70 mg/dL). Urinary ketone bodies were detected in four patients (7.8%), but none developed ketoacidosis. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2i improved day-to-day glucose variability and time in the target glucose range, without increasing frequency of hypoglycemia, in patients with type 1 diabetes, and reduced glycated hemoglobin, body mass and the required insulin dose.

Impact of endogenous insulin secretion on the improvement of glucose variability in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes treated with canagliflozin plus teneligliptin.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To identify the effect of combination therapy with a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor and a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor compared with switching from a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor to a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor on improving the glucose variability in patients with or without impaired endogenous insulin secretion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A secondary analysis regarding the relationship between endogenous insulin secretion and the change in mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (ΔMAGE) was carried out in a multicenter, prospective, randomized, parallel-group comparison trial that enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes who had been taking teneligliptin and were treated by switching to canagliflozin (SWITCH) or adding canagliflozin (COMB). Participants were categorized into the following four subgroups: SWITCH or COMB and high or low fasting C-peptide (CPR) divided at baseline by the median. RESULTS: ΔMAGE in the COMB group was greatly improved independent of a high or low CPR (-29.2 ± 28.3 vs -20.0 ± 24.6, respectively; P = 0.60). However, ΔMAGE was not ameliorated in the low CPR SWITCH group, and the ΔMAGE was significantly smaller than that in the high CPR COMB group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: COMB would be a better protocol rather than switching teneligliptin to canagliflozin to improve daily glucose variability in patients with impaired endogenous insulin secretion.

Favorable effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease compared with pioglitazone.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, as well as thiazolidines, suppress nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, few comparative studies have been reported. Dapagliflozin has shown non-inferiority compared with pioglitazone for glycemic control, and superiority regarding weight reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. We carried out a secondary analysis for the favorable effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors for NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized, parallel-group comparison trial, patients taking pioglitazone for ≥12 weeks were randomly switched to dapagliflozin or continued pioglitazone for a further 24 weeks. The fatty liver index (FLI), consisting of body mass index, triglycerides, waist circumference and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, was used for the evaluation of NAFLD. RESULTS: A total of 53 participants with NAFLD (27 dapagliflozin; 26 pioglitazone) were included in this analysis. FLI decreased significantly in the dapagliflozin group (48.7 ± 23.4 to 42.1 ± 23.9) compared with the pioglitazone group (49.0 ± 26.1 to 51.1 ± 25.8; P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the changes in FLI had a significantly positive correlation with changes in glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.03) and insulin level (P < 0.01) in the dapagliflozin group. CONCLUSION: Dapagliflozin might be more beneficial than pioglitazone in patients with NAFLD. Improvements in FLI would be closely related to glycemic control.

Family Support for Medical Nutritional Therapy and Dietary Intake among Japanese with Type 2 Diabetes (JDDM 56).

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between habitual dietary intake for patients with diabetes and the content of family support for medical nutritional therapy (MNT). Analyzed were 289 Japanese with type 2 diabetes (men, 58.5%; mean age, 62.0 years; mean HbA1c, 53.4 mmol/mol) who completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire and Diabetes Family Behavior Checklist (DFBC). Relationships of mean values for food group intake to DFBC responses regarding MNT were examined using multivariate analysis of covariance. Positive response to "Praise for following diet" was associated with lower sweets intake (none: 60.1 g/day; ≥once monthly: 50.9 g/day, p = 0.038) and higher seasoning intake (none: 21.6 g/day, ≥once monthly: 24.1 g/day, p = 0.046). Energy intake was higher with positive responses to "Eat at the same time that you do" (none: 1636 kcal/day, ≥once monthly: 1818 kcal/day, p = 0.038). "Nags about not following diet" was associated with higher fish (none: 68.7 g/day, ≥once monthly: 78.7 g/day, p = 0.042) and salt intake (none: 8.3 g/day, ≥once monthly: 9.0 g/day, p = 0.014). Eating foods not part of the diabetic diet (none: 218.4 g/day, ≥once monthly: 246.9 g/day, p = 0.014) resulted in a higher vegetable intake. In females, significant differences in relationships in the overall analysis were reversed. Our results clarified relationships between types of family support of patients with type 2 diabetes and their dietary intake and the importance of sex differences for more effective MNT.

Effects of switching from a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor to luseogliflozin on nocturnal blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: protocol for a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint parallel-group comparison study.

INTRODUCTION: Nocturnal hypertension is clinically important for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), considering its strong correlation with cardiovascular events. We aim to test the hypothesis that the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, luseogliflozin, ameliorates nocturnal hypertension more effectively than a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor in patients with T2D. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint parallel-group trial. Sixty participants with T2D and hypertension who have been treated with a DPP-4 inhibitor for more than 4 weeks and who have a glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 6.0%-9.0% will be randomised based on age, body mass index (BMI) and HbA1c to continue taking their DPP-4 inhibitor or to switch to luseogliflozin 2.5 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) will be performed twice at baseline and at the end of the study. All participants will continue their diet and exercise therapy, and the doses of concomitant medications will not be adjusted during the study. The primary endpoint is the effect of luseogliflozin on the mean change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during the night, as measured by ABPM. The secondary endpoints are mean change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during the night, 24 hours of SBP and DBP, daytime SBP and DBP, pulse rate, BP M-value, trough SBP and DBP for 1 hour before the next dose, and other laboratory parameters. The sample size was calculated for a two-sided test at 90% power for the detection of a difference between treatments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Ethics Review Board of Hokkaido University Hospital has approved the protocol. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: The University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000031451); Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs011180019); Pre-results.

Impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on renal function in participants with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease with normoalbuminuria.

BACKGROUND: We compared the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on renal function in participants with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) classified by degree of albuminuria. METHODS: A retrospective review of the clinical records of Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes (age > 20 years; SGLT2 inhibitor treatment > 2 years; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was conducted. Based on the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) or urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) at the start of SGLT2 inhibitor administration, participants were categorized into three groups: normoalbuminuria (A1; UACR < 30 mg/g Cr or UPCR < 0.15 g/g Cr), microalbuminuria (A2; UACR 30 to < 300 mg/g Cr or UPCR 0.15 to < 0.50 g/g Cr), and macroalbuminuria (A3; UACR ≥ 300 mg/g Cr or UPCR ≥ 0.50 g/g Cr). The study outcome was a comparison of the rates of change in renal function evaluated by eGFR at 2 years after starting SGLT2 inhibitor among the three groups. RESULTS: A total of 87 participants (40 females, 47 males) were categorized into three groups: A1 (n = 46), A2 (n = 25), and A3 (n = 16). eGFR was similarly decreased at 2 years before starting SGLT2 inhibitor in all three groups. However, the decline in eGFR was ameliorated at 2 years after starting SGLT2 inhibitor, and eGFR was rather increased in the A1 and A2 groups. Interestingly, the rate of change in eGFR at 2 years after starting SGLT2 inhibitor in the A1 group was significantly higher than that in the A3 group. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that more favorable effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal function were observed in participants with type 2 diabetes and CKD with normoalbuminuria compared with those with macroalbuminuria.Trial registration UMIN-CTR: UMIN000035263. Registered 15 December 2018.