Efficacy of a training programme for the management of diabetes mellitus in the hospital: A randomized study (stage 2 of GOVEPAZ healthcare).

AIMS: To assess the efficacy of a structured educational intervention for health professionals on the appropriateness of inpatient diabetes care and on some clinical outcomes in hospitalised subjects. METHODS: A multicentre (6 regional hospitals) cluster-randomized (2:1) two parallel-group pragmatic intervention trials, as a part of the GOVEPAZ study, was conducted in three clinical settings, that is, Internal Medicine, Surgery and Intensive Care. Intervention consisted of a 2-month structured education of clinical staff to inpatient diabetes care. Twelve wards - 2 for each hospital - and 6 wards - 1 for each hospital - were randomized to usual care and to the intervention arm, respectively. Consecutively hospitalised diabetic subjects (n = 524, age 74 ± 14 years, 57% males, median HbA1C 57 mmol/mol) were included. The clinical appropriateness of inpatient diabetes management was assessed by a previously validated multi-domain performance score (PS). Clinical outcomes included hypoglycemia, glucose control biomarkers, clinical conditions at discharge and inpatient mortality rate. RESULTS: A numerically, but not statistically significant, higher PS (+0.94; 95% C.I.: -0.53 - +2.4) was achieved in the intervention than in the usual care wards. Hypoglycemias (p = 0.32), glucose control (p = 0.89) and survival rates (p = 0.71) were similar in the two experimental arms. Plasma glucose on admission (OR = 1.52 per 1 SD; C.I. 1.07-2.17; p = 0.021) and the number of hypoglycemic events per patient (OR = 1.55 per 1 SD; C.I.:1.11-2.16; p = 0.011) were independently associated with the inpatient mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Structured education of the clinical staff failed to improve the inpatient appropriateness of diabetes care or clinical outcomes. In-hospital hypoglycemia was confirmed to be an independent indicator of death risk.

Crosstalk between genetic variability of adiponectin and leptin, glucose-insulin system and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The Verona Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Study 14.

AIM: To evaluate the relationship of genetic variability of adiponectin (ADIPOQ), leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes with glucose-insulin system and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis (ATS) in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 794 subjects we performed: 1) euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp to assess insulin sensitivity; 2) mathematical modelling of a 5h-OGTT to estimate ß-cell function; 3) resting ECG; 4) carotid artery and lower limb artery eco-doppler sonography to identify ATS; 5) genotyping of tag-SNPs within ADIPOQ, LEP and LEPR gene. RESULTS: Regression analyses showed: 1) adiponectin levels were negatively associated with BMI, waist-to-hip ratio and triglycerides and positively with HDL and insulin sensitivity (p-all<0.03); 2) leptin levels were positively associated with BMI, HDL-cholesterol and plasma triglycerides and negatively with insulin sensitivity (p-all<0.001). Two SNPs (rs1501299 and rs2241767) within ADIPOQ gene were associated with circulating levels of adiponectin. The ADIPOQ-GAACA haplotype was associated with plasma adiponectin (p=0.034; ß=-0.24), ECG abnormalities (p=0.012; OR=2.76), carotid ATS (p=0.025; OR=2.00) and peripheral limb artery ATS (p=0.032; OR=1.90). The LEP-CTA haplotype showed an association with ischemic ECG abnormalities (p=0.017; OR=2.24). Finally, LEPR-GAACGG was associated with circulating leptin (p=0.005; ß=-0.31) and worst ß-cell function (p=0.023; ß=-15.10). Omnibus haplotype analysis showed that ADIPOQ haplotypes were associated with levels of adiponectin and common carotid artery ATS, LEP with peripheral limb artery ATS, whereas LEPR haplotypes influenced circulating levels of leptin. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study reinforce knowledge on adipokines' role in regulating glucose metabolism; in particular highlighted the potential atherogenic role of leptin and the anti atherogenic role of adiponectin.

Empagliflozin does not reverse lipotoxicity-induced impairment in human myeloid angiogenic cell bioenergetics.

BACKGROUND: Empagliflozin can curb inflammation and oxidative stress, through sodium-proton exchanger (NHE) inhibition, in a model of lipotoxicity in human myeloid angiogenic cells (MAC), which mediate endothelial repairing processes. Aim of this study is to assess in human MAC whether: (1) Stearic acid (SA) induced inflammation and increase in oxidant stress is accompanied by bioenergetic alterations; (2) empagliflozin anti-lipotoxic action is concomitant with coherent changes in bioenergetic metabolism, possibly via NHE blockade. METHODS: MAC were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers and incubated in the presence/absence of SA (100 µM for 3 h) with/without empagliflozin (EMPA 100 µM) or amiloride (Ami 100 µM) for 1 h. Cell respiration (oxygen consumption rate OCR) and anaerobic glycolysis (measured as proton production rate) were recorded in real-time by Seahorse technology, and ATP production (anaerobic glycolysis- and oxphos-derived) rates were calculated. RESULTS: SA, at the concentration causing inflammation and increased oxidant stress, altered cell bioenergetics of human MAC, with overall reductions in basal OCR and oxphos-derived ATP production (all p < 0.05), pointing to mitochondrial alterations. EMPA, at the concentration counteracting SA-induced lipotoxicity, both alone and in the presence of SA, caused NHE-independent extensive bioenergetic alterations (from p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), greater than those induced by SA alone. CONCLUSIONS: In human MAC: (1) SA altered cell bioenergetics, concomitantly with inflammation and oxidant stress; (2) EMPA possibly inhibited mitochondrial respiration, (3) the protective effect of EMPA against SA-induced lipotoxicity was unlikely to be mediated through bioenergetic metabolism.

Microvascular complications identify a specific coronary atherosclerotic phenotype in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are considered as a homogeneous cohort of patients. However, the specific role of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), in determining the features of coronary plaques is poorly known. We investigated whether the presence of DMC may identify a different phenotype of patients associated to specific clinical, angiographic, optical coherence tomography (OCT) features and different prognosis. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive T2DM patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) at their first coronary event. Patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of DMC, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. OCT assessment of the culprit vessel was performed in a subgroup of patients. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) was assessed at follow-up. RESULTS: We enrolled 320 T2DM patients (mean age 70.3 ± 8.8 years; 234 [73.1%] men, 40% acute coronary syndrome, 60% chronic coronary syndrome). Patients with DMC (172 [53.75%]) presented a different clinical and biochemical profile and, of importance, a higher prevalence of multivessel CAD (109 [63.4%] vs. 68 [45.9%], p = 0.002). At OCT analysis, DMC was associated to a higher prevalence of large calcifications and healed plaques and to a lower prevalence of lipid plaques. Finally, MACEs rate was significantly higher (25 [14.5%] vs. 12 [8.1%], p = 0.007) in DMC patients, mainly driven by a higher rate of planned revascularizations, and DMC predicted the occurrence of MACEs (mean follow-up 33.4 ± 15.6 months). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of DMC identifies a distinct diabetic population with more severe CAD but with a more stable pattern of coronary atherosclerosis.

Insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: Expression, aggregation and predominance. Verona Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Study 10.

AIMS: We investigated quantitative expression, mutual aggregation and relation with hyperglycemia of insulin resistance (IR) and beta-cell dysfunction (BCD) in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We assessed IR with euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and BCD with modelled glucose/C-peptide response to oral glucose in 729 mostly drug-naïve patients. We measured glycated hemoglobin, pre-prandial, post-prandial and meal-related excursion of blood glucose. RESULTS: IR was found in 87.8% [95% confidence intervals 85.4-90.2] and BCD in 90.0% [87.8-92.2] of subjects, ranging from mild to moderate or severe. Approximately 20% of subjects had solely one defect: BCD 10.8% [8.6-13.1] or IR 8.6% [6.6-10.7]. Insulin resistance and BCD aggregated in most subjects (79.1% [76.2-82.1]). We arbitrarily set nine possible combinations of mild, moderate or severe IR and mild, moderate or severe BCD, finding that each had a similar frequency (∼10%). In multiple regression analyses parameters of glucose control were related more strongly with BCD than with IR. CONCLUSIONS: In newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes, IR and BCD are very common with a wide range of expression but no specific pattern of aggregation. Beta-cell dysfunction is likely to play a greater quantitative role than IR in causing/sustaining hyperglycemia in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein is not pro-inflammatory in human primary macrophages: endotoxin contamination and lack of protein glycosylation as possible confounders.

INTRODUCTION: The inflammatory potential of SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 (Spike) has never been tested in human primary macrophages (MΦ). Different recombinant Spikes might display different effects in vitro, according to protein length and glycosylation, and endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) contamination. OBJECTIVES: To assess (1) the effects of different Spikes on human primary MΦ inflammation; (2) whether LPS contamination of recombinant Spike is (con)cause in vitro of increased MΦ inflammation. METHODS: Human primary MΦ were incubated in the presence/absence of several different Spikes (10 nM) or graded concentrations of LPS. Pro-inflammatory marker expression (qPCR and ELISA) and supernatant endotoxin contamination (LAL test) were the main readouts. RESULTS: LPS-free, glycosylated Spike (the form expressed in infected humans) caused no inflammation in human primary MΦ. Two (out of five) Spikes were contaminated with endotoxins ≥ 3 EU/ml and triggered inflammation. A non-contaminated non-glycosylated Spike produced in E. coli induced MΦ inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Glycosylated Spike per se is not pro-inflammatory for human MΦ, a feature which may be crucial to evade the host innate immunity. In vitro studies with commercially available Spike should be conducted with excruciating attention to potential LPS contamination.

Development and Validation of an Analytical HPLC Method to Assess Chemical and Radiochemical Purity of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-Exendin-4 Produced by a Fully Automated Method.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) is preferentially expressed in pancreatic islets, especially in ß-cells, and highly expressed in human insulinomas and gastrinomas. In recent years several GLP-1R-avid radioligands have been developed to image insulin-secreting tumors or to provide a tentative quantitative in vivo biomarker of pancreatic ß-cell mass. Exendin-4, a 39-amino acid peptide with high binding affinity to GLP-1R, has been labeled with Ga-68 for imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). Preparation conditions may influence the quality and in vivo behavior of tracers. Starting from a published synthesis and quality controls (QCs) procedure, we have developed and validated a new rapid and simple UV-Radio-HPLC method to test the chemical and radiochemical purity of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4, to be used in the clinical routine. Methods: Ga-68 was obtained from a 68Ge/68Ga Generator (GalliaPharma®) and purified using a cationic-exchange cartridge on an automated synthesis module (Scintomics GRP®). NODAGA-exendin-4 contained in the reactor (10 µg) was reconstituted with HEPES and ascorbic acid. The reaction mixture was incubated at 100 °C. The product was purified through HLB cartridge, diluted, and sterilized. To validate the proposed UV-Radio-HPLC method, a stepwise approach was used, as defined in the guidance document released by the International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), adopted by the European Medicines Agency (CMP/ICH/381/95 2014). The assessed parameters are specificity, linearity, precision (repeatability), accuracy, and limit of quantification. Therefore, a range of concentrations of Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4, NODAGA-exendin-4 (5, 4, 3.125, 1.25, 1, and 0.75 µg/mL) and [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 were analyzed. To validate the entire production process, three consecutive batches of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 were tested. Results: Excellent linearity was found between 5-0.75 µg/mL for both the analytes (NODAGA-exendin-4 and 68Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4), with a correlation coefficient (R2) for calibration curves equal to 0.999, average coefficients of variation (CV%) < 2% (0.45% and 0.39%) and average per cent deviation value of bias from 100%, of 0.06% and 0.04%, respectively. The calibration curve for the determination of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 was linear with a R2 of 0.993 and CV% < 2% (1.97%), in accordance to acceptance criteria. The intra-day and inter-day precision of our method was statistically confirmed using 10 µg of peptide. The mean radiochemical yield was 45 ± 2.4% in all the three validation batches of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4. The radiochemical purity of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 was >95% (97.05%, 95.75% and 96.15%) in all the three batches. Conclusions: The developed UV-Radio-HPLC method to assess the radiochemical and chemical purity of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 is rapid, accurate and reproducible like its fully automated production. It allows the routine use of this PET tracer as a diagnostic tool for PET imaging of GLP-1R expression in vivo, ensuring patient safety.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors antagonize lipotoxicity in human myeloid angiogenic cells and ADP-dependent activation in human platelets: potential relevance to prevention of cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUND: The clear evidence of cardiovascular benefits in cardiovascular outcome trials of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in type 2 diabetes might suggest an effect on atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and/or thrombosis, in which myeloid angiogenic cells (MAC) and platelets (PLT) are implicated. We tested the effects of SGLT2i on inflammation and oxidant stress in a model of stearic acid (SA)-induced lipotoxicity in MAC and on PLT activation. The possible involvement of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) was also explored. METHOD: MAC and PLT were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy subjects and incubated with/without SGLT2i [empagliflozin (EMPA) and dapagliflozin (DAPA) 1-100 µM] to assess their effects on SA (100 µM)-induced readouts of inflammation, oxidant stress and apoptosis in MAC and on expression of PLT activation markers by flow-cytometry after ADP-stimulation. Potential NHE involvement was tested with amiloride (aspecific NHE inhibitor) or cariporide (NHE1 inhibitor). Differences among culture conditions were identified using one-way ANOVA or Friedman test. RESULTS: NHE isoforms (1,5-9), but not SGLT2 expression, were expressed in MAC and PLT. EMPA and DAPA (100 µM) significantly reduced SA-induced inflammation (IL1ß, TNFα, MCP1), oxidant stress (SOD2, TXN, HO1), but not apoptosis in MAC. EMPA and DAPA (both 1 µM) reduced PLT activation (CD62p and PAC1 expression). SGLT2i effects were mimicked by amiloride, and only partially by cariporide, in MAC, and by both inhibitors in PLT. CONCLUSIONS: EMPA and DAPA ameliorated lipotoxic damage in stearate-treated MAC, and reduced ADP-stimulated PLT activation, potentially via NHE-inhibition, thereby pointing to plaque stabilization and/or thrombosis inhibition as potential mechanism(s) involved in SGLT2i-mediated cardiovascular protection.

Comparable efficacy with similarly low risk of hypoglycaemia in patient- vs physician-managed basal insulin initiation and titration in insulin-naïve type 2 diabetic subjects: The Italian Titration Approach Study.

AIMS: People with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) often delay initiating and titrating basal insulin. Patient-managed titration may reduce such deferral. The Italian Titration Approach Study (ITAS) compared the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) initiation and titration using patient- (nurse-supported) or physician-management in insulin-naïve patients with uncontrolled T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ITAS was a multicentre, phase IV, 24-week, open-label, randomized (1:1), parallel-group study. Insulin-naïve adults with T2DM for ≥1 year with poor metabolic control initiated Gla-300 after discontinuation of SU/glinides, and were randomized to self-titrate insulin dose (nurse-assisted) or have it done by the physician. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c . Secondary outcomes included hypoglycaemia incidence and rate, change in fasting self-monitored plasma glucose, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty five participants were included in the intention-to-treat population. At Week 24, HbA1c reduction from baseline was non-inferior in patient- vs physician-managed arms [least squares mean (LSM) change (SE): -1.60% (0.06) vs -1.49% (0.06), respectively; LSM difference: -0.11% (95% CI: -0.26 to 0.04)]. The incidence and rates of hypoglycaemia were similarly low in both arms: relative risk of confirmed and/or severe nocturnal (00:00-05:59 hours) hypoglycaemia was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.27 to 2.18). No differences were observed for improvement in PROs. No safety concerns were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In the T2DM insulin-naïve, SU/glinides discontinued population, patient-managed (nurse-assisted) titration of Gla-300 may be a suitable option as it provides improved glycaemic control with low risk of hypoglycaemia, similar to physician-managed titration.

A performance score of the quality of inpatient diabetes care is a marker of clinical outcomes and suggests a cause-effect relationship between hypoglycaemia and the risk of in-hospital mortality.

AIMS: To build a tool to assess the management of inpatients with diabetes mellitus and to investigate its relationship, if any, with clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 678 patients from different settings, Internal Medicine (IMU, n = 255), General Surgery (GSU, n = 230) and Intensive Care (ICU, n = 193) Units, were enrolled. A work-flow of clinical care of diabetes was created according to guidelines. The workflow was divided into five different domains: (a) initial assessment; (b) glucose monitoring; (c) medical therapy; (d) consultancies; (e) discharge. Each domain was assessed by a performance score (PS), computed as the sum of the scores achieved in a set of indicators of clinical appropriateness, management and patient empowerment. Appropriate glucose goals were included as intermediate phenotypes. Clinical outcomes included: hypoglycaemia, survival rate and clinical conditions at discharge. RESULTS: The total PS and those of initial assessment and glucose monitoring were significantly lower in GSU with respect to IMU and ICU (P < .0001). The glucose monitoring PS was associated with lower risk of hypoglycaemia (OR = 0.55; P < .0001), whereas both the PSs of glucose monitoring and medical therapy resulted associated with higher in-hospital survival only in the IMU ward (OR = 6.67 P = .001 and OR = 2.38 P = .03, respectively). Instrumental variable analysis with the aid of PS of glucose monitoring showed that hypoglycaemia may play a causal role in in-hospital mortality (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of in-hospital care of diabetes may affect patient outcomes, including glucose control and the risk of hypoglycaemia, and through the latter it may influence the risk of in-hospital mortality.

Insulin clearance as the major player in the hyperinsulinaemia of black African men without diabetes.

AIM: To investigate relationships between insulin clearance, insulin secretion, hepatic fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity in black African (BA) and white European (WE) men. METHODS: Twenty-three BA and twenty-three WE men with normal glucose tolerance, matched for age and body mass index, underwent a hyperglycaemic clamp to measure insulin secretion and clearance, hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp with stable glucose isotope infusion to measure whole-body and hepatic-specific insulin sensitivity, and magnetic resonance imaging to quantify intrahepatic lipid (IHL). RESULTS: BA men had higher glucose-stimulated peripheral insulin levels (48.1 [35.5, 65.2] × 103 vs. 29.9 [23.3, 38.4] × 103 pmol L-1 × min, P = .017) and lower endogeneous insulin clearance (771.6 [227.8] vs. 1381 [534.3] mL m-2 body surface area min -1 , P < .001) compared with WE men. There were no ethnic differences in beta-cell insulin secretion or beta-cell responsivity to glucose, even after adjustment for prevailing insulin sensitivity. In WE men, endogenous insulin clearance was correlated with whole-body insulin sensitivity (r = 0.691, P = .001) and inversely correlated with IHL (r = -0.674, P = .001). These associations were not found in BA men. CONCLUSIONS: While normally glucose-tolerant BA men have similar insulin secretory responses to their WE counterparts, they have markedly lower insulin clearance, which does not appear to be explained by either insulin resistance or hepatic fat accumulation. Low insulin clearance may be the primary mechanism of hyperinsulinaemia in populations of African origin.

Central role of the ß-cell in driving regression of diabetes after liver transplantation in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Diabetes occurring as a direct consequence of loss of liver function is usually characterized by non-diabetic fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and should regress after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This observational, longitudinal study investigated the relationship between the time-courses of changes in all 3 direct determinants of glucose regulation, i.e., ß-cell function, insulin clearance and insulin sensitivity, and diabetes regression after OLT. METHODS: Eighty cirrhotic patients with non-diabetic FPG and HbA1c levels underwent an extended oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after OLT. The OGTT data were analysed with a mathematical model to estimate derivative control (DC) and proportional control (PC) of ß-cell function and insulin clearance (which determine insulin bioavailability), and with the Oral Glucose Insulin Sensitivity (OGIS)-2 h index to estimate insulin sensitivity. RESULTS: At baseline, 36 patients were diabetic (45%) and 44 were non-diabetic (55%). Over the 2-year follow-up, 23 diabetic patients (63.9%) regressed to non-diabetic glucose regulation, whereas 13 did not (36.1%); moreover, 4 non-diabetic individuals progressed to diabetes (9.1%), whereas 40 did not (90.9%). Both DC and PC increased in regressors (from month 3 and 24, respectively) and decreased in progressors, whereas they remained stable in non-regressors and only PC decreased in non-progressors. Insulin clearance increased in all groups, apart from progressors. Likewise, OGIS-2 h improved at month 3 in all groups, but thereafter it continued to improve only in regressors, whereas it returned to baseline values in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Increased insulin bioavailability driven by improved ß-cell function plays a central role in favouring diabetes regression after OLT, in the presence of a sustained improvement of insulin sensitivity. LAY SUMMARY: Diabetes occurring in cirrhosis as a direct consequence of loss of liver function should regress after transplantation of a new functioning liver, though the pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear. This is the first study evaluating the contribution of all 3 direct determinants of insulin-dependent glucose regulation using a sophisticated mathematical model. Results show that ß-cell function is the key process governing favourable or detrimental changes in glucose regulation in cirrhotic patients undergoing transplantation, pointing to the need to develop therapies to sustain ß-cell function in these individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02038517.

"IGT-like" status in normoglucose tolerant obese children and adolescents: the additive role of glucose profile morphology and 2-hours glucose concentration during the oral glucose tolerance test.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether combining glucose shape and 2-h glucose concentration during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may help identifying normal glucose tolerant obese children/adolescents with an impaired glucose tolerant (IGT)-like metabolic profile in term of insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) and ß-cell function (disposition index: DI). SUBJECTS, METHODS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: In total, 654 non-diabetic obese children/adolescents underwent a 2 h OGTT. The whole population was classified according to 2-hour plasma glucose ( < 100, 100-119, 120-139, 140-200 mg/dL) and glucose shape (monophasic or biphasic). Monophasic morphology was characterized by an increase in OGTT glucose concentration followed by a decline of at least 4.5 mg/dL, a biphasic response was defined as a decrease in glucose after an initial increase, followed by a second increase of ≥ 4.5 mg/dL. A subset of 69 participants had also a prolonged OGTT to estimate ß-cell function in "biphasic" versus "monophasic" patients. RESULTS: Matsuda index and DI decreased across 2-h glucose categories (both p < 0.001) and were lower in monophasic compared with biphasic children, independently of 2-h glucose category (both p < 0.001, both p for glucose category×shape interaction > 0.05). Normal glucose tolerant children with 2-h glucose of 120-139 mg/dl and monophasic glucose shape did not differ from IGT children, as regards Matsuda index and DI (both p > 0.05). Among children undergoing a prolonged OGTT, those with a monophasic glucose shape had worse ß-cell function, modeled as proportional control, than those with a biphasic shape (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: A monophasic OGTT glucose shape is associated with unfavorable glucose metabolism independently of 2-h glucose concentration. Children combining monophasic shape and normal-high 2-h glucose have an IGT-like glucose metabolism.

Hypoglycaemia as a function of HbA1c in type 2 diabetes: Insulin glargine 300 U/mL in a patient-level pooled analysis of EDITION 1, 2 and 3.

Basal insulin therapy often involves a compromise between achievement of glycaemic targets and avoidance of hypoglycaemia, dependent on how intensively insulin is titrated. In the Phase 3a EDITION 1, 2 and 3 studies, insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) provided glycaemic control equivalent to that of insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100), with less hypoglycaemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study evaluated the rates of confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia over six months of treatment with Gla-300 or Gla-100 in the EDITION studies, as a function of HbA1c. Analysis was performed on patient-level data pooled from the three EDITION studies, and annualized hypoglycaemia rate as a function of HbA1c at Month 6 was fitted using a negative binomial regression model. Participants treated with Gla-300 experienced a consistently lower rate of confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia as compared with those treated with Gla-100, regardless of HbA1c at Month 6. Results suggest that treatment with Gla-300 vs Gla-100 could allow individuals with T2DM to achieve equivalent glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemia.

Ethnic differences in intrahepatic lipid and its association with hepatic insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance between men of black and white ethnicity with early type 2 diabetes.

Intrahepatic lipid (IHL) is linked with reduced hepatic insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance. Despite their high risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D), there have been limited investigations of these relationships in black populations. We investigated these relationships in 18 white European (WE) and 18 black West African (BWA) men with T2D <5 years. They underwent magnetic resonance imaging to quantify IHL, a hyperinsulinemic euglycaemic clamp with [6,6 2 H2 ] glucose infusion to assess hepatic insulin sensitivity and a hyperglycaemic clamp to assess insulin clearance. BWA men had lower IHL than WE men (3.7 [5.3] vs 6.6 [10.6]%, P = 0.03). IHL was inversely associated with basal hepatic insulin sensitivity in WE but not BWA men (BWA: r = -0.01, P = 0.96; WE: r = -0.72, P = 0.006) with a significant interaction by ethnicity (Pinteraction = 0.05); however, IHL was not associated with % suppression of endogenous glucose production by insulin in either ethnicity. IHL showed a trend to an association with insulin clearance in BWA only (BWA: r = -0.42, P = 0.09; WE: r = -0.14, P = 0.58). The lack of association between IHL and hepatic insulin sensitivity in BWA men indicates IHL may play a lesser detrimental role in T2D in BWA men.

Claimed effects, outcome variables and methods of measurement for health claims on foods related to the gastrointestinal tract proposed under regulation (EC) 1924/2006.

Most of the requests of authorisation to the use of health claims pursuant to Regulation EC 1924/2006 related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract have received a negative opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), mainly because of an insufficient substantiation of the claimed effect (CE). The present manuscript refers to the collection, collation and critical analysis of outcome variables (OVs) and methods of measurement (MMs) related to the GI tract compliant with Regulation 1924/2006. The critical evaluation of OVs and MMs was based on the literature review, with the final aim of defining their appropriateness in the context of a specific CE. The results obtained are relevant for the choice of the best OVs and MMs to be used in randomised controlled trials aimed to substantiate the claims on the GI tract. Moreover, the results can be used by EFSA for updating the guidance for the scientific requirements of such health claims.

Claimed effects, outcome variables and methods of measurement for health claims on foods proposed under European Community Regulation 1924/2006 in the area of appetite ratings and weight management.

All the requests for authorisation to bear health claims under Articles 13(5) and 14 in the context of appetite ratings and weight management have received a negative opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), mainly because of the insufficient substantiation of the claimed effects (CEs). This manuscript results from an investigation aimed to collect, collate and critically analyse the information related to outcome variables (OVs) and methods of measurement (MMs) in the context of appetite ratings and weight management compliant with Regulation 1924/2006. Based on the literature review, the appropriateness of OVs and MMs was evaluated for specific CEs. This work might help EFSA in the development of updated guidance addressed to stakeholders interested in bearing health claims in the area of weight management. Moreover, it could drive the applicants during the design of randomised controlled trials aimed to substantiate such claims.

Vildagliptin, but not glibenclamide, increases circulating endothelial progenitor cell number: a 12-month randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Fewer circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and increased plasma (C-term) stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), a substrate of DPP-4, are biomarkers, and perhaps mediators, of cardiovascular risk and mortality. Short-term/acute treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors improve EPC bioavailability; however, long-term effects of DPP-4i on EPCs bioavailability/plasma (C-term) SDF-1α are unknown. METHODS: Randomized (2:1) open-label trial to compare the effects of vildagliptin (V) (100 mg/day) vs glibenclamide (G) (2.5 mg bid to a maximal dose of 5 mg bid) on circulating EPC levels at 4 and 12 months of treatment in 64 patients with type 2 diabetes in metformin failure. At baseline, and after 4 and 12 months, main clinical/biohumoral parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, concomitant therapies, EPC number (CD34+/CD133+/KDR+/106 cytometric events) and plasma (C-term) SDF-1α (R&D system) were assessed. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups. V and G similarly and significantly (p < 0.0001) improved glucose control. At 12 months, V significantly increased EPC number (p < 0.05) and significantly reduced (C-term) SDF-1α plasma levels (p < 0.01) compared to G, with no differences in inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: V exerts a long-term favorable effect on EPC and (C-term) SDF-1α levels at glucose equipoise, thereby implying a putative beneficial effect on vascular integrity. Trial registration Clinical Trials number: NCT01822548; name: Effect of Vildagliptin vs. Glibenclamide on Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell Number Type 2 Diabetes. Registered 28 March, 2013.

Lixisenatide as add-on treatment among patients with different ß-cell function levels as assessed by HOMA-ß index.

BACKGROUND: The effect of lixisenatide-a prandial once-daily glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist-on glycaemic control in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stratified by baseline ß-cell function, was assessed. METHODS: The 24-week GetGoal-M, -P and -S trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in combination with oral antidiabetic agents. This post hoc analysis used data from patients receiving lixisenatide in these trials, divided into matched cohorts by propensity scoring, and stratified according to baseline homeostasis model assessment of ß-cell function (HOMA-ß) index levels, high HOMA-ß: > median HOMA-ß (28.49%); low HOMA-ß: ≤ median. RESULTS: The matched "low" and "high" HOMA-ß index cohorts (N = 546 patients) had comparable baseline parameters. Mean change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ) was -0.85% and -0.94% for low and high HOMA-ß cohorts, respectively (P = .2607). Reductions from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG; -0.77 vs -1.04 mmol/L; P = .1496) and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG; -5.82 vs -5.61 mmol/L; P = .7511) were similar in the low versus high HOMA-ß index cohorts. Reduction in body weight was significantly greater in the low versus high HOMA-ß index cohort (-2.06 vs -1.13 kg, respectively; P = .0006). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with T2DM, lixisenatide was associated with reduction in HbA1c and improvements in both FPG and PPG, regardless of ß-cell function, indicating that lixisenatide is effective in reducing hyperglycaemia, even in patients with more advanced stages of T2DM and poor residual ß-cell function.

Consistent findings in glycaemic control, body weight and hypoglycaemia with iGlarLixi (insulin glargine/lixisenatide titratable fixed-ratio combination) vs insulin glargine across baseline HbA1c, BMI and diabetes duration categories in the LixiLan-L trial.

AIMS: To assess the impact of baseline characteristics on clinical outcomes in the LixiLan-L trial, a randomized open-label trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi, a novel fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U (iGlar) plus lixisenatide, in comparison with iGlar over 30 weeks in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on a previous regimen of basal insulin alone or in combination with 1 or 2 oral glucose-lowering drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this exploratory analysis of LixiLan-L (N = 736), efficacy outcomes were assessed within population subgroups derived from the following baseline characteristics: glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c; <8%, ≥8% (<64, ≥64 mmol/mol)]; duration of T2DM (<10, ≥10 years); body mass index (<30, ≥30 kg/m2 ). Furthermore, the incidence of symptomatic hypoglycaemia with plasma glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L (≤70 mg/dL) was also analysed according to the same subgroups. RESULTS: Compared with the iGlar treatment group, patients treated with iGlarLixi showed consistently greater reductions in HbA1c during the treatment period, with higher percentages of patients achieving the HbA1c target level of <7% (<53 mmol/mol) in all of the subpopulations tested (P < .0001 for all), having consistent mitigation of body weight gain and with no major differences in the incidence of hypoglycaemia. CONCLUSIONS: iGlarLixi consistently improved glycaemic control compared with iGlar in all baseline characteristic subgroups of patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with insulin, including difficult-to-treat subgroups of patients with long duration of diabetes, obesity and high HbA1c. Clinical trial number: NCT02058160 (clinicaltrials.gov).