Prevalence and prognostic significance of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in community-based people with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of contemporary data on the prevalence and prognostic significance of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) from community-based cohorts with type 2 diabetes assessed using gold standard methods. The aim of this study was to assess these aspects of CAN in the longitudinal observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2). METHODS: FDS2 participants were screened at baseline using standardised cardiovascular reflex tests (CARTs) of heart rate variation during deep breathing, Valsalva manoeuvre and standing. CAN (no/possible/definite) was assessed from the number of abnormal CARTs. Multinomial regression identified independent associates of CAN status. Cox proportional hazards modelling determined independent baseline predictors of incident heart failure (HF) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD), and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 1254 participants assessed for CAN, 86 (6.9%) were outside CART age reference ranges and valid CART data were unavailable for 338 (27.0%). Of the remaining 830 (mean age 62.3 years, 55.3% males, median diabetes duration 7.3 years), 51.0%, 33.7% and 15.3% had no, possible or definite CAN, respectively. Independent associates of definite CAN (longer diabetes duration, higher body mass index and resting pulse rate, antidepressant and antihypertensive therapies, albuminuria, distal sensory polyneuropathy, prior HF) were consistent with those reported previously. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, definite CAN was associated with a lower likelihood of incident IHD and HF versus no/possible CAN (P < 0.001) and there was a graded increase in all-cause mortality risk from no CAN to possible and definite CAN (P < 0.001). When CAN category was added to the most parsimonious models, it was not a significant independent predictor of IHD (P ≥ 0.851) or HF (P ≥ 0.342). Possible CAN (hazard ratio (95% CI) 1.47 (1.01, 2.14), P = 0.046) and definite CAN (2.42 (1.60, 3.67), P < 0.001) increased the risk of all-cause mortality versus no CAN. CONCLUSIONS: Routine screening for CAN in type 2 diabetes has limited clinical but some prognostic value.

The relationship between serum HDL-cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and mortality in community-based people with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study phase 2.

BACKGROUND: Older general population-based studies found an inverse association between serum HDL-cholesterol and both cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality, but more recent data have suggested a U-shaped relationship. Whether this applies to type 2 diabetes is uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations in representative, community-based participants from the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2). METHODS: We followed 1,479 FDS2 participants with confirmed type 2 diabetes (713 females, mean age 65.6 years; 763 males, mean age 65.9 years) from entry (2008-2011) to death/end-2021. Major adverse cardiovascular events (non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, cardiovascular death; 3-point MACE), and all-cause mortality were ascertained from prospectively collected data and validated administrative databases. Independent associates of 3-point MACE by sex, excluding participants with prior MI/stroke, were assessed using Cox and competing risk models with sex-specific quintiles of HDL-cholesterol added to the most parsimonious models. Predictors of all-cause mortality were identified using Cox proportional hazards modelling. RESULTS: In females, with baseline serum HDL-cholesterol quintile 2 (1.04-1.22 mmol/L) as reference, both quintiles 1 (< 1.04 mmol/L) and 5 (> 1.59 mmol/L) were significant independent predictors of 3-point MACE (P < 0.027) and all-cause death (P < 0.019) after adjustment for a full range of demographic, clinical and laboratory variables. In males, serum HDL-cholesterol quintile did not add to the most parsimonious model for 3-point MACE, but quintile 1 (< 0.90 mmol/L) was a significant predictor of death (P = 0.026 versus quintile 4 (1.15-1.31 mmol/L) as reference) after adjustment. Competing risk analyses for 3-point MACE showed similar results to the Cox models for both sexes. CONCLUSION: There was a significant U-shaped relationship between serum HDL-cholesterol and both 3-point MACE and all-cause death in females with type 2 diabetes after adjustment for confounders. There was no such relationship for 3-point MACE in males but a low HDL-cholesterol was associated with all-cause mortality. These data have sex-specific implications for assessment of serum lipid profiles in the clinical management of type 2 diabetes.

The relationship between glycated haemoglobin and blood glucose-lowering treatment trajectories in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

AIMS: To examine the relationships between glycaemia and treatment complexity over 6 years in well-characterized community-based people with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II participants who had type 2 diabetes with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose-lowering therapy (BGLT) data over 6 years were included. Group-based multi-trajectory modelling identified combined HbA1c/BGLT trajectory subgroups for diabetes durations of ≤1.0 year (Group 1; n = 160), >1.0 to 10.0 years (Group 2; n = 382;) and >10.0 years (Group 3; n = 357). Multinomial regression was used to identify baseline associates of subgroup membership. RESULTS: The optimum numbers of trajectory subgroups were three in Group 1 (low, medium, high) and four in Groups 2 and 3 (low, low/high medium, high). Each low trajectory subgroup maintained a mean HbA1c concentration of <53 mmol/mol (<7.0%) on lifestyle measures, or monotherapy (Group 3). All five medium subgroups had stable HbA1c trajectories at <58 mmol/mol (<7.5%) but required increasing oral BGLT, or insulin (Group 3, high medium). The Group 1 high subgroup showed a falling then increasing HbA1c with steady progression to insulin. The high subgroups in Groups 2 and 3 showed stable HbA1c profiles at means of approximately 64 mmol/mol (8.0%) and 86 mmol/L (10.0%), respectively, on insulin. Non-Anglo Celt ethnicity, central obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia were strongly associated with Group 1 high subgroup membership. Younger age at diagnosis and central obesity were independent associates of the most adverse HbA1c trajectories in Groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate diabetes duration-dependent heterogeneity in glycaemic and treatment profiles and related clinical and laboratory variables, which have implications for management.

Use of a type 1 genetic risk score for classification of diabetes type in young Australian adults: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

The applicability of a UK-validated genetic risk score (GRS) was assessed in 158 participants in the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II diagnosed between 20 and <40 years of age with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). For type 1 versus type 2/LADA, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was highest for serum C-peptide (0.93) and lowest for the GRS (0.66). Adding age at diagnosis and body mass index to C-peptide increased the AUC minimally (0.96). The GRS appears of modest diabetes diagnostic value in young Australians.

Serum vitamin B12, distal symmetrical polyneuropathy and anaemia in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase 2.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data relating to the effects of metformin-associated vitamin B12 deficiency on the risk of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) and megaloblastic anaemia in well-characterised community-based cohorts. AIMS: To assess inter-relationships between metformin therapy, vitamin B12 deficiency assessed using serum active B12 concentrations, and DSPN and anaemia in 1492 Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase 2 (FDS2) participants with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Prevalence rates of vitamin B12 deficiency (total <80 pmol/L, active <23 pmol/L) and borderline deficiency (total ≥80 and ≤200 pmol/L, active ≥23 and ≤35 pmol/L) were determined using baseline sera. The relationship between vitamin B12 status and both DSPN and anaemia was assessed using multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Most FDS2 participants (94.4%) were vitamin B12 replete (total serum concentration >200 pmol/L, active >35 pmol/L), 2.0% were deficient (total <80 pmol/L, active <23 pmol/L) and the remainder (3.6%) borderline. Although metformin treatment increased the odds of deficiency (4.2%, 3.1% borderline) in a dose-dependent fashion (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 39.4 (4.90-316) for >2000 mg daily compared with no treatment; P < 0.001), there was no significant association between vitamin B12 status and DSPN, anaemia (haemoglobin ≤130 g/L males, ≤120 g/L females), haemoglobin concentration or mean corpuscular volume (P ≥ 0.147). Metformin increased the likelihood of anaemia, especially at high doses, independent of vitamin B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Since nutritional sources likely attenuate metformin-associated vitamin B12 malabsorption and its clinical sequelae in developed countries such as Australia, there is no need for routine/opportunistic serum vitamin B12 screening in metformin-treated patients.

Antibody to Plasmodium falciparum Variant Surface Antigens, var Gene Transcription, and ABO Blood Group in Children With Severe or Uncomplicated Malaria.

BACKGROUND: Antibodies to variant surface antigens (VSAs) such as Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) may vary with malaria severity. The influence of ABO blood group on antibody development is not understood. METHODS: Immunoglobulin G antibodies to VSAs in Papua New Guinean children with severe (n = 41) or uncomplicated (n = 30) malaria were measured by flow cytometry using homologous P falciparum isolates. Isolates were incubated with ABO-matched homologous and heterologous acute and convalescent plasma. RNA was used to assess var gene transcription. RESULTS: Antibodies to homologous, but not heterologous, isolates were boosted in convalescence. The relationship between antibody and severity varied by blood group. Antibodies to VSAs were similar in severe and uncomplicated malaria at presentation, higher in severe than uncomplicated malaria in convalescence, and higher in children with blood group O than other children. Six var gene transcripts best distinguished severe from uncomplicated malaria, including UpsA and 2 CIDRα1 domains. CONCLUSIONS: ABO blood group may influence antibody acquisition to VSAs and susceptibility to severe malaria. Children in Papua New Guinea showed little evidence of acquisition of cross-reactive antibodies following malaria. Var gene transcripts in Papua New Guinean children with severe malaria were similar to those reported from Africa.

Temporal trends in chronic complications of diabetes by sex in community-based people with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study.

BACKGROUND: Whether recent reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality in type 2 diabetes apply equally to both sexes is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize temporal changes in CVD events and related outcomes in community-based male and female Australian adults with type 2 diabetes or without known diabetes. METHODS: Participants from the longitudinal observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phases I (FDS1; n = 1291 recruited 1993-1996) and II (FDS2; n = 1509 recruited 2008-2011) and four age-, sex- and postcode-matched individuals without diabetes (FDS1 n = 5159; FDS2 n = 6036) were followed for first myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, lower extremity amputation, CVD death and all-cause mortality. Five-year incidence rates (IRs) for males versus females in FDS1 and FDS2 were calculated, and IR ratios (IRRs) derived. RESULTS: The FD1 and FDS2 participants were of mean age 64.0 and 65.4 years, respectively, and 48.7% and 51.8% were males. For type 2 diabetes, IRRs for all endpoints were 11-62% lower in FDS2 than FDS1 for both sexes. For participants without diabetes, IRRs were 8-56% lower in FDS2 versus FDS1 apart from stroke in females (non-significantly 41% higher). IRRs for males versus females across FDS phases were not significantly different for participants with type 2 diabetes or those without diabetes (P-values for male * FDS2 interaction ≥ 0.0.083 adjusted for age). For risk factors in participants with type 2 diabetes, greater improvements between FDS1 and FDS2 in smoking rates in males were offset by a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure in females. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of chronic complications in Australians with type 2 diabetes and without diabetes has fallen similarly in both sexes over recent decades, consistent with comparably improved overall CVD risk factor management.

Retinopathy prevalence, incidence and trajectories in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle diabetes study phase II.

AIMS: To determine diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence, incidence, and whether distinct trajectories are associated with DR-complicating Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Retinal photographs from Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2) participants with Type 2 diabetes recruited in 2008-2011 and who attended biennial assessments for up to 6 years were graded as no DR, mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), moderate NPDR or severe NPDR/proliferative DR. Baseline DR prevalence, and the cumulative incidence of moderate NPDR or worse in those without DR at baseline, were calculated. Group-based DR trajectory modelling was performed. Logistic regression determined independent associates of incident moderate NPDR or worse and trajectory group membership. RESULTS: Of 1521 participants (mean age 65.6 years, 52.1% males, median diabetes duration 9.0 years; 98% of all FDS2 participants with Type 2 diabetes) with gradable baseline photographs, 563 (37.0%) had DR. During a median 6.1 years of follow-up, 23 (3.2%) without baseline DR developed at least moderate NPDR (crude incidence 6.1/1000 person-years) with HbA1c the sole independent predictor (odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.62 [1.30-2.02] per 1% [11 mmol/mol] increase). Trajectory analysis showed two distinct groups, those with baseline/persistent DR (20%) and those remaining DR free (80%). Longer diabetes duration, insulin use, higher mean HbA1c , higher mean systolic blood pressure and higher mean urinary albumin: creatinine ratio all increased the odds (p ≤ 0.014) of being in the persistent DR trajectory group. CONCLUSIONS: The low incidence of at least moderate NPDR reflects the trajectory analysis. The currently recommended biennial retinal screening frequency for individuals without DR could potentially be extended.

Cardiovascular disease management in Australian adults with type 2 diabetes: insights from the CAPTURE study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a well-recognised cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, and recent guidelines for the management of T2D include consideration of CVD risk. AIM: To assess whether contemporary clinical management of Australians with T2D is in accord with recent national and international guidelines. METHODS: This Australia-specific analysis of the CAPTURE study, a non-interventional, cross-sectional study included adults diagnosed with T2D ≥180 days prior to providing informed consent and visiting primary or specialist care. Main outcome measures were the use of blood glucose-lowering medications (BGLMs), BGLMs with proven cardiovascular benefits and other CVD medications, stratified by CVD status and care setting. RESULTS: Of 824 Australian participants in the CAPTURE sample, 332 (40.3%) had CVD. Oral BGLMs were used by 83.9% of all participants, most commonly metformin (76.0%), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (28.8%), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is; 21.8%) and sulfonylureas (21.7%). Insulin was used by 29.2% of participants. BGLMs with proven CV benefit were used by 22.6%; glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) were less commonly used than SGLT2is in all CVD groups, but these drug classes were more often prescribed in specialist than primary care (SGLT2is 25.4 vs 20.7%, GLP-1 RAs 3.2 vs 0.8% respectively). Use of non-BGLMs for CVD risk reduction appeared consistent with guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Use of BGLMs with CVD benefits appears low in Australia, irrespective of CVD status. This likely reflects the delay in translation of clinical evidence into contemporary care and prescribing restrictions.

Effect of race on cardiometabolic responses to once-weekly exenatide: insights from the Exenatide Study of Cardiovascular Event Lowering (EXSCEL).

BACKGROUND: To determine whether there were racial differences in short-term cardiometabolic responses to once-weekly exenatide (EQW) in the Exenatide Study of Cardiovascular Event Lowering (EXSCEL). METHODS: EXSCEL enrolled 14,752 patients with type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 6.5-10.0% [48-86 mmol/mol]) with or without cardiovascular disease who were randomized double-blind to EQW or placebo. Background glucose-lowering/other cardiovascular therapies were unaltered for 6 months post-randomization unless clinically essential, facilitating comparison of EQW-associated effects in 14,665 evaluable participants self-identifying as White (n = 11,113), Asian (n = 1444), Black (n = 870), or Other Race (n = 1,238. Placebo-adjusted 6 month absolute changes in cardiometabolic variables were assessed using generalized linear models. RESULTS: Mean 6-month placebo-adjusted HbA1c reductions were similar in the four groups (range 0.54-0.67% [5.9 to 7.3 mmol/mol], P = 0.11 for race×treatment interaction), with no significant difference in Asians (reference) versus other groups after covariate adjustment (all P ≥ 0.10). Six-month placebo-adjusted mean changes in systolic (-1.8 to 0.0 mmHg) and diastolic (0.2 to 1.2 mmHg) blood pressure, serum LDL (- 0.06 to 0.02 mmol/L) and HDL (0.00 to 0.01 mmol/L) cholesterol, and serum triglycerides (-0.1 to 0.0 mmol/L) were similar in the racial groups (P ≥ 0.19 for race×treatment interaction and all P ≥ 0.13 for comparisons of Asians with other races). Resting pulse rate increased more in Asians (4 beats/min) than in other groups (≤ 3 beats/min, P = 0.016 for race×treatment interaction and all P ≤ 0.050 for comparisons of Asians with other races). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term cardiometabolic responses to EQW were similar in the main racial groups in EXSCEL, apart from a greater pulse rate increase in Asians. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov NCT01144338.

The history and current epidemiology of malaria in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Kalimantan is a part of Indonesia, which occupies the southern three-quarters of the island of Borneo, sharing a border with the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Although most areas of Kalimantan have low and stable transmission of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, there are relatively high case numbers in the province of East Kalimantan. Two aspects of malaria endemicity in Kalimantan differentiate it from the rest of Indonesia, namely recent deforestation and potential exposure to the zoonotic malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi that occurs in relatively large numbers in adjacent Malaysian Borneo. In the present review, the history of malaria and its current epidemiology in Kalimantan are examined, including control and eradication efforts over the past two centuries, mosquito vector prevalence, anti-malarial use and parasite resistance, and the available data from case reports of knowlesi malaria and the presence of conditions which would support transmission of this zoonotic infection.

The pharmacokinetic properties of artemether and lumefantrine in Malaysian patients with Plasmodium knowlesi malaria.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic properties of artemether, lumefantrine and their active metabolites in Plasmodium knowlesi malaria. METHODS: Malaysian adults presenting with uncomplicated P. knowlesi infections received six doses of artemether (1.7 mg/kg) plus lumefantrine (10 mg/kg) over 3 days. Venous blood and dried blood spot (DBS) samples were taken at predetermined time-points over 28 days. Plasma and DBS artemether, dihydroartemisinin, lumefantrine and desbutyl-lumefantrine were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multi-compartmental population pharmacokinetic models were developed using plasma with or without DBS drug concentrations. RESULTS: Forty-one participants (mean age 45 years, 66% males) were recruited. Artemether-lumefantrine treatment was well tolerated and parasite clearance was prompt. Plasma and DBS lumefantrine concentrations were in close agreement and were used together in pharmacokinetic modelling, but only plasma concentrations of the other analytes were used because of poor correlation with DBS levels. The areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞ ) for artemether, dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine (medians 1626, 1881 and 625 098 µg.h/L, respectively) were similar to those reported in previous pharmacokinetic studies in adults and children. There was evidence of auto-induction of artemether metabolism (mean increase in clearance relative to bioavailability 25.2% for each subsequent dose). The lumefantrine terminal elimination half-life (median 9.5 days) was longer than reported in healthy volunteers and adults with falciparum malaria. CONCLUSION: The disposition of artemether, dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine in knowlesi malaria largely parallels that in other human malarias. DBS lumefantrine concentrations can be used in pharmacokinetic studies but DBS technology is currently unreliable for the other analytes.

The relationship between pancreatic cancer and type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase I.

Pancreatic cancer incidence was double (incidence rate ratio 2.06) in community-based adults with (n = 1291) versus without (n = 5158) type 2 diabetes followed for up to 25 years in the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase 1. Sustained higher fasting plasma glucose reflecting insulin resistance and fewer comorbidities were statistically significant risk factors in the cohort with diabetes. Past pancreatitis was an aetiologically significant determinant in the cohort as a whole.

Differences in retinopathy prevalence and progression between Anglo-Celt and Aboriginal Australians: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous populations have higher rates of diabetes and diabetic complications, yet there is a paucity of contemporary data on diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence and incidence in urban dwelling Aboriginal Australians. AIMS: The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of DR and incidence of new or worsening DR between Aboriginal Australians and Anglo-Celts with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Participants from the community-based Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (817 Anglo-Celts, 94 Aboriginal people) recruited between 2008 and 2011 underwent fundus photography at baseline and biennial reviews. The prevalence of any DR and moderate non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and the incidence of new or worsening DR were ascertained using baseline and 4-year follow-up data. RESULTS: Compared with Anglo-Celts, the Aboriginal participants had a higher prevalence of any DR (33.0% vs 52.1%) and moderate NPDR or worse (5.1% vs 24.4%), and new or worsening DR during follow up (6.7% vs 23.5%). The unadjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of any DR and moderate NPDR at baseline were 2.21 (1.43, 3.39) and 5.98 (3.40, 10.50), respectively, and of new or worsening DR 4.32 (1.33, 13.98). In adjusted models, Aboriginal ethnicity was only associated with the prevalence of moderate NPDR or worse (5.58 (2.44, 12.76)). CONCLUSIONS: Aboriginal participants had a higher prevalence of DR and new or worsening DR, reflecting conventional risk factors including suboptimal glycaemic control. Their significantly higher odds of moderate NPDR or worse in adjusted models suggest ethnic-specific determinants of DR severity. These findings highlight the need for equitable, culturally appropriate diabetes/ophthalmic care.

CAPTURE: a multinational, cross-sectional study of cardiovascular disease prevalence in adults with type 2 diabetes across 13 countries.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of global data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The primary objective of the CAPTURE study was to estimate the prevalence of established CVD and its management in adults with T2D across 13 countries from five continents. Additional objectives were to further characterize the study sample regarding demographics, clinical parameters and medication usage, with particular reference to blood glucose-lowering agents (GLAs: glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors) with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in randomized intervention trials. METHODS: Data were collected from adults with T2D managed in primary or specialist care in Australia, China, Japan, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in 2019, using standardized methodology. CVD prevalence, weighted by diabetes prevalence in each country, was estimated for the overall CAPTURE sample and participating countries. Country-specific odds ratios for CVD prevalence were further adjusted for relevant demographic and clinical parameters. RESULTS: The overall CAPTURE sample included 9823 adults with T2D (n = 4502 from primary care; n = 5321 from specialist care). The overall CAPTURE sample had median (interquartile range) diabetes duration 10.7 years (5.6-17.9 years) and glycated hemoglobin 7.3% (6.6-8.4%) [56 mmol/mol (49-68 mmol/mol)]. Overall weighted CVD and atherosclerotic CVD prevalence estimates were 34.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.7-36.8) and 31.8% (95% CI 29.7-33.8%), respectively. Age, gender, and clinical parameters accounted for some of the between-country variation in CVD prevalence. GLAs with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit were used by 21.9% of participants, which was similar in participants with and without CVD: 21.5% and 22.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In 2019, approximately one in three adults with T2D in CAPTURE had diagnosed CVD. The low use of GLAs with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit even in participants with established CVD suggested that most were not managed according to contemporary diabetes and cardiology guidelines. Study registration NCT03786406 (registered on December 20, 2018), NCT03811288 (registered on January 18, 2019).

A prospective six-month audit of inpatient hypoglycemia in step-down general medical and geriatric wards.

This study aimed to assess the incidence and associates of hypoglycemia in patients transferred after stabilization on an Acute Medical Unit to two general medical or two geriatric wards at an urban Australian hospital. In a six-month audit representing 20,284 patient-days of observation, 59 inpatients experienced hypoglycaemia (blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L) during 65 hospitalizations. Inpatients experiencing hypoglycemia accounted for 7.2% of all inpatient bed-days, a figure that was greater for general medical (9.2% of bed-days) compared with geriatric (6.0% of bed-days) wards (P<0.001). Inpatient hypoglycemia often had no precipitant such as a missed/delayed meal, occurred disproportionately at night (41% of episodes), was severe (blood glucose ≤3.0 mmol/L) in one-third of cases, and appeared more frequent in patients with psychiatric/cognitive issues. These data highlight the ongoing issue of hypoglycemia in relatively stable inpatients in an era of blood glucose-lowering therapies associated with a low rate of this acute metabolic complication.

Incidence and predictors of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis complicating Type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase I.

During 106 865 person-years of follow up, 17 (1.3%) Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase I participants with Type 2 diabetes and 57 (1.1%) matched individuals without diabetes developed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.40 (0.76-2.44) (P = 0.22). In the diabetes cohort, age at diabetes diagnosis and total serum cholesterol (inversely) predicted incident IPF in competing risk multivariable models. The incidence of IPF was low in community-based cohorts, regardless of Type 2 diabetes status.

Community-based management of complex type 2 diabetes: adaptation of an integrated model of care in a general practice setting.

BACKGROUND: Overburdened hospital clinics can have adverse outcomes. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness and patient acceptability of an integrated model of complex type 2 diabetes care delivered in a community-based general practice by upskilled general practitioners (GP) co-located with an endocrinologist and diabetes nurse educator. METHODS: Patients transferred from hospital clinic lists or referred by local GP were assessed in two southern Perth practices. An upskilled GP and endocrinologist developed a management plan which was communicated to the participant's usual GP. Up to two follow-up visits over 6 months ensured that management was acceptable and effective. RESULTS: A total of 464 people with type 2 diabetes (mean ± standard deviation age = 59.3 ± 13.7 years, 52.2% males) was enrolled. Their mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ) was 9.3% (78 mmol/mol) and their mean body mass index 33.7 kg/m2 . Use of injectable blood glucose-lowering therapies increased between the initial and final visit in association with a median HbA1c reduction of 1.2% (13 mmol/mol) which was sustained to 12 months in assessable participants. There were also reductions in blood pressure, and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Patient satisfaction with current treatment, time for self-management, time spent in diabetes-related appointments and diabetes knowledge increased significantly. Non-attendance for scheduled appointments was <10%. Local hospital referrals and waiting lists reduced over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the value of integrated community-based care of complex type 2 diabetes which could represent a sustainable solution to overburdened hospital diabetes outpatient clinics.

Prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in Australian baby boomers: the Busselton healthy ageing study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic medical conditions accumulate within individuals with age. However, knowledge concerning the trends, patterns and determinants of multimorbidity remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity using extensive individual phenotyping in a general population of Australian middle-aged adults. METHODS: Participants (n = 5029, 55% female), born between 1946 and 1964 and attending the cross-sectional phase of the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study (BHAS) between 2010 and 2015, were studied. Prevalence of 21 chronic conditions was estimated using clinical measurement, validated instrument scores and/or self-reported doctor-diagnosis. Non-random patterns of multimorbidity were explored using observed/expected (O/E) prevalence ratios and latent class analysis (LCA). Variables associated with numbers of conditions and class of multimorbidity were investigated. RESULTS: The individual prevalence of 21 chronic conditions ranged from 2 to 54% and multimorbidity was common with 73% of the cohort having 2 or more chronic conditions. (mean ± SD 2.75 ± 1.84, median = 2.00, range 0-13). The prevalence of multimorbidity increased with age, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and family history of asthma, diabetes, myocardial infarct or cancer. There were 13 pairs and 27 triplets of conditions identified with a prevalence > 1.5% and O/E > 1.5. Of the triplets, arthritis (> 50%), bowel disease (> 33%) and depression-anxiety (> 33%) were observed most commonly. LCA modelling identified 4 statistically and clinically distinct classes of multimorbidity labelled as: 1) "Healthy" (70%) with average of 1.95 conditions; 2) "Respiratory and Atopy" (11%, 3.65 conditions); 3) "Non-cardiometabolic" (14%, 4.77 conditions), and 4) "Cardiometabolic" (5%, 6.32 conditions). Predictors of multimorbidity class membership differed between classes and differed from predictors of number of co-occurring conditions. CONCLUSION: Multimorbidity is common among middle-aged adults from a general population. Some conditions associated with ageing such as arthritis, bowel disease and depression-anxiety co-occur in clinically distinct patterns and at higher prevalence than expected by chance. These findings may inform further studies into shared biological and environmental causes of co-occurring conditions of ageing. Recognition of distinct patterns of multimorbidity may aid in a holistic approach to care management in individuals presenting with multiple chronic conditions, while also guiding health resource allocation in ageing populations.

A comparison of obesity indices in relation to mortality in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This prospective association study aimed to compare the relationship between each of four obesity indices and mortality risk in people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The associations of BMI, waist circumference, WHR and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) with all-cause mortality were analysed in 1282 participants of the Fremantle Diabetes Study, followed for up to 20 years after baseline assessment. Models were adjusted for age and other confounders; assessments as continuous measures and by quintile were carried out for men and women separately. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to minimise reverse causality. RESULTS: When indices were assessed as continuous variables, there were significant bivariate associations with mortality for: ABSI, which was greater in both men and women who died (p < 0.001); WHR, which was greater in women only (p = 0.033); and BMI, which was lower in women only (p < 0.001). When assessed by quintile, there were significant bivariate associations with mortality for ABSI in men and women (p < 0.001) and BMI in women only (p = 0.002). In Cox models of time to death, adjusted for age, diabetes duration, ethnicity and smoking, ABSI quintiles showed a linear trend for both men (p = 0.003) and women (p = 0.035). Men in the fifth ABSI quintile had an increased mortality risk compared with those in the first quintile (HR [95% CI]: 1.74 [1.24, 2.44]) and women in the fifth ABSI quintile had an increased mortality risk that approached statistical significance (1.42 [0.97, 2.08], p = 0.08). Men in the fifth WHR quintile had an increased mortality risk (1.47 [1.05, 2.06]). There was no association between mortality and BMI or waist circumference in either sex. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: ABSI was the obesity index most strongly associated with all-cause mortality in Australians with type 2 diabetes. There was no evidence for an obesity paradox with any of the assessed indices. ABSI may be a better index of central obesity than waist circumference, BMI or WHR when assessing mortality risk in type 2 diabetes.