[Cardiovascular effects of new non-insulinic anti-diabetes drugs]. / Efectos cardiovasculares de los nuevos fármacos no insulínicos en diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is currently a serious public health problem worldwide, that increases the risk of presenting microvascular and macrovascular complications. Although achieving the recommended blood glucose goals reduces the risk of microvascular complications, the effect of the drugs used to treat hyperglycemia on macrovascular complications and cardiovascular death is a cause for concern. In this context, the regulatory agencies have modified the regulations for the approval of new drugs in diabetes, by adding the need to demonstrate that they are capable of lowering blood glucose levels together with a solid assessment of cardiovascular safety. The objective of this study is to review the cardiovascular effects of the new families of non-insulin drugs, with special emphasis on their effect on the risk of major cardiovascular events. In recent years, it has finally been confirmed that some of the drugs used to treat diabetes are not only safe from a cardiovascular point of view, but have even shown capacity to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The evidence obtained determined the updating of some current therapeutic guidelines when cardiovascular risk should be considered a fundamental variable at the time of therapeutic choice in patients with diabetes.

[Insulinization in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Intensification options]. / Insulinización en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Alternativas de intensificación.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with vascular complications and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Timely insulin therapy, intensified when necessary, represent appropriate measures to prevent or delay the onset of complications. However, the incidence of hypoglycemia and difficulties in treatment adherence represent barriers to achieve therapeutic success. Premixes analogs and, specially, combinations of insulin analogues are associated with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages, that translate into clinical benefits such as improved metabolic control, decreased hypoglycemic events and, for their simplicity, potentially greater adherence.

[Update on the diagnosis of diabetes]. / Actualización en el diagnóstico de la diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by the presence of hyperglycemia. This condition must be detected early in order to establish a proper treatment and prevent its micro and macro vascular complications. The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is based on the detection of abnormally high levels of glycemia. This task may appear to be simple but should not be underestimated. Misclassifying an individual as a diabetic can expose him/her not only to emotional damage but also to unnecessary diagnostic tests and potentially harmful treatments. Many different clinical situations such as pregnancy or acute critical illness may hamper the interpretation of laboratory findings. In this article, we present an updated review on the main aspects related to diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Effect of nateglinide on the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUND: The ability of short-acting insulin secretagogues to reduce the risk of diabetes or cardiovascular events in people with impaired glucose tolerance is unknown. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, we assigned 9306 participants with impaired glucose tolerance and either cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors to receive nateglinide (up to 60 mg three times daily) or placebo, in a 2-by-2 factorial design with valsartan or placebo, in addition to participation in a lifestyle modification program. We followed the participants for a median of 5.0 years for incident diabetes (and a median of 6.5 years for vital status). We evaluated the effect of nateglinide on the occurrence of three coprimary outcomes: the development of diabetes; a core cardiovascular outcome that was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure; and an extended cardiovascular outcome that was a composite of the individual components of the core composite cardiovascular outcome, hospitalization for unstable angina, or arterial revascularization. RESULTS: After adjustment for multiple testing, nateglinide, as compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce the cumulative incidence of diabetes (36% and 34%, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00 to 1.15; P=0.05), the core composite cardiovascular outcome (7.9% and 8.3%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.94, 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.09; P=0.43), or the extended composite cardiovascular outcome (14.2% and 15.2%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.93, 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.03; P=0.16). Nateglinide did, however, increase the risk of hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Among persons with impaired glucose tolerance and established cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors, assignment to nateglinide for 5 years did not reduce the incidence of diabetes or the coprimary composite cardiovascular outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00097786.)

Effect of valsartan on the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUND: It is not known whether drugs that block the renin-angiotensin system reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular events in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial with a 2-by-2 factorial design, we assigned 9306 patients with impaired glucose tolerance and established cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors to receive valsartan (up to 160 mg daily) or placebo (and nateglinide or placebo) in addition to lifestyle modification. We then followed the patients for a median of 5.0 years for the development of diabetes (6.5 years for vital status). We studied the effects of valsartan on the occurrence of three coprimary outcomes: the development of diabetes; an extended composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, arterial revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina; and a core composite outcome that excluded unstable angina and revascularization. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of diabetes was 33.1% in the valsartan group, as compared with 36.8% in the placebo group (hazard ratio in the valsartan group, 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 0.92; P<0.001). Valsartan, as compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce the incidence of either the extended cardiovascular outcome (14.5% vs. 14.8%; hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.07; P=0.43) or the core cardiovascular outcome (8.1% vs. 8.1%; hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.14; P=0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with impaired glucose tolerance and cardiovascular disease or risk factors, the use of valsartan for 5 years, along with lifestyle modification, led to a relative reduction of 14% in the incidence of diabetes but did not reduce the rate of cardiovascular events. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00097786.)

[Renal effects of GLP-1 agonists in type 2 diabetes]. / Efectos renales de los agonistas GLP-1 en la diabetes tipo 2.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is increasing, generating a great impact both at individual and public health level. Nearly half of the patients with DM2 develop impaired renal function, so nephron-protection is highly important. The robust body of evidence that shifted the therapeutic focus from glycemic to cardio-renal metabolic therapy in DM2 led to the inclusion of new therapies with cardiovascular and renal benefits in international guidelines. Type 1 glucagon (GLP-1) receptor agonists have showed favorable effects on renal function and their potential protective actions are multifactorial, beyond glycemic control. These benefits have been demonstrated in efficacy and safety clinical studies, as well as in cardiovascular outcomes and real-life studies. This comprehensive review describes the direct and indirect effects of these molecules, as well as evidence obtained from pivotal clinical (LEADER, SUSTAIN 6 and REWIND) and real-life studies demonstrating their beneficial effects on renal function, and also introduces expectations of future results from ongoing studies with renal endpoints.

La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) está en aumento, generando un gran impacto tanto a nivel individual como en salud pública. Cerca de la mitad de los pacientes con DM2 sufren un deterioro de la función renal, por esto la nefroprotección resulta de fundamental importancia. El conjunto de evidencia que cambió del enfoque terapéutico glucocéntrico al cardiorrenometabólico en la DM2 motivó la inclusión en las recomendaciones internacionales de nuevas terapias con beneficios cardiovasculares y renales. Los agonistas del receptor del péptido similar al glucagón tipo 1 (GLP-1) tienen efectos favorables sobre la función renal y sus posibles acciones protectoras son multifactoriales, más allá del control glucémico. Estos beneficios han sido demostrados en los estudios clínicos de eficacia y seguridad, así como también en los estudios de resultados cardiovasculares y de vida real. En esta revisión narrativa se describen los efectos directos e indirectos de estas moléculas, así como su evidencia en los principales estudios clínicos (LEADER, SUSTAIN 6 y REWIND) y de vida real que demuestran sus efectos beneficiosos sobre la función renal e introduce la expectativa de los resultados futuros de los estudios en curso con objetivos renales.

Lipoprotein alterations, hepatic lipase activity, and insulin sensitivity in subclinical hypothyroidism: response to L-T(4) treatment.

UNLABELLED: Subclinical hypothyroidism (sH) has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease even in the absence of hypercholesterolemia. OBJECTIVE: Our study was designed to assess the hypothesis that other pro-atherogenic parameters, such as qualitative lipoprotein changes and insulin resistance, might be present in sH. DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-one sH women were compared to 11 female controls matched for body mass index, menopausal status, and age. Before and after 6 months of levothyroxine (L-T(4)) treatment, we determined total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apoB levels, hepatic lipase (HL) activity in postheparin plasma samples, the chemical composition and copper-induced oxidation in isolated LDL and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, and insulinogenic index. MAIN OUTCOME: Lipid profiles were similar between the two groups. No differences in LDL oxidability or the insulin sensitivity assessment parameters were found. HL activity was significantly lower in the sH patients: median (range), 13.1 (2.5-26.7) vs. 18.7 (7.9-28.1) micromol free fatty acids/mL, p < 0.04. The LDL-cholesterol/LDL-TG ratio was decreased in sH: 3.9 (1.8-5.5) vs. 4.7 (3.5-6.8), p < 0.02. HL negatively correlated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (r = - 0.504, p < 0.01) and positively with LDL-cholesterol/LDL-TG (r = 0.46, p < 0.02). Posttreatment results for all these parameters did not differ significantly compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of TSH are associated to a decrease in HL activity, explaining our findings of an LDL particle rich in TG. This qualitative lipoprotein alteration suggests a pro-atherogenic pattern in sH. Treatment with L-T(4), however, did not correct the basal lipid derangement.

Efectos renales de los agonistas GLP-1 en la diabetes tipo 2 / Renal effects of GLP-1 agonists in type 2 diabetes

Resumen La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) está en aumento, generando un gran impacto tanto a nivel individual como en salud pública. Cerca de la mitad de los pacientes con DM2 sufren un deterioro de la función renal, por esto la nefroprotección resulta de fundamental importancia. El conjunto de evidencia que cambió del enfoque terapéutico glucocéntrico al cardiorrenometabólico en la DM2 motivó la inclu sión en las recomendaciones internacionales de nuevas terapias con beneficios cardiovasculares y renales. Los agonistas del receptor del péptido similar al glucagón tipo 1 (GLP-1) tienen efectos favorables sobre la función renal y sus posibles acciones protectoras son multifactoriales, más allá del control glucémico. Estos beneficios han sido demostrados en los estudios clínicos de eficacia y seguridad, así como también en los estudios de re sultados cardiovasculares y de vida real. En esta revisión narrativa se describen los efectos directos e indirectos de estas moléculas, así como su evidencia en los principales estudios clínicos (LEADER, SUSTAIN 6 y REWIND) y de vida real que demuestran sus efectos beneficiosos sobre la función renal e introduce la expectativa de los resultados futuros de los estudios en curso con objetivos renales.

Abstract The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is increasing, generating a great impact both at individual and public health level. Nearly half of the patients with DM2 develop impaired renal function, so nephron-protection is highly important. The robust body of evidence that shifted the therapeutic focus from glycemic to cardio-renal metabolic therapy in DM2 led to the inclusion of new therapies with cardiovascular and renal benefits in international guidelines. Type 1 glucagon (GLP-1) receptor agonists have showed favorable effects on renal function and their potential protective actions are multifactorial, beyond glycemic control. These benefits have been demonstrated in efficacy and safety clini cal studies, as well as in cardiovascular outcomes and real-life studies. This comprehensive review describes the direct and indirect effects of these molecules, as well as evidence obtained from pivotal clinical (LEADER, SUSTAIN 6 and REWIND) and real-life studies demonstrating their beneficial effects on renal function, and also introduces expectations of future results from ongoing studies with renal endpoints.

Effect of Sitagliptin on Kidney Function and Respective Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: Outcomes From TECOS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular outcomes in TECOS (Clinical trial reg. no. NCT00790205, clinicaltrials.gov) participants with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease treated with sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, according to baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used data from 14,671 TECOS participants assigned in a double-blind design to receive sitagliptin or placebo added to existing therapy, while aiming for glycemic equipoise between groups. Cardiovascular and CKD outcomes were evaluated over a median period of 3 years, with participants categorized at baseline into eGFR stages 1, 2, 3a, and 3b (≥90, 60-89, 45-59, or 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). RESULTS: Participants with eGFR stage 3b were older, were more often female, and had a longer duration of diabetes. Four-point major adverse cardiovascular event rates increased with lower baseline eGFR (3.52, 3.55, 5.74, and 7.34 events/100 patient-years for stages 1-3b, respectively). Corresponding adjusted hazard ratios for stages 2, 3a, and 3b versus stage 1 were 0.93 (95% CI 0.82-1.06), 1.28 (1.10-1.49), and 1.39 (1.13-1.72), respectively. Sitagliptin therapy was not associated with cardiovascular outcomes for any eGFR stage (interaction P values were all >0.44). Kidney function declined at the same rate in both treatment groups, with a marginally lower but constant eGFR difference (-1.3 mL/min/1.73 m2) in those participants who were assigned to sitagliptin. Treatment differences in these eGFR values remained after adjustment for region, baseline eGFR, baseline HbA1c, time of assessment, and within-study HbA1c levels. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired kidney function is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Sitagliptin has no clinically significant impact on cardiovascular or CKD outcomes, irrespective of baseline eGFR.

Impacto de la cirugía bariátrica en pacientes con obesidad y diabetes mellitus tipo 1 / Impact of bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus

Introducción: la obesidad es un problema médico serio y en crecimiento en los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). El tratamiento de reemplazo con insulina es la única terapia disponible y los principales efectos adversos asociados son la hipoglucemia y la ganancia de peso. La cirugía bariátrica (CB) mostró mejoría en el control glucémico en los pacientes con DM2 pero se han reportados pocos casos en DM1. Objetivos: evaluar los cambios en los parámetros metabólicos en pacientes con obesidad y DM1 a quienes se les realizó una CB. Materiales y métodos: en forma retrospectiva se evaluaron las historias clínicas de siete pacientes con DM1 y obesidad que fueron tratados con CB. Se utilizó el test de Wilcoxon para muestras apareadas a fin de evaluar la diferencia entre los datos pre cirugía y al año de la misma. Resultados: se evaluaron siete pacientes con DM1. La media de edad fue de 48 años (IQR 45 a 49). La media de índice de masa corporal basal y al año fue 39,6 Kg/m2 (IQR 35 a 42) y 24,9 Kg/m2 (IQR 24,7 a 29,5) respectivamente. La media de hemoglobina glicosilada basal y al año de seguimiento fue de 9,3% (IQR 8,3 a 10,5) y 7,2% (IQR 6,7 a 8,8). La media del requerimiento de insulina antes y después de la CB fue de 110 UI (IQR 70 a 120) y 24 UI (IQR 16 a 30). Todas las diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05). Conclusiones: los hallazgos de este estudio alientan a considerar a la CB como una herramienta en los pacientes con DM1 y obesidad con el objetivo de mejorar el control glucémico y el peso corporal

Introduction: obesity is a serious growing medical problem in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Insulin replacement is the only available therapy for these patients with DM1 and the main problems associated with it are hypoglycemia and weight gain. Bariatric surgery (BS) showed improvement in glycemic control in type 2 but only few cases of DM1 have been reported. Objectives: to evaluate changes in metabolic parameters in obese DM1 patients who underwent BS. Materials and methods: retrospectively, the clinical histories of seven patients with DM1 and obesity who were treated with CB were evaluated. The Wilcoxon test was used for paired samples in order to assess the difference between the pre-surgery data and one year after it. Results: seven patients DM1 were evaluated. The median age was 48 years (IQR 45 to 49). The median body mass index at baseline and at follow-up were 39.6 Kg/m (IQR 35 to 42) and 24.9 Kg/m2 (IQR 24.7 to 29.5) respectively. The median glycated hemoglobin at baseline and at follow-up were 9.3% (IQR 8.3 to 10.5) and 7.2% (IQR 6.7 to 8.8) respectively. The median insulin requirements before and after BS were 110 UI (IQR 70 a 120) and 24 UI (IQR 16 a 30). All differences were statistically significant (p value<0.05). Conclusions: our findings encourage considering BS as a tool in type 1 obese diabetic patients in terms to improve management of glycemic control and body weight

[Latin American consensus on hypertension in patients with diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome]. / Consenso latinoamericano de hipertensión en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 y síndrome metabólico.

The present document has been prepared by a group of experts, members of Cardiology, Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Diabetes societies of Latin American countries, to serve as a guide to physicians taking care of patients with diabetes, hypertension and comorbidities or complications of both conditions. Although the concept of metabolic syndrome is currently disputed, the higher prevalence in Latin America of that cluster of metabolic alterations has suggested that metabolic syndrome is useful nosography entity in the context of Latin American medicine. Therefore, in the present document, particular attention is paid to this syndrome in order to alert physicians on a particular high- risk population, usually underestimated and undertreated. These recommendations results from presentation and debates by discussion panels during a 2-day conference held in Bucaramanga, in October 2012, and all the participants have approved the final conclusions. The authors acknowledge that the publication and diffusion of guidelines do not suffice to achieve the recommended changes in diagnostic or therapeutic strategies, and plan suitable interventions overcoming both physicians and patients from effectively adhering to guideline recommendations.

[Latin American consensus on hypertension in patients with diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome]. / Consenso latino-americano de hipertensão em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 e síndrome metabólica.

The present document has been prepared by a group of experts, members of cardiology, endocrinology, internal medicine, nephrology and diabetes societies of Latin American countries, to serve as a guide to physicians taking care of patients with diabetes, hypertension and comorbidities or complications of both conditions. Although the concept of metabolic syndrome is currently disputed, the higher prevalence in Latin America of that cluster of metabolic alterations has suggested that metabolic syndrome is a useful nosography entity in the context of Latin American medicine. Therefore, in the present document, particular attention is paid to this syndrome in order to alert physicians on a particular high-risk population, usually underestimated and undertreated. These recommendations result from presentations and debates by discussion panels during a 2-day conference held in Bucaramanga, in October 2012, and all the participants have approved the final conclusions. The authors acknowledge that the publication and diffusion of guidelines do not suffice to achieve the recommended changes in diagnostic or therapeutic strategies, and plan suitable interventions overcoming knowledge, attitude and behavioural barriers, preventing both physicians and patients from effectively adhering to guideline recommendations.

Insuficiencia cardíaca y diabetes / Heart failure and diabetes

Cuando nos enfrentamos a la diabetes mellitus (DM) y a la insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) nos encontramos con dos patologías que presentan aspectos en común. Uno de ellos es la alta prevalencia que existe en la población general. A su vez, la DM se postula como un factor de riesgo independiente para el desarrollo de IC, no sólo por los efectos de la hiperglucemia sostenida sino por el conjunto de comorbilidades asociadas que elevan el riesgo de estos pacientes de desarrollar cardiopatía isquémica y fallo cardíaco. El objetivo del presente estudio es realizar una revisión de la diabetes y la hiperglucemia como un fenómeno que promueve el desarrollo de insuficiencia cardíaca

Efectos cardiovasculares de los nuevos fármacos no insulínicos en diabetes / Cardiovascular effects of new non-insulinic anti-diabetes drugs]

La diabetes mellitus constituye actualmente un grave problema de salud pública a nivel mundial, que incrementa el riesgo de presentar complicaciones tanto microvasculares como macrovasculares. Aunque lograr los objetivos de glucemia recomendados reduce el riesgo de complicaciones microvasculares, el efecto de los fármacos para tratar la hiperglucemia sobre las complicaciones macrovasculares y la muerte cardiovascular es motivo de preocupación. En este contexto, las agencias regulatorias han modificado la normativa para la aprobación de nuevos fármacos en diabetes, de forma que establecen la necesidad de demostrar que son capaces de disminuir la glucemia junto con una evaluación sólida de la seguridad cardiovascular. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar los efectos cardiovasculares de las nuevas familias de fármacos no insulínicos, en especial en su efecto sobre el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores. En los últimos años, finalmente, se ha confirmado que algunos fármacos para tratar la diabetes no solo son seguros desde el punto de vista cardiovascular, sino que incluso han mostrado capacidad para reducir el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2. La evidencia obtenida ha determinado la actualización de algunas guías terapéuticas vigentes cuando el riesgo cardiovascular debería considerarse una variable fundamental al momento de la elección terapéutica en pacientes con diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is currently a serious public health problem worldwide, that increases the risk of presenting microvascular and macrovascular complications. Although achieving the recommended blood glucose goals reduces the risk of microvascular complications, the effect of the drugs used to treat hyperglycemia on macrovascular complications and cardiovascular death is a cause for concern. In this context, the regulatory agencies have modified the regulations for the approval of new drugs in diabetes, by adding the need to demonstrate that they are capable of lowering blood glucose levels together with a solid assessment of cardiovascular safety. The objective of this study is to review the cardiovascular effects of the new families of non-insulin drugs, with special emphasis on their effect on the risk of major cardiovascular events. In recent years, it has finally been confirmed that some of the drugs used to treat diabetes are not only safe from a cardiovascular point of view, but have even shown capacity to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The evidence obtained determined the updating of some current therapeutic guidelines when cardiovascular risk should be considered a fundamental variable at the time of therapeutic choice in patients with diabetes.

Latin American consensus on hypertension in patients with diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome.

The present document has been prepared by a group of experts, members of cardiology, endocrinology and diabetes societies of Latin American countries, to serve as a guide to physicians taking care of patients with diabetes, hypertension and comorbidities or complications of both conditions. Although the concept of 'metabolic syndrome' is currently disputed, the higher prevalence in Latin America of that cluster of metabolic alterations has suggested that 'metabolic syndrome' is a useful nosographic entity in the context of Latin American medicine. Therefore, in the present document, particular attention is paid to this syndrome in order to alert physicians on a particularly high-risk population, usually underestimated and undertreated. These recommendations result from presentations and debates by discussion panels during a 2-day conference held in Bucaramanga, in October 2012, and all the participants have approved the final conclusions. The authors acknowledge that the publication and diffusion of guidelines do not suffice to achieve the recommended changes in diagnostic or therapeutic strategies, and plan suitable interventions overcoming knowledge, attitude and behavioural barriers, preventing both physicians and patients from effectively adhering to guideline recommendations.

Insulinización en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2: Alternativas de intensificación / Insulinization in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Intensification options

La diabetes mellitus se asocia con complicaciones vasculares y elevadas tasas de morbimortalidad. La terapia oportuna con insulina y su intensificación cuando es necesaria, representan estrategias apropiadas para evitar o retardar la aparición de dichas complicaciones. Sin embargo, la incidencia de hipoglucemia y las dificultades en la adherencia al tratamiento representan barreras para alcanzar el éxito terapéutico. Las nuevas combinaciones de análogos de insulina constituyen tratamientos que presentarían ventajas farmacocinéticas y farmacodinámicas, logrando beneficios clínicos tales como un mejor control metabólico, la disminución de eventos hipoglucémicos y, por su simplicidad, potencialmente una mayor adherencia al tratamiento.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with vascular complications and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Timely insulin therapy, intensified when necessary, represent appropriate measures to prevent or delay the onset of complications. However, the incidence of hypoglycemia and difficulties in treatment adherence represent barriers to achieve therapeutic success. Premixes analogs and, specially, combinations of insulin analogues are associated with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages, that translate into clinical benefits such as improved metabolic control, decreased hypoglycemic events and, for their simplicity, potentially greater adherence.

Guías para el tratamiento de la Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2. Sociedad Argentina de Diabetes / Guidelines for the treatment of the diabetes mellitus type 2. Argentine Society of Diabetes

Objetivos: 1) actualizar la Guía de Tratamiento de la Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 de la Sociedad Argentina de Diabetes publicada en el año 2010; 2) proveer al equipo de salud una herramienta actualizada para el manejo terapéutico de las personas con esta patología. Materiales y métodos: se convocó a un grupo de expertos, miembros titulares de la Sociedad Argentina de Diabetes, para analizar los trabajos disponibles en distintas fuentes, clasificándolos de acuerdo a su nivel de evidencia (Tabla 2), éste podrá observarse en negrita al final del párrafo correspondiente; sobre esta base se modificó la guía 2010 actualizando sus contenidos. Se designó un comité de redacción responsable de la compaginación final del documento. Conclusiones: los cambios en el estilo de vida continúan siendo la primera opción terapéutica, la metformina es la droga de primera línea, si no existen contraindicaciones para su uso o intolerancia, cualquiera de las otras familias de fármacos antidiabéticos, la insulina y sus análogos pueden usarse como monoterapia o asociadas entre sí teniendo en cuenta sus contraindicaciones, siempre y cuando no se utilicen juntas aquellas con mecanismos de acción similar. Los algoritmos 1 y 2 pueden considerarse la síntesis de la propuesta actual, elaborada para orientar la toma de decisiones respecto del tratamiento de la DMT2

Endocrine therapies and QTc prolongation.

QT interval represents the period between the initiation of depolarization and the end of repolarization of the ventricular myocardium. Excessive prolongation of this interval may drive to a potentially fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmia known as "torsades de pointes". Agents used to manage many endocrine disorders have been linked with QTc alterations. Among them, oral antidiabetic agents, lipid lowering and anti-obesity drugs, somatostatin analogues, thyroid and anti-thyroid agents, and adrenal steroids should be considered. Nevertheless, it is very well known that some endocrine diseases are associated with constraints in the repolarization reserve, and, as a consequence, with QTc prolongation. Besides, some disturbances in the clearance of certain drugs are more frequent in patients affected by selected endocrine entities. Taking these into account, the purpose of this article is to review the behavior of the most widely used drugs in endocrinology with regards to their potential QTc prolongation effect in human beings.

Consenso latino-americano de hipertensão em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 e síndrome metabólica / Latin American consensus on hypertension in patients with diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome

O presente documento foi preparado por um grupo de especialistas, membros das Sociedades de Cardiologia, Endocrinologia, Medicina Interna, Nefrologia e Diabetes dos países da América Latina, para que sirva de diretriz para médicos que cuidam de pacientes com diabetes, hipertensão e fatores de risco concomitantes ou complicações de ambas as condições. Embora o conceito de síndrome metabólica seja atualmente muito discutido, a alta prevalência na América Latina do conjunto de alterações metabólicas que a compõem sugere que a síndrome metabólica é uma entidade nosográfica útil no contexto da medicina latino-americana. Devido a isso, no presente documento presta-se especial atenção a essa síndrome com a finalidade de alertar aos médicos sobre uma população particularmente de alto risco, que, por ser subestimada, não é tratada de forma adequada para os fatores de risco que constituem a síndrome metabólica. As recomendações deste documento são o resultado de apresentações e debates que ocorreram durante um encontro de dois dias em Bucaramanga (Colômbia), em outubro de 2012. Todos os participantes aprovaram as decisões finais. Os autores reconhecem que a publicação e difusão das diretrizes não serão suficientes para alcançar as mudanças recomendadas tanto em estratégias diagnósticas como terapêuticas, por isso programaram intervenções que permitirão identificar as barreiras do conhecimento, as atitudes e comportamento, o que permitirá tanto aos médicos como aos pacientes uma adequada adesão às recomendações sugeridas nestas diretrizes. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(3):205-25.

The present document has been prepared by a group of experts, members of cardiology, endocrinology, internal medicine, nephrology and diabetes societies of Latin American countries, to serve as a guide to physicians taking care of patients with diabetes, hypertension and comorbidities or complications of both conditions. Although the concept of metabolic syndrome is currently disputed, the higher prevalence in Latin America of that cluster of metabolic alterations has suggested that metabolic syndrome is a useful nosography entity in the context of Latin American medicine. Therefore, in the present document, particular attention is paid to this syndrome in order to alert physicians on a particular high-risk population, usually underestimated and undertreated. These recommendations result from presentations and debates by discussion panels during a 2-day conference held in Bucaramanga, in October 2012, and all the participants have approved the final conclusions. The authors acknowledge that the publication and diffusion of guidelines do not suffice to achieve the recommended changes in diagnostic or therapeutic strategies, and plan suitable interventions overcoming knowledge, attitude and behavioural barriers, preventing both physicians and patients from effectively adhering to guideline recommendations. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(3):205-25.