Association Between Hemoglobin A1c and Development of Cardiovascular Disease in Canadian Men and Women Without Diabetes at Baseline: A Population-Based Study of 608 474 Adults.

BACKGROUND: We examined the association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men and women, without diabetes or CVD at baseline. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective cohort study included adults aged 40 to <80 years in Alberta, Canada. Men and women were divided into categories based on a random HbA1c during a 3-year enrollment period. The primary outcome of CVD hospitalization and secondary outcome of combined CVD hospitalization/mortality were examined during a 5-year follow-up period until March 31, 2021. A total of 608 474 individuals (55.2% women) were included. Compared with HbA1c 5.0% to 5.4%, men with HbA1c of 5.5% to 5.9% had an increased risk of CVD hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.07-1.19]) whereas women did not (aHR, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.95-1.08]). Men and women with HbA1c of 6.0% to 6.4% had a 38% and 17% higher risk and men and women with HbA1c ≥6.5% had a 79% and 51% higher risk of CVD hospitalization, respectively. In addition, HbA1c of 6.0% to 6.4% and HbA1c ≥6.5% were associated with a higher risk (14% and 41%, respectively) of CVD hospitalization/death in men, but HbA1c ≥6.5% was associated with a 24% higher risk only among women. CONCLUSIONS: In both men and women, HbA1c ≥6.0% was associated with an increased risk of CVD and mortality outcomes. The association between CVD and HbA1c levels of 5.5% to 5.9%, considered to be in the "normal" range, highlights the importance of optimizing cardiovascular risk profiles at all levels of glycemia, especially in men.

Measurements of Postmenopausal Serum Estradiol Levels and Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among female patients and its likelihood increases following menopause. However, whether estradiol levels are related to CVD remains unknown. We aimed to determine the association between serum estradiol levels and cardiovascular (CV) events in postmenopausal females. Methods: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase) were searched systematically from inception to October 2022. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included the following: (i) postmenopausal females; (ii) examination of the association between total serum estradiol levels and CV events (CV mortality, CVD, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, heart failure, and CV hospitalization); (iii) original data (randomized controlled trial, quasi-experimental, cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional study). A narrative synthesis was completed because the data were not amenable to meta-analysis. Results: Of the 9026 citations retrieved, 8 articles were included, representing a total of 5635 women. The risk-of-bias was fair, and considerable heterogeneity was present. In those not using menopausal hormone therapy, 3 studies demonstrated mixed results between estradiol levels and risk of coronary heart disease, and 1 study showed that higher estradiol levels were associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. No significant associations were present between estradiol levels and the remaining events (ie, CV mortality, heart failure, CVD, and stroke). Conclusions: The association between serum estradiol levels and CV events in postmenopausal females remains unclear. Further studies assessing this association are warranted, given the elevated CVD risk in this population.

Contexte: Les maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV) sont la principale cause de décès chez les femmes et leur probabilité augmente après la ménopause. Cependant, on ne sait pas encore si le taux d'estradiol est lié aux MCV. Nous avons tenté d'établir le lien entre le taux d'estradiol sérique et les événements cardiovasculaires (CV) chez les femmes post-ménopausées. Méthodologie: Nous avons consulté systématiquement des bases de données électroniques (MEDLINE, Embase) de leur création jusqu'en octobre 2022. Les études admissibles devaient comprendre les éléments suivants : i) femmes post-ménopausées; ii) examen du lien entre le taux total d'estradiol sérique et les événements CV (décès d'origine CV, MCV, coronaropathie, infarctus du myocarde, accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC), thromboembolie veineuse, insuffisance cardiaque et hospitalisation pour une cause CV); iii) données originales (essai contrôlé randomisé; études quasi expérimentales, de cohorte, cas-témoins ou transversales). Une synthèse narrative a été réalisée parce que les données ne se prêtaient pas à une méta-analyse. Résultats: Parmi les 9 026 citations relevées, 8 articles ont été retenus, représentant un total de 5 635 femmes. Le risque de biais était raisonnable, et une très grande hétérogénéité était présente. Chez les femmes qui ne suivaient pas d'hormonothérapie ménopausique, trois études ont affiché des résultats variables quant au lien entre le taux d'estradiol et le risque de coronaropathie, et une étude a montré que des taux élevés d'estradiol étaient associés à un risque accru d'infarctus du myocarde. Aucun lien notable n'a été observé entre le taux d'estradiol et les autres événements (c.-à-d. décès d'origine CV, insuffisance cardiaque, MCV et AVC). Conclusions: Le lien entre le taux d'estradiol sérique et les événements CV chez les femmes post-ménopausées n'a pas été élucidé. D'autres études sont nécessaires pour évaluer ce lien en raison du risque élevé de MCV au sein de cette population.

Nutrition Interventions for Lowering Cardiovascular Risk After Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common medical problems during pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) increase the risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) 2- to 4-fold within 10 years after delivery. Early health behaviour modifications may prevent or manage several cardiovascular risk factors. Importantly, compared with women without HDP, fewer women with HDP achieve national dietary guidelines to prevent CVD. This highlights an opportunity for programs tailored for women post-HDP to support their nutritional behaviours as a key component of postpartum CVD preventive care. This systematic review investigated the impacts of nutrition modifications on lowering measures of CVD risk after HDP. Methods: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) were searched in October 2022 with a search strategy focused on nutrition programs/interventions and women post-HDP. Additional inclusion criteria were original research and reported outcome of CVD risk or cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Six studies were included: 4 experimental trials and 2 prospective cohort studies. Of the nutrition interventions, 4 were embedded within comprehensive health behaviour intervention programs. Outcome measures varied, but all studies reported blood pressure. A narrative synthesis found that the range of changes in blood pressure varied from no change to clinically meaningful change. Conclusions: This review found statistically nonsignificant yet clinically important improvements in measures of cardiovascular risk across a range of nutritional interventions in women after HDP. Further high-quality evidence is needed to inform the design and implementation of nutritional preventive cardiovascular care targeting this high CVD-risk population.

Contexte: L'hypertension est l'un des problèmes médicaux les plus fréquents durant la grossesse. Les troubles hypertensifs de la grossesse (THG) font augmenter le risque de maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV) prématurées de 2 à 4 fois dans les 10 années après l'accouchement. Des modifications précoces des comportements liés à la santé peuvent permettre de prévenir ou de prendre en charge plusieurs facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire. Notamment, par rapport aux femmes sans THG, moins de femmes atteintes de THG se conforment aux lignes directrices nationales en matière d'alimentation pour prévenir les MCV. D'où la possibilité qui s'offre aux programmes adaptés aux femmes post-THG d'encourager l'adoption de leurs comportements nutritionnels, une composante essentielle des soins de prévention des MCV dans la période du post-partum. La présente revue systématique visait à examiner les répercussions des modifications nutritionnelles sur la réduction des mesures du risque de MCV après les THG. Méthodes: En octobre 2022, nous avons effectué des recherches dans 4 bases de données électroniques (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) au moyen d'une stratégie de recherche axée sur les interventions/programmes nutritionnels et les femmes post-THG. Les critères d'inclusion supplémentaires étaient la recherche initiale et les résultats signalés du risque de MCV ou des facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire. Résultats: Nous avons tenu compte de 6 études : 4 essais expérimentaux et 2 études de cohorte prospectives. Parmi les interventions nutritionnelles, 4 étaient intégrées aux programmes exhaustifs d'interventions sur les comportements liés à la santé. Les critères de jugement variaient, mais la pression artérielle était signalée dans toutes les études. Une synthèse narrative a permis de constater que l'étendue des changements dans la pression artérielle allait d'une absence de changement à des changements significatifs sur le plan clinique. Conclusions: Cette revue a permis de constater des améliorations non significatives sur le plan statistique, mais importantes sur le plan clinique des mesures du risque cardiovasculaire de différentes interventions nutritionnelles chez les femmes après les THG. D'autres données probantes de grande qualité sont nécessaires pour faciliter l'élaboration et la mise en œuvre de soins de prévention nutritionnelle des maladies cardiovasculaires visant cette population exposée à un risque élevé de MCV.

Real-world Use and Outcomes of Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Adults With Diabetes and Heart Failure: A Population-level Cohort Study in Alberta, Canada.

OBJECTIVES: Since 2016, clinical guidelines have recommended sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) for people with type 2 diabetes with heart failure. We examined SGLT2i dispensation, factors associated with dispensation, and heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality in people with diabetes and heart failure. METHODS: This retrospective, population-based cohort study, identified people with diabetes and heart failure between Jan 1, 2014 to Dec 31, 2017 in Alberta, Canada and followed them for a minimum of three years for SGLT2i dispensation and outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the factors associated with SGTL2i dispensation. Propensity scores were used with regression adjustment to estimate the effect of SGLT2i treatment on heart failure hospitalization. RESULTS: Among 22,025 individuals with diabetes and heart failure (43.4% women, mean age 74.7±11.8 years), only 10.2% were dispensed an SGLT2i. Male sex, age <65 years, a higher baseline A1C, no chronic kidney disease, presence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and urban residence were associated with SGLT2i dispensation. Lower heart failure hospitalization rates were observed in those with SGLT2i dispensation (548.1 per 100 person years) vs those without (813.5 per 1,000 person years; p<0.001) and lower all-cause mortality in those with an SGLT2i than those without (48.5 per 1,000 person years vs 206.1 per 1,000 person years; p<0.001). Regression adjustment found SGLT2i therapy was associated with a 23% reduction in hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2is were dispensed to only 10% of people with diabetes and established heart failure, underscoring a significant care gap. SGLT2i use was associated with a real-world reduction in heart failure hospitalization and all-cause death. This study highlights an important opportunity to optimize SGLT2i use.

Impact of a modified screening approach during the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus: A population-level analysis of 90,518 pregnant women.

AIMS: To provide real-world evidence on the uptake of and outcomes associated with the modified gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening approach offered during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the standard screening approach. METHODS: All pregnancies between 01 January 2020 and 31 December 2021, in Alberta, Canada, were included in the study. We examined GDM screening and diagnosis rates, and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) outcomes. RESULTS: Annual GDM screening rates were > 95% during the study time period. Overall, 84.7%, and 11.6% of the 92,505 pregnancies underwent standard and modified screening for GDM, respectively. The use of modified screening was the highest among deliveries in August 2020 (49.8%) which corresponded to the early first wave of the pandemic. GDM diagnosis rate was lower in the modified screening (7.4%) than in the standard screening (12.3%, p < 0.001) group. The LGA rates in the modified screening with GDM and the standard screening with GDM groups were 24.8% and 12.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Women in the modified screening with GDM group were at a higher risk of having an LGA infant (adjusted odds ratio: 3.46; 95% confidence interval: 2.93, 4.08) compared to the standard screening with no GDM group. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 epidemic had no impact on screening for GDM. Women who underwent modified screening, based on HbA1c/random plasma glucose, had lower rates of GDM cases.

Gestational diabetes: One size does not fit all-an observational study of maternal and neonatal outcomes by maternal glucose profile.

OBJECTIVES: To examine obstetrical and neonatal outcomes across maternal glucose profiles at the population level and to explore insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function across profiles in an independent, well-phenotyped cohort for potential pathophysiologic explanation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Observational cohort study of all pregnancies with gestational diabetes screening between October 2008 and December 2018 resulting in live singleton birth in Alberta, Canada (n = 436,773) were categorized into seven maternal glucose profiles: (1) normal 50 g-glucose challenge test (nGCT), (2) normal 75-g OGTT (nOGTT), (3) isolated elevated 1 h post-load glucose (ePLPG1), (4) isolated elevated 2 h post-load glucose (ePLPG2), (5) elevated 1 and 2 h post-load glucose (ePLPG12), (6) isolated elevated FPG (eFPG), and (7) elevated FPG + elevated 1-h and/or 2-h PLG (Combined). Primary outcomes were large for gestational age (LGA) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates. An independent observational cohort of 1451 women was examined for measures of beta-cell function (ISSI-2, insulinogenic index/HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity/resistance (Matsuda index, HOMA-IR) by similar maternal glucose profiles. RESULTS: Pregnancies with elevated FPG, either isolated or combined, had higher adverse events and lower insulin sensitivity. The combination of elevated FPG + elevated 1-h and/or 2-h PLG had the highest rates of LGA(20.9%), NICU admissions (14.7%), and lowest insulin sensitivity as measured by Matsuda index and HOMA-IR, and beta-cell function as measured by ISSI-2 and Insulinogenic index/HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated fasting plasma glucose, either alone or combined with post-load glucose elevation is associated with worse outcomes than isolated post-load glucose elevation, possibly due to higher degrees of insulin resistance. Future work is needed to better understand these differences, and explore whether tailored treatment of GDM can improve neonatal outcomes.

Supporting and Incentivizing Peer Leaders for an Internet-Based Private Peer Community for Youths With Type 1 Diabetes: Social Network and Directed Content Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Youths with type 1 diabetes (T1D) frequently experience stigma. Internet-based peer communities can mitigate this through social support but require leaders to catalyze exchange. Whether nurturing potential leaders translates into a central role has not been well studied. Another issue understudied in such communities is lurking, the viewing of exchanges without commenting or posting. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the centrality of the peer leaders we selected, trained, and incentivized within the Canadian Virtual Peer Network (VPN)-T1D. This is a private Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc) group that we created for persons aged 14 to 24 years with T1D. We specifically sought to (1) compare a quantitative estimate of network centrality between peer leaders and regular members, (2) assess the proportions of network exchanges that were social support oriented, and (3) assess proportions of high engagement (posts, comments, reactions, and votes) and low engagement (lurking) exchanges. METHODS: We recruited peer leaders and members with T1D from prior study cohorts and clinics. We trained 10 leaders, provided them with a monthly stipend, and encouraged them to post on the private Facebook group we launched on June 21, 2017. We extracted all communications (posts, messages, reactions, polls, votes, and views) that occurred until March 20, 2020. We calculated each member's centrality (80% of higher engagement communications comprising posts, comments, and reactions plus 20% of members with whom they connected). We divided each member's centrality by the highest centrality to compute the relative centrality, and compared the mean values between leaders and members (linear regression). We calculated the proportions of communications that were posts, comments, reactions, and views without reaction. We performed content analysis with a social support framework (informational, emotional, esteem-related, network, and tangible support), applying a maximum of 3 codes per communication. RESULTS: VPN-T1D gained 212 regular members and 10 peer leaders over 33 months; of these 222 members, 26 (11.7%) exited. Peer leaders had 10-fold higher relative centrality than regular members (mean 0.53, SD 0.26 vs mean 0.04, SD 0.05; 0.49 difference; 95% CI 0.44-0.53). Overall, 91.4% (203/222) of the members connected at least once through posts, comments, or reactions. Among the 75,051 communications, there were 5109 (6.81%) posts, comments, and polls, 6233 (8.31%) reactions, and 63,709 (84.9%) views (lurking). Moreover, 54.9% (3430/6253) of codes applied were social support related, 66.4% (2277/3430) of which were informational (eg, insurance and travel preparation), and 20.4% (699/3430) of which were esteem related (eg, relieving blame). CONCLUSIONS: Designating, training, and incentivizing peer leaders may stimulate content exchange and creation. Social support was a key VPN-T1D deliverable. Although lurking accounted for a high proportion of the overall activity, even those demonstrating this type of passive participation likely derived benefits, given that the network exit rate was low. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/18714.

Exploring the reliability of inpatient EMR algorithms for diabetes identification.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate identification of medical conditions within a real-time inpatient setting is crucial for health systems. Current inpatient comorbidity algorithms rely on integrating various sources of administrative data, but at times, there is a considerable lag in obtaining and linking these data. Our study objective was to develop electronic medical records (EMR) data-based inpatient diabetes phenotyping algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart review on 3040 individuals was completed, and 583 had diabetes. We linked EMR data on these individuals to the International Classification of Disease (ICD) administrative databases. The following EMR-data-based diabetes algorithms were developed: (1) laboratory data, (2) medication data, (3) laboratory and medications data, (4) diabetes concept keywords and (5) diabetes free-text algorithm. Combined algorithms used or statements between the above algorithms. Algorithm performances were measured using chart review as a gold standard. We determined the best-performing algorithm as the one that showed the high performance of sensitivity (SN), and positive predictive value (PPV). RESULTS: The algorithms tested generally performed well: ICD-coded data, SN 0.84, specificity (SP) 0.98, PPV 0.93 and negative predictive value (NPV) 0.96; medication and laboratory algorithm, SN 0.90, SP 0.95, PPV 0.80 and NPV 0.97; all document types algorithm, SN 0.95, SP 0.98, PPV 0.94 and NPV 0.99. DISCUSSION: Free-text data-based diabetes algorithm can yield comparable or superior performance to a commonly used ICD-coded algorithm and could supplement existing methods. These types of inpatient EMR-based algorithms for case identification may become a key method for timely resource planning and care delivery.

Health care cost of severe obesity and obesity-related comorbidities: A retrospective cohort study from Alberta, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Estimates of health care costs associated with severe obesity, and those attributable to specific health conditions among adults living with severe obesity are needed. METHODS: Administrative data was used to identify adults who previously received a procedure, and had (investigational cohort) or did not have (control cohort) a body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2. Two-part models were used to estimate the incremental health care cost of severe obesity and related health conditions during a 1-year observation period. RESULTS: Adjusting for potential confounders, the total health care cost ratio was higher in the investigational (n = 220,190) versus control (n = 1,955,548) cohort (1.32 [95 % CI: 1.32, 1.33]) with a predicted incremental cost of $2221 (95 % CI $2184, $22,265) per person-year; costs were less when obesity-related health conditions were controlled for (1.13 [95 % CI: 1.13, 1.14]; $1097 [95 % CI: $1084, $1110] per person-year). Among those living with severe obesity, incremental costs associated with specific health conditions ranged from $737 (95 % CI: $747, $728) lower (dyslipidemia) to $12,996 (95 % CI: $12,512, $13,634) higher (peripheral vascular disease) per person-year. CONCLUSIONS: Adults living with severe obesity had greater costs than those without, largely driven by obesity-related health conditions. For the Alberta adult population with a severe obesity prevalence of 11 %, severe obesity may account for an estimated additional $453-918 million in health care costs per year. Findings of this study provide rationale for resources and strategies to prevent and manage obesity and its complications.

Association Between Maternal Glucose Levels in Gestational Diabetes Screening and Subsequent Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the association between maternal glucose levels in pregnancy and subsequent hypertension. METHODS: This population-level, retrospective cohort study examined women aged 12 to 54 years with singleton pregnancies completed at ≥29 weeks of gestation from October 1, 2008 to December 1, 2018 followed until March 31, 2019 in Alberta, Canada. Women were stratified by results in the 50-gram glucose challenge test and by 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test subtypes (normal oral glucose tolerance test, elevated fasting plasma glucose only [elevated fasting], elevated postload glucose only, or both elevated fasting and postload glucose [combined]. Time to development of hypertension was modeled using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Of 313 361 women, 231 008 (79.1%) underwent a glucose challenge test only while 60 909 (20.9%) underwent either an oral glucose tolerance test only or both. Nine thousand five hundred eighty (3.1%) developed hypertension, and 2824 (0.9%) developed cardiovascular disease over a median follow-up of 5.7 years. Every 1-mmol/L increase in glucose in the glucose challenge test increased the risk of subsequent hypertension by 15% (adjusted hazard ratio and 95% CI, 1.15 [1.14-1.16]). Among those who underwent the oral glucose tolerance test, the combined group conferred the highest risk of subsequent hypertension, followed by elevated fasting, then elevated postload glucose only (reference: glucose challenge test ≤7.1 mmol/L, adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI]: elevated postload glucose only, 1.83 [1.68-2.00]; elevated fasting 2.02 [1.70-2.40]; combined, 2.65 [2.33-3.01]). No significant associations between maternal glucose levels and cardiovascular disease were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing maternal glucose levels in pregnancy were associated with increasing risk of subsequent hypertension. These findings may help identify higher-risk women who should be targeted for earlier postpartum cardiovascular risk reduction.

Temporal Trends in Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy: Impact of Rural Residence, Ethnicity, and Material Deprivation.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to implement a newly validated algorithm to identify pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to identify temporal trends in rates over the last decade. We also compared obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Among women with live births between 2005 and 2018 in Alberta, we calculated yearly rates of T1DM, T2DM, and GDM, overall, and stratified by ethnicity, urban or rural residence, material deprivation score, and maternal age. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2018, GDM rates increased from 42.3 to 101.8 per 1,000 deliveries (p<0.0001), T2DM rates increased from 2.6 to 6.4 per 1,000 deliveries (p<0.0001), whereas T1DM remained constant at 3.0 per 1,000 deliveries each year (p=0.4301). Higher GDM and T2DM rates were observed among Chinese and South Asian women, respectively, and among women who were materially deprived and living in urban areas. Women with T2DM were older and had the highest rates of pre-existing hypertension (16%). In contrast, women with T1DM were younger and had the highest rates of gestational hypertension (12%), pre-eclampsia (12%), and cesarean section deliveries (62%). Children of women with T1DM had the highest rates of large for gestational age (46%), neonatal hypoglycemia (41.1%), respiratory distress syndrome (7.7%), and jaundice (29.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes-in-pregnancy rates have more than doubled over the last decade, driven primarily by increases in GDM and T2DM. These trends may have significant implications for the future health of mothers and children in Alberta.

Validity of Alternative Claims-based Algorithms for Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to evaluate the accuracy of alternative algorithms for identifying pre-existing type 1 or 2 diabetes (T1DM or T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women. METHODS: Data from a clinical registry of pregnant women presenting to an Edmonton diabetes clinic between 2002 and 2009 were linked and administrative health records. Three algorithms for identifying women with T1DM, T2DM, and GDM based on International Classification of Diseases---tenth revision (ICD-10) codes were assessed: delivery hospitalization records (Algorithm #1), outpatient clinics during pregnancy (Algorithm #2), and delivery hospitalization plus outpatient clinics during pregnancy (Algorithm #3). In a subset of women with clinic visits between 2005 and 2009, we examined the performance of an additional Algorithm #4 based on Algorithm #3 plus outpatient clinics in the 2 years before pregnancy. Using the diabetes clinical registry as the "gold standard," we calculated true positive rates and agreement levels for the algorithms. RESULTS: The clinical registry included data on 928 pregnancies, of which 90 were T1DM, 89 were T2DM, and 749 were GDM. Algorithm #3 had the highest true positive rate for the detection of T1DM, T2DM, and GDM of 94%, 72%, and 99.9%, respectively, resulting in an overall agreement of 97% in diagnosis between the administrative databases and the clinical registry. Algorithm #4 did not provide much improvement over Algorithm #3 in overall agreement. CONCLUSIONS: An algorithm based on ICD-10 codes in the delivery hospitalization and outpatient clinic records during pregnancy can be used to accurately identify women with T1DM, T2DM, and GDM.

Temporal Trends of the Prevalence of Angina With No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (ANOCA).

BACKGROUND: Angina with no obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA) is a common entity. There is still under-recognition of this condition, but it is unclear if the referral patterns for chest pain diagnosis have changed. We aimed to determine if the prevalence of patients diagnosed with ANOCA by means of coronary angiography has changed over time. METHODS: A population-based cohort of patients who had their first coronary angiogram for a chest pain syndrome in Alberta from 1995 to 2020 was extracted retrospectively from the Alberta Provincial Project for Outcome Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease (APPROACH) database. A temporal trend analysis was performed to compare patients with ANOCA vs obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), and the predictors of ANOCA were investigated. RESULTS: In our analysis, 121,066 patients were included (26% ANOCA, 31% female, overall mean age 62 years). The percentages of ANOCA vs obstructive CAD ranged from 24.2% to 26.7% in all patients (P < 0.001), from 19.4% to 21.4% in patients with acute coronary syndromes (P = 0.002), and from 30.6% to 37.5% in patients with stable angina (P < 0.001). Independent predictors of ANOCA were female sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.05-3.66), younger age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.96), history of atrial fibrillation (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.73-2.73), and stable angina (vs myocardial infarction: OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.23-0.28; vs unstable angina: OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.89). Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were associated with obstructive CAD. CONCLUSIONS: There remained a high prevalence of ANOCA detected during invasive coronary angiography, which remained stable over time. This study demonstrates an opportunity to exclude obstructive CAD with less invasive testing, particularly in women.

Heart Failure: An Underappreciated Complication of Diabetes. A Consensus Report of the American Diabetes Association.

Heart failure (HF) has been recognized as a common complication of diabetes, with a prevalence of up to 22% in individuals with diabetes and increasing incidence rates. Data also suggest that HF may develop in individuals with diabetes even in the absence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, or valvular heart disease and, as such, represents a major cardiovascular complication in this vulnerable population; HF may also be the first presentation of cardiovascular disease in many individuals with diabetes. Given that during the past decade, the prevalence of diabetes (particularly type 2 diabetes) has risen by 30% globally (with prevalence expected to increase further), the burden of HF on the health care system will continue to rise. The scope of this American Diabetes Association consensus report with designated representation from the American College of Cardiology is to provide clear guidance to practitioners on the best approaches for screening and diagnosing HF in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes, with the goal to ensure access to optimal, evidence-based management for all and to mitigate the risks of serious complications, leveraging prior policy statements by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association.

Low Use of Guideline-recommended Cardiorenal Protective Antihyperglycemic Agents in Primary Care: A Cross-sectional Study of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown cardiorenal benefits independent of their glucose-lowering effects among persons living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we describe the proportion of persons with T2DM eligible to receive and currently receiving these agents based on their risk criteria for cardiorenal events. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of primary care electronic medical records, in southern Alberta, of persons with T2DM who had at least 1 encounter with their primary care provider between December 31, 2018, to December 31, 2020. A descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine clinical and demographic determinants of being prescribed one of the new treatments. RESULTS: Our study sample included 11,939 persons living with T2DM, among whom 66.3% had a cardiorenal indication for SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA use. In the secondary and primary prevention subsamples, 19.4% and 16.6% of persons were prescribed SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA, respectively, compared with 20.0% of those with no specific cardiorenal indication. Several person-level characteristics, such as age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96 to 0.97), male sex (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.55) and glycated hemoglobin (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.34), were associated with being prescribed SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA. CONCLUSIONS: Low rates of SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA use and minimal differences between high-risk and no cardiorenal indication subsamples suggest the presence of barriers to prescribing these medications in a primary care setting. Action to highlight the indications for, and improve access to agents with, cardiorenal benefits will be required to achieve better outcomes for people with T2DM in primary care.

Care gaps in achieving cholesterol targets in people with diabetes: A population-based study in a universal health care setting.

AIMS: Statins are first line therapy in people with diabetes. Little is known about real-world statin intensity use and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels achieved. We aimed to describe statin intensity used, achievement of LDL-C targets, and factors associated with achieving targets among adults with diabetes. METHODS: This population based (∼4.3 million), retrospective observational study, used clinical and administrative databases. Statin use by intensity, adherence, and achievement of LDL-C targets in adults with diabetes were described. Multiple logistic regression assessed the factors associated with achieving targets. RESULTS: Out of 331,312 individuals with diabetes, 88% had an index LDL-C test. At follow up, 31% overall did not achieve LDL-C targets and overall adherence was 66%. Failure to achieve targets was 49%, 30%, and 25% in low-, moderate-, and high-intensity statin groups, respectively. Those who were older, males, had a history of myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, renal disease, better adherence, and higher intensity statin users were more likely to achieve targets. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of people on statins did not achieve targets. Strategies to fill the gap between ideal and current levels of LDL-C achieved are needed if the benefits of statins demonstrated in trials are to be translated into practice.

Disparities in adherence to diabetes screening guidelines among males and females in a universal care setting: A population-based study of 1,380,697 adults.

Background: National guidelines recommend that all adults over the age of 40 years undergo screening for diabetes at least once every 3-years. We examined the adherence to these guidelines among males and females after accounting for age, urban/rural residence, and material deprivation. We also examined the incidence of prediabetes and diabetes in adherent and non-adherent individuals. Methods: Our study is based on a retrospective population-level inception cohort of adults aged 40-79 years without pre-existing diabetes or cardiovascular disease on April 1, 2013. Adherence during a 3-year screening period (2013-2016) and prediabetes and diabetes during a 4-year follow-up period were examined. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the adjusted association between sex and adherence. Findings: Among 1,380,697 individuals (49·2% male, 50·8% female) adherence rates were 69·9% in males and 79·8% in females. Sex-differences in adherence were largest in younger individuals (58·0% and 72·6% and in males and females aged 40-44 years, respectively) and consistent across rural/urban residence and material deprivation. Females were more adherent (adjusted odds ratio 1·92; 95% confidence interval 1·89 to 1·95) than males. Prediabetes and diabetes rates among individuals who adhered to screening guidelines were 15·7% and 2·6% among males and 13·4% and 1·5% among females. During the follow-up period, an additional 3·2% and 1·9% of adherent males and females had diabetes. Incidence rates of prediabetes and diabetes during the follow-up period among individuals who did not adhere to screening guidelines were 8·8% and 2·1% among males and 7·3% and 1·3% among females. Interpretation: Adherence to diabetes screening guidelines is sub-optimal, especially among young males. Despite lower rates of adherence to screening, males have higher rates of prediabetes and diabetes compared to females. There is a need for education campaigns to improve diabetes screening rates in young adults, especially males. Funding: This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Sex and Gender Science Chair (Recipient: Kaul).

Distribution, management and outcomes of AMI according to principal diagnosis priority during inpatient admission.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using large administrative datasets. The present study was designed to compare the characteristics, management strategies and acute outcomes between patients with primary and secondary AMI diagnoses in a national cohort of patients. METHODS: All hospitalisations of adults (≥18 years) with a discharge diagnosis of AMI in the US National Inpatient Sample from January 2004 to September 2015 were included, stratified by primary or secondary AMI. The International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision and Clinical Classification Software codes were used to identify patient comorbidities, procedures and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 10 864 598 weighted AMI hospitalisations were analysed, of which 7 186 261 (66.1%) were primary AMIs and 3 678 337 (33.9%) were secondary AMI. Patients with primary AMI diagnoses were younger (median 68 vs 74 years, P < .001) and less likely to be female (39.6% vs 48.5%, P < .001). Secondary AMI was associated with lower odds of receipt of coronary angiography (aOR 0.19; 95%CI 0.18-0.19) and percutaneous coronary intervention (0.24; 0.23-0.24). Secondary AMI was associated with increased odds of MACCE (1.73; 1.73-1.74), mortality (1.71; 1.70-1.72), major bleeding (1.64; 1.62-1.65), cardiac complications (1.69; 1.65-1.73) and stroke (1.68; 1.67-1.70) (P < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Secondary AMI diagnoses account for one-third of AMI admissions. Patients with secondary AMI are older, less likely to receive invasive care and have worse outcomes than patients with a primary diagnosis code of AMI. Future studies should consider both primary and secondary AMI diagnoses codes in order to accurately inform clinical decision-making and health planning.