[Pharmacological and clinical characteristics of Insulin Faster Aspart (Fiasp®)]. / Características farmacológicas y clínicas de Insulina Aspártica Más Rápida (Fiasp®).

Fast acting aspart insulin is a faster-acting formulation of aspart insulin, having nicotinamide and Larginine added to the molecule, in order to achieve a faster absorption through the subcutaneous cellular tissue. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies showed a left-shifted mean serum concentration-time profile compared to the conventional formulation. Its efficacy profile is highlighted in terms of early postprandial glycemic control. In addition, fast acting aspart insulin allows a more flexible treatment schedule, as it may be administrated at mealtime, immediately before or up to 20 minutes after; this schedule represents an advantage regarding quality of life in patients with diabetes treated with prandial insulin, especially in populations such as children, pregnant women or elderly subjects. The safety and tolerability profiles are comparable to conventional aspart insulin.

La insulina aspártica de acción rápida es una formulación más rápida de la insulina aspártica convencional, a la que se adicionan nicotinamida y L-arginina para lograr una absorción más rápida en el tejido celular subcutáneo. Estudios farmacocinéticos y farmacodinámicos demostraron un desplazamiento de las curvas de concentración sérica de insulina/tiempo hacia la izquierda en comparación con la formulación convencional. Su perfil de eficacia se destaca en términos del control de la glucemia posprandial temprana. Además, la insulina aspártica de acción rápida aporta flexibilidad al tratamiento, ya que puede aplicarse al momento de la comida, inmediatamente antes o hasta 20 minutos después, lo que constituye una ventaja en cuanto a calidad de vida en los pacientes con diabetes en tratamiento con insulina prandial, especialmente en poblaciones como los niños, las embarazadas o los ancianos. El patrón de seguridad y tolerabilidad es comparable al de la insulina aspártica convencional.

Características farmacológicas y clínicas de insulina aspártica más rápida (Fiasp®) / Pharmacological and clinical characteristics of Insulin Faster Aspart (Fiasp®)

Resumen La insulina aspártica de acción rápida es una formulación más rápida de la insulina aspártica convencional, a la que se adicionan nicotinamida y L-arginina para lograr una absorción más rápida en el tejido celular subcutáneo. Estudios farmacocinéticos y farmacodinámicos demostraron un desplazamiento de las curvas de concentración sérica de insulina/tiempo hacia la izquierda en comparación con la formulación conven cional. Su perfil de eficacia se destaca en términos del control de la glucemia posprandial temprana. Además, la insulina aspártica de acción rápida aporta flexibilidad al tratamiento, ya que puede aplicarse al momento de la comida, inmediatamente antes o hasta 20 minutos después, lo que constituye una ventaja en cuanto a calidad de vida en los pacientes con diabetes en tratamiento con insulina prandial, especialmente en poblaciones como los niños, las embarazadas o los ancianos. El patrón de seguridad y tolerabilidad es comparable al de la insulina aspártica convencional.

Abstract Fast acting aspart insulin is a faster-acting formulation of aspart insulin, having nicotinamide and L-arginine added to the molecule, in order to achieve a faster absorption through the subcutaneous cellular tissue. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies showed a left-shifted mean serum concentration-time profile compared to the conventional formulation. Its efficacy profile is highlighted in terms of early postprandial glycemic control. In addition, fast acting aspart insulin allows a more flexible treatment schedule, as it may be administrated at mealtime, immediately before or up to 20 minutes after; this schedule represents an advantage regarding quality of life in patients with diabetes treated with prandial insulin, especially in populations such as children, pregnant women or elderly subjects. The safety and tolerability profiles are comparable to conventional aspart insulin.

Cardiovascular safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: Rationale, design and patient baseline characteristics for the PIONEER 6 trial.

AIMS: To assess the cardiovascular (CV) safety of oral semaglutide, the first tablet formulation of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PIONEER 6 is a multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of CV events (defined as being aged ≥50 years and having established CV disease [CVD] or moderate [stage 3] chronic kidney disease [CKD], or being aged ≥60 years with ≥1 other CV risk factor). Patients were randomized to once-daily oral semaglutide (up to 14 mg) or placebo added to standard of care. The primary composite endpoint is time to first occurrence of CV death or non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. The primary hypothesis was to exclude an excess in CV risk with oral semaglutide by assessing non-inferiority versus placebo for the primary endpoint (non-inferiority margin of 1.8 for the upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval of the hazard ratio). PIONEER 6 is event-driven, with follow-up continuing until accrual of at least 122 primary outcome events. There is no pre-defined minimal duration. RESULTS: Overall, 3183 patients have been enrolled (mean age 66.1 years, 31.6% females) in 214 sites across 21 countries. At baseline, the mean duration of diabetes was 14.9 years, mean glycated haemoglobin concentration was 66 mmol/mol (8.2%), and 84.6% of patients had established CVD/moderate CKD. CONCLUSIONS: PIONEER 6 will provide evidence regarding the CV safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.

[Efficacy and safety of IdegLira for the intensification of type 2 diabetes treatment]. / Eficacia y seguridad de IdegLira para la intensificación del tratamiento en la diabetes tipo 2.

Diabetes mellitus is a true pandemic; type 2 diabetes in particular, with its progressive nature, constitutes a serious health problem. Despite advances and innovations in treatment, it continues to generate high morbidity and mortality. Many patients do not achieve their metabolic control objectives, due to clinical inertia, fear of hypoglycaemia, weight gain, the complexity of the treatment and the lack of adherence to it. Recently, the clinical results of the combined use of basal insulin and agonist receptor of the glucagon-like peptide type 1 (AR-GLP1) have been successfully evaluated. Therefore, the combined use of a basal insulin (insulin degludec) with an AR-GLP1 (liraglutide), in a single device (IdegLira), is proposed as an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment intensification in people with type 2 diabetes. IdegLira has shown greater reductions in HbA1c compared to its individual components, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia and weight loss, both in insulin naïve patients and in those previously insulinized. In this review we describe the pharmacology, the rational of the combination and the most relevant clinical evidence on IdegLira safety and efficacy.

Eficacia y seguridad de IdegLira para la intensificación del tratamiento en la diabetes tipo 2 / Efficacy and safety of IdegLira for the intensification of type 2 diabetes treatment

La diabetes mellitus es una verdadera pandemia; la diabetes tipo 2 en particular, con su carácter progresivo, constituye un grave problema de salud. A pesar de los avances e innovaciones en el tratamiento, continúa generando una alta morbimortalidad, debido a que muchos pacientes no logran los objetivos de control metabólicos, entre otras causas por la inercia clínica, el temor a la hipoglucemia, el aumento de peso, la complejidad del tratamiento y la falta de adherencia al mismo. En el último tiempo, se ha evaluado con éxito los resultados clínicos del uso combinado de insulina basal y agonistas del receptor del péptido similar al glucagón tipo 1 (AR-GLP1). Se propone, por lo tanto, el uso combinado de una insulina basal (insulina degludec) con un AR-GLP1 (liraglutida), en un único dispositivo (IdegLira), como una alternativa terapéutica eficaz y segura para la intensificación del tratamiento de las personas con diabetes tipo 2. IdegLira ha demostrado mayores reducciones de HbA1c comparado con sus componentes individuales, con un bajo riesgo de hipoglucemia y pérdida de peso, tanto en pacientes naive de insulina como en aquellos previamente insulinizados. En esta revisión se describe la farmacología, el racional de la combinación y la evidencia clínica relevante de la seguridad y eficacia de IdegLira.

Diabetes mellitus is a true pandemic; type 2 diabetes in particular, with its progressive nature, constitutes a serious health problem. Despite advances and innovations in treatment, it continues to generate high morbidity and mortality.Many patients do not achieve their metabolic control objectives, due to clinical inertia, fear of hypoglycaemia, weight gain, the complexity of the treatment and the lack of adherence to it. Recently, the clinical results of the combined use of basal insulin and agonist receptor of the glucagon-like peptide type 1 (AR-GLP1) have been successfully evaluated. Therefore, the combined use of a basal insulin (insulin degludec) with an AR-GLP1 (liraglutide), in a single device (IdegLira), is proposed as an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment intensification in people with type 2 diabetes. IdegLira has shown greater reductions in HbA1c compared to its individual components, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia and weight loss, both in insulin naïve patients and in those previously insulinized. In this review we describe the pharmacology, the rational of the combination and the most relevant clinical evidence on IdegLira safety and efficacy.

[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.

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.

[Therapeutic compliance and flexibility in the use of basal insulins]. / Adherencia terapéutica y flexibilidad en el uso de insulinas basales.

Since 1921, the benefits achieved by insulin therapy research have been constant. However, the fear of a hypoglycemia incidence and rigid time schedules of insulin therapy still interfere with treatment adherence, which is essential to achieve optimal glycemic control and minimize complications in diabetic patients. The possibility of using an ultra long- acting insulin analogue (degludec), which has an extensive and predictable pharmacokinetic profile over 24 hours, is analyzed in this context. Clinical trials have shown that this ultra long-acting insulin analogue administered in a flexible dosage treatment, reached a good glycaemic control with no increase on hypoglycemia risk. Although to follow a predefined plan in clinical practice is recommended, the possibility of flexibility in day to day dosage timing of this specific insulin analogue on requirement, could improve adherence in patients with a non-predictable and active social life and workday.

Adherencia terapéutica y flexibilidad en el uso de las insulinas basales

Desde 1921, los beneficios alcanzados por las investigaciones sobre insulinoterapia han sido constantes. Sin embargo, el temor a las hipoglucemias y la rigidez horaria para administrar la insulina aún interfieren sobre la adherencia al tratamiento, que es esencial para lograr un buen control de la glucemia y minimizar las complicaciones en los pacientes con diabetes. En este contexto, se analiza la posibilidad de utilizar un análogo de insulina ultra-lento (degludec) que posee un perfil farmacocinético prolongado y predecible por más de 24 horas. En ensayos clínicos demostró que, al administrarlo en un esquema de dosis flexible mantiene un buen control de la glucemia, sin que aumente el riesgo de hipoglucemias. Si bien en la práctica clínica es aconsejable seguir un plan establecido, la posibilidad de flexibilizar el horario en la aplicación diaria del análogo ultra-lento en caso de ser necesario, podría mejorar la adherencia en pacientes con una vida social y laboral activa y poco previsible.

Since 1921, the benefits achieved by insulin therapy research have been constant. However, the fear of a hypoglycemia incidence and rigid time schedules of insulin therapy still interfere with treatment adherence, which is essential to achieve optimal glycemic control and minimize complications in diabetic patients. The possibility of using an ultra long-acting insulin analogue (degludec), which has an extensive and predictable pharmacokinetic profile over 24 hours, is analyzed in this context. Clinical trials have shown that this ultra long-acting insulin analogue administered in a flexible dosage treatment, reached a good glycaemic control with no increase on hypoglycemia risk. Although to follow a predefined plan in clinical practice is recommended, the possibility of flexibility in day to day dosage timing of this specific insulin analogue on requirement, could improve adherence in patients with a non-predictable and active social life and workday.

Adherencia terapéutica y flexibilidad en el uso de las insulinas basales

Desde 1921, los beneficios alcanzados por las investigaciones sobre insulinoterapia han sido constantes. Sin embargo, el temor a las hipoglucemias y la rigidez horaria para administrar la insulina aún interfieren sobre la adherencia al tratamiento, que es esencial para lograr un buen control de la glucemia y minimizar las complicaciones en los pacientes con diabetes. En este contexto, se analiza la posibilidad de utilizar un análogo de insulina ultra-lento (degludec) que posee un perfil farmacocinético prolongado y predecible por más de 24 horas. En ensayos clínicos demostró que, al administrarlo en un esquema de dosis flexible mantiene un buen control de la glucemia, sin que aumente el riesgo de hipoglucemias. Si bien en la práctica clínica es aconsejable seguir un plan establecido, la posibilidad de flexibilizar el horario en la aplicación diaria del análogo ultra-lento en caso de ser necesario, podría mejorar la adherencia en pacientes con una vida social y laboral activa y poco previsible.(AU)

Since 1921, the benefits achieved by insulin therapy research have been constant. However, the fear of a hypoglycemia incidence and rigid time schedules of insulin therapy still interfere with treatment adherence, which is essential to achieve optimal glycemic control and minimize complications in diabetic patients. The possibility of using an ultra long-acting insulin analogue (degludec), which has an extensive and predictable pharmacokinetic profile over 24 hours, is analyzed in this context. Clinical trials have shown that this ultra long-acting insulin analogue administered in a flexible dosage treatment, reached a good glycaemic control with no increase on hypoglycemia risk. Although to follow a predefined plan in clinical practice is recommended, the possibility of flexibility in day to day dosage timing of this specific insulin analogue on requirement, could improve adherence in patients with a non-predictable and active social life and workday.(AU)

Adherencia terapéutica y flexibilidad en el uso de insulinas basales. / [Therapeutic compliance and flexibility in the use of basal insulins].

Since 1921, the benefits achieved by insulin therapy research have been constant. However, the fear of a hypoglycemia incidence and rigid time schedules of insulin therapy still interfere with treatment adherence, which is essential to achieve optimal glycemic control and minimize complications in diabetic patients. The possibility of using an ultra long- acting insulin analogue (degludec), which has an extensive and predictable pharmacokinetic profile over 24 hours, is analyzed in this context. Clinical trials have shown that this ultra long-acting insulin analogue administered in a flexible dosage treatment, reached a good glycaemic control with no increase on hypoglycemia risk. Although to follow a predefined plan in clinical practice is recommended, the possibility of flexibility in day to day dosage timing of this specific insulin analogue on requirement, could improve adherence in patients with a non-predictable and active social life and workday.

[Insulin and diabetes control in Argentina]. / Insulina y control de la diabetes en la Argentina.

As in the rest of the world, there is a significant gap between scientific knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and the daily practice outcome, in Argentina. Inadequate diabetes control combined with associated cardiovascular risk factors are responsible for an elevated morbid-mortality incidence and the consequent raise in the socioeconomic burden. Some of the factors leading to this situation are the late diagnosis of the disease, the clinical "inertia" (reluctance to prescribe insulin) and the poor education given to the health care team as well as the persons with diabetes. The implementation of a national diabetologic education program targeting health care providers, the persons with diabetes and their families, could contribute to optimize the appropriate insulin prescription, and consequently improve their life quality, while reducing the disease socioeconomic burden. In order to optimize the education program's strategy outcome, insulinization cabinets should be incorporated, the participation of all health systems (public health, social security and private health insurance companies), the media, health sciences, schools and the pharmaceutical industry are needed.

Insulina y control de la diabetes en la Argentina / Insulin and diabetes control in Argentina

En la Argentina al igual que en todo el mundo hay una brecha importante entre los conocimientos científicos sobre la diabetes mellitus (DM) y su aplicación en la práctica clínica. El control inadecuado de la DM y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular asociados genera una elevada morbimortalidad y el consecuente aumento de su carga socioeconómica. El diagnóstico tardío, la "inercia prescriptiva", especialmente de insulina, y la educación deficiente de integrantes del equipo de salud y personas con diabetes, son algunos de los factores responsables de dicha situación. La implementación de un programa de educación diabetológica que incluya la organización de gabinetes de insulinización, a nivel nacional, dirigido tanto a prestadores como a personas con DM y sus familiares, contribuiría a optimizar la prescripción oportuna de insulina y mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con DM, a la vez que reduciría la carga socioeconómica de la enfermedad. Para optimizar los resultados de esta estrategia educativa, es necesaria la participación de todos los subsectores de la salud (público, de la seguridad social y privado), de los medios masivos de comunicación, de las escuelas de ciencias de la salud, y de la industria farmacéutica.

As in the rest of the world, there is a significant gap between scientific knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and the daily practice outcome, in Argentina. Inadequate diabetes control combined with associated cardiovascular risk factors are responsible for an elevated morbid-mortality incidence and the consequent raise in the socioeconomic burden. Some of the factors leading to this situation are the late diagnosis of the disease, the clinical "inertia" (reluctance to prescribe insulin) and the poor education given to the health care team as well as the persons with diabetes. The implementation of a national diabetologic education program targeting health care providers, the persons with diabetes and their families, could contribute to optimize the appropriate insulin prescription, and consequently improve their life quality, while reducing the disease socioeconomic burden. In order to optimize the education program's strategy outcome, insulinization cabinets should be incorporated, the participation of all health systems (public health, social security and private health insurance companies), the media, health sciences, schools and the pharmaceutical industry are needed.

Insulina y control de la diabetes en la Argentina / Insulin and diabetes control in Argentina

En la Argentina al igual que en todo el mundo hay una brecha importante entre los conocimientos científicos sobre la diabetes mellitus (DM) y su aplicación en la práctica clínica. El control inadecuado de la DM y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular asociados genera una elevada morbimortalidad y el consecuente aumento de su carga socioeconómica. El diagnóstico tardío, la "inercia prescriptiva", especialmente de insulina, y la educación deficiente de integrantes del equipo de salud y personas con diabetes, son algunos de los factores responsables de dicha situación. La implementación de un programa de educación diabetológica que incluya la organización de gabinetes de insulinización, a nivel nacional, dirigido tanto a prestadores como a personas con DM y sus familiares, contribuiría a optimizar la prescripción oportuna de insulina y mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con DM, a la vez que reduciría la carga socioeconómica de la enfermedad. Para optimizar los resultados de esta estrategia educativa, es necesaria la participación de todos los subsectores de la salud (público, de la seguridad social y privado), de los medios masivos de comunicación, de las escuelas de ciencias de la salud, y de la industria farmacéutica.(AU)

As in the rest of the world, there is a significant gap between scientific knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and the daily practice outcome, in Argentina. Inadequate diabetes control combined with associated cardiovascular risk factors are responsible for an elevated morbid-mortality incidence and the consequent raise in the socioeconomic burden. Some of the factors leading to this situation are the late diagnosis of the disease, the clinical "inertia" (reluctance to prescribe insulin) and the poor education given to the health care team as well as the persons with diabetes. The implementation of a national diabetologic education program targeting health care providers, the persons with diabetes and their families, could contribute to optimize the appropriate insulin prescription, and consequently improve their life quality, while reducing the disease socioeconomic burden. In order to optimize the education programs strategy outcome, insulinization cabinets should be incorporated, the participation of all health systems (public health, social security and private health insurance companies), the media, health sciences, schools and the pharmaceutical industry are needed.(AU)

Insulina y control de la diabetes en la Argentina. / [Insulin and diabetes control in Argentina].

As in the rest of the world, there is a significant gap between scientific knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and the daily practice outcome, in Argentina. Inadequate diabetes control combined with associated cardiovascular risk factors are responsible for an elevated morbid-mortality incidence and the consequent raise in the socioeconomic burden. Some of the factors leading to this situation are the late diagnosis of the disease, the clinical "inertia" (reluctance to prescribe insulin) and the poor education given to the health care team as well as the persons with diabetes. The implementation of a national diabetologic education program targeting health care providers, the persons with diabetes and their families, could contribute to optimize the appropriate insulin prescription, and consequently improve their life quality, while reducing the disease socioeconomic burden. In order to optimize the education programs strategy outcome, insulinization cabinets should be incorporated, the participation of all health systems (public health, social security and private health insurance companies), the media, health sciences, schools and the pharmaceutical industry are needed.