Multiple basal infusion rates in open-loop insulin delivery systems: is there a metabolic benefit?

Objective: To evaluate glycemic control according to the number of daily basal rates (BRs) in type 1 diabetes patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study of patients treated with an open-loop CSII for at least 6 months and using a flash glucose monitoring system. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (G1) and group 2 (G2), with ≤4 and >4 BRs/24h, respectively. The groups were compared regarding HbA1c, time in range (TIR), time above range (TAR), time below range (TBR), glucose management indicator (GMI), glucose variability and data related to hypoglycemia. Regression models were performed. Results: The study included 99 patients (n = 55 in G1; n = 44 in G2). Median (Interquartile range) overall age was 30 (17) years, with 19.5 (48) and 51 (77) months of CSII use, respectively. The median number of different BRs was 3 (2) for G1 and 6 (2) for G2. There were no differences concerning age, sex, educational stage, weight, and insulin analog used. G2 had longer disease duration, longer CSII use, and higher total basal daily dose/kg. No significant differences regarding HbA1c, median glucose, GMI, TIR, TAR, and CV were found. G2 patients had more hypoglycemia, more asymptomatic hypoglycemia, and higher TBR. After adjusting for potential confounders, G1 maintained a lower risk of asymptomatic hypoglycemia. Conclusion: Programming open-loop CSII devices with more than 4 BRs does not improve metabolic control. Additionally, it seems to be a risk factor for hypoglycemia and was an independent predictor for asymptomatic hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemic episodes in hospitalized people with diabetes in Portugal: the HIPOS-WARD study.

BACKGROUND: We intended to estimate the proportion hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic emergency episodes in treated diabetes mellitus (DM) patients admitted to a hospital ward, and calculate the prevalence of risk factors for hypoglycemia and diabetic complications. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, multicentered study, the observational data was collected by physicians from patient's hospitalization to discharge/death. Statistical tests were 2-tailed considering 5% significance level. RESULTS: There were 646 ward admissions due to hyperglycemic emergencies and 176 hypoglycemic episodes with a ratio hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia 0.27 for all DM patients. In T2DM patients the ratio was 0.38. These were mainly female (55.1%), functionally dependent (61.4%) and retired/disabled (73.1%). Median age was 75 years and median duration of disease 11 years. Half the patients were on insulin-based therapy and 30.1% on secretagogue-based therapy. Approximately 57% of patients needed occasional/full assistance to manage the disease. The most frequent risk factor for hypoglycemia was polypharmacy (85.0%). Hypoglycemia in the 12 months before admission was higher in insulin-based therapy patients (66.1%; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemic emergencies are the most frequent cause of hospitalization in Portugal, although severe hypoglycemic events represent a health and social problem in elderly/frail patients. There is still the need to optimize therapy in terms of the potential for hypoglycemia in this patient group and a review of anti-hyperglycemic agents to add on to insulin.

A novel TRPM6 variant (c.3179T>A) causing familial hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia.

SUMMARY: Familial hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia (FHSH) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder (OMIM# 602014) characterized by profound hypomagnesemia associated with hypocalcemia. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding transient receptor potential cation channel member 6 (TRPM6). It usually presents with neurological symptoms in the first months of life. We report a case of a neonate presenting with recurrent seizures and severe hypomagnesemia. The genetic testing revealed a novel variant in the TRPM6 gene. The patient has been treated with high-dose magnesium supplementation, remaining asymptomatic and without neurological sequelae until adulthood. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent irreversible neurological damage. LEARNING POINTS: Loss-of-function mutations of TRPM6 are associated with FHSH. FHSH should be considered in any child with refractory hypocalcemic seizures, especially in cases with serum magnesium levels as low as 0.2 mM. Normocalcemia and relief of clinical symptoms can be assured by administration of high doses of magnesium. Untreated, the disorder may be fatal or may result in irreversible neurological damage.

Congenital hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase deficiency type I in a Portuguese patient - Case report and review of literature.

Hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase (AS) deficiency is a rare condition typically presenting as salt-wasting syndrome in the neonatal period. A one-month-old Portuguese boy born to non-consanguineous parents was examined for feeding difficulties and poor weight gain. A laboratory workup revealed severe hyponatremia, hyperkaliaemia and high plasma renin with unappropriated normal plasma aldosterone levels, raising the suspicion of AS deficiency. Genetic analysis showed double homozygous of two different mutations in the CYP11B2 gene: p.Glu198Asp in exon 3 and p.Val386Ala in exon 7. The patient maintains regular follow-up visits in endocrinology clinics and has demonstrated a favourable clinical and laboratory response to mineralocorticoid therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first Portuguese case of AS deficiency reported with confirmed genetic analysis.

Congenital hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase deficiency type I in a Portuguese patient - Case report and review of literature

SUMMARY Hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase (AS) deficiency is a rare condition typically presenting as salt-wasting syndrome in the neonatal period. A one-month-old Portuguese boy born to non-consanguineous parents was examined for feeding difficulties and poor weight gain. A laboratory workup revealed severe hyponatremia, hyperkaliaemia and high plasma renin with unappropriated normal plasma aldosterone levels, raising the suspicion of AS deficiency. Genetic analysis showed double homozygous of two different mutations in the CYP11B2 gene: p.Glu198Asp in exon 3 and p.Val386Ala in exon 7. The patient maintains regular follow-up visits in endocrinology clinics and has demonstrated a favourable clinical and laboratory response to mineralocorticoid therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first Portuguese case of AS deficiency reported with confirmed genetic analysis.