Rising cost of insulin: A deterrent to compliance in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background and aimsThe rapid increase in burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), poses a huge medico-economic challenge, especially when the cost of care is funded by out-of-pocket expenses. The aim of this review is to highlight various issues associated with rising cost of insulin, prevalence of cost-related insulin underuse, insulin related cost-saving behaviors, and viable solutions for the benefit of patients with T2DM receiving insulin.MethodsElectronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from 2000 to 2020 were searched using the key terms uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy, glycemic control, direct cost, indirect cost, out-of-pocket expenses, cost-related insulin underuse, cost-saving behaviors, and biosimilar insulin in developed countries and India.ResultsIn majority of the patients with T2DM on monotherapy, addition of another oral antidiabetic agent is required. Despite these measures, the target glycemic goals are not achieved in majority of the patients resulting in various complications. These complications can be prevented and target glycemic goals can be achieved with early initiation of insulin therapy. However, rising cost is a major deterrent to the lifelong use of insulin. This results in non-compliance and further deterioration of glycemic control. Recently, biosimilar insulins have revolutionized the management of T2DM and look promising from the economic point of view.ConclusionsBiosimilar insulins are likely to further enhance the compliance of patients and should be used whenever feasible in patients with DM. However, the patient, along with prescriber should be allowed to make shared, informed decisions regarding the insulin they wish to use.     

Diabetes in pregnancy and infant mortality: Link with glycemic control

Aims

To compare the clinical and glycemic profile as well as pregnancy complications and infant mortality among diabetic mothers in Indonesia.

Efficacy and safety of imeglimin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background and aimImeglimin is a novel tetrahydrotriazine-containing drug suggested as a safe drug for glycemic management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to 1) evaluate the efficacy of imeglimin on glycemic control and insulin resistance improvement measured by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). 2) assess whether the novel drug improves lipid parameters in diabetic patients. 3) compare between different doses regarding safety.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Wiley through April 25, 2021, for relevant randomized controlled trials comparing different doses of imeglimin supplied as a monotherapy or as add-on therapy versus placebo for adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data on glycemic and lipid parameters and adverse events were extracted and pooled in random-effect models using Review Manager version 5.3.ResultsEight studies comprising 1555 patients with T2DM were included in this study. The overall effect estimate of the meta-analysis showed that the imeglimin group was superior to the control group concerning glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.00001). However, it did not affect HOMA-IR or lipid parameters, including triglyceride, LDL-C, and HDL-C (all p > 0.05). Regarding safety profile, imeglimin was safe and tolerable with no treatment-emergent or serious adverse events.ConclusionsImeglimin safely improved glycemic control by reducing HbA1c and FPG. However, no beneficial effects regarding insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR or lipid parameters were observed. Further high-quality RCTs with high dose imeglimin are encouraged to ensure HOMA-IR and lipid parameters results.     

Serum lipid peroxides and magnesium levels following three months of treatment with pioglitazone in patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus

BackgroundHigher levels of lipid peroxidation and hypomagnesaemia are frequently associated with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Addressing these issues would definitely help us in preventing or prolonging the onset of pathogenesis of micro and macrovascular complications. Pioglitazone is used as a trusted insulin sensitizer and an adjuvant to the conventional oral hypoglycemic agents. This study was planned to explore the effects of pioglitazone on oxidative stress, serum magnesium, blood pressure, hepato-biliary and renal systems in addition to its effects on glycemic control.MethodsSixty-three T2DM cases, who were started on pioglitazone were included in this study. All the physiological and biochemical parameters were estimated prior to and following three months of therapy with pioglitazone.ResultsThere was significant improvement in the glycemic control, serum magnesium and MDA levels with p values of 0.000, 0.023 and 0.000 respectively. Pioglitazone did not have any significant effects on the serum lipids and blood pressure in T2DM cases following three months of treatment. We did not observe any pronounced changes in hepato-biliary enzymes, serum urea and creatinine levels reaffirming safety of pioglitazone in T2DM.ConclusionThree-month duration of treatment with Pioglitazone in T2DM cases helps in alleviating the levels of lipid peroxides, besides being associated with improved serum magnesium status and glycemic control.     

Prevalence and correlation of glycemic control achievement in patients with type 2 diabetes in Iraq: A retrospective analysis of a tertiary care database over a 9-year period

BackgroundThis study was designed to assess the achievement of a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) target in Iraqi type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients via retrospective analysis of a tertiary care database over a 9-year period.MethodsA total of 12,869 patients with T2DM with mean (SEM) age: 51.4(0.1) years, and 54.4% were females registered into Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Center(FDEMC) database between August 2008 and July 2017 were included in this retrospective study. Data were recorded for each patient during routine follow-up visits performed at the center every 3–12 months.ResultsPatients were under oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD; 45.8%) or insulin+ OAD (54.2%) therapy. Hypertension was evident in 42.0% of patients, while dyslipidemia was noted in 70.5%. Glycemic control (HbA1c <7%) was achieved by 13.8% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed <55 years of age, female gender, >3 years duration of diabetes, HbA1c >10% at the first visit, presence of dyslipidemia, and insulin treatment as significant determinants of an increased risk of poor glycemic control. BMI <25 kg/m² and presence of hypertension were associated with a decreased risk of poor glycemic control.ConclusionUsing data from the largest cohort of T2DM patients from Iraq to date, this tertiary care database analysis over a 9-year period indicated poor glycemic control. Younger patient age, female gender, longer disease duration, initially high HbA1c levels, dyslipidemia, insulin treatment, overweight and obesity, and lack of hypertension were associated with an increased risk of poor glycemic control in Iraqi T2DM patients.     

Basal-prandial insulin therapy: Scientific concept review and application

The majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) eventually require the addition of basal insulin to existing oral therapy to achieve the glycemic goals set forth by the American Diabetes Association (A1C, <7.0%). In many patients with T2DM, insulin is the only option for achieving glycemic control and may be used successfully to attain glycemic targets in regimens that combine basal insulin with oral antidiabetic agents, or in regimens that combine basal insulin with mealtime (prandial) insulin. Basal-prandial insulin regimens that use a long-acting insulin analogue to control the fasting plasma glucose level and a short-acting insulin analogue for post-meal glucose excursions replace insulin in a manner that most closely approximates normal physiologic patterns. The current body of evidence demonstrates that such regimens will prove to be the optimal strategy for achieving glycemic control in patients with T2DM who require both basal and prandial insulin replacement. Here, we review current findings in the published literature on the efficacy of basal-prandial insulin, with a focus on practical information that might help to provide an evidence-based guide for progressing to basal-prandial insulin therapy in appropriate patients with T2DM.     

Glycemic profile assessment during betamethasone administration in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

AimBetamethasone's effect on glucose homeostasis in the presence of gestational diabetes has not been adequately investigated.Materials-methodsWe assessed the glycemic profile of 99 women with gestational diabetes (52 on insulin, 47 on medical nutrition therapy) who were given betamethasone during hospitalization for at risk pregnancies.ResultsIn insulin-treated women the increase in total daily insulin dose significantly linked to betamethasone dose (p = 0.014). In women on diet, the need for insulin was positively related to betamethasone dose, age and gestational age >34th week (all p < 0.05).ConclusionParsimonious betamethasone use might still be beneficial with a milder effect on glycemia.     

Effect of diabetes mellitus on pregnancy and birth outcomes in Wolaita Zone,Southern Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study

Background and aimsPresence of diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy is important cause of maternal and fetal complications. Studies that address the effect of DM on pregnancy and birth outcome are scarce in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of DM on maternal and birth outcomes in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was done to compare maternal and birth outcomes of mothers with DM and non-DM who received maternity service in three hospitals and four health centers in Southern Ethiopia. A total of 136 exposed (with DM) and 272 unexposed (non-DM) mothers were included in the study. Data were extracted from medical records of mothers by experienced and trained data collectors. Means were compared for continuous variables. Logistic regression analysis model was used to check the effect of DM on pregnancy and birth outcome. Risk Ratio was calculated and p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsPregnancy of diabetic mothers was significantly complicated by pre-eclampsia when compared with non-diabetic mothers, (RR = 1.8: 95% CI; 1.2–2.7). The risk of macrosomia was higher for neonates of diabetic mothers than non-diabetic mothers, (RR = 1.9: 95% CI; 1.3–2.7). From multivariate analysis, mothers with DM were 2.9 times more likely to be delivered by caesarean section than non-diabetic mothers (RR = 2.9: 95%CI; 1.3–6.2) and the risk of pre-term delivery was 2.5 times higher among mothers with DM, (RR = 2.5: 95% CI; 1.1–6.2).ConclusionsDiabetes mellitus among pregnant mothers is associated with increased risk of pre-term delivery, macrosomia and maternal complications of pre-eclampsia and caesarian delivery. Early detection and management of DM should be one of the key activities to improve maternal and child mortality and morbidity.     

Efficacy of vildagliptin on glucose fluctuation in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with ongoing sulfonylurea based oral glycemic agent therapy

AimTo investigate whether vildagliptin, one of the dipeptidylpeptide-4 (DDP-4) inhibitors, improves not only glycemic control but also glycemic fluctuation when added to ongoing sulfonylurea (SU) based oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 19 patients with T2DM were recruited from outpatients. Vildagliptin was initiated with a dose of 100 mg per day in the patients who had inadequate glycemic control and glycemic fluctuation with ongoing SU based OHA therapy. Glycemic excursion was defined by seven-point self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) on three days at baseline and 12 weeks after vildagliptin-combined therapy, as well as HbA1c levels. M-value and J-index were calculated to evaluate glycemic excursion.ResultsAddition of vildagliptin to ongoing SU based OHA therapy significantly decreased HbA1c values from 8.2 ± 3.8% at baseline to 7.3 ± 0.8% at 12-week. The average of blood glucose profiles was significant improved. As a result, M-value was significantly corrected from 20.9 ± 14.4 to 12.2 ± 13.5 and J-index from 55.1 ± 25.5 to 39.1 ± 19.8.ConclusionsVildagliptin when added to ongoing SU based OHA therapy for 12 weeks significantly improved glycemic fluctuation as well as glycemic control in Japanese patients with T2DM.     

Changes in Device Uptake and Glycemic Control Among Pregnant Women With Type 1 Diabetes: Data From the T1D Exchange

Objectives:To examine changes in device use and glycemic outcomes for pregnant women from the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry between the years 2010-2013 and 2016-2018.Methods:Participant-reported device use and glycemic outcomes were compared for women aged 16-40 years who were pregnant at the time of survey completion, comparing 2010-2013 (cohort 1) and 2016-2018 (cohort 2). Hemoglobin A1c results within 30 days prior to survey completion were obtained from medical records.Results:There were 208 pregnant women out of 5,236 eligible participants completing the questionnaire in cohort 1 and 47 pregnant women out of 2,818 eligible participants completing the questionaire in cohort 2. Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use while pregnant trended upward among cohort 2 (70% vs 37%, P = .02), while reported continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) use while pregnant declined (76% vs 64%, P = .04). HbA1c levels trended downward (6.8% cohort 1 vs 6.5% cohort 2, P = .07).Conclusions:Self-reported CGM use while pregnant increased over the studied intervals whereas CSII use decreased. Additional evaluation of device use and the potential benefits for T1D pregnancies is needed.     

Glycated hemoglobin targets and glycemic control: Link with lipid,uric acid and kidney profile

Aims

To compare uric acid, lipid, and kidney profile along with management and complications of Indonesian diabetic patients with good and poor glycemic control based on glycated hemoglobin profile.

The relative associations of β-cell function and insulin sensitivity with glycemic status and incident glycemic progression in migrant Asian Indians in the United States: The MASALA study

AimsWe assessed the relative associations of β-cell dysfunction and insulin sensitivity with baseline glycemic status and incident glycemic progression among Asian Indians in the United States.MethodsA 5-sample oral glucose tolerance test was obtained at baseline. Normoglycemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were defined by ADA criteria. The Matsuda Index (ISI_M) estimated insulin sensitivity, and the Disposition Index (DI_o) estimated β-cell function. Visceral fat was measured by abdominal CT. After 2.5 years, participants underwent a 2-sample oral glucose tolerance test. Standardized polytomous logistic regression was used to examine associations with prevalent and incident glycemia.ResultsMean age was 57 ± 8 years and BMI 26.1 ± 4.6 kg/m². Log ISI_M and log DI_o were associated with prediabetes and T2DM after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, family history of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. After adjusting for visceral fat, only DI_o remained associated with prediabetes (OR per SD 0.17, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.41) and T2DM (OR 0.003, 95% CI: 0.0001, 0.03). Incidence rates (per 1,000 person-years) were: normoglycemia to IGT: 82.0, 95% CI (40, 150); to IFG: 8.4, 95% CI (0, 41); to T2DM: 8.6, 95% CI (0, 42); IGT to T2DM: 55.0, 95% CI (17, 132); IFG to T2DM: 64.0, 95% CI (3, 316). The interaction between sex and the change in waist circumference (OR 1.8, per SD 95% CI: 1.22, 2.70) and the change in log HOMA-β (OR 0.37, per SD 95% CI: 0.17, 0.81) were associated with glycemic progression.ConclusionsThe association of DI_o with baseline glycemia after accounting for visceral fat as well as the association of the change in log HOMA-β with incident glycemic progression implies innate β-cell susceptibility in Asian Indians for glucose intolerance or dysglycemia.     

Determinants of successful glycemic control among participants in the BARI 2D Trial: A Post-hoc Analysis

ObjectiveThe BARI 2D trial compared insulin provision (IP) versus insulin sensitization (IS) for the primary outcome of total mortality in participants with T2DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this analysis we examine baseline characteristics that are associated with successful long-term glycemic control.Research design and methodsIn a 2 × 2 factorial design, 2368 participants were randomized to either IP or IS therapy, and to either prompt revascularization with medical therapy or medical therapy alone. Successful long-term glycemic control (success) was defined by simultaneously meeting 1) a mean HbA1c level of < 7.0% after each participant's third year of follow-up period, and 2) adherence with medications only from the assigned glycemic treatment arm during > 80% of the BARI 2D follow-up. The association between baseline variables and success was determined using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models.Results1917 participants (962 IP and 955 IS participants) had sufficiently long follow-up and data for this analysis. Among these IP and IS participants, 235 and 335 participants met both criteria of success, respectively (p < 0.001). Those not on insulin at entry had higher odds of success (OR 2.25; CI 1.79–2.82) when treated with IS versus IP medications, irrespective of baseline HbA1c levels. Younger age, shorter duration of T2DM, and lower HbA1c at baseline were also each independently associated with higher success when treated with IS versus IP medications.ConclusionPatients similar to those in the BARI 2D trial may have a higher chance of achieving success with IS versus IP medications if they are younger, have shorter duration of T2DM, have lower HbA1c levels, have moderate or strenuous physically activity, and are not on insulin. In contrast, increasing age, longer duration of T2DM, higher HbA1c, and insulin therapy are associated with increased chance of success if treated with IP medications.     

Insulin glargine versus insulin degludec in patients failing on oral therapy in type 2 diabetes: A retrospective real world comparative data from India

ObjectiveTo compare the changes in various glycemic parameters in insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients who were initiated on insulin glargine or insulin degludec in a real world setting.MethodsRetrospective data were analyzed in consecutive type 2 DM patients in a real world setting, who failed oral therapy (at least 2 oral anti-diabetic drugs) and were initiated with either insulin glargine or insulin degludec. The parameters assessed were the changes in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, body weight, dose of Insulin and the total number of patient reported hypoglycemic episodes up to 6 months after initiation.ResultAt baseline, insulin glargine and insulin degludec groups were similar in terms of gender, age, weight, HbA1c and duration of diabetes. After 6 months follow up the change in HbA1c (−1.09 versus −1.45 P = 0.124), change in FPG (−72.81 mg/dl [−4mmol/L] versus −75.88 mg/dl [−4.2 mmol/L] P = 0.755), and the change in body weight (+1.65 versus +0.85 P = 0.082) were similar in glargine and degludec groups, respectively. Patients in insulin degludec group experienced significantly lesser patient reported hypoglycemic episodes (12 versus 40) and required significantly lesser dose (25.68 Units versus 18.61 Units per day; P = 0.002) compared to insulin glargine. 41% of the patients reached HbA1C target of ≤7% with insulin glargine compared to 69% with insulin degludec within the specified time period.ConclusionResults from this real world analysis suggest that among type 2 DM patients who were initiated on insulin degludec as compared to insulin glargine may be associated with significantly lesser patient reported hypoglycemic episodes and lesser dose of insulin while achieving similar glycemic control. This study is however limited by the retrospective nature of the data collection.     

Influence of maternal diabetes on serum leptinemic and insulinemic status of the offspring: A case study of selected patients in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh

IntroductionLeptin is now known to be an important hormone affecting intrauterine fetal growth. Since growth of fetus is also affected by the glycemic status of the mother. Serum leptin of infant is influenced by the maternal diabetic state. Investigation of cord blood leptin in babies of DM (Diabetes Mellitus) and GDM (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) mothers (controlled blood glucose levels) may provide some indication about involvement of genetic factor in the development of leptin abnormalities in fetus.AimThe study was taken to investigate whether cord blood insulin, c-peptide and leptin levels correlate with birth weight in offspring of DM mother.MethodsBlood was drawn from umbilical cord of 30 babies from GDM mothers (GDM-babies), 45 babies from Type 2 DM Mothers (DM-babies), and 30 babies from ND (Nondiabetic) mothers (ND-babies) of term pregnancy. Weight, blood glucose, placenta, serum leptin and c-peptide of the babies were measured.ResultsBirth weight of GDM and DM babies were significantly higher compared to ND-babies. Glucose level in GDM babies was significantly higher than ND and DM babies. Leptin levels in GDM babies were significantly higher than that of ND and DM babies. Serum c-peptide in GDM babies was significantly higher than DM and ND babies. However, there was no significant difference in leptin–glucose ratio among the three groups. Irrespective of degree of hyperglycemia leptin is a major determinant of fetal growth.ConclusionsDM mother produces different insulinemic and leptinemic responses in the fetus indicating a possible genetic involvement.     

Current role of short‐term intensive insulin strategies in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (短期胰岛素强化治疗策略对初诊2型糖尿病患者的作用)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disease characterized by worsening insulin resistance and a decline in β‐cell function. Achieving good glycemic control becomes more challenging as β‐cell function continues to deteriorate throughout the disease process. The traditional management paradigm emphasizes a stepwise approach, and insulin has generally been reserved as a final armament. However, mounting evidence indicates that short‐term intensive insulin therapy used in the early stages of type 2 diabetes could improve β‐cell function, resulting in better glucose control and more extended glycemic remission than oral antidiabetic agents. Improvements in insulin sensitivity and lipid profile were also seen after the early initiation of short‐term intensive insulin therapy. Thus, administering short‐term intensive insulin therapy to patients with newly diagnosed T2DM has the potential to delay the natural process of this disease, and should be considered when clinicians initiate treatment. Although the early use of insulin is advocated by some guidelines, the optimal time to initiate insulin therapy is not clearly defined or easily recognized, and a pragmatic approach is lacking. Herein we summarize the current understanding of early intensive insulin therapy in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, focusing on its clinical benefit and problems, as well as possible biological mechanisms of action, and discuss our perspective.     

The role of oral semaglutide in managing type 2 diabetes in Indian clinical settings: Addressing the unmet needs

AimsDespite their established benefits, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) remain underutilized for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, which indicates that subcutaneous injection is an unfavorable mode of delivery from the patient's perspective. This review summarizes existing challenges related to medication adherence and the use of antihyperglycemia injectables, revisits the established safety and efficacy of oral semaglutide, and explores its features and considerations for use among the Indian T2DM population.MethodsWe performed a literature search using MEDLINE and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2021, to identify publications on oral semaglutide approval, T2DM treatment guidelines, and clinical evidence for oral drug formulation.ResultsOral semaglutide is the first oral GLP-1 RA approved for T2DM patients based on phase 3, randomized PIONEER trials. The multitargeted action of this drug offers glycemic control, weight control, and cardiovascular, renal, and additional benefits, including patient convenience and enhanced medication adherence. In addition to achieving glycemic control, the cost of semaglutide is reported to be lower than other GLP-1 RA in the West, thus potentially mitigating the economic burden that appears to be high among the Indian population.ConclusionsCurrently, there is no data available on oral semaglutide in Indian clinical settings. However, significant improvements in glycemic control, cardiac and renal benefits, as well as weight loss across clinical trials should encourage clinicians to prioritize oral semaglutide over other antidiabetic agents.     

Preprandial repaglinide decreases exogenous insulin requirements and HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetic patients taking intensive insulin treatment

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effects of combining preprandial repaglinide to the insulin therapy for reducing the exogenous insulin requirements and serum HbA_1c levels in type 2 diabetic patients whose blood glucose levels were previously regulated by multiple dose intensive insulin therapy. Fifty patients with type 2 diabetes who had been initially treated with oral antidiabetic agents without a satisfactory response were included in this study. After adequate glycemic control was achieved with intensive insulin therapy, the patients were divided into two subgroups. The first group continued with intensive insulin therapy. The second group received a combination of multiple insulin injections and oral repaglinide (1.5 mgr tid). The doses of insulin injections were gradually decreased accordingly in the second group. Both groups were followed-up for 3 months. Repaglinide was well tolerated and had no toxicity. A significant reduction regarding exogenous insulin requirements and serum HbA_1c levels were demonstrated in patients taking preprandial repaglinide (p<0.01). Combining repaglinide to intensive insulin therapy could be a safe and effective alternative to intensive insulin therapy alone for the glycemic control and for reducing exogenous insulin requirements in type 2 diabetic patients.     

Prevalence of diabetes-associated autoantibodies among patients presenting with type 2 diabetes and related metabolic differences

BackgroundTo explores the prevalence of autoantibodies (zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies (ZnT8A), antibodies to insulin (IAAs), glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody (GAD65)), the relation of the type of positive autoantibody and the number of positive autoantibodies with the glycemic and lipid profile of the patients with LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) and compares it to the metabolic profile of patients presenting with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods263 patients with T2DM were recruited for this cross-sectional study in Tehran, Iran. Data from patients included complete medical history, GAD65, ZnT8A, IAA and routine metabolic laboratory workup. Assay for autoantibodies were conducted using ELISA kits. The association between autoantibodies and glycemic and lipid profile of patients with diabetes was assessed using univariate and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsOur study revealed that among 263 patients with T2DM, 29 (11%) cases were positive for IAAs, 9 (3.4%) for ZnT8A, and 12 (4.6%) for GAD65. Six (2.3%) of the patients had triple positive antibodies. Patients with positive results were younger, had lower body mass index (BMI), c-peptide, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL), HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. Triple antibody positivity was significantly associated with lower levels of C-Peptide, Triglycerides, FBG, and HbA1c compared to triple negative antibodies.ConclusionPatients with LADA positive for either of the autoantibodies (GAD65, ZnT8 and IAA) presented with worse glycemic control. Measurement of these autoantibodies can assist in discrimination of these patients and help with earlier control of glycemic profile.     

Use of herbal medicine for diabetes mellitus in adults from the central–western region of Mexico

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the prevalence of herbal medicine (HM) use and factors influencing HM usage including the identification of the main plants consumed by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in central-western Mexico.DesignA total of 1862 patients with diabetes were surveyed in public and private hospitals in four states (Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, and San Luis Potosi) of the central-western region of Mexico. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between HM use and demographic characteristics, such as glucose levels, presence of complications and comorbidities, as well as the selected therapy to treat T2DM.ResultsThe prevalence of HM use (59.2%) in patients with T2DM was mainly associated with education level (p = 0.001), time of diagnosis of T2DM (p = 0.004), presence of complications (p < 0.001) and comorbidities (p = 0.018) and the use of insulin (p < 0.001). These patients report a higher consumption of herbal medicine compared to those on glycemic control (p < 0.001). The most frequently used medicinal plants to treat T2DM were nopal (54.9%), moringa (26.7%), and aloe (22.1%).ConclusionThe prevalence of HM use to treat T2DM in west-central Mexico is high (59.2%) and its consumption is mostly carried out without the recommendation of a health professional (91.9%). The use of HM increases mainly when the patient uses insulin, during complications of the disease or in patients with an inadequate glycemic control.