Frequent scanning using flash glucose monitoring contributes to better glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Aims/IntroductionWe examined the impact of scanning frequency with flash glucose monitoring on glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThe study included 85 patients, aged 14.0 ± 0.5 years, with type 1 diabetes. The median time in the target glucose range (TIR) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values were 50.0 ± 1.4% and 7.5 ± 0.1%, respectively.ResultsThe median scanning frequency using flash glucose monitoring was 12.0 ± 0.4 times/day. Scanning frequency showed a significant positive correlation with TIR and an inverse correlation with HbA1c. Scanning frequency was identified to be the determinant of TIR and HbA1c by using multivariate analysis. The participants whose scanning frequency was <12 times/day were categorized as the low‐frequency group (n = 40), and those who carried out the scanning >12 times/day were categorized as the high‐frequency group (n = 45). Patients in the high‐frequency group were more likely to be treated with insulin pumps compared with those in the low‐frequency group; however, this difference was not significant (21.3 vs 5.3%, P = 0.073). The high‐frequency group showed significantly greater TIR than the low‐frequency group (57 ± 1.6 vs 42 ± 1.7%, P = 0.002). Furthermore, the high‐frequency group showed significantly lower HbA1c levels than the low‐frequency group (6.8 ± 0.1 vs 8.0 ± 0.1%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings showed that patients with a higher scanning frequency had better glycemic control, with greater TIRs and lower HbA1c levels, compared with those with a lower scanning frequency. Scanning frequency of >12 times/day might contribute to better glycemic outcomes in real‐world practice in children with type 1 diabetes.     

The Impact of Point-of-Care Hemoglobin A1c Testing on Population Health-Based Onsite Testing Adherence: A Primary-Care Quality Improvement Study

Background:The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a gold-standard test to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus and has been incorporated into population health performance metrics for quality care. However, patients and practices remain challenged in completing timely HbA1c tests. Point-of-care testing (POCT) for HbA1c provides a quick, easy, reliable method for monitoring diabetes in the primary care office setting. The objectives of this quality improvement study were to evaluate the impact of HbA1c POCT on onsite HbA1c testing frequency as a component of population health performance, as well as to measure the utility of HbA1c POCT in identifying clinically meaningful change in disease.Method:Prospective quality improvement cohort study among sequentially scheduled adult patients with diabetes due for HbA1c testing across three primary care practices.Results:Practices with HbA1c POCT were 3.7 times less likely to miss HbA1c testing at the time of the visit compared with practices in which HbA1c POCT was not available (P < .001). Nearly one in four patients in each group were found to have clinically worsening diabetes (defined by an increase in HbA1c of ≥0.5% or 5.5 mmol/mol). Nearly half of those patients in the intervention group were identified by POCT.Conclusions:HbA1c POCT can improve population health-driven HbA1c testing adherence at office visits in primary care and may enable more timely intervention of diabetes management for patients with worsening disease.     

Glycemic Metrics Derived From Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Background:Glucose data from intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) is a combination of scanned and imported glucose values. The present knowledge of glycemic metrics originate mostly from glucose data from real-time CGM sampled every five minutes with a lack of information derived from isCGM.Methods:Glucose data obtained with isCGM and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were obtained from 169 patients with type 1 diabetes. Sixty-one patients had two observations with an interval of more than three months.Results:The best regression line of HbA1c against mean glucose was observed from 60 days prior to HbA_1c measurement as compared to 14, 30, and 90 days. The difference between HbA1c and estimated HbA1c (=glucose management indicator [GMI]) first observed correlated with the second observation (R2 0.61, P < .001). Time in range (TIR, glucose between 3.9 and 10 mmol/L) was significantly related to GMI (R2 0.87, P < .001). A TIR of 70% corresponded to a GMI of 6.8% (95% confidence interval, 6.3-7.4). The fraction of patients with the optimal combination of TIR >70% and time below range (TBR) <4% was 3.6%. The fraction of patients with TBR>4% was four times higher for those with high glycemic variability (coefficient of variation [CV] >36%) than for those with lower CV.Conclusion:The individual difference between HbA1c and GMI was reproducible. High glycemic variability was related to increased TBR. A combination of TIR and TBR is suggested as a new composite quality indicator.     

Impact of flash glucose monitoring on glycemic control varies with the age and residual β‐cell function of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Aims/IntroductionWe aimed to explore the clinical factors associated with glycemic variability (GV) assessed with flash glucose monitoring (FGM), and investigate the impact of FGM on glycemic control among Chinese type 1 diabetes mellitus patients in a real‐life clinical setting.Materials and MethodsA total of 171 patients were included. GV was assessed from FGM data. A total of 110 patients wore FGM continuously for 6 months (longitudinal cohort). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting and 2‐h postprandial C‐peptide, and glucose profiles were collected. Changes in HbA1c and glycemic parameters were assessed during a 6‐month FGM period.ResultsIndividuals with high residual C‐peptide (HRCP; 2‐h postprandial C‐peptide >200 pmol/L) had less GV than patients with low residual C‐peptide ( 2‐h postprandial C‐peptide ≤200 pmol/L; P < 0.001). In the longitudinal cohort (n = 110), HbA1c and mean glucose decreased, time in range (TIR) increased during the follow‐up period (P < 0.05). The 110 patients were further divided into age and residual C‐peptide subgroups: (i) HbA1c and mean glucose were reduced significantly only in the subgroup aged ≤14 years during the follow‐up period, whereas time below range also increased in this subgroup at 3 months (P = 0.047); and (ii) HbA1c improved in the HRCP subgroup at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). The mean glucose decreased and TIR improved significantly in the low residual C‐peptide subgroup; however, TIR was still lower and time below range was higher than those of the HRCP subgroup at all time points (P < 0.05).ConclusionsHRCP was associated with less GV. FGM wearing significantly reduced HbA1c, especially in pediatric patients and those with HRCP. Additionally, the mean glucose and TIR were also found to improve.     

Acute and Chronic Glucose Control in Critically Ill Patients With Diabetes: The Impact of Prior Insulin Treatment

Background:Emerging data highlight the interactions of preadmission glycemia, reflected by admission HbA1c levels, glycemic control during critical illness, and mortality. The association of preadmission insulin treatment with outcomes is unknown.Methods:This observational cohort study includes 5245 patients admitted to the medical-surgical intensive care unit of a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Three groups were analyzed: patients with diabetes with prior insulin treatment (DM-INS, n = 538); patients with diabetes with no prior insulin treatment (DM-No-INS, n = 986); no history of diabetes (NO-DM, n = 3721). Groups were stratified by HbA1c level: <6.5%; 6.5%-7.9% and >8.0%.Results:Among the three strata of HbA1c, mean blood glucose (BG), coefficient of variation (CV), and hypoglycemia increased with increasing HbA1c, and were higher for DM-INS than for DM-No-INS. Among patients with HbA1c < 6.5%, mean BG ≥ 180 mg/dL and CV > 30% were associated with lower severity-adjusted mortality in DM-INS compared to patients with mean BG 80-140 mg/dL and CV < 15%, (P = .0058 and < .0001, respectively), but higher severity-adjusted mortality among DM-No-INS (P = .0001 and < .0001, respectively) and NON-DM (P < .0001 and < .0001, respectively). Among patients with HbA1c ≥ 8.0%, mean BG ≥ 180 mg/dL was associated with lower severity-adjusted mortality for both DM-INS and DM-No-INS than was mean BG 80-140 mg/dL (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons).Conclusions:Significant differences in mortality were found among patients with diabetes based on insulin treatment and HbA1c at home and post-admission glycemic control. Prospective studies need to confirm an individualized approach to glycemic control in the critically ill.     

Predictive Factors of the Adherence to Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensors: A Prospective Observational Study (PARCS STUDY)

Background:Information about factors related to better adherence to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor adherence is quite limited.Materials and Methods:Forty-six participants with type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) without CGM were recruited. The participants’ characteristics and diabetes-related quality of life (QOL) were evaluated at baseline and one year after starting to use CGM. Participants wearing the sensor for ≥60% of the time were considered as adherent.Results:The mean age of the 46 participants was 44.1 ± 15.0 years old and the mean glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.7 ± 1.0%; 60.9% of the participants were classified as adherent. The duration of using CSII was longer in the adherent group, and the degree of diabetic retinopathy was significantly different. There were no significant differences in age, frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose, or Hypoglycemia Fear Survey (HFS-B for behavior, HFS-W for worry) score at baseline between the adherent and nonadherent groups. The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) score at baseline was significantly higher and the total CSII-QOL score at baseline was significantly lower in the adherent group. The usage of dual-wave bolus was significantly increased in the adherent group (34.6%-61.5%, P = .016), but not in the nonadherent group (33.3%-33.3%, P > .999). The HbA1c level showed a significant improvement in the adherent group (7.8%-7.3%, P < .001), but not in the nonadherent group (7.5%-7.2%, P = .102).Conclusions:Higher adherence to CGM sensors may be associated with a heavier emotional burden of diabetes and a worse QOL in relation to CSII at baseline.     

HbA1c level may be a risk factor for oxygen therapy requirement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019

IntroductionMany clinical studies have identified significant predictors or risk factors for the severity or mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) cases. However, there are very limited reports on the risk factors for requiring oxygen therapy during hospitalization. In particular, we sought to investigate whether plasma glucose and HbA1c levels could be risk factors for oxygen therapy requirement.Materials and MethodsA single‐center, retrospective study was conducted of 131 COVID‐19 patients hospitalized at Saitama Medical University Hospital between March 2020 and November 2020. To identify the risk factors for oxygen therapy requirement during hospitalization, a stepwise multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed using several clinical parameters commonly obtained on admission, including plasma glucose and HbA1c levels.ResultsOf the 131 patients with COVID‐19, 33.6% (44/131) received oxygen therapy during hospitalization. According to the logistic regression analysis, male sex (odds ratio [OR]: 8.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65–46.5, P < 0.05), age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.12, P < 0.01), HbA1c levels (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.09–3.44, P < 0.05), and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.54–3.20, P < 0.01) emerged as independent variables associated with oxygen therapy requirement during hospitalization.ConclusionsIn addition to male sex, age, and serum CRP levels, HbA1c levels on admission may serve as a risk factor for oxygen therapy requirement during the clinical course of COVID‐19, irrespective of diabetes history and status. This may contribute to the efficient delegation of limited numbers of hospital beds to patients at risk for oxygen therapy requirement.     

Ecological Momentary Assessment of Positive and Negative Affect and Associations with Blood Glucose in Teens with Type 1 Diabetes

Background:Affect (i.e., emotions) can be associated with diabetes self-care and ambient glucose in teens with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We used momentary sampling to examine associations of daily affectwithblood glucose (BG) monitoring,BG levels,and BG variability in teens with T1D.Method:Over 2 weeks, 32 teens reported positive and negative affect (Positive and Negative Affect Scale) and BG levels on handheld computers 4x/day, coordinated with planned daily BG checks. BG values were classified as: in-range (70-180 mg/dL); low (<70 mg/dL); severe low (<54 mg/dL); high (>180 mg/dL); severe high (>250 mg/dL). Daily BG variability was derived from BG coefficient of variation (BGCV). To determine associations of positive and negative affect with BG checks, BG levels, and BGCV, separate generalized estimating equations were performed, adjusting for demographic and diabetes-related variables, for the overall sample and stratified by HbA1c (≤8%, >8%).Results:Teens (44% male, ages 14-18, 63% pump-treated, HbA1c 8.8 ± 1.4%) reported 51% in-range, 6% low (2% severe low), and 44% high (19% severe high) BG. In teens with HbA1c ≤8%, positive affect was associated with in-range BG (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04-1.13, P = .0002), reduced odds of very low glucose (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.16-0.74, P = .006), and less daily BGCV (β = −0.9; 95% CI = −1.6, −0.2; P = .01). In teens with HbA1c >8%, negative affect was associated with less likelihood of checking BG (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.64-0.87, P = .0003).Conclusions:Our findings shed light on individual differences in metabolic reactivity based on glycemic levels and the importance of incorporating affect into automated insulin delivery systems.     

Predictive Low Glucose Suspend Algorithm in Real Life: A Five-Year Follow-Up Retrospective Analysis

Aim:Sensor-augmented pumps with predictive low glucose suspend function (PLGS-SAP) help patients avoid hypoglycemia and improve quality of life: in this retrospective study, we investigated long-term effects of PLGS-SAP on metabolic outcomes, acute and chronic diabetic complications, in particular cardiovascular events.Materials and Methods:One hundred thirty-nine adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated for more than 10 years with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) were followed for 5 years; 71 (Group 1) started to use PLGS-SAP, and 68 (Group 2) maintained on their non-PLGM insulin pump. Glucose control measures (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], acute diabetic complications), clinical outcomes (body mass index [BMI], arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia), chronic diabetes-related complications, and device utilization (continuous glucose monitoring utilization, use of temporary basal rates or special boluses, carbohydrate counting usage) were assessed.Results:The reduction of HbA1c was significant in Group 1 (from 7.5% ± 1.1% to 7.0% ± 1.0%, P = .02), while in Group 2 it did not reach statistical significance (from 7.5% ± 1.1% to 7.4% ± 0.9%, P = .853). BMI increased significantly in Group 2 (from 25.3 ± 2.8 to 25.7 ± 3.4, P < .001), but not in Group 1 (from 25.2 ± 3.5 to 25.2 ± 2.8, P = .887). There were no statistically significant differences in occurrence of acute diabetes complications, other clinical outcomes, prevalence of diabetes-related complications, or device utilization between the groups.Conclusions:In our five-year follow-up experience with T1D CSII users, PLGS-SAP has resulted efficient in improving metabolic control and maintaining the body weight.     

Evaluation of Reference Metrics for Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Persons Without Diabetes and Prediabetes

Background:Recent guidelines have been developed for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics in persons with diabetes. To understand what glucose profiles should be judged as normal in clinical practice and glucose-lowering trials, we examined the glucose profile of healthy individuals using CGM.Methods:Persons without diabetes or prediabetes were included after passing a normal oral glucose tolerance test, two-hour value <8.9 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), fasting glucose <6.1 mmol/L (110 mg/dL), and HbA1c <6.0% (<42 mmol/mol). CGM metrics were evaluated using the Dexcom G4 Platinum.Results:In total, 60 persons were included, mean age was 43.0 years, 70.0% were women, mean HbA1c was 5.3% (34 mmol/mol), and mean body mass index was 25.7 kg/m². Median and mean percent times in hypoglycemia <3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) were 1.6% (IQR 0.6-3.2), and 3.2% (95% CI 2.0; 4.3), respectively. For glucose levels <3.0 mmol/L (54 mg/dL), the corresponding estimates were 0.0% (IQR 0.0-0.4) and 0.5% (95% CI 0.2; 0.8). Median and mean time-in-range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L [70-180 mg/dL]) was 97.3% (IQR 95.4-98.7) and 95.4% (95% CI 94.0; 96.8), respectively. Median and mean standard deviations were 1.04 mmol/L (IQR 0.92-1.29) and 1.15 mmol/L (95% CI 1.05; 1.24), respectively. Measures of glycemic variability (standard deviation, coefficient of variation, mean amplitude of glycemic excursions) were significantly greater during daytime compared with nighttime, whereas others did not differ.Conclusions:People without prediabetes or diabetes show a non-negligible % time in hypoglycemia, median 1.6% and mean 3.2%, which needs to be accounted for in clinical practice and glucose-lowering trials. Glycemic variability measures differ day and night in this population.     

Observed Characteristics Associated with Diabetes Device Use Among Teens with Type 1 Diabetes

Background:Despite advancements in diabetes technologies, disparities remain with respect to diabetes device use in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We compared sociodemographic, diabetes, and psychosocial characteristics associated with device (pump and continuous glucose monitor [CGM]) use in 13- to 17-year-old teens with T1D.Materials/Methods:Data were derived from a multicenter clinical trial to optimize self-care and glycemic control in teens with T1D. We categorized teens as pump users versus non-users and CGM users versus non-users based on their diabetes device usage. Chi-square and t-tests compared characteristics according to device use.Results:The sample comprised 301 teens (50% female) with baseline mean ± SD age 15.0 ± 1.3 years, T1D duration 6.5 ± 3.7 years, and HbA1c 8.5 ± 1.1% (69 ± 12 mmol/mol). Two-thirds (65%) were pump users, and 27% were CGM users. Pump users and CGM users (vs. non-users) were more likely to have a family annual household income ≥$150,000, private health insurance, and a parent with a college education (all P < .001). Pump users and CGM users (vs. non-users) also performed more frequent daily blood glucose (BG) checks (both P < .001) and reported more diabetes self-care behaviors (both P < .05). Pump users were less likely to have baseline HbA1c ≥9% (75 mmol/mol) (P = .005) and to report fewer depressive symptoms (P = .02) than pump non-users. Parents of both CGM and pump users reported a higher quality of life in their youth (P < .05).Conclusion:There were many sociodemographic, diabetes-specific, and psychosocial factors associated with device use. Modifiable factors can serve as the target for clinical interventions; youth with non-modifiable factors can receive extra support to overcome potential barriers to device use.     

Knowledge of HbA1c and LDL‐C treatment goals,subjective level of disease‐related information and information needs in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Background/HypothesisRisk factor control of diabetes mellitus (DM) and especially dyslipidemia remains unsatisfactory in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We aimed to analyze the knowledge of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) treatment goals, subjective level of information, and information needs in very high‐risk patients with ASCVD.MethodsASCVD patients (n = 210; 75 ± 9 years; 71.4% male; 89.5% coronary disease) with DM (96.7% type 2) completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge of HbA1c and LDL‐C treatment goals and subjective level of information and information needs on disease‐related topics of DM and ASCVD. Serum LDL‐C and HbA1c were measured.ResultsHbA1c goal (<7.0% in 60.6%) was attained more frequently than LDL‐C goal (<70 mg/dl in 39.9%; p < .01). Significantly more participants named the correct goal for HbA1c compared to LDL‐C (52.9% vs. 2.4%; p < .01). Subjective levels of information were higher and information needs were lower for DM than for ASCVD (p < .01 for all topics). No associations of knowledge of treatment goals and level of information with the attainment of treatment goals for HbA1c and LDL‐C were found. However, in multivariate regression, higher levels of education were associated with knowledge of treatment goals (HbA1c: odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.72, p = .04; LDL‐C: OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.07–5.03; p = .03).ConclusionIn very high‐risk patients with ASCVD, a deficit of knowledge of treatment goals to control dyslipidemia exists when compared to DM, patients felt significantly better informed for topics of DM than for ASCVD and display higher information needs for topics of ASCVD.     

Pediatric Medicaid Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Benefit From Continuous Glucose Monitor Technology

Background:We determined the uptake rate of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and examined associations of clinical and demographic characteristics with CGM use among patients with type 1 diabetes covered by Colorado Medicaid during the first two years of CGM coverage with no out-of-pocket cost.Method:We retrospectively reviewed data from 892 patients with type 1 diabetes insured by Colorado Medicaid (Colorado Health Program [CHP] and CHP+, Colorado Medicaid expansion). Demographics, insulin pump usage, CGM usage, and hemoglobin A1c (A1c) were extracted from the medical record. Data downloaded into CGM software at clinic appointments were reviewed to determine 30-day use prior to appointments. Subjects with some exposure to CGM were compared to subjects never exposed to CGM, and we examined the effect of CGM use on glycemic control.Results:Twenty percent of subjects had some exposure to CGM with a median of 22 [interquartile range 8, 29] days wear. Sixty one percent of CGM users had >85% sensor wear. Subjects using CGM were more likely to be younger (P < .001), have shorter diabetes duration (P < .001), and be non-Hispanic White (P < .001) than nonusers. After adjusting for age and diabetes duration, combined pump and CGM users had a lower A1c than those using neither technology (P = .006). Lower A1c was associated with greater CGM use (P = .002) and increased percent time in range (P < .001).Conclusion:Pediatric Medicaid patients successfully utilized CGM. Expansion of Medicaid coverage for CGM may help improve glycemic control and lessen disparities in clinical outcomes within this population.     

Insulin–glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist relay and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist first regimens in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized,open‐label trial study

Aims/IntroductionGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) might be less effective in patients with severe hyperglycemia, because hyperglycemia downregulated the GLP‐1 receptor in an animal study. To examine this hypothesis clinically, we compared the glucose‐lowering effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide with and without prior glycemic control.Materials and MethodsIn an open‐label, parallel trial, participants with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomized to receive once‐daily insulin therapy, degludec (Insulin–GLP‐1 RA relay group, mean 16.8 ± 11.4 IU/day), for 12 weeks and then liraglutide for 12 weeks or subcutaneous injections of GLP‐1 RA, liraglutide (GLP‐1 RA first group, 0.9 mg), for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy end‐points consisted of changes in the levels of fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).ResultsThe median fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c before the study were 210.0 mg/dL and 9.8%, respectively. The levels of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c significantly decreased in the Insulin–GLP‐1 RA relay group (P < 0.001) and GLP‐1 RA first group (P < 0.001) by week 24, although no intergroup differences were observed. The reduction of HbA1c in the Insulin–GLP‐1 RA relay group tended to be larger than that in the GLP‐1 RA first group in the lowest CPR (C‐peptide immunoreactivity) quartile (P = 0.072). The adverse events consisted of gastrointestinal problems, followed by hypoglycemia.ConclusionsThe GLP‐1 receptor agonist is overall effective without prior glycemic control with insulin in participants with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. However, in participants with insulinopenic type 2 diabetes, prior glycemic control with insulin might overcome glucose toxicity‐induced GLP‐1 resistance.     

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Systemic Insulin Degludec Concentrations in People with Type 1 Diabetes

Background:There is conflicting evidence on the effect of exercise on systemic insulin concentrations in adults with type 1 diabetes.Methods:This prospective single-arm study examined the effect of exercise on systemic insulin degludec (IDeg) concentrations. The study involved 15 male adults with type 1 diabetes (age 30.7 ± 8.0 years, HbA1c 6.9 ± 0.7%) on stable IDeg regimen. Blood samples were collected every 15 minutes at rest, during 60 minutes of cycling (66% VO₂max) and until 90 minutes after exercise termination. IDeg concentrations were quantified using high-resolution mass-spectrometry and analyzed applying generalized estimation equations.Results:Compared to baseline, systemic IDeg increased during exercise over time (P < .001), with the highest concentrations observed toward the end of the 60-minute exercise (17.9% and 17.6% above baseline after 45 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively). IDeg levels remained elevated until the end of the experiment (14% above baseline at 90 minutes after exercise termination, P < .001).Conclusions:A single bout of aerobic exercise increases systemic IDeg exposure in adults on a stable basal IDeg regimen. This finding may have important implications for future hypoglycemia mitigation strategies around physical exercise in IDeg-treated patients.     

The Benefit of Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide (IDegLira) Compared With Basal-Bolus Insulin Therapy is Consistent Across Participant Subgroups With Type 2 Diabetes in the DUAL VII Randomized Trial

Background:Insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) results in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels comparable with basal-bolus (BB) therapy. Here, we assessed the effect of once-daily IDegLira compared with BB (once-daily insulin glargine 100 U/mL and insulin aspart ≤4 times/day) across subgroups with varying characteristics.Materials and Methods:DUAL VII trial participants (type 2 diabetes [T2D], HbA1c 53-86 mmol/mol [7.0%-10.0%]) were subgrouped post hoc based on the following baseline characteristics: HbA1c (≤58.5, >58.5 to ≤69.4, and >69.4 mmol/mol; ≤7.5%, >7.5 to ≤8.5%, and >8.5%), body mass index (<30, ≥30 to <35, and ≥35 kg/m²), age (18 to <65 and ≥65 years), duration of diabetes (≥0 to 10 and ≥10 years), total pretrial daily basal insulin dose (20 to <30, ≥30 to <40, and ≥40 to ≤50 U), and fasting plasma glucose (<7.2 mmol/L/<130 mg/dL and ≥7.2 mmol/L/≥130 mg/dL).Results:Compared with BB, and in all subgroups, IDegLira treatment consistently gave similar HbA1c reductions, less severe or blood glucose-confirmed hypoglycemia, lower end-of-trial (EOT) total daily insulin dose, and weight loss. In all subgroups, mean EOT HbA1c was ≤53 mmol/mol (≤7.0%). The greatest HbA1c reduction occurred in the highest baseline HbA1c subgroup. Overall, mean EOT daily insulin dose was 0.43 to 0.52 U/kg with IDegLira and 0.74 to 1.07 U/kg with BB. More participants achieved the triple composite endpoint (HbA1c <53 mmol/mol [<7.0%] without weight gain or hypoglycemia) with IDegLira vs BB across the baseline HbA1c subgroups (≤58.5 mmol/mol [44.6% vs 7.0%], >58.5 to ≤69.4 mmol/mol [41.1% vs 8.3%], and >69.4 mmol/mol [23.8% vs 3.4%]).Conclusion:These results support initiating IDegLira in patients with varying baseline characteristics and uncontrolled T2D on basal insulin.ClinicalTrials.gov registration:{"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02420262","term_id":"NCT02420262"}}NCT02420262     

Effect of Digital-Tool-Supported Basal Insulin Titration Algorithm in Reaching Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Mexico

Background:My Dose Coach (MDC) is a mobile application combined with a web portal that can suggest optimized basal insulin (BI) injection doses using Self-Measured Plasma Glucose (SMPG) and hypoglycemia data. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy on patients reaching SMPG and Fasting blood glucose (FBG) target range 90-130 mg/dl (5-7.2 mmol/L) goals without severe hypoglycemic episodes. We also addressed the mean reduction in glycated hemoglobin (A1C), FBG, and SMPG and the improvement in the WHO’s Five Well Being Index (WBI).Methods:This prospective pilot study involved the use of MDC in outpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from a Hospital in Northern Mexico. Patients on treatment with any BI were included in the study. The follow-up was of 16 weeks. Student t-tests or McNemar test were used for effect comparisons.Results:We included 158 patients (46.8% women), mean (SD) age 51 (10.3) years. We achieved SMPG target range in 58.9% [mean (95CI) reduction of 30.9 mg/dl (22.5-37.7; P < .001)] of the patients [66(28) days], with no severe hypoglycemia events. FBG goal was reached in 55.7% [mean (95CI) reduction of 63.4 mg/dl (49.6-77.2; P < .001)]. The mean (95CI) reduction of A1C was 1.78% (1.47-2, P < .01) with the last observation carried forward. There was a mean (95CI) increase of 2.23 (−3, −1.4, P < .01) points in WBI scale.Conclusions:MDC successfully helped to achieve FBG and SMPG goals, reduced A1C, and increased WBI with no severe hypoglycemia events.     

Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Treated with Insulin Pumps Need Widely Heterogeneous Basal Rate Profiles Ranging from Negligible to Pronounced Diurnal Variability

Background:Pump-treated patients with type 1 diabetes have widely differing basal insulin infusion profiles. We analyzed consequences of such heterogeneity for glycemic control under fasting conditions.Methods:Data from 339 adult patients with type 1 diabetes on insulin pump therapy undergoing a 24-hour fast (basal rate test) were retrospectively analyzed. Hourly programmed basal insulin infusion rates and plasma glucose concentrations as well as their proportions within, below, or above arbitrarily defined target ranges were assessed for specific periods of the day (eg, 1-7 hours, “dawn” period, 16-19 hours, “dusk” period, reference period 20-1 hours/10-14 hours), by tertiles of a predefined “dawn” index (mean basal insulin infusion rate during the “dawn” divided by the reference periods).Results:The “dawn” index varied interindividually from 0.7 to 4.4. Basal insulin infusion profiles exhibited substantial differences (P = .011), especially overnight. Despite higher insulin infusion rates at 4 and 6.45 hours, patients with the most pronounced “dawn” phenomenon exhibited higher plasma glucose concentrations at those time points (P < .012). Patients with a marked “dawn” phenomenon exhibited a lower probability for low (<4.4 mmol/L) and a higher probability of high values (>7.2 mmol/L) during the dawn period (all P values <.01).Conclusions:We observe substantial interindividual heterogeneity in the “dawn” phenomenon. However, widely different empirically derived basal insulin infusion profiles appear appropriate for individual patients, as indicated by similar plasma glucose concentrations, mainly in the target range, during a 24-hour fasting period.     

Perceived Burdens and Benefits Associated With Continuous Glucose Monitor Use in Type 1 Diabetes Across the Lifespan

Background:Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) help people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) improve their glycemic profiles but are underutilized. To better understand why, perceived CGM burdens and benefits in nonusers versus users with type 1 diabetes across the lifespan were assessed.Methods:Burdens (BurCGM) and benefits of CGM (BenCGM) questionnaires were completed during T1D outpatient visits (n = 1334) from February 2019 to February 2020. Mean scores were calculated (scale one to five; higher scores reflect greater perceived burdens/benefits). Data were collected from medical records including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) within 3 months of the visit.Results:Individuals of all ages using CGM described more benefits and less burdens (mean scores 4.48 and 1.69, respectively) when compared with those who were not using CGM (mean score 4.19 and 2.35, respectively) (P < .001). There were no differences in burdens or benefits by sex. Non-CGM users aged ≥50 years had higher mean BurCGM scores than those aged <50 years (P = .004); the cost was the greatest barrier in those aged 27+ years. Other burdens were readings not trusted, painful to wear, and takes too much time to use. For those aged 65+, nonusers versus users, 18.5% versus 3.1% agreed with “it was too hard to understand CGM information,” and 21.4% versus 7.7% agreed that CGM causes too much worry. Mean HbA1C was lower in CGM users (8.1%) versus non-CGM users (mean A1c 9.1%; P < .001).Conclusions:CGM was perceived as having more burdens and less benefits in nonusers, with differences in concerns varying across the lifespan. Lower costs and age-appropriate education are needed to address these barriers.     

Comparison of CGM-Derived Measures of Glycemic Variability Between Pancreatogenic Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background:To compare glycemic variability (GV) indices between patients with fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).Methods:We measured GV indices using CGM (iPro™2 Professional CGM, Medtronic, USA) data in 61 patients each with FCPD and T2D who were matched for glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and duration of diabetes. GlyCulator2 software was used to estimate the CGM-derived measures of GV (SD, mean amplitude of glycemic excursion [MAGE], continuous overall net glycemic action [CONGA], absolute means of daily differences [MODD], M value, and coefficient of variance [%CV]), hypoglycemia (time spent below 70 mg/dL, AUC below 70 mg/dL, glycemic risk assessment diabetes equation hypoglycemia, Low Blood Glucose Index), and hyperglycemia (time spent above 180 mg/dL at night [TSA > 180], AUC above 180 mg/dL [AUC > 180], glycemic risk assessment diabetes equation hyperglycemia, High Blood Glucose Index [HBGI], and J index). The correlation of GV indices with HbA1c, duration of diabetes, and demographic and biochemical parameters were also assessed.Results:All the CGM-derived measures of GV (SD, MAGE, CONGA, MODD, and %CV), except M value, were significantly higher in the FCPD group than in the T2D group (P < 0.05). Measures of hyperglycemia (TSA >180, AUC >180, HBGI, and J index) were significantly higher in the FCPD group than in the T2D group (P < 0.05). The measures of hypoglycemia were not significantly different between the two groups. All the hyperglycemia indices showed a positive correlation with HbA1c in both groups.Conclusions:FCPD is associated with higher GV than is T2D. The findings of higher postprandial glycemic excursions in patients with FCPD could have potential therapeutic implications.