血清炎症因子在OLETF鼠2型糖尿病发病过程中的动态变化

目的 探讨自发性T2DM大鼠模型OLETF鼠发病过程中炎症因子与IR的关系. 方法 20只雄性OLETF鼠（OLETF组）和10只雄性LETO鼠（LETO组）在8、32和40周龄被分批处死.检测血糖和血浆胰岛素水平.免疫散射比浊法检测各组血清高敏C反应蛋白（hsC-RP）,ELISA检测血清TNF-α、IL-6、单核细胞趋化蛋白1（MCP-1）水平,并计算ISI. 结果 8周龄时,OLETF组血清hsC-RP和MCP-1均高于LETO组;随周龄增加,OLETF组血清hsC-RP、TNF-α、IL-6、MCP-1水平逐渐升高,且40周龄时,均高于LETO组,仅ISI低于LETO组（P＜0.01）.32周龄和40周龄时,ISI与hsC-RP、IL-6呈负相关（P＜0.01）,血清各炎症因子之间互为正相关（P＜0.05）. 结论 OLETF鼠血清炎症因子在糖尿病发生前即升高,并随病情进展持续升高,与IR密切相关,参与T2DM的发生发展.     

Preventing progression from gestational diabetes mellitus to diabetes: A thought‐filled review

Women with a history of gestational diabetes are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. In studies with long periods of follow‐up, diabetes incidence of up to 70% has been reported. The appropriate follow‐up of women following a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes has not been studied. Published guidelines recommend that obstetrician/gynaecologists, who are often the de facto primary care physicians for these otherwise healthy young women, incorporate glucose monitoring in the post‐partum period into their annual examinations. In reality, reported rates of screening have been low. There is also no clear evidence for any beneficial interventions to prevent diabetes in patients with prior history of gestational diabetes. Lifestyle intervention programmes for diabetes prevention among these patients yielded disappointing results. Metformin, pioglitazone, liraglutide, and bariatric surgery are possible options but based on inadequate data. There remains a need for randomized, placebo‐controlled studies to evaluate various pharmacologic treatments, with and without lifestyle interventions, to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus in women with a history of gestational diabetes.     

Substitution of Dmo1 with normal alleles results in decreased manifestation of diabetes in OLETF rats

Aim: Dmo1 (Diabetes Mellitus OLETF type I) is a major quantitative trait locus for dyslipidaemia, obesity and diabetes phenotypes in the Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat strain. To evaluate possible metabolic and pathological improvements generated by correction of the Dmo1 genetic pathway, we produced congenic lines, in which both OLETF Dmo1 alleles are replaced by the F344-derived genome.
Methods: Congenic animals were produced by introgressing F344-derived Dmo1 alleles into the OLETF rat. Congenic animals of the fourth generation (BC4) were intercrossed to obtain F1 animals (BC4:F1). Animals of the next generation, BC4:F2, were used for this study. We used 23 BC4:F2 males harbouring homozygous replacement of the OLETF Dmo1 region with the F344-derived genome. Seven animals with OLETF-derived Dmo1 alleles were used as controls.
Results: Dmo1 -F344/F344 congenic rats showed significant decreases in body weight, abdominal fat weight, serum triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, food consumption and blood glucose after glucose loading (13%, 39%, 45%, 27%, 18% and 27% respectively; p < 0.05) compared with Dmo1 -OLETF/OLETF animals. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of the kidney showed that mesangial sclerosis, hyalin deposits and deposition of PAS-positive substance were significantly lower in Dmo1 -F344/F344 animals (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Improvements in metabolic parameters and histopathological scores show that correction of the Dmo1 genetic pathway in the diabetic and mildly obese OLETF rat strain produces wide-ranging therapeutic effects. Thus, this pathway might represent a new drug target also applicable to humans.     

Treating insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes with metformin and thiazolidinediones

Insulin resistance underlies the pathogenesis of hyperglycaemia and cardiovascular disease in most people with type 2 diabetes. Metformin and thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) counter insulin resistance by different cellular mechanisms and with complementary effects, making them suited for use in combination. Metformin exerts a stronger suppression of hepatic glucose output, while thiazolidinediones produce a greater increase in peripheral glucose uptake, enabling metformin-thiazolidinedione combinations to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes with additive efficacy. Basal insulin concentrations are not raised by metformin or thiazolidinediones, so there is minimal risk of hypoglycaemia, and metformin can reduce the weight gain associated with thiazolidinediones. There are overlapping effects of metformin and thiazolidinediones against a range of athero-thrombotic factors and markers. These include decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, reduced platelet aggregation, reductions of several vascular adhesion molecules, and reduced markers of low-grade inflammation such as C-reactive protein. Additionally, thiazolidinediones increase adiponectin and slightly reduce blood pressure. Both metformin and thiazolidinediones can improve components of the lipid profile: thiazolidinediones consistently reduce free fatty acid concentrations and decrease the proportion of small dense low-density-lipoprotein, and pioglitazone also decreases triglycerides. During co-administration, metformin and thiazolidinediones do not interfere with each other's pharmacokinetics, and lower doses of the two agents together can achieve efficacy with fewer side effects. Metformin-thiazolidinedione combinations require attention to the precautions for both agents, especially renal, cardiac and hepatic status. Thus, metformin and thiazolidinediones can be used in combination to address the hyperglycaemia and vascular risk in type 2 diabetes.     

自发2型糖尿病模型OLETF大鼠不同病程脂肪组织水通道蛋白7mRNA的表达

目的观察自发性2型糖尿病动物模型OLETF大鼠不同病程阶段皮下及肾周脂肪水通道蛋白7（AQP7）mRNA的表达。方法以OLE3T大鼠为研究对象,同种系非糖尿病LETO大鼠为正常对照。分别在8、14、22周龄行口服葡萄糖耐量试验,试验后取皮下及肾周脂肪组织,采用实时PCR方法测定其AQP7mRNA的表达。结果LETO组皮下及肾周脂肪组织均随肥胖增加表达上调,OLETF组皮下及肾周脂肪组织则呈先上调后下调趋势,且与血清甘油变化趋势一致。结论AQP7可能在腹型肥胖的发生中发挥重要作用。     

血脂变化对OLETF糖尿病大鼠肾小球细胞外基质成分含量的影响

目的：采用OLETF大鼠来观察血脂变化对2型糖尿病鼠肾小球细胞外基质含量的影响。方法：实验动物分为三组即正常对照组,糖尿病和非诺贝特治疗的糖尿病组,非诺贝特20mg.kg^-1.d^-1灌胃22周,用免疫组化的方法检测肾小球细胞外基质成分含量的变化,结果：糖尿病组血清总胆固醇,甘油三酯,极低密度脂蛋白和高密度脂蛋白水平明显高于正常对照（P＜0．05）,同时细胞外基质成分（Ⅳ型胶原,层粘连蛋白,纤维连接蛋白）含量亦较正常对照组增加（三者P＜0．01）,降脂治疗后肾脏细胞外基质积聚明显减少（与糖尿病未治疗组比P＜0．05）,结论：高脂血症可能与糖尿病肾小球硬化的发生有关,降脂治疗能够减缓肾脏的损害从而起到保护肾脏的作用。     

Weight gain in type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential causes of weight gain using insulin and combination therapy in type 2 diabetes. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was an open-label prospective study of 6-month duration. Randomization was performed to insulin monotherapy, insulin and pioglitazone 30 mg daily, or insulin and metformin up to 2000 mg daily. Fifty-seven subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes were enrolled. The goal was to achieve a normal haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (<5.6%). Weight, resting energy expenditure (REE), reported energy intake and total energy expenditure, HbA1c, glycosuria, plasma leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin levels, and body fat were measured. RESULTS: A total of 49 subjects completed the study. At baseline, weight was 89.4 +/- 22.9 kg and HbA1c was 11.1 +/- 1.5%. Weight increased by 7.46, 7.60 and 7.12 kg in the monotherapy, metformin and pioglitazone groups, respectively [p = 0.98 between and <0.0001 within the groups by repeated measures-analysis of variance (RM-anova)]. HbA1c dropped to 7.8 +/- 0.9% in the monotherapy arm, 7.6 +/- 1.0% in the metformin arm and 7.2 +/- 1.2% in the pioglitazone arm. Reported energy intake decreased. Glycosuria decreased but was not correlated with weight gain, while HbA1c changes were correlated with weight gain. REE per lean mass decreased (p = 0.04 by RM-anova). The subcutaneous fat areas in the insulin monotherapy and pioglitazone arms showed increases (p = 0.02 and 0.004 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain was probably not due to an increase in food intake, while REE per lean body mass decreased, suggesting a role for increased efficiency in fuel usage due to improved glycaemic control. A drop in glycosuria probably also contributed to weight gain. In the monotherapy and pioglitazone arms, the subcutaneous fat areas increased.     

自发2型糖尿病模型OLETF大鼠脂肪组织水通道蛋白7表达水平的研究

目的观察水通道蛋白7在自发糖尿病模型OLETF大鼠不同糖尿病病程的皮下和附睾脂肪组织中的表达,探讨AQP7与肥胖糖尿病的关系。方法OLETF大鼠组分为未治疗组（OLETF组）及盐酸二甲双胍治疗组（0I。ETF／M组）。观察不同周龄时大鼠的体重、血清甘油三酯、胆固醇、甘油、葡萄糖耐量实验血糖与胰岛素以及皮下和附睾脂肪组织AQP7mRNA和AQP7蛋白含量的变化。Real—timePCR测定AQP7mRNA水平,Westernblotting测定AQP7蛋白含量。结果随周龄增加,肥胖、血脂紊乱加重,胰岛素抵抗明显,血糖增高。OLETF组皮下脂肪AQP7mRNA及蛋白表达为逐渐上调趋势,附睾脂肪AQP7mRNA及蛋白表达先上调后下调,皮下脂肪AQP7mRNA及蛋白表达上调幅度大于附睾脂肪AQP7。盐酸二甲双胍改善了OLETF／M组大鼠的脂代谢和糖代谢紊乱,且OLETF／M组皮下及附睾脂肪组织AQP7mRNA及蛋白表达上调幅度均低于OLETF组。结论皮下及附睾脂肪组织的AQP7在肥胖和糖尿病的发生发展中起一定作用。     

Strategies to prevent type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition resulting from T cell–mediated destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the islets of Langerhans. Its primary cause remains unknown, but it has been established that the clinical presentation is preceded by a long prodrome. This enables individuals at high risk of disease to be identified and offers the possibility of intervention to prevent clinical disease. Many groups are working in this field, concentrating on manipulation of environmental exposures that are potential triggers of autoimmunity and on immunomodulation strategies that aim to prevent destruction of β-cells. Some interventions have shown promising results in early trials, but effective disease prevention remains elusive. This article reviews current progress in the field.     

How can we prevent cardiovascular disease in diabetes

Evidence based goals for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis in diabetes are given in international and national guidelines. The importance of optimal control of lipids and blood pressure has been shown in several studies. With available drugs and behavioural modifications the treatment goals can be reached in most cases. However, only a few patients with diabetes are treated optimally today. A major possibility to reduce cardiovascular disease in diabetes is to treat patients according to guidelines. New treatment targets may include specific treatment of the dyslipidaemia, manifested in high levels of small dense LDL and low HDL, active anti-inflammatory treatments, specific reduction of inflammatory activity in adipose tissue, reduced volume of adipose tissue, antioxidants and reduction of advanced glycosylation endproducts production. Possible strategies for these treatments are available, and should be evaluated in clinical trials.     

Long-term therapy with addition of pioglitazone to metformin compared with the addition of gliclazide to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, comparative study

BACKGROUND: This 52-week, randomized, double-blind study compared the efficacy and safety of metformin plus pioglitazone with the established combination of metformin plus gliclazide in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c > or = 7.5% to < or =11.0%) received either pioglitazone 15 mg o.d. (titrated up to 45 mg; n = 317) or gliclazide 80 mg o.d. (titrated up to 320 mg; n = 313) and metformin at the pre-study dose. HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, lipids and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in HbA1c (1% decrease in both groups) and FPG between groups. There was a decrease in fasting insulin in the pioglitazone group compared to an increase in the gliclazide group (p < 0.001). There were significantly greater improvements in triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol in the metformin plus pioglitazone group compared to the metformin plus gliclazide group (p < 0.001). Mean LDL-cholesterol decreased with metformin plus gliclazide and increased with metformin plus pioglitazone (p < 0.001); however, this increase was considerably less marked than that in HDL-cholesterol. The mean urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was reduced by 10% in the metformin plus pioglitazone group compared to an increase of 6% in the metformin plus gliclazide group (p = 0.027). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups and both combinations were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the established combination of metformin plus gliclazide, this study indicates potential benefits of addition of pioglitazone to metformin in terms of improvements in microalbuminuria and specific abnormalities associated with diabetic dyslipidemia.     

Earlier triple therapy with pioglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aims: This study assessed the efficacy of add‐on pioglitazone vs. placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled by metformin and a sulphonylurea or a glinide. Methods: This multicentre, double‐blind, parallel‐group study randomized 299 patients with type 2 diabetes to receive 30 mg/day pioglitazone or placebo for 3 months. After this time, patients continued with pioglitazone, either 30 mg [if glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA_1c) ≤6.5%] or titrated up to 45 mg (if HbA_1c >6.5%), or placebo for a further 4 months. The primary efficacy end‐point was improvement in HbA_1c (per cent change). Secondary end‐points included changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, C‐peptide, proinsulin and lipids. The proinsulin/insulin ratio and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐B) were calculated. Results: Pioglitazone add‐on therapy to failing metformin and sulphonylurea or glinide combination therapy showed statistically more significant glycaemic control than placebo addition. The between‐group difference after 7 months of triple therapy was 1.18% in HbA_1c and ?2.56 mmol/l for FPG (p < 0.001). Almost half (44.4%) of the patients in the pioglitazone group who had a baseline HbA_1c level of <8.5% achieved the HbA_1c target of < 7.0% by final visit compared with 4.9% in the placebo group. When the baseline HbA_1c level was ≥ 8.5%, 13% achieved the HbA_1c target of < 7.0% in the pioglitazone group and none in the placebo group. HOMA‐IR, insulin, proinsulin and C‐peptide decreased and HOMA‐B increased in the pioglitazone group relative to the placebo group. Conclusions: In patients who were not well controlled with dual combination therapy, the early addition of pioglitazone improved HbA_1c, FPG and surrogate measures of β‐cell function. Patients were more likely to reach target HbA_1c levels (< 7.0%) with pioglitazone treatment if their baseline HbA_1c levels were < 8.5%, highlighting the importance of early triple therapy.     

Long-term effects of pioglitazone and metformin on insulin sensitivity in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: Despite their comparable glycaemic effects in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), pioglitazone and metformin may have different effects on insulin sensitivity because they have different mechanisms of action. We studied the changes in insulin sensitivity, as assessed by the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI), in patients with T2DM who used metformin or pioglitazone as monotherapy or in combination therapy with sulphonylurea. METHODS: Data in this report are from two multicentre, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy studies conducted in Europe (monotherapy) or in Europe and Canada (combination therapy study). Patients were randomized to 52 weeks of treatment consisting of a 12-week forced titration period and a 40-week maintenance period. HbA(1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting serum insulin (FSI) were quantified from a single blood sample at weeks 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 42 and 52. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with QUICKI, which is calculated from FSI and fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations using the formula 1/(log(10) FSI + log(10) FBG). Time course effects of the treatments were compared by repeated measures analysis of covariance. RESULTS: As monotherapy, pioglitazone and metformin increased QUICKI compared with baseline (baseline vs. end point [mean +/- sem]; pioglitazone [0.303 +/- 0.001 vs. 0.321 +/- 0.001; P < 0.001] and metformin [0.304 +/- 0.001 vs. 0.315 +/- 0.001; P < 0.001]). Pioglitazone increased insulin sensitivity more than metformin from week 4 through week 52. There were significant increases in QUICKI from baseline in both combination therapy groups (baseline vs. end point; pioglitazone + sulphonylurea [0.305 +/- 0.001 vs. 0.319 +/- 0.001; P < 0.001] and metformin + sulphonylurea [0.306 +/- 0.001 vs. 0.317 +/- 0.001; P < 0.001]). Overall, pioglitazone + sulphonylurea significantly increased insulin sensitivity more than metformin + sulphonylurea. CONCLUSION: Pioglitazone differed from metformin in its effects on insulin sensitivity despite both drugs having comparable glycaemic effects.     

Comparative study on the efficacy of pioglitazone in Caucasian and Maori-Polynesian patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

AIM: Although the pharmodynamic properties of the thiazolidinedione (TZD) insulin-sensitizing agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes are well established, there are no studies comparing the pharmacoefficacy of these drugs in different ethnic groups. The aim of this pilot, prospective study was to examine the hypothesis that the efficacy of TZDs may vary depending on ethnicity. This aim was achieved by comparing the effects of 6-months treatment with pioglitazone (45 mg/day) on glucose control and metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in Caucasian and Maori-Polynesian patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients (40 Caucasian and 57 Maori-Polynesian) with type 2 diabetes were selected for the study from our clinical databases if they were on the maximum tolerated dose of oral agents and had a haemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) > 8.0% for at least 2 months. All the patients received pioglitazone (45 mg/day) for 6 months in addition to their regular diabetes therapy. Clinical data and blood samples were collected at monthly intervals and the following indices measured: weight, blood pressure, oedema score, HbA(1c), plasma glucose, alanine amino transferase and adiponectin levels and plasma lipid profile, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol particle size and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). The data of the 81 patients who finished the study were analysed using analysis of variance, chi-square analysis and multiple regression methods. RESULTS: The absolute change from baseline in mean HbA(1c) (Caucasian -1.4% vs. Maori-Polynesian -1.3%) and fasting glucose levels (Caucasian -2.1 mmol/l vs. Maori-Polynesian -2.8 mmol/l) was similar in the two groups. Pioglitazone caused an improvement in lipid profile in both ethnic groups, with a reduction in mean values of atherogenic fractions (triglyceride: Caucasian -0.5 mmol/l, p < 0.001 vs. Maori-Polynesian -0.3 mmol/l, p = 0.05; very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol: Caucasian -0.11 mmol/l, p = 0.001 vs. Maori-Polynesian -0.04 mmol/l, p = 0.85; VLDL-triglyceride: Caucasian -0.36 mmol/l, p < 0.001 vs. Maori-Polynesian -0.22 mmol/l, p = 0.14; apolipoprotein B: Caucasian -0.09 mmol/l, p = 0.03 vs. Maori-Polynesian -0.08 mmol/l, p = 0.18). These changes were associated with an increase in LDL-cholesterol particle size (Caucasian +0.23 nm, p = 0.05 vs. Maori-Polynesian +0.26 nm, p = 0.04) and a decrease in AIP (Caucasian -0.14, p < 0.001 vs. Maori-Polynesian -0.08, p = 0.04). While the changes in the lipid indices tended to be greater in the Caucasian group, the difference in lipid response between the two ethnic groups was not statistically significant. Multiple regression analyses showed that the baseline value of the individual lipid fractions was the main determinant of the changes in lipid levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that pioglitazone has similar beneficial effects on glucose control and plasma lipid profile in Caucasian and Maori-Polynesian patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Our data showed that while the improvement in lipid profile was more pronounced in Caucasian patients than in Maori-Polynesian patients, this difference was not statistically significant.     

2型糖尿病发病过程及病程与胰岛素释放功能变化的关系

目的　探讨 2型糖尿病不同的发生发展过程中胰岛素释放功能的变化。方法　在住院病人中收集具有不同诊断病程的 2型糖尿病患者 ,根据病程不同进行每隔一年的分组直到 1 0年以上组。在本单位年度跟踪体检人群中选择血糖正常 (空腹和 2 h均正常 )、可疑血糖异常、不同的糖调节受损、初诊糖尿病多组人群。对全部研究对象进行 5个时相点 75 g葡萄糖耐量试验和同步胰岛素释放试验 ,并测定糖化血红蛋白和甘油三酯等。结果　 (1 )在筛查人群 ,与正常糖耐量相比较 ,糖尿病前期阶段的空腹、糖刺激最大胰岛素释放、胰岛素曲线下面积均明显著升高。(2 )在已诊断糖尿病人群 ,诊断病程 1～ 5年组空腹血糖继续代偿性增高 ,到病程第 6年组 ,空腹胰岛素下降一半 ;最大胰岛素水平从病程第 1年组开始下降到代偿最高水平的一半 ,并维持到病程第 5年组 ,从病程第 6年组又下降一半 (约 30 m IU/ L )。 (3)筛查人群在向糖尿病发生过程中胰岛素释放倍增幅度逐渐下降 ,其中单纯空腹血糖受损最明显 ;已诊断糖尿病人群胰岛素释放倍增幅度随病程增加逐渐减少。 (4)校正年龄、体重指数、甘油三酯、空腹血糖、葡萄糖曲线下面积 ,已诊断糖尿病人群病程与 OGTT0、30、60 min胰岛素水平 ,最大胰岛素水平 ,胰岛素释放倍增 (峰基比值 ) ,以     

Addition of pioglitazone to stable insulin therapy in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: results of a double-blind, multicentre, randomized study

AIM: To determine the effects of pioglitazone treatment combined with insulin on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In a multicentre, double-blind study, 690 patients [body mass index, 33.19 kg/m2 +/- 5.47; haemoglobin A1c (A1C), 9.78 +/- 1.51; mean duration, 12.9 years] with diabetes poorly controlled with a stable insulin dose (> 30 U/day for > or =30 days) were randomly allocated to pioglitazone 30 or 45 mg once daily for 24 weeks. RESULTS: In the pioglitazone 30- and 45-mg groups, respectively, 71 and 70% of patients completed the study. At 24 weeks, statistically significant, dose-dependent mean decreases from baseline were seen in the pioglitazone 30- and 45-mg groups for A1C (-1.17 and -1.46%, respectively) and fasting plasma glucose (-31.9 and -45.8 mg/dl, respectively). Insulin dosage also decreased significantly (-4.5 and -7.3 U, respectively; p < or = 0.05) from baseline. Decreases in triglycerides [pioglitazone 45 mg: -5.9% (p < or = 0.05)], very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [pioglitazone 45 mg: -6.2% (p < or = 0.05)] and free fatty acids [-0.94 (p < or = 0.05) and -2.13 (p < 0.0001) mg/dl, respectively] and increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (9.7 and 13.0%, respectively; p < 0.0001) also were observed from baseline. Small but significant increases in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.01) from baseline were observed. Mean weight gain was 2.9 and 3.4 kg in the respective groups; lower limb oedema was reported in 13 and 12% of patients, respectively. The incidences of oedema, weight gain and heart failure were not higher than anticipated in this population. No evidence of hepatotoxicity or clinically significant elevations in liver function test parameters was seen. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, addition of pioglitazone to insulin significantly improved glycaemic control, had a positive effect on important components of the lipid profile in a dose-dependent manner and was generally well tolerated.     

Metformin as add‐on to intensive insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes mellitus

We aimed to evaluate the effect of adjuvant metformin to intensive insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). A 10‐year retrospective study in 2 cohorts was performed: the MET cohort (n = 181) consisted of patients with T1DM on adjuvant metformin for ≥6 months and the CTR cohort (n = 62) consisted of patients with T1DM who refused metformin (n = 25) or adhered to metformin for <6 months (n = 36). Data on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI) and daily insulin dose were recorded yearly. A third cross‐sectional cohort, the REF cohort (n = 961), consisting of patients with T1DM not offered adjuvant metformin, was used as a reference for baseline comparison. At the study start, BMI was significantly higher and insulin doses were lower in patients in the MET cohort, while HbA1c levels were similar. In the first years of metformin therapy, small but non‐significant decreases were seen in BMI and insulin dose in patients in the MET cohort, while after 10 years no persistent effect on HbA1c, insulin dose or BMI was seen. In conclusion, although metformin may have short‐term effects on BMI and insulin dose when used as adjunct therapy in patients with T1DM, no long‐term beneficial effects were observed when patients were followed for 10 years.     

Biphasic insulin aspart 30 plus metformin: an effective combination in type 2 diabetes

AIM: This study compared glycaemic control achieved with biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) monotherapy, BIAsp 30 plus metformin and glibenclamide plus metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with metformin. METHODS: In this multinational, open-labelled, parallel group, 16-week trial, 341 patients (patients not adequately controlled with metformin for at least 1 month) with type 2 diabetes were studied. Patients were randomized to receive BIAsp 30, twice daily (n = 107 exposed to treatment), or BIAsp 30, twice daily, plus metformin (n = 108) or glibenclamide plus metformin (n = 114). The primary endpoint was HbA(1c) at end of trial; adverse events, hypoglycaemia episodes, blood lipids and weight were also monitored. RESULTS: In the total population (HbA(1c) 7.5-13.0% at screening), end-of-trial HbA(1c) levels were lower in patients receiving BIAsp 30 plus metformin compared with those receiving BIAsp 30 only [mean treatment difference (+/-s.e.m), 0.39 +/- 0.15%, p = 0.007]. In a subpopulation (HbA(1c) > or = 9.0% at baseline, n = 193), patients receiving BIAsp 30 plus metformin had significantly lower HbA(1c) levels at the end of the trial compared with those receiving glibenclamide plus metformin (treatment difference, 0.46 +/- 0.21%, p = 0.027). Mean body weight (+/-s.d) at the end of the trial was significantly lower in patients receiving glibenclamide plus metformin compared with those receiving BIAsp 30 only (84.3 +/- 13.3 kg vs. 88.9 +/- 16.9 kg, p < 0.001). No major hypoglycaemic episodes were recorded during the trial, and incidence rates for minor and symptoms-only hypoglycaemia were low and similar between treatment groups (0.03-0.04 events/patient/week). CONCLUSION: BIAsp 30 added to metformin could be an appropriate therapeutic option for achieving good glycaemic control, compared with the addition of a second oral agent, particularly where HbA(1c) > or = 9%.