Long-acting insulin in a public health system: analysis of compliance with clinical protocol in public pharmacies / Insulina de ação prolongada no sistema público de saúde: análise da adesão ao protocolo clínico em farmácias públicas

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease marked by elevated blood glucose levels. Controlling DM involves adequate diet, physical exercises, medicines and monitoring the blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. This was a retrospective study of the process of dispensing long-acting insulin analogues to users with diabetes (types 1 and 2) who were registered at high-cost public pharmacies in public health system in a southeast state of Brazil, that sought to evaluate the fulfillment of the criteria of all the clinical protocol to provide these analogs. Of the 987 users registered in the health service, 315 met the inclusion criteria for the study. The evaluation of the dispensing processes of the long-acting insulin analogues revealed that the inclusion, exclusion, and suspension criteria of the protocol related with these insulin analogues were in some extend only partially fulfilled. Additionally, there was no difference between the initial and final fasting glycemic and HbA1c levels. It is concluded that the established criteria for dispensing long-acting insulin analogues were partly fulfilled by pharmacies, compromising the rational use of these analogues. It can directly impact the cost of maintaining the public health service and users' health.

Resumo Diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma doença crônica marcada por níveis sanguíneos elevados de glicose. O controle do DM envolve dieta adequada, exercícios físicos, medicamentos e monitoramento dos níveis sanguíneos de glicose e de hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c). Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo do processo de dispensação de análogos de insulina de ação prolongada a usuários com diabetes (tipos 1 e 2) cadastrados em farmácias públicas de alto custo do sistema público de saúde de um estado do Sudeste do Brasil, que buscou avaliar o cumprimento dos critérios do protocolo clínico para fornecimento desses análogos. Dos 987 usuários cadastrados no serviço de saúde, 315 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A avaliação dos processos de dispensação dos análogos de insulina de ação prolongada revelou que os critérios de inclusão, exclusão e suspensão do protocolo dos análogos de insulina eram parcialmente cumpridos. Além disso, não houve diferença entre os níveis inicial e final de glicemia em jejum e HbA1c. Conclui-se que os critérios estabelecidos para dispensação de análogos de insulina de ação prolongada foram parcialmente cumpridos pelas farmácias, comprometendo o uso racional dos análogos. Os achados podem impactar diretamente no custo de manutenção do serviço público de saúde e na saúde do usuário.

Farmacoeconomia: gastos com análogos de insulina adquiridos por meio de judicialização em um município do estado do Pará, Brasil, no ano de 2016 / Pharmacoeconomics: expenses with analogues of insulin acquired by judicialization in a county from the state of Pará, Brazil, in 2016

Objetivo: Analisar os gastos com insulinas análogas de ação rápida e longa, no município de Belém/PA, no ano de 2016. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo de farmacoeconomia, relacionado aos custos de insulinas análogas. A pesquisa foi realizada na Secretária Municipal de Saúde de um município do estado do Pará, por meio da análise das notas de empenho referentes à aquisição de insulinas análogas no ano de 2016. Os dados foram tabulados no Microsoft® Excel 2010, no qual também foram geradas tabelas e gráficos para melhor interpretação das informações coletadas. A presente pesquisa não envolveu a participação de seres humanos e nem a utilização de dados secundários, por isso não houve a necessidade de submissão ao Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP). Resultados: Durante o ano de 2016, foram disponibilizadas 15 variedades de apresentação de análogos de insulinas. Neste ano, foram realizadas 10 compras de insulinas comprovadas por meio de empenho, resultando num total de 30.450 frascos de insulina, que gerou uma despesa extra de R$ 1.857.778,00 ao município. Em relação à quantidade comprada e ao custo de cada insulina análoga, a insulina Glargina liderou o ranking em ambas as variáveis, obtendo 12.650 frascos comprados e custo total de R$ 967.970,00. Conclusão: Mesmo com a recente inclusão nas listas-padrão de algumas insulinas análogas que devem ser disponibilizadas pelo Sistema único de Saúde (SUS), essa ação ainda não ocorre de maneira efetiva no território brasileiro, evidenciado pelos gastos significativos com a compra de insulinas análogas por meio de judicialização.

Objective: To analyze the costs of fast and long-acting analogues of insulin in Belém/PA, from 2016. Methods: This is a descriptive and quantitative study of pharmacoeconomics, related to the analogues of insulins cost. The research was realized at the Municipal Health Secretary from a county in the state of Pará, through analysis of the commitment notes regarding the acquisition of analogous of insulins from the year of 2016. The data were charted in Microsoft® Excel 2010, which also generated another's tables and graphs for the information collected better interpretation. The present research did not involve the human beings participation or even use of secondary data, so there was no need to submit to the Research Ethics Committee (REC/CEP). Results: During the year 2016, 15 presentation varieties of analogous of insulin were made available. This same year, 10 purchases of proven insulin were performed through a commitment, resulting in a total of 30.450 bottles of insulin, which generated an extra expense of R$ 1,857.778.00 to the county. Regarding the quantity purchased and the cost of each analogous insulin, Glargina insulin led the ranking in both variables, obtaining 12.650 bottles purchased and R$ 967,970.00 of total cost. Conclusion: Despite the recent inclusion at the standard lists of some analogues of insulins that should be made available by the Single Health System (SHS/SUS), this action still does not occur effectively in Brazil, evidenced by the significant expenses with the purchase of analogues of insulins through a judicial process (public civil action).

Insulina degludec en pacientes diabéticos tipo 1: observación a 18 meses / Degludec insulin in type 1 diabetic patients: 18 months of observation

Antecedentes: En el tratamiento de la diabetes se buscan insulinas de acción más prolongada y con menores tasas de hipoglicemias. Objetivo. Uso del análogo de insulina de acción ultralenta degludec en diabéticos tipo 1 (DM1) tratados previamente con glargina. Pacientes y método: Se observaron 230 DM1 durante 18 meses, promedio de edad 34 años y de diagnóstico 14 años, registrándose parámetros clínicos, bioquímicos, hipoglicemias y requerimientos de insulina (U/kg/peso), en régimen basal/bolo, con degludec y ultra-rápida precomidas. Degludec se ajustó quincenalmente. Resultados: A los 3 meses, la glicemia de ayunas disminuyó de 253mg/dl (243-270) a 180 mg/dl (172- 240), (p< 0,05); a los 6 meses a 156 mg/dl (137-180) (p< 0,05), a los 12 meses a 151 mg/dl (50-328) (p< 0,001) y a los 18 meses 150 (50-321) (p<0,001). La HbA1c, inicialmente de 10,6% (10,3-12,2) bajó a los 3 meses a 8,7% (8,2-11,1) (p< 0,05), a 6 meses a 8,3% (8,0-9,6) (p<0,05), a los 12 meses subió 9,0% (5,9-14,5) (p<0,001) y a los 18 meses 9,0% (5,9-14,6) (p<0,001). La dosis de degludec fue 0,5 U/kg/peso a los 18 meses. Hubo reducción de hipoglicemias: a los 3 meses 14 leves, 4 moderados 1 grave; a los 6 meses 8 leves, 2 moderados y ninguna grave; a los 12 meses 1 leve, y a los 18 meses 2 leves, 1 moderado y ninguna grave. Un 7,8% no presentó hipoglicemias. Conclusión: Degludec en DM1 mostró reducir las glicemias de ayunas y HbA1c, y menor número de hipoglicemias.

Background: In the treatment of diabetes, longer-acting insulins with lower rates of hypoglycaemia are sought. Objective. Use of ultralow-acting insulin analog degludec in type 1 diabetic patients (T1D) previously treated with glargine. Patients and method: 230 T1D patients were observed during 18 months, average of age 34 years and of diagnosis 14 years, registering clinical, biochemical, hypoglycemia and insulin requirements (U / kg / weight), in basal / bolus regimen, with degludec and ultra-fast pre-meals. Degludec adjusted himself fortnightly. Results: At 3 months, the fasting glycemia decreased from 253 mg / dl (243-270) to 180 mg / dl (172 - 240), (p <0.05); at 6 months at 156 mg / dl (137-180) (p <0.05), at 12 months at 151 mg / dl (50-328) (p <0.001) and at 18 months 150 (50-321) ;(p <0.001). HbA1c, initially of 10.6% (10.3-12.2), decreased after 3 months to 8.7% (8.2 - 11.1) (p <0.05), to 6 months to 8 months, 3% (8.0-9.6) (p <0.05), at 12 months it rose 9.0% (5.9-14.5) (p <0.001) and at 18 months 9.0 % (5.9-14.6) (p <0.001). The dose of degludec was 0.5 U / kg / weight at 18 months. There was reduction of hypoglycemia: at 3 months, 14 mild, 4 moderate, 1 severe; at 6 months 8 mild, 2 moderate and none serious; at 12 months 1 mild, and at 18 months 2 mild, 1 moderate and none serious. 7.8% did not present hypoglycemia. Conclusion: Degludec in T1D patients showed to reduce fasting glycemia and HbA1c, and lower number of hypoglycemia.

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

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

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

Estudo comparativo entre os análogos de insulina de ação prolongada e insulina NPH humana no Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 / Comparative study between long-acting insulin analogues and human NPH insulin in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

RESUMO O Diabetes Mellitus do tipo 1 é uma doença de base autoimune com grande impacto econômico sobre a saúde pública mundial. O tratamento é baseado na aplicação subcutânea de insulina, visando mimetizar a secreção pancreática fisiológica. A reposição é feita com insulinas de ação prolongada (insulina NPH humana e análogos de insulina de ação prolongada) e insulinas de ação rápida. A hipoglicemia é a principal complicação relacionada ao tratamento. Objetivo: comparar os efeitos dos análogos de insulina de ação prolongada e insulina NPH humana sobre o controle glicêmico, episódios de hipoglicemia e hipoglicemia severa. Métodos: estudo observacional, utilizando dados obtidos de prontuários médicos ambulatoriais de pacientes acompanhados por período de 4 meses. Resultados: Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação ao número total de hipoglicemias e hipoglicemias grau I. O grupo em uso dos análogos de insulina de ação prolongada apresentou número cerca de 50% menor de hipoglicemias clinicamente significativas (grau II). A hemoglobina glicada apresentou discreta melhora no período no grupo em uso de análogos de insulina de ação prolongada. Conclusão: As insulinas de ação prolongada apresentam aparente benefício em relação à insulina NPH humana, em relação a um melhor controle glicêmico e principalmente em relação a hipoglicemias mais graves. Descritores: Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1; Hipoglicemia; Insulina NPH; Insulina de ação prolongada; Insulina ultralenta.

Experiencia con insulina degludec en pacientes diabéticos Tipo 1 del Hospital San Juan de Dios Santiago / Experience with degludec insulin in Type 1 diabetic patients at the San Juan de Dios Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of degludec insulin in Type 1 diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In a prospective study, 230 type 1 diabetics patients, average aged 34 years age and 14 years of diagnosis of diabetes and treated with two doses of insulin glargine U-100, were changed to degludec. Patients had glycosylated hemoglobins (HbA1c) greater than 10 percent. Results were recorded at 3 and 6 months with parameters clinical, biochemical, insulin requirements per kilogram of weight (U/kg/wt) and hypoglycemia. Capillary glycemia was evaluated three times a day and the dose of insulin degludec every two weeks. The statistical analysis used was average and rank, standard deviation, normal Swilk test, categorical Chi2 and continuous ANOVA or Kwallis, and p < 0.05. A psychological survey was conducted to evaluate satisfaction with the new treatment. RESULTS: Fasting blood glucose decreased from 253 (range 243-270) at 180 mg/dl (172-240) at 3 months and at 156 (137-180) at 6 months after the change insulin (p < 0.05). HbA1c, initially 10.6 percent (10.4-12.2) decreased to 8.7 percent (9.3-10.1) and 8.3 percent (8.7-9.7) at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a decrease in basal insulin requirements from 0.7 to 0.4 U/kg/60 percent reduction in hypoglycaemia; both mild and moderate and severe. Isolated nocturnal hypoglycaemias were recorded in only 4 patients in this group. CONCLUSION: Six months of treatment with degludec insulin reduces fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and hypoglycemia, both mild and moderate severe and nocturnal, which makes this new ultra-long acting basal insulin a safe and effective tool for the management of type 1 diabetics patients

Cost-effectiveness of insulin analogs from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system

ABSTRACT Human insulin is provided by the Brazilian Public Health System (BPHS) for the treatment of diabetes, however, legal proceedings to acquire insulin analogs have burdened the BPHS health system. The aim of this study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis to compare insulin analogs and human insulins. This is a pharmacoeconomic study of cost-effectiveness. The direct medical cost related to insulin extracted from the Ministry of Health drug price list was considered. The clinical results, i.e. reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were extracted by meta-analysis. Different scenarios were structured to measure the uncertainties regarding the costs and reduction in HbA1c. Decision tree was developed for sensitivity of Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER). A total of fifteen scenarios were structured. Given the best-case scenario for the insulin analogs, the insulins aspart, lispro, glargine and detemir showed an ICER of R$ 1,768.59; R$ 3,308.54; R$ 11,718.75 and R$ 2,685.22, respectively. In all scenarios in which the minimum effectiveness was proposed, lispro, glargine and detemir were dominant strategies. Sensitivity analysis showed that the aspart had R$ 3,066.98 [95 % CI: 2339.22; 4418.53] and detemir had R$ 6,163.97 [95% CI: 3919.29; 11401.57] for incremental costs. We concluded there was evidence that the insulin aspart is the most cost-effective.

Features of Long-Standing Korean Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy: A Study Based on Standardized Clinical Data

BACKGROUND: This is part of a prospective study carried out as a national project to secure standardized public resources for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Korea. We compared various characteristics of long-standing T2DM patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular edema (ME). METHODS: From September 2014 to July 2015, T2DM patients with disease duration of at least 15 years were recruited at a single university hospital. Clinical data and samples were collected according to the common data elements and standards of procedure developed by the Korean Diabetes Association Research Council. Each participant was assessed by ophthalmologists for DR and ME. RESULTS: Among 220 registered patients, 183 completed the ophthalmologic assessment. DR was associated with longer disease duration (odds ratio [OR], 1.071; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001 to 1.147 for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy [NPDR]) (OR, 1.142; 95% CI, 1.051 to 1.242 for proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]) and the use of long-acting insulin (OR, 4.559; 95% CI, 1.672 to 12.427 for NPDR) (OR, 4.783; 95% CI, 1.581 to 14.474 for PDR), but a lower prevalence of a family history of cancer (OR, 0.310; 95% CI, 0.119 to 0.809 for NPDR) (OR, 0.206; 95% CI, 0.063 to 0.673 for PDR). ME was associated with higher glycosylated hemoglobin levels (OR, 1.380; 95% CI, 1.032 to 1.845) and the use of rapid-acting insulin (OR, 5.211; 95% CI, 1.445 to 18.794). CONCLUSION: Various clinical features were associated with DR and ME. Additional epidemiological and biorepository-based studies using this cohort are being conducted to deepen our understanding of diabetic complications in Korea.

Reduction of Sulfonylurea with the Initiation of Basal Insulin in Patients with Inadequately Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Long-Term Sulfonylurea-Based Treatment

BACKGROUND: There were a limited number of studies about β-cell function after insulin initiation in patients exposed to long durations of sulfonylurea treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the recovery of β-cell function and the efficacy of concurrent sulfonylurea use after the start of long-acting insulin. METHODS: In this randomized controlled study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), receiving sulfonylurea for at least 2 years with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >7%, were randomly assigned to two groups: sulfonylurea maintenance (SM) and sulfonylurea reduction (SR). Following a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), we administered long-acting basal insulin to the two groups. After a 6-month follow-up, we repeated the OGTT. RESULTS: Among 69 enrolled patients, 57 completed the study and were analyzed: 31 in the SM and 26 in the SR group. At baseline, there was no significant difference except for the longer duration of diabetes and lower triglycerides in the SR group. After 6 months, the HbA1c was similarly reduced in both groups, but there was little difference in the insulin dose. In addition, insulin secretion during OGTT was significantly increased by 20% to 30% in both groups. A significant weight gain was observed in the SM group only. The insulinogenic index was more significantly improved in the SR group. CONCLUSION: Long-acting basal insulin replacement could improve the glycemic status and restore β-cell function in the T2DM patients undergoing sulfonylurea-based treatment, irrespective of the sulfonylurea dose reduction. The dose reduction of the concurrent sulfonylurea might be beneficial with regard to weight grain.

Adherencia terapéutica y flexibilidad en el uso de las insulinas basales

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

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

Safety and Efficacy of Modern Insulin Analogues

BACKGROUND: A1chieve(R) was a noninterventional study evaluating the clinical safety and efficacy of biphasic insulin aspart 30, insulin detemir, and insulin aspart. METHODS: Korean type 2 diabetes patients who have not been treated with the study insulin or have started it within 4 weeks before enrollment were eligible for the study. The patient selection and the choice of regimen were at the discretion of the physician. The safety and efficacy information was collected from the subjects at baseline, week 12, and week 24. The number of serious adverse drug reactions (SADRs) was the primary endpoint. The changes of clinical diabetic markers at week 12 and/or at week 24 compared to baseline were the secondary endpoints. RESULTS: Out of 4,058 exposed patients, 3,003 completed the study. During the study period, three SADRs were reported in three patients (0.1%). No major hypoglycemic episodes were observed and the rate of minor hypoglycemic episodes marginally decreased during 24 weeks (from 2.77 to 2.42 events per patient-year). The overall quality of life score improved (from 66.7+/-15.9 to 72.5+/-13.5) while the mean body weight was slightly increased (0.6+/-3.0 kg). The 24-week reductions in glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose were 1.6%+/-2.2%, 2.5+/-4.7 mmol/L, and 4.0+/-6.4 mmol/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: The studied regimens showed improvements in glycemic control with low incidence of SADRs, including no incidence of major hypoglycemic episodes in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes.

Insulin analogues in the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy / Análogos de insulina no tratamento do diabetes gestacional

Pregnancy affects both maternal and fetal metabolism, and even in non-diabetic women, it exerts a diabetogenic effect. Among pregnant women, 2% to 14% develop gestational diabetes. Pregnancy can also occur in women with preexisting diabetes, which may predispose the fetus to many alterations in organogenesis, restrict growth, and the mother, to some diabetes-related complications, such as retinopathy and nephropathy, or to acceleration of the course of these complications, if they are already present. Women with gestational diabetes generally start their treatment with diet and lifestyle changes; when these changes are not enough for optimal glycemic control, insulin therapy must then be considered. Women with type 2 diabetes using oral hypoglycemic agents are advised to change to insulin therapy. Those with preexisting type 1 diabetes should start intensive glycemic control. As basal insulin analogues have frequently been used off-label in pregnant women, there is a need to evaluate their safety and efficacy. The aim of this review is to report the use of both short- and long-acting insulin analogues during pregnancy and to enable clinicians, obstetricians, and endocrinologists to choose the best insulin treatment for their patients.

A gravidez afeta tanto o metabolismo materno quanto o fetal e, mesmo em mulheres não diabéticas, apresenta um efeito diabetogênico. Entre as mulheres grávidas, 2% a 14% desenvolvem o diabetes gestacional. A gravidez pode ocorrer também em mulheres já diabéticas, o que pode predispor o feto a muitas alterações na organogênese, restrição de crescimento e a mãe a algumas complicações relacionadas ao diabetes, tais como retinopatia e nefropatia, ou acelerar o curso dessas complicações se já estiverem presentes. Pacientes com diabetes gestacional geralmente iniciam seu tratamento com dieta e mudanças no estilo de vida; porém, quando essas medidas falham em atingir um controle glicêmico adequado, a insulinoterapia deve ser considerada. Pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 em uso de hipoglicemiantes orais são aconselhadas a iniciar o uso de insulina. Pacientes com diabetes tipo 1 preexistente devem iniciar um controle glicêmico estrito. Em função do fato de os análogos basais de insulina estarem sendo utilizados muito frequentemente off-label em pacientes grávidas, faz-se necessário avaliar sua segurança e eficácia nessa condição. O objetivo desta revisão é avaliar o uso de tais análogos, tanto de ação curta como prolongada, durante a gravidez, para possibilitar médicos clínicos, obstetras e endocrinologistas escolher o melhor regime terapêutico para suas pacientes.

Régimen con insulina lispro mix 25 versus insulina glargina para la diabetes tipo 2 / Starting an insulin regimen with insulin lispro mix 25 versus glargine insulin for type 2 diabetes

La información sobre el inicio de regímenes de insulina en poblaciones específicas con diabetes tipo 2 (DT2) es limitada. Se comparó eficacia y seguridad de dos regímenes de inicio: insulina lispro mix 25 (LM25) e insulina glargina basal (GL). Se evaluaron 193 pacientes no tratados previamente con insulina, en la fase de iniciación de 24 semanas del ensayo DURABLE; edades: 30-79 años, DT2 controlada inadecuadamente (HbA1c > 7.0%) con = 2 medicaciones orales antidiabéticas (MOAs), aleatorizados para LM25 (25% de insulina lispro, 75% de insulina lispro protamina en suspensión) dos veces/día, o GL (insulina glargina basal) una vez/ día, a las MOAs previas. La eficacia primaria se midió por HbA1c a las 24 semanas. Se midió eficacia secundaria por: proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron HbA1c= 6.5% y= 7.0%, cambio en peso corporal, valores de automonitoreo glucémico e índices de hipoglucemia. LM25 demostró mayor reducción de la HbA1c (- 2.4% ± 0.16 vs. -2.0% ± 0.16, P = 0.002), mayor proporción de pacientes alcanzaron HbA1c= 7.0% (P = 0.012) y niveles de glucemia menores después del desayuno (P = 0.028) y de la cena (P = 0.011), y a las 3 a.m. (P = 0.005) comparada con GL. La glucemia en ayunas (GA) y la proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron una HbA1c= 6.5% fueron similares. En ambos grupos hubo aumento del peso corporal, mayor en la valoración final con LM25 (6.35 kg vs. 4.23 kg, P < 0.001). No hubieron diferencias en índices de hipoglucemia entre grupos, ni eventos adversos serios en ninguno. Con LM25 fue mejor el control de glucosa, riesgo de hipoglucemia similar y mayor aumento de peso que GL.

Information on starting insulin regimens in specific populations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited. This analysis compared efficacy and safety of two starter insulin regimens: insulin lispro mix 25 (LM25) and basal insulin glargine (GL) in patients from Argentina. This post-hoc analysis evaluated 193 insulin-naïve patients who participated in the DURABLE trial 24-week initiation phase. Patients 30-79 years with T2D inadequately controlled (HbA1c > 7.0%) with = 2 oral antihyperglycemic medications (OAMs), were randomized to add LM25 (25% insulin lispro, 75% insulin lispro protamine suspension) twice daily or GL (basal insulin glargine) once daily to pre-study OAMs. Primary efficacy was measured by HbA1c at 24-week endpoint. Secondary measures included: proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 6.5% and= 7.0%, body weight change, self-monitored blood glucose (BG) values, and hypoglycemia rates. LM25 demonstrated greater HbA1c reduction (- 2.4% ± 0.16 vs. -2.0% ± 0.16, P = 0.002), a higher proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 7.0% (P = 0.012), and lower BG levels after the morning (P = 0.028) and evening (P = 0.011) meals, and at 3:00AM (P = 0.005) compared with GL. Fasting BG and proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 6.5% were similar between groups. Both groups increased body weight, although the gain was higher at endpoint with LM25 (6.35 kg vs. 4.23 kg, P < 0.001). No differences in hypoglycemia rates were observed between groups, and no serious adverse events were reported for either group. In this subgroup from Argentina, LM25 demonstrated greater improvement in glucose control with similar risk of hypoglycemia and more weight gain than GL.

Comparison of thrice daily biphasic human insulin (30/70) versus basal detemir & bolus aspart in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus – A pilot study.

Background & objectives: Conventionally, biphasic human insulin (30/70, BHI) is used twice daily for the management of patients with diabetes. However, this regimen is suboptimal to control post-lunch and/ or pre-dinner hyperglycaemia in some patients. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of thrice-daily biphasic human insulin (30/70, BHI) versus basal detemir and bolus aspart (BB) in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In this open labelled randomized pilot study, 50 patients with uncontrolled T2DM on twicedaily BHI and insulin sensitizers were randomized either to BHI thrice-daily or BB regimen. HbA1c, six point plasma glucose profile, increment in insulin dose, weight gain, hypoglycaemic episodes and cost were compared between the two treatment groups at the end of 12 wk. Results: Mean HbAlc (±SD) decreased from 9.0±0.9 per cent at randomization to 7.9±0.8 per cent in BHI (P<0.001) and from 9.4±1.3 to 8.2±1.0 per cent in BB regimen (P<0.001) after 12 wk of treatment. The mean (±SEM) weight gain in patients in the BHI regimen was 1.5±0.33 kg compared to 1.4±0.34 kg in the BB regimen. Insulin dose increment at 12 wk was significantly more in the BB regimen 0.46±0.32 U/ kg/day compared to 0.15±0.21 U/kg/day in the BHI regimen (P<0.001). The incidence of major as well as minor hypoglycaemic episodes was not different in both the regimen. The BB regimen was more expensive than the BHI regimen (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: The thrice daily biphasic human insulin regimen is non-inferior to the basal bolus insulin analogue regimen in terms efficacy and safety in patients with poorly controlled T2DM. However, these data require further substantiation in large long term prospective studies.

MEK1 and MEK2 differentially regulate human insulin- and insulin glargine-induced human bladder cancer T24 cell proliferation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Increased risk of bladder cancer has been reported in diabetic patients. This study was to investigate the roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1 and 2 in the regulation of human insulin- and insulin glargine-induced proliferation of human bladder cancer T24 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In the absence or presence of a selective inhibitor for MEK1 (PD98059) or a specific siRNA for MEK2 (siMEK2), with or without addition of insulin or glargine, T24 cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. Protein expression of MEK2, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt was analyzed by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>T24 cell proliferation was promoted by PD98059 at 5 - 20 µmol/L, inhibited by siMEK2 at 25 - 100 nmol/L. PD98059 and siMEK2 remarkably reduced phosphorylated ERK1/2. Insulin- and glargine-induced T24 cell proliferation was enhanced by PD98059, suppressed while not blocked by siMEK2. Insulin- and glargine-induced ERK1/2 activation was blocked by PD98059 or siMEK2 treatment, whereas activation of Akt was not affected.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MEK1 inhibits while MEK2 contributes to normal and human insulin- and insulin glargine-induced human bladder cancer T24 cell proliferation.</p>

Application of an Insulin Analogue in Six Hypoglycemia-Prone Hemodialysis Patients with Type 2 Diabetes / 대한내과학회지

Day-to-day insulin requirements often change due to subtle variations in insulin metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing hemodialysis. In such cases, intra-hemodialysis hypoglycemia frequently occurs and is a main factor interfering with the delivery of dialysis. As a result, it reduces the quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The long-acting insulin analogue glargine provides peakless, continuous release over 24 h that approximates a normal basal insulin pattern. Because it has no peak, its use in patients with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis would hypothetically be useful. Specifically, patients would be able to avoid intra-hemodialysis hypoglycemia without the necessity of skipping insulin administration on the day of hemodialysis and achieving adequate glucose control on other days. We recently experienced six cases that switched from treatment with intermediate-acting insulin to a long-acting insulin analogue, which provided better glycemic control by reducing hypoglycemia risk. Limited data are available in the literature concerning insulin analogue usage in patients with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis. Our experience suggests a large-scale prospective investigation is required on this issue.

Glycemic Effects of Once-a-Day Rapid-Acting Insulin Analogue Addition on a Basal Insulin Analogue in Korean Subjects with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: The present study investigates the efficacy in glycemic control by adding once-a-day glulisine to glargine as a basal plus regimen and factors influencing glycemic control with the basal plus regimen in Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In the present retrospective study, subjects previously treated with the basal plus regimens for at least 6 months were reviewed. Changes in glycemic profiles and clinical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 87 subjects were ultimately enrolled in this study. At baseline, mean glycated hemoglobin (A1c) and glycated albumin were 8.5% (8.0% to 9.6%) and 25.2+/-7.6%, respectively. After treatment with the basal plus regimen, patients had significant reductions of A1c at 6 months (0.8+/-0.1%, P<0.001) and their postprandial glucose levels were decreased by 48.7+/-10.3 mg/dL (P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed old age (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.55), high initial A1c (OR, 22.21; 95% CI, 2.44 to 201.78), and lower amounts of glargine (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.99), and glimepiride (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.93) at baseline were independently associated with good responders whose A1c reduction was more than 0.5%. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest a basal plus regimen may be effective in reducing glucose levels of subjects with old age, high initial A1c, and patients on low doses of glimepiride and glargine. Despite the use of high doses of hypoglycemic agents, elderly patients with poorly-controlled diabetes are preferred for early initiation of the basal plus regimen.

Medical Therapy in Pregnant Women with Diabetes / 임상당뇨병

Pregnant women with diabetes are at greater risk for adverse outcomes, such as miscarriage, macrosomia, and preterm birth. Advances in the care of diabetes have reduced maternal and perinatal mortality rates to the levels expected in nondiabetic pregnancies. Lifestyle modification such as medical nutritional therapy and exercise is a first step in therapy for gestational diabetes. Rapid-acting insulin analogs (lispro, aspart) are comparable in safety and superior in glucose control to regular human insulin. Because the safety of long-acting insulin analogs (glargine, detemir) in pregnancy has not firmly established, the use of human insulin is preferred over basal insulin. Among the oral hypoglycemic agents, metformin and glyburide might be considered as alternative therapies.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of two insulin treatment protocols using a continuous glucose monitoring system / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two insulin treatment protocols using a continuous glucose monitoring system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Type 2 diabetic patients mellitus with unsatisfactory control of fasting blood glucose by oral antidiabetic drugs were included in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups to receive bedtime injection of glargine and oral antidiabetic drugs (group A) or injection of Novolin 30 R twice a day (group B) for 12 weeks. The insuline dose was adjusted according to fasting blood glucose till discharge. Continuous glucose monitoring system was used to record the average blood glucose, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, AUCPG ≥ 10.0 mmol/L%, HbA1c and C peptide, bedtime blood glucose, 3:00 AM blood glucose, the incidence of hypoglycemia and body mass index.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average blood glucose, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, AUCPG ≥ 10.0 mmol/L% and HbA1c was significantly decreased and C peptide significantly increased in the two groups after the treatments. The patients in glargine group showed better improvement with a significantly lower incidence of hypoglycemia than those in Novolin 30 R group. BMI underwent no significant changes in the two groups after the treatments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Glargine therapy better mimics the physiological insulin secretion patterns, and when combined with oral antidiabetic drugs, can be more effective and safer than premixed insulin.</p>