Real-world effectiveness of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients without diabetes, with and without albuminuria.

AIM: To examine the renal effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibition among non-diabetic individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a real-world setting. METHODS: We collected de-identified data on adults without diabetes and with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25-60 mL/min/1.73 m2, who initiated the SGLT2 inhibitors dapagliflozin or empagliflozin between September 2020 and November 2022 at Maccabi Healthcare Services, an Israeli health maintenance organization. We assessed the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal function (changes in eGFR slope/time). Index date was defined as the date of the first dispensing of SGLT2 inhibitors. Annual baseline slope was calculated using all eGFR measurements during the 2 years prior to index date (median = 7 measurements), while annual follow-up slope was calculated from all evaluations during 90-900 days post index date, along with baseline measurement at index date (median = 6 measurements). Paired t tests were used to compare differences between baseline and follow-up annual slopes. RESULTS: Of a total of 354 participants with CKD, without diabetes, who received SGLT2 inhibitors and were followed for a median of 527 days, the mean age was 72.8 ± 11.8 years, 26% were female, and 91% used renin-angiotensin system blockade. The mean eGFR was 45.4 ± 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. The mean body mass index was 29.1 ± 5.4 kg/m2. During the year before index date, 146 participants (41%) had a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) <30 mg/g, 81 (23%) had a UACR of 30-300 mg/g, 74 (21%) had a UACR >300 mg/g, and 53 (15%) had no UACR evaluation. The mean eGFR slope over time was -5.6 ± 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year at baseline, which improved to -1.7 ± 6.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year after SGLT2 inhibitor administration (p <0.001). This effect was independent of UACR. CONCLUSION: In a real-world study of primarily older non-diabetic adults with CKD, SGLT2 inhibition was associated with a slower rate of kidney function decline, regardless of baseline UACR level.

Safety and Effectiveness of Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Fasting during Ramadan: A Review.

This review evaluates the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) fasting during Ramadan. All studies included in the review were conducted in Asia and the Middle East. Overall, the evidence suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors are a safe and effective treatment option for most T2DM patients fasting during Ramadan. The average incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia is 12.5%, but ranges from 0.7% to 27%, depending on the study population and concomitant use of other medications. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when SGLT2 inhibitors are used in combination with insulin and/or sulfonylureas. Therefore, patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors in combination with insulin and/or sulfonylureas can take steps to mitigate this risk, such as having their insulin and/or sulfonylurea doses adjusted and being closely monitored for hypoglycemia. Patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors may be at increased risk of dehydration. To mitigate the risk of dehydration, patients should be advised to consume adequate fluids during the fast-breaking hours. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and extend their applicability to high-risk populations and other regions of the world.

Safety and effectiveness of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus fasting during Ramadan: a review This review delves into the existing evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who observe Ramadan fasting. The studies reviewed were conducted exclusively in Asia and the Middle East. Overall, the gathered evidence suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors constitute a safe and effective treatment option for most T2DM patients fasting during Ramadan. While a slightly elevated risk of dehydration compared to other medications may exist, this is generally well-tolerated. To mitigate the risk of dehydration, patients should be advised to consume adequate fluids during the fast-breaking hours. However, further research is warranted to validate these findings and extend their applicability to high-risk populations and other world regions.

Clinical Outcomes of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with and without SGLT2 Inhibitor Treatment: A Retrospective Study.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the clinical course and outcomes of DKA in T2DM patients who received treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors versus those who did not. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on T2DM patients who were admitted to the Rambam Health Care Campus with DKA between 7/2015 and 9/2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from electronic medical records. Outpatient mortality was monitored until 12/2022. RESULTS: Of 71 T2DM patients admitted with DKA, 16 (22.5%) were on SGLT2 inhibitor treatment upon admission. SGLT2 inhibitor users had a higher BMI and were less likely to be treated with insulin. During hospitalization, the rates of acute kidney injury, concomitant infections, and inpatient mortality among SGLT2 inhibitor users were comparable to non-users. The median follow-up period was 35.1 months for the SGLT2 inhibitor users and 36.7 months for non-users. The long-term mortality from any cause was lower among the SGLT2 inhibitor users (12.5% vs. 52.7%, p = 0.004). In Cox regression analysis, SGLT2 inhibitor use was associated with a lower risk of long-term mortality from any cause (HR = 0.19, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: T2DM patients with DKA who received SGLT2 inhibitors had lower long-term mortality from any cause compared to those who did not receive SGLT2 inhibitors.

Unmet Needs in the Treatment of Childhood Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth is a global health concern characterized by an increasing incidence and prevalence, especially among disadvantaged socioeconomic subgroups. Moreover, youth-onset T2D is more aggressive and causes earlier, more severe long-term cardio-renal complications compared with T2D in adults. The therapeutic options available are limited and often inadequate, partially due to the numerous challenges in implementing clinical trials for this vulnerable patient population. Over the last few years, a significant effort has been made to develop new effective drugs for children and adolescents with T2D. Specifically, a number of studies are currently generating new data to address the urgent unmet medical need for optimal management of this disease. This review describes the central features of youth-onset T2D and summarizes the available treatments and ongoing studies in pediatric patients.

A beneficial role of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in ABCC8-MODY (MODY 12).

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is an inherited form of diabetes resulting from a mutation in a single gene. ABCC8-MODY is caused by mutations in the ABCC8 gene, which encodes sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1), a regulatory component of the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel found in beta cells. In ABCC8-MODY, mutations in the ABCC8 gene interfere with insulin secretion in response to glucose. Recent evidence suggests that therapy with GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may be beneficial in ABCC8-MODY. This report presents a successful treatment of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with ABCC8-MODY using the GLP-1 RA semaglutide. The patient, who had been previously receiving insulin therapy, experienced significant improvements in glycemic control and weight loss after transitioning to semaglutide. GLP-1 RAs potentially enhance insulin secretion in ABCC8-MODY by activating multiple signaling pathways involved in insulin secretion. The report highlights the potential of GLP-1 RA therapy as an alternative to sulfonylureas and insulin for individuals with ABCC8-MODY. GLP-1 RAs have previously demonstrated benefits in other forms of MODY. Understanding the molecular mechanisms through which GLP-1 RAs promote insulin secretion, including their effects on KATP channels and activation of PKA and Epac signaling, offers valuable insights into their therapeutic effects.

Increased hepatic Akt phosphorylation alleviated glucose intolerance and improved liver function in leptin-deficient mice.

Aim of the study: Akt is involved in upregulating the insulin-signaling pathways essential for maintaining glucose metabolism. Glycosphingolipids are involved in the pathogenesis of glucose intolerance and associated target organ injury. On the other hand, oral administration of b-glucosylceramide (GC) has been shown to alleviate insulin resistance. The present study aimed to determine the effects of oral administration of insulin and GC, separately and in combination, on Akt expression and the subsequent effect on metabolic syndrome characteristics in leptin-deficient mice. Material and methods: Four groups of leptin-deficient ob/ob mice were orally administered for four weeks: vehicle, GC, short-acting insulin, and GC combined with insulin. Mice were followed for hepatic Akt expression and changes in tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) level, hyperlipidemia, and liver damage. Results: In mice that received insulin or GC, particularly those that received both, the liver phosphorylation of Akt was significantly increased compared to those that received only vehicle. Serum TNF-a levels decreased in insulin-treated mice. These effects were associated with alleviating glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia, as manifested by a significant glucose tolerance test improvement and reductions in serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Significant liver damage alleviation was noted by liver enzyme reductions in all treated groups, along with liver steatosis in the insulin-treated mice. Conclusions: These data established the potential use of oral insulin administration with glycosphingolipids to alleviate glucose intolerance and associated liver damage and hyperlipidemia via increased Akt expression in the liver. The data support targeting Akt as a potent therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome.

Cardiometabolic risk factors among children and adolescents with overweight and Class 1 obesity: A cross-sectional study. Insights from stratification of Class 1 obesity.

Context: Severe childhood obesity is associated with increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). Among children with Class 1 obesity, higher BMI may indicate greater cardiometabolic risk. Class 1 obesity reflects a wide spectrum of BMI values. Each 10% increase in BMI above the 95th percentile is equivalent to an average increase of 2.15 kg/m2 and 2.75 kg/m2 in BMI among children and adolescents, respectively. Such increments may be of clinical importance. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and clustering of CMRFs in children and adolescents with BMI 110%-119% of the 95th BMI percentile. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data, from an Israeli health maintenance organization, of children and adolescents (5-17 years) with overweight or Class 1 obesity, and at least one measurement of lipid profile during Jan/2020-May/2021. CMRFs were defined as abnormal lipid profile, elevated alanine aminotransferase, hypertension, and prediabetes or diabetes. Study groups included overweight and Class 1 Obesity-A (BMI < 110%) and Obesity-B (BMI ≥ 110%) of the 95th BMI percentile. Results: Of 7211 subjects included, 40.2% were overweight, 50.3% obesity-A, and 9.5% obesity-B. Multivariable analyses showed that children and adolescents from the Obesity-B group had increased odds for higher triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and ALT levels; and lower HDL cholesterol levels, as compared to Obesity-A. The odds of prediabetes (insignificant) tended to be higher in the Obesity-B group, which was associated with increased CMRFs clustering. Conclusions: Among children and adolescents with Class 1 obesity, BMI ≥ 110% of the 95th percentile was associated with higher prevalence and clustering of CMRFs.

Dapagliflozin or Saxagliptin in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents is increasing, but treatment options are limited. METHODS: This was a 26-week, phase 3 trial with a 26-week extension among patients (10 to 17 years of age) with uncontrolled T2D (A1C 6.5 to 10.5%) receiving metformin, insulin, or both. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to 5 mg of dapagliflozin (N=81), 2.5 mg of saxagliptin (N=88), or placebo (N=76). Patients in active treatment groups with A1C ≥7% at week 12 were further randomly assigned 1:1 at week 14 to continue the dose or up-titrate to a higher dose (10 mg of dapagliflozin or 5 mg of saxagliptin). The primary end point was change in A1C at week 26. Safety was assessed over 52 weeks. RESULTS: At week 26, the difference versus placebo in adjusted mean change in A1C was −1.03 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], −1.57 to −0.49; P<0.001) for dapagliflozin and −0.44 percentage points (95% CI, −0.93 to 0.05; P=0.078) for saxagliptin. Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs occurred in 72.8% and 8.6% of patients receiving dapagliflozin, 69.3% and 8.0% of patients receiving saxagliptin, and 71.1% and 6.6% of patients receiving placebo. Severe hypoglycemia occurred in 4.9%, 4.5%, and 7.9% of patients in each group, respectively. Over 52 weeks, the most common AE was headache (dapagliflozin 14.8%; placebo 5.3%). Most events were mild and none was considered serious or resulted in discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin, but not saxagliptin, showed significant improvement in A1C compared with placebo. Nonserious headaches were more common in participants treated with dapagliflozin than in those receiving placebo. (Funded by AstraZeneca; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03199053.)

Cultural and Digital Health Literacy Appropriateness of App- and Web-Based Systems Designed for Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing dramatically. Mobile technologies to enhance patient self-management offer many advantages for women diagnosed with GDM. However, to our knowledge, although mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine systems for GDM management exist, evidence on their cultural and digital health literacy appropriateness levels is limited. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to search and assess the literature on mHealth and telemedicine systems designed for women diagnosed with GDM. Our assessment of these technologies focused on their cultural and digital health literacy appropriateness as well as the systems' effectiveness in improving glycemic control and maternal and infant outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review using a framework adapted from Arksey and O'Malley. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant studies: PubMed, MEDLINE (EBSCO), Web of Science, and Scopus. The databases were searched between January 2010 and January 2022. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, use of telemedicine for monitoring and management, and vulnerable or disadvantaged patients. We used terms related to mobile apps and telemedicine: GDM, vulnerable populations, periphery, cultural appropriateness, and digital health literacy. Studies were screened and selected independently by 2 authors. We extracted the study data on a Microsoft Excel charting table and categorized them into final themes. The results were categorized according to the cultural and digital health literacy features presented. RESULTS: We identified 17 studies that reported on 12 telemedicine and mHealth app interventions. We assessed the studies in three domains: cultural appropriateness, digital health literacy, and maternal and infant outcomes. In the literature, we found that existing digital technologies may improve glycemic control and diabetes self-management. However, there is a lack of assessment of cultural and digital health literacy appropriateness for pregnant women diagnosed with GDM. Considerations in app design regarding cultural appropriateness were found in only 12% (2/17) of the studies, and only 25% (3/12) of the interventions scored ≥3 out of 5 in our assessment of digital health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: mHealth and telemedicine can be an effective platform to improve the clinical management of women with GDM. Although studies published on the use of mHealth and telemedicine systems exist, there is a limited body of knowledge on the digital health literacy and cultural appropriateness of the systems designed for women diagnosed with GDM. In addition, as our study was restricted to the English language, relevant studies may have been excluded. Further research is needed to evaluate, design, and implement better tailored apps regarding cultural and digital literacy appropriateness for enhancing pregnant women's self-management as well as the effectiveness of these apps in improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Once-Weekly Exenatide in Youth With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Approved treatments for type 2 diabetes in pediatric patients include metformin, liraglutide, and insulin. However, approximately one-half of the youth fail metformin monotherapy within 1 year, insulin therapy is associated with challenges, and liraglutide requires daily injections. Consequently, the efficacy and safety of once-weekly injections of exenatide for the treatment of youth with type 2 diabetes was evaluated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants (aged 10 to <18 years) were randomized (5:2) to once-weekly exenatide 2 mg or placebo, respectively. The primary efficacy end point was change in glycated hemoglobin from baseline to week 24. Secondary efficacy end points were also evaluated, and the frequency of adverse events (AEs) was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 83 participants were randomized (exenatide, 59; placebo, 24) and 72 completed 24-week treatment (exenatide, 49; placebo, 23). At 24 weeks, the least squares mean change in glycated hemoglobin was -0.36% for the exenatide and +0.49% for the placebo groups (between-group difference, -0.85%; 95% CI -1.51, -0.19; P = 0.012). Nonsignificant least squares mean differences from baseline to 24 weeks favoring exenatide were observed: fasting glucose -21.6 mg/dL (-49.0, 5.7; P = 0.119), systolic blood pressure -2.8 mmHg (-8.0, 2.4; P = 0.284), and body weight -1.22 kg (-3.59, 1.15; P = 0.307). AEs occurred in 36 (61.0%) and 17 (73.9%) participants in the exenatide and placebo groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In youth with type 2 diabetes suboptimally controlled with current treatments, once-weekly exenatide reduced glycated hemoglobin at 24 weeks and was well tolerated.

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes in Israel: A national cohort.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased worldwide, paralleling the rise in pediatric obesity. Occurrence and clinical manifestations vary regionally and demographically. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the incidence, and clinical and demographic manifestations of youth-onset T2D in Israel. METHODS: In a national observational study, demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the medical records of children and adolescents, aged 10-18 years, diagnosed with T2D between the years 2008 and 2019. RESULTS: The incidence of youth-onset T2D in Israel increased significantly from 0.63/100,000 in 2008 to 3.41/100,000 in 2019. The study cohort comprised 379 individuals (228 girls [59.7%], 221 Jews [58.3%], mean age 14.7 ± 1.9 years); 73.1% had a positive family history of T2D. Mean body mass index (BMI) z-score was 1.96 ± 0.7, higher in Jews than Arabs. High systolic (≥ 130 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (≥ 85 mmHg) were observed in 33.7% and 7.8% of patients, respectively; mean glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level at diagnosis was 8.8 ± 2.5%. Dyslipidemia, with high triglyceride (>150 mg/dl) and low HDL-c (<40 mg/dl) levels, was found in 45.6% and 56.5%, respectively. Microalbuminuria and retinopathy were documented at diagnosis, 15.2% and 1.9%, respectively) and increased (36.7% and 4.6%, respectively) at follow-up of 2.9 ± 2.1 years. Criteria of metabolic syndrome were met by 224 (62.2%) patients, and fatty liver documented in 65%, mainly Jews. Psychosocial comorbidity was found in 31%. Treatment with metformin (45.6%), insulin (20.6%), and lifestyle modification (18%) improved glycemic control. CONCLUSION: Youth-onset T2D in Israel has increased significantly and presents a unique profile.

Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in children and young adults with type 2 diabetes: a prospective, multicentre, randomised, parallel group, phase 3 study.

BACKGROUND: Since there are few treatment options for young people with type 2 diabetes, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin as add-on therapy in children, adolescents, and young adults with type 2 diabetes receiving metformin, insulin, or both. METHODS: This multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised phase 3 study was undertaken at 30 centres in five countries (Hungary, Israel, Mexico, Russia, and the USA). Participants aged 10-24 years with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c concentration of 6·5-11% (48-97 mmol/mol) were randomly assigned 1:1 to oral dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo during a 24 week double-blind period, which was then followed by a 28 week open-label safety extension in which all participants received dapagliflozin. Participants and study personnel were masked and participants were randomly assigned treatment (placebo or study drug) using an interactive web and voice response system. The primary outcome was between-group differences in change in HbA1c concentration from baseline to 24 weeks (intention-to-treat analysis). A prespecified sensitivity analysis of the primary outcome was also assessed in the per-protocol population, which included only protocol-compliant participants. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02725593. FINDINGS: Between June 22, 2016, and March 15, 2019, 72 participants (19 [26%] of whom were aged 18-24 years) were randomly assigned (39 to dapagliflozin and 33 to placebo). Mean age was 16·1 (SD 3·3) years. In the intention-to-treat analysis, after 24 weeks, mean change in HbA1c concentration was -0·25% (95% CI -0·85 to 0·34; -2·7 [-9·3 to 3·7] mmol/mol) for dapagliflozin and 0·50% (-0·18 to 1·17; 5·5 [-2·0 to 12·8] mmol/mol) for placebo. The between-group difference was -0·75% (95% CI -1·65 to 0·15; -8·2 [-18·0 to 1·6] mmol/mol; p=0·10). In a sensitivity analysis in the per-protocol population (34 in the dapagliflozin group and 26 in the placebo group) after 24 weeks, mean change was -0·51% (-1·07 to 0·05; -5·6 [-11·7 to 0·5] mmol/mol) for dapagliflozin and 0·62% (-0·04 to 1·27; 6·8 [-0·4 to 13·9] mmol/mol) for placebo. The between-group difference was -1·13% (-1·99 to -0·26; -12·4 [-21·8 to -2·8] mmol/mol; p=0·012). Adverse events occurred in 27 (69%) dapagliflozin-assigned participants and 19 (58%) placebo-assigned participants over 24 weeks, and in 29 (74%) participants who received dapagliflozin over 52 weeks. Hypoglycaemia occurred in 11 (28%) dapagliflozin-assigned and six (18%) placebo-assigned participants who received dapagliflozin over 24 weeks and in 13 participants (33%) who received dapagliflozin over 52 weeks; none were considered as serious adverse events. No adverse events of diabetic ketoacidosis occurred. INTERPRETATION: The primary outcome of change in HbA1c concentration was not significant in the intention-to-treat analysis of children, adolescents, and young adults with type 2 diabetes receiving dapagliflozin in addition to standard-of-care treatment. A prespecified sensitivity analysis of protocol-compliant participants showed a significant difference in HbA1c concentration between groups. No new safety signals were identified and there was a low risk of severe hypoglycaemia. FUNDING: AstraZeneca.

The Gut Microbiome of Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Its Association With the Host Glycemic Control.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between gut microbiota composition and type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis. However, little is known about the composition and function of the gut microbiome in adults with longstanding T1D or its association with host glycemic control. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiome obtained from fecal samples of 74 adults with T1D, 14.6 ± 9.6 years following diagnosis, and compared their microbial composition and function to 296 age-matched healthy control subjects (1:4 ratio). We further analyzed the association between microbial taxa and indices of glycemic control derived from continuous glucose monitoring measurements and blood tests and constructed a prediction model that solely takes microbiome features as input to evaluate the discriminative power of microbial composition for distinguishing individuals with T1D from control subjects. RESULTS: Adults with T1D had a distinct microbial signature that separated them from control subjects when using prediction algorithms on held-out subjects (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.89 ± 0.03). Linear discriminant analysis showed several bacterial species with significantly higher scores in T1D, including Prevotella copri and Eubacterium siraeum, and species with higher scores in control subjects, including Firmicutes bacterium and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (P < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected for all). On the functional level, several metabolic pathways were significantly lower in adults with T1D. Several bacterial taxa and metabolic pathways were associated with the host's glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a distinct gut microbial signature in adults with longstanding T1D and associations between microbial taxa, metabolic pathways, and glycemic control indices. Additional mechanistic studies are needed to identify the role of these bacteria for potential therapeutic strategies.

Prediction of Personal Glycemic Responses to Food for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes Through Integration of Clinical and Microbial Data.

OBJECTIVE: Despite technological advances, results from various clinical trials have repeatedly shown that many individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) do not achieve their glycemic goals. One of the major challenges in disease management is the administration of an accurate amount of insulin for each meal that will match the expected postprandial glycemic response (PPGR). The objective of this study was to develop a prediction model for PPGR in individuals with T1D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We recruited individuals with T1D who were using continuous glucose monitoring and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion devices simultaneously to a prospective cohort and profiled them for 2 weeks. Participants were asked to report real-time dietary intake using a designated mobile app. We measured their PPGRs and devised machine learning algorithms for PPGR prediction, which integrate glucose measurements, insulin dosages, dietary habits, blood parameters, anthropometrics, exercise, and gut microbiota. Data of the PPGR of 900 healthy individuals to 41,371 meals were also integrated into the model. The performance of the models was evaluated with 10-fold cross validation. RESULTS: A total of 121 individuals with T1D, 75 adults and 46 children, were included in the study. PPGR to 6,377 meals was measured. Our PPGR prediction model substantially outperforms a baseline model with emulation of standard of care (correlation of R = 0.59 compared with R = 0.40 for predicted and observed PPGR respectively; P < 10-10). The model was robust across different subpopulations. Feature attribution analysis revealed that glucose levels at meal initiation, glucose trend 30 min prior to meal, meal carbohydrate content, and meal's carbohydrate-to-fat ratio were the most influential features for the model. CONCLUSIONS: Our model enables a more accurate prediction of PPGR and therefore may allow a better adjustment of the required insulin dosage for meals. It can be further implemented in closed loop systems and may lead to rationally designed nutritional interventions personally tailored for individuals with T1D on the basis of meals with expected low glycemic response.

A randomized clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin as initial oral therapy in youth with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibition with sitagliptin in youth with type 2 diabetes (T2D). STUDY DESIGN: This was a 54-week, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of DPP-4 inhibition with sitagliptin 100 mg once daily as initial oral therapy in youth with T2D. The 190 participants, aged 10-17 years, had HbA1c 6.5%-10% (7.0%-10% if on insulin). All were negative for pancreatic autoantibodies and overweight/obese at screening or diagnosis. The trial was placebo controlled for the first 20 weeks, after which metformin replaced placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c at Week 20. RESULTS: Treatment groups were well balanced at baseline (mean ± SD HbA1c = 7.5% ± 1.0, BMI percentile = 97.1% ± 6.8, age = 14.0 years ± 2.0 [57.4% <15], 60.5% female). At Week 20, least squares mean changes from baseline in HbA1c were -0.01% (sitagliptin) and 0.18% (placebo); between-group difference (95% CI) = -0.19% (-0.68, 0.30), p = 0.448. At Week 54, the changes in HbA1c were 0.45% (sitagliptin) and -0.11 (placebo/metformin). There were no notable between-group differences in the adverse event profiles through Week 54. CONCLUSIONS: DPP-4 inhibition with sitagliptin did not provide significant improvement in glycemic control. In this study, sitagliptin was generally well tolerated with a safety profile similar to that reported in adults. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01485614; EudraCT: 2011-002528-42).

Efficacy and safety of the addition of sitagliptin to treatment of youth with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control on metformin without or with insulin.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in youth with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled with metformin ± insulin. STUDY DESIGN: Data were pooled from two 54-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of sitagliptin 100 mg daily or placebo added onto treatment of 10- to 17-year-old youth with T2D and inadequate glycemic control on metformin ± insulin. Participants (N = 220 randomized and treated) had HbA1c 6.5%-10% (7.0%-10% if on insulin), were overweight/obese at screening or diagnosis and negative for pancreatic autoantibodies. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c at Week 20. RESULTS: Treatment groups were well balanced at baseline (mean HbA1c = 8.0%, BMI = 30.9 kg/m2 , age = 14.4 years [44.5% <15], 65.9% female). The dose of background metformin was >1500 mg/day for 71.8% of participants; 15.0% of participants were on insulin therapy. At Week 20, LS mean changes from baseline (95% CI) in HbA1c for sitagliptin/metformin and placebo/metformin were -0.58% (-0.94, -0.22) and -0.09% (-0.43, 0.26), respectively; difference = -0.49% (-0.90, -0.09), p = 0.018; at Week 54 the LS mean (95% CI) changes were 0.35% (-0.48, 1.19) and 0.73% (-0.08, 1.54), respectively. No meaningful differences between the adverse event profiles of the treatment groups emerged through Week 54. CONCLUSIONS: These results do not suggest that addition of sitagliptin to metformin provides durable improvement in glycemic control in youth with T2D. In this study, sitagliptin was generally well tolerated with a safety profile similar to that reported in adults. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01472367, NCT01760447; EudraCT: 2011-002529-23/2014-003583-20, 2012-004035-23).

Screening for non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia in women: New insights using different immunoassays.

Context: The 250µg-cosyntropin stimulation test (CST) is used to diagnose non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH). The current recommendation is to perform CST when follicular 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) is 6-30 nmol/L, a cutoff derived from radioimmunoassay (RIA). Recently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has replaced RIA. Objectives: We aimed to (1) determine the RIA and ELISA-based 17OHP cutoffs at which CST should be performed, (2) identify predictors of NCCAH. Methods: A retrospective study at an Israeli Health Maintenance Organization. Data were retrieved from women with suspected NCCAH, referred for CST during 2001-2020. NCCAH was defined as a stimulated 17OHP >30 nmol/L. Serum 17OHP levels were assayed by RIA from 1/2000-3/2015, and by ELISA from 4/2015-12/2020. ROC curves were generated and optimal 17OHP thresholds were determined. Multivariate analysis was performed. Results: CST was performed in 2409 women (1564 in RIA, 845 in ELISA). NCCAH was diagnosed in 4.7% of the RIA group and 7.5% of the ELISA group. The optimal basal 17OHP cutoff values predicting NCCAH were 6.1 nmol/L in RIA (sensitivity=93.2%, specificity=91.7%) and 8.2 nmol/L in ELISA (sensitivity=93.7%, specificity=92.3%). In multivariate analysis, higher basal 17OHP, lower LH: FSH ratio, and oligomenorrhea were predictors of NCCAH in RIA. Higher basal 17OHP, androstenedione, and total testosterone were predictors of NCCAH in ELISA. A lower LH: FSH ratio showed similar trend in ELISA. Conclusions: Optimal RIA-based basal 17OHP cutoff was comparable with that recommended in guidelines. The results suggest adopting a higher 17OHP cutoff when using ELISA. LH : FSH ratio improves the negative predictive value of basal 17OHP.

Efficacy and Safety of Enteral Recombinant Human Insulin for Reduction of Time-to-Full Enteral Feeding in Preterm Infants: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Infants born very prematurely have functionally and structurally immature gastrointestinal tracts. OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and tolerability of administration of enteral recombinant human (rh) insulin on formula fed preterm infants and to assess whether enteral administration of rh-insulin enhances gastrointestinal tract maturation by reducing the time to reach full enteral feeding. METHODS: A phase 2, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted. Premature infants (26-33 weeks gestation) were randomized 1:1 to receive insulin 400 µU/ml mixed with enteral feeding or placebo added to their formula. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the number of days required to achieve full enteral feeding. Safety outcomes included adverse events and blood glucose levels. RESULTS: The study consisted of 33 infants randomized for the safety population and 31 for efficacy analysis. The mean time to full enteral feeding was 6.37 days (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 4.59-8.15) in the enteral rh-insulin treatment group (n=16) and 8.00 days (95%CI 6.20-9.80) in the placebo group (n=15), which represents a statistically significant reduction of 1.63 days (95%CI 0.29-2.97; P = 0.023). There was no difference in blood glucose levels between the groups and none of the participants experienced hypoglycemia. Adverse events occurred in 9/17 (53%) infants in the enteral rh-insulin group and 12/16 (75%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Our trial demonstrated that administration of enteral rh-insulin as supplement to enteral nutrition significantly reduced time to achieve full enteral feeding in preterm infants with a gestational age of 26-33 weeks.