Inpatient Hyperglycemia and Transitions of Care: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveThe transition of diabetes care from home to hospital, within the hospital, and upon discharge is fraught with gaps that can adversely affect patient safety and length of stay. We aimed to highlight the variability in care during these transitions and point out areas where research is needed.MethodsA PubMed search was performed with a combination of search terms that pertained to diabetes, hyperglycemia, hospitalization, locations in the hospital, discharge to home or a nursing facility, and diabetes medications. Studies with at least 50 patients that were written in the English language were included.ResultsWith the exception of transitioning from intravenous insulin infusion to subcutaneous insulin and perhaps admission to the regular floors, few studies pointedly focused on transitions of care, leading us to extrapolate recommendations based on data from disparate areas of care in the hospital. There is evidence at every stage of care, starting from the entry into the hospital and ending with discharge home or to a facility, that patients benefit from having protocols in place guiding overall care.ConclusionPockets of care exist in hospitals where methods of effective diabetes management have been studied and implemented. However, there is no sustained continuum of care. Protocols and care teams that follow patients from one physical location to the other may result in improved clinical outcomes during and following a hospital stay.     

Effectiveness of Wearable Activity Monitors on Metabolic Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveWearable activity monitors are promising tools for improving metabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, no uniform conclusive evidence is available. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the intervention using wearable activity monitors on blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid, weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) in individuals with T2DM.MethodsTwo independent reviewers searched 4 online databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase) to identify relevant studies published from January 2000 to October 2022. The primary outcome indicator was hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and the secondary outcome indicators included physical activity (steps per day), fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, and weight.ResultsA total of 25 studies were included. The HbA1c level (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.27 to −0.02; P = .02; I² = 48%), BMI (SMD, −0.16; 95% CI, −0.26 to −0.05; P = .002; I² = 0), waist circumference (SMD, −0.21; 95% CI, −0.34 to −0.09; P < .001; I² = 0), and steps/day (SMD, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.94; P < .001; I² = 77%) significantly improved.ConclusionWearable activity monitor–based interventions could facilitate the improvement of the HbA1c level, BMI, and waist circumference and increase in physical activity in individuals with T2DM. Wearable technology appeared to be an effective tool for the self-management of T2DM; however, there is insufficient evidence about its long-term effect.     

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Clinical Care and Management: A Narrative Review

Diabetes affects nearly 37 million Americans, with disproportionately higher disease burden amongst those from minoritized communities. The result of this is greater rates of diabetic complications and mortality. To close this gap in care, it is important to assess the differences in both diagnosis and care between White and ethnic/racial minoritized persons with diabetes. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore this further by assessing the differences in diagnosis, management, diabetes education, and complications.     

Parathyroid Cystic Adenoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveTo review diagnostic imaging modalities for parathyroid cystic adenomas (PCA). Since PCAs are a rare (0.5%-1%) subclass of parathyroid adenomas, and due to their cystic component, imaging modalities known to be efficient for diagnosing solid adenomas might fail in localizing them.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review using the PubMed and Cochrane databases for English articles on PCAs published between 1995 and 2020. A meta-analysis of the retrieved data was performed.ResultsOverall, 39 studies, reporting on a total of 160 patients, were included in the analysis. Two thirds (68%) of the patients were female, with a mean age of 53.9 years. A single cystic adenoma was detected in 98.1% of cases. The mean blood calcium corrected for albumin level was 12.6 ± 2.7 mg/dL, and the mean parathyroid hormone level was 565.5 ± 523.8 pg/mL. The mean PCA sizes as measured by ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and ex vivo measurement were 4.8 ± 3.6, 5.2 ± 3.2, and 3.5 cm, respectively. The median weight was 8.1 g. PCA was detected in 86% of US examinations; 100% of US-guided fine needle aspiration, 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT), or magnetic resonance imaging examinations; and 61% of 99m-technetium sestamibi scan with single-photon emission computed tomography ((99m)Tc-SPECT). (99m)Tc-SPECT showed a significantly lower diagnostic rate than US (odds ratio, 3.589), US-guided fine needle aspiration, CT combined with 4D-CT, and the combination of US, CT, 4D-CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (P < .001).ConclusionAlthough US and 4D-CT showed a significantly high rate in diagnosing PCA, (99m)Tc-SPECT showed a lower PCA diagnostic rate. These findings suggest that larger cystic lesions suspected as PCAs should be further evaluated using 4D-CT rather than (99m)Tc-SPECT.     

Digital Health and Shared Decision-Making in Diabetes Care – A Survey Initiative in Patients and Clinicians

ObjectiveTo assess the landscape of digital health resources in the United States, better understand the impact of the digital health on shared decision-making, and identify potential barriers and opportunities for progress in the care of persons with diabetes.MethodsThe study consisted of two phases: A qualitative phase in which one-on-one interviews were conducted virtually with 34 physicians (endocrinologists {Endos}: n = 15; primary care physicians {PCPs}: n = 19) between February 11, 2021 and February 18, 2021, and a quantitative phase in which two online, email-based surveys in the English language were conducted between April 16, 2021 and May 17, 2021: one with healthcare professionals (HCP) (n = 403: n = 200 Endos and n = 203 PCPs), and one with persons with diabetes (n = 517: patients with type 1 diabetes, n = 257; patients with type 2 diabetes, n = 260).ResultsDiabetes digital health tools were found to be helpful in shared decision-making, but leading barriers include cost, coverage, and lack of time by healthcare professionals. Among diabetes digital health tools, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems were used most commonly and viewed as most effective in improving quality of life and facilitating shared decision-making. Strategies for increasing use of diabetes digital health resources included lower cost, integration into electronic health records, and increased simplicity of tools.ConclusionThis study revealed that both Endos and PCPs feel that diabetes digital health tools have an overall positive impact. Integration with telemedicine and simpler, lower cost tools with increased patient access can further facilitate shared decision-making and improved diabetes care and quality of life.     

The Predictive Ability of C-Peptide in Distinguishing Type 1 Diabetes From Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the predictive ability of plasma connecting peptide (C-peptide) levels in discriminating type 1 diabetes (T1D) from type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to inform evidence-based guidelines in diabetes classification.MethodsWe conducted a holistic review and meta-analysis using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus. The citations were screened from 1942 to 2021. The quality criteria and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis checklist were applied. The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022355088).ResultsA total of 23,658 abstracts were screened and 46 full texts reviewed. Of the 46 articles screened, 12 articles were included for the meta-analysis. Included studies varied by race, age, time, and proportion of individuals. The main outcome measure in all studies was C-peptide levels. A significant association was reported between C-peptide levels and the classification and diagnosis of diabetes. Furthermore, lower concentrations and the cutoff of <0.20 nmol/L for fasting or random plasma C-peptide was indicative of T1D. In addition, this meta-analysis revealed the predictive ability of C-peptide levels in discriminating T1D from T2D. Results were consistent using both fixed- and random-effect models. The I² value (98.8%) affirmed the variability in effect estimates was due to heterogeneity rather than sampling error among all selected studies.ConclusionPlasma C-peptide levels are highly associated and predictive of the accurate classification and diagnosis of diabetes types. A plasma C-peptide cutoff of ≤0.20 mmol/L is indicative of T1D and of ≥0.30 mmol/L in the fasting or random state is indicative of T2D.     

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Producing Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveAdrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (ACTHoma) is an exceedingly rare type of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (pNEN) that often causes ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome. These neoplasms have been found to be very aggressive and challenging to treat. The current systematic review aimed to analyze the clinical features, immunohistochemical characteristics, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of ACTHoma.MethodsA systematic review of the English- and Chinese-language literature was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, and Wanfang databases were searched to identify articles about ACTHoma in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.ResultsA total of 210 studies encompassing 336 patients diagnosed with ACTHoma were selected for the systematic review, including 16 Chinese patients.ConclusionACTHoma was more common in women (66.4%), and the mean age was 44.7 years. Tumors were generally large, and the mean tumor size was 4.43 cm. The incidence of clinical manifestations was: hypokalemia, 69.3%; diabetes, 63.2%; weakness, 60.1%, hypertension, 56.4%; moon face 41.1%; and edema, 37.4%. These tumors are more commonly found in the tail of pancreas, and the most frequent site of metastasis was the liver. The pNENs or other functioning pNENs could evolve into ACTHoma. ACTHoma is a very rare disease, and the mean follow-up time was 28.3 months.     

Diagnostic Accuracy of Copeptin in the Differential Diagnosis of Patients With Diabetes Insipidus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveAccurate diagnosis of diabetes insipidus (DI) is of significant importance for correct management. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of copeptin level measurements in the differential diagnosis between DI and primary polydipsia (PP).MethodsA literature search of electronic databases from January 1, 2005, to July 13, 2022, was performed. Primary studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of copeptin concentration in patients with DI and PP were considered eligible. Two reviewers independently screened relevant articles and extracted data. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model and bivariate method were used.ResultsSeven studies including 422 patients with polydipsia-polyuria syndrome were included; of the 422 patients, 189 (44.79%) presented with arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D, cranial DI) and 212 (50.24%) with PP. The summary estimates of the diagnostic performance of stimulated copeptin to differentiate between PP and AVP-D were 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.97) for sensitivity and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.88-1.00) for specificity. Baseline copeptin level showed high performance in identifying AVP resistance (nephrogenic DI), with a pooled sensitivity of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.82-1.00) and specificity of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.98-1.00); however, it showed little value in the differentiation between PP and AVP-D.ConclusionCopeptin level measurement is a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of patients with DI and PP. Stimulation before copeptin measurement is necessary in the diagnosis of AVP-D.     

Glucocorticoid-Induced Hyperglycemia Including Dexamethasone-Associated Hyperglycemia in COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveOptimal glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia (GCIH) management is unclear. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this issue more prominent because dexamethasone became the standard of care in patients needing respiratory support. This systematic review aimed to describe the management of GCIH and summarize available management strategies for dexamethasone-associated hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases with results from 2011 through January 2022. Keywords included synonyms for “steroid-induced diabetes” or “steroid-induced hyperglycemia.” Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included for review of GCIH management. All studies focusing on dexamethasone-associated hyperglycemia in COVID-19 were included regardless of study quality.ResultsInitial search for non-COVID GCIH identified 1230 references. After screening and review, 33 articles were included in the non-COVID section of this systematic review. Initial search for COVID-19–related management of dexamethasone-associated hyperglycemia in COVID-19 identified 63 references, whereas 7 of these were included in the COVID-19 section. RCTs of management strategies were scarce, did not use standard definitions for hyperglycemia, evaluated a variety of treatment strategies with varying primary end points, and were generally not found to be effective except for Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin added to basal-bolus regimens.ConclusionFew RCTs are available evaluating GCIH management. Further studies are needed to support the formulation of clinical guidelines for GCIH especially given the widespread use of dexamethasone during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

The Effect of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on the Risk of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in the Transgender Population: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveThe impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on cardiovascular (CV) health is still not entirely established. A systematic review was conducted to summarize the evidence on the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in transgender people receiving GAHT.MethodsA systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, and data were searched in PubMed, LILACS, EMBASE, and Scopus databases for cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies or randomized clinical trials, including transgender people receiving GAHT. Transgender men and women before and during/after GAHT for at least 2 months, compared with cisgender men and women or hormonally untreated transgender persons. Studies reporting changes in variables related to endothelial function, arterial stiffness, autonomic function, and blood markers of inflammation/coagulation associated with CV risk were included.ResultsFrom 159 potentially eligible studies initially identified, 12 were included in the systematic review (8 cross-sectional and 4 cohort studies). Studies of trans men receiving GAHT reported increased carotid thickness, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, and decreased vasodilation. Studies of trans women receiving GAHT reported decreased interleukin 6, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and tissue plasminogen activator levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, with variations in flow-mediated dilation and arterial stiffness depending on the type of treatment and route of administration.ConclusionsThe results suggest that GAHT is associated with an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in transgender men but may have either neutral or beneficial effects in transgender women. The evidence produced is not entirely conclusive, suggesting that additional studies are warranted in the context of primary prevention of CV disease in the transgender population receiving GAHT.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42022323757.     

Anemia in Patients With Diabetes and Prediabetes With Normal Kidney Function: Prevalence and Clinical Outcomes

ObjectiveAnemia is a known complication of diabetes mellitus (DM); however, its prevalence and prognostic relevance in patients with DM and pre-DM with normal kidney function have not been well defined. This study assessed the prevalence of anemia in patients with DM and pre-DM and evaluated its association with clinical outcomes during a 4-year follow-up period.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included patients with DM and pre-DM referred to the Meir Medical Center Endocrine Institute in 2015. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min or any other recognized cause of anemia were excluded. The risk of developing microvascular or macrovascular complications or of death during the 4-year follow-up period was determined.ResultsA total of 622 patients (408 with DM and 214 with pre-DM) were included. The mean age of the patients was 64 ± 10.6 years, and 70% were women. The baseline hemoglobin A1C level was 7.1% ± 1.7% (54 mmol/mol), and the eGFR was 86.1 ± 15.3 mL/min. At the time of inclusion, 77 patients (19%) with DM and 23 (11%) with pre-DM had anemia (hemoglobin level 11.9 ± 0.8 and 11.8 ± 0.8 g/dL, respectively), compared with normal hemoglobin levels of 13.8 ± 0.9 and 13.7± 0.9 g/dL, respectively, in the others. A multivariable analysis demonstrated an inverse correlation between baseline hemoglobin (as a continuous variable) and mortality (P = .035), microvascular complications (P = .003), and eGFR decline (P < .001) but not between baseline hemoglobin and macrovascular complications (P = .567).ConclusionThis study found a significant prevalence of anemia unrelated to renal failure, both in patients with DM and pre-DM. Anemia in these patients is associated with the development of microvascular complications, eGFR decline, and mortality. These results underscore the need for intensive lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions in these patients.     

Binge-Eating Disorder and Type 2 Diabetes: A Review

ObjectiveTo familiarize health care providers with diagnosis and treatment of binge-eating disorder (BED), a common comorbidity of type 2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsLiterature review of binge eating and T2DM. Key words used in search include BED, T2DM, obesity, and treatment.ResultsThe prevalence of BED in patients with T2DM appears to be much higher than the 2% to 3.5% prevalence seen in the general population. Studies suggest that up to 20% of patients with T2DM have an underlying eating disorder, the most common of which is binge eating. BED is probably underdiagnosed, even though there are multiple simple tools that providers can use to improve screening for the disorder. Though the relationship between BED and hemoglobin A1c control can vary, it appears that binge-eating behaviors can worsen metabolic markers, including glycemic control. Various medications used by patients with diabetes have been associated with new-onset BED, and treatment may be as simple as removing or replacing such agents. Several medications have been found to significantly reduce binge-eating frequency, and potentially, weight. Patients with BED generally benefit from psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy.ConclusionBED, only recently added to the International Classification of Disease-10 diagnostic list, is very common in patients with obesity and T2DM. The diagnosis is important to establish, as treatment or referral for treatment, could potentially improve many of the comorbidities and metrics of T2DM.     

Health Care Disparities in Outpatient Diabetes Management During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Where Do We Stand Now?

ObjectiveWe examined diabetes outpatient management during the first 2 years of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic in an endocrinology practice with a focus on health care disparities in outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study examining adults with diabetes during 3 time periods: T1 (March 2019-February 2020), T2 (March 2020-February 2021), and T3 (March 2021-February 2022). Clinical outcomes included body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and urine albumin:creatinine ratio. Appointment types (virtual vs in-person) were also collected.ResultsFrequencies of HgbA1c, BMI, and SBP measurements reduced by 36.0%, 46.3%, and 48.5% in T2, respectively, and remaining 8.7% (HgbA1c), 13.4% (BMI), and 15.2% (SBP) lower at the end of the study period (P < .001) compared to prepandemic levels. However, the average HgbA1c and LDL slightly improved. Clinic appointments per patient increased during the pandemic, fueled by telehealth utilization. Women had fewer in-person visits during T2, those older than 65 had better HgbA1c, and the most socioeconomically deprived group had the worst HgbA1c during every time period. In addition, black patients had worse HgbA1c, LDL, and SBP values throughout the study, which did not worsen over the pandemic.ConclusionWhile the frequency of health measurements had not fully recovered 2 years into the pandemic, this did not translate to worse diabetes management or a widening of pre-existing disparities. Our study emphasizes the role of equitable health care in minimizing inequalities in diabetes, particularly during times of crisis.     

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Adrenalitis and Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: Systematic Review and Optimal Management

ObjectiveImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 or programmed death 1 and its ligand (programmed death ligand 1) have been approved for the treatment of a variety of cancers. However, ICI therapy is associated with a risk of immune-related adverse events. In this study, we reviewed reported cases of adrenalitis and primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI)—rare but lethal endocrine immune-related adverse events—in patients who underwent ICI therapy.MethodsWe searched multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus) up to February 2020 for case reports on adrenalitis and PAI caused by ICIs.ResultsWe identified 15 case reports on ICI-induced adrenalitis and PAI and reviewed their clinical presentation, characteristics, immunologic and imaging features, and treatment. We also developed a screening strategy for PAI in patients treated with ICIs.ConclusionGiven the morbidity and mortality associated with acute adrenal crisis, physicians—especially endocrinologists and oncologists—should be aware of this particular risk. PAI caused by autoimmune adrenalitis predominantly occurs in patients treated with programmed death 1 inhibitor monotherapy. PAI often coexists with other endocrinopathies and requires mineralocorticoid as well as glucocorticoid replacement. Even after withdrawal of ICIs, PAI can persist and requires lifelong replacement therapy.     

High Thyrotropin Levels and Risk of Mortality in the Elderly With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis study aims to determine whether elevated endogenous thyrotropin levels contribute to an increased risk of adverse outcomes, such as all-cause mortality in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.MethodsEight electronic databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until March 23, 2022. Cohort studies assessing the association between thyrotropin levels and the risk of mortality among older adults aged ≥60 years with subclinical hypothyroidism were eligible. The outcomes of interest were either all-cause or cardiovascular-related mortality. Two independent researchers assessed the eligibility of the studies and collected data through a previously defined data extraction form. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of evidence, and multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% Cl) were collected as the necessary risk estimate for synthesis. Random-effects models were applied for meta-analysis.ResultsOverall, 13 studies involving 44 514 participants were included in this meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in the risk of all-cause mortality (pooled HR: 1.18 [95% Cl: 0.95, 1.45], I² = 94%) and cardiovascular-related mortality (pooled HR: 1.08 [95% Cl: 0.94, 1.23], I² = 0%) between euthyroid older adults and older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism. The results remained the same when only older adults with thyrotropin ≥10 mIU/L were assessed (pooled HR for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related mortality, respectively: 1.53 [95% Cl: 0.81, 2.88], I² = 22%, 1.35 [95% Cl: 0.63, 2.86], I² = 43%).ConclusionHigh thyrotropin levels are not associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular-related mortality in older adults aged ≥60 years with subclinical hypothyroidism, suggesting an unnecessity in initialing treatment.