Relationship Between Glycated Hemoglobin and Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration In African American And Caucasian American Men

ObjectiveTo examine whether (1) serum 25-hydroxy- vitamin D level (25[OH]D) is a risk factor for hyperglycemia, as assessed by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), in African American men (AAM) and (2) 25(OH)D is a predictor of HbA1c in AAM and Caucasian American men (CAM).MethodsWe prospectively assessed 25(OH)D and HbA1c in 1,074 men, outpatients with and without diabetes, at an urban Veteran Administration Medical Center (66.8% AAM, 26.4% CAM, 6% Hispanic, 0.4% Asian, and 0.4% Native American men). Multivariate regression analyzed the determinants of HbA1c after accounting for potential confounders.ResultsWe found high prevalence of low (< 30 ng/mL) 25(OH)D (81%) and elevated (≥5.7%) HbAlc (53.5%). The 25(OH)D was inversely associated with HbA1c in all men (r = −0.12, P<.001), in AAM (r = −0.11, P = .003), and in CAM (r = −0.15, P = .01). In the entire group the independent determinants of HbA1c included body mass index (BMI), age, 25(OH)D levels, systolic blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and current alcohol use (P<.0001, .013, .009, .01, .008, .034, and .048, respectively) while glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and marital status showed borderline significance (P = .08 and .09, respectively). In AAM these determinants included BMI, 25(OH)D levels, systolic BP, and current alcohol use (P<.0001, .01, .02, and .03, respectively), while age had borderline significance (P = .06). In CAM, these included BMI, age, and triglycerides (P = .01, .03, and .004, respectively) but not 25(OH)D levels (P = .50).ConclusionCirculating low 25(OH)D is a risk factor for hyperglycemia, as assessed by HbA1c, in AAM. The 25(OH)D level is an independent determinant of HbA1c in AAM, but not in CAM, including men with and without diabetes. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:73-80)     

Liraglutide as Additional Treatment to Insulin in Obese Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectiveBecause approximately 40% of patients with type 1 diabetes have the metabolic syndrome, we tested the hypothesis that addition of liraglutide to insulin in obese patients with type 1 diabetes will result in an improvement in plasma glucose concentrations, a reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a fall in systolic blood pressure, and weight loss.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of data obtained from 27 obese patients with type 1 diabetes treated with liraglutide in addition to insulin. Patients were also treated for hypertension. Paired t tests were used to compare the changes in HbA1c, insulin doses, body weight, body mass index, 4-week mean blood glucose concentrations (28-day insulin pump mean blood glucose), blood pressure, and lipid parameters prior to and 180 ± 14 days after liraglutide therapy.ResultsMean glucose concentrations fell from 191 ± 6 to 170 ± 6 mg/dL (P = .002). HbA1c fell from 7.89 ± 0.13% to 7.46 ± 0.13% (P = .001), without an increase in frequency of hypoglycemia. Mean body weight fell from 96.20 ± 3.68 kg to 91.56 ± 3.78 kg (P<.0001). Daily total and bolus doses of insulin fell from 73 ± 6 to 60 ± 4 (P = .008) units and from 40 ± 5 to 29 ± 3 units (P = .011), respectively. Mean systolic blood pressure fell from 130 ± 3 to 120 ± 4 mm Hg (P = .020).ConclusionAddition of liraglutide to insulin in obese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus leads to improvements in glycemic control and HbA1c and to reductions in insulin dose, systolic blood pressure, and body weight. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:963-967)     

缺血性脑卒中患者血清超敏C反应蛋白、糖化血红蛋白水平及其与神经功能缺损的关系

目的:探讨缺血性脑卒中患者血清超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)水平及其与神经功能缺损的关系。方法:选择2016年10月~2017年9月我院接诊的123例缺血性脑卒中患者作为观察组及同期于我院进行体检的健康人群123例作为对照组,检测和比较两组血清hs-CRP、HbA1c水平的差异,并分析缺血性脑卒中患者血清hs-CRP、HbA1c水平与其美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分的关系。结果:观察组患者血清hs-CRP、Hb A1c水平显著高于对照组[(6.23±1.97)mg/L、(7.96±0.65)%vs.(2.54±0.85)mg/L、(5.21±0.30)%],NIHSS评分明显高于对照组[(4.08±3.12)分vs. 8.62±3.25)分],差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);缺血性脑卒中患者血清hs-CRP、Hb A1c水平与NIHSS评分呈显著正相关(r=-0.465,-0.564,P0.05)。结论:缺血性脑卒中患者血清hs-CRP和HbA1c水平均明显上调,二者可以在一定程度上反映缺血性脑卒中患者神经功能缺损的严重程度。     

Feasibility,Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of an Intensive Clinic-Based Intervention for Children With Poorly Controlled Type 1 Diabetes

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a team-based intervention for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with suboptimal glycemia, as detected based on the measurement of hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C).MethodsForty participants with T1D for >1 year and an HbA1C level of ≥9.5% (80 mmol/mol) enrolled for a multidisciplinary intervention that included pediatric endocrinologists, pediatric psychologists, and a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). The CDCES-integrated medical management, while reinforcing physical, emotional, and behavioral health, connected with families to set and monitor goals and reviewed medication adjustments. The feasibility was assessed based on enrollment targets; acceptability based on retention rates; and preliminary efficacy based on changes in HbA1C levels, quality of life, diabetes-related strengths and resilience, hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and missed school days.ResultsOf 43 patients and families approached, 40 agreed to participate, 36 completed the 4-month intervention, and 31 completed full 8 months of follow-up data collection. The CDCES coach averaged 6.8 contacts per participant during the 8-month study period. The HbA1C level reduced significantly from baseline to 4 months (12.1% ± 1.6% to 11.0% ± 1.9%, P = .001) and was sustained at 8 months (10.7% ± 1.9%, P < .001). The participants reported significant increases in diabetes-specific quality of life (P < .05) and diabetes-related strength and resilience (P = .003). The missed school days reduced from 7.23 ± 7.5 days to 1.55 ± 1.9 days (P < .001), and the diabetes-related hospitalizations decreased from 0.4 ± 0.6 to 0.1 ± 0.3 (P = .009).ConclusionPreliminary data suggest that a multidisciplinary intervention leveraging a team-based approach with a physician, psychologist, and CDCES can support improvements in glycemic control and psychosocial outcomes among youth with T1D with an HbA1C level above the target.     

Ethnic Variation in the Correlation Between Fasting Glucose Concentration and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1C)

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the relationship between fasting serum glucose (FSG) concentration and glycated hemoglobin-Alc (HbAlc) in the 3 ethnicities in Singapore after adjustment for demographic and therapeutic variables.MethodsFasting serum glucose (FSG), HbAlc, and serum creatinine levels were simultaneously sampled from 575 patients with diabetes (389 Chinese, 97 Indians, 89 Malays) in this cross-sectional study between January and May 2008, and the results were subjected to multivariate linear regression analysis.ResultsWe found a significant interaction between FSG and ethnicity on HbAlc. The correlation between FSG and HbAlc among Chinese subjects was 0.25 (95% confidence interval [CI]:0.2-0.3) relative to the Malays (0.38, 95% CI: 0.30-0.45) after adjustment for age; gender; serum creatinine concentrations; body mass index (BMI); duration of diabetes; use of sulfonylureas, metformin, and insulin; and hemoglobin (Hb) and red cell indices (P = .005). Hence, for a given FSG, the predicted HbAlc will be higher in Malays compared to Chinese subjects.We did not observe a statistically significant difference between Indians and Malays with respect to the correlation between FSG and HbAlc.ConclusionWe showed a higher correlation between HbAlc and FSG in Malay subjects relative to the Chinese in this cohort. The ethnic variation in the HbAlc-FSG relationship may be related to differences in percentage contribution by the FSG to overall HbAlc among ethnic groups. Future studies using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to elucidate the relative contributions by FSG and postprandial glucose (PPG) to the daily blood glucose profile and the overall HbA1c by ethnicity are required. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:812-817)     

Diurnal Glucose Profiles Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Identify the Glucose-Lowering Characteristics of Colesevelam HCL (WELCHOL)

ObjectiveThe study's purpose was to identify the antihyperglycemic affects of colesevelam-HCl (C-HCl) by characterizing the diurnal and postprandial glucose patterns in type 2 diabetic subjects treated concomitantly with metformin, sulfonylurea, or a combination of metformin/ sulfonylurea. A secondary aim was to determine whether C-HCl significantly increased the risk of hypoglycemia.MethodsA prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study employing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) analysis was undertaken. Fifteen males and 6 females, age 60 ± 8 years, treated with metformin (n = 8), sulfonylurea (n = 2), or combination (n = 11) participated.ResultsTreatment with C-HCl led to reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) (7.5 ± 0.3 to 7.0 ± 0.4% P<.0001), LDL (90.9 ± 18.6 to 68.9 ± 15.2 mg/dL, P<.0007) and total cholesterol (169.2 ± 24.4 to 147.8 ± 21.5 mg/dL, P<.001). Significantly lower normalized diurnal (21 mg/dL/hour, P = .0006), nocturnal (19 mg/dL/hour, P = .0005), and daytime (22 mg/dL/hour, P = .0008) glucose exposure was detected immediately upon C-HCl administration. Additionally, there was a significant (P<.004) decline in postprandial glucose excursions (averaging 15% or -36 mg/dL/hour) pronounced at dinner following C-HCl administration. There was a nonsignificant increase in the incidence of hypoglycemia (0.4-1%), with no difference due to antihyperglycemic medications.ConclusionsAGP analysis of CGM visually and quantitatively showed immediate and midterm impacts of C-HCl on basal and postprandial glucose patterns. This suggests a multifactorial glucose-lowering mechanism for C-HCl affecting both meal-related and basal glucose levels. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:275-283)     

Glycemic Control and Diabetic Dyslipidemia in Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectiveThe incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing at an alarming rate, especially in ethnic minorities, and T2DM is associated with significant comorbidities. The primary objective of this study was to assess glycemic control and cardiovascular risk outcomes in children with T2DM at 1 year after diagnosis. We also assessed whether insulin treatment at onset of diabetes is beneficial for overall outcome in those with elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C).MethodsA retrospective electronic chart review of non-Hispanic white (NHW) and African American (AA) children with T2DM.ResultsA total of 86 patients (66.3% females, 79.1% AA, mean age, 13.8 ± 2.4 years) with T2DM were included. Analyses of therapeutic outcome measures at the 1-year follow-up showed HbA1C <8% in 27.7% of patients, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >130 mg/dL in 12.5%, non-high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) >160 mg/dL in 15.6%, HDL-C <35 mg/dL in 25%, systolic hypertension (HTN) in 35.6%, and diastolic HTN in 6.8% of subjects. Among those started on insulin at initial diagnosis, there was significant improvement in glycemic outcomes (P<.0001 on insulin vs. P = .02 not on insulin) and dyslipidemia (total cholesterol [TC] [P = .001], LDL-C [P = .02], HDL-C [P = .01], non-HDL-C [P = .0002], and TC/HDL-C [P = .005]) compared with no significant change among those who did not receive insulin at diagnosis.ConclusionSubstantial numbers of children with T2DM do not achieve glycemic and cardiovascular therapeutic goals 1 year after diagnosis. Insulin therapy at diagnosis has significant beneficial effects on diabetic dyslipidemia in those with higher HbA1C. (Endocr Pract. 2013; 19:972-979)     

The Efficacy and Safety of Co-Administration of Sitagliptin With Metformin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes at Hospital Discharge

Objective: Few randomized controlled trials have focused on the optimal management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) during the transition from the inpatient to outpatient setting. This multicenter open-label study explored a discharge strategy based on admission hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to guide therapy in general medicine and surgery patients with T2D.Methods: Patients with HbA1c ≤7% (53 mmol/mol) were discharged on sitagliptin and metformin; patients with HbA1c between 7 and 9% (53–75 mmol/mol) and those >9% (75 mmol/mol) were discharged on sitagliptinmetformin with glargine U-100 at 50% or 80% of the hospital daily dose. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c at 3 and 6 months after discharge.Results: Mean HbA1c on admission for the entire cohort (N = 253) was 8.70 ± 2.3% and decreased to 7.30 ± 1.5% and 7.30 ± 1.7% at 3 and 6 months (P<.001). Patients with HbA1c <7% went from 6.3 ± 0.5% to 6.3 ± 0.80% and 6.2 ± 1.0% at 3 and 6 months. Patients with HbA1c between 7 and 9% had a reduction from 8.0 ± 0.6% to 7.3 ± 1.1% and 7.3 ± 1.3%, and those with HbA1c >9% from 11.3 ± 1.7% to 8.0 ± 1.8% and 8.0 ± 2.0% at 3 and 6 months after discharge (both P<.001). Clinically significant hypoglycemia (<54 mg/dL) was observed in 4%, 4%, and 7% among patients with a HbA1c <7%, 7 to 9%, and >9%, while a glucose <40 mg/dL was reported in <1% in all groups.Conclusion: The proposed HbA1c-based hospital discharge algorithm using a combination of sitagliptin-metformin was safe and significantly improved glycemic control after hospital discharge in general medicine and surgery patients with T2D.Abbreviations: BG = blood glucose; DPP-4 = dipeptidyl peptidase-4; eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c; T2D = type 2 diabetes     

Albuminuria,Disease Duration,and Glycated Hemoglobin Are Related With Bone Mineral Density in Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectiveStudies have found a significant decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to healthy controls. Factors associated with this phenomenon have yet to be defined; therefore, this study aimed to explore the association of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), disease duration, albuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate with BMD in adults with T1D.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in tertiary care center. BMD analysis was performed by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Linear models were constructed considering variables associated with BMD. Approval from the ethics committees and informed consent were obtained.ResultsWe included 128 participants, of whom 59% were women, and 16% had menopause. The median age was 33 (26-42) years. The average age of diabetes diagnosis was 15.3 ± 6.3 years, and the median disease duration was 19.5 (12-27) years. In the adjusted analysis, higher albuminuria (P < .01) and disease duration (P < .05) were associated with a lower BMD in the femoral neck and total hip, independently of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Higher HbA1c (P < .01) was associated with a lower spine BMD after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI.ConclusionStudied factors specific to T1D, including albuminuria, disease duration, and HbA1c have an association with BMD regardless of BMI, age, and sex.     

The Added and Interpretative Value of CGM-Derived Parameters in Type 1 Diabetes Depends on the Level of Glycemic Control

ObjectiveIn type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived parameters can provide additional insights, with time in range (TIR) and other parameters reflecting glycemic control and variability being put forward. This study aimed to examine the added and interpretative value of the CGM-derived indices TIR and coefficient of variation (CV%) in T1DM patients stratified according to their level of glycemic control by means of HbA1C.MethodsT1DM patients with a minimum disease duration of 10 years and without known macrovascular disease were enrolled. Patients were equipped with a blinded CGM device for 7 days. TIR and time spent in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were determined, and CV% was used as a parameter for glycemic variability. Pearson (r) and Spearman correlations (r_s) and a regression analysis were used to examine associations.ResultsNinety-five patients (age: 45 ± 10 years; HbA1C level: 7.7% ± 0.8% [61 ± 7 mmol/mol]) were included (mean blood glucose [MBG]: 159 ± 31 mg/dL; TIR: 55.8% ± 14.9%; CV%: 43.5% ± 7.8%) and labeled as having good (HbA1C level ≤7% [≤53 mmol/mol]; n = 20), moderate (7%-8%; n = 44), or poor (>8% [>64 mmol/mol]; n = 31) glycemic control. HbA1C was significantly associated with MBG (r_s = 0.48, P < .001) and time spent in hyperglycemia (total: r_s = 0.52; level 2: r = 0.46; P < .001) but not with time spent in hypoglycemia and CV%, even after an analysis of the HbA1C subgroups. Similarly, TIR was negatively associated with HbA1C (r = −0.53; P < .001), MBG (r_s = −0.81; P < .001), and time spent in hyperglycemia (total: r_s = −0.90; level 2: r_s = −0.84; P < .001) but not with time in hypoglycemia. The subgroup analyses, however, showed that TIR was associated with shorter time spent in level-2 hypoglycemia in patients with good (r_s = −0.60; P = .007) and moderate (r_s = −0.25; P = .047) glycemic control. In contrast, CV% was strongly positively associated with time in hypoglycemia (total: r_s = 0.78; level 2: r_s = 0.76; P < .001) but not with TIR or time in hyperglycemia in the entire cohort, although the subgroup analyses showed that TIR was negatively associated with CV% in patients with good glycemic control (r = −0.81, P < .001) and positively associated in patients with poor glycemic control (r = +0.47; P < .01).ConclusionThe CGM-derived metrics TIR and CV% are related to clinically important situations, TIR being strongly dependent on hyperglycemia and CV% being reflective of hypoglycemic risk. However, the interpretation and applicability of TIR and CV% and their relationship depends on the level of glycemic control of the individual patient, with CV% generally adding less clinically relevant information in those with poor control. This illustrates the need for further research and evaluation of composite measures of glycemic control in T1DM.     

Active use of Cocaine: An Independent Risk Factor for Recurrent Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a City Hospital

ObjectiveTo identify the risk factors for recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a city hospital.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of sequential adult admissions for DKA at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in New York between July 1, 2001, and June 30, 2004. The patients were divided into cohorts, which were compared with use of analysis of variance and χ² tests. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed where indicated.ResultsIn 168 patients (96 men and 72 women), 219 episodes of DKA occurred. The mean age (± SD) of the overall study group was 38.6 ± 14.8 years. Fifty-four patients (32%) had type 2 diabetes, and 44 patients (26%) had new-onset diabetes. The recurrence rate of DKA was 169% in cocaine users and 39% in nonusers (P < 0.0001). Active use of cocaine, noncompliance, and Hispanic ethnicity emerged as independent risk factors for recurrent DKA—odds ratio (OR) = 4.38, P = 0.001; OR = 1.96, P = 0.05; and OR = 0.40, P = 0.005, respectively. The commonest precipitants of DKA were noncompliance (44%) and infection (26%). Noncompliance was associated with use of cocaine, use of cannabis, and cigarette smoking (P = 0.008, 0.04, and 0.01, respectively). In 91 of the hospital admissions for DKA (42%), the patients were active smokers.ConclusionActive use of cocaine is an independent risk factor for recurrent DKA, as are noncompliance and Hispanic ethnicity. Of these 3 factors, cocaine showed the strongest association with DKA. Therefore, toxicology screening in patients with recurrent DKA may be prudent and worthwhile. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:22-29)     

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Lipohypertrophy - Impact of the Intervention on Glycemic Control via Patient’s Examination and Retraining on Change of Infusion Set

ObjectiveLipohypertrophy (LH) is a common complication of insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We examined whether an intervention consisting of LH assessment and retraining on insulin infusion set use improves glycemic control on subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with T1DM.MethodsThe intervention was conducted in 79 consecutive patients with T1DM. Data on glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin doses were collected at baseline and after a median of 22 weeks (20-31.75 weeks).ResultsA total of 46 patients with T1DM (23 [50%] women) participating in the follow-up were characterized by a median age of 29 years (25-33.8 years), body mass index of 24.6 ± 3.3 kg/m², T1DM duration of 16.5 years (8.3-20 years), and subcutaneous insulin infusion duration of 7 years (4-10.8 years). Patients’ median HbA1c fell from 7.4% (6.7%-8.2%) to 7.05% (6.4%-7.6%) (P < .001), daily insulin dose/kg decreased (0.7 ± 0.20 vs 0.68 ± 0.15 IU/kg; P = .017) together with the total daily insulin dose (50.3 [40.5-62.7] vs 47.6 [39.8-62.1] IU; P = .019]. Furthermore, the percentage of basal insulin dose increased (43.0% [36-50] vs 44.0% [39.0-50.0]; P = .010], whereas the percentage of bolus dose decreased (57% [50-64] vs 56% [50-61], P = .010).ConclusionsThe structured LH-related intervention in patients with T1DM on insulin pumps resulted in better glycemic control and a decrease in total daily insulin dose.     

Effect of Spironolactone Therapy on Albuminuria in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

ObjectiveTo investigate whether the addition of spironolactone to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors further decreases albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsWe conducted a prospective open-label trial in patients recruited at the Cleveland Clinic between February 2004 and November 2006. Patients with type 2 DM were eligible if they were older than 18 years of age, had been treated with any ACE inhibitor for longer than 1 month, and had a random urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) greater than 100 mg/g within 1 month of study entry. Based on screening ACR, patients were assigned to a microalbuminuria group (ACR 100-300 mg/g) or a macroalbuminuria group (ACR > 300 mg/g). Patients were followed up for 12 weeks, with 4 clinic visits, 4 weeks apart. At visit 2, spironolactone, 25 mg once daily, was initiated and continued for 4 weeks. At visit 3, spironolactone was discontinued. Clinical information was obtained at each visit as were serum chemistries and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion.ResultsTwenty-four patients with type 2 DM and albuminuria completed the study. Eleven patients had microalbuminuria and 13 had macroalbuminuria. Following treatment with spironolactone, urinary albumin excretion dropped from a mean ± SD of 404.6 ± 60.9 mg/d to 302.7 ± 52.7 mg/d (25.7% decrease, P < .001). In the microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria groups, the urinary albumin excretion dropped 27.2% (P = .05) and 24.3% (P = .02), respectively. Despite a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure between visits 2 and 3 (141.2 ± 3.5 to 132.5 ± 3.6 mm Hg; P = .002), this change did not correlate to the change in albuminuria (r² = 0.02; P = .23). There were no withdrawals due to hyperkalemia.ConclusionSpironolactone is effective in further decreasing albuminuria in patients with type 2 DM who are already treated with ACE inhibitors. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:985-992)     

Fear of Needles in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on Multiple Daily Injections and Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of fear of needles and its effect on glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).MethodsPatients aged 6 to 17 years with T1DM on MDI or CSII (n = 150) were enrolled. All caregivers and patients aged ≥ 11 years completed a “Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-testing Questionnaire” (D-FISQ). Needle phobia was defined as a score ≥ 6 for fear of self-testing (FST), fear of injections (FI), and fear of infusion-site changes (FISC).ResultsPositive FST scores were noted in 10.0% and positive FI or FISC scores in 32.7% (caregivers’ responses). Patients aged 6 to 10 years on CSII had greater fear (FISC) than those on MDI (FI) (P = .010). FST was inversely related to the number of daily blood sugar checks (P = .003). Patients with positive scores for FI/ FISC or FST had significantly higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels than those without. An inverse association was noted between positive FI/FISC scores and age of the patient (P = .029). Based on patient responses, FST severity was directly related to the age of the patient (P = .013).ConclusionNeedle phobia is common in children with T1DM. Although FI/FISC are more common in younger children, especially in those on CSII, FST is more often encountered in older patients. Patients with a more intense fear of needles have higher HbA1c levels and less frequent blood sugar monitoring. Identifying these patients may help improve glycemic control. (Endocr Pract. 2015; 21:46-53)     

Sitagliptin Compared with Thiazolidinediones as a Third-Line Oral Antihyperglycemic Agent in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectiveTo compare sitagliptin and thiazolidinediones as third-line oral antihyperglycemic agents among ethnic minority patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsIn an open-label, single-arm design, we treated type 2 diabetic patients who had suboptimal diabetes control on maximum tolerated dosages of metformin plus sulfonylureas with the addition of sitagliptin, 100 mg daily, and compared their responses with findings from a historical control group of similar patients treated with rosiglitazone, 8 mg daily, or pioglitazone, 45 mg daily, as their third-line oral agent. Patients were assessed bimonthly, and those who achieved hemoglobin A_1c levels less than 7.5% at 4 months continued through 1 year of follow-up.Results:One hundred eight patients were treated with sitagliptin, and 104 patients constituted the historical control group treated with rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. At baseline, sitagliptinand thiazolidinedione-treated patients had identical hemoglobin A_1c levels (mean ± SD) (9.4 ± 1.8% and 9.4 ± 1.9%, respectively) and similar known diabetes duration (6.7 ± 5.0 years and 7.6 ± 5.8 years, respectively). Hemoglobin A_1c was reduced in both groups at 4 months (P < .001), but the reduction was greater with thiazolidinediones than with sitagliptin (-2.0 ± 1.7% vs -1.3 ± 1.8%; P = .006), as was the proportion of patients achieving a hemoglobin A_1c level less than 7.5% (62% vs 46%; P = .026). Of all patients achieving a hemoglobin A_1c level less than 7.5% at 4 months, the same proportions in each group sustained their hemoglobin A_1c level less than 7.5% by 12 months (59% vs 58%). Sitagliptin was well tolerated.ConclusionsAmong ethnic minority patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes while taking maximum tolerated dosages of metformin and sulfonylureas, thirdline add-on therapy with a thiazolidinedione controlled hyperglycemia more effectively than sitagliptin after 4 months. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:691-698)     

Using a Diabetes Risk Score to Identify Patients Without Diabetes at Risk for New Hyperglycemia in the Hospital

ObjectiveTo assess the value of a validated diabetes risk test, the Cambridge Risk Score (CRS), to identify patients admitted to hospital without diabetes at risk for new hyperglycemia (NH).MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included adults admitted to a hospital over a 4-year period. Patients with no diabetes diagnosis and not on antidiabetics were included. The CRS was calculated for each patient, and those with available glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) results were investigated in a second analysis. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the association among CRS, HbA1C, and the risk for NH.ResultsA total of 19,830 subjects comprised the sample, of which 38% were found to have developed NH, defined as a blood glucose level ≥140 mg/dL. After accounting for covariates, the CRS was significantly associated with NH (odds ratio [OR], 1.19 [1.16, 1.22]; P < .001). Only 17% of patients had their HbA1C values checked within 6 months of admission. Compared with patients without diabetes, patients with prediabetes based on their HbA1C level (OR, 1.59 [1.37, 1.86]; P < .001) and patients with undiagnosed diabetes (OR, 5.95 [3.50, 10.65]; P < .001) were also significantly more likely to have NH.ConclusionResults of this study show that the CRS and HbA1C levels were significantly associated with the risk of developing NH in inpatient adults without diabetes. Given that an HbA1C level was missing in most medical records of hospitalized patients without diabetes, the CRS could be a useful tool for early identification and management of NH, possibly leading to better outcomes.     

Screening for Gastric Sensory Motor Abnormalities in Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of gastric sensory motor symptoms in youth with type 1 diabetes.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate symptoms of delayed gastric emptying in participants with type 1 diabetes, aged 12 to 25 years, using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) questionnaire. In addition, a 5-year (January 2015 to December 2019), a retrospective study was completed on all gastric emptying scans performed in youth at our institution.ResultsA total of 359 participants (mean age, 17.7 ± 3.33 years) with type 1 diabetes completed the GCSI questionnaire. Compared with nonresponders, responders were more likely to be non-Hispanic White (90% vs 86%; P =.003) and female patients (58% vs 44%; P <.0001), with a lower HbA1c (8.1 ± 1.8 vs 9.0 ± 2.1; P <.0001). At least 1 gastrointestinal symptom was reported in 270 (75%) of responders, of which nausea was the most common (71%). A GCSI score of ≥1.9 suggestive of more severe gastrointestinal symptoms was reported in 17% of responders. Participants with scores ≥1.9 were older (19.1 ± 3.0 vs 17.8 ± 3.3 years; P =.01). In the retrospective study, 778 underwent gastric emptying scan, 29 participants had type 1 diabetes and 11 (38%) showed delayed gastric emptying.ConclusionGastrointestinal symptoms related to gastric sensory motor abnormalities are seen in youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes. In particular, for those with higher GCSI scores, earlier recognition and referral may be warranted.     

Effect of Sitagliptin on Post-Prandial Glucagon and GLP-1 Levels in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: Investigator-Initiated,Double-Blind,Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

ObjectivePeripheral insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes may be related to a paradoxical postprandial glucagon increase. This study evaluated the effects of sitagliptin (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV [DPP-IV] inhibitor, approved for patients with type 2 diabetes), in adults with type 1 diabetes to improve glycemic control through decreasing postprandial glucagon.MethodsThis investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized-parallel 20-week study enrolled 141 subjects. Subjects received sitagliptin 100 mg/day or placebo for 16 weeks. A subset of 85 patients wore blinded continuous glucose monitors (CGM) for 5 separate 7-day periods. The primary outcome was post-meal (Boost™) reduction in 4-hour glucagon area under the curve (AUC). Secondary endpoints included changes in glycated hemoglobin (A1c), CGM data, insulin dose, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and C-peptide levels.ResultsThere were no differences at screening between groups; however, after a 4-week run-in phase, A1c was significantly lower in the sitagliptin vs. placebo group. Post-meal GLP-1 levels were higher (P<.001) and GIP levels lower (P = .03), with glucagon suppression at 30 minutes (LS means 23.2 ± 1.9 versus 16.0 ± 1.8; P = .006) in the sitagliptin group at 16 weeks. There were no differences between the groups in change in A1c, insulin dose, weight, or C-peptide after 16 weeks of treatment. However, C-peptide positive patients randomized to sitagliplin had a non-significant trend toward decrease in A1c, mean glucose, and time spent in hyperglycemia.ConclusionSitagliptin use in type 1 diabetes did not change glucagon AUC, A1c, insulin dose, or weight despite post-meal rise in GLP-1 levels. C-peptide positive subjects treated with sitagliptin had a nonsignificant trend in decreasing hyperglycemia, which needs further evaluation. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:19-28)