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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 13% of people globally, including 20%–48% with type 2 diabetes (T2D), resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. There is an urgent need to increase early screening and intervention for CKD. We are experts in diabetology and nephrology in Central Europe and Israel. Herein, we review evidence supporting the use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for kidney protection and discuss barriers to early CKD diagnosis and treatment, including in our respective countries. SGLT2 inhibitors exert cardiorenal protective effects, demonstrated in the renal outcomes trials (EMPA‐KIDNEY, DAPA‐CKD, CREDENCE) of empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin in patients with CKD. EMPA‐KIDNEY demonstrated cardiorenal efficacy across the broadest renal range, regardless of T2D status. Renoprotective evidence also comes from large real‐world studies. International guidelines recommend first‐line SGLT2 inhibitors for patients with T2D and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥20 mL/min/1.73 m2, and that glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists may also be administered if required for additional glucose control. Although these guidelines recommend at least annual eGFR and urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio screening for patients with T2D, observational studies suggest that only half are screened. Diagnosis is hampered by asymptomatic early CKD and under‐recognition among patients with T2D and clinicians, including limited knowledge/use of guidelines and resources. Based on our experience and on the literature, we recommend robust screening programmes, potentially with albuminuria self‐testing, and SGLT2 inhibitor reimbursement at general practitioner (GP) and specialist levels. High‐tech tools (artificial intelligence, smartphone apps, etc.) are providing exciting opportunities to identify high‐risk individuals, self‐screen, detect abnormalities in images, and assist with prescribing and treatment adherence. Better education is also needed, alongside provision of concise guidelines, enabling GPs to identify who would benefit from early initiation of renoprotective therapy; although, regardless of current renal function, cardiorenal protection is provided by SGLT2 inhibitor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tirzepatide, a once-weekly glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/ glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is approved in the United States, Europe and Japan for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Across the SURPASS-1 to -5 clinical studies, tirzepatide 5, 10 and 15 mg demonstrated significant improvements in glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (− 1.9 to − 2.6%), body weight (− 6.6 to − 13.9%) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (− 2.8 to − 12.6 mmHg) at the end of study treatment. Methods: Post-hoc mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate weight-loss dependent and weight-loss independent effects of tirzepatide on SBP reductions across the 5 SURPASS studies. The safety population (all randomized patients who took at least 1 dose of study drug) of each study was analyzed. Additional analyses were conducted at individual study level or pooled across 5 SURPASS trials. Results: The difference in mean SBP change from baseline at 40 weeks (total effect) between the tirzepatide and comparator groups was − 1.3 to − 5.1 mmHg (tirzepatide 5 mg), − 1.7 to − 6.5 mmHg (tirzepatide 10 mg) and − 3.1 to − 11.5 mmHg (tirzepatide 15 mg). These SBP reductions were primarily mediated through weight loss, with different degrees of contributions from weight-loss independent effects across the different trials. In the SURPASS-4 study, which enrolled patients with established cardiovascular disease, weight-loss independent effects explained 33% to 57% of difference in SBP change between tirzepatide and insulin glargine groups. In a pooled analysis of the SURPASS-1 to -5 studies, there was a significant (p < 0.001) but weak correlation (r = 0.18 to 0.22) between change in body weight and SBP. Reductions in SBP with tirzepatide were not dependent on concomitant antihypertensive medications at baseline as similar reductions were observed whether participants were receiving them or not (interaction p = 0.77). The largest SBP reductions were observed in the highest baseline category (> 140 mmHg), while those in the first quartile of baseline SBP category (< 122 mmHg) observed no further decrease in SBP. Conclusions: Tirzepatide-induced SBP reduction was primarily mediated through weight loss, with different degrees of contributions from weight-loss independent effects across the different trials. SBP reduction was not dependent on antihypertensive medication use but dependent on baseline SBP value, alleviating theoretical concerns of hypotension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In patients with moderate to severe albuminuric kidney disease, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce the risk of kidney disease progression. These post hoc analyses assess the effects of dapagliflozin on kidney function decline in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), focusing on populations with low kidney risk.Research Design and Methods: In the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 (DECLARE-TIMI 58) trial, patients with T2D at high cardiovascular risk were randomly assigned to dapagliflozin versus placebo. Outcomes were analyzed by treatment arms, overall, and by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) risk categories. The prespecified kidney-specific composite outcome was a sustained decline ≥40% in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, end-stage kidney disease, and kidney-related death. Other outcomes included incidence of categorical eGFR decline of different thresholds and chronic (6 month to 4 year) or total (baseline to 4 year) eGFR slopes.Results: Most participants were in the low-moderate KDIGO risk categories (n = 15,201 [90.3%]). The hazard for the kidney-specific composite outcome was lower with dapagliflozin across all KDIGO risk categories (P-interaction = 0.97), including those at low risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54, 95% CI 0.38-0.77). Risks for categorical eGFR reductions (≥57% [in those with baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2], ≥50%, ≥40%, and ≥30%) were lower with dapagliflozin (HRs 0.52, 0.57, 0.55, and 0.70, respectively; P < 0.05). Slopes of eGFR decline favored dapagliflozin across KDIGO risk categories, including the low KDIGO risk (between-arm differences of 0.87 [chronic] and 0.55 [total] mL/min/1.73 m2/year; P < 0.0001).Conclusions: Dapagliflozin mitigated kidney function decline in patients with T2D at high cardiovascular risk, including those with low KDIGO risk, suggesting a role of dapagliflozin in the early prevention of diabetic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exploratory analysis to determine the effect of semaglutide versus comparators on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Trials of once-weekly subcutaneous (SUSTAIN 3) and once-daily oral (PIONEER 1, 2, 5) semaglutide with hsCRP data were analyzed. Subjects with type 2 diabetes (N = 2482) received semaglutide (n = 1328) or comparators (placebo, n = 339; exenatide extended-release, n = 405; empagliflozin, n = 410). hsCRP ratio to baseline at end-of-treatment was analyzed overall, by clinical cutoff (< 1.0, ≥ 1.0 to ≤ 3.0, or > 3.0 mg/L), by tertile, and by estimated glomerular filtration rate in PIONEER 5 (a trial which was conducted in a population with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease [CKD]). Mediation analyses assessed the effect of change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and/or change in body weight (BW) on hsCRP reductions. Results: Geometric mean baseline hsCRP was similar across trials (range 2.7–3.0 mg/L). Semaglutide reduced hsCRP levels by clinical cutoffs and tertiles from baseline to end-of-treatment in all trials versus comparators (estimated treatment ratios [ETRs] versus comparators: 0.70–0.76; p < 0.01) except versus placebo in PIONEER 5 (ETR [95% CI]: 0.83 [0.67–1.03]; p > 0.05). The effect of semaglutide on hsCRP was partially mediated (20.6–61.8%) by change in HbA1c and BW. Conclusions: Semaglutide reduced hsCRP ratios-to-baseline versus comparators in subjects with type 2 diabetes (not significant with CKD). This effect was partially mediated via reductions in HbA1c and BW and potentially by a direct effect of semaglutide. Semaglutide appears to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is being further investigated in ongoing trials. Trial registrations: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01885208 (first registered June 2013), NCT02906930 (first registered September 2016), NCT02863328 (first registered August 2016), NCT02827708 (first registered July 2016). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve albuminuria in patients with high cardiorenal risk. We report albuminuria change in the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE-TIMI 58) cardiovascular outcome trial, which included populations with lower cardiorenal risk.Research Design and Methods: DECLARE-TIMI 58 randomized 17,160 patients with type 2 diabetes, creatinine clearance >60 mL/min, and either atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD; 40.6%) or risk-factors for CVD (59.4%) to dapagliflozin or placebo. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was tested at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. The change in UACR over time was measured as a continuous and categorical variable (≤15, >15 to <30, ≥30 to ≤300, and >300 mg/g) by treatment arm. The composite cardiorenal outcome was a ≥40% sustained decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular or renal death; specific renal outcome included all except cardiovascular death.Results: Baseline UACR was available for 16,843 (98.15%) participants: 9,067 (53.83%) with ≤15 mg/g, 2,577 (15.30%) with >15 to <30 mg/g, 4,030 (23.93%) with 30-300 mg/g, and 1,169 (6.94%) with >300 mg/g. Measured as a continuous variable, UACR improved from baseline to 4.0 years with dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, across all UACR and eGFR categories (all P < 0.0001). Sustained confirmed ≥1 category improvement in UACR was more common in dapagliflozin versus placebo (hazard ratio 1.45 [95% CI 1.35-1.56], P < 0.0001). Cardiorenal outcome was reduced with dapagliflozin for subgroups of UACR ≥30 mg/g (P < 0.0125, Pinteraction = 0.033), and the renal-specific outcome was reduced for all UACR subgroups (P < 0.05, Pinteraction = 0.480).Conclusions: In DECLARE-TIMI 58, dapagliflozin demonstrated a favorable effect on UACR and renal-specific outcome across baseline UACR categories, including patients with normal albumin excretion. The results suggest a role for SGLT2i also in the primary prevention of diabetic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a paucity of global data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The primary objective of the CAPTURE study was to estimate the prevalence of established CVD and its management in adults with T2D across 13 countries from five continents. Additional objectives were to further characterize the study sample regarding demographics, clinical parameters and medication usage, with particular reference to blood glucose-lowering agents (GLAs: glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors) with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in randomized intervention trials. Methods: Data were collected from adults with T2D managed in primary or specialist care in Australia, China, Japan, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in 2019, using standardized methodology. CVD prevalence, weighted by diabetes prevalence in each country, was estimated for the overall CAPTURE sample and participating countries. Country-specific odds ratios for CVD prevalence were further adjusted for relevant demographic and clinical parameters. Results: The overall CAPTURE sample included 9823 adults with T2D (n = 4502 from primary care; n = 5321 from specialist care). The overall CAPTURE sample had median (interquartile range) diabetes duration 10.7 years (5.6–17.9 years) and glycated hemoglobin 7.3% (6.6–8.4%) [56 mmol/mol (49–68 mmol/mol)]. Overall weighted CVD and atherosclerotic CVD prevalence estimates were 34.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.7–36.8) and 31.8% (95% CI 29.7–33.8%), respectively. Age, gender, and clinical parameters accounted for some of the between-country variation in CVD prevalence. GLAs with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit were used by 21.9% of participants, which was similar in participants with and without CVD: 21.5% and 22.2%, respectively. Conclusions: In 2019, approximately one in three adults with T2D in CAPTURE had diagnosed CVD. The low use of GLAs with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit even in participants with established CVD suggested that most were not managed according to contemporary diabetes and cardiology guidelines. Study registration NCT03786406 (registered on December 20, 2018), NCT03811288 (registered on January 18, 2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade we experienced a surge in the number of glucose lowering agents that can be used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Especially important are the discoveries that sodium glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) improve patients' cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Accordingly, various medical associations have updated their guidelines for the treatment of diabetes in this new era. Though not agreeing on every issue, these position-statements generally share a detailed and often complex workflow that may be too complicated for the busy and overworked primary care setting, where the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes are managed in many countries. Other guidelines, generally those from the cardiology associations focus primarily on the population of patients with high risk for or pre-existing cardiovascular disease, which represent only the minority of patients with type 2 diabetes. We believe that we should re-define SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA as diabetes/disease modifying drugs (DMDs) given the recent evidence of their cardiovascular and renal benefits. Based on this definition we have designed a SIMPLE approach in order to assist primary care teams in selecting the most appropriate therapy for their patients. We believe that most subjects newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should initiate early combination therapy with metformin and a prognosis changing DMD. The decision whether to use GLP-1 RA or SGLT2i should be made based on specific patient's risk factors and preferences. Importantly, DMDs are known to have a generally safe side-effect profile, with lower risk for hypoglycemia and weight gain, further promoting their wider usage. Early combination therapy with DMDs may improve the multiple pathophysiological abnormalities responsible for type 2 diabetes and its complications, thus resulting in the greatest long term benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess cardiorenal outcomes by baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the contemporary LEADER cohort. Materials and methods: LEADER was a multinational, double-blind trial. Patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular (CV) risk were randomized 1:1 to the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide (≤1.8 mg daily; n = 4668) or placebo (n = 4672) plus standard care and followed for 3.5 to 5 years. Primary composite outcomes were time to first non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or CV death. Post hoc Cox regression analyses of outcomes by baseline UACR and eGFR subgroups were conducted with adjustment for baseline variables. Results: In the LEADER population, 1598 (17.5%), 2917 (31.9%), 1200 (13.1%), 1611 (17.6%), 845 (9.2%) and 966 (10.6%) had UACR = 0, >0 to <15, 15 to <30, 30 to <100, 100 to <300 and ≥300 mg/g, respectively. Increasing UACR and decreasing eGFR were linked with higher risks of the primary outcome, heart failure hospitalization, a composite renal outcome and death (P-values for the Cochran-Armitage test for trends were all <.0001). Across UACR and eGFR subgroups, risks of cardiorenal events and death were generally lower or similar with liraglutide versus placebo. Conclusions: In a contemporary type 2 diabetes population, increasing baseline UACR and declining eGFR were linked with higher risks of cardiorenal events and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Data regarding the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the elderly (age ≥65 years) and very elderly (age ≥75 years) are limited.Research Design and Methods: The Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE)-TIMI 58 assessed cardiac and renal outcomes of dapagliflozin versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes. Efficacy and safety outcomes were studied within age subgroups for treatment effect and age-based treatment interaction.Results: Of the 17,160 patients, 9,253 were <65 years of age, 6,811 ≥65 to <75 years, and 1,096 ≥75 years. Dapagliflozin reduced the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure consistently, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.88 (95% CI 0.72, 1.07), 0.77 (0.63, 0.94), and 0.94 (0.65, 1.36) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.5277). Overall, dapagliflozin did not significantly decrease the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, with HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.81, 1.08), 0.97 (0.83, 1.13), and 0.84 (0.61, 1.15) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.7352). The relative risk reduction for the secondary prespecified cardiorenal composite outcome ranged from 18% to 28% in the different age-groups with no heterogeneity. Major hypoglycemia was less frequent with dapagliflozin versus placebo, with HR 0.97 (95% CI 0.58, 1.64), 0.50 (0.29, 0.84), and 0.68 (0.29, 1.57) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.2107). Safety outcomes, including fractures, volume depletion, cancer, urinary tract infections, and amputations were balanced with dapagliflozin versus placebo, and acute kidney injury was reduced, all regardless of age. Genital infections that were serious or led to discontinuation of the study drug and diabetic ketoacidosis were uncommon, yet more frequent with dapagliflozin versus placebo, without heterogeneity (interaction P values 0.1058 and 0.8433, respectively).Conclusions: The overall efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin are consistent regardless of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess the cardiovascular (CV) safety of oral semaglutide, the first tablet formulation of a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist. Materials and methods: PIONEER 6 is a multinational, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of CV events (defined as being aged ≥50 years and having established CV disease [CVD] or moderate [stage 3] chronic kidney disease [CKD], or being aged ≥60 years with ≥1 other CV risk factor). Patients were randomized to once‐daily oral semaglutide (up to 14 mg) or placebo added to standard of care. The primary composite endpoint is time to first occurrence of CV death or non‐fatal myocardial infarction or non‐fatal stroke. The primary hypothesis was to exclude an excess in CV risk with oral semaglutide by assessing non‐inferiority versus placebo for the primary endpoint (non‐inferiority margin of 1.8 for the upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval of the hazard ratio). PIONEER 6 is event‐driven, with follow‐up continuing until accrual of at least 122 primary outcome events. There is no pre‐defined minimal duration. Results: Overall, 3183 patients have been enrolled (mean age 66.1 years, 31.6% females) in 214 sites across 21 countries. At baseline, the mean duration of diabetes was 14.9 years, mean glycated haemoglobin concentration was 66 mmol/mol (8.2%), and 84.6% of patients had established CVD/moderate CKD. Conclusions: PIONEER 6 will provide evidence regarding the CV safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the baseline characteristics of participants randomized in the Dapagliflozin Effect on CardiovascuLAR Events (DECLARE‐TIMI 58) trial, the pivotal study conducted to assess cardiovascular (CV) outcomes with dapagliflozin. Methods: The DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial will analyse 17 160 patients with type 2 diabetes randomized to treatment with dapagliflozin (10 mg/d) or matching placebo. We analysed their baseline characteristics. Results: The participants’ mean ± SD age was 63.8 ± 6.8 years, 62.6% were male, and their mean ± SD diabetes duration was 11.8 ± 7.8 years, glycated haemoglobin 8.3% ± 1.2% (67 mmol/mol ± 9.7 mmol/mol) and body mass index 32.1 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Randomization included 6971 (40.6%) patients with atherosclerotic CV disease (CVD), and 10 189 (59.4%) patients with multiple risk factors (MRF) for CVD (defined as men age ≥ 55 years or women ≥60 years, with at least one of dyslipidaemia, hypertension or smoking). Patients with CVD compared with patients with MRF were younger (62.5 ± 8.1 vs 64.7 ± 5.6 years), more frequently male (72.1% vs 56.1%), less often used metformin (74.6% vs 81.2%), more often used insulin (44.2% vs 36.4%), and more frequently used statins, aspirin, clopidogrel and β‐blockers (82.2%, 71.1%, 24.7% and 66.6% vs 63.7%, 39.1%, 1.5% and 32.3%, respectively). Conclusion: The DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial is expected to provide conclusive data on the effect of treatment with dapagliflozin in addition to standard of care, on CV outcomes in a broad patient population with type 2 diabetes and CVD or MRF for CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoglycaemia is a well-known risk associated with the use of sulphonylureas and insulin, often limiting achievement of glycaemic goals. Recognizing the precipitants and recurrence patterns of hypoglycaemic events, particularly major events, is therefore clinically important. The SAVOR-TIMI-53 trial was a cardiovascular outcome study of 16 492 patients allocated to saxagliptin vs placebo added to conventional care for a median of 2.1 years. Hypoglycaemic events were a prespecified outcome in the study and were defined as a symptomatic episode that recovered with carbohydrates or any recorded blood glucose <3.0 mmol/l (<54 mg/ dL). A major event was defined as one that required third-party assistance. Analysis of the features of the first hypoglycaemic event for each patient showed that a precipitant for the event was recognized by fewer than half of the patients, with the precipitant most often being a missed meal. In 40% of patients reporting major hypoglycaemic events, no precipitating factor was recognized, and in >60%, no previous hypoglycaemic event was reported during the timespan of the study, underscoring the lack of predictability of such an event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors may have a protective effect in diabetic nephropathy.Research Design and Methods: We studied renal outcomes of 16,492 patients with type 2 diabetes, randomized to saxagliptin versus placebo and followed for a median of 2.1 years in the Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR-TIMI 53) trial.Results: At baseline, 9,696 (58.8%) subjects had normoalbuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio [ACR] <30 mg/g), 4,426 (26.8%) had microalbuminuria (ACR 30-300 mg/g), and 1,638 (9.9%) had macroalbuminuria (ACR >300 mg/g). Treatment with saxagliptin was associated with improvement in and/or less deterioration in ACR categories from baseline to end of trial (EOT) (P = 0.021, P < 0.001, and P = 0.049 for individuals with baseline normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria, respectively). At 2 years, the difference in mean ACR change between saxagliptin and placebo arms was -19.3 mg/g (P = 0.033) for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >50 mL/min/body surface area per 1.73 m2 (BSA), -105 mg/g (P = 0.011) for 50 ≥ eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/BSA, and -245.2 mg/g (P = 0.086) for eGFR <30 mL/min/BSA. Analyzing ACR as a continuous variable showed reduction in ACR with saxagliptin (1 year, P < 0.0001; 2 years, P = 0.0143; and EOT, P = 0.0158). The change in ACR did not correlate with that in HbA1c (r = 0.041, 0.052, and 0.036; 1 year, 2 years, and EOT, respectively). The change in eGFR was similar in the saxagliptin and placebo groups. Safety renal outcomes, including doubling of serum creatinine, initiation of chronic dialysis, renal transplantation, or serum creatinine >6.0 mg/dL, were similar as well.Conclusions: Treatment with saxagliptin improved ACR, even in the normoalbuminuric range, without affecting eGFR. The beneficial effect of saxagliptin on albuminuria could not be explained by its effect on glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of patients with recent onset of type 2 diabetes with early combination of glucose-lowering agents or with sequential intensification is still an open question. The median observed time to treatment failure in the monotherapy group was 36-1 (IQR 15-3-not reached [NR]) months, while the median time to treatment failure for those receiving early combination therapy could only be estimated to be beyond the study duration at 61-9 (29-9-NR) months. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the cardiovascular (CV) safety of all new drugs for diabetes be demonstrated through pooled analyses of phase III studies or specifically designed trials. This requirement prompted several placebo-controlled, noninferiority CV safety trials in high-risk patients; to date, all completed trials showed that dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors do not increase or reduce the risk of major CV events. These results apparently contrast with those of pooled analyses and meta-analyses of previous, smaller trials with metabolic end points, which had suggested a reduction of risk. However, the design of CV trials, which were required to demonstrate safety, is not adequate (for duration, management of concurrent therapies, etc.) for the assessment of potential therapeutic benefits. In addition, CV safety trials enroll patients at high risk of CV events, who are different from those included in earlier trials with metabolic end points. Differences in characteristics of patients enrolled probably account for most of the discrepancy in CV outcomes between CV safety studies and earlier trials. The availability of several large-scale trials with longer duration provides the unique opportunity for assessment of the safety of DPP-4 inhibitors not only with respect to major CV events but also with reference to other safety issues. For example, CV safety trials can be a source of information for pancreatitis, cancer, or hypoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes worldwide, most patients are treated by their primary health care team (PHCT). PHCTs need guidance in choosing the best treatment regimen for patients, since the number of glucose-lowering agents (GLAs) is rapidly increasing, as is the amount of clinical data regarding these drugs. The American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes Position Statement emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment and lists drug efficacy, risk of hypoglycemia, effect on weight, side effects, and cost as important parameters to consider when choosing GLAs. The suggested Israeli guidelines refocus earlier international recommendations from 2012 and 2015, based on emerging data from cardiovascular outcome trials as well as what we believe are important issues for patient care (i.e., durability, hypoglycemia risk, and weight gain). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of bone fractures, the predisposing factors for which are unknown. Treatment with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) further increases the incidence of osteoporotic fractures. In the Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR-TIMI 53) trial, fractures were considered an adverse event of special interest, and information regarding fractures was collected.Research Design and Methods: We compared the incidence of fractures among the 8,280 patients who were assigned to treatment with saxagliptin with that in the 8,212 patients who were assigned to placebo. We further analyzed the participants' baseline characteristics and fracture risk.Results: During a median follow-up of 2.1 years, 241 patients (2.9%) in the saxagliptin group and 240 (2.9%) in the placebo group experienced a fracture (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00 [95% CI 0.83-1.19]). Event rates for fractures were the same in both treatment arms: 14.7 per 1,000 patient-years in the entire population and 14.0 in the on-treatment population (first event only). Fracture risk was similar in patients treated with saxagliptin or placebo across different subgroups defined by race, cardiovascular risk, and renal function. A multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that risk of fracture was associated with female sex (P < 0.0001), longer diabetes duration (P < 0.0001), older age (P = 0.002), major hypoglycemic events (P = 0.01), noncompliance with study drug (P = 0.01), and treatment with TZDs (P = 0.03).Conclusions: In a large population of older patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment with saxagliptin was not associated with an increased risk of fractures. The association between longer diabetes duration and increased risk of bone fracture is an intriguing finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the use of premix insulin analogs in the primary care setting, its benefits and drawbacks, for intensifying insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Definition and nomenclature of premixed human insulin and premix insulin analogs are presented. The authors conclude that premix insulin analogs can be a good option with less glucose monitoring and injection schedule.

The article examines data collected from clinical studies on the role of early insulin treatment in the preservation of ß-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Despite the safety and feasibility of early insulin therapy demonstrated in the ORIGIN study, the authors argue there are still pros and cons to be considered. But the authors note that insulin therapy is effective in reversing short-term glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity and preserves ß-cells in the mid-term.

Aim: To assess the association between urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) categories within the normal range with mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Materials and Methods: PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for real‐world evidence studies. Studies were manually evaluated according to predefined eligibility criteria. We included prospective and retrospective cohort studies of the association between UACR categories <30 mg/g and cardiovascular outcomes or mortality. Published information regarding study design, participants, UACR categorization, statistical methods, and results was manually collected. Two UACR categorization approaches were defined: a two‐category (UACR <10 mg/g vs. 10‐30 mg/g) and a three‐category division (UACR <5 mg/g vs. 5‐10 and 10‐30 mg/g). A random effects meta‐analysis was performed on studies eligible for the meta‐analysis. Results: In total, 22 manuscripts were identified for the systematic review, 15 of which were eligible for the meta‐analysis. The results suggest an association between elevated UACR within the normal to mildly increased range and higher risks of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and coronary heart disease, particularly in the range of 10‐30 mg/g. Compared with UACR <10 mg/g, the hazard ratio [HR (95% confidence interval, CI)] for UACR between 10 and 30 mg/g was 1.41 (1.15, 1.74) for all‐cause mortality and 1.56 (1.23, 1.98) for coronary heart disease. Compared with UACR <5 mg/g, the risk of cardiovascular mortality for UACR between 10 and 30 mg/g was more than twofold [HR (95% CI): 2.12 (1.61, 2.80)]. Intermediate UACR (5‐10 mg/g) was also associated with a higher risk of all‐cause mortality [HR (95% CI): 1.14 (1.05, 1.24)] and cardiovascular mortality [HR (95% CI): 1.50 (1.14, 1.99)]. Conclusions: We propose considering higher UACR within the normoalbuminuric range as a prognostic factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our findings underscore the clinical significance of even mild increases in albuminuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at increased risk for hospital admissions, and acute hospitalizations are associated with a worse prognosis. However, outcomes related to all‐cause hospital admissions (ACHAs) were often overlooked in trials that demonstrated the cardiovascular and kidney benefits of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs). This review includes a contemporary literature summary of emerging data regarding the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP‐1RAs on ACHAs. The role of SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing ACHAs was shown in exploratory investigations of several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and was further supported by real‐world evidence (RWE). However, the association between GLP‐1RA use and lower ACHA risk was mainly shown through RWE, with minimal available RCT data. We also discuss the advantages and challenges of studying ACHAs. Finally, we propose an easily memorized ("ABCDE" acronym) clinical approach to evaluating T2D status and treatment in admitted patients, as they transition from hospital to community care. This systematic approach may assist clinicians in recognizing possible pitfalls in T2D management, thereby preventing subsequent hospitalizations and improving patient prognoses. While acute admission can sometimes be perceived as a management failure, it should also be viewed as an opportunity to take action to prevent the next hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exploratory subgroup analysis of the 52-week, double-blind PIONEER 8 trial (NCT03021187) evaluated the effect of background insulin regimen (basal, premixed, or basal-bolus) with or without metformin on the efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide (sema). Patients (pts) (N=731) with type 2 diabetes and treated with insulin were randomized to once-daily oral sema (3, 7, or 14 mg) or placebo (pbo). Endpoints included change from baseline in HbA1c, body weight (BW), and total daily insulin dose at week 52. Baseline age and HbA1c were similar across insulin regimen subgroups whereas BW was greater and diabetes duration was longer in pts on basal-bolus vs. basal and premix subgroups. There were greater dose-dependent HbA1c and BW reductions with oral sema vs. pbo; these were generally similar across all insulin subgroups (Table). Total daily insulin dose at week 52 was decreased for pts on basal (oral sema 7 and 14 mg), premix (oral sema 14 mg), and basal-bolus (oral sema 3, 7, and 14 mg), mainly driven by the bolus component for pts on basal-bolus (Table). Most hypoglycemic episodes were in pts on basal-bolus insulin. Fewer pts had hypoglycemia with oral sema vs. pbo except in the basal-bolus subgroup (Table). In conclusion, oral sema reduced HbA1c and BW in a dose-dependent manner, and reduced insulin dose regardless of background insulin regimen, with a safety profile similar to other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Disclosure: O. Mosenzon: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. V.R. Aroda: Consultant; Self; Duke, Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Employee; Spouse/Partner; Merck & Co., Inc. Research Support; Self; Applied Therapeutics, Fractyl Laboratories, Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Other Relationship; Self; IMNE, Medscape. E. Christiansen: None. S.B. Harris: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Consultant; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Health Canada/First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., JDRF, Lawson Foundation, Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. K. Pedersen: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. M. Tarp-Johansen: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. B. Zinman: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi-Aventis. Funding: Novo Nordisk A/S [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Current guidelines recommend prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors to patients with type 2 diabetes and established or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), irrespective of HbA1c levels. We studied the association of HbA1c with cardiovascular and renal outcomes and whether the benefit of dapagliflozin varies by baseline HbA1c.Research Design and Methods: In the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events trial (DECLARE-TIMI 58), 17,160 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to dapagliflozin or placebo for a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Cardiovascular and renal outcomes by baseline HbA1c in the overall population and with dapagliflozin versus placebo in HbA1c subgroups were studied by Cox regression models.Results: In the overall population, higher baseline HbA1c was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF); major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke; and cardiorenal outcomes (adjusted hazard ratios 1.12 [95% CI 1.06-1.19], 1.08 [1.04-1.13], and 1.17 [1.11-1.24] per 1% higher level, respectively). Elevated HbA1c was associated with a greater increased risk for MACE and cardiorenal outcomes in patients with multiple risk factors (MRF) than in established ASCVD (P-interaction = 0.0064 and 0.0093, respectively). Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin decreased the risk of cardiovascular death/HHF, HHF, and cardiorenal outcomes, with no heterogeneity by baseline HbA1c (P-interaction > 0.05).Conclusions: Higher HbA1c levels were associated with greater cardiovascular and renal risk, particularly in the MRF population, yet the benefits of dapagliflozin were observed in all subgroups irrespective of baseline HbA1c, including patients with HbA1c <7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DECLARE-TIMI 58 showed that dapagliflozin (dapa) a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), reduced the rate of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure in patients with T2DM with or at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. SGLT2is have been shown to have a beneficial effect on renal outcomes. Methods: DECLARE-TIMI 58 pre-specified primary composite renal outcome (PCRO) included sustained 40% eGFR decline to < 60 ml/min/1.73m2, end-stage renal disease (defined as dialysis ≥90 days or kidney transplantation, confirmed sustained eGFR <15ml/min/1.73 m2), or death from renal or cardiovascular causes; the same outcome without cardiovascular death was the secondary composite renal outcome (SCRO). Eligible patients had a creatinine clearance of 60 ml/min or more and were randomized to treatment with dapa 10 mg/day vs. placebo. Results: A total of 17,160 subjects were enrolled, including 8,162 (47.6%) with eGFR ≥90, 7,732 (45.1%) with eGFR 60-<90 and 1,265 (7.4%) with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2. The PCRO occurred in 370 (4.3%) vs. 480 (5.6%) in the dapa and placebo arms, corresponding to event rates per 1,000 patient-years (ER) of 10.8 and 14.1 [HR 0.76 (0.67, 0.87) p<0.001]. The ER of the SCRO was 3.7 vs. 7.0 in the dapa and placebo arms [HR 0.53 (0.43 to 0.66)]. These differences were driven mainly by a reduction in the sustained 40% eGFR decline to < 60 ml/min/1.73m2: 120 (1.4%) vs. 221 (2.6%) in the dapa and placebo arms [HR 0.54 (0.43, 0.67) p<0.001]. Although rare, there was also directional consistency for a lower rate of ESRD: 6 (<0.1%) vs. 19 (0.2%) in the dapa and placebo arms [HR 0.31 (0.13, 0.79) p=0.013]. Acute kidney injury was less common in the dapa arm (1.5%) than in the placebo arm (2.0%) (p=0.002). Conclusion: In a large and broad population of patients with T2DM and mostly preserved renal function, dapa was associated with reduced progression of kidney disease and lower rates of clinically relevant renal events than was placebo. Disclosure: O. Mosenzon: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk Inc. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi-Aventis. S.D. Wiviott: Consultant; Self; Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Angel Medical Systems, Inc., Arena Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston Clinical Research Institute, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Eisai Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Icon Clinical, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Servier, St. Jude Medical, XOMA Corporation. Employee; Spouse/Partner; Merck & Co., Inc. Research Support; Self; Amgen Inc., Arena Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Eisai Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi-Aventis. T.A. Zelniker: None. H.L. Heerspink: Consultant; Self; AbbVie Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Fresenius Medical Care, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Janssen Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. J.P. Dwyer: Consultant; Self; Akcea Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Bird Rock Bio, Eisai Inc., Goldfinch Bio, Sanofi-Aventis. A. Cahn: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, GlucoMe Ltd., Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S. Stock/Shareholder; Self; GlucoMe Ltd. I.A. Gause-Nilsson: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. A. Langkilde: Employee; Self; AstraZeneca. Stock/Shareholder; Self; AstraZeneca. M.S. Sabatine: Consultant; Self; Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, CVS/Caremark, Dyrnamix, Esperion, Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc., Janssen Research and Development, Medicines Company, MedImmune, Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis. Research Support; Self; Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Eisai Co., Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline plc., Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc., Janssen Research and Development, Medicines Company, MedImmune, Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Pfizer Inc., Takeda. I. Raz: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca, BOL, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, CameraEyes Ltd, DarioHealth, Diabot, Exscopia, GlucoMe Ltd., Insuline Medical, Medial EarlySign, Orgenesis Ltd. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Stock/Shareholder; Self; BOL, CameraEyes Ltd, DarioHealth, Diabot, GlucoMe Ltd., Orgenesis Ltd. Funding: AstraZeneca [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients (pts) with T2D and renal impairment have limited glucose-lowering treatment options. Oral semaglutide (sema) 14 mg once daily (N=163) was compared with placebo (pbo, N=161) in a 26-week, randomized, phase 3a trial (NCT02827708) in pts with T2D and moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2), receiving 1-2 glucose-lowering agents (could include basal insulin). Endpoints: change in HbA1c (primary) and body weight (BW, secondary) to week 26. Two estimands were defined: treatment policy (regardless of trial product discontinuation or rescue medication) and trial product (on trial product without rescue medication) in all randomized pts. Oral sema was superior to (treatment policy) and significantly better than (trial product) pbo in reducing HbA1c and BW (Table). More pts reached HbA1c, BW loss, and composite targets with oral sema. At follow-up, eGFR was unchanged. Fewer pts on oral sema required rescue medication (4 vs. 10%). Adverse events were more frequent with oral sema (74 vs. 65%), most often mild/moderate nausea (19 vs. 7%). More patients on oral sema prematurely discontinued trial product (15 vs. 5%), mainly due to nausea and vomiting. In conclusion, in pts with T2D and moderate renal impairment, oral sema provided superior glycemic control and BW loss compared to pbo at 26 weeks, did not appear to affect renal function, and was well tolerated in line with the population and GLP-1RA class. Disclosure: O. Mosenzon: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk Inc. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi-Aventis. S. Rosenlund: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. J.W. Eriksson: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk A/S. S.R. Heller: Advisory Panel; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi-Aventis, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Zealand Pharma A/S. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S. R.E. Pratley: Consultant; Self; Sanofi US. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Janssen Global Services, LLC., Janssen Research & Development, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Mundipharma, Novo Nordisk Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. T. Sathyapalan: Speaker's Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk Foundation. Other Relationship; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi-Aventis. T.M. Blicher: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. O.H. Hels: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. C. Desouza: Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi US. Funding: Novo Nordisk A/S [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of the composite of cardiovascular (CV) death or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in DECLARE‐TIMI 58. We hypothesized that baseline N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and high‐sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) levels would help identify patients who are at higher baseline risk and we describe the treatment effects of dapagliflozin in patients according to their baseline NT‐proBNP and hsTnT levels. Methods and results: This was a pre‐specified biomarker study from DECLARE‐TIMI 58, a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled CV outcomes trial of dapagliflozin. Baseline NT‐proBNP and hsTnT levels were measured in the TIMI Clinical Trials Laboratory in 14 565 patients. Among the included patients, 9143 patients (62.8%) were male, 1464 (10.1%) had a history of heart failure and the mean age was 63.9 years. The median baseline NT‐proBNP and hsTnT levels were 75 pg/mL [interquartile range (IQR) 35–165] and 10.2 pg/mL (IQR 6.9–15.5), respectively. Patients with higher NT‐proBNP and hsTnT quartiles had higher rates of CV death/HHF (Q4 vs. Q1: NT‐proBNP: 4‐year Kaplan–Meier event rates 13.7% vs. 1.0%; hsTnT: 11.8% vs. 1.4%; P‐trend <0.001). Dapagliflozin consistently reduced the relative risk of CV death/HHF regardless of baseline NT‐proBNP (P‐interaction 0.72) or hsTnT quartiles (P‐interaction 0.93). Given their higher baseline risk, patients with NT‐proBNP and/or hsTnT levels above the median derived larger absolute risk reductions with dapagliflozin (NT‐proBNP 1.9% vs. 0%, P‐interaction 0.010; hsTnT 1.8% vs. 0.1%, P‐interaction 0.026). Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and higher NT‐proBNP or hsTnT levels are at increased risk of CV death and HHF. Dapagliflozin reduced the relative risk of CV death/HHF irrespective of NT‐proBNP and hsTnT levels, with greater absolute risk reductions seen in patients with higher baseline biomarker levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A post hoc analysis to investigate the association between 1-year changes in albuminuria and subsequent risk of cardiovascular and renal events.Research Design and Methods: LEADER was a randomized trial of liraglutide up to 1.8 mg/day versus placebo added to standard care for 3.5-5 years in 9,340 participants with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. We calculated change in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) from baseline to 1 year in participants with >30% reduction (n = 2,928), 30-0% reduction (n = 1,218), or any increase in UACR (n = 4,124), irrespective of treatment. Using Cox regression, risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and a composite nephropathy outcome (from 1 year to end of trial in subgroups by baseline UACR [<30 mg/g, 30-300 mg/g, or ≥300 mg/g]) were assessed. The analysis was adjusted for treatment allocation alone as a fixed factor and for baseline variables associated with cardiovascular and renal outcomes.Results: For MACE, hazard ratios (HRs) for those with >30% and 30-0% UACR reduction were 0.82 (95% CI 0.71, 0.94; P = 0.006) and 0.99 (0.82, 1.19; P = 0.912), respectively, compared with any increase in UACR (reference). For the composite nephropathy outcome, respective HRs were 0.67 (0.49, 0.93; P = 0.02) and 0.97 (0.66, 1.43; P = 0.881). Results were independent of baseline UACR and consistent in both treatment groups. After adjustment, HRs were significant and consistent in >30% reduction subgroups with baseline micro- or macroalbuminuria.Conclusions: A reduction in albuminuria during the 1st year was associated with fewer cardiovascular and renal outcomes, independent of treatment. Albuminuria monitoring remains an important part of diabetes care, with great unused potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the associations between baseline glucose‐lowering agents (GLAs) and cardiorenal outcomes with dapagliflozin versus placebo in the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 study. Materials and methods: DECLARE‐TIMI 58 assessed the cardiorenal outcomes of dapagliflozin versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes. This post hoc analysis elaborates the efficacy and safety outcomes by baseline GLA for treatment effect and GLA‐based treatment interaction. Results: At baseline, 14 068 patients (82.0%) used metformin, 7322 (42.7%) sulphonylureas, 2888 (16.8%) dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, 750 (4.4%) glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) and 7013 (40.9%) insulin. Dapagliflozin reduced the composite of cardiovascular death (CVD) and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) versus placebo regardless of baseline GLA, with greater benefit in the small group of patients with baseline use of GLP‐1 RAs (HR [95% CI] 0.37 [0.18, 0.78] vs. 0.86 [0.75, 0.98] in GLP‐1 RA users vs. non‐users, Pinteraction =.03). The overall HR for major adverse cardiovascular events (CVD, myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke) was 0.93 (95% CI 0.84, 1.03) with dapagliflozin versus placebo, with no interaction by baseline GLA (Pinteraction >.05). The renal‐specific outcome was reduced with dapagliflozin versus placebo in the overall cohort (HR [95%CI] 0.53[0.43‐0.66]), with no interaction by baseline GLA (Pinteraction >.05). All of these outcomes were similar in those with versus those without baseline metformin use. Conclusions: The effects of dapagliflozin on cardiorenal outcomes were generally consistent regardless of baseline GLA, with consistent benefits regardless of baseline metformin use. The potential clinical benefit of combining sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors with GLP‐1 RAs, given some evidence of cardiovascular risk reduction with both classes, should be explored further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate whether the cardiovascular and renal benefits observed with dapagliflozin in the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial are also observed in patients with short and long‐standing diabetes. Materials and Methods: This post hoc analysis studied the dual primary efficacy endpoints, a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (CVD/HHF) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; CVD, myocardial infarction [MI], ischaemic stroke) by diabetes duration. Results: Of the 17 160 patients, 3836 had diabetes duration of ≤5 years, 4731 >5‐10 years, 3952 >10‐15 years, 2433 >15‐20 years and 2206 >20 years. Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of CVD/HHF by a similar amount across diabetes duration subgroups, ranging from HR 0.79 (0.58‐1.06) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.75 (0.55‐1.03) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P‐value 0.76). Hazard ratios (HRs) for MACE ranged from 1.08 (0.87‐1.35) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.67 (0.52‐0.86) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P‐value 0.004). This was driven by greater reductions in the risk of MI and ischaemic stroke with dapagliflozin in patients with long‐standing diabetes (interaction trend P‐values 0.019 and 0.015, respectively). The duration‐based MACE heterogeneity was apparent in those with or without a history of prior MI and in those with multiple risk factors. The renal‐specific outcome was reduced with dapagliflozin with HRs ranging from 0.79 (0.47‐1.34) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.42 (0.25‐0.72) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P‐value 0.084). Conclusions: Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of CVD/HHF consistently, regardless of diabetes duration, whereas the treatment effect for MACE differed by duration subgroups, with significant reductions with dapagliflozin in patients with long‐standing diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a global prevalence of 9.1–13.4%. Comorbidities are abundant and may cause and affect CKD. Cardiovascular disease strongly correlates with CKD, increasing the burden of both diseases. Summary: As a group of 15 clinical nephrologists primarily practicing in 12 Central/Eastern European countries, as well as Israel and Kazakhstan, herein we review the significant unmet needs for patients with CKD and recommend several key calls-to-action. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to ensure optimal outcomes for patients with CKD, with the potential to greatly reduce both morbidity and mortality. Lack of awareness of CKD, substandard indicators of kidney function, suboptimal screening rates, and geographical disparities in reimbursement often hamper access to effective care. Key Messages: Our key calls-to-action to address these unmet needs, thus improving the standard of care for patients with CKD, are the following: increase disease awareness, such as through education; encourage provision of financial support for patients; develop screening algorithms; revisit primary care physician referral practices; and create epidemiological databases that rectify the paucity of data on early-stage disease. By focusing attention on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of high-risk and early-stage CKD populations, we aim to reduce the burdens, progression, and mortality of CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In DECLARE-TIMI 58 (Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58), the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin reduced the composite end point of cardiovascular death/hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) in a broad population of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the impact of baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) on the clinical benefit of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition is unknown.Methods: In the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial, baseline heart failure (HF) status was collected from all patients, and EF was collected when available. HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) was defined as EF <45%. Outcomes of interest were the composite of cardiovascular death/HHF, its components, and all-cause mortality.Results: Of 17 160 patients, 671 (3.9%) had HFrEF, 1316 (7.7%) had HF without known reduced EF, and 15 173 (88.4%) had no history of HF at baseline. Dapagliflozin reduced cardiovascular death/HHF more in patients with HFrEF (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62 [95% CI, 0.45-0.86]) than in those without HFrEF (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.76-1.02]; P for interaction=0.046), in whom the treatment effect of dapagliflozin was similar in those with HF without known reduced EF (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.66-1.17]) and those without HF (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.74-1.03]). Whereas dapagliflozin reduced HHF both in those with (HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.43-0.95]) and in those without HFrEF (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.62-0.92]), it reduced cardiovascular death only in patients with HFrEF (HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.34-0.90]) but not in those without HFrEF (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.89-1.31]; P for interaction=0.012). Likewise, dapagliflozin reduced all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF (HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.40-0.88;) but not in those without HFrEF (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.86-1.10]; P for interaction=0.016).Conclusions: In the first sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor cardiovascular outcome trial to evaluate patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus stratified by EF, we found that dapagliflozin reduced HHF in patients with and without HFrEF and reduced cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01730534. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: LEADER trial (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of CV Outcome Results) results demonstrated cardiovascular benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at high cardiovascular risk on standard of care randomized to liraglutide versus placebo. The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease is unknown. Liraglutide's treatment effects in patients with and without kidney disease were analyzed post hoc.Methods: Patients were randomized (1:1) to liraglutide or placebo, both in addition to standard of care. These analyses assessed outcomes stratified by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; <60 versus ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and baseline albuminuria. The primary outcome (composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) and secondary outcomes, including all-cause mortality and individual components of the primary composite outcome, were analyzed using Cox regression.Results: Overall, 2158 and 7182 patients had baseline eGFR <60 or ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. In patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, risk reduction for the primary composite cardiovascular outcome with liraglutide was greater (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.57-0.85) versus those with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83-1.07; interaction P=0.01). There was no consistent effect modification with liraglutide across finer eGFR subgroups (interaction P=0.13) and when analyzing eGFR as a continuous variable (interaction P=0.61). Risk reductions in those with eGFR <60 versus ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were as follows: for nonfatal myocardial infarction, HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55-0.99 versus HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.77-1.13; for nonfatal stroke, HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33-0.80 versus HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.84-1.37; for cardiovascular death, HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50-0.90 versus HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.67-1.05; for all-cause mortality, HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.92 versus HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.75-1.07. Risk reduction for the primary composite cardiovascular outcome was not different for those with versus without baseline albuminuria (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97; and HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.79-1.07, respectively; interaction P=0.36).Conclusions: Liraglutide added to standard of care reduced the risk for major cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. These results appear to apply across the chronic kidney disease spectrum enrolled.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ . Unique identifier: NCT01179048. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the effect of finerenone on the risk of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, with and without obesity. Materials and methods: A post hoc analysis of the prespecified pooled FIDELITY dataset assessed the association between waist circumference (WC), composite cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, and the effects of finerenone. Participants were stratified by WC risk groups (representing visceral obesity) as low‐risk or high–very high‐risk (H‐/VH‐risk). Results: Of 12 986 patients analysed, 90.8% occupied the H‐/VH‐risk WC group. Incidence of the composite cardiovascular outcome was similar between finerenone and placebo in the low‐risk WC group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72‐1.47); finerenone reduced the risk in the H‐/VH‐risk WC group (HR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77‐0.93). For the kidney outcome, the risk was similar in the low‐risk WC group (HR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.66‐1.46) and reduced within the H‐/VH‐risk WC group (HR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65‐0.87) with finerenone versus placebo. There was no significant heterogeneity between the low‐risk and H‐/VH‐risk WC groups for cardiovascular and kidney composite outcomes (P interaction =.26 and.34, respectively). The apparent greater benefit of finerenone on cardiorenal outcomes but lack of significant heterogeneity observed in H‐/VH‐risk WC patients may be because of the small size of the low‐risk group. Adverse events were consistent across WC groups. Conclusion: In FIDELITY, benefits of finerenone in lowering the risk of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes were not significantly modified by patient obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following propensity-score matching, there were 6477 patients in each arm; 5431 patients (41.9%) were women and the mean (SD) patient age was 59.8 (10.9) years (Table 1). Patients with T2D, who initiated an SGLT2 inhibitor (empagliflozin or dapagliflozin) in an outpatient setting between August 2015 and December 2020 were propensity-scored matched with patients starting a DPP-4 inhibitor (sitagliptin, linagliptin, vildagliptin or saxagliptin). Risk of hospitalization with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes lacking evidence of chronic kidney disease: Real-world data Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a high incidence of hospitalizations that reduce patients' quality of life and are translated into a significant burden on healthcare systems, accompanied by increased costs.[[1]] Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, and kidney outcomes in patients with T2D, HF, or chronic kidney disease (CKD).[3] In some of these RCTs, SGLT2 inhibitors also modestly reduced the risk for any hospitalization.[[4], [6], [8], [10]] However, these studies included patients with T2D and high cardiovascular risk,[[4], [6], [11]] or patients with CKD with and without T2D.[[8]] Whether SGLT2 inhibitor use is associated with a lower risk for any hospitalization in a general population of patients with T2D, especially patients without CKD, is unknown. [Extracted from the article]

OBJECTIVE: To develop a risk assessment tool to identify patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at higher risk for kidney disease progression and who might benefit more from sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 41,204 patients with T2D from four Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) clinical trials were divided into derivation (70%) and validation cohorts (30%). Candidate predictors of kidney disease progression (composite of sustained ≥40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], end-stage kidney disease, or kidney death) were selected with multivariable Cox regression. Efficacy of dapagliflozin was assessed by risk categories (low: <0.5%; intermediate: 0.5 to <2%; high: ≥2%) in Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE)-TIMI 58. RESULTS: There were 695 events over a median follow-up of 2.4 years. The final model comprised eight independent predictors of kidney disease progression: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, systolic blood pressure, T2D duration, glycated hemoglobin, eGFR, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and hemoglobin. The c-indices were 0.798 (95% CI, 0.774–0.821) and 0.798 (95% CI, 0.765–0.831) in the derivation and validation cohort, respectively. The calibration plot slope (deciles of predicted vs. observed risk) was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.93–1.04) in the validation cohort. Whereas relative risk reductions with dapagliflozin did not differ across risk categories, there was greater absolute risk reduction in patients with higher baseline risk, with a 3.5% absolute risk reduction in kidney disease progression at 4 years in the highest risk group (≥1%/year). Results were similar with the 2022 Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium risk prediction model. CONCLUSIONS: Risk models for kidney disease progression can be applied in patients with T2D to stratify risk and identify those who experience a greater magnitude of benefit from SGLT2 inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Insulin icodec is an investigational once-weekly basal insulin analogue for diabetes management. METHODS We conducted a 78-week randomized, open-label, treat-to-target phase 3a trial (including a 52-week main phase and a 26-week extension phase, plus a 5-week follow-up period) involving adults with type 2 diabetes (glycated hemoglobin level, 7 to 11%) who had not previously received insulin. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive once-weekly insulin icodec or once-daily insulin glargine U100. The primary end point was the change in the glycated hemoglobin level from baseline to week 52; the confirmatory secondary end point was the percentage of time spent in the glycemic range of 70 to 180 mg per deciliter (3.9 to 10.0 mmol per liter) in weeks 48 to 52. Hypoglycemic episodes (from baseline to weeks 52 and 83) were recorded. RESULTS Each group included 492 participants. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. The mean reduction in the glycated hemoglobin level at 52 weeks was greater with icodec than with glargine U100 (from 8.50% to 6.93% with icodec [mean change, -1.55 percentage points] and from 8.44% to 7.12% with glargine U100 [mean change, -1.35 percentage points]); the estimated between-group difference (-0.19 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.36 to -0.03) confirmed the noninferiority (P<0.001) and superiority (P=0.02) of icodec. The percentage of time spent in the glycemic range of 70 to 180 mg per deciliter was significantly higher with icodec than with glargine U100 (71.9% vs. 66.9%; estimated between-group difference, 4.27 percentage points [95% CI, 1.92 to 6.62]; PcO.001), which confirmed superiority. Rates of combined clinically significant or severe hypoglycemia were 0.30 events per person-year of exposure with icodec and 0.16 events per person-year of exposure with glargine U100 at week 52 (estimated rate ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.98 to 2.75) and 0.30 and 0.16 events per person-year of exposure, respectively, at week 83 (estimated rate ratio, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.61). No new safety signals were identified, and incidences of adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Glycemic control was significantly better with once-weekly insulin icodec than with once-daily insulin glargine U100. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; ONWARDS 1 ClinicaITrials.gov number, NCT04460885.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In clinical trials enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high cardiovascular risk, many glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) improved albuminuria status and possibly mitigated kidney function loss. However, limited data are available regarding the effects of GLP-1 RAs on albuminuria status and kidney function in real-world settings, including populations with a lower baseline cardiovascular and kidney risk. We assessed the association of GLP-1 RAs initiation with long-term kidney outcomes in the Maccabi Healthcare Services database, Israel. Methods: Adults with T2D treated with ≥ 2 glucose-lowering agents who initiated GLP-1 RAs or basal insulin from 2010 to 2019 were propensity-score matched (1:1) and followed until October 2021 (intention-to-treat [ITT]). In an as-treated (AT) analysis, follow-up was also censored at study-drug discontinuation or comparator-initiation. We assessed the risk of a composite kidney outcome, including confirmed ≥ 40% eGFR loss or end-stage kidney disease, and the risk of new macroalbuminuria. Treatment-effect on eGFR slopes was assessed by fitting a linear regression model per patient, followed by a t-test to compare the slopes between the groups. Results: Each propensity-score matched group constituted 3424 patients, 45% women, 21% had a history of cardiovascular disease, and 13.9% were treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors at baseline. Mean eGFR was 90.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD 19.3) and median UACR was 14.6 mg/g [IQR 0.0–54.7]. Medians follow-up were 81.1 months (ITT) and 22.3 months (AT). The hazard-ratios [95% CI] of the composite kidney outcome with GLP-1 RAs versus basal insulin were 0.96 [0.82–1.11] (p = 0.566) and 0.71 [0.54–0.95] (p = 0.020) in the ITT and AT analyses, respectively. The respective HRs for first new macroalbuminuria were 0.87 [0.75–0.997] and 0.80 [0.64–0.995]. The use of GLP-1 RA was associated with a less steep eGFR slope compared with basal insulin in the AT analysis (mean annual between-group difference of 0.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/year [95%CI 0.11–0.73]; p = 0.008). Conclusion: Initiation of GLP-1 RAs in a real-world setting is associated with a reduced risk of albuminuria progression and possible mitigation of kidney function loss in patients with T2D and mostly preserved kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In clinical trials enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high cardiovascular risk, many glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) improved albuminuria status and possibly mitigated kidney function loss. However, limited data are available regarding the effects of GLP-1 RAs on albuminuria status and kidney function in real-world settings, including populations with a lower baseline cardiovascular and kidney risk. We assessed the association of GLP-1 RAs initiation with long-term kidney outcomes in the Maccabi Healthcare Services database, Israel. Methods: Adults with T2D treated with ≥ 2 glucose-lowering agents who initiated GLP-1 RAs or basal insulin from 2010 to 2019 were propensity-score matched (1:1) and followed until October 2021 (intention-to-treat [ITT]). In an as-treated (AT) analysis, follow-up was also censored at study-drug discontinuation or comparator-initiation. We assessed the risk of a composite kidney outcome, including confirmed ≥ 40% eGFR loss or end-stage kidney disease, and the risk of new macroalbuminuria. Treatment-effect on eGFR slopes was assessed by fitting a linear regression model per patient, followed by a t-test to compare the slopes between the groups. Results: Each propensity-score matched group constituted 3424 patients, 45% women, 21% had a history of cardiovascular disease, and 13.9% were treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors at baseline. Mean eGFR was 90.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD 19.3) and median UACR was 14.6 mg/g [IQR 0.0–54.7]. Medians follow-up were 81.1 months (ITT) and 22.3 months (AT). The hazard-ratios [95% CI] of the composite kidney outcome with GLP-1 RAs versus basal insulin were 0.96 [0.82–1.11] (p = 0.566) and 0.71 [0.54–0.95] (p = 0.020) in the ITT and AT analyses, respectively. The respective HRs for first new macroalbuminuria were 0.87 [0.75–0.997] and 0.80 [0.64–0.995]. The use of GLP-1 RA was associated with a less steep eGFR slope compared with basal insulin in the AT analysis (mean annual between-group difference of 0.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/year [95%CI 0.11–0.73]; p = 0.008). Conclusion: Initiation of GLP-1 RAs in a real-world setting is associated with a reduced risk of albuminuria progression and possible mitigation of kidney function loss in patients with T2D and mostly preserved kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In clinical trials enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high cardiovascular risk, many glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) improved albuminuria status and possibly mitigated kidney function loss. However, limited data are available regarding the effects of GLP-1 RAs on albuminuria status and kidney function in real-world settings, including populations with a lower baseline cardiovascular and kidney risk. We assessed the association of GLP-1 RAs initiation with long-term kidney outcomes in the Maccabi Healthcare Services database, Israel. Methods: Adults with T2D treated with ≥ 2 glucose-lowering agents who initiated GLP-1 RAs or basal insulin from 2010 to 2019 were propensity-score matched (1:1) and followed until October 2021 (intention-to-treat [ITT]). In an as-treated (AT) analysis, follow-up was also censored at study-drug discontinuation or comparator-initiation. We assessed the risk of a composite kidney outcome, including confirmed ≥ 40% eGFR loss or end-stage kidney disease, and the risk of new macroalbuminuria. Treatment-effect on eGFR slopes was assessed by fitting a linear regression model per patient, followed by a t-test to compare the slopes between the groups. Results: Each propensity-score matched group constituted 3424 patients, 45% women, 21% had a history of cardiovascular disease, and 13.9% were treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors at baseline. Mean eGFR was 90.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD 19.3) and median UACR was 14.6 mg/g [IQR 0.0–54.7]. Medians follow-up were 81.1 months (ITT) and 22.3 months (AT). The hazard-ratios [95% CI] of the composite kidney outcome with GLP-1 RAs versus basal insulin were 0.96 [0.82–1.11] (p = 0.566) and 0.71 [0.54–0.95] (p = 0.020) in the ITT and AT analyses, respectively. The respective HRs for first new macroalbuminuria were 0.87 [0.75–0.997] and 0.80 [0.64–0.995]. The use of GLP-1 RA was associated with a less steep eGFR slope compared with basal insulin in the AT analysis (mean annual between-group difference of 0.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/year [95%CI 0.11–0.73]; p = 0.008). Conclusion: Initiation of GLP-1 RAs in a real-world setting is associated with a reduced risk of albuminuria progression and possible mitigation of kidney function loss in patients with T2D and mostly preserved kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chronic pain is prevalent but difficult to treat in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Effective and safe analgesics are limited in this patient population. Our aim in this feasibility study was to evaluate the safety of sublingual oil based medical cannabis for pain management in patients undergoing HD. Methods In a prospective randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, patients undergoing HD with chronic pain were assigned to one of three arms: BOL-DP-o-04-WPE whole-plant extract (WPE), BOL-DP-o-04 cannabinoid extraction (API) or placebo. WPE and API contained trans-delta-9-‏tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in a 1:6 ratio (1:6, THC:CBD). Patients were treated for 8 weeks, with subsequent 2-week wash out, followed by a cross-over to a different arm. The primary endpoint was safety. Results Eighteen patients were recruited and 15 were randomized. Three did not complete drug titration period due to adverse events (AEs) and one patient died during titration due to sepsis (WPE). Of those who completed at least one treatment period, seven patients were in the WPE arm, five in the API and nine receiving placebo. The most common AEs were sleepiness, which improved after dose reduction or patient adaptation. Most AEs were mild to moderate and resolved spontaneously. Serious AEs considered related to study drug included one episode of accidental overdose (WPE) leading to hallucinations. Liver enzymes were stable during cannabis treatment. Conclusions Short-term medical cannabis use in patients treated with HD was generally well tolerated. The safety data supports further studies to assess the overall risk–benefit of a treatment paradigm utilizing medical cannabis to control pain in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the potential gain in the number of life‐years free of a (recurrent) cardiovascular disease (CVD) event with optimal cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) and initiation of glucose‐lowering agents with proven cardiovascular benefit in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: 9,416 individuals with T2D from the CAPTURE study, a non‐interventional, cross‐sectional, multinational study, were included. The diabetes lifetime‐perspective prediction model was used for calculating individual 10‐year and lifetime CVD risk. The distribution of preventive medication use was assessed according to predicted CVD risk and stratified for history of CVD. For the estimation of absolute individual benefit from lifelong preventive treatment, including optimal CVRM and the addition of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is), the model was combined with treatment effects from current evidence. Results: GLP‐1 RA or SGLT‐2i use did not greatly differ between patients with and without CVD history, while use of blood pressure‐lowering medication, statins and aspirin was more frequent in patients with CVD. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) lifetime benefit from optimal CVRM was 3.9 (3.0) and 1.3 (1.9) years in patients with and without established CVD, respectively. Further addition of a GLP‐1 RA and an SGLT‐2i in patients with CVD gave an added mean (SD) lifetime benefit of 1.2 (0.6) years. Conclusions: Life‐years gained free of (recurrent) CVD by optimal CVRM and the addition of a GLP‐1 RA or aSGLT‐2i is dependent on baseline CVD status. These results aid individualizing prevention and promote shared decision‐making in patients with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute hospitalizations are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and often lead to decreases in health-related quality of life and increased care costs.Objective: To determine the effects of dapagliflozin on first hospitalizations and all (first and subsequent) hospitalizations and to explore effects on cause-specific hospitalizations.Design: Post hoc analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03036150).Setting: 386 ambulatory practice sites in 21 countries from 2 February 2017 through 12 June 2020.Participants: Adults with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 25 to 75 mL/min/1.73 m2 and a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio of 200 to 5000 mg/g, with and without type 2 diabetes.Intervention: Dapagliflozin, 10 mg once daily, or matching placebo (1:1 ratio).Measurements: The effects of dapagliflozin on first hospitalizations for any cause, all hospitalizations, and cause-specific (first and recurrent) hospitalizations were determined. The reported system organ class was used to evaluate reasons for admission. Hospitalizations were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models (first hospitalization), the Lin-Wei-Yang-Ying method (all hospitalizations or death), and negative binomial models (cause-specific hospitalizations).Results: The study included 4304 patients (mean age, 61.8 years; 33.1% women). During a median follow-up of 2.4 years, 2072 hospitalizations were reported among 1224 (28.4%) participants. Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced risk for a first hospitalization (hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.75 to 0.94]) and all hospitalizations or death (rate ratio, 0.79 [CI, 0.70 to 0.89]). There was no evidence that the effects of dapagliflozin on first and all hospitalizations varied by baseline presence of type 2 diabetes (P for interaction = 0.60 for each). Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced the rate of admissions due to cardiac disorders, renal and urinary disorders, metabolism and nutrition disorders, and neoplasms.Limitations: This was a post hoc analysis and should be viewed as hypothesis-generating. Hospitalizations and causes were reported by site investigators and were not centrally adjudicated.Conclusion: Dapagliflozin reduced the risk for hospitalization for any cause in patients with CKD with and without type 2 diabetes.Primary Funding Source: AstraZeneca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The cardiorenal benefits of adding sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor therapy for patients on insulin, particularly those on intensive regimens that include short-acting (SA) insulin, have not been explored.Research Design and Methods: In Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events trial (DECLARE-TIMI 58), 17,160 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to dapagliflozin or placebo for a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Cardiovascular (CV), renal, metabolic, and safety outcomes with dapagliflozin versus placebo by insulin dose and regimen were studied with Cox regression models.Results: The study included 7,013 insulin users at baseline, with 4,650 (66.3%) patients on regimens including SA insulin. Insulin doses varied, with 2,443 (34.8%) patients receiving <0.5 IU/kg, 2,795 (39.9%) 0.5 to ≤1 IU/kg, and 1,339 (19.1%) >1 IU/kg. Dapagliflozin reduced CV death/hospitalization for heart failure among overall insulin users (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82 [95% CI 0.69-0.97]) and consistently in patients on insulin regimens with or without SA insulin (0.83 [0.67-1.03] and 0.78 [0.57-1.07], respectively, Pinteraction = 0.75). No heterogeneity was observed by insulin dose (Pinteraction = 0.43). The HR for major adverse CV events with dapagliflozin among insulin users (0.84 [0.74-0.97]) was similar irrespective of regimen or dose (Pinteraction = 0.75 and 0.07). Dapagliflozin reduced the rate of adverse renal outcomes overall and consistently across subgroups of insulin users. Decreases in HbA1c, weight, and systolic blood pressure with dapagliflozin were seen regardless of insulin dose or regimen. The known safety profile of dapagliflozin was unchanged in patients on intensive insulin regimens.Conclusions: The benefits and safety of dapagliflozin were maintained in high-risk patients receiving high-dose or intensive insulin regimens including SA insulin.Article Highlights: Limited data exist regarding the cardiorenal, metabolic, and safety outcomes of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients on high-dose or intensive insulin regimens including short-acting insulin. In DECLARE-TIMI 58, 17,160 patients including 7,013 baseline insulin users were randomized to dapagliflozin versus placebo. Outcomes among insulin users by insulin dose and regimen were studied. Our results suggest that use of dapagliflozin by patients with type 2 diabetes managed with insulin, including high-dose or intensive insulin regimens, provided significant cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic benefits, in line with overall trial results. Adverse events associated with dapagliflozin, including hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, were rare in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) aim to evaluate the quality of care based on the perspectives of patients rather than clinical indicators. Qualitative research is needed to identify these perspectives in people with type 2 diabetes. Objective: To identify, for the first time in Israel, aspects valuable for people with type 2 diabetes that can be relevant for PROMs in diabetes care. Methods: A qualitative study included three focus groups totalling 19 people with type 2 diabetes. Inclusion criteria were: (1)type 2 diabetes, (2)diabetes duration of at least six months, and (3)adults aged 45–80 years. Purposive sampling enabled recruitment of heterogeneous participants. Also, two experts' panels with healthcare providers involved in diabetes care (n = 23) were conducted to provide triangulation of information (more testimony about what is valuable for people with type 2 diabetes). Discussions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: Four domains were deemed valuable for people with type 2 diabetes: (1)challenges of living with diabetes, including reduced physical function, healthy lifestyle struggles, sexual dysfunction, and financial burden, (2)mental health issues, including depression, distress, anxiety, frustration, and loneliness, (3)self-management ability, including management of lifestyle modifications and treatment, knowledge about the disease and treatment, and (4)patient-clinician relationships, including the devotion of clinicians, trust in clinicians and treatment, shared decision-making, and multidisciplinary care under one roof. Experts favour using PROMs in diabetes routine care and even acknowledged their necessity to improve the treatment process. However, only some of the domains raised by people with type 2 diabetes were identified by the experts. Conclusions: There are content gaps between perspectives of people with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers. PROMs are essential in addressing issues largely not addressed in routine diabetes care. We recommend that researchers and healthcare providers, who intend to utilize PROMs for diabetes care, consider the aforementioned domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the impact of adding saxagliptin versus placebo on the risk for hypoglycemia and to identify predictors of any and major hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes included in the Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR-TIMI 53) study.Research Design and Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 16,492) were randomized to saxagliptin or placebo and followed for a median of 2.1 years. Associations between any hypoglycemia (symptomatic or glucose measurement <54 mg/dL) or major hypoglycemia (requiring extended assistance) and patient characteristics overall and by treatment allocation were studied.Results: At least one hypoglycemic event was reported in 16.6% of patients, and 1.9% reported at least one major event. Patients allocated to saxagliptin versus placebo experienced higher rates of any (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16 [95% CI 1.08, 1.25]; P < 0.001) or major (HR 1.26 [1.01, 1.58]; P = 0.038) hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia rates (any or major) were increased with saxagliptin in patients taking sulfonylureas (SURs) but not in those taking insulin. Rates were increased with saxagliptin in those with baseline HbA1c ≤7.0% and not in those with baseline HbA1c >7.0%. Multivariate analysis of the overall population revealed that independent predictors of any hypoglycemia were as follows: allocation to saxagliptin, long duration of diabetes, increased updated HbA1c, macroalbuminuria, moderate renal failure, SUR use, and insulin use. Predictors of major hypoglycemia were allocation to saxagliptin, advanced age, black race, reduced BMI, long duration of diabetes, declining renal function, microalbuminuria, and use of short-acting insulin. Among SURs, glibenclamide was associated with increased risk of major but not any hypoglycemia.Conclusions: The identification of patients at risk for hypoglycemia can guide physicians to better tailor antidiabetic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type-2 diabetes (T2D), chronic kidney disease, and heart failure (HF) share epidemiological and pathophysiological features. Although their prevalence was described, there is limited contemporary, high-resolution, epidemiological data regarding the overlap among them. We aimed to describe the epidemiological intersections between T2D, HF, and kidney dysfunction in an entire database, overall and by age and sex. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of adults ≥ 25 years, registered in 2019 at Maccabi Healthcare Services, a large healthcare maintenance organization in Israel. Collected data included sex, age, presence of T2D or HF, and last estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the past two years. Subjects with T2D, HF, or eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were defined as within the diabetes-cardio-renal (DCR) spectrum. Results: Overall, 1,389,604 subjects (52.2% females) were included; 445,477 (32.1%) were 25– < 40 years, 468,273 (33.7%) were 40– < 55 years, and 475,854 (34.2%) were ≥ 55 years old. eGFR measurements were available in 74.7% of the participants and in over 97% of those with T2D or HF. eGFR availability increased in older age groups. There were 140,636 (10.1%) patients with T2D, 54,187 (3.9%) with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2, and 11,605 (0.84%) with HF. Overall, 12.6% had at least one condition within the DCR spectrum, 2.0% had at least two, and 0.23% had all three. Cardiorenal syndrome (both HF and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2) was prevalent in 0.40% of the entire population and in 2.3% of those with T2D. In patients with both HF and T2D, 55.2% had eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 and 15.8% had eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m2. Amongst those within the DCR spectrum, T2D was prominent in younger participants, but was gradually replaced by HF and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 with increasing age. The congruence between all three conditions increased with age. Conclusions: This large, broad-based study provides a contemporary, high-resolution prevalence of the DCR spectrum and its components. The results highlight differences in dominance and degree of congruence between T2D, HF, and kidney dysfunction across ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dapagliflozin improved heart failure and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial (Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events - Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58). Here, the aim was to analyze the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin stratified according to baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP).Methods: The DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial randomly assigned patients with T2DM and either previous atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors to dapagliflozin or placebo. Patients were categorized by baseline SBP levels: <120, 120 to 129, 130 to 139, 140 to 159, and ≥160 mm Hg (normal, elevated, stage 1, stage 2, and severe hypertension, respectively). Efficacy outcomes of interest were hospitalization for heart failure and a renal-specific composite outcome (sustained decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate by 40%, progression to end-stage renal disease, or renal death). Safety outcomes included symptoms of volume depletion, lower extremity amputations, and acute kidney injury.Results: The trial comprised 17 160 patients; mean age, 64.0±6.8 years; 37.4% women; median duration of T2DM, 11 years; 40.6% with prevalent cardiovascular disease. Overall, dapagliflozin reduced SBP by 2.4 mm Hg (95% CI, 1.9-2.9; P<0.0001) compared with placebo at 48 months. The beneficial effects of dapagliflozin on hospitalization for heart failure and renal outcomes were consistent across all baseline SBP categories, with no evidence of modification of treatment effect (Pinteractions=0.28 and 0.52, respectively). Among normotensive patients, the hazard ratios were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.42-1.05) and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.19-0.78), respectively, for hospitalization for heart failure and the renal-specific outcome. Events of volume depletion, amputation, and acute kidney injury did not differ with dapagliflozin overall or within any baseline SBP group.Conclusions: In patients with T2DM with or at high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, dapagliflozin reduced risk for hospitalization for heart failure and renal outcomes regardless of baseline SBP, with no difference in adverse events of interest at any level of baseline SBP. These results indicate that dapagliflozin provides cardiorenal benefits in patients with T2DM at high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk independent of baseline blood pressure.Registration: URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials: gov; Unique identifier: NCT01730534. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We evaluated gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) with once‐weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity and their contribution to weight loss (WL). Materials and methods: AE analyses pooled data from the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) 1‐3 trials for participants randomized to 68 weeks of semaglutide 2.4 mg (n = 2117) or placebo (n = 1262). WL was analysed by presence/absence of GI AEs. Mediation analysis estimated WL effects mediated by and unrelated to GI AEs. GI tolerability with semaglutide 2.4 mg maintenance and cessation after dose escalation was evaluated using STEP 4 data among 803 participants tolerating 20 weeks of semaglutide run‐in. Results: GI AEs were more common with semaglutide 2.4 mg than placebo, with most frequently nausea (43.9% vs. 16.1% of participants), diarrhoea (29.7% vs. 15.9%), vomiting (24.5% vs. 6.3%) and constipation (24.2% vs. 11.1%). Most GI AEs with semaglutide were non‐serious (99.5% of AEs), mild‐to‐moderate (98.1%), transient and occurred most frequently during/shortly after dose escalation. Few semaglutide‐treated participants (4.3%) permanently discontinued treatment for GI AEs. In STEP 1‐3, mean WL with semaglutide 2.4 mg was similar in participants without (9.6%‐17.1%) versus with GI AEs (11.4%‐17.7%). Consistent with this observation, mediation analysis found that GI AEs contributed little to semaglutide‐induced WL: of the additional 7.6%‐14.4% WL with semaglutide versus placebo, <1 percentage point was mediated by GI AEs. In STEP 4, semaglutide 2.4 mg maintenance was well tolerated. Conclusions: GI AEs were more common with semaglutide 2.4 mg than placebo, but typically mild‐to‐moderate and transient. Semaglutide‐induced WL was largely independent of GI AEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]