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Aims/hypothesis It is generally recommended to reduce basal insulin doses after exercise to reduce the risk of post-exercise nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Based on its long t½, it is unknown whether such adjustments are required or beneficial for insulin degludec. Methods The ADREM study (Adjustment of insulin Degludec to Reduce post-Exercise (nocturnal) hypoglycaeMia in people with diabetes) was a randomised controlled, crossover study in which we compared 40% dose reduction (D40), or postponement and 20% dose reduction (D20-P), with no dose adjustment (CON) in adults with type 1 diabetes at elevated risk of hypoglycaemia, who performed a 45 min aerobic exercise test in the afternoon. All participants wore blinded continuous glucose monitors for 6 days, measuring the incidence of (nocturnal) hypoglycaemia and subsequent glucose profiles. Results We recruited 18 participants (six women, age 38 ± 13 years, HbA1c 56 ± 8 mmol/mol [7.3 ± 0.8%], mean ± SD). Time below range (i.e. glucose p=0.043), without differences in the number of hypoglycaemic events. Time above range (i.e. glucose >10 mmol/l) was greater for D20-P vs CON (mean ± SEM, 584 ± 81 vs 364 ± 66 min, p=0.001) and D40 (385 ± 72 min, p=0.003). Conclusions/interpretation Post-exercise adjustment of degludec does not mitigate the risk of subsequent nocturnal hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes. Although reducing degludec reduced next-day time below range, this did not translate into fewer hypoglycaemic events, while postponing degludec should be avoided because of increased time above range. Altogether, these data do not support degludec dose adjustment after a single exercise bout. Trial registration EudraCT number 2019-004222-22 Funding The study was funded by an unrestricted grant from Novo Nordisk, Denmark. Graphical abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has a large impact worldwide and is known to particularly affect the older population. This paper outlines the protocol for external validation of prognostic models predicting mortality risk after presentation with COVID-19 in the older population. These prognostic models were originally developed in an adult population and will be validated in an older population (≥70 years of age) in three healthcare settings: the hospital setting, the primary care setting, and the nursing home setting. Methods: Based on a living systematic review of COVID-19 prediction models, we identified eight prognostic models predicting the risk of mortality in adults with a COVID-19 infection (five COVID-19 specific models: GAL-COVID-19 mortality, 4C Mortality Score, NEWS2+ model, Xie model, and Wang clinical model and three pre-existing prognostic scores: APACHE-II, CURB65, SOFA). These eight models will be validated in six different cohorts of the Dutch elder population, three hospital cohorts, two primary care cohorts, and a nursing home cohort. All prognostic models will be validated in hospital setting while the GAL-COVID-19 mortality model will be validated in hospital, primary care, and nursing home settings. The study will include individuals ≥70 years of age with a highly suspected or PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection from March 2020 to December 2020 (and up to December 2021 in a sensitivity analysis). The predictive performance will be evaluated in terms of discrimination, calibration, and decision curves for each of the COVID-19 prognostic models in each cohort individually. For prognostic models with indications of miscalibration, an intercept update will be performed after which predictive performance will be re-evaluated. Discussion:Insight into the performance of existing prognostic models in one of the most vulnerable populations clarifies the extent to which tailoring of COVID-19 prognostic models is needed when models are applied to the older population. Such insight will be important for possible future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemics.

Aim: To examine how hypoglycemia while asleep impacts self-reported daily functioning among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) . Methods: On 70 consecutive mornings, 250 people with T1D wearing a continuous glucose monitor reported sleep quality, mood, and alertness via the Hypo-METRICS smartphone app. Each night was categorized based on presence (+) or absence (-) of person-reported hypoglycemia (PRH) and sensor-detected hypoglycemia (SDH) into one of four types (see Figure 1, Type A-D) . Multilevel regression assessed associations between hypoglycemia and daily functioning (unstandardized coefficients (β) on original 0-scale) , adjusted for baseline demographic, clinical and psychological factors. Results: In the first 54 adults (52% women, age[M±SD]: 45±15 years) , nighttime PRH (Type C & D, Figure 1) was associated with reduced subjective sleep quality (C: β=-0.67; D: β=-0.58) , mood (C: β=-0.43; D: β=-0.58) and alertness (C: β=-0.34, p=0.015; D: β=-0.46) (all p0.05) . Conclusion: These novel data show the potentially pivotal role of the subjective experience of hypoglycemia for sleep quality, mood and alertness. Disclosure U.Soeholm: Research Support; Novo Nordisk A/S. E.Renard: Consultant; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, LifeScan, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. E.J.Abbink: None. P.M.Baumann: None. S.R.Heller: Advisory Panel; Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Mylan N.V., Zealand Pharma A/S, Zucara Therapeutics, Other Relationship; Eli Lilly and Company, Research Support; Dexcom, Inc., Speaker's Bureau; Novo Nordisk A/S. B.E.De galan: Research Support; Novo Nordisk. U.Pedersen-bjergaard: Advisory Panel; Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. M.Evans: Advisory Panel; Pila Pharma, Zucara Therapeutics, Other Relationship; Abbott Diabetes, Dexcom, Inc., Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Research Support; AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Speaker's Bureau; Lilly Diabetes. D.Pollard: Other Relationship; Novo Nordisk. R.J.Mccrimmon: Advisory Panel; Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Research Support; Diabetes UK, European Union, MedImmune. S.A.Amiel: Advisory Panel; Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Other Relationship; Sanofi. M.M.Broadley: None. C.Hendrieckx: None. J.Speight: Advisory Panel; Insulet Corporation, Research Support; Novo Nordisk, Sanofi. P.Choudhary: Advisory Panel; Abbott Diabetes, Lilly Diabetes, Medtronic, Research Support; Novo Nordisk, Speaker's Bureau; Dexcom, Inc., Glooko, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Sanofi. F.Pouwer: Research Support; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi. N.Zaremba: None. P.Divilly: None. G.Martine-edith: Other Relationship; Novo Nordisk. G.Nefs: None. Z.Mahmoudi: Employee; Novo Nordisk A/S. J.K.Mader: Advisory Panel; Abbott Diabetes, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Speaker's Bureau; Abbott Diabetes, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Servier Laboratories, Stock/Shareholder; decide Clinical Software GmbH. M.Cigler: None. Funding This work was supported by the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement 777460

Background Finding a suitable treatment for HCV patients with swallowing disorders is still a major challenge. In practice, direct-acting antivirals are crushed without knowledge of adequate absorption. Crushing can alter drug exposure, possibly leading to treatment failure, development of resistance or toxicity. Currently, there is no information about crushing of the fixed-dose combination tablet of elbasvir/grazoprevir; therefore, crushing of this tablet is not recommended. Objectives To investigate the influence of crushing on the pharmacokinetics of the elbasvir/grazoprevir fixed-dose combination tablet. Methods We conducted an open-label, two-period, randomized, cross-over, Phase I, single-dose trial in 11 healthy adult volunteers. Subjects randomly received whole-tablet elbasvir/grazoprevir or crushed and suspended elbasvir/grazoprevir in a fasted state. Pharmacokinetic similarity criteria (90% CIs lie within 70%–143% acceptance range) were used for AUC0–∞ and AUC0–72. Results Mean plasma concentration–time curves of elbasvir and grazoprevir showed similar pharmacokinetic profiles. The primary pharmacokinetic parameters AUC0–∞ and AUC0–72 of elbasvir and grazoprevir after intake of a crushed tablet were on average 12%–16% higher compared with the whole tablet, but 90% CIs were all within the predefined boundaries of pharmacokinetic similarity. Crushing leads to a higher Cmax of grazoprevir (42%); no significant difference was found between treatments with regard to the Cmax of elbasvir. No serious adverse events were reported during the trial. Conclusions Pharmacokinetic similarity could be demonstrated for a crushed and suspended tablet compared with a whole tablet, without impacting drug safety or efficacy. Crushed and suspended administration of elbasvir/grazoprevir can be used in patients with swallowing disorders.

Physical exercise has many health benefits, equally so for people with diabetes mellitus. The glycaemic responses to the various types of exercise differ and include an increased risk of late (nocturnal) hypoglycaemia, making physical exercise a challenge for some people with diabetes who are treated with insulin. Insulin treatment interferes with normal physiologic responses to exercise, which are necessary to maintain the blood glucose level within the normal range. During aerobic exercise, the blood glucose concentration usually drops, whereas anaerobic exercise generally causes a rise in glycaemia in people with diabetes using insulin. In people with insulin treated diabetes, a combination of frequent (continuous) blood glucose monitoring, adjustments in insulin dose and ingestion of carbohydrates ensures a safe management of glycaemia during and after physical activity.

Contains fulltext : 232027.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) AIM: To describe the prevalence and characteristics of polypharmacy in a Dutch cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We included people with type 2 diabetes from the Diabetes Pearl cohort, of whom 3886 were treated in primary care and 2873 in academic care (secondary/tertiary). With multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses stratified for line of care, we assessed which sociodemographic, lifestyle and cardiometabolic characteristics were associated with moderate (5-9 medications) and severe polypharmacy (≥10 medications) compared with no polypharmacy (0-4 medications). RESULTS: Mean age was 63 ± 10 years, and 40% were women. The median number of daily medications was 5 (IQR 3-7) in primary care and 7 (IQR 5-10) in academic care. The prevalence of moderate and severe polypharmacy was 44% and 10% in primary care, and 53% and 29% in academic care respectively. Glucose-lowering and lipid-modifying medications were most prevalent. People with severe polypharmacy used a relatively large amount of other (i.e. non-cardiovascular and non-glucose-lowering) medication. Moderate and severe polypharmacy across all lines of care were associated with higher age, low educational level, more smoking, longer diabetes duration, higher BMI and more cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Severe and moderate polypharmacy are prevalent in over half of people with type 2 diabetes in primary care, and even more in academic care. People with polypharmacy are characterized by poorer cardiometabolic status. These results highlight the significance of polypharmacy in type 2 diabetes.

ObjectiveTo describe clinical characteristics, disease course and outcomes in a large and well-documented cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the Netherlands.MethodsWe conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study in The Netherlands including 952 of 1183 consecutively hospitalized patients that were admitted to participating hospitals between March 2nd, 2020, and May 22nd, 2020. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters upon admission and during hospitalization were collected until July 1st.ResultsThe median age was 69 years (IQR 58–77 years) and 605 (63.6%) were male. Cardiovascular disease was present in 558 (58.6%) patients. The median time of onset of symptoms prior to hospitalization was 7 days (IQR 5–10). A non ICU admission policy was applicable in 312 (32.8%) patients and in 165 (56.3%) of the severely ill patients admitted to the ward. At admission and during hospitalization, severely ill patients had higher values of CRP, LDH, ferritin and D-dimer with higher neutrophil counts and lower lymphocyte counts. Overall in-hospital mortality was 25.1% and 183 (19.1%) patients were admitted to ICU, of whom 56 (30.6%) died. Patients aged ≥70 years had high mortality, both at the ward (52.4%) and ICU (47.4%). The median length of ICU stay was 8 days longer in patients aged ≥70 years compared to patients aged ≤60 years.ConclusionHospitalized COVID-19 patients aged ≥70 years had high mortality and longer ICU stay compared to patients aged ≤60 years. These findings in combination with the patient burden of an ICU admission and possible long term complications after discharge should encourage us to further investigate the benefit of ICU admission in elderly and fragile COVID-19-patients.

Background To date, survival data on risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in western Europe is limited, and none of the published survival studies have used a competing risk approach. This study aims to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients in the Netherlands, considering recovery as a competing risk. Methods In this observational multicenter cohort study we included adults with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection that were admitted to one of five hospitals in the Netherlands (March to May 2020). We performed a competing risk survival analysis, presenting cause-specific hazard ratios (HRCS) for the effect of preselected factors on the absolute risk of death and recovery. Results 1,006 patients were included (63.9% male; median age 69 years, IQR: 58–77). Patients were hospitalized for a median duration of 6 days (IQR: 3–13); 243 (24.6%) of them died, 689 (69.9%) recovered, and 74 (7.4%) were censored. Patients with higher age (HRCS 1.10, 95% CI 1.08–1.12), immunocompromised state (HRCS 1.46, 95% CI 1.08–1.98), who used anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication (HRCS 1.38, 95% CI 1.01–1.88), with higher modified early warning score (MEWS) (HRCS 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.18), and higher blood LDH at time of admission (HRCS 6.68, 95% CI 1.95–22.8) had increased risk of death, whereas fever (HRCS 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.95) decreased risk of death. We found no increased mortality risk in male patients, high BMI or diabetes. Conclusion Our competing risk survival analysis confirms specific risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in a the Netherlands, which can be used for prediction research, more intense in-hospital monitoring or prioritizing particular patients for new treatments or vaccination.

IntroductionSex differences in cardiometabolic risk factors and their management in type 2 diabetes (T2D) have not been fully identified. Therefore, we aimed to examine differences in cardiometabolic risk factor levels, pharmacological treatment and achievement of risk factor control between women and men with T2D.Research design and methodsCross-sectional data from the Dutch Diabetes Pearl cohort were used (n=6637, 40% women). Linear and Poisson regression analyses were used to examine sex differences in cardiometabolic risk factor levels, treatment, and control.ResultsCompared with men, women had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (mean difference 1.79 kg/m2 (95% CI 1.49 to 2.08)), while no differences were found in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Women had lower diastolic blood pressure (−1.94 mm Hg (95% CI −2.44 to −1.43)), higher total cholesterol (TC) (0.44 mmol/L (95% CI 0.38 to 0.51)), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (0.26 mmol/L (95% CI 0.22 to 0.31)), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) sex-standardized (0.02 mmol/L (95% CI 0.00 to 0.04)), and lower TC:HDL ratio (−0.29 (95% CI −0.36 to −0.23)) and triglycerides (geometric mean ratio 0.91 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.98)). Women had a 16% higher probability of being treated with antihypertensive medication in the presence of high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and elevated SBP than men (relative risk 0.84 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.98)), whereas no sex differences were found for glucose-lowering medication and lipid-modifying medication. Among those treated, women were less likely to achieve treatment targets of HbA1c (0.92 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.98)) and LDL-c (0.89 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.92)) than men, while no differences for SBP were found.ConclusionsIn this Dutch T2D population, women had a slightly different cardiometabolic risk profile compared with men and a substantially higher BMI. Women had a higher probability of being treated with antihypertensive medication in the presence of high CVD risk and elevated SBP than men, and were less likely than men to achieve treatment targets for HbA1c and LDL levels.

Contains fulltext : 169907.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) We investigated whether a fixed-dose combination tablet of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovirDF (Stribild) can be crushed and combined with enteral nutrition without influencing pharmacokinetics. This was an open-label, 3-period, single-dose, randomized, crossover trial in 24 healthy volunteers. Subjects received Stribild whole tablet with breakfast (reference), crushed/suspended Stribild + breakfast, crushed/suspended Stribild + enteral nutrition. Crushed/suspended Stribild + enteral nutrition was bioequivalent (90% confidence interval between 80% and 125%) with a whole Stribild tablet. Crushed/suspended Stribild + breakfast showed bioequivalence for the area under the curve (AUC0-32), but not for maximum concentration (Cmax) (considered not clinically relevant). Patients with swallowing difficulties or an enteral feeding tube can use crushed and suspended Stribild tablets.

Contains fulltext : 208787.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) We aimed to evaluate the effect of the acid beverage Coca-Cola on the pharmacokinetics of velpatasvir (VEL) when given with omeprazole. This was an open-label, randomized, crossover trial in 11 healthy adults. A single dose of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) 400/100 mg was administered alone (reference) or with omeprazole 40 mg once daily with water (intervention I); in the intervention II arm, omeprazole 40 mg was combined with 250 mL of Coca-Cola. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were calculated for VEL area under the concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-inf ) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ). VEL exposure was reduced by 26.7% when SOF/VEL was coadministered with omeprazole vs. reference: GMRs (90% confidence interval (CI)) were 73.3% (55.6-96.8) and 69.1% (52.3-91.2) for AUC0-inf and Cmax , respectively. Intake of SOF/VEL with Coca-Cola compensated for the interaction with omeprazole and resulted in a higher VEL exposure. GMRs (90% CI) were 161.6% (122.4-213.3) for AUC0-inf and 143.9% (109.0-190.0) for Cmax . Therefore, Coca-Cola can be used to overcome the drug-drug interaction between VEL and omeprazole.

Aim: Most people with type 2 diabetes eventually require insulin treatment because of progressive loss of beta-cell function. The most common adverse effect of insulin therapy is hypoglycemia. Recurrent hypoglycemia may lead to impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) and a consequently high risk for severe hypoglycemia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IAH and severe hypoglycemia in a large cohort of people with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. Methods: The Dutch Diabetes Pearl is a contemporary cohort of people with type 2 diabetes from primary, secondary and tertiary medical centers in the Netherlands. We collected data from people on insulin therapy who had completed the validated Dutch version of the Clarke questionnaire on IAH, where 3 out of 5 points indicate IAH. Descriptive statistics, T-tests and Chi-square tests were performed. Results: Our study included 1923 patients of whom 59% were men. Median age was 62.1 years (interquartile range 55.1-68.3), median diabetes duration was 13.9 years (8.8-20.1) and median HbA1c was 7.6 % (7.0-8.5). 2individuals (10.8%) were classified as having IAH; these people were more likely to be non-Caucasian and have a lower educational level, and less likely to have a partner. Severe hypoglycemia was reported in 617 patients (32.1%) and severe hypoglycemia requiring medical intervention in the past year in 166 patients (8.6%). People with severe hypoglycemia were more likely to be non-Caucasian, to have a lower educational level, to have a history of cardiovascular events and neuropathic pain, and to use over 10 different types of drugs. No significant associations between HbA1c-levels and IAH or severe hypoglycemia were observed. Conclusion: IAH and severe hypoglycemia are common in people with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin. Non- Caucasian ethnicity, lower educational level, and being single may be risk factors for IAH in patients with type 2 diabetes. Disclosure L. van Meijel: None. F. de Vegt: None. C. Tack: Advisory Panel; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S, AstraZeneca. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. E.J. Abbink: None. F. Rutters: None. J.M. Dekker: None. B.H. Wolffenbuttel: None. F. Holleman: Other Relationship; Self; Sanofi-Aventis, Bioton, AstraZeneca. J. DeVries: Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Medtronic, Novo Nordisk A/S. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care Health and Digital Solutions. Advisory Panel; Self; Sanofi. Research Support; Self; Senseonics. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Senseonics. Advisory Panel; Self; Zealand Pharma A/S. N. Masurel: None. H. Pijl: None. B. Ozcan: None. B. Silvius: None. B.E. de Galan: Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Sanofi. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S.

Summary Background Obesity is associated with low‐grade inflammation that may be related to vascular disease. We hypothesized that inflammation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue is associated with impaired endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation. Methods We assessed endothelial function by measuring forearm vascular response to acetylcholine and determined inflammation in subcutaneous fat biopsies in 2 groups of subjects; 15 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 19 subjects with dyslipidaemia combined with hypertension (DcH). The adipose tissue inflammation score was based on adipocyte size, influx of macrophages and presence of crown‐like structures. We compared the vascular response to acetylcholine between subjects with and without adipose tissue inflammation. Results Patients with diabetes had clearly decreased vasodilatation compared to patients with DcH. In total, 23 of the 34 fulfilled the criteria of subcutaneous adipose tissue inflammation. However, there was no difference in vascular response to acetylcholine between the group with and without inflammation (changes in FBF from baseline 3.9 ± 0.8, 7.8 ± 1.0 and 13.6 ± 1.0 mL/dL/min compared to 4.3 ± 1.0, 7.9 ± 2.1 and 12.2 ± 2.4 mL/dL/min in response to acetylcholine 0.5, 2.0 and 8.0 μg/dL/min), nor was there a relationship between systemic hs‐CRP levels and endothelial function. Conclusions We confirm that subjects with T2DM have impaired endothelial function compared to age‐ and BMI‐matched subjects with DcH. However, endothelial function did not differ between participants with or without inflammation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. These results suggest that fat tissue inflammation, at least in the subcutaneous compartment, does not affect vascular function.

Aims: Individual indicators of socio-economic status have been associated with glycaemic control in people with Type 2 diabetes, but little is known about the association between partner’s socio-economic status and HbA1c levels. We therefore examined the cross-sectional association between individual and partner’s level of occupation on HbA1c levels in people with Type 2 diabetes in the Netherlands. Methods: We included people with Type 2 diabetes with a partner who were treated in primary, secondary and tertiary care in the Diabetes Pearl cohort. Occupational level was classified according to International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO)-08 skill levels. Linear regression analyses were performed stratified for sex, and corrected for age, recruitment centre and diabetes medication. Results: In total, 3257 participants (59.8% men, mean 62.2±9.4 years) were included. For men, having a partner with an intermediate level of occupation was associated with lower HbA1c levels [e.g. ISCO level 3: –2 mmol/mol (95% CI –4;–1) or -0.2% (95% CI –0.4;–0.1)], compared with having a partner of the highest occupational level (ISCO level 4). In women, having an unemployed partner was associated with higher HbA1c levels [14 mmol/mol (95% CI 6; 22) or 1.3% (95% CI 0.6; 2.0)], compared with having a partner of the highest occupational level. Conclusions: Partner's occupational status provided additional information on the association between socio-economic status and HbA1c levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Women seemed to benefit from a partner with a higher occupational status, while men seemed to benefit from a partner with a lower status. Because of the cross-sectional nature of the present study, more research is necessary to explore this association.

OBJECTIVE Insulin administered by jet injectors is dispensed over a larger subcutaneous area than insulin injected with a syringe, which may facilitate a more rapid absorption. This study compared the pharmacologic profile of administration of insulin aspart by jet injection to that by conventional insulin pen. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Euglycemic glucose clamp tests were performed in 18 healthy volunteers after subcutaneous administration of 0.2 units/kg body wt of aspart, either administered by jet injection or by conventional pen, using a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, cross over study design. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles were derived from the glucose infusion rate (GIR) needed to maintain euglycemia and from plasma insulin levels, respectively. RESULTS The time to maximal GIR was significantly shorter when insulin was injected with the jet injector compared with conventional pen administration (51 ± 3 vs. 105 ± 11 min, P < 0.0001). The time to peak insulin concentration was similarly reduced (31 ± 3 vs. 64 ± 6 min, P < 0.0001) and peak insulin concentrations were increased (108 ± 13 vs. 79 ± 7 mU/L, P = 0.01) when insulin was injected by jet injection compared with conventional pen injection. Jet injector insulin administration reduced the time to 50% glucose disposal by ∼40 min (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in maximal GIR, total insulin absorption, or total insulin action between the two devices. CONCLUSIONS Administration of insulin aspart by jet injection enhances insulin absorption and reduces the duration of glucose-lowering action. This profile resembles more closely the pattern of endogenous insulin secretion and may help to achieve better meal insulin coverage and correction of postprandial glucose excursions.

Contains fulltext : 88642.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) is a common autosomal dominant hereditary disorder caused by mutations in the LDL-receptor gene that lead to elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c). Robust lowering of LDL-c levels is essential for risk reduction of premature cardiovascular diseases and early death. European and Dutch guidelines recommend to treat LDL-c to plasma levels or=2.5mmol/l, was acceptance of a higher target LDL-c level by the treating physician. An alternative treatment goal of >50% LDL-c reduction, as recommended in the NICE guidelines, was achieved in 47% of patients with an LDL-c >or=2.5mmol/l and not using maximum therapy. CONCLUSION: Only a small proportion of patients with heFH reaches the LDL-c treatment target of

Contains fulltext : 89207.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk when untreated or when normal LDL-C concentrations are not reached. Some patients with FH do not reach LDL-C goals despite intensive combination therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of colesevelam added to maximally tolerated, stable-dose combination treatment with a statin + ezetimibe. METHODS: This Phase IV, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled patients aged 18 to 75 years with FH and an LDL-C concentration >2.5 mmol/L who were receiving a maximally tolerated and stable regimen of a statin + ezetimibe. Patients were randomly assigned to receive colesevelam 3.75 g/d or placebo added to the statin + ezetimibe for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was the difference in LDL-C between the colesevelam and placebo groups after 6 weeks. Secondary efficacy outcomes were between-group differences in LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, triglyceride (Tg), apolipoprotein (apo) B, and apoA-I concentrations, as well as apoB/apoA-I ratio after 12 weeks. Tolerability was assessed based on the prevalences of adverse events by organ system class in each treatment group. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were randomized (45 colesevelam, 41 placebo), of whom 84 (44 colesevelam, 40 placebo) were included in the primary analysis. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 52.8 (10.8) years, and 51 (59%) were men. The difference (95% CI) in LDL-C between colesevelam and placebo after 6 weeks was -18.5% (-25.3 to -11.8). Between-group differences in LDL-C, TC, HDL-C, Tg, and apoB/apoA-I ratio after 12 weeks were -12.0% (-17.8 to -6.3), -7.3% (-12.0 to -2.6), +3.3% (-2.4 to +9.0), +2.8% (-10.4 to +15.9), and -12.2% (-20.2 to -4.2), respectively. Colesevelam was generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal adverse events in 12 of 45 patients (27%) versus 7 of 40 (18%) in the placebo group (P = NS). CONCLUSION: In these patients with FH, colesevelam added to a combination of a statin + ezetimibe was associated with significantly improved LDL-C concentrations compared with placebo during the 12-week study period and was generally well tolerated. 01 april 2010

Contains fulltext : 50254.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) OBJECTIVES: Familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH) is associated with insulin resistance. We hypothesized that pioglitazone treatment of FCH patients might increase insulin sensitivity, but may also improve serum lipid levels, body fat distribution, intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and endothelial function. DESIGN: Double blind, randomized, cross-over study. SUBJECTS: Seventeen FCH patients. INTERVENTIONS: Sixteen weeks of pioglitazone treatment (30 mg) compared with 16 weeks of placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Insulin sensitivity was measured using the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp procedure, body fat distribution and IMCL using magnetic resonance techniques and endothelial function using flow-mediated vasodilatation. RESULTS: Pioglitazone improved insulin sensitivity (M value 37.7 +/- 3.6 micromol min(-1) kg(-1) vs. 33.0 +/- 3.3 micromol min(-1) kg(-1) during placebo, P < 0.05) and LDL composition by increasing the K value (-0.11 +/- 0.06 vs. -0.20 +/- 0.06 during placebo, P < 0.05). However, pioglitazone did not affect other serum lipid levels. Endothelial function, body fat distribution and IMCL were also not affected. In addition, pioglitazone was associated with a decrease in liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase). CONCLUSION: Pioglitazone treatment of FCH patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus increases insulin sensitivity, decreases liver enzymes and improves LDL composition but has a neutral effect on total serum lipid levels. The change in insulin sensitivity might be too small to induce changes in endothelial function, body fat distribution and IMCL.

Item does not contain fulltext OBJECTIVE: Although several studies have reported a positive effect of statins on endothelial vasoreactivity, most studies performed in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus report no effect at all. This lack of effect may be related to the existence of insulin resistance, or to insufficient lowering of atherogenic (apo)lipoproteins. Therefore, we tested in this study whether treatment of insulin resistant familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH) patients with a high dose (40 mg/day) of the potent rosuvastatin was able to improve endothelial function, without necessarily improving insulin sensitivity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a double-blind randomised crossover study, 18 subjects with FCH (without evident cardiovascular disease, mean [standard deviation] age 54 [7] years) underwent a 4-week run-in period after which they were randomised to treatment with placebo once daily for 12 weeks, followed by rosuvastatin 40 mg/day for 12 weeks or vice versa. Endothelial function was determined after 8 and 12 weeks of both treatment periods, respectively, by measurement of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) using high-resolution ultrasound and by measurement of vasodilator response to intrabrachial acetylcholine (Ach) by venous occlusion plethysmography (forearm blood flow [FBF]). RESULTS: Plasma levels of lipids, (apo)lipoproteins and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) improved significantly after rosuvastatin therapy compared to placebo. However, rosuvastatin had no effect on homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-indices or on vasodilator responses to intra-brachial acetylcholine-infusion (FBF-ratio increased from a mean of 1.28 [SD: 0.46] to 5.82 [3.44] after rosuvastatin and from 1.33 [0.67] to 5.99 [3.89] after placebo, p = 0.35). Endothelium-dependent FMD was also unchanged (1.6% [3.1%] vs. 3.2% [3.5]%, p = 0.56 rosuvastatin vs. placebo, respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients with FCH, a 12-week treatment of rosuvastatin 40 mg/day did not improve endothelial function (either in large conduit vessels or in resistance vessels), despite significant improvements in plasma lipids, (apo)lipoproteins. and low-grade inflammation.

We recently showed in a euglycaemic glucose clamp study among 18 healthy volunteers that using jet injectors rather than conventional pens significantly improved the time-action profiles of rapid-acting insulin analogs. Here, we investigated whether such profiles were modified by body mass index (BMI) and related weight parameters by comparing insulin administration by jet injection to that by conventional pen in subgroups defined by BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference and insulin dose. After conventional administration, times to peak insulin levels (T-INS(max)) occurred 31.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.7-48.5] min later and time to maximum glucose requirement (T-GIR(max)) 56.9 (95%CI 26.6-87.3) min later in more obese (BMI > 23.6 kg/m(2)) than in lean subjects (BMI < 23.6 kg/m(2)). In contrast, T-INS(max) and T-GIR(max) were similar in subjects with high and low BMI, when insulin was administered by jet injection. We conclude that using jet injection for insulin administration may especially benefit subjects with higher body weight.

Aims Glibenclamide attenuates the protective responses to opening of vascular ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels during ischaemia. Therefore, glibenclamide treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus may have hazardous cardiovascular effects when used under conditions of ischaemia. Glimepiride and metformin seem to lack such characteristics. Based on these data, we hypothesized that, in contrast to glibenclamide, chronic treatment of Type 2 diabetic patients with glimepiride or metformin will not impair the vasodilator function of KATP opening in vivo. Methods Two groups of 12 Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients participated in a double-blind randomized cross-over study consisting of two 8-week periods, in which treatment with orally administered glibenclamide (15 mg/day) was compared with either glimepiride or metformin (6 mg and 1500 mg/day, respectively). At the end of each treatment period, the increase in forearm blood flow (FBF, venous occlusion plethysmography) in response to intra-arterial administered diazoxide (KATP opener), acetylcholine (endothelium-dependent vasodilator) and dipyridamole (adenosine-uptake blocker) and to forearm ischaemia was measured. Results There were no significant differences in vasodilator responses to diazoxide, acetylcholine, dipyridamole and forearm ischaemia after glibenclamide compared with glimepiride and metformin. Conclusions Chronic treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus with glimepiride or metformin has similar effects on vascular KATP channels compared with chronic glibenclamide treatment. Diabet. Med. 19, 136–143 (2002)

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have shown that glibenclamide inhibits the opening of vascular ATP-sensitive potassium channels during ischemia. This observation may implicate cardiovascular effects of sulphonylurea derivatives when used under conditions of ischemia in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to resistance arteries, the (pre) capillary vessels also contain ATP-dependent potassium channels. Closure of these channels by sulphonylurea derivatives might affect the development of microvascular disease in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we investigated the microcirculatory effects of sulphonylurea derivatives in Type 2 diabetic patients as compared with healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arteriovenous blood flow (skin temperature and laser Doppler flux) and capillary blood cell velocity were measured before and during infusion of four doses of glibenclamide (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 microg min-1 dL-1) into the brachial artery of 14 Type 2 diabetic patients and 13 healthy controls. The experiments included appropriate time control studies. RESULTS: Both skin temperature and laser Doppler flux decreased in response to glibenclamide in healthy volunteers (-7 +/- 2%, P < 0.0005 and -31 +/- 11%, P = 0.001, respectively), but did not change in Type 2 diabetic patients (1 +/- 3%, P = 0.29 and 4 +/- 14%, P = 0.97). However, capillary blood cell velocity decreased in Type 2 diabetic patients (-38 +/- 18%, P = 0.04), but did not change in healthy volunteers (-1 +/- 11%, P = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that glibenclamide indeed affects microvascular blood flow. Glibenclamide may induce redistribution of the microvascular skin flow from nutritive flow to arteriovenous shunt flow in Type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, closure of ATP-dependent potassium channels by glibenclamide possibly plays a role in the development of microangiopathy in Type 2 diabetic patients.

Item does not contain fulltext The reproducibility of capillaroscopic measurements of capillary blood cell velocity (CBV) in human nailfolds was investigated by use of the computerized system CapiFlow. Therefore, CBV measurements of two capillaries of each of three fingers together with laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF) and skin temperature measurements were performed three times in five healthy volunteers. Short-term (1.5 h) intra-individual coefficient of variation (CV) of CBV was 18.4%. Long-term (7 days) CV amounted to 55.8%. Inter-individual CV was 55.9%. Short- and long-term intra-individual CVs of LDF were 25.4% and 37.3%. Inter-individual variation was 36.0%. Skin temperature showed short- and long-term CVs of 3.7% and 5.5% and inter-individual CV of 5.8%. In conclusion, measurement of CBV using CapiFlow is a suitable method to assess acute effects, but has limited value in investigating long-term effects. Because of the wide interindividual variability in both CBV and LDF, power calculations will reveal large numbers to investigate. Skin temperature has a relatively small intra- and inter-individual variation and is more suitable for long-term studies.

It was previously shown that systemic hyperinsulinemia induces vasodilation in human skeletal muscle. The mechanism mediating this vasodilation is not yet completely clarified. Based on data from animal experiments, we hypothesized that stimulation of the adenosine receptor is involved in insulin-induced vasodilation. To test this hypothesis, a 105-min hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was performed in three groups of eight healthy volunteers. In group 1, placebo was infused into the left brachial artery (experimental forearm). In the second and third group, respectively, draflazine (an adenosine-uptake blocker) and theophylline (an adenosine-receptor antagonist) were administered by intrabrachial infusion. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous-occlusion plethysmography, both at the experimental and the control forearms. The percentage decrease in flow ratio (FBF experimental arm/control arm) in the draflazine group was significantly less pronounced than that in the placebo group, whereas the percentage decrease in flow ratio was larger in the theophylline group. These results demonstrate that the insulin-induced increase in blood flow in the experimental arm was more pronounced at the site of adenosine-uptake blockade by draflazine, whereas this was reduced during adenosine-receptor antagonism by theophylline. Our observations are compatible with the hypothesis that insulin-induced vasodilation is mediated by the release of adenosine.

Background Type 2 diabetes is associated with considerable comorbidity and severe complications, which reduce quality of life of the patients and require high levels of healthcare. The Diabetes Pearl is a large cohort of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, covering different geographical areas in the Netherlands. The aim of the study is to create a research infrastructure that will allow the study of risk factors, including biomarkers and genetic determinants for severe diabetes complications. Methods/design Baseline examinations began November 2009 and will continue through 2012. By the end of 2012, it is expected that 7000 patients with type 2 diabetes will be included in the Diabetes Pearl cohort. To ensure quality of the data collected, standard operation procedures were developed and used in all 8 recruitment centers. From all patients who provide informed consent, the following information is collected: personal information, medication use, physical examination (antropometry, blood pressure, electrocardiography (ECG), retina photographs, ankle-brachial index, peripheral vibration perception), self-report questionnaire (socio-economic status, lifestyle, (family) history of disease, and psychosocial well-being), laboratory measurements (glucose, A1c, lipid profile, kidney function), biobank material (storage of urine and blood samples and isolated DNA). All gathered clinical data and biobank information is uploaded to a database for storage on a national level. Biobanks are maintained locally at all recruitment centers. Discussion The Diabetes Pearl is large-scale cohort of type 2 diabetes patients in the Netherlands aiming to study risk factors, including biomarkers and genetic markers, for disease deterioration and the development of severe diabetes complications. As a result of the well-designed research design and the national coverage, the Diabetes Pearl data can be of great value to national and international researchers with an interest in diabetes related research.

Contains fulltext : 48014.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: By influencing the mevalonate pathway, statins may have multiple effects besides lipid lowering. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin on serum lipids and insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic subjects with familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH), a population characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized crossover study, 18 subjects with FCH (without evident cardiovascular disease, mean age 54 +/- 7 years) were randomized to rosuvastatin 40 mg day(-1) or placebo for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of both treatment periods. Insulin sensitivity was determined with euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp after 12 weeks of both treatment periods. RESULTS: Serum lipids and lipoproteins improved significantly. Mean total cholesterol after the rosuvastatin treatment period was 44% lower compared to the placebo treatment period (triglycerides -28%; LDL-c -50%; VLDL-c -56%, VLDL-TG -39%) and both parameters of low-grade inflammation (as measured by hsCRP, -16%) and oxidative stress (as measured by plasma-oxLDL, -55%) decreased markedly after rosuvastatin therapy as compared to placebo. However, the insulin sensitivity index was unchanged (41.7 +/- 17.4 vs. 40.6 +/- 11.1 L kg(-1) min(-1), placebo vs. rosuvastatin, P = 0.71). CONCLUSION: Despite marked improvements in lipid and lipoprotein values, low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress, a relatively high dose of rosuvastatin did not change insulin sensitivity in subjects with FCH.

Contains fulltext : 57764.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: The more rapid onset of action and the shorter half-life of repaglinide may reduce the post-load glucose excursion and limit sustained insulin secretion compared to sulphonylurea (SU) derivatives. METHODS: We studied 12 patients with type 2 diabetes (age 62 +/- 2 years, BMI 28.3 +/- 1.3 kg m(-2), HbA1c 6.7 +/- 0.2%) on SU monotherapy at submaximal dose. Patients were treated for 3 weeks with repaglinide or glibenclamide in a randomized, crossover trial. At the end of each treatment period, patients underwent a 60-min hyperglycaemic clamp (glucose 12 mmol L(-1)) followed by 4-h observation (60-300 min) with frequent blood sampling for determination of glucose, insulin, proinsulin and C-peptide levels. Before the clamp (5 min for repaglinide, 30 min for glibenclamide), patients ingested their usual morning drug dose. RESULTS: After the end of the hyperglycaemic clamp, mean plasma glucose fell to a level of 5 mmol L(-1) after approximately 150 min with repaglinide, and after approximately 190 min with glibenclamide. While initially quite similar, in the period from 240 to 300 min, insulin, proinsulin and C-peptide levels were lower during repaglinide treatment (insulin 133 +/- 20 vs 153 +/- 25 pmol L(-1) (P < 0.05), proinsulin 14 +/- 3 vs 19 +/- 4 pmol L(-1) (P = 0.06) and C-peptide 0.81 +/- 0.19 vs 1.14 +/- 0.18 nmol L(-1) (P = 0.05) for repaglinide vs glibenclamide, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Following glucose stimulation, plasma glucose levels, and insulin concentration decrease more rapidly after repaglinide treatment than after glibenclamide. Proinsulin and C-peptide secretion tended to fall more rapidly as well. These findings are consistent with a more rapid onset and shorter duration of beta-cell stimulation associated with repaglinide.

Item does not contain fulltext The mechanism of insulin-induced vasodilation has not been completely clarified, but could be important in future treatment strategies of insulin resistance. Recently, a role for calcium-dependent and ATP-dependent potassium (K(Ca) and K(ATP)) channels in insulin-induced vasodilation has been demonstrated in in vitro studies. A role for these channels has never been confirmed in humans in vivo. Therefore, we investigated the role of these channels in insulin-induced vasodilation in humans in vivo. A hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was combined with intra-arterial infusion of placebo, tetraethylammonium (blocker of K(Ca) channels) or glibenclamide (blocker of K(ATP) channels) in three groups of 12 healthy volunteers. Bilateral forearm blood flow was measured with venous occlusion plethysmography. Systemic hyperinsulinemia induced a 20+/-9% vasodilation (p=0.001). Neither tetraethylammonium nor glibenclamide reduced this vasodilation as compared to placebo. According to the results of the present study, insulin-induced vasodilation seems not to be mediated by the opening of K(Ca) and K(ATP) channels in humans in vivo.

Contains fulltext : 188530.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Glibenclamide inhibits the opening of vascular ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels, which represents a protective mechanism during ischaemia. This effect may imply harmful cardiovascular effects of glibenclamide when used under conditions of ischaemia in patients with Type II diabetes. Acarbose is not associated with effects on the cardiovascular system, because the drug is not absorbed from the bowel. Therefore we hypothesized that treatment of Type II diabetes patients with glibenclamide will impair the vasodilator function of K(ATP) opening, unlike treatment with acarbose. A double-blind randomized cross-over study in 12 patients with Type II diabetes was performed to compare the effects of glibenclamide with those of acarbose on the vasodilator responses to K(ATP) channel opening in the forearm vascular bed. The study consisted of two periods: 8 weeks of treatment with orally administered glibenclamide (10 mg x day(-1)) followed by 8 weeks of treatment with acarbose (300 mg x day(-1)), or vice versa. At the end of each treatment period, forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography) in response to intra-arterially administered diazoxide, acetylcholine and dipyridamole and to forearm ischaemia was measured. The diazoxide-mediated increase in the forearm blood flow ratio (infused/control arm) was significantly less pronounced after glibenclamide than after acarbose (290 +/- 58% and 561 +/- 101% respectively; P

Objective. Recent reports show that heparin induces vasodilation. This heparin-induced vasodilation might interfere with the results of vascular studies using the perfused-forearm technique because the arterial catheter is often flushed with a heparin solution in those experiments. Therefore, we investigated the vascular effects of flushing an arterial catheter with a heparin solution compared with a placebo solution (NaCl 0.9%) in six healthy volunteers. Methods. During the first half of each experiment, the arterial catheter was flushed several times with the placebo solution. In the second half, identical flushes were performed with a solution of heparin diluted in NaCl 0.9% (4U·ml–1). Results. Forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography) response was similar with heparin and placebo after all flushes. Conclusion. We conclude that low-dose heparin in the solution to flush an arterial catheter has no short-term vasodilator effect in the human forearm vascular bed. Therefore, the results of studies using the perfused-forearm technique are not confounded by flushes with a low-dose heparin solution.

Item does not contain fulltext 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) is a structural analogue of glucose that inhibits the glycolytic pathway. In vitro 2DG induced vasodilation, which was inhibited by glibenclamide (blocker of ATP-dependent potassium channels). The vasodilation induced by 2DG may be an interesting model for metabolic vasodilation. In this study, we investigated whether 2DG induces vasodilation in the human skeletal muscle vascular bed and whether this vasodilation was inhibited by glibenclamide. We measured forearm blood flow (FBF, venous occlusion plethysmography) in response to intra-arterial 2DG (0.4 and 0.8 mg/min x dl of forearm volume, each dose for 30 min), either alone or with co-infusion of insulin to increase the cellular 2DG uptake, and compared the results with insulin infusion alone. Glibenclamide infusion (1.0 microg/min x dl) was added in a subgroup. 2DG alone did not change FBF ratio (experimental/control arm, 11 9%, p = 0.34), but 2DG with insulin significantly increased FBF ratio (32 17%, p = 0.04). The increase in FBF by 2DG and insulin was significantly more pronounced than the vasodilation induced by insulin alone (p = 0.03). Co-infusion of glibenclamide had no effect on the vasodilation induced by 2DG and insulin (percentage increase in FBF ratio 11 18% without and 17 12% with glibenclamide, p = 0.85). In conclusion, 2DG induces manifest vasodilation in humans when infused in combination with insulin. This vasodilation is not mediated by ATP-dependent potassium channels.