Usage of Glimepiride/Metformin Fixed-dose Combination in Young Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: The Indian Experience

Background: The prevalence of diabetes has been rising among the younger population and is a cause for concern. The present case-based questionnaire survey evaluated the treatment pattern and clinical experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in prescribing glimepiride/metformin fixed-dose combination (FDC) to young diabetes patients (up to 40 years of age) in the Indian setting. Material and methods: A retrospective, multicenter, observational, questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Indian healthcare centers using medical records of patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who were prescribed different strengths of glimepiride/metformin FDCs. Data was collected from the patients’ medical records and were analyzed using statistical tests. Results: A total of 2,715 patients aged between 18 and 40 years were included in the study. Mean diabetes duration among the young patients was 2.76 ± 1.97 years. Among the young T2DM patients, 83.2% patients received glimepiride/metformin FDC as first-line therapy, and 16.8% received it as second-line therapy. Hypoglycemia at 6 months was noted in only 2.47% of the young patients. Mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) before and after treatment was 8.7% ± 3.4% and 7.3% ± 3.9%, respectively. Mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was 171.8 ± 80.1 mg/dL in patients prior to treatment initiation and came down to 122.8 ± 41.8 mg/dL after treatment with glimepiride/metformin FDC. Mean postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) prior to combination therapy use was 248.7 ± 64.0 mg/dL and dropped to 177.2 ± 39.9 mg/dL after treatment. Good to excellent efficacy and tolerability were reported for 86% and 86.6% patients, respectively. Conclusion: This case-based questionnaire survey demonstrates the usage pattern of various strengths of glimepiride/metformin FDCs and the HCPs’ practice approach regarding the use of this combination in young T2DM patients in the Indian setting. The combination is commonly prescribed to young diabetes patients in India and is associated with beneficial effects on glycemic parameters

Clinical Effectiveness and Impact on Insulin Therapy Cost After Addition of Dapagliflozin to Patients with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION: Dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is a promising drug approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its cost is an obstacle for use in developing countries like India. Thus, we aimed to analyse the impact on the cost of insulin therapy after adding dapagliflozin for patients using insulin in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: This retrospective chart review study included patients with uncontrolled T2DM previously on maximum doses of OADs and insulin therapy, initiated on dapagliflozin. Parameters measured were: HbA1c, changes in weight and insulin dosage, frequency and cost, at baseline and after 3 months of adding dapagliflozin 10 mg. Hospital records of patients attending the diabetes outpatient departments at the study centres were scrutinised to identify eligible patients. A treat-to-target approach was used to make changes in the insulin dosages and regimen. The cost of insulin was calculated based on the total daily dose, cost per unit based on the formulation and insulin delivery device. Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential methods. RESULTS: Overall, 70 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The mean age of patients and duration of T2DM were 52.6 ± 10 and 12 ± 5 years respectively. The mean reduction in HbA1c and weight was 2.1 ± 1% (p < 0.01) and 2.4 ± 1 kg (p < 0.01) respectively. Genital mycotic infections were reported in two (2.8%) patients. The mean reduction in the total daily dose of insulin was 9.5 ± 6 units. A significant reduction in the daily insulin requirement (19.87%, p < 0.01) was observed. The cost of insulin decreased by 22.3% or 17.8 ± 15 INR per day ($0.27 ± 0.22 per day) and the frequency of insulin shots administered per day decreased significantly (p < 0.01). In 12.8% and 2.8% of patients the frequency of administration of insulin decreased by one and two injections per day respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in HbA1c and body weight along with minimal side effects was observed. Addition of dapagliflozin reduced the insulin daily dose requirement and cost of insulin therapy in these patients. FUNDING: Diacon Hospital, Bangalore, India

Switching from basal or basal-bolus insulin to biphasic insulin aspart 30: Results from the Indian cohort of the A 1 chieve study

Aim: To determine the safety and efficacy of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) therapy in the Indian patients with type 2 diabetes previously on basal or basal-bolus insulin therapies. Materials and Methods: Patients switching from insulin glargine, neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, or basal-bolus insulin to BIAsp 30 in the Indian cohort of the A 1 chieve study were included. Safety and efficacy of treatment was evaluated over 24 weeks. Results: A total of 422 patients (pre-study basal-bolus insulin, 49; NPH insulin, 157; insulin glargine, 216) switched to BIAsp 30. Pre-study insulin doses were 0.61 ± 0.26 U/kg, 0.34 ± 0.2 U/kg and 0.40 ± 0.21 U/kg and the mean week 24 BIAsp 30 doses were 0.50 ± 0.21 U/kg, 0.35 ± 0.15 U/kg and 0.42 ± 0.16 U/kg in the prior basal-bolus insulin, NPH insulin and insulin glargine groups, respectively. No serious adverse drug reactions, major or nocturnal hypoglycemia were reported. The proportion of patients experiencing overall hypoglycemia was significantly lower from baseline (5.6%) to week 24 (1.0%) in the pre-study insulin-glargine group and appeared to be lower in pre-study NPH insulin and basal-bolus insulin groups. Glycemic control improved significantly from baseline week 24 in the pre-study NPH insulin and insulin-glargine groups (P < 0.001), while it appeared to improve in the pre-study basal-bolus group. Quality of life was positively impacted after 24 weeks in all 3 groups. Conclusion: The switch from basal or basal-bolus insulin to BIAsp 30 was safe, well tolerated and improved the glycemic control in this Indian cohort

Switching from basal or basal-bolus insulin to biphasic insulin aspart 30: Results from the Indian cohort of the A 1

Aim: To determine the safety and efficacy of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) therapy in the Indian patients with type 2 diabetes previously on basal or basal-bolus insulin therapies. Materials and Methods: Patients switching from insulin glargine, neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, or basal-bolus insulin to BIAsp 30 in the Indian cohort of the A 1 chieve study were included. Safety and efficacy of treatment was evaluated over 24 weeks. Results: A total of 422 patients (pre-study basal-bolus insulin, 49; NPH insulin, 157; insulin glargine, 216) switched to BIAsp 30. Pre-study insulin doses were 0.61 ± 0.26 U/kg, 0.34 ± 0.2 U/kg and 0.40 ± 0.21 U/kg and the mean week 24 BIAsp 30 doses were 0.50 ± 0.21 U/kg, 0.35 ± 0.15 U/kg and 0.42 ± 0.16 U/kg in the prior basal-bolus insulin, NPH insulin and insulin glargine groups, respectively. No serious adverse drug reactions, major or nocturnal hypoglycemia were reported. The proportion of patients experiencing overall hypoglycemia was significantly lower from baseline (5.6%) to week 24 (1.0%) in the pre-study insulin-glargine group and appeared to be lower in pre-study NPH insulin and basal-bolus insulin groups. Glycemic control improved significantly from baseline week 24 in the pre-study NPH insulin and insulin-glargine groups (P < 0.001), while it appeared to improve in the pre-study basal-bolus group. Quality of life was positively impacted after 24 weeks in all 3 groups. Conclusion: The switch from basal or basal-bolus insulin to BIAsp 30 was safe, well tolerated and improved the glycemic control in this Indian cohort

Acute adrenocortical crisis and an abnormal electrocardiogram

Acute adrenocortical crisis is often the first presentation of Addison's disease. The combination of pigmentation, peripheral circulatory failure and the electrolyte abnormality usually lead to suspicion and early treatment with corticosteroids is the key to the success in such cases. Failure of response to the standard treatment should highlight the possibility of a coexisting condition. We report a case where the patient did not respond to the treatment until such a condition was recognized. </jats:p

Clinical Effectiveness and Impact on Insulin Therapy Cost After Addition of Dapagliflozin to Patients with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

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