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May JADA discusses calcium hydroxide overfill risk during root canals

Overfill of medication or obturation materials in endodontic treatment can cause permanent neurologic injury, and there are steps clinicians can take to help prevent that, according to an article published in the May issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.




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House of Representatives passes Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act

The House of Representatives passed a new coronavirus relief bill April 23 that calls for additional funding for federal loan programs to help businesses nationwide, including dental practices, recover from the economic fallout of the pandemic.




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Arizona Dental Association hosts one of the largest virtual dental conferences to date

Scottsdale, Ariz. — In February, the Arizona Dental Association was fully prepared to host the Western Regional Dental Experience April 2-4 at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel and Spa.




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ADA asks FCC to include dentists in COVID-19 Telehealth Program

The ADA is asking the Federal Communications Commission to extend the agency’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program to include dental practices regardless of the practice’s size, location or for-profit status.




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Dental school during a pandemic

If this were a typical day, and if these were typical times, LaShonda would be in her pediatrics competency exam, fresh off a cup of coffee, before heading to a three-hour simulation lab.




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ADA president: Reopening dental practices needs a team approach

As some dental practices begin plans to reopen and provide nonemergency care — as some states reopen following the direction of their state — the Association is urging dentists to have robust communication and engage their dental team members to address any concerns related to returning to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.




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Delta Dental of California, Massachusetts offer financial relief to dentists in midst of COVID-19 pandemic

Two additional Delta Dental member companies announced details April 27-28 of programs that will provide economic assistance and post-COVID-19 pandemic relief for members of its independent provider networks across 16 states and the District of Columbia.




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Find COVID-19 dental regulations by state with ADA interactive map

Dentists can find regulations, recommendations and mandates regarding the practice of dentistry in their state during the COVID-19 pandemic on the ADA Center for Professional Success.




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Agencies submit final rule extending ERISA deadlines during pandemic

The U.S. Department of Labor said April 28 that it is extending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 filing deadlines for certain notice and disclosure requirements in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.




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Dental materials research 'icon' who developed Bis-GMA resin dies

Dr. Rafael "Ray" Bowen, who made significant contributions to dental materials research and retired in 2018 after 62 years at the American Dental Association, has died.




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Two new dental benefit guides address common hurdles anticipated when reopening practices

In the face of economic challenges, the ADA has released two online guides relating to third-party payment programs available at ADA.org/virus that are intended to help smooth the path of reopening practices: Handling Contract Negotiations and Handling Eligibility Verification




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ADASRI manuscript wins 2020 William J. Gies Award in clinical research

A manuscript authored by the American Dental Association Science & Research Institute and Council on Scientific Affairs won the 2020 William J. Gies Award in clinical research from the American and International Associations for Dental Research.




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PracticeUpdate Clinical Dentistry Channel unveiled to keep dentists current

The ADA announced May 1 the creation and launch of the PracticeUpdate Clinical Dentistry Channel, which delivers free evidence-based clinical content in general dentistry and specialty topics curated by a world-renowned editorial and advisory board.




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UCLA dental school researchers create nanoparticle that could improve bone defect treatment

A team of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry has developed a nanoparticle that could improve treatment for bone defects.




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ADA asks Congress to help dental community in next COVID-19 legislation

As Congress works on the next COVID-19 relief package, the ADA is asking lawmakers to include a number of provisions to assist the dental profession in recovery efforts.




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ADA urges CDC to update guidance for dental personnel

The American Dental Association is urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to “quickly provide guidance” on how to safely reopen dental practices during the deceleration phase of the COVID-19 outbreak.




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Petrobras preempts three pre-salt areas ahead of sixth auction

Petrobras wants to exercise pre-emption rights for three areas ahead of the sixth bidding round of pre-salt offshore oil areas to be held later this year.




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Dow, Total part of group that raised $1B to clean plastic in ocean

Some 30 companies including Dow, Total and other big makers of plastic raised $1 billion to contribute to cleaner ocean waters.




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Oil rises after report on possible China talks concessions

Oil prices rose early Friday trailing equity gains late Thursday that followed a report about possible concessions ahead in U.S. trade talks with China.




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Oil prices fall on rising U.S. rigs, fading Venezuelan risk

Oil prices fell Monday as the number of rigs in the United States saw a weekly rise, analysts said




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Cancer patients on Medicaid might not benefit from experimental treatments, study finds

Cancer patients on Medicaid or who don't have insurance benefit less from experimental treatments, even if they get into clinical trials, a study published Thursday by JAMA Network Open has found.




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Analysis suggests states need to plan for second wave of COVID-19

Leaders across the United States should plan for a worst-case scenario, second wave to the COVID-19 pandemic, including no vaccine availability or herd immunity, say experts at the University of Minnesota.




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Researchers discover microbe that could control spread of malaria

A microbe found in mosquitoes that appears to block malaria could be used to control spread of the disease in humans, according to researchers in Kenya and Britain.




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Patient portals need proxy options for better privacy protection, study finds

More patient portals and electronic health records should enable users to create "proxy" accounts for nurses and home aids to prevent unintentional sharing of personal health details, researchers said Monday.




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British researchers evaluate asthma, COPD drug for COVID-19

Interferon beta, a drug originally developed to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is being explored as a possible cure for the severe lung infections caused by COVID-19, media reports confirmed Monday




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U.S. rural areas soon might be on front lines in COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a path of destruction in urban centers throughout the northeastern United States, but the next outbreak hotspots could have even deadlier effects in rural areas.




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CDC: 40% of U.S. teens are sexually active

The CDC estimates that 40 percent of U.S. teens are sexually active -- 42 percent of females and 38 percent of males 15 and 19 years of age -- numbers that have dropped significantly since 1988.




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U.S. ICUs could still be overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients, analysis says

Communities across the U.S. still need to expand hospital capacity to manage new COVID-19 cases, even as some states loosen social distancing restrictions, a study published Wednesday by JAMA Network Open says.




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Brain model links herpes virus to development of Alzheimer's disease

Bio-engineered models of the human brain infected with herpes simplex virus-1 develop many of the same characteristics found in Alzheimer's disease, according to a new analysis published by Science Advances.




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Study: Opioid overdose 14 times more likely in general public than cancer survivors

Cancer survivors have a lower risk for a fatal opioid overdose -- from prescription pain medications or illegal drugs -- than those without the disease, an analysis published Thursday by JAMA Oncology shows.




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Johns Hopkins to launch trials of blood plasma treatment for COVID-19

Johns Hopkins University will start two clinical trials of convalescent blood plasma for treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.




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Poverty, poorer health make some in the Bronx more vulnerable to COVID-19

New York City has been the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, with immigrant populations in areas such as the Bronx "disproportionately" affected, a commentary in JAMA Internal Medicine says.




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Measles vaccinations in U.S. children fall up to 60 percent since pandemic, CDC says

Pediatric vaccination against measles has declined by as much as 60 percent nationally since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to new data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.




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Exploring the Potential of Two-Generation Strategies in Refugee Integration

On this webinar, MPI researchers and Utah and Colorado refugee coordinators explore promising practices to better serve refugee families, including education services for refugee youth, innovative efforts to secure better jobs for adult refugees, and other services designed to aid integration over time. They also discuss the potential for implementing and supporting two-generation approaches to refugee integration at a time when the system’s funding and capacity are in peril.  




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Sustainable Reintegration: Strategies to Support Migrants Returning to Mexico and Central America

Reception and reintegration programs for deported and other returning migrants represent a long-term investment for migrant-origin and destination countries, holding the potential to reduce re-migration and permit communities of origin to benefit from the skills migrants learn abroad. This report offers recommendations to make reintegration programs more effective in Mexico and Central America.




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Exploring New Legal Migration Pathways: Lessons from Pilot Projects

As European countries launch ambitious new legal migration partnerships with several origin and transit countries in Africa, this report takes stock of the long and mixed history of such projects. To make the most of their potential to encourage skills development and fill pressing labor gaps, policymakers will need to think carefully about the partners and sectors they choose, among other key considerations.




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Social Innovation for Refugee Inclusion: From Bright Spots to System Change

In the three years since the European migration and refugee crisis vividly captured public attention, a wave of innovative initiatives has emerged to help newcomers settle into receiving societies. Now, as the sense of crisis abates, this report explores what these initiatives will need to do to outlast the hype and produce lasting change on key integration issues such as housing, economic inclusion, and community building.




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Diabetes Is Associated With Worse Long-term Outcomes in Young Adults After Myocardial Infarction: The Partners YOUNG-MI Registry

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the prevalence of diabetes and associated cardiovascular outcomes in a contemporary cohort of young individuals presenting with their first myocardial infarction (MI) at age ≤50 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed records of patients presenting with a first type 1 MI at age ≤50 years from 2000 to 2016. Diabetes was defined as a hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or a documented diagnosis of or treatment for diabetes. Vital status was ascertained for all patients, and cause of death was adjudicated.

RESULTS

Among 2,097 young patients who had a type 1 MI (mean age 44.0 ± 5.1 years, 19.3% female, 73% white), diabetes was present in 416 (20%), of whom 172 (41%) were receiving insulin. Over a median follow-up of 11.2 years (interquartile range 7.3–14.2 years), diabetes was associated with a higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.30; P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (2.68; P < 0.001). These associations persisted after adjusting for baseline covariates (all-cause mortality: 1.65; P = 0.008; cardiovascular mortality: 2.10; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes was present in 20% of patients who presented with their first MI at age ≤50 years and was associated with worse long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. These findings highlight the need for implementing more-aggressive therapies aimed at preventing future adverse cardiovascular events in this population.




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The Association of Lipoprotein(a) Plasma Levels With Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Control Status in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of the cardiovascular risk factor lipoprotein (Lp)(a) and vascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with type 1 diabetes receiving regular care were recruited in this observational cross-sectional study and divided into four groups according to their Lp(a) levels in nmol/L (very low <10, low 10–30, intermediate 30–120, high >120). Prevalence of vascular complications was compared between the groups. In addition, the association between metabolic control, measured as HbA1c, and Lp(a) was studied.

RESULTS

The patients (n = 1,860) had a median age of 48 years, diabetes duration of 25 years, and HbA1c of 7.8% (61 mmol/mol). The median Lp(a) was 19 (interquartile range 10–71) nmol/L. No significant differences between men and women were observed, but Lp(a) levels increased with increasing age. Patients in the high Lp(a) group had higher prevalence of complications than patients in the very low Lp(a) group. The age- and smoking-status–adjusted relative risk ratio of having any macrovascular disease was 1.51 (95% CI 1.01–2.28, P = 0.048); coronary heart disease, 1.70 (95% CI 0.97–3.00, P = 0.063); albuminuria, 1.68 (95% CI 1.12–2.50, P = 0.01); and calcified aortic valve disease, 2.03 (95% CI 1.03–4.03; P = 0.042). Patients with good metabolic control, HbA1c <6.9% (<52 mmol/mol), had significantly lower Lp(a) levels than patients with poorer metabolic control, HbA1c >6.9% (>52 mmol/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

Lp(a) is a significant risk factor for macrovascular disease, albuminuria, and calcified aortic valve disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. Poor metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes is associated with increased Lp(a) levels.




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Rapid Corneal Nerve Fiber Loss: A Marker of Diabetic Neuropathy Onset and Progression

OBJECTIVE

Corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) represents a biomarker for diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP). We aimed to determine the reference distribution of annual CNFL change, the prevalence of abnormal change in diabetes, and its associated clinical variables.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined 590 participants with diabetes [399 type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 191 type 2 diabetes (T2D)] and 204 control patients without diabetes with at least 1 year of follow-up and classified them according to rapid corneal nerve fiber loss (RCNFL) if CNFL change was below the fifth percentile of the control patients without diabetes.

RESULTS

Control patients without diabetes were 37.9 ± 19.8 years old, had median follow-up of three visits over 3.0 years, and mean annual change in CNFL was –0.1% (90% CI, –5.9 to 5.0%). RCNFL was defined by values exceeding the fifth percentile of 6% loss. Participants with T1D were 39.9 ± 18.7 years old, had median follow-up of three visits over 4.4 years, and mean annual change in CNFL was –0.8% (90% CI, –14.0 to 9.9%). Participants with T2D were 60.4 ± 8.2 years old, had median follow-up of three visits over 5.3 years, and mean annual change in CNFL was –0.2% (90% CI, –14.1 to 14.3%). RCNFL prevalence was 17% overall and was similar by diabetes type [64 T1D (16.0%), 37 T2D (19.4%), P = 0.31]. RNCFL was more common in those with baseline DSP (47% vs. 30% in those without baseline DSP, P = 0.001), which was associated with lower peroneal conduction velocity but not with baseline HbA1c or its change over follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

An abnormally rapid loss of CNFL of 6% per year or more occurs in 17% of diabetes patients. RCNFL may identify patients at highest risk for the development and progression of DSP.




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Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Weight Loss From Gastric Bypass Surgery in Type 2 Diabetes: Cardiorenal Risk Reductions Exceed Atherosclerotic Benefits

OBJECTIVE

We examined detailed renal and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes after gastric bypass (GBP) surgery in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), across several renal function categories, in a nationwide cohort study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We linked data from the National Diabetes Register and the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Register with four national databases holding information on socioeconomic variables, medications, hospitalizations, and causes of death and matched 5,321 individuals with T2DM who had undergone GBP with 5,321 who had not (age 18–65 years, mean BMI >40 kg/m2, mean follow-up >4.5 years). The risks of postoperative outcomes were assessed with Cox regression models.

RESULTS

During the first years postsurgery, there were small reductions in creatinine and albuminuria and stable estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the GBP group. The incidence rates of most outcomes relating to renal function, CV disease, and mortality were lower after GBP, being particularly marked for heart failure (hazard ratio [HR] 0.33 [95% CI 0.24, 0.46]) and CV mortality (HR 0.36 [(95% CI 0.22, 0.58]). The risk of a composite of severe renal disease or halved eGFR was 0.56 (95% CI 0.44, 0.71), whereas nonfatal CV risk was lowered less (HR 0.82 [95% CI 0.70, 0.97]) after GBP. Risks for key outcomes were generally lower after GBP in all eGFR strata, including in individuals with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest robust benefits for renal outcomes, heart failure, and CV mortality after GBP in individuals with obesity and T2DM. These results suggest that marked weight loss yields important benefits, particularly on the cardiorenal axis (including slowing progression to end-stage renal disease), whatever the baseline renal function status.




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Performance of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays To Reflect Comorbidity Burden and Improve Mortality Risk Stratification in Older Adults With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Incorporation of comorbidity burden to inform diabetes management in older adults remains challenging. High-sensitivity cardiac troponins are objective, quantifiable biomarkers that may improve risk monitoring in older adults. We assessed the associations of elevations in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and T (hs-cTnT) with comorbidities and improvements in mortality risk stratification.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used logistic regression to examine associations of comorbidities with elevations in either troponin (≥85th percentile) among 1,835 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study with diabetes (ages 67–89 years, 43% male, 31% black) at visit 5 (2011–2013). We used Cox models to compare associations of high cardiac troponins with mortality across comorbidity levels.

RESULTS

Elevations in either troponin (≥9.4 ng/L for hs-cTnI, ≥25 ng/L for hs-cTnT) were associated with prevalent coronary heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease, hypoglycemia, hypertension, dementia, and frailty. Over a median follow-up of 6.2 years (418 deaths), both high hs-cTnI and high hs-cTnT further stratified mortality risk beyond comorbidity levels; those with a high hs-cTnI or hs-cTnT and high comorbidity were at highest mortality risk. Even among those with low comorbidity, a high hs-cTnI (hazard ratio [HR] 3.0 [95% CI 1.7, 5.4]) or hs-cTnT (HR 3.3 [95% CI 1.8, 6.2]) was associated with elevated mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Many comorbidities were reflected by both hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT; elevations in either of the troponins were associated with higher mortality risk beyond comorbidity burden. High-sensitivity cardiac troponins may identify older adults at high mortality risk and be useful in guiding clinical care of older adults with diabetes.




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Reduced Myocardial Perfusion Reserve in Type 2 Diabetes Is Caused by Increased Perfusion at Rest and Decreased Maximal Perfusion During Stress

OBJECTIVE

To examine differences in myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and during stress between patients with type 2 diabetes and controls, and to identify potential predictors of changes in MBF at rest and during stress.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 193 patients with type 2 diabetes and 20 age- and sex-matched controls. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was used in order to evaluate left ventricular structure and function, and MBF at rest and during adenosine-induced stress. MBF was derived as the mean of the flow within all segments of a midventricular slice.

RESULTS

Patients with type 2 diabetes had higher global MBF at rest (0.81 ± 0.19 mL/min/g) and lower global MBF during stress (2.4 ± 0.9 mL/min/g) than did controls (0.61 ± 0.11 at rest, 3.2 ± 0.8 mL/min/g under stress; both P < 0.01). Patients with macroalbuminuria had lower MBF during stress (1.6 ± 0.5 mL/min/g) than did patients with microalbuminuria (2.1 ± 0.7 mL/min/g; P = 0.04), who in turn had lower MBF during stress than did normoalbuminuric patients (2.7 ± 0.9 mL/min/g; P < 0.01). Patients with severe retinopathy had lower MBF during stress (1.8 ± 0.6 mL/min/g) than did patients with simplex retinopathy (2.3 ± 0.7 mL/min/g; P < 0.05) and those who did not have retinopathy (2.6 ± 1.0 mL/min/g; P < 0.05). Albuminuria and retinopathy were associated with reduced MBF during stress in a multiple regression analysis. Stress-related MBF inversely correlated with myocardial extracellular volume (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.37), a measure of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. A trend toward lower basal MBF was observed in patients treated with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 2 diabetes have higher global MBF at rest and lower maximal MBF during vasodilator-induced stress than do controls. Reduced MBF during stress is associated with diabetes complications (albuminuria and retinopathy) and is inversely correlated with diffuse myocardial fibrosis.




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The Effects of Intensive Glycemic Control on Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With Different Levels of Cardiovascular Risk and Hemoglobin A1c in the ADVANCE Trial

OBJECTIVE

To study whether the effects of intensive glycemic control on major vascular outcomes (a composite of major macrovascular and major microvascular events), all-cause mortality, and severe hypoglycemia events differ among participants with different levels of 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at baseline.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the effects of more intensive glycemic control in 11,071 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), without missing values, in the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial, using Cox models.

RESULTS

During 5 years’ follow-up, intensive glycemic control reduced major vascular events (hazard ratio [HR] 0.90 [95% CI 0.83–0.98]), with the major driver being a reduction in the development of macroalbuminuria. There was no evidence of differences in the effect, regardless of baseline ASCVD risk or HbA1c level (P for interaction = 0.29 and 0.94, respectively). Similarly, the beneficial effects of intensive glycemic control on all-cause mortality were not significantly different across baseline ASCVD risk (P = 0.15) or HbA1c levels (P = 0.87). The risks of severe hypoglycemic events were higher in the intensive glycemic control group compared with the standard glycemic control group (HR 1.85 [1.41–2.42]), with no significant heterogeneity across subgroups defined by ASCVD risk or HbA1c at baseline (P = 0.09 and 0.18, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The major benefits for patients with T2D in ADVANCE did not substantially differ across levels of baseline ASCVD risk and HbA1c.




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Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Pregnancy: Importance of Analysing Temporal Profiles to Understand Clinical Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To determine if temporal glucose profiles differed between 1) women who were randomized to real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) or self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), 2) women who used insulin pumps or multiple daily insulin injections (MDIs), and 3) women whose infants were born large for gestational age (LGA) or not, by assessing CGM data obtained from the Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Women With Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy Trial (CONCEPTT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Standard summary metrics and functional data analysis (FDA) were applied to CGM data from the CONCEPTT trial (RT-CGM, n = 100; SMBG, n = 100) taken at baseline and at 24- and 34-weeks gestation. Multivariable regression analysis determined if temporal differences in 24-h glucose profiles occurred between comparators in each of the three groups.

RESULTS

FDA revealed that women using RT-CGM had significantly lower glucose (0.4–0.8 mmol/L [7–14 mg/dL]) for 7 h/day (0800 h–1200 h and 1600 h–1900 h) compared with those with SMBG. Women using pumps had significantly higher glucose (0.4–0.9 mmol/L [7–16 mg/dL]) for 12 h/day (0300 h to 0600 h, 1300 h to 1800 h, and 2030 h to 0030 h) at 24 weeks with no difference at 34 weeks compared with MDI. Women who had an LGA infant ran a significantly higher glucose by 0.4–0.7 mmol/L (7–13 mg/dL) for 4.5 h/day at baseline; by 0.4–0.9 mmol/L (7–16 mg/dL) for 16 h/day at 24 weeks; and by 0.4–0.7 mmol/L (7–13 mg/dL) for 14 h/day at 34 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

FDA of temporal glucose profiles gives important information about differences in glucose control and its timing, which are undetectable by standard summary metrics. Women using RT-CGM were able to achieve better daytime glucose control, reducing fetal exposure to maternal glucose.




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A Randomized Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Fast-Acting Insulin Aspart Compared With Insulin Aspart, Both in Combination With Insulin Degludec With or Without Metformin, in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes (Onset 9)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fast-acting insulin aspart (faster aspart) compared with insulin aspart (IAsp), both with insulin degludec with or without metformin, in adults with type 2 diabetes not optimally controlled with a basal-bolus regimen.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This multicenter, double-blind, treat-to-target trial randomized participants to faster aspart (n = 546) or IAsp (n = 545). All available information, regardless of treatment discontinuation or use of ancillary treatment, was used for evaluation of effect.

RESULTS

Noninferiority for the change from baseline in HbA1c 16 weeks after randomization (primary end point) was confirmed for faster aspart versus IAsp (estimated treatment difference [ETD] –0.04% [95% CI –0.11; 0.03]; –0.39 mmol/mol [–1.15; 0.37]; P < 0.001). Faster aspart was superior to IAsp for change from baseline in 1-h postprandial glucose (PPG) increment using a meal test (ETD –0.40 mmol/L [–0.66; –0.14]; –7.23 mg/dL [–11.92; –2.55]; P = 0.001 for superiority). Change from baseline in self-measured 1-h PPG increment for the mean over all meals favored faster aspart (ETD –0.25 mmol/L [–0.42; –0.09]); –4.58 mg/dL [–7.59; –1.57]; P = 0.003). The overall rate of treatment-emergent severe or blood glucose (BG)–confirmed hypoglycemia was statistically significantly lower for faster aspart versus IAsp (estimated treatment ratio 0.81 [95% CI 0.68; 0.97]).

CONCLUSIONS

In combination with insulin degludec, faster aspart provided effective overall glycemic control, superior PPG control, and a lower rate of severe or BG-confirmed hypoglycemia versus IAsp in adults with type 2 diabetes not optimally controlled with a basal-bolus regimen.




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Effects of Low-Energy Diet or Exercise on Cardiovascular Function in Working-Age Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point Trial

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the presence of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction in working-age adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and determine whether this is improved by a low-energy meal replacement diet (MRP) or exercise training.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This article reports on a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end point trial with nested case-control study. Asymptomatic younger adults with T2D were randomized 1:1:1 to a 12-week intervention of 1) routine care, 2) supervised aerobic exercise training, or 3) a low-energy (~810 kcal/day) MRP. Participants underwent echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in left ventricular (LV) peak early diastolic strain rate (PEDSR) as measured by CMR. Healthy volunteers were enrolled for baseline case-control comparison.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven participants with T2D (age 51 ± 7 years, HbA1c 7.3 ± 1.1%) and 36 matched control participants were included. At baseline, those with T2D had evidence of diastolic dysfunction (PEDSR 1.01 ± 0.19 vs. 1.10 ± 0.16 s–1, P = 0.02) compared with control participants. Seventy-six participants with T2D completed the trial (30 routine care, 22 exercise, and 24 MRP). The MRP arm lost 13 kg in weight and had improved blood pressure, glycemia, LV mass/volume, and aortic stiffness. The exercise arm had negligible weight loss but increased exercise capacity. PEDSR increased in the exercise arm versus routine care (β = 0.132, P = 0.002) but did not improve with the MRP (β = 0.016, P = 0.731).

CONCLUSIONS

In asymptomatic working-age adults with T2D, exercise training improved diastolic function. Despite beneficial effects of weight loss on glycemic control, concentric LV remodeling, and aortic stiffness, a low-energy MRP did not improve diastolic function.




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Prognostic Significance of Long-term HbA1c Variability for All-Cause Mortality in the ACCORD Trial

OBJECTIVE

The association between high glycemic variability and all-cause mortality has been widely investigated in epidemiological studies but rarely validated in glucose-lowering clinical trials. We aimed to identify the prognostic significance of visit-to-visit HbA1c variability in treated patients in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the risk of all-cause mortality in relation to long-term visit-to-visit HbA1c variability, expressed as coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM), and average real variability (ARV), from the 8th month to the transition. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI.

RESULTS

Compared with the standard therapy group (n = 4,728), the intensive therapy group (n = 4,755) had significantly lower mean HbA1c (6.6% [49 mmol/mol] vs. 7.7% [61 mmol/mol], P < 0.0001) and lower CV, VIM, and ARV (P < 0.0001). In multivariate adjusted analysis, all three HbA1c variability indices were significantly associated with total mortality in all patients as well as in the standard- and intensive-therapy groups analyzed separately. The hazard ratios for a 1-SD increase in HbA1c variability indices for the all-cause mortality were 1.19 and 1.23 in intensive and standard therapy, respectively. Cross-tabulation analysis showed the third tertile of HbA1c mean and VIM had significantly higher all-cause mortality (HR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.17–3.61; P < 0.01) only in the intensive-therapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term visit-to-visit HbA1c variability was a strong predictor of all-cause mortality. HbA1c VIM combined with HbA1c mean conferred an increased risk for all-cause mortality in the intensive-therapy group.




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2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline: Impact on Prevalence of Arterial Hypertension in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

In 2017, the American Academy of Pediatrics introduced a new guideline (2017 Clinical Practice Guideline of the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP 2017]) to diagnose arterial hypertension (HTN) in children that included revised, lower normative blood pressure (BP) values and cut points for diagnosing high BP in adolescents. We studied the impact of the new AAP 2017 guideline on prevalence of HTN in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Up to September 2018, 1.4 million office BP measurements in 79,849 children and adolescents (aged 5–20 years) with T1DM have been documented in the DPV (Diabetes Prospective Follow-up) registry. BP values of the most recent year were aggregated, and BP values of 74,677 patients without antihypertensive medication were analyzed (median age 16 years and diabetes duration 5.3 years and 52.8% boys). BP values were classified according to AAP 2017 and the references of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) (2011) and the Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents (fourth report) (2004).

RESULTS

Of the patients, 44.1%, 29.5%, and 26.5% were hypertensive according to AAP 2017, KiGGS, and fourth report, respectively. Differences in prevalence of HTN were strongly age dependent: <10 years, AAP 2017 31.4%, KiGGS 30.7%, fourth report 19.6%; 10 to <15 years, AAP 2017 30.9%, KiGGS 31.2%, fourth report 22.4%; and ≥15 years, AAP 2017 53.2%, KiGGS 28.4%, fourth report 30.0%. Among teenagers ≥15 years, 59.1% of boys but only 46.3% of girls were classified as hypertensive by AAP 2017 but only 21.1%/26% of boys and 36.7%/34.4% of girls by KiGGS/fourth report, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Classification of BP as hypertension depends strongly on the normative data used. Use of AAP 2017 results in a significant increase in HTN in teenagers ≥15 years with T1DM, particularly in boys. AAP 2017 enhances the awareness of elevated BP in children, particularly in patients with increased risk for cardiovascular disease.




al

Use of Antihyperglycemic Medications in U.S. Adults: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVE

1) To examine trends in the use of diabetes medications and 2) to determine whether physicians individualize diabetes treatment as recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 2003–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. We included people ≥18 years who had ever been told they had diabetes, had an HbA1C >6.4%, or had a fasting plasma glucose >125 mg/dL. Pregnant women, and those aged <20 years receiving only insulin were excluded. We assessed trends in use of ADA’s seven preferred classes from 2003–2004 to 2015–2016. We also examined use by hypoglycemia risk (sulfonylureas, insulin, and meglitinides), weight effect (sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones [TZDs], insulin, and meglitinides), cardiovascular benefit (canagliflozin, empagliflozin, and liraglutide), and cost (brand-name medications and insulin analogs).

RESULTS

The final sample included 6,323 patients. The proportion taking any medication increased from 58% in 2003–2004 to 67% in 2015–2016 (P < 0.001). Use of metformin and insulin analogs increased, while use of sulfonylureas, TZDs, and human insulin decreased. Following the 2012 ADA recommendation, the choice of drug did not vary significantly by older age, weight, or presence of cardiovascular disease. Patients with low HbA1C, or HbA1C <6%, and age ≥65 years were less likely to receive hypoglycemia-inducing medications, while older patients with comorbidities were more likely. Insurance, but not income, was associated with the use of higher-cost medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Following ADA recommendations, the use of metformin increased, but physicians generally did not individualize treatment according to patients’ characteristics. Substantial opportunities exist to improve pharmacologic management of diabetes.