Aflibercept to Prevent Vision Complications of Diabetic Retinopathy
328 patients with Diabetic Retinopathy randomized to 2.0 mg intravitreal aflibercept or sham injections. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy with vision loss developed in 33.9% of those in aflibercept group vs 56.9% in sham group. Change in visual acuity was −2.7 vs −2.4 letters. Aflibercept resulted in significant anatomic improvement, but no improvement in visual acuity.
Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Lost 5% or More of Body Weight With GLP-1 Agonists
Reserachers analyzed electronic health records and health insurance claims data from 2,405 adults who were dispensed a GLP-1 RA from 2011 to 2018.At 8 weeks, adults lost a mean 1.1% of their body weight. That weight loss doubled to 2.2% at 72 weeks. At 72 weeks, 33.3% of GLP-1 RA users lost at least 5% of their body weigh, and 10.5% lost 10% or more of their body weight.
Year-long Aerobic Exercise Intervention Reduces Long-term Risk for Diabetes
The long-term effect of vigorous and moderate exercise on incident diabetes were assessed over a 10-year follow-up after a 12-month exercise intervention. Compared with the non-exercise group, diabetes risk was reduced by 49% in the vigorous aerobic exercise group; and 53% in the moderate aerobic exercise group. There were significant reductions in waist circumference and HbA1c.
Long-term Insertable Cardiac Monitoring After Ischemic Stroke Improves AF Detection
Long-term insertable cardiac monitoring for atrial fibrillation among patients with ischemic stroke of atherosclerotic origin improved AF detection 10-fold compared with standard of care, a speaker reported. In addition, factors including chronic HF, left atrial enlargement and BMI were prognostic of post-stroke AF at 36 months, according to a secondary analysis of the STROKE AF trial.
How Alcohol Flushing Gene Variant May Raise Heart Disease Risk
8% people have an aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 variant called ALDH2*2 that is tied to higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). A new study of 29319 CAD cases found that only ALDH2*2 carriers had impaired vasodilation after light alcohol drinking, driven by increased oxidative damage and inflammation. SGLT2i, such as empagliflozin, reduced ALDH2*2-associated damage to endothelial cell function.
Body Weight may Influence Beneficial Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Patients With Diabetes
Researchers coducted a meta-regression analysis of 5 studies (EMPA-REG, CANVAS, DECLARE TIMI-58, CREDENCE and VERTIS CV) including 46,969 patients. It clearly demonstrates that in CV outcomes trials with SGLT2 inhibitors for individuals with type 2 diabetes, body weight is a covariate that is integrally linked to cardiovascular death and heart failure. However, the hypothesis needs further study.
Aspirin Has Limited Role in Patients Without CAD
Among adults without CAD, the absolute risk for major bleeding with aspirin as primary prevention therapy exceeds the any absolute MI benefits for every level of atherosclerotic CVD risk, data from a meta-analysis show. Furthermore, if such patients are already on preventive statin therapy, adding aspirin to statin is unlikely to achieve additional meaningful cardiovascular benefits.
Prolia (denosumab) May Increase the Risk of Hypocalcemia in Dialysis Patients
A preliminary FDA study suggests an increased risk of hypocalcemia in dialysis patients treated with osteoporosis medicine Prolia (denosumab). Physicians should consider the risks of using Prolia in patients on dialysis. When Prolia is used in such patients, calcium and Vit D supplementation may help decrease the severity. Advise patients to seek help if they have hypocalcemia symptoms.
Dulaglutide Could be a Game Changer in Treating Type 2 Diabates and Obesity
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is the newest edition to the GLP-1 RA family for the treatment of T2D. Studies have shown that dulaglutide is more effective than other antidiabetics in reducing HbA1c ≥1%. Dulaglutide has demonstrated weight loss of ∼ 6 pounds, which has been sustained over at least 26 weeks. Unlike other agents, dulaglutide is administered once-weekly at any time of the day.
Rezvoglar Received FDA Approval as the Biosimilar Insulin Product to Lantus
FDA has approved Rezvoglar (insulin glargine-aglr) as the 2nd interchangeable biosimilar insulin product to Lantus (insulin glargine). Rezvoglar is a long-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes. The injection is available as a clear solution containing 100 units/mL (U-100) in 3mL KwikPen single-use prefilled pens.
First Drug That Can Delay Onset of Type 1 Diabetes
On Nov 17, FDA approved Tzield injection to delay the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes in adults and pediatric patients ≥8 yrs who have stage 2 T1D. Tzield binds to and deactivate the immune cells that attack insulin-producing cells, while increasing the proportion of cells that help moderate the immune response. Tzield is administered by intravenous infusion once daily for 14 consecutive days.
