Glycosmedia Weekly Diabetes News - 03/19/2021

Metformin and health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta‐analyses

Observational evidence on metformin seems largely unreliable. Randomized evidence shows benefits for preventing diabetes and in some gynaecological and obstetrical settings. However, almost all meta‐analyses are of low or critically low quality according to AMSTAR 2 criteria (European Journal of Clinical Investigation)

The All‐Wales Medicines Strategy Group: 18 years’ experience of a National Medicines Optimisation Committee

Since 2002, AWMSG has acted as a national medicines optimisation committee in Wales. From the outset, pharmacists and clinical pharmacologists have collaborated closely and shared their complementary expertise to make a much greater contribution to the safe, effective, and cost‐effective use of medicines than either group could have achieved by working separately (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)

Increased frequency of β cells with abnormal NKX6.1 expression in type 2 diabetes but not in subjects with higher risk for type 2 diabetes

Our results suggested that NKX6.1 expression in β cells was changed in type 2 diabetic subjects, evidenced by significantly increased NKX6.1Nuc-Ins+ and NKX6.1cytIns− cells. This abnormality did not occur more frequently in subjects with a higher risk for T2DM, suggesting that β cell dedifferentiation might be secondary to the pathological changes in T2DM (BMC Endocrine Disorders)

Statin use is associated with lower prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes

Given the absence of approved therapies for NAFLD-fibrosis, it would be reasonable to initiate specific randomized controlled trials with statins (Metabolism – Clinical and Experimental)

Approvals of type 2 diabetes drugs tested in cardiovascular outcome trials: a tripartite comparison

Regulatory authorities using identical trial data made substantially different decisions regarding both safety and efficacy of hypoglycemic drugs. The differences in initial indication wording between Japan and the other authorities suggest that trial data and T2D are interpreted differently in these regions (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)

Meta-analyses of Results From Randomized Outcome Trials Comparing Cardiovascular Effects of SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs in Asian Versus White Patients With and Without Type 2 Diabetes

Compared with Whites, Asians may derive greater CV death/HHF benefit from SGLT2is in patients with HFrEF, and MACE benefit from GLP-1RAs in patients with type 2 diabetes (Diabetes Care)

Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and lifespan: a Mendelian randomization study

This genetic evidence supports that higher LDL‐c levels reduce lifespan and longevity. In a general population that is not selected for increased cardiovascular risk, there is likely a net lifespan benefit of LDL‐c lowering therapies, particularly for PCSK9 inhibitors, although randomized controlled trials are necessary before modification of clinical practice (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)