Top in endocrinology: First-line diabetes therapies, DIY artificial pancreas use policies

Data has indicated thiazolidinedione pioglitazone and GLP-1 receptor agonists improve beta-cell function in patients with diabetes, prompting a meeting presenter to suggest both drugs be used as first-line therapies for the disease.

A discussion that covered both these topics was the top story in endocrinology last week.

Another top story provided new data on some of the possible downstream effects that patients with diabetes and a history of foot ulcer may experience, while another top story discussed some policy considerations for DIY artificial pancreases.

Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:

Two diabetes drug classes can increase, maintain beta-cell function

The thiazolidinedione pioglitazone and GLP-1 receptor agonists are the only two diabetes drugs proved to increase and maintain beta-cell function, and both should be first-line therapies for patients, according to a speaker. Read more.

‘Death is a greater risk’ than amputation after diabetic foot ulcer

People with diabetes and a history of foot ulcer are more likely to die than undergo amputation during 6 years of follow-up, a potential measure of effectiveness of diabetes care, registry data from Scotland show. Read more.

Consensus group: Providers, policies must support DIY artificial pancreas use

Health care providers should facilitate and support people with diabetes who choose to use a do-it-yourself automated insulin delivery system, working together with patients to set “realistic” goals and minimize any hypoglycemia risk, the authors of a consensus statement wrote. Read more.

Data show race difference in relationship between glucose management indicator, HbA1c

Continuous glucose monitor data show a greater difference between HbA1c and the glucose management indicator metric for “non-white” vs. white adults with insulin-treated diabetes, which was also associated with higher risk for hypoglycemia. Read more.

Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy ‘substantially’ reduce liver fat in type 2 diabetes

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are equally effective at reducing hepatic steatosis, with an almost complete clearance of liver fat 1 year after the surgical procedures, according to data from a single-center study. Read more.