Feline comorbidities: Recognition, diagnosis and management of the cushingoid diabetic

Practical relevance: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common feline endocrinopathy, and is often driven by underlying insulin resistance with associated pancreatic beta (β)-cell dysfunction. Although spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) with hypercortisolemia (hypercortisolism) is relatively uncommon in cats, it is a well-established cause of insulin resistance and is routinely associated with DM in this species. Clinical challenges: Many of the clinical signs associated with feline HAC are subtle and may be attributed to concurrent DM or the aging process. Failure to recognize HAC in the diabetic cat can impact patient wellbeing and predispose the patient to progressive compromise. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis of HAC, as test results may be influenced by poor diabetic regulation, and protocols are different to those used in canine patients. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause, and often require careful, ongoing assessment and modulation of both adrenal function and insulin requirements. However, various approaches have been shown to either improve glycemic control in cats with sustained insulin dependence, or facilitate diabetic remission. Evidence base: This review summarizes the current literature on feline HAC, with a particular focus on cats with concurrent DM. The clinical findings that suggest HAC are discussed, along with an outline of diagnostic options and their limitations. Published outcomes for various medical options, surgical procedures and radiation therapy are provided. The authors also share their thoughts on the safe and effective management of cats with HAC and DM, with an emphasis on the anticipation and recognition of changing insulin requirements.

Parent and Pediatrician Preferences for Type 1 Diabetes Screening in the U.S.

<a><b>Objective:</b> The purpose of this study was to use a discrete-choice experiment methodology to understand the relative importance of the attributes of screening tests for type 1 diabetes among parents and pediatricians in the United States.</a> <p><b>Research Design and Methods:</b> Online surveys presented hypothetical Screening Test profiles from which respondents chose their preferred test profile. Survey attributes were based on likely screening test options and included the mode of administration, where and when the test was conducted, the type of education and monitoring available to lower the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and whether a treatment was available that would delay onset of insulin dependence. Data were analyzed using random-parameters logit models.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> Parents placed the highest relative importance on monitoring programs that could reduce the risk of DKA to 1%, followed by treatment to delay onset of insulin dependence by 1 or 2 years, and, finally, avoiding a $50 out-of-pocket cost. Pediatricians placed equal importance on monitoring programs that reduced a patient’s risk of DKA to 1% and on avoiding a $50 out-of-pocket cost for the screening test, followed by the option of a treatment to delay the onset of insulin dependence. The mode of administration and location and timing of the screening were much less important to both parents and pediatricians<i>.</i></p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> Parents and pediatricians preferred screening tests that were accompanied by education and monitoring plans to reduce the risk of DKA, had available treatment to delay type 1 diabetes, and had lower out-of-pocket costs.</p>

Parent and Pediatrician Preferences for Type 1 Diabetes Screening in the U.S.

<a><b>Objective:</b> The purpose of this study was to use a discrete-choice experiment methodology to understand the relative importance of the attributes of screening tests for type 1 diabetes among parents and pediatricians in the United States.</a> <p><b>Research Design and Methods:</b> Online surveys presented hypothetical Screening Test profiles from which respondents chose their preferred test profile. Survey attributes were based on likely screening test options and included the mode of administration, where and when the test was conducted, the type of education and monitoring available to lower the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and whether a treatment was available that would delay onset of insulin dependence. Data were analyzed using random-parameters logit models.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> Parents placed the highest relative importance on monitoring programs that could reduce the risk of DKA to 1%, followed by treatment to delay onset of insulin dependence by 1 or 2 years, and, finally, avoiding a $50 out-of-pocket cost. Pediatricians placed equal importance on monitoring programs that reduced a patient’s risk of DKA to 1% and on avoiding a $50 out-of-pocket cost for the screening test, followed by the option of a treatment to delay the onset of insulin dependence. The mode of administration and location and timing of the screening were much less important to both parents and pediatricians<i>.</i></p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> Parents and pediatricians preferred screening tests that were accompanied by education and monitoring plans to reduce the risk of DKA, had available treatment to delay type 1 diabetes, and had lower out-of-pocket costs.</p>

Cardioprotective Function of Green Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Extract Supplementation in Ex Vivo Ischemic Prediabetic Rat Hearts

Diabetic patients develop ischemic heart disease and strokes more readily. Following an ischemic event, restoration of blood flow increases oxidative stress resulting in myocardial damage, termed ischemia/reperfusion injury. Aspalathus linearis (rooibos), rich in the antioxidant phenolic compound aspalathin, has been implicated as cardioprotective against ischemia/reperfusion injury with undefined mechanism in control rats. Primarily, the therapeutic potential of Afriplex green rooibos extract to prevent ischemia/reperfusion injury in cardiovascular disease-compromised rats was investigated. Additionally, Afriplex Green rooibos extractʼs cardioprotective signaling on metabolic markers and stress markers was determined using western blotting. Three hundred male Wistar rats received either 16-wk standard diet or high-caloric diet. During the final 6 wk, half received 60 mg/kg/day Afriplex green rooibos extract, containing 12.48% aspalathin. High-caloric diet increased body weight, body fat, fasting serum triglycerides, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance – indicative of prediabetes. High-caloric diet rats had increased heart mass, infarct size, and decreased heart function. Afriplex green rooibos extract treatment for 6 wk lowered pre-ischemic heart rate, reduced infarct size, and improved heart function pre- and post-ischemia, without significantly affecting biometric parameters. Stabilized high-caloric diet hearts had decreased insulin independence via adenosine monophosphate activated kinase and increased inflammation (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase), whereas Afriplex green rooibos extract treatment decreased insulin dependence (protein kinase B) and conferred anti-inflammatory effect. After 20 min ischemia, high-caloric diet hearts had upregulated ataxia–telangiectasia mutated kinase decreased insulin independence, and downregulated insulin dependence and glycogen synthase kinase 3 β inhibition. In contrast, Afriplex green rooibos extract supplementation downregulated insulin independence and inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2. During reperfusion, all protective signaling was decreased in high-caloric diet, while Afriplex green rooibos extract supplementation reduced oxidative stress (c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2) and inflammation. Taken together, Afriplex green rooibos extract supplementation for 6 wk preconditioned cardiovascular disease-compromised rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by lowering inflammation, oxidative stress, and heart rate.

Abstract 14484: The Association of Pre-operative Glycemic Control With Long-term Survival in Diabetic Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Introduction: We analyzed the national Veteran Affairs (VA) data to evaluate the association of preoperative glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and long-term outcome after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Between January 2007 - December 2014, Veterans with diabetes mellitus (DM) that underwent isolated CABG were divided on into three groups (I: HbA1c < 8%, II: HbA1c 8 - 10% and III: HbA1c > 10%). Demographic and clinical differences between groups were evaluated with the t-test or chi-square test. The relationship of preoperative HbA1c and long-term survival was evaluated with a multivariable proportional hazards model; restricted cubic splines were used to model non-linear effects. The cumulative incidence of secondary end-points (myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization) for each group was modeled as a competing-risk analysis. Results: Overall, 3,210 patients (mean age 64.6 years, male 98.8%; insulin dependent - 53%) with DM underwent isolated CABG. Group III patients were younger (61 vs 65 years in group I). Median HbA1c levels were similar between races (white - 7.3% and blacks - 7.35%). Insulin dependence was higher in group III (79.3%) vs groups I (43.5%) and II (69.9%). In groups I,II and III, 5 and 10 year survival was 76.2%, 74.4%, 75.4% and 38.9%, 36.9% and 30.2% respectively. HbA1c was observed to have a J-shaped association with mortality with values < 6% and > 9% at higher risk of death. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction [HR 1.5 (1.3 - 1.7)], prior myocardial infarction [HR 1.3 (1.2 - 1.5)] and insulin dependence [HR 1.4 (1.2 - 1.5)] were also associated with lower survival. Myocardial infarction was observed in 9.8% , 13.4% and 12.8% patients in groups I, II and III respectively. Conclusions: Pre-operative HbA1c impacts long-term survival among diabetic patients undergoing CABG. We observed a J-shaped relationship between HbA1c and survival with values < 6% and > 9% associated with increased mortality.

Long term outcomes of single versus multi-vessel coronary artery disease in patient with diabetes undergoing PCI

Background Long-term outcomes of PCI in diabetics with single vessel disease (SVD) are less well known. We aimed to assess the long-term mortality of patients with diabetes with SVD compared to MVD undergoing PCI. Methods We included 7,506 consecutive patients with DM undergoing PCI from 34,784 patients in the Melbourne Interventional Group registry (2005–2018). Results 4,889 (65%) of DM had MVD. Compared to SVD, MVD were older (67±11 vs. 64±11 years), with higher rates of hypertension, insulin dependence, renal impairment, left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;45% and cardiogenic shock (all p&lt;0.001). Patients with MVD had significantly higher rates of stent thrombosis, unplanned CABG and major bleeding (all p&lt;0.001). Unadjusted mortality rates in hospital, at 30 days and long-term (mean 5.4±3 years) were higher in MVD (4.1 vs 1.4%, 4.9% vs 1.9%, 26% vs 16.4%; all p&lt;0.001). Cox proportional hazard modelling found MVD as an independent predictor of long-term mortality (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5–1.9, p&lt;0.001). Long term mortality was similar for SVD diabetes and MVD non-diabetes (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.13–1.48 vs 1.26, 95% 1.16–1.37), which was also evident on Kaplan-Meier curve. Conclusion DM with SVD undergoing PCI had a lower long-term mortality. However, the mortality beyond 5 years in SVD increases, mandating aggressive risk factor control and close clinical follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curve Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None