2, n=13) at baseline. Renal function and circulating levels of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system mediators and NO were measured under clamped euglycemic (4-6 mmol/l) and hyperglycemic (9-11 mmol/l) conditions at baseline and end of treatment. During clamped euglycemia, hyperfiltration was attenuated by −33 ml/min/1.73m 2 with empagliflozin in T1D-H, (GFR 172±23-139±25 ml/min/1.73 m 2 , P<0.01). This effect was accompanied by declines in plasma NO and effective renal plasma flow and an increase in renal vascular resistance (all P<0.01). Similar significant effects on GFR and renal function parameters were observed during clamped hyperglycemia. In T1D-N, GFR, other renal function parameters, and plasma NO were not altered by empagliflozin. Empagliflozin reduced hemoglobin A1c significantly in both groups, despite lower insulin doses in each group (P≤0.04). This distal tubular condition is sensed as a low effective circulating volume stimulus at the level of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, causing an afferent renal vasodilatory response ( Figure 1B). The consequence of this altered TGF results in supranormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values into the hyperfiltration range. Targeting TGF in renal hyperfiltration has shown promising results in experimental animal models by using phlorizin, a nonspecific inhibitor of the renal tubular glucose transporters SGlT1 and SGlT2. 13,14 The clinical relevance of these findings, however, could not be conclusively studied in humans, because of the poor tolerability of phlorizin resulting from its low selectivity for SGlT2, SGlT1 inhibition-related gastrointestinal side effects and very limited oral bioavailability. Conclusions-In14 Subsequent studies with selective SGlT2 inhibitors in animals have also shown similar significant effects on renal hyperfiltration. 15 More recently, several highly selective SGlT2 inhibitors have been developed for use in clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). 16,17 These compounds generally do not affect SGlT1 at clinical doses and have pharmacological features that allow once daily oral dosing. In T2D, this class of drugs is well-tolerated and has consistently improved glycemic control, along with weight loss, and antihypertensive effects. 17,18 Available evidence for SGlT2 inhibitors in T1D is however limited, and is mainly derived from experimental animal models. Only 1 clinical pilot study has been conducted, which demonstrated that a single dose of remogliflozin improved postprandial glucose profiles. 19 Based on previous findings with phlorizin and other SGlT2 inhibitors in animals, the concept of altering renal hyperfiltration by blocking renal glucose absorption with SGlT2 inhibitors is intriguing, because reducing this surrogate marker of intraglomerular pressure is renal protective in experimental models of diabetes mellitus. 13,20,21 However, potential renal hemodynamic effects of these drugs in subjects with diabetes mellitus, including effects on renal hyperfiltration, remain unknown. Accordingly, the p...

In both adults and children with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes, sensor-augmented pump therapy resulted in significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin levels, as compared with injection therapy. A significantly greater proportion of both adults and children in the pump-therapy group than in the injection-therapy group reached the target glycated hemoglobin level. (Funded by Medtronic and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00417989.)

Frequent regression of microalbuminuria in patients with type 1 diabetes indicates that elevated urinary albumin excretion does not imply inexorably progressive nephropathy. Identification of the multiple determinants of the regression of microalbuminuria has implications for current theories about the mechanisms of early diabetic nephropathy.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, including empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin, are now widely approved antihyperglycemic therapies. Because of their unique glycosuric mechanism, SGLT2 inhibitors also reduce weight. Perhaps more important are the osmotic diuretic and natriuretic effects contributing to plasma volume contraction, and decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 4 to 6 and 1 to 2 mm Hg, respectively, which may underlie cardiovascular and kidney benefits. SGLT2 inhibition also is associated with an acute, dose-dependent reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate by ≈5 mL·min(-1)·1.73 m(-2) and ≈30% to 40% reduction in albuminuria. These effects mirror preclinical observations suggesting that proximal tubular natriuresis activates renal tubuloglomerular feedback through increased macula densa sodium and chloride delivery, leading to afferent vasoconstriction. On the basis of reduced glomerular filtration, glycosuric and weight loss effects are attenuated in patients with chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL·min(-1)·1.73 m(-2)). In contrast, blood pressure lowering, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and albuminuric effects are preserved, and perhaps exaggerated in chronic kidney disease. With regard to long-term clinical outcomes, the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial (Empagliflozin, Cardiovascular Outcomes, and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease randomly assigned to empagliflozin versus placebo reported a 14% reduction in the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and >30% reductions in cardiovascular mortality, overall mortality, and heart failure hospitalizations associated with empagliflozin, even though, by design, the hemoglobin A1c difference between the randomized groups was marginal. Aside from an increased risk of mycotic genital infections, empagliflozin-treated patients had fewer serious adverse events, including a lower risk of acute kidney injury. In light of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME results, some diabetes clinical practice guidelines now recommend that SGLT2 inhibitors with proven cardiovascular benefit be prioritized in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have not achieved glycemic targets and who have prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. With additional cardiorenal protection trials underway, sodium-related physiological effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and clinical correlates of natriuresis, such as the impact on blood pressure, heart failure, kidney protection, and mortality, will be a major management focus.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin 10-and 25-mg doses plus a unique lower dose (2.5 mg) as adjunct to intensified insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The EASE (Empagliflozin as Adjunctive to inSulin thErapy) program (N = 1,707) included two double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials: EASE-2 with empagliflozin 10 mg (n = 243), 25 mg (n = 244), and placebo (n = 243), 52-week treatment; and EASE-3 with empagliflozin 2.5 mg (n = 241), 10 mg (n = 248), 25 mg (n = 245), and placebo (n = 241), 26-week treatment. Together they evaluated empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg, doses currently approved in treatment of type 2 diabetes, and additionally 2.5 mg on 26-week change in glycated hemoglobin (primary end point) and weight, glucose time-in-range (>70 to £180 mg/dL), insulin dose, blood pressure, and hypoglycemia. RESULTS The observed largest mean placebo-subtracted glycated hemoglobin reductions

SummaryPainful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is common, is associated with significant reduction in quality of life and poses major treatment challenges to the practising physician. Although poor glucose control and cardiovascular risk factors have been proven to contribute to the aetiology of DPN, risk factors specific for painful DPN remain unknown. A number of instruments have been tested to assess the character, intensity and impact of painful DPN on quality of life, activities of daily living and mood. Management of the patient with DPN must be tailored to individual requirements, taking into consideration the co-morbidities and other factors. Pharmacological agents with proven efficacy for painful DPN include tricyclic anti-depressants, the selective serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors, anti-convulsants, opiates, membrane stabilizers, the anti-oxidant alpha-lipoic acid and topical agents including capsaicin. Current first-line therapies for painful DPN include tricyclic antidepressants, the serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor duloxetine and the anti-convulsants pregabalin and gabapentin. When prescribing any of these agents, other co-morbidities and costs must be taken into account. Second-line approaches include the use of opiates such as synthetic opioid tramadol, morphine and oxycodone-controlled release. There is a limited literature with regard to combination treatment. In extreme cases of painful DPN unresponsive to pharmacotherapy, occasional use of electrical spinal cord stimulation might be indicated. There are a number of unmet needs in the therapeutic management of painful DPN. These include the need for randomized controlled trials with active comparators and data on the long-term efficacy of agents used, as most trials have lasted for less than 6 months. Finally, there is a need for appropriately designed studies to investigate non-pharmacological approaches.

Objective: To develop a scientifically sound and clinically relevant evidence-based guideline for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Methods:We performed a systematic review of the literature from 1960 to August 2008 and classified the studies according to the American Academy of Neurology classification of evidence scheme for a therapeutic article, and recommendations were linked to the strength of the evidence. The basic question asked was: "What is the efficacy of a given treatment (pharmacologic: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioids, others; and nonpharmacologic: electrical stimulation, magnetic field treatment, low-intensity laser treatment, Reiki massage, others) to reduce pain and improve physical function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with PDN?" Results and Recommendations:Pregabalin is established as effective and should be offered for relief of PDN (Level A). Venlafaxine, duloxetine, amitriptyline, gabapentin, valproate, opioids (morphine sulfate, tramadol, and oxycodone controlled-release), and capsaicin are probably effective and should be considered for treatment of PDN (Level B). Other treatments have less robust evidence or the evidence is negative. Effective treatments for PDN are available, but many have side effects that limit their usefulness, and few studies have sufficient information on treatment effects on function and QOL. Neurology Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy represents a diffuse symmetric and length-dependent injury to peripheral nerves that has major implications on quality of life (QOL), morbidity, and costs from a public health perspective.1,2 Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) affects 16% of patients with diabetes, and it is frequently unreported (12.5%) and more frequently untreated (39%).3 PDN presents an ongoing management problem for patients, caregivers, and physicians. There are many treatment options available, and a rational approach to treating the patient with PDN requires an understanding of the evidence for each intervention.This guideline addresses the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments to reduce pain and improve physical function and QOL in patients with PDN. The pharmacologic agents reviewed include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioids, anti-arrhythmics, cannabinoids, aldose reductase inhibitors, protein kinase

This study aimed to establish the time of initiation and the determinants of renal function decline in type 1 diabetes. Until now, such decline has been assumed to be a late-occurring event associated with proteinuria. A total of 267 patients with normoalbuminuria and 301 patients with microalbuminuria were followed for 8 to 12 yr. Linear trends (slopes) in GFR were estimated by serial measurement of serum cystatin C. Cases of early renal function decline were defined by loss in cystatin C GFR that exceeded ؊3.3%/yr, a threshold that corresponds to the 2.5th percentile of the distribution of GFR slopes in an independent nondiabetic normotensive population. Cases of early renal function decline occurred in 9% (mean slope ؊4.4; range ؊5.9 to ؊3.3%/yr) of the normoalbuminuria group and 31% (mean slope ؊7.1; range ؊23.8 to ؊3.3%/yr) of the microalbuminuria group (P < 0.001). Risk for early renal function decline depended on whether microalbuminuria regressed, remained stable, or progressed, rising from 16 to 32 and 68%, respectively (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, risk for decline was higher after age 35 yr or when glycosylated hemoglobin exceeded 9% but did not vary with diabetes duration, smoking, BP, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment. Contrary to the existing paradigm of diabetic nephropathy, progressive renal function decline in type 1 diabetes is an early event that occurs in a large proportion of patients with microalbuminuria. Together with testing for microalbuminuria, clinical protocols using cystatin C to diagnose early renal function decline and track response to therapeutic interventions should be developed.