BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) improves glycaemic control; however, it also markedly accelerates gastric emptying, which can lead to exaggerated postprandial glucose and insulin excursions and, in some cases, postprandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. In non-surgical populations, fat preloads can reduce postprandial glycaemia by slowing gastric emptying, but their effects after SG are unclear. METHODS:Ten adults >1-year post-SG completed a randomised, open-label, crossover study involving two mixed-meal tolerance tests (MMTTs), preceded (-30 min) by either a moderate, fat-dominant preload (28 g Brazil nuts) or 100 mL water (control). Blood samples were collected over three hours to assess plasma glucose, insulin, c-peptide, and total glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Hypoglycaemia and dumping symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires. Nadir plasma glucose concentration was the primary outcome. RESULTS:Nadir plasma glucose was identical between conditions (both 3.8 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.4, 0.3, p = 0.849), and neither peak glucose nor overall postprandial glucose exposure (incremental area under the curve iAUC0-180 min) differed between the preload and water conditions. Insulin and c-peptide concentrations immediately before the MMTT were higher after the fat-dominant preload (both p < 0.001). Overall insulin and c-peptide responses during the MMTT (iAUC0-180 min) remained comparable between conditions (95% CI -225, 2665; p = 0.442 and -67,787, 70,263; 0.968), but peak values for both hormones were higher after the preload (95% CI 2.9, 79.1, p = 0.038 and 17.3, 2402.7, p = 0.040, respectively). Total GLP-1 was also elevated prior to the MMTT (95% CI 1.6, 22.8, p = 0.028), while its early and overall postprandial responses did not differ (both p > 0.05). Ratings of hypoglycaemia and dumping symptoms were similar for both study arms. DISCUSSION:A moderate, fat-dominant preload consumed before a mixed meal did not alter nadir or overall postprandial glucose in adults without diabetes after SG. However, the preload was associated with higher peak insulin secretion, a finding that should be interpreted with caution, as the study was not powered for secondary outcomes. Given the unique gastrointestinal physiology after SG, further research is needed to determine how different nutrient compositions or timing approaches influence postprandial glucose homeostasis in this population.

AIMS:The use of pharmacotherapies with weight loss properties for the management of obesity and chronic disease are now routinely prescribed. We investigated the evidence from randomised-controlled trials for the effects on lean body mass of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS:PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL were searched from inception to October 2022. The primary outcome was change in body composition focused on measures of lean body mass (LBM). RESULTS:Thirty-six studies in population groups with obesity (n = 8), type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 20), type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 5) and polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 3) receiving a GLP-1RA or SGLT2i therapy versus placebo or active comparator satisfied our inclusion criteria, including 21 for GLP-1RA and 15 for SGLT2i. Meta-analysis showed an overall loss of LBM in the direction of the intervention groups prescribed GLP-1RA (MD: -1.51 kg [95% CI: -2.00 to -1.01]) and SGLT2i (MD: -1.04 kg [95% CI: -1.45 to -0.64]) with sub-group analysis showing largely consistent results when stratified by type of body composition outcome, type of body composition measurement technique and disease status. Results were not modified by sex. Further meta-analysis found that lean mass accounted for 28% (95% CI: 22%-34%) of overall weight loss induced by GLP-1RA and SGLT2i. CONCLUSIONS:GLP-1RA and SGLT2i are associated with a loss of LBM that appears congruent with overall weight loss. Monitoring of body composition and provision of combined therapy to preserve lean mass during weight loss should be considered.

To determine whether a pre-lunch single bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (AEX) alters time spent in hypoglycaemia (<3.0 mmol/L) during the subsequent 24 hours (24-h) and parameters of glucose homeostasis in individuals without diabetes after metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS). In a randomised crossover study, 15 participants completed two conditions: 30min treadmill walking at 60

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) induces substantial weight loss and changes in glucose homeostasis, partly through alterations in gastrointestinal anatomy and nutrient absorption. Sodium-glucose co-transporters-1 (SGLT-1) facilitate intestinal glucose absorption, a process that may be compromised post-RYGB. Animal studies suggest that sodium supplementation to a meal may enhance SGLT-1 activity post-RYGB. In this study, we investigated whether adding sodium chloride (NaCl) to a carbohydrate-rich meal affects glucose homeostasis in people after RYGB. In this open-label, randomized, crossover study, eleven adults without diabetes post-RYGB (mean age 57.3 ± 11.3 years, BMI 35.1 ± 7.5 kg/m2, 64

Background/Objectives: The STRIVE study was a multicentre, open-label, real-world clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a targeted prescribing pathway for liraglutide 3.0 mg as an adjunct to standard care versus standard care alone in people with obesity attending Specialist Weight Management Services (SWMS) in the UK and Ireland. This post hoc analysis focuses on the standard care arm to explore differences in outcomes between sites, particularly the potential impact of offering meal replacements as part of usual care. Methods: Participants included individuals with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² and at least one obesity-related complication who received standard care at five SWMS sites. All sites provided specialist nutrition and exercise counselling; however, only the Dublin site (n = 40) included meal replacements as part of routine care. Baseline characteristics and weight change data were compared between the Dublin and UK cohorts (n = 92) at 52 and 104 weeks. Statistical comparisons were made using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: At baseline, the Dublin cohort was significantly older (p < 0.01), had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p < 0.05), and a lower reported incidence of depression/anxiety (p < 0.05) than the UK cohort. At week 52, the Dublin group achieved greater mean weight loss (-6.1%, SD ± 5.7%) compared to the UK cohort (-1.3%, SD ± 6.7%, n = 27, p < 0.01). By week 104, Dublin participants maintained a mean weight loss of -4.4% (SD ± 5.7%) while UK participants had a mean weight gain of 0.37% (SD ± 7.6%) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The integration of meal replacements as part of usual care may have contributed to the greater and sustained weight loss observed in the Dublin cohort compared to other SWMS in the UK.

AIMS:To investigate whether the association between type 2 diabetes diagnosis and relative and absolute risk of obesity-related cancers differs based on age at diabetes diagnosis. METHODS:This retrospective, observational cohort study used data from the US Collaborative Network within the TriNetX database. Individuals with type 2 diabetes were propensity matched - for age, sex, and ethnicity - to individuals without type 2 diabetes. Crude 5-year risks of obesity-related cancer were calculated. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to assess relative rates of obesity-related cancer incidence over five years, comparing individuals with type 2 diabetes in younger (aged ≤40 years; n = 162,691) and middle-older age (aged >40 years; n = 1,616,950), with propensity-matched cohorts without type 2 diabetes. RESULTS:Absolute risk of developing cancer was greater in individuals with versus without type 2 diabetes. Relative rates of any cancer were greater in younger (HR: 2·01 [95 % CI: 1·85, 2·19]) than middle-older age adults (1·49 [1·48, 1·51]). The highest relative rates in younger adults were observed for corpus uteri (HR: 4·76 [3·51, 6·46]) and pancreatic cancer (4·25 [2·34, 7·72]). Corresponding HRs in middle-older age adults were 1·92 (1·84, 2·01) and 1·75 (1·68, 1·83). CONCLUSIONS:The five-year risk of cancer was higher in those with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes versus those without. Absolute risk was greater in middle-older age adults, although relative rates were greater amongst younger adults. This persisted across most site-specific cancers, suggesting targeted strategies for early detection and prevention may help younger adults with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes reduce lifetime disease burden.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in those with diabetic foot disease is very high. Non-pharmacological interventions may improve this risk, though no previous evidence synthesis has been completed. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on CVD risk factors in diabetic ulcer disease. Multiple databases and trials registers were searched from inception to December 6th 2023. We included reports of randomised controlled trials investigating the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on cardiovascular risk in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and current or previous diabetic foot disease. Twenty studies were included. Extracted data included: study design and setting; participant sociodemographic factors; and change in cardiovascular risk factors. Data were synthesised using random effects meta-analyses and narrative syntheses. Interventions included nutritional supplementation, collaborative care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patient education, nurse-led intervention, self-management, family support, relaxation and exercise, over a median duration of 12 weeks. Significant post-intervention changes were observed in fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin levels, insulin sensitivity and resistance, glycated haemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and C-reactive protein. No effects were detected in very low- or high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol or body mass index. Non-pharmacological interventions show promise in improving CVD risk in diabetic foot disease.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes, with treatment requiring offloading. This study aimed to capture how the accelerometer-assessed physical activity profile differs in those with DFUs compared to those with diabetes but without ulceration (non-DFU). Participants were requested to wear an accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist for up to 8days. Physical activity outcomes included average acceleration (volume), intensity gradient (intensity distribution), the intensity of the most active sustained (continuous) 5–120 min of activity (MXCONT), and accumulated 5–120 min of activity (MXACC). A total of 595 participants (non-DFU = 561, DFU = 34) were included in the analysis. Average acceleration was lower in DFU participants compared to non-DFU participants (21.9 mg [95%CI:21.2, 22.7] vs. 16.9 mg [15.3, 18.8], p < 0.001). DFU participants also had a lower intensity gradient, indicating proportionally less time spent in higher-intensity activities. The relative difference between DFU and non-DFU participants was greater for sustained activity (MXCONT) than for accumulated (MXACC) activity. In conclusion, physical activity, particularly the intensity of sustained activity, is lower in those with DFUs compared to non-DFUs. This highlights the need for safe, offloaded modes of activity that contribute to an active lifestyle for people with DFUs.

BackgroundAn effective prescribing pathway for liraglutide 3 mg, an approved obesity pharmacotherapy, may improve treatment access. This trial compared a targeted prescribing pathway for liraglutide 3 mg with multiple stopping rules in specialist weight management services (SWMS) to standard SWMS care.MethodsThis phase four, two-year, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, real-world randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03036800) enrolled adults with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 plus prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnoea from five SWMS in Ireland and UK. Participants were randomly allocated (2:1, stratified by centre and BMI) to SWMS care plus a targeted prescribing pathway for once daily subcutaneous liraglutide 3 mg (intervention) with stopping rules at 16 (≥5% weight loss, WL), 32 (≥10% WL) and 52 weeks (≥15% WL) or to SWMS care alone (control) through an online randomization service. The primary outcome was WL ≥15% at 52 weeks, assessed by complete cases analysis. All randomized participants were included in safety analysis.FindingsFrom November 28, 2017 to February 28, 2020, 434 participants were screened, and 392 randomized (260 intervention; 132 control), while 294 (201 intervention; 93 control) included in the 52 weeks complete case analysis. More intervention than control participants achieved WL ≥15% at 52 weeks [51/201 (25.4%) vs 6/93 (6.5%); odds ratio 5.18; 95% CI 2.09, 12.88; p < 0.0001]. More adverse events occurred in the intervention (238/260, 91.5%; two deaths) than control (89/132, 67.4%; no deaths) group.InterpretationA targeted prescribing pathway for liraglutide 3 mg helps more people achieve ≥15% WL at 52 weeks than standard care alone.FundingNovo Nordisk A/S.

Sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors have been shown to have multiple cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes. In large randomised controlled trials they reduced major cardiovascular outcomes, hospitalisation for heart failure and adverse kidney outcomes, independently of their glucose-lowering effects. They are simple to prescribe and do not require dose titration. Compelling indications for this class of medications in patients with type 2 diabetes include those at high or very high risk of cardiovascular events and those with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. They are also indicated for patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease, regardless of diabetic status.

AIMS:To examine the impact of impaired glycaemic regulation (IGR) and exercise training on hepatic lipid composition in men with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS:In Part A (cross-sectional design), 40 men with MASLD (liver proton density fat fraction [PDFF] ≥5.56%) were recruited to one of two groups: (1) normal glycaemic regulation (NGR) group (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] < 42 mmol∙mol-1 [<6.0%]; n = 14) or (2) IGR group (HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol∙mol-1 [≥6.0%]; n = 26). In Part B (randomized controlled trial design), participants in the IGR group were randomized to one of two 6-week interventions: (1) exercise training (EX; 70%-75% maximum heart rate; four sessions/week; n = 13) or (2) non-exercise control (CON; n = 13). Saturated (SI; primary outcome), unsaturated (UI) and polyunsaturated (PUI) hepatic lipid indices were determined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additional secondary outcomes included liver PDFF, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), and plasma cytokeratin-18 (CK18) M65, among others. RESULTS:In Part A, hepatic SI was higher and hepatic UI was lower in the IGR versus the NGR group (p = 0.038), and this hepatic lipid profile was associated with higher HbA1c levels, FPG levels, HOMA-IR and plasma CK18 M65 levels (rs ≥0.320). In Part B, hepatic lipid composition and liver PDFF were unchanged after EX versus CON (p ≥ 0.257), while FPG was reduced and VO2 peak was increased (p ≤ 0.030). ΔVO2 peak was inversely associated with Δhepatic SI (r = -0.433) and positively associated with Δhepatic UI and Δhepatic PUI (r ≥ 0.433). CONCLUSIONS:Impaired glycaemic regulation in MASLD is characterized by greater hepatic lipid saturation; however, this composition is not altered by 6 weeks of moderate-intensity exercise training.

BackgroundArterial stiffening is believed to contribute to the worsening of insulin resistance, and factors which are associated with needing pharmacological treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM), such as maternal obesity or advanced age, are associated with impaired cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy. In this observational study, we aimed to investigate causal relationships between maternal haemodynamics and treatment requirement amongst women with GDM.MethodsWe assessed maternal haemodynamics in women with GDM, comparing those who remained on dietary treatment with those who required pharmacological management. Maternal haemodynamics were assessed using the Arteriograph (R) (TensioMed Ltd, Budapest, Hungary) and the NICOM (R) non-invasive bio-reactance method (Cheetah Medical, Portland, Oregon, USA). A graphical causal inference technique was used for statistical analysis.Results120 women with GDM were included in the analysis. Maternal booking BMI was identified as having a causative influence on treatment requirement, with each unit increase in BMI increasing the odds of needing metformin and/or insulin therapy by 12% [OR 1.12 (1.02 - 1.22)]. The raw values of maternal heart rate (87.6 +/- 11.7 vs. 92.9 +/- 11.90 bpm, p = 0.014) and PWV (7.8 +/- 1.04 vs. 8.4 +/- 1.61 m/s, p = 0.029) were both significantly higher amongst the women requiring pharmacological management, though these relationships did not remain significant in causal logistic regression.ConclusionsMaternal BMI at booking has a causal, rather than simply associational, relationship on the need for pharmacological treatment of GDM. No significant causal relationships were found between maternal haemodynamics and the need for pharmacological treatment. This observational study is the first to examine relationships between maternal haemodynamics and treatment requirement for gestational diabetes (GDM). This is also the first study to demonstrate a causative, rather than simply associational, relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and the need for pharmacological treatment of GDM, with each unit increase in BMI increasing the odds of needing metformin and/or insulin therapy by 12%. Maternal heart rate and pulse wave velocity were significantly higher among women with GDM requiring pharmacological management, but this finding did not remain significant in logistic regression analysis, and no causative relationships between maternal hemodynamics and treatment requirement were identified. Our findings highlight the importance of pre- and peri-conception weight control, but do not support a role for measurement of maternal hemodynamics in the prediction of women who are likely to require pharmacological management of GDM.

BACKGROUND:Home foot temperature monitoring (HFTM) is recommended for those at moderate to high ulcer risk. Where a > 2.2°C difference in temperature between feet (hotspot) is detected, it is suggested that individuals (1) notify a healthcare professional (HCP); (2) reduce daily steps by 50%. We assess adherence to this and HFTM upon detecting a recurrent hotspot. METHODS:PubMed and Google Scholar were searched until 9 June 2023 for English-language peer-reviewed HFTM studies which reported adherence to HFTM, daily step reduction or HCP hotspot notification. The search returned 1030 results excluding duplicates of which 28 were shortlisted and 11 included. RESULTS:Typical adherence among HFTM study participants for >3 days per week was 61%-93% or >80% of study duration was 55.6%-83.1%. Monitoring foot temperatures >50% of the study duration was associated with decreased ulcer risk (Odds Ratio: 0.50, p < 0.001) in one study (n = 173), but no additional risk reduction was found for >80% adherence. Voluntary dropout was 5.2% (Smart mats); 8.1% (sock sensor) and 4.8%-35.8% (infrared thermometers). Only 16.9%-52.5% of participants notified an HCP upon hotspot detection. Objective evidence of adherence to 50% reduction in daily steps upon hotspot detection was limited to one study where the average step reduction was a pedometer-measured 51.2%. CONCLUSIONS:Ulcer risk reduction through HFTM is poorly understood given only half of the participants notify HCPs of recurrent hotspots and the number of reducing daily steps is largely unknown. HFTM adherence and dropout are variable and more research is needed to determine factors affecting adherence and those likely to adhere.

AIM:In a primary care population at high risk of type 2 diabetes, 24-month weight change trajectories were used to investigate the impact of weight cycling on fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). MATERIALS AND METHODS:Cohort data from the Walking Away from Type 2 Diabetes trial was used, which recruited adults at-risk of type 2 diabetes from primary care in 2009/10. Annual weight change trajectories based on weight loss/gain of ≥5% were assessed over two 24-month periods. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Repeated measures were analysed using generalized estimating equations with participants contributing up to two 24-month observation periods. RESULTS:In total, 622 participants were included (average age = 63.6 years, body mass index = 32.0 kg/m2 , 35.4% women), contributing 1163 observations. Most observations (69.2%) were from those that maintained their body weight, with no change to FM or FFM. A minority (4.6% of observations) lost over 5% of body weight between baseline and 12 months, which was then regained between 12 and 24 months. These individuals regained FM to baseline levels, but lost 1.50 (0.66, 2.35) kg FFM, adjusted for confounders. In contrast, those that gained weight between baseline and 12 months but lost weight between 12 and 24 months (5.5% of observations) had a net gain in FM of 1.70 (0.27, 3.12) kg with no change to FFM. CONCLUSION:Weight cycling may be associated with a progressive loss in FFM and/or gain in FM in those with overweight and obesity at-risk of type 2 diabetes.

Exercise is recommended for those with, or at risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), owing to beneficial effects on hepatic steatosis and cardiometabolic risk. Whilst exercise training reduces total intrahepatic lipid in people with NAFLD, accumulating evidence indicates that exercise may also modulate hepatic lipid composition. This metabolic influence is important as the profile of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) dramatically affect the metabolic consequences of hepatic lipid accumulation; with SFA being especially lipotoxic. Relatedly, obesity and NAFLD are associated with hepatic PUFA depletion and elevated SFA. This review summarizes the acute (single bout) and chronic (exercise training) effects of exercise on hepatic lipid composition in rodents (acute studies: n = 3, chronic studies: n = 13) and humans (acute studies: n = 1, chronic studies: n = 3). An increased proportion of hepatic PUFA after acute and chronic exercise is the most consistent finding of this review. Mechanistically, this may relate to an enhanced uptake of adipose‐derived PUFA (reflecting habitual diet), particularly in rodents. A relative decrease in the proportion of hepatic MUFA after chronic exercise is also documented repeatedly, particularly in rodent models with elevated hepatic MUFA. This outcome is related to decreased hepatic stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 activity in some studies. Findings regarding hepatic SFA are less consistent and limited by the absence of metabolic challenge in rodent models. These findings require confirmation in well‐controlled interventions in people with NAFLD. These studies will be facilitated by recently validated magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques, able to precisely quantify hepatic lipid composition in vivo.

Large placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated kidney and cardiovascular clinical benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors. Data from the EMPA-KIDNEY and DELIVER trials and associated meta-analyses triggered an update to the UK Kidney Association Clinical Practice Guideline on Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibition in Adults with Kidney Disease. We provide a summary of the full guideline and highlight the rationale for recent updates. The use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in people with specific medical conditions, including type 1 diabetes, kidney transplants, and people admitted to hospital with heart failure is also considered, along with Recommendations for future research and Recommendations for implementation. A full "lay" summary of the guidelines is provided as an appendix to ensure that these guidelines are accessible and understandable to people who are not medical professionals.