According to the 2013 guidelines, released by the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is based on the following:
DIAGNOSIS
.
FPG >=7.0 mmol/L
Fasting = no caloric intake for at least 8 hours
OR
A1C ≥6.5% (in adults)
Using a standardized, validated assay in the absence of factors that affect the accuracy of the A1C and not for suspected type 1 diabetes (see text)
OR
2hPG in a 75 g OGTT ≥11.1 mmol/
OR
Random PG ≥11.1 mmol/L
Random = any time of the day, without regard to the interval since the last meal
In the absence of symptomatic hyperglycemia, if a single laboratory test result is in the diabetes range, a repeat confirmatory laboratory test (FPG, A1C, 2hPG in a 75 g OGTT) must be done on another day. It is preferable that the same test be repeated (in a timely fashion) for confirmation, but a random PG in the diabetes range in an asymptomatic individual should be confirmed with an alternate test. In the case of symptomatic hyperglycemia, the diagnosis has been made and a confirmatory test is not required before treatment is initiated. In individuals in whom type 1 diabetes is likely (younger or lean or symptomatic hyperglycemia, especially with ketonuria or ketonemia), confirmatory testing should not delay initiation of treatment to avoid rapid deterioration. If results of 2 different tests are available and both are above the diagnostic cutpoints, the diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed 2hPG (2 hour plasma glucose), A1c (glycated hemoglobin), FPG (fasting plasma glucose), OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test), PG (plasma glucose)
Screening
When should an individual be screened for type 2 diabetes?
Screen every 3 years if age is 40 years or older
Screen earlier and/or more frequently if individuals have an additional risk factor (see below)
Screening high risk groups:
Age over 40 years
First degree relative with type 2 diabetes
Individuals of high - risk population (e.g. people of Aboriginal, African, Asian, Hispanic or South Asian descent
history of prediabetes (defined as Impaired Glucose Tolerance test or A1c 6.0-6.4%)
history of Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or delivery of a large baby
high cholesterol levels (defined as HDL cholesterol <1.0 mmol/L in males / <1.3 mmol/L in females, Triglycerides > 1.7 mmol/L)
High blood pressure (defined as BP > 130/80 mmHg)
Overweight
Abdominal Obesity (fat predominately around the belly area)
Presence of other associated conditions (e.g. Polycystic Ovary syndrome, Acanthosis nigrans, Schizophrenia)
How should an individual be screened for type 2 diabetes?
FPG ("Fasting Plasma Glucose") is the measure of blood glucose after no caloric intake for 8 or more hours.
if the result of FPG is 6.1-6.9 mmol/L: this indicates Impaired Fasting Glucose.
The next step in this case would be to preform a 2 hour 75 gm OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)
If the result of 2hr OGTT is 7.8-11.0 mmol/L: this indicates Impaired Glucose Tolerance
If the result is >11.1 mmol/L: this indicates type 2 diabetes
if the result of FPG is >= 7.0 mmol/L: this indicates type 2 diabetes
A1c (is a blood test which measures the average of blood sugars over the past 3 months, in absence of other factors)
A1c 6.0-6.4% indicates Prediabetes
A1c >= 6.5% indicates Diabetes
Random Plasma Glucose (a measure of blood sugar done randomly at any time of the day)
if >= 11.1 mmol/L this indicates Diabetes
Prevention:The Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study as well as the DPP trial used intensive and structured modification that resulted in loss of 5% of initial body weight have shown prevention rates for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of up to 60%. Therefore weight control through diet and increased physical activity are advocated for those at risk. In those individuals with Impaired Fasting Glucose (Fasting Glucose 6.1-7.0) or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (PPG 7.8-11); in addition to lifestyle interventions, consideration should be given to Metformin &/or Acarbose which have both been shown to decrease progression to Diabetes by about 30%. In the DREAM trial, treatment with Rosiglitazone reduced conversion to T2DM by 63%.
Dysglycemias: IGT (Post Prandial Glucose 7.8-11) and IFG (Fasting Glucose 6.1-7.0) are different conditions. IGT is caused primarily by Insulin Resistance and the pathology is decreased glucose uptake by muscle. It tends to occur in younger individuals.
IFG involves pancreatic insufficiency and liver overproduction of glucose, patients tend to be older.
The Fumagata study has shown that IGT is more predictive of Macrovascular (Cardiovascular) disease than IFG. Individuals with IGT have cardiovascular disease risks very close to diabetics. Of those with IFG; 1/3 are normal, 1/3 have IGT and 1/3 have diabetes on OGT. Those with IFG (FBS 5.7 to 7.0) should have a 75 gm oral glucose tolerance test with a 2 hr PC glucose since the DECODE study has shown that the Fasting Glucose test misses many people who would be diagnosed with Diabetes on the 2 hr PC sample.
The evidence suggests that IFG should be defined as Fasting Glucose of 5.7 to 6.9. A fasting glucose of 5.7 equates to a post prandial glucose of 7.8 and a post prandial glucose of 7.8 increases the relative risks of cardiovascular disease by 1.5. In the Kumamato study, those with an A1C >6.5 had progression of disease. Incidence of Retinopathy increases with Fasting Glucose greater than 6.5. In the DECODE study, increased risk of MI and mortality were seen with Post Prandial Glucose levels over 10.
Glycemic Control: Both FBS & PPG correlate with the risk of complications.
TARGETS:
A1c <7%
Pre meal Glucose 4-7 mmol/L
Post Prandial 5-10 mmol/L (5-8.0 mmol/L if A1c targets are not being met
Kumamato study: Retinopathy & Nephropathy start at A1C 7%
UKPDS: 1% decrease in A1c reduced any endpoint by 21%
Deaths by 21%
All Cause Mortality 14%
ACCORD study showed increase in death in the intensive control arm with target A1C <6%
Normoglycemia may not be an appropriate goal in those at risk of severe hypoglycemia.
PHARMACOLOGIC MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
If glycemic targets are not achieved within 2-3 months of lifestyle management, start pharmacotherapy.
Timely adjustments or additions of agents to achieve target A1C in 6-12 months
If A1c >9% start 2 treatments together.
Start with Metformin
Initial use of combinations of sub maximal doses of antihyperglycemic agents produces more rapid & improved glycemic control compared to monotherapy at maximal doses. When combining agents, classes with different mechanisms of action should be used. How we reach target may be less important than the need to achieve that target.
It is important to prevent, recognize & treat hypoglycemic episodes secondary to the use of insulin or secretagogues.
Goals of treatment for hypoglycemia are to to detect & treat promptly by providing an intervention for fastest rise
It is important to avoid overtreatment as it may lead to hyperglycemia and weight gain. Treat with 15 gm rapid acting carbohydrate, recheck glucose in 15 min & retreat if needed.
Compensatory Mechanisms
Depression of insulin secretion below
below 4.2 mmol/L
Glucagon & Epinephrine response
below 3.7 mmol/L
Autonomic Symptoms
below 3.0 mmol/L
Incidence of hypoglycemia increases as glucose targets fall.
Repeated hypoglycemia leads to defective counter regulation and hypoglycemic unawareness. These defects are reversible with avoidance of hypoglycemia.
Metformin, Acarbose, DPP-4 and Thiazolidenediones are associated with no significant hypoglycemia.
Secretagogues & Insulin associated with more hypoglycemia. Elderly more at risk.
The initial agent should be Metformin.
In the elderly Sulphonylureas should be used with caution and Gliclazide (Diamicron) or Glimepiride (Amaryl) is preferable to Glyburide.
Treatment of Hypoglycemia:15 gm Carbohydrate; wait 15 minutes to retreat.
Prevention of Macrovascular Complications:
The first priority in the prevention of diabetes complications should be the reduction of cardiovascular (CV) risk by vascular protection through a comprehensive multifaceted approach (in alphabetical order): ACE inhibitor and antiplatelet therapy (e.g. ASA) as recommended. Optimize lipid control and smoking sensation.
Lipids and Macrovascular Disease: 80% of Diabetics will die of macrovascular disease. In 1998, Steve Haffner showed that the diabetic who has not had a heart attack has the same risk as a non diabetic who has had a heart attack; we therefore classify diabetics in the very high risk category. The risk reduction benefit of lipid lowering in diabetics is even greater than in non diabetics. In the Heart Protection Study 6000 of subjects were diabetic and statin treatment gave a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events. In the CARDS study 10 mg atorvastatin reduced CV events by 40% in diabetics with normal LDL. The Helsinki Heart Study showed significant risk reductions with fibrates. The VA-HIT study showed a 24% event reduction with fibrates and the DAIS showed reduced progression of atherosclerosis with fibrates. FIELD study showed non significant benefit with Fibrate. First choice is statin.
Lipids should be measured at diagnosis of diabetes & annually.
Lipid Goals:
Most diabetics are considered at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
TARGETS
LDL-Chol
High Risk
<2.0
Start treatment with a statin if LDL>2.0
Start treatment with a fibrate if Trig >10
Early aggressive treatment to goal including several agents if necessary
In view of HPS & CARDS data, consider statin treatment in those over 40 or with clinical evidence of vascular disease even if LDL <2. Normal Triglyceride is <1.5, Fibrate if >10 to decrease risk of pancreatitis.
Blood Pressure: Goal <130/80
Treatment
Start with ACE or ARB
Add on diuretic, Beta Blocker or Calcium Channel Blocker
Treat aggressively to goal
Renal Function: Screening for CKD should be done with creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) calculated and ACR (Albumin/Creatinine Ratio) normal <2 for men and <2.8 for women.
Urine Albumin/Creatinine should be done within 5 years for Type 1 and at diagnosis for Type 2, then annually. Those with ACR >60 mg/mmol, or eGFR <30 ml/min should be referred to a Nephrologist.
Diabetes with ACR >2 for men, >2.8 for women should be on ACE or ARB.
Thiazide diuretic for salt & water retention
Consider stopping ACE/ARB/DIURETIC for acute illness or dehydration
Avoid pregnancy while on ACE/ARB.
Pregnancy: Pre-Pregnancy A1C should be <7%.
Discontinue oral agents and start intensive insulin pre-conception. Glyburide or Metformin may be used if insulin refused.
Ketosis should be avoided.
Try to maintain pre-pregnancy body mass.
GDM: should be screened with 50gm OGTT between 24 & 28 weeks gestation.
If 1 hr PG >10.3 diagnose GDM
If 1 hr PG 7.8-10.2 do 75 gm OGTT
Screen at first pre-natal visit if high risk (e.g. BMI >30)
Diagnostic Criteria at 75 gm OGTT
Fasting >5.3
1 hr PC >10.6
2 hr PC >8.9 if any two of these are exceeded, diagnose GDM, if 1 is high IGT of pregnancy
6 weeks post partum follow up with OGTT and Lipids
Remember GDM is high risk for subsequent development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Glycemic Targets
Pre Pregnancy A1c
<=7.0% (less than 6% if this can be safely achieved)
Pregnant
Fasting & AC
1 hr PC
2 hr PC
Pre-bedtime snack
A1C