2. Methods
We followed the PRISMA guidelines when conducting this systematic review and meta-analysis. The rules mentioned in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions were followed in the process.
2.1. Search Strategy
A comprehensive search of the existing body of literature was conducted by two independent researchers using the PUBMED database. The primary focus was to investigate the role of early short-term intensive insulin therapy (STIIT) in type 2 Diabetes.” The complete search for PubMed was: (“Insulin” [MeSH] OR “insulin” [Text Word]) AND (“diabetes mellitus, type 2”[MeSH Terms] OR “type 2 diabetes”[Text Word] AND ((“intensive”[Text Word])). To find RCTs that were missed by the online electronic searches, a manual search was also done among the reference lists of all known relevant publications, prior systematic reviews, and review studies. Initial screening was done considering the title and abstract, followed by full-text screening to include eligible studies. Any discrepancies in the study selection process were resolved by the third researcher.
2.2. Study Selection Criteria
The initial search yielded a substantial number of articles, which were subjected to a stringent screening process guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Inclusion criteria:
- 1)
Studies that included adults aged 18 years or older with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
- 2)
Studies that studied the effect of short-term intensive insulin therapy on β-cell function (assessed by Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-cell function [HOMA-B]) or insulin resistance (assessed by Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR]), or both, reporting means and standard deviations at baseline and after short-term intensive insulin therapy
- 3)
Assessed patients for glycemic remission after any duration of follow-up.
- 4)
Assessed patients for lipid profiles before and after STIIT.
- 5)
Compared glycemic control, HOMA-B, and HOMA-IR in STIIT and OHA (oral hypoglycemic agents) groups.
- 6)
Compared glycemic control and other outcomes of interest in remission vs. non-remission group of STIIT patients.
Exclusion criteria:
1) Observational, animal, conference, non-English studies, reviews, studies with unreliable data for extraction, studies not reporting on outcomes of interest, and if the full text was unavailable.
The included studies were independently reviewed by two reviewers using a standardized template after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A third reviewer was consulted to discuss and settle any disagreements.
2.3. Data Extraction
Two investigators independently extracted the data from the included studies in a formatted data extraction sheet that included the following characteristics of the studies: Study first author, study design, study year, sample size, and IIT regimen. IIT duration, baseline characteristics of the patients in each study, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and outcomes of interest, including glycemic control indicators. We extracted data on the lipid profiles, glycemic control (HbA1c, FPG, PPG), HOMA-B, HOMA-IR, and Matsuda Index for the meta-analysis. Discussions with another author helped resolve differences in data extraction. A mean and standard deviation were taken from the data for the results.
2.4. Quality and Risk of Bias Assessment
The quality of the included studies was assessed by two authors according to the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) assessment tool. The tool aims to detect the following biases: selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias, and other potential sources of bias. The authors’ judgments are categorized as low, high, or unclear risk of bias. We did not include or exclude the studies because of the risk of bias.
2.5. Data Synthesis
We reported the differences between the mean of the variables like FBG, HbA1c, PPG, HOMA-B, HOMA-IR, Matsuda Index, BMI, and lipid profiles before and after STIIT. Similarly, we calculated the mean differences for the baseline values of the similar variables between the remission and non-remission groups of STIIT. Finally, we presented the mean difference of such variables between the STIIT and OHA groups. Version 5.4.1 of Review Manager for Windows was the program we utilized. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was used in the interval estimation. When there was a lack of heterogeneity predicted by I2 ≤ 50% and p ≥ 0.05, the fixed-effect model was employed to combine the effect values. When there was heterogeneity and I2 ≤ 50% and p < 0.05 suggested this, the random-effect model was applied. The publication bias was assessed by a funnel plot of the effect size against the standard error for each study. The two-tailed Chi-square test was used to test the hypothesis, and ‘tau2’ was estimated using the DerSimonian and Laird methods to verify the heterogeneity. An inverse-variance method was used to calculate the pooled MD, expressed as a 95% confidence interval (CI). For interpretation purposes, forest plots were created. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value of 0.05. A funnel plot symmetry analysis and outlier analysis were used to detect publication bias. We also did a sensitivity analysis to address the heterogeneity in our study.
2.6. Outcomes of Interests
- i)
Effect of STIIT on glycemic control: fasting plasma glucose (FBG), insulin level, hemoglobin A1c, homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, PPG, Matsuda Index.
- ii)
Effect of STIIT on lipid profile and obesity: triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), and BMI
Discussion
Current practice advocates the use of insulin as a last resort in type 2 diabetes when glycemic targets with other hypoglycemic agents are not reached. However, recent trials have been conducted to determine the role of brief intensive insulin therapy early during type 2 diabetes and have shown promising results. Our Systematic review and metanalysis sought to evaluate the effectiveness of short-term intensive insulin therapy (STIIT) in the management of newly diagnosed type2 Diabetes mellitus.
The analysis included six studies with a total of 1146 patients and demonstrated significant improvements in several key outcomes following STIIT. The primary findings from this review indicate that STIIT significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and postprandial glucose (PPG) levels while improving pancreatic beta-cell function (HOMA-B) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR).
Glycaemic Control:
The pooled analysis revealed substantial reductions in FBG, HbA1c, and PPG values post-STIIT, indicating that this therapy is effective in achieving better glycaemic control. These results underscore the potential of STIIT to correct hyperglycaemia and lay a foundation for sustained glycaemic control.
Pancreatic Function and Insulin Sensitivity:
Improvements in pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity were also observed. This suggests that STIIT not only addresses hyperglycaemia but also positively impacts the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of T2DM, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes.
Impact on Lipid Profile and BMI:
STIIT was associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, although no significant change was observed in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. The lack of significant change in BMI before and after STIIT suggests that the therapy's benefits on metabolic parameters are independent of weight changes. This finding is particularly important, as it highlights STIIT's role in improving cardiovascular risk factors without necessitating weight loss.
Remission vs. Non-Remission Groups:
An analysis of baseline differences between remission and non-remission groups revealed that patients who achieved remission had a significantly higher BMI and were younger at the onset of STIIT. These findings suggest that younger patients with higher BMI might be more responsive to STIIT, achieving better outcomes in terms of diabetes remission. However, no significant differences were found in baseline FBG, PPG, and HbA1c values between the two groups, indicating that these factors do not predict remission.
Comparison with Oral Hypoglycaemic Agents (OHA):
Comparative analysis between STIIT and OHA groups showed that while the STIIT group had higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG) initially, there was no significant difference in HbA1c and HOMA-IR values between the two groups. This suggests that STIIT might offer additional benefits in the initial control of fasting glucose levels, although long-term outcomes might be comparable to those achieved with oral hypoglycaemic agents.
Long-Term Glycaemic Remission:
The review highlighted the potential for long-term glycaemic remission following STIIT. Various studies reported remission rates ranging from 42% to 72.6% at different follow-up intervals. This long-term remission underscores the potential of STIIT as a valuable strategy in the early management of T2DM, offering patients the possibility of prolonged drug-free periods
The management of diabetes presents a multifaceted challenge, requiring a comprehensive approach that encompasses both lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions. Despite the plethora of hypoglycemic agents available, a significant proportion of individuals with diabetes fail to achieve optimal glycemic targets. This failure to attain glycemic control contributes significantly to the onset and progression of devastating complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy.
Epidemiological data underscore the magnitude of the problem. According to recent studies, a substantial proportion of individuals with diabetes worldwide fail to meet recommended glycemic targets, with estimates varying across different regions and populations. For example, a meta-analysis conducted by [
6] Shaw et al., (2010) reported that only about half of individuals with diabetes achieved target HbA1c levels of less than 7%, indicating a significant gap between clinical guidelines and real-world practice.
Moreover, the failure to achieve glycemic control is associated with a higher risk of developing complications and experiencing adverse outcomes. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that poor glycemic control is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events, kidney disease progression, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy [
7,
8]. For instance, the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) demonstrated that every percentage point reduction in HbA1c was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of microvascular complications, emphasizing the critical importance of glycemic control in preventing diabetes-related complications
[9].
It is therefore essential to prioritize the advancement of scientific understanding in therapies aimed at enhancing glycemic control.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a progressive decline in the functioning of beta cells [
10]. In fact, up to 50% of functioning beta cell mass is lost by the time of diagnosis [
11]. Progressive decline in the Beta cell functioning mass ultimately results in Beta cell failure, a situation characterized by an inability of the residual functional beta cell mass to maintain Euglycemia [
12]. Progressive beta cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes makes it challenging to achieve glycemic targets, requiring intensified antidiabetic therapy such as adding additional medications.
Various mechanisms have been described to explain the loss of beta cell functioning mass, a few of which include:
Glucotoxicity
Glucotoxicity occurs when high glucose levels impair the function of beta cells [
13].
Chronic hyperglycemia leads to defects in beta cells due to the buildup of glucose inside the cells, causing stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. ER stress triggers a response called the unfolded protein response [
14], which can ultimately lead to cell death as shown in a study by [
15] where persistent moderate to severe hyperglycemia (540-1080mg/dl) has been shown to cause apoptosis of Beta cells.
Meanwhile, the excess glucose in the mitochondria leads to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [
16]. With prolonged hyperglycemia, the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane weakens, allowing cytochrome C to leak into the cytosol, which prompts the apoptosis of beta cells [
17].
Lipotoxicity
Lipotoxicity is a condition characterized by inhibition of Beta cell functioning due to lipid overload on the beta cells of the pancreas [
18] and occurs via the same pathways as that of glucotoxicity like ER Stress, Oxidative stress, and impaired autophagy [
19].
Islet Amyloid
Insulin amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a co-molecule secreted by Beta cells of the pancreas along with Insulin [
20]. IAPP has the tendency to form amyloid around beta cells of the pancreas. [
21] and this amyloid deposition around the beta cells has been shown to induce inflammation and apoptosis of beta cells [
22].
All these stressors ultimately lead to Beta cell dysfunction by three models as put forward by Swisa et al. [
23], reduced beta cell number, beta cell exhaustion, and loss of beta cell identity.
Short-term intensive insulin therapy is one of the potential ways to preserve beta cell functional mass, which means that it could alter the natural history of type 2 diabetes. Early short-term intensive insulin therapy is defined as short-term insulin administration shortly after the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for a brief period. It has been shown in various studies to improve beta cell function, insulin sensitivity, remission of hyperglycemia, and the maintenance of normoglycemia without antidiabetic medications. It has shown a profound effect in reversing beta cell dysfunction by preventing the metabolic stress of hyperglycemia, which sets up a vicious cycle as they suppress the beta cells when present chronically.
Various mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate how short-term Intensive Insulin Therapy (STII) plays a role in managing type 2 diabetes (T2D). During the critical period of persistent hyperglycemia around the onset of clinical T2D, beta cells are particularly vulnerable to apoptosis [
24].
STII addresses the initial glucotoxicity, a detrimental effect on beta cell functioning and survival. However, this alone doesn't fully explain its potential long-term benefits, including glycemic remission. Research by Weng et al. [
25] demonstrated that although oral antidiabetic medications immediately achieved glycemic targets, only a minority-maintained remission at one year compared to those on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI), indicating insulin's pleiotropic effects beyond glucotoxicity reversal.
Improvement in beta cell function is a key mechanism. STII has been shown to enhance beta cell function and survival by reversing glucotoxicity. Objective evidence supporting this includes improvements in glycemic control markers (Fasting Blood Glucose, Postprandial Glucose, and HbA1c), lipid profiles (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL), along with increased Homeostatic Model Assessment of Beta cell function (HOMA-B) and decreased Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).