Research roundup

We present some of the latest diabetes research news from round the world.

GLYCAEMIC CONTROL AND DEMENTIA RISK IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

In April of this year, a study was undertaken to examine the associations between cumulative exposure to various ranges of HbA1c concentrations and dementia risk. The trials were across sex, and racial and ethnic groups, studying the associations of current therapeutic glycaemic targets with dementia risk.

A total of 253,211 participants with type 2 diabetes were aged 50 years or older during the study period of 1 January 1996 to 30 September 2015. The data was then analysed from February 2020 to January 2023.

Participants with more than 50% of HbA1c measurements (at 9% or more) had greater risk of dementia compared with those who had 50% or less of measurements in those categories.

By contrast, participants with more than 50% of HbA1c concentrations (less than 8%) had a lower risk of dementia.

Persisting hyperglycaemia, as measured by HbA1, increases the risk of dementia. This study shows that keeping HbA1c levels below 9% (75 mmol/mol) reduces the dementia risk.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/ jamaneurology/article-abstract/2803244

RESEARCH CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE ROLE OF EGGS IN A HEALTHY DIET FOR DIABETES

A recently published research on 70,468 Chinese adults has observed an association between higher long-term egg intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These findings have stimulated interest in whether caution in egg intake is needed.

In 2020, a systematic review and meta-analysis by Harvard University researchers explored the existing body of evidence and found no association between moderate egg intake and the development of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, egg intake of one or more eggs per day was not associated with the development of type 2 diabetes in Asian populations.

Well-designed intervention trials have indicated that individuals with, or at risk of, type 2 diabetes can include six to 12 eggs per week as part of an overall healthy diet.

In 2018, researchers at Sydney University undertook a 12-month randomised controlled trial exploring egg intake in individuals with, or at risk of, type 2 diabetes.

Known as the DIABEGG study, participants consumed at least 12 eggs per week for 12 months, with no detrimental outcomes on heart disease risk factors or blood glucose levels. These findings are in line with advice from the Australian Dietary Guidelines that eggs can be included as a core part of the everyday diet.

https://www.australianeggs.org.au/news/ new-research-continues-to-support-the-roleof-eggs-in-a-healthy-diet-for-diabetes

REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING PILOT GIVES WHĀNAU IN RURAL AREAS MORE CONTROL OVER THEIR HEALTH

Te Aka Whai Ora has invested $2.3 million into four whānau-led pilots. These pilots are for isolated rural areas to test the effectiveness of remote patient monitoring (RPM) in achieving improved hauora outcomes, reduced rates of hospitalisation, and reduced visits to emergency departments for whānau living with long-term conditions.

Te Aka Whai Ora is working alongside Te Whatu Ora to support hauora Māori partners based in Te Tai Tokerau, Te Tairāwhiti, and Wharekauri to deliver these whānau-led pilots. Te Aka Whai Ora is funding the service delivery costs, and Te Whatu Ora is providing remote patient monitoring devices and supporting technology.

Jade Sewell, who is the Maiaka Tau Piringa, Deputy Chief Executive – Service Development for Te Aka Whai Ora, says the improved access to healthcare will support whānau to manage their own health and wellbeing, and to be more involved in decisions about their own care.

‘Te Aka Whai Ora is investing in te ao Māori approaches focused on prevention, screening, early diagnosis, and self-management for whānau with long-term conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart conditions, and gout.

‘Whānau-led remote patient monitoring provides a technological solution for improved access to healthcare where whānau manage and monitor their condition with a device and kaiāwhina support. This allows whānau to co-create and plan a response pathway with their health provider when they require clinical support.

‘This is in line with the goals of Te Pae Tata Interim New Zealand Health Plan and the Rural Health Strategy, which are focused on improving health outcomes and improving equity in health,’ Jade says.

Te Aka Whai Ora and Te Whatu Ora are co-leading workshops with hauora Māori partners and whānau to develop the remote patient monitoring model and provide training on how the devices work. Te Aka Whai Ora is committed to ensuring all parts of the pilots are designed with whānau.

https://www.teakawhaiora.nz/news/remotepatient-monitoring-pilot-gives-whanau-inrural-areas-more-control-over-their-health/