Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation for Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

The study titled "Efficacy and Safety of Omarigliptin, A Weekly Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor for Type 2 Diabetes Management: Real-World Evaluation in Bangladesh" aims to assess the real-world effectiveness and safety of omarigliptin in managing newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Conducted at BIRDEM General Hospital, this 12-month observational study involves 938 patients aged 18 years or older, newly diagnosed with T2DM, with no prior use of antidiabetic medications.
T2DM is a growing global health concern, necessitating effective treatment strategies. Omarigliptin, a once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor, has shown promising results in clinical trials worldwide. However, its real-world efficacy and safety in diverse populations like Bangladesh remain under-explored. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating omarigliptin in a typical clinical setting in Bangladesh, potentially providing valuable insights for healthcare providers.
Study Objectives: To assess the real-world efficacy and safety of omarigliptin in managing newly diagnosed T2DM. Specific objectives include evaluating glycemic control (HbA1C levels), safety regarding adverse events, and other outcomes such as changes in fasting plasma glucose, electrolyte levels, liver enzymes, creatinine, and lipid profile.
Methodology: Conducted in the Department of Endocrinology at BIRDEM General Hospital over 12 months, the study population includes newly diagnosed T2DM patients divided into two groups: those receiving omarigliptin and those receiving other antidiabetic agents. Sample size calculation determined 469 patients per group, accounting for a 15% dropout rate.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Newly diagnosed T2DM (according to ADA guidelines) aged ≥ 18 years
* HbA1C levels between ≥7.0% and ≤10.0%
* Stable doses of antidiabetic drugs for at least 4 weeks
Exclusion Criteria:
* Prescribed insulin for diabetes management
* Significant weight loss, hypersensitivity to antidiabetic drugs, type 1 diabetes, ketoacidosis, active liver disease, significant cardiovascular disease, malignancy, hematological disorders, pregnancy, and severe renal impairment, among others.
Study Variables: Data will be collected on demographic variables (age, gender, socio-economic status, BMI), laboratory variables (HbA1C, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, creatinine, electrolytes, ALT, and postprandial glucose), and adverse events (respiratory infections, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, joint pain).
Study Procedure: Patients will receive personalized antidiabetic treatment with or without omarigliptin, alongside standard dietary and exercise recommendations. Follow-up assessments will occur at 14 days, 3 months, and 6 months post-enrollment. Data will be collected through interviews, physical exams, and laboratory tests, recorded in case record forms (CRFs).
Adverse Event Monitoring: Adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) will be monitored throughout the study. Participants will be instructed to record any side effects in a treatment diary and contact the study team as needed. AEs include any unfavorable medical occurrences, while SAEs involve life-threatening conditions, hospitalization, or significant disability.
Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using SPSS Version 23. Descriptive analyses will investigate participant characteristics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Parametric variables will be assessed using Student's t-test, and Spearman's correlation will be used for correlations. Regression analyses will also be performed.
Ethical Considerations: The study will adhere to the Declaration of Helsinki and other ethical guidelines. Approval will be sought from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of BIRDEM. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment.

Background: Diabetes is a growing public health concern in Bangladesh, with millions affected. Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is a severe complication of diabetes, affecting approximately 21.3% of the diabetic population. To address this issue, a comprehensive assessment of DKD within the Bangladesh Diabetic Association's (BADAS) affiliated healthcare centres is necessary.
Objective: The study's general objective is to determine the prevalence of DKD and evaluate its management at BADAS-affiliated healthcare centers. Specific objectives include assessing risk factors, screening practices, disease staging, management approaches, patient education, and providing evidence-based recommendations.
Methodology:
Study Design: Cross-sectional
Study Population: All diabetic patients at BADAS-affiliated centers
Exclusion Criteria: Patients unwilling to participate or with kidney disease from other causes and with acute illness
Sample Size: "Forty patients will be selected from each center, resulting in a total sample size of 320 patients across eight centers, with one center randomly selected from each of the eight divisions in Bangladesh."
Data Collection: Demographics, comorbidities, kidney function, blood pressure, HbA1c levels, medication records, treatment guideline adherence
Data Analysis: prevalence of diabetic kidney disease, factors affecting management, and potential barriers
Ethical Considerations: Ensure patient data privacy, obtain approvals, and informed consent Implications: The study aims to provide insights into the current state of magnitude (prevalence) of DKD, its management, highlighting areas for improvement in patient care, guideline adherence, and ultimately enhancing the well-being of diabetic patients in Bangladesh.

To date, some of the most promising drugs used in the treatment of COVID pneumonia are systemic corticosteroids, remdesivir and baricitinib. Dexamethasone has been found efficacious in reducing mortality in patients requiring supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation. There is a trend towards reduced mortality in patients who receive remdesivir and dexamethasone combination, supporting the hypothesis that an antiviral drug combined with an anti-inflammatory agent improve outcomes in COVID-19. Baricitinib plus remdesivir is superior to remdesivir alone in reducing recovery time and accelerating improvement in clinical status among patients with COVID-19, notably among those receiving high-flow oxygen non-invasive ventilation. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Patients with diabetes have coexisting morbidities and already immune-compromised. Steroids cause further immunosuppression and may contribute to uncontrolled blood glucose in this group of patients, resulting in worse outcomes. Baricitinib can be an alternative to corticosteroids in diabetic patients. This open-label multi-centre non-inferiority randomized controlled trial will be conducted in seven hospitals in Bangladesh. The primary objective is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of baricitinib plus remdesivir compared to dexamethasone plus remdesivir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with diabetes mellitus, as assessed by the proportion of patients, need "rescue treatment" between two groups by day 29. Hospitalized adult (≥18 years) diabetic patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection have ordinal scale category 5 will be included in the study. Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 (by tossing a coin) ratio in two groups. The total sample size is 362. Group 1 subjects will receive 200 mg of remdesivir administered intravenously on Day 1, followed by a 100 mg once-daily dose of remdesivir while hospitalized for up to 5 days and 4 mg of baricitinib administered as 2 tablets taken orally daily while hospitalized for up to 14 days. Group 2 will receive the same dose of remdesivir plus 6 mg of dexamethasone administered as an intravenous injection daily while hospitalized for up to 10 days. Subjects will be assessed daily while hospitalized. Discharged subjects will be evaluated on days 15, 22 and 29 (in person; if not possible, over the telephone). Assessment will be done clinically using an 8-point Ordinal Scale and National Early Warning Score.