Diabetes & Metabolism Journal

Original Articles

Basic Research
Effects of CXCR1/2 Blockade with Ladarixin on Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Neuropathy and Retinopathy in Rat: Serena Boccella, Andrea Maria Morace, Cristina Giorgio, Francesca Guida, Michela Perrone, Iolanda Manzo, Carmela Belardo, Meghan Jones, Sabatino Maione, Andrea Aramini, Marcello Allegretti, Livio Luongo, Laura Brandolini; Received August 25, 2024 Accepted November 15, 2024 Published online March 12, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0504 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
The CXC motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8)-CXC motif chemokine receptor 1/2 (CXCR1/2) axis has been implicated in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Its actions on non-immune cells may also contribute to T1DM-associated complications, including painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Methods
We assessed the efficacy of early (4–8 weeks) or late (8–12 weeks) daily ladarixin (LDX) for the treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1DM and the related complications of DPN or DR in male rats.
Results
Early LDX mitigated STZ-induced dysmetabolism (i.e., blood glucose, insulin), inflammation in dorsal root ganglion/ sciatic nerve (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α expression) and mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, indicative of DPN. Moreover, vitreous citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) and plasma GRO/CINC1 (CXCL8) increase were attenuated. Late LDX failed to reverse STZ-induced changes in metabolic parameters (i.e., blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, pancreatic β-cell number and function). Strikingly, even in the absence of an effect on glycemic control, late LDX mitigated STZ-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and vitreous (CXCL8, CitH3) and retinal (CXCL8, CXCR1/2, myeloperoxidase, CitH3) inflammatory/pro-angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor, CD34) signs of DR.
Conclusion
These data confirm the efficacy of LDX in STZ-induced T1DM and provide evidence of a protective effect also against DPN and onset of DR which is independent of its effect on β-cell functionality preservation and glycemic control.

Complications
Global, Regional, and National Temporal Trends in Incidence for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Related Chronic Kidney Disease from 1992 to 2021: Yu Cao, Huiting Chen, Hui Liu, Hao Wu, Wei Gao; Received September 26, 2024 Accepted November 21, 2024 Published online March 11, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0593 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major cause of declining renal function.
Methods
Temporal trends in T2DM-related chronic kidney disease (CKD-T2DM) incidence across 204 countries and territories from 1992 to 2021 were analyzed using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021. The impact of macro-factors (demographic change, age, period, and birth cohort) on CKD-T2DM incidence trends was assessed using decomposition analyses and age-period- cohort modeling, highlighting opportunities to improve incidence and reduce regional disparities.
Results
In 2021, global CKD-T2DM incidence cases reached 2.01 million, a 150.92% increase since 1992, with population growth and aging contributing to 80% of this rise. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) ranged from 15.09 per 100,000 in low sociodemographic index (SDI) regions to 23.07 in high SDI regions. China, India, the United States, and Japan have the most incidence cases, accounted for 69% of incidence cases globally. With 175 countries showing an increasing ASIR trend. Unfavorable trend in ASIR increase were generally found in most high-middle and middle SDI countries, such as China and Mexico (net drift=0.15% and 1.17%, per year). Age-period-cohort analyses indicated a high incidence risk near age 80, with worsening risks for recent periods and birth cohorts, except in high SDI areas.
Conclusion
The CKD-T2DM incidence burden continues to rise globally, with significant variations between countries, posing major global health implications. CKD-T2DM is largely preventable and treatable, warranting greater attention in global health policy, particularly for older populations and in low and middle SDI regions.

Complications
Burden of End-Stage Kidney Disease by Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Status in South Korea: A Nationwide Epidemiologic Study: Jwa-Kyung Kim, Han Na Jung, Bum Jun Kim, Boram Han, Ji Hye Huh, Eun Roh, Joo-Hee Kim, Kyung-Do Han, Jun Goo Kang; Received July 31, 2024 Accepted November 5, 2024 Published online March 6, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0443 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
Patients with diabetes are known to be at high risk for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but the accurate annual risk data for new-onset ESKD is still limited. In South Korea, the prevalence and incidence of ESKD are increasing more rapidly compared to the global average. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate (IR) of ESKD by diabetes status from 2012 to 2022.
Methods
Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we calculated the IR and hazard ratio (HR) for newonset ESKD in the general population. Individuals were categorized based on diabetes status into nondiabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), diabetes duration <5 and ≥5 years.
Results
Among the participants, 67.6% were nondiabetic, 22.3% had IFG, and 10% had diabetes. In Korea, the IRs of ESKD were 139 per million population (pmp) for nondiabetes, 188 pmp for IFG, 632 pmp for diabetes <5 years, and 3,403 pmp for diabetes ≥5 years. An advanced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) category was the strongest risk factor for ESKD development. However, even in patients with normal renal function, those with long-standing diabetes had a 14-fold higher risk of ESKD compared to nondiabetic individuals. The risk of ESKD associated with diabetes increased exponentially with declining renal function. Notably, IFG showed an increasing tendency for ESKD in younger patients (<65 years) with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²).
Conclusion
Longer diabetes duration amplifies ESKD risk, particularly as renal function declines. Even in patients with normal renal function, long-standing diabetes significantly increases ESKD risk, while IFG is associated with elevated risk only in younger individuals with early-stage CKD.

Guideline/Statement/Fact Sheet
Older Adults with Diabetes in Korea: Latest Clinical and Epidemiologic Trends: Kyuho Kim, Bongseong Kim, Kyuna Lee, Yu-Bae Ahn, Seung-Hyun Ko, Sung Hee Choi, Kyungdo Han, Jae-Seung Yun, on Behalf of the Committee of Public Relation of the Korean Diabetes Association; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(2):183-193. Published online March 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0836

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Diabetes in older adults is becoming a significant public burden to South Korea. However, a comprehensive understanding of epidemiologic trends and the detailed clinical characteristics of older adults with diabetes is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated epidemiologic trends and the metabolic and lifestyle characteristics of diabetes in Korean older adults.
Methods
We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to assess diabetes prevalence according to diabetes duration and lifestyle behaviors. In addition, we drew upon the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance System to assess physical activity levels, antidiabetic medication use, polypharmacy, medication adherence, and major comorbidities.
Results
The absolute number of newly diagnosed cases of diabetes among older adults doubled over the past decade. Management rates of metabolic indicators were higher in older adults with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. The proportion of older adults with diabetes meeting the minimum recommended physical activity increased over the years. Compared to 10 years before, the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor had increased, as had comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, dementia, cancer, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease. Initial medication adherence was significantly lower in those with end-stage kidney disease or dementia, insulin use, high-risk alcohol use, and living alone. Continuing insulin use 1 year after diagnosis of diabetes was significantly higher in those who initiated insulin therapy at diagnosis, had retinopathy, were on triple antidiabetic medications, and had a history of cancer.
Conclusion
Comprehensive management of metabolic indicators and physical activity is essential for older adults with diabetes. Improvements in prescribing guidelines, personalized management of age-related comorbidities, and individualized approaches that consider the heterogeneous nature of older adults with diabetes are desirable. Further research, such as high-quality cohort and intervention studies specific to older adults, is needed to establish evidence-based management for older adults with diabetes.

Guideline/Statement/Fact Sheet
Prevalence, Incidence, and Metabolic Characteristics of Young Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in South Korea (2010–2020): Ji Yoon Kim, Jiyoon Lee, Joon Ho Moon, Se Eun Park, Seung-Hyun Ko, Sung Hee Choi, Nam Hoon Kim; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(2):172-182. Published online March 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0826

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
This study aimed to examine trends in the prevalence, incidence, metabolic characteristics, and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among young adults in South Korea.
Methods
Young adults with T2DM were defined as individuals aged 19 to 39 years who met the diagnostic criteria for T2DM. Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Customized Database (2010–2020, n=225,497–372,726) were analyzed to evaluate trends in T2DM prevalence, incidence, metabolic profiles, comorbidities, and antidiabetic drug prescription. Additional analyses were performed using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Results
The prevalence of T2DM in young adults significantly increased from 1.02% in 2010 to 2.02% in 2020 (P<0.001), corresponding to 372,726 patients in 2020. Over the same period, the incidence rate remained stable within the range of 0.36% to 0.45%. Prediabetes prevalence steadily increased from 15.53% to 20.92%, affecting 3.87 million individuals in 2020. The proportion of young adults with T2DM who were obese also increased, with 67.8% having a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² and 31.6% having a BMI ≥30 kg/m² in 2020. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver disease also increased, reaching 34.2%, 79.8%, and 78.9%, respectively, in 2020. Although the overall pharmacological treatment rate remained low, the prescription of antidiabetic medications with weight-reducing properties increased over the study period.
Conclusion
The prevalence of T2DM among young adults in South Korea nearly doubled over the past decade. The strong association with obesity and metabolic comorbidities emphasizes the urgent need for targeted prevention and management strategies tailored to this population.

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Effects of Pancreatitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on the Development of Pancreatic Cancer: A Nationwide Nested Case-Control Study: Young-eun Kim, Min Heui Yu, Chung Mo Nam, Eun Seok Kang; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(2):252-263. Published online March 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0277

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Despite diabetes mellitus (DM) and pancreatitis being known risk factors for pancreatic cancer, patients with these conditions are not included in pancreatic cancer screening due to the low incidence of pancreatic cancer in these populations. This study aimed to determine the high-risk subgroup of patients with diabetes and pancreatitis that would benefit from pancreatic cancer screening.
Methods
A nested case-control study was conducted using data from the National Health Information Database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Patients were categorized into the following groups: type 2 diabetes mellitus only (T2DM-only), pancreatitis-only (PAN-only), T2DM followed by pancreatitis (T2DM-PAN), post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM), and no diabetes and no pancreatitis (NDNP). Conditional logistic regression was used to determine significant associations of each group with pancreatic cancer development risk.
Results
The risk of pancreatic cancer was significantly higher in the T2DM-PAN (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.48 to 5.49) and PPDM (AOR, 4.71; 95% CI, 4.12 to 5.37) groups than in the NDNP group. Compared to patients in the NDNP group, those with PPDM using insulin had a 17-fold increased risk (AOR, 16.72; 95% CI, 9.50 to 29.43), and individuals with PPDM who had diabetes for less than 3 years had a more than 8-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer (AOR, 8.83; 95% CI, 5.99 to 13.01).
Conclusion
In patients with post-pancreatitis diabetes, insulin use or shorter duration of diabetes was associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, suggesting that patients in these subgroups may require close monitoring for pancreatic cancer development.

Technology/Device
Comparison of Real-Time and Intermittently-Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Nationwide Cohort Study: Ji Yoon Kim, Seohyun Kim, Jae Hyeon Kim; Received March 28, 2024 Accepted October 30, 2024 Published online February 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0160 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
This study compares the association between real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) and intermittently- scanned CGM (isCGM) and glycemic control in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in a real-world setting.
Methods
Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Cohort, individuals with T1DM managed by intensive insulin therapy were followed at 3-month intervals for 2 years after the initiation of CGM. The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and coefficients of variation (CVs) of rtCGM and isCGM users were compared using independent two-sample t-test and a linear mixed model.
Results
The analyses considered 7,786 individuals (5,875 adults aged ≥19 years and 1,911 children and adolescents aged <19 years). Overall, a significant reduction in HbA1c level was observed after 3 months of CGM, and the effect was sustained for 2 years. The mean HbA1c level at baseline was higher in rtCGM users than in isCGM users (8.9%±2.7% vs. 8.6%±2.2%, P<0.001). However, from 3 to 24 months, rtCGM users had lower HbA1c levels than isCGM users at every time point (7.1%±1.2% vs. 7.5%±1.3% at 24 months, P<0.001 for all time points). In both adults and children, the greater reduction in HbA1c with rtCGM remained significant after adjusting for the baseline characteristics of the users. The CV also showed greater decrease with rtCGM than with isCGM.
Conclusion
In this large nationwide cohort study, the use of rtCGM was associated with a greater improvement in glycemic control, including HbA1c reduction, than the use of isCGM in both adults and children with T1DM.

Complications
Connection between Impaired Fasting Glucose or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Sepsis: A 10-Year Observational Data from the National Health Screening Cohort: Eun Hwa Lee, Kyoung Hwa Lee, Kyu-na Lee, Yebin Park, Kyung Do Han, Sang Hoon Han; Received July 16, 2024 Accepted October 23, 2024 Published online February 17, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0387 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The mortality of sepsis without direct drugs is high. The association between prediabetes, based on a single fasting glucose (FG), or long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and sepsis remains unclear.
Methods
Of the adults aged ≥20 years who were included in the National Health Screening Program (NHSP) in 2009, 40% were randomly sampled. After excluding patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, with missing information, and who were diagnosed with sepsis during the wash-out (between 2001 and the NHSP) or 1-year lag period, a cohort comprised of 3,863,323 examinees. Body mass index (BMI) measurements, FG tests, and self-reported questionnaires on health-related behaviors were conducted. Individual information was followed up until 2020 and censored upon the first occurrence of sepsis or death. The incidence of sepsis was compared using a multivariable regression adjusted for age, sex, income, BMI, smoking, drinking, physical activity levels, and chronic diseases.
Results
The cohort was divided into those with normal FG (n=2,675,476), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (n=890,402, 23.0%), T2DM <5 years (n=212,391, 5.5%), or T2DM for ≥5 years (n=85,054, 2.2%). The groups with IFG (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.05), T2DM <5 years (aHR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.40 to 1.47), and T2DM for ≥5 years (aHR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.77 to 1.87) exhibited significantly higher incidence of sepsis (P<0.001), with the greatest risk in patients with T2DM aged <40 years (aHR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.71 to 2.25).
Conclusion
Patients with long-standing and young-onset T2DM show a substantially high risk of sepsis, emphasizing the need for infection prevention and vaccination.

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
The Impact of Obesity on the Association between Parity and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Yuki Gen, Kyuho Kim, Joonyub Lee, Junyoung Jung, Sang-Hyuk Jung, Hong-Hee Won, Dokyoon Kim, Yun-Sung Jo, Yu-Bae Ahn, Seung-Hyun Ko, Jae-Seung Yun; Received September 5, 2024 Accepted November 15, 2024 Published online February 14, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0536 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Most studies focus solely on the relationship between parity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, providing limited insights into other contributing or protective factors. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between parity and T2DM risk, considering additional factors such as obesity, race, and body composition.
Methods
This prospective cohort study used data from 242,159 women aged 40 to 69 from the UK Biobank, none of whom had T2DM at baseline. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were applied to assess the association between parity and T2DM. Subgroup analyses were performed based on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and race.
Results
The hazard ratio for T2DM per additional child was 1.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 1.16). Subgroup analysis revealed that Asian women and those with obesity or abdominal obesity had a higher risk of T2DM associated with multiparity. No increased risk was observed in women with normal BMI or WC. Mediation analysis showed that WC and BMI significantly mediated the parity-T2DM relationship, accounting for 49% and 38% of the effect, respectively.
Conclusion
There is a clear positive association between multiparity and T2DM risk, particularly in Asian women and those with obesity. Maintaining normal BMI and WC appears to mitigate this risk, highlighting the importance of weight management for women at higher parity levels. These findings offer crucial insights for public health interventions aimed at reducing T2DM risk among women.

Others
Contributions of Hepatic Insulin Resistance and Islet β-Cell Dysfunction to the Blood Glucose Spectrum in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Mengge Yang, Ying Wei, Jia Liu, Ying Wang, Guang Wang; Received September 5, 2024 Accepted December 12, 2024 Published online February 13, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0537 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Our previous studies have investigated the role of hepatic insulin resistance (hepatic IR) and islet β-cell function in the pathogenesis of diabetes. This study aimed to explore the contributions of hepatic IR and islet β-cell dysfunction to the blood glucose spectrum in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods
Hepatic IR was assessed by the hepatic insulin resistance index (HIRI). Islet β-cell function was assessed by insulin secretion- sensitivity index-2 (ISSI2). The associations between blood glucose spectrum and hepatic IR and ISSI2 were analyzed.
Results
A total of 707 patients with new-onset diabetes were included. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 30 minutes postload blood glucose elevated with rising HIRI (both P for trend <0.001). The FBG, 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 3 hours post-load blood glucose elevated with decreasing ISSI2 quartiles (all P for trend <0.001). There was a negative correlation between ISSI2 and HIRI after adjusting blood glucose levels (r=–0.199, P<0.001).
Conclusion
Hepatic IR mainly contributed to FBG and early-phase postprandial plasma glucose, whereas β-cell dysfunction contributed to fasting and postprandial plasma glucose at each phase.

Complications
Does 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predict Incident Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Southern China: Jiaheng Chen, Yu Ting Li, Zimin Niu, Zhanpeng He, Yao Jie Xie, Jose Hernandez, Wenyong Huang, Harry H.X. Wang, on Behalf of the Guangzhou Diabetic Eye Study Group; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(2):298-310. Published online February 4, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0239

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Background
Diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications often coexist and may share similar risk factors and pathological pathways. We aimed to investigate whether 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, which is commonly assessed in diabetes management, can predict incident diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods
This prospective cohort study enrolled 2,891 patients with clinically diagnosed T2DM who were free of ASCVD, nephropathy, or retinopathy at baseline in the Guangzhou (2017–2022) and Shaoguan (2019–2021) Diabetic Eye Study in southern China. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Multivariable- adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were developed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate predictive capability.
Results
During follow-up, a total of 171 cases of DN and 532 cases of DR were documented. Each 1% increment in 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with increased risk of DN (pooled HR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.094 to 1.150) but not DR (pooled HR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.013). The model demonstrated acceptable performance in predicting new-onset DN (pooled AUC, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.628 to 0.715). These results were consistent across cohorts and subgroups, with the association appearing to be more pronounced in women.
Conclusion
Ten-year ASCVD risk predicts incident DN but not DR in our study population with T2DM. Regular monitoring of ASCVD risk in routine diabetes practice may add to the ability to enhance population-based prevention for both macrovascular and microvascular diseases, particularly among women.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Investigation of the Potential Association Between Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score and Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Chrysa Agapitou, Theodoros N. Sergentanis, Effie G. Papageorgiou, Panagiotis Theodossiadis, Ignatios Ikonomidis, Vaia Lambadiari, Irini Chatziralli
Biomedicines.2025; 13(3): 633. CrossRef

Basic Research
Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A: Junmei Wang, Shuai Huang, Li Zhang, Yixian He, Xian Shao, A-Shan-Jiang A-Ni-Wan, Yan Kong, Xuying Meng, Pei Yu, Saijun Zhou; Received July 18, 2024 Accepted September 7, 2024 Published online January 23, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0398 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Pharmacotherapy
Study Design and Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Enavogliflozin to Evaluate Cardiorenal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (ENVELOP): Nam Hoon Kim, Soo Lim, In-Kyung Jeong, Eun-Jung Rhee, Jun Sung Moon, Ohk-Hyun Ryu, Hyuk-Sang Kwon, Jong Chul Won, Sang Soo Kim, Sang Yong Kim, Bon Jeong Ku, Heung Yong Jin, Sin Gon Kim, Bong-Soo Cha, on Behalf of Investigators of ENVELOP Study; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(2):225-234. Published online January 6, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0238

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The novel sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor enavogliflozin effectively lowers glycosylated hemoglobin levels and body weights without the increased risk of serious adverse events; however, the long-term clinical benefits of enavogliflozin in terms of cardiovascular and renal outcomes have not been investigated.
Methods
This study is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, pragmatic, open-label, active-controlled, non-inferiority trial. Eligible participants are adults (aged ≥19 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have a history of, or are at risk of, cardiovascular disease. A total of 2,862 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either enavogliflozin or other SGLT2 inhibitors with proven cardiorenal benefits, such as dapagliflozin or empagliflozin. The primary endpoint is the time to the first occurrence of a composite of major adverse cardiovascular or renal events (Clinical Research Information Service registration number: KCT0009243).
Conclusion
This trial will determine whether enavogliflozin is non-inferior to dapagliflozin or empagliflozin in terms of cardiorenal outcomes in patients with T2DM and cardiovascular risk factors. This study will elucidate the role of enavogliflozin in preventing vascular complications in patients with T2DM.

Guideline/Statement/Fact Sheet
Diabetes Fact Sheets in Korea 2024: Se Eun Park, Seung-Hyun Ko, Ji Yoon Kim, Kyuho Kim, Joon Ho Moon, Nam Hoon Kim, Kyung Do Han, Sung Hee Choi, Bong Soo Cha; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(1):24-33. Published online January 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0818

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Background
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, management, and comorbidities of diabetes mellitus among Korean adults.
Methods
Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2022) were analyzed to assess the prevalence, treatment, risk factors, and comorbidities of diabetes. Comparisons between young and older adults with diabetes were emphasized.
Results
Among Korean adults aged ≥30 years, the prevalence of diabetes is 15.5% during 2021–2022. Of these, 74.7% were aware of their condition, 70.9% received antidiabetic treatment, and only 32.4% achieved glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.5%. Moreover, 15.9% met the integrated management targets, which included HbA1c <6.5%, blood pressure <140/85 mm Hg, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL. In young adults aged 19 to 39 years, the prevalence of diabetes was 2.2%. Among them, 43.3% were aware of their condition, 34.6% received treatment, and 29.6% achieved HbA1c <6.5%. Obesity affected 87.1%, and 26.9% had both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Among adults aged ≥65 years, the prevalence of diabetes was 29.3%, with awareness, treatment, and control rates of 78.8%, 75.7%, and 31.2%, respectively. Integrated management targets (HbA1c <7.5%, hypertension, and lipids) were achieved by 40.1%.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus remains highly prevalent among Korean adults, with significant gaps in integrated glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control. Older adults with diabetes show higher awareness and treatment rates but limited integrated management outcomes. Young adults with diabetes bear a significant burden of obesity and comorbidities, alongside low awareness and treatment rates. Therefore, early intervention programs, education, and strategies tailored to younger populations are urgently required.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Diabetes in Korean Adults: Prevalence, Management, and Comorbidities
Sung Hoon Yu
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal.2025; 49(1): 22. CrossRef
Effectiveness of adding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist on diabetes complications and mortality among basal insulin-treated people with type 2 diabetes: A real-world Korean study
Kyoung Hwa Ha, Won Kim, Dong Han Kim, Dae Jung Kim
Journal of Diabetes and its Complications.2025; : 108983. CrossRef

Sulwon Lecture 2024

Basic and Translational Research
Overcoming β-Cell Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: CD36 Inhibition and Antioxidant System: Il Rae Park, Yong Geun Chung, Kyu Chang Won; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(1):1-12. Published online January 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0796

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is marked by chronic hyperglycemia, gradually worsening β-cell failure, and insulin resistance. Glucotoxicity and oxidative stress cause β-cell failure by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, impairing insulin secretion, and disrupting transcription factors such as pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1) and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family A (MafA). Cluster determinant 36 (CD36), an essential glycoprotein responsible for fatty acid uptake, exacerbates oxidative stress and induces the apoptosis of β-cells under hyperglycemic conditions through pathways involving ceramide, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and Rac1-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)-mediated redoxosome formation. Targeting CD36 pathways has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Oral hypoglycemic agents, such as metformin, teneligliptin, and pioglitazone, have shown protective effects on β-cells by enhancing antioxidant defenses. These agents reduce glucotoxicity via mechanisms such as suppressing CD36 expression and stabilizing mitochondrial function. Additionally, novel insights into the glutathione antioxidant system and its role in β-cell survival underscore its therapeutic potential. This review focuses on the key contribution of oxidative stress and CD36 to β-cell impairment, the therapeutic promise of antioxidants, and the need for further research to apply these findings in clinical practice. Promising strategies targeting these mechanisms may help preserve β-cell function and slow T2DM progression.

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