Background: Evaluation of residual beta cell function is indispensable in patients with type 2 diabetes as it informs not only diagnoses but also appropriate treatment modalities. However, there is a lack of convenient biomarkers for residual beta cell function. Therefore, we evaluated endogenous insulin level as a biomarker in outpatients who were being treated with insulin therapy and in patients who were introduced to insulin therapy after 4 years. Methods: Data of 174 outpatients with type 2 diabetes (50% male) whose glycemia was moderately controlled (glycated A1c 7.3% [5.2%-14.8%]) were reviewed.Twenty patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower than 30 ml/min/1.73 m 2 were excluded from the evaluation of endogenous insulin level with both casual C-peptide index (C-CPI) and urinary C-peptide/creatinine ratio (determined at any time, generally 1-2 h after breakfast). Patients were stratified based on the provision of insulin therapy. Results: C-CPI and UCPCR were significantly lower in the insulin-treated patients than in the insulin-untreated patients (0.9 vs. 2.2, p < 0.0001; 24.7 vs. 75.5, p = 0.0003, respectively). Moreover, C-CPI were significantly lower in the insulin-requiring patients for 4 years than in the insulin-unrequiring patients (1.0 vs. 1.7, p = 0.0184). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both indicators of insulin secretion influenced the requirement for insulin therapy, but C-CPI could serve as the most convenient and useful biomarker for not only current insulin therapy requirements (p = 0.0002) but also the subsequent requirement for insulin therapy (p = 0.0008).Conclusions: C-CPI could be determined easily, and it was found to be a more practical marker for outpatients; therefore, our findings would have critical implications for primary care.

The Abbott FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system (FGM) is a recently introduced, but widespread continuous glucose monitoring system. While its mean absolute relative difference (MARD) value indicating its accuracy is acceptable with reference to the self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) levels, few reports have examined the MARD in sensor glucose values of FGM (FGM-SG) with reference to plasma glucose (PG) levels and the factors determining it. We performed oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in 25 Japanese subjects without diabetes. Parkes error grid analyses showed that FGM-SG with either SMBG or PG levels as a reference met International Organization for Standardization criteria. The MARD in FGM-SG with reference to SMBG levels was 10.9 ± 4.1% during OGTTs. Surprisingly, the MARD in FGM-SG with reference to PG levels was 20.3 ± 10.3% during OGTTs, revealing a discrepancy in the accuracy of FGM-SG compared with that of PG levels; moreover, the MARD showed negative correlations with fasting blood sugar level, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index, and body mass index (BMI). Multiple regression analyses revealed that BMI contributed the most to the MARD when FGM-SG and PG level were compared, as lean individuals have a greater MARD regardless of glucose levels. Inaccurate FGM data could potentially increase the risk of inappropriate treatment; consideration of such factors is critical to ensure reliable FGM values.

Previously, we reported that short-term continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with the professional iPro2 © CGM device is a good clinical indicator of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. However, there was no significant correlation between CGM and HbA1c levels when HbA1c levels were >8.0%. To further investigate this issue, we performed a similar study using the FreeStyle Libre Pro © , a newer device that does not require glucose calibration and allows patients to be examined for up to 14 days. Fifty-nine patients (68% women, 32% men) were examined. Twenty-eight and 31 patients presented with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Clinically assessed HbA1c levels were compared to blood glucose levels determined by the FreeStyle Libre Pro © for up to 14 days (10.7 ± 3.7 days). We found a significant correlation between HbA1c and CGM levels even when HbA1c levels were >8.0%. Additionally, the correlation between HbA1c and average glucose was identified with the modern CGM and was found to deviate substantially from the new suggested formula. More importantly, we found a more robust correlation between HbA1c and CGM levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Overestimation or underestimation of blood glucose levels through CGM might increase the risks of inappropriate clinical treatment of diabetes patients. Our results indicate the need for proper CGM data interpretation individualized for each patient to better assist the determination of customized treatments for patients.

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A 44-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving interferon (IFN)-beta-1a treatment was admitted to a local hospital for severe icterus and liver injury. She was transferred to our university hospital because fulminant hepatitis (FH) was suspected. She was diagnosed with acute-type FH based on hepatic coma, severe liver injury and liver failure, and she received plasma exchange and continuous hemodiafiltration therapy. On hospital day 6, she died from liver failure despite intensive care. An autopsy revealed histological findings consistent with FH. Physicians should monitor the hepatic function of MS patients receiving IFN-beta-1a treatment, as serious events can occur in rare cases.