Largest-Study-of-its-Kind Uncovers Potential
Underlying Condition for People with Difficult-to-Control Type 2
Diabetes and Need for Improved Screening and Treatment
Approaches
ORLANDO,
Fla., June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today,
findings from the CATALYST study reveal that hypercortisolism may
be a significant factor for why type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains
difficult to control for many patients. This study found that 24%
of individuals with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes have
hypercortisolism, a condition characterized by high cortisol
levels. The results were presented as a late-breaking symposium
today at the 84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes
Association® (ADA) in Orlando,
FL.
Currently, 38.9 to 76.9% of patients with type 2 diabetes have
uncontrolled diabetes. Additional research is needed to understand
how hypercortisolism may be an underlying contributing cause for
difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of hypercortisolism
can include weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and
mood changes, which can further complicate diabetes management.
The CATALYST study, the largest prospective trial of its kind,
screened over 1,000 patients with hemoglobin A1c levels between
7.5% and 11.5% despite multiple diabetes therapies. Researchers
used an overnight 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) to
detect hypercortisolism, indicated by a post-DST morning cortisol
level above 1.8 μg/dL and a dexamethasone level of 140 ng/dL or
higher.
Findings showed presence of hypercortisolism in 24% of the
screened patients. Notably, among those taking three or more
hypertension medications, the prevalence of hypercortisolism was
approximately one in three. Additionally, CT scans revealed adrenal
abnormalities in about one-third of these patients, with a quarter
having an adrenal tumor, suggesting that surgical intervention
could potentially resolve their hypercortisolism and improve
diabetes control.
"These results are significant as they highlight a previously
underrecognized factor contributing to the barriers when it comes
to managing type 2 diabetes," said John
Buse, MD, PhD, from the University of
North Carolina School of Medicine Diabetes Center and
Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute and lead author of
the study. "By identifying hypercortisolism in these patients, we
can target treatments more effectively and potentially improve
their outcomes."
The first part of the CATALYST study underscores the importance
of screening for hypercortisolism in patients with
difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes The ongoing second part of the
study aims to evaluate whether treating hypercortisolism medically
can enhance diabetes management and alleviate related health
issues.
Research presentation details:
Dr. Buse will present the findings at the following
symposium:
- Symposium: Prevalence of Hypercortisolism in
Difficult-to-Control Type 2 Diabetes
- Presented on Monday, June 24,
2024 at 3:15 PM EDT.
About the ADA's Scientific Sessions
The ADA's 84th Scientific Sessions, the world's largest
scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and
care, will be held in Orlando, FL
on June 21-24. More than 11,000
leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from
around the world are expected to convene both in person and
virtually to unveil cutting-edge research, treatment
recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees
will receive exclusive access to thousands of original research
presentations and take part in provocative and engaging exchanges
with leading diabetes experts. Join the Scientific Sessions
conversation on social media using
#ADAScientificSessions.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading
voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the
diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For
83 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat,
manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure.
Through advocacy, program development, and education we aim to
improve the quality of life for the over 136 million Americans
living with diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us
together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life®. To
learn more or to get involved, visit us
at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).
Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association),
Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn
(American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn), and
Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
Contact:
Amy Robinson
arobinson@brgcommunications.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-in-four-patients-with-difficult-to-control-type-2-diabetes-experience-high-levels-of-cortisol-302178774.html
SOURCE American Diabetes Association