Global Trends in Risk Factors and Therapeutic Interventions for People with Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Results from the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform
Musawenkosi Ndlovu,
Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla,
Ndivhuwo Muvhulawa,
Yonela Ntamo,
Asanda Mayeye,
Nomahlubi Luphondo,
Nokulunga Hlengwa,
Albertus K. Basson,
Sihle E. Mabhida,
Sidney Hanser,
Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje,
Bongani B. Nkambule,
Duduzile Ndwandwe
Affiliations
Musawenkosi Ndlovu
Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla
Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Ndivhuwo Muvhulawa
Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Yonela Ntamo
Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Asanda Mayeye
Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Nomahlubi Luphondo
Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Nokulunga Hlengwa
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
Albertus K. Basson
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
Sihle E. Mabhida
Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Sidney Hanser
Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje
Department of Biochemistry, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
Bongani B. Nkambule
School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
Duduzile Ndwandwe
Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of 898 clinical trials conducted between 1999 and 2023, focusing on the interplay of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). This study draws upon data sourced from the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) until August 2023. The trials were predominantly interventional (67%) or observational (33%). A geographical distribution reveals that while the United States registered approximately 18% of the trials, other regions like Australia, the United Kingdom, and multicounty trials made substantial contributions. Most studies (84%) included both male and female participants, with adults aged 18 to 65 years predominantly represented. The trials aimed at treatment (21%) and prevention (21%), emphasizing the dual focus on addressing existing CVD risk and preventing its development. Notably, CVDs (29%), T2D (8%), and the coexistence of both (21%) constituted the primary conditions of interest. Key interventions encompassed lifestyle and behavioral modifications, dietary supplementation, and drug therapies, with metformin and statins leading in pharmacological treatments. Interestingly, additional interventions such as glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors are gaining recognition for their potential in managing metabolic syndrome-related conditions. Moreover, the report highlights a growing focus on inflammation, body mass index, blood pressure, body weight, and major adverse cardiovascular events as primary outcomes. Overall, the study highlights the importance of ICTRP as the source of data for clinical trials targeting metabolic syndrome, CVDs, and T2D and the growing recognition of diverse intervention strategies to address this critical global health concern.
