Low-dose Colchicine in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Microalbuminuria

1. The primary objective of this study was： in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria who have been receiving stable treatment of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB) for at least 3 months, whether low-dose colchicine slows the progression of microvascular complications.
2. The secondary objective of this study was： (1) whether low-dose colchicine could reduce Urinary Albumin To Creatinine Ratio (UACR), or improve eGFR in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria; (2) whether low-dose colchicine decreases carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria; (3) whether low-dose colchicine reduces the risk of cardiovascular events or mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.

BACKGROUND-Previous study reported that colchicine 0.5 mg/day, in addition to statins and other standard secondary prevention therapies, was effective for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary disease. An experiment conducted by Li et al. showed that twenty-four-hour urinary albumin excretion was reduced after 6 months colchicine treatment in rats with diabetic nephropathy.As both micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes are closely associated with inflammation,with the anti-inflammation property,colchicine might reduce risk for micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes.

STUDY DESIGN-Patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria(30mg/g Cr≤UACR≤300mg/g Cr) who have received stable dosage of ACEI/ARB for at least 3 months will be randomized to receive colchicine 0.5 mg/day or placebo.

This trial includes four phases:

* Phases 1: A prospective, randomized，double-blind, control study, aims at evaluating microvascular events from date of randomization until the third year. Other parameters included evaluating changes of UACR, eGFR, CIMT from baseline to the follow-up.
* Phases 2: A prospective observational study, aims at evaluating macrovascular and microvascular events from date of randomization until the 6th year.

SAFETY AND DATA MANAGEMENT-Independent Safety and Data Monitoring Committee has been set up to monitor the safety and tolerability of the subjects; this committee will analyze data independent of investigators at the end of any one phase.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Well informed of the procedures of this trial and informed consent is obtained
* Voluntarily accept standardized treatment
* 30-70 years old, gender is not limited
* Diagnosed as type 2 diabetes and have received standardized hypoglycemic therapy
* Have been receiving stable doses of ACEI or ARBs for at least 3 months
* Two of three examinations of UACR at random urine are 30-300 mg/g Cr (infection or other factors were ruled out) in 3 months
* Well compliance
* Capable of self blood Glucose monitoring

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or lactating
* Type 1 diabetes
* Poor blood glucose control（HbA1c\>11%）
* A history of malignant tumor
* Abnormal liver or renal function (defined as alanine aminotransferase(ALT)\>2.5 times higher than normal range,or eGFR\<30 mL/min per 1•73 m²)
* Poor blood pressure control \[systolic blood pressure(SBP)\>180mmHg,or diastolic blood pressure(DBP)\>110mmHg\]
* With severe heart disease,cardiac function worse than grade II,anemia(Hb\<9.0g/d1)
* Continuous use of colchicine or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (except aspirin) more than one week in recent 3 months
* History of gout
* Blood routine test indicates that the white blood cell count(WBC) \<3\*109/l
* Body Mass Index(BMI)\<18.5 or ≥35kg/m2
* Drug or alcohol abuse
* Accompanying mental disorder who can't collaborate
* Abnormal digestion and absorption function
* Other endocrine diseases
* Other chronic diseases needed long-term glucocorticoid treatment
* With severe infection, immune dysfunction
* A history of colchicine allergies or allergic constitution