News & Updates

GLP-1RAs may provide migraine relief independent of weight loss

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have the potential to reduce the frequency of migraines even in patients who do not lose weight—an effect that may be related to a reduction in intracranial pressure, according to a pilot prospective observational study.

A closer look at the safety profile of sitagliptin

GLP-1 RAs reduce glaucoma risk in patients without diabetes

Patients without diabetes who use GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) display a lower risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension than those who use other weight-loss therapies at 3- and 5-year intervals, a study has shown.

Obesity tied to target organ damage indices

Obesity shows a significant relationship with several indices of asymptomatic cardiac remodelling and vascular atherosclerosis, according to a study. Moreover, this association is mediated by systolic blood pressure (BP).

Weekly fixed-dosed efsitora as good as daily glargine in T2D

For adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are naïve to insulin, a once-weekly fixed-dose efsitora regimen is noninferior to once-daily glargine at reducing blood glucose levels, according to the phase III treat-to-target QWINT-1 trial.

No excess liver cancer risk seen with oral contraceptive use

Two large prospective cohorts show no evidence of an association between the use of oral contraceptives and the risk of liver cancer.

18th Dr Augusto Litonjua Endowed Lectureship: Restriction and weight loss vs. TD2—the latest evidence

How does a regimen of only diet restriction and weight loss fare as an approach to the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D)? Does it work in non-obese individuals?

Prof Roy Taylor, the director of the Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Center, England reviewed the newest evidence in favor of diet replacement and weight loss, during the 18th Dr Augusto Litonjua Endowed Lectureship “Getting Real about Body Mass Index” on November 21, 2024 at Diabetes Philippines’ 41st Annual Convention.

Transformative diabetes care in the Philippines through improved healthcare access, updated clinical guidelines, and expanded health insurance coverage

Michelle Y. Siao

The World Health Organization previously warned about the rising global burden of diabetes, and the Philippines is no exception. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, diabetes was the fifth leading cause of death in the country in 2021, with a 21 percent increase in fatalities from the previous year. Reportedly, this trend reflects not just increasing prevalence but also inadequate healthcare access and education, especially in low- and middle-income settings like the Philippines.

Risk of MACE higher with sulfonylureas vs DPP4is

In the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, sulfonylureas pose an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4is), according to a study.

New PCEDM-led multi-sectoral CPG advocates for judicious screening for T2D

Michelle Siao

In their new clinical practice guidelines (CPG) on type 2 diabetes (T2D), part 1 (screening and diagnosis), made available online in early 2025*, the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism (PCEDM), along with their partners, has cautioned against indiscriminate screening for T2D in adults using blood tests, citing insufficient evidence of clinical benefit for population-based screening strategies. Instead, they are advocating judicious use of such tests, noting that confirmatory testing should help avoid overdiagnosis. Furthermore, they emphasized individualized assessment to minimize misclassification, especially in asymptomatic patients.