Medical Tourism and Diabetes Care: Experience from a Tertiary Referral Center.

OBJECTIVE: Medical tourism, a form of patient mobility across international borders to seek medical services, has gained significant momentum. We aimed to assess the outcomes of medical tourism consultations on chronic diseases, more specifically diabetes mellitus, amongst a cohort of international patients, originating from different healthcare systems, and referred to the United States for medical care. METHODS: We identified international adults with established diabetes mellitus, referred globally from 6 countries to the United States between 2010 and 2016 for medical care, and were seen at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF). Group 1 included adults seen by an endocrinology provider during their CCF medical stay, whilst group 2 included those not seen by an endocrinology provider. To assess the impact of our consultations, changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were assessed between visit(s). RESULTS: Our study included 1,108 subjects (771 in group 1, 337 in group 2), with a mean age (± SD) of 61.3±12.7 years, 62% male, and a median medical stay of 136 days (interquartile range: 57, 660). Compared to group 2, group 1 had a higher baseline mean HbA1c (8.0 ± 1.8% [63.9 mmol/mol] vs. 7.1 ± 1.4% [54.1 mmol/mol]; P<.001). After 1 visit with endocrinology, there was a significant decrease in mean HbA1c from 8.44 ± 1.98% (68.3 mmol/mol) to 7.51 ± 1.57% (58.5 mmol/mol) (P<.001). Greatest reductions in mean HbA1c were -1.47% (95% CI: -2.21, -0.74) and -1.27% (95% CI: -1.89, -0.66) after 3 and 4 visits, respectively (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Short-term diabetes mellitus consultations, in the context of medical tourism, are effective.

Prediction of Hypoglycemia By Quality of Life Measures: A Retrospective Analysis of Electronically Patient-Reported Data.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the utility of electronically patient-reported data (e-PRD) in exploring the risk of diabetes-related hypoglycemia and to evaluate hypoglycemia prediction by the quality of life (QoL) measures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of e-PRD for patients with diabetes mellitus who completed the American Diabetes Association's Low Blood Sugar Questionnaire (Hypo-Q) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) for QoL assessment. Associations between Hypo-Q answers and PROMIS scores were described using Spearman correlations and 95% confidence intervals, or medians and quartiles. RESULTS: Records of 538 subjects were reviewed; 55% were female, 95% were non-Hispanic, with a mean age (± SD) of 53 ± 15 years. Patients with type 1 diabetes had a longer disease duration and more hypoglycemic episodes (P<.001) with higher PROMIS Physical and Mental T-scores (P<.001, both), when compared to patients with type 2 diabetes. The latter had a higher number of co-existing conditions. Having >5 episodes of either moderate or severe hypoglycemia in a year were reported by 18% and 5% of all patients, respectively. Mean PROMIS Physical and Mental health T-scores were 46 ± 10 and 47 ± 10, respectively. Patients with fewer moderate and severe hypoglycemic episodes had better Physical (P = .047 and P<.001) and Mental (P = .015 and P<.001) PROMIS T-scores with incremental decreases in the odds of hypoglycemia with each point increase in PROMIS T-scores. CONCLUSION: e-PRD of QoL measures and Hypo-Q were effective in exposing the risks for hypoglycemia and reproducing published findings with significant associations between QoL measures and hypoglycemia risks while providing new insights.

Perceptions, Knowledge, and Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Among Social Media Users: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Social media is one of the most rapid and impactful ways of obtaining and delivering information in the modern era. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to rapidly obtain information on public perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors related to COVID-19 in order to identify deficiencies in key areas of public education. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, a survey web link was posted on the social media and messaging platforms Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp by the study investigators. Participants, aged ≥18 years, filled out the survey on a voluntary basis. The main outcomes measured were knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, protective measures against COVID-19, and source(s) of information about COVID-19. Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the effects of age, gender, underlying illness, and working or studying in the health care industry on the perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19 and getting vaccinated. RESULTS: A total of 5677 subjects completed the survey over the course of 1 week. "Fever or chills" (n=4973, 87.6%) and "shortness of breath" (n=4695, 82.7%) were identified as the main symptoms of COVID-19. Washing and sanitizing hands (n=4990, 87.9%) and avoiding public places and crowds (n=4865, 85.7%) were identified as the protective measures most frequently used against COVID-19. Social media was the most utilized source for information on the disease (n=4740, 83.5%), followed by the World Health Organization (n=2844, 50.1%). Subgroup analysis revealed that younger subjects (<35 years), males, and those working or studying in health care reported a higher perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19, whereas older subjects, females, and those working or studying in non-health care areas reported a lower perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19. Similar trends were observed for vaccination against COVID-19, with older subjects, females, and those working or studying in non-health care sectors reporting a lower likelihood of vaccinating against COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are indicative of a relatively well-informed cohort implementing appropriate protective measures. However, key knowledge deficiencies exist with regards to vaccination against COVID-19, which future efforts should aim at correcting.

THE BENEFIT OF SHORT-TERM WEIGHT LOSS WITH ANTI-OBESITY MEDICATIONS IN REAL-WORLD CLINICAL PRACTICE.

Objective: The effectiveness of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) outside of clinical trials is unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the short-term effectiveness of AOMs in real-world practice. Methods: This retrospective study included adults aged ≥18 years, with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 with at least one obesity-related comorbidity who were prescribed phentermine hydrochloride, phenterminetopiramate, bupropion-naltrexone, or lorcaserin for 12 consecutive weeks between 2006 and 2016 at a large tertiary healthcare system. Propensity score-matched cohorts were created for each pair of AOMs. The primary outcomes were percent and absolute weight loss from baseline after 12 weeks. A prediction model was constructed to estimate weight loss with different AOMs based on demographic and clinical data. Results: Of the 3,411 patients included in this study, patients lost an average of 3.45% of body weight from baseline. All AOMs were associated with a significant weight loss from baseline (P<.0001). Patients lost the highest percentage of body weight on phentermine hydrochloride (3.75 ± 5.66%), followed by phentermine-topiramate (3.63 ± 5.7%), bupropion-naltrexone (2.66 ± 5.03%), and lorcaserin (1.84 ± 6.69%). In propensity-matched cohorts, patients taking phentermine hydrochloride lost more weight than those taking lorcaserin or bupropion-naltrexone, and patients taking phentermine topiramate lost more weight than patients taking lorcaserin. Conclusion: In real-world practice, AOMs are associated with clinically meaningful weight loss of 2 to 4% after 12 weeks. In this study, phentermine hydrochloride and phentermine topiramate produced the most weight loss. AOMs should be seriously considered as part of the armamentarium to treat patients with obesity. Abbreviations: AOM = anti-obesity medication; BMI = body mass index; EMR = electronic medical record; FDA = Food and Drug Administration; T2D = type 2 diabetes.

Self-esteem and body image satisfaction in women with PCOS in the Middle East: Cross-sectional social media study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, associated with increased incidence of emotional disorders, anxiety and depression. OBJECTIVE: The aim was of this study was to investigate whether those women reporting PCOS differed to women without PCOS in measures of psychological well-being including body-image satisfaction and self-esteem across a Middle Eastern population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey link of 21 questions was shared and distributed across social media platforms (Instagram and WhatsApp). The main outcome measured was levels of self-esteem and body image satisfaction in association with symptoms experienced by the participants. RESULTS: 12,199 female subjects completed the survey of whom 3,329 respondents (27.3%) self-reported a diagnosis of PCOS. PCOS respondents felt less attractive compared to non-PCOS respondents (73.9% vs 80.5%, p<0.0001). More respondents with PCOS reported avoidance of their reflection in the mirror (61.7% vs 49.8%, p<0.001) and avoidance of social interactions (22.3% vs 32.3%, p<0.0001). More PCOS respondents wanted to lose weight (75.2% vs 68.5%, p<0.001) with increasing weight being associated with being less attractive (p<0.001). Fewer PCOS respondents felt satisfied/confident compared non-PCOS respondents (38.6% vs 50.7%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: PCOS respondents reported significantly lower measures of self-esteem and body image satisfaction compared to non-PCOS respondents in this population.

Follow-Up of Patients After Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Cell Autotransplantation at Off-Site Islet Isolation Facility.

CONTEXT: Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a definitive management for intractable pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Islet autotransplantation (IAT) allows for the preservation of beta cells to prevent complications of long-term diabetes. OBJECTIVE: Our study follows TPIAT recipients for up to 12 years to determine the efficacy of the procedure completed with an off-site islet isolation facility. METHODS: Patient demographics, mixed meal tolerance test measures, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin requirements, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance values were collected prior to surgery and at the most recent follow-up assessment. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (median age, 46.0 years; range, 20-78 years) underwent TPIAT for CP. At an overall median follow-up time of 845.5 days (range, 195-4470 days) 8 patients were insulin independent and 36 patients were insulin dependent. At the most recent follow-up time point, islet yield per kilogram was the strongest indicator of insulin independence. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance values were comparable between insulin independent and dependent cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Our long-term follow-up data suggest that IAT can effectively reduce insulin requirements and improve postoperative glycemic control.

Body appreciation around the world: Measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age.

The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely used measure of a core facet of the positive body image construct. However, extant research concerning measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across a large number of nations remains limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset - with data collected between 2020 and 2022 - to assess measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated that full scalar invariance was upheld across all nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups, suggesting that the unidimensional BAS-2 model has widespread applicability. There were large differences across nations and languages in latent body appreciation, while differences across gender identities and age groups were negligible-to-small. Additionally, greater body appreciation was significantly associated with higher life satisfaction, being single (versus being married or in a committed relationship), and greater rurality (versus urbanicity). Across a subset of nations where nation-level data were available, greater body appreciation was also significantly associated with greater cultural distance from the United States and greater relative income inequality. These findings suggest that the BAS-2 likely captures a near-universal conceptualisation of the body appreciation construct, which should facilitate further cross-cultural research.

An Intracranial Extradural Dermoid Cyst Presenting with Two Dermal Sinuses and an Abscess in a Child.

Dermoid cysts account for only a small fraction of intracranial masses, with extradural dermoid cysts being considered a much rarer entity than those located intradurally. Intracranial dermoid cysts vary in clinical presentations: some maybe asymptomatic whilst others harbor features of raised intracranial pressure, neurological deficits, or even aseptic meningitis. Dermoid cysts may also present with cutaneous lesions. Herein, we report a rare case of a 1-year-old female presenting with a midline, scalp abscess. Brain MRI revealed an intracranial, extradural tumor, with features suggestive of a dermoid cyst, unusually located in the crista galli, and complicated by the formation of two cutaneous sinus tracts. After identification and characterization by MRI, bitemporal craniotomy was performed with complete excision of the mass and sinus tracts. Histological analysis confirmed dermoid cyst as the final diagnosis. Postoperatively, the patient recovered fully and had no evidence of recurrence in subsequent visits. The case mentioned above highlights the rarity of such a presentation for an intracranial extradural dermoid cyst and the vitality of early imaging for midline cutaneous lesions for identification of intracranial extensions and avoidance of detrimental consequences.

Ramadan fasting and diabetes 2019: The year in review.

INTRODUCTION: The literature on health aspects of Ramadan fasting is widely spread in many journals making it not readily available to those interested in the subject. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A narrative, non-systematic review of the international literature from two major online databases (viz. Scopus, PubMed) in one year (2019). The search term "Ramadan fasting AND Diabetes" was used, and relevant literature was narrated in a concise thematic account. RESULTS: Research design included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Articles included controlled trials, critical appraisals, literature narrations, and systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The publications spanned a vast array of topics related to Ramadan fasting, including assessments of current safety and efficacy profiles of newer diabetes therapies, modes of insulin delivery, and utilization of advanced technology for the treatment and monitoring of blood glucose during Ramadan fasting. Increased interest was particularly evident in capturing the experience element manifested by perceptions, attitudes, and practices of both patients and healthcare professionals during Ramadan. The current literature consolidates previous data on the safety of fasting practices amongst the well-controlled. On the other hand, it emphasizes the need for more aggressive interventions for high-risk patients, promoting the usage of newer anti-diabetic agents and advanced glucose monitoring technology for safer fasting practices. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of global literature production related to Ramadan fasting and Diabetes remains modest. Observational studies of small size prevail. Greater improvements in both quality and quantity of research on Ramadan are needed.

Knowledge gaps and perceptions of future research directions on management of diabetes during Ramadan fasting: An online survey of physicians.

OBJECTIVES: Current knowledge and research on diabetes and Ramadan form the basis for evidence-based clinical practice. In this context, we aimed to explore physicians' perceptions of current knowledge gaps about research fasting (RF), barriers to, and foreseeable directions for advancement of the field. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of a convenience sample of 260 physicians from 27 countries. The survey questionnaire addressed three main domains: perceived current knowledge gaps and unmet needs in research about RF and diabetes, barriers to the conduct of research, and future directions for furthering the evidence in this field. RESULTS: Majority of respondents (65.7%) were senior physicians in adult endocrinology/diabetes (45.9%) working at tertiary centers (65.2%). The majority (67.3%) reported seeing an average of 20+ patients with diabetes weekly and felt "very or fairly confident" in managing diabetes during RF (67.7%). The knowledge gaps identified were the management of high-risk patients with diabetes (54.1%), such as renal impairment (59.8%), and pregnancy (61.5%). The main barriers to research were lack of adequate funding to academic centers (75.7%) and lack of interest of institutions in the subject (64.6%). Future efforts should be directed at the conduct of large epidemiological studies (49.5%) or double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials (48.6%) to address the former gaps. Research findings should be widely disseminated via hands-on workshops (recommended by 70.3% of respondents) or international conferences (61.2%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide agreement regarding the knowledge gaps in the management of diabetes during RF. Future efforts should focus on addressing these critical deficiencies.

Bioenergetics of Islet Preparations in a Pilot Clinical Trial of Peri-Transplant Hydroxychloroquine for Autologous Islet Transplantation.

The inflammatory response is an obstacle to success in both allogeneic and autologous islet transplantation. In autologous islet transplantation (AIT), however, the recipient is also the donor, permitting pretreatment of donor/recipient for a controlled duration prior to transplantation. We sought to exploit this feature of (AIT) by pretreating donor/recipients with chronic pancreatitis undergoing total pancreatectomy and autologous islet transplantation (TPAIT) to test the hypothesis that peri-transplant treatment with the FDA-approved anti-inflammatory hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) improves graft function. In this randomized placebo-controlled pilot clinical study, patients (n = 6) were treated with oral HCQ for 30 days prior to and 90 days after TPAIT. In vivo islet function was assessed via Mixed Meal Tolerance Testing before HCQ treatment, 6- and 12-months after surgery. In vitro islet bioenergetics were assessed at the time of transplantation via extracellular flux analysis of islet preparation samples from the clinical trial cohort and six additional patients (n = 12). Our study shows that HCQ did not alter clinical endpoints, but HCQ-treated patients showed greater spare respiratory capacity (SRC) compared to samples from control patients (P=0.028). Glycolytic metabolism of islet preparations directly correlated with stimulated C-peptide secretion both before and after TPAIT (P=0.01, R2=0.489 and P=0.03, R2=0.674, respectively), and predicted in vivo islet function better than mitochondrial metabolism of islet preps or islet equivalents infused. Overnight culture of islet preparations altered bioenergetic function, significantly decreasing SRC and maximal respiration (P<0.001). In conclusion, while HCQ did not alter clinical outcomes, it was associated with significantly increased SRC in islet preparations. Bioenergetic analyses of islet preparations suggests that culture should be avoided and that glycolysis may be a more sensitive indicator of in vivo islet function than current metrics, including islet oxygen consumption and islet equivalents infused.

Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation: Graft Stability and Metabolic Outcomes.

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a rapidly evolving field. It has been increasingly regarded as a promising approach for the correction of dysglycemia associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (allogenic islet transplantation), or the prevention of surgical diabetes in chronic pancreatitis subjects undergoing total pancreatectomy (autologous islet transplantation). In this review, we discuss the latest literature pertaining to metabolic outcomes of autologous and allogenic islet transplantation, shedding close light on our own latest experience in the autologous islet transplantation setting.

Management of adrenal insufficiency during Ramadan fasting: a survey of physicians.

INTRODUCTION: Appropriate dose adjustments of glucocorticoids replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency (AI) is vital. OBJECTIVE: We sought to scope physicians' perceptions, and practices regarding Ramadan fasting (RF) impact on the management of AI. METHODS: A web-based survey of a convenience sample of endocrinologists. RESULTS: Nearly two-thirds of 145 respondents (64.1%) were adult endocrinologists and almost half (49%) saw more than 10 hypoadrenal patients per year. Most respondents (78.6%) prescribed hydrocortisone, while the minority prescribed other preparations. The glucocorticoid doses were reportedly divided twice daily by 70.8% and thrice daily by 22.2% of respondents. Respondents recognized RF as having potential consequences in adrenal insufficiency patients included causing hypoglycaemia, undue tiredness, and fatigue, hypotension, feeling dizzy, and light-headedness. Symptoms of under-replacement were thought to happen in the late afternoon by 59.3% of respondents. Almost half (45.5%) of respondents thought that RF has some probable or definite impact on glucocorticoid therapy that certainly warrants specific concern and possible action. Three quarters (76.4%) of respondents confirmed providing specific management recommendations during RF. The most frequently reported recommendation was taking in the usual morning dose of hydrocortisone just before pre-dawn meal (Suhor) (57.8%). A third switch patients from hydrocortisone to prednisolone/prednisone. Half reported providing patients with specific recommendations regarding breaking their fast and/or seeking help if hypoadrenal symptoms occur. CONCLUSIONS: There is a remarkable variation in the physicians' perceptions and practices regarding the management of AI during Ramadan. This warrants professional effort to increase the awareness and dissemination of evidence-based guidelines.

Effect of Polyglucosamine on Weight Loss and Metabolic Parameters in Overweight and Obesity: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The use of dietary supplements for weight loss has gained significant momentum. Polyglucosamine, a chitosan derivative, is a dietary supplement increasingly used for weight loss. In this meta-analysis, we systematically summarized and quantified the key findings of four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials examining the effects of polyglucosamine supplementation and caloric restriction, and physical activity on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in subjects with overweight and obesity. The control group was set with a physical activity from 6-7 MET-h/week activity and up to 21 MET-h/week activity with caloric restriction. Compliance in the latter trials was reported via a follow-up questionnaire with the individual participants. The analysis included 399 subjects followed for a period ranging from 12 weeks to one year. Subjects' age ranged from 21-75 years, BMI from 26-45 kg/m2, and all were white European or Caucasian in ethnicity. The meta-analyzed mean differences for random effects showed that polyglucosamine supplementation improves weight loss by -1.78 kg [-2.78, -0.79], BMI by -1.52 kg/m2 [-3.58, 0.54], and improves waist circumference reduction by -1.45 cm [-2.77, -0.12]. In conclusion, the use of polyglucosamine supplementation in conjunction with lifestyle behavioral therapies can be effective for weight reduction. Further studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of polyglucosamine supplementation on weight loss and other metabolic parameters.

Beta Cell Stress in Insulin Independent Subjects Following Total Pancreatectomy and Autologous Islet Transplantation.

In patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), autologous islet transplantation (AIT) is often coupled with total pancreatectomy (TP) in aims to preserve patients' insulin secretory function. Despite a third of patients achieving insulin independence post-total pancreatectomy and autologous islet transplantation (TPAIT), many will require the addition of insulin therapy for maintenance of glycemic control overtime. We aimed through this study to investigate the early metabolic profile signature of insulin independent subjects post-TPAIT, specifically exploring markers of beta cell stress in this cohort. In a prospective study design, we identified 37 subjects who underwent TPAIT between 2008 and 2017. Metabolic parameters were assessed using mixed meal tolerance test data (MMTT), and the insulin-to-proinsulin index ratio, a marker of beta cell stress. Assessments between metabolic variables were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. A significance level of 0.05 was assumed for all comparisons. At a mean (±standard deviation) follow up duration of 37.7±17 months post-TPAIT, 11 patients (30%) were insulin independent with a mean HbA1C of 5.85±0.42%. Despite adequate glycemic control in the latter cohort, we observed significantly higher median peak glucose (180.5 versus 115.0 mg/dL; p=0.031), and lower median fasting C-peptide (0.95 versus 1.5 ng/mL; p=0.008) on post-TPAIT MMTT compared to pre-TPAIT MMTT. Additionally, significantly lower insulin-to-proinsulin index AUC ratio was seen post-TPAIT compared to pre-TPAIT (p=0.022). A decline in the proinsulin processing capacity, expressed by a lower insulin-to-proinsulin index ratio was seen in insulin independent subjects post-TPAIT. Further studies exploring the pathophysiology underlying these findings should be attained.

Change in Functional Beta Cell Capacity With Time Following Autologous Islet Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Autologous islet transplantation (AIT) is performed to preserve insulin secretory function in chronic pancreatitis patients undergoing total pancreatectomy (TP). No data exist on the effect of time lapse on beta cell function post TP-AIT. We aimed to investigate the factor of time lapse on beta cell function following TP-AIT. METHODS: Retrospectively, we identified 31 adult patients with chronic pancreatitis who underwent TP-AIT between 2008 and 2016. Changes in beta cell function were assessed using (1) BETA-2 scores and (2) analysis of posttransplant mixed-meal tolerance testing. RESULTS: Significant decrease in functional beta cell capacity expressed by BETA-2 scores was seen in the first 2 years following TP-AIT, with an annual decrease of 6.3 points in median BETA-2 score (interquartile range, 4.6-11.6; P = 0.002). In the mixed-meal tolerance testing analysis, nonsignificant trends toward higher glucose, lower insulin, and lower C-peptide were seen with time lapse. Additionally, higher hemoglobin A1c values (P = 0.033) and higher insulin requirements (P = 0.04) were seen with longer follow-up after AIT. CONCLUSIONS: A steady drop in functional beta cell capacity was observed in the 2 years following TP and AIT. To our knowledge, to date this is the first report of the BETA-2 score applicability in the AIT setting.

Autoimmunity in Autologous Islet Transplantation.

Total pancreatectomy (TP) is increasingly being utilized for definitive treatment in patients with debilitating chronic pancreatitis (CP). In an effort to prevent surgical diabetes, the procedure can be performed in conjunction with transplantation of islets of Langerhans recovered from the patients' own resected pancreas (autologous islet transplantation, AIT). Given that patients undergoing TP and AIT are traditionally assumed not to be at risk for the development of beta-cell autoimmunity, it is possible that the presence of autoimmune islet graft failure has been overlooked and underreported in this patient population. Herein, we describe two cases who underwent TP and AIT and later developed new-onset beta-cell autoimmunity (as evidenced by de novo glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positivity), accompanied by complete insulin-dependent states. These cases emphasize the need for considering a possible autoimmune phenomenon in the workup of TP and AIT patients who manifest with unexpected and rapid deterioration in their glycemic control.

Antiobesity drugs in the management of type 2 diabetes: A shift in thinking?

Antiobesity medications can improve metabolic control for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity, but are underutilized. In this review, we describe the role of antiobesity drugs in the context of medically supervised and comprehensive weight-loss interventions and propose a pragmatic therapeutic algorithm for patients with type 2 DM and obesity that incorporates the use of antiobesity drugs early in the course of management.