The US is facing severe shortages of endocrinologists, leaving nearly 70% of counties without a single practicing specialist. According to GoodRx, this shortage has significant implications for patients with chronic conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome and diabetes.
New research suggests that mifepristone, used to treat Cushing’s syndrome, may help lower hemoglobin A1c levels by 1.32% in patients taking the medication compared to those on placebo. This finding has potential implications for diabetes treatment.
Meanwhile, Americans’ average body mass index and obesity prevalence declined in 2023, marking the first drop in over a decade, according to cross-sectional data from JAMA Health Forum. The decline is attributed to various factors, including weight loss medication.
A new study published in The Lancet has proposed a revised definition of obesity that is endorsed by 75 medical organizations. The updated criteria aim to improve diagnostic accuracy and inform clinical guidelines.
Pharmaceutical companies are also adapting to changing market demands. Eli Lilly will offer cheaper vials of tirzepatide, a weight loss medication, through its direct-to-consumer app.
The American Diabetes Association has released its 2025 Standards of Care in Diabetes, which includes recommendations for continuous glucose monitors and caution about compounded GLP-1 drugs.
Research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals suggests that early exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls may be linked to neurobehavioral problems in rat models. A lawsuit also accuses major food companies of designing ultraprocessed foods to cause chronic disease in children.
Dexcom’s new glucose biosensor Stelo features an integrated AI platform to enhance metabolic health. Meanwhile, some individuals are experimenting with microdosing semaglutide, a medication used for weight loss and diabetes treatment, to see if it has benefits beyond its approved uses.
Source: https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/generalendocrinology/113431