Mounjaro's Label Expands; Type 1 Diabetes on the Rise; Testosterone and Afib

The FDA recently expanded the use of tirzepatide, known by the brand name Mounjaro, to help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular issues in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk. According to projections from the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the number of people with type 1 diabetes worldwide could increase by 29% by 2049, jumping from 9.4 million cases in 2025 to 12.1 million.

In pregnancies with high metabolic risk, metformin was found to increase the gestational age at delivery, but it didn't manage to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes, as per a patient-level meta-analysis.

Research into investigational drugs like amycretin and retatrutide suggests they could lead to even greater weight loss compared to current approved anti-obesity medications. However, an unregulated gray market has emerged where people are seeking out retatrutide before it officially becomes available.

Medicare's Bridge program has seen approximately 100,000 prescriptions filled for GLP-1 weight loss drugs, costing $50 a month. Cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic syndrome have been linked to a higher risk of serious eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, according to data from the UK Biobank. New Mexico state funds will continue to cover gender-affirming care for minors, even with federal cuts to Medicaid and CHIP coverage.

A recent review presented mixed evidence on the connection between testosterone and atrial fibrillation. In adults with type 2 diabetes who had recovered from acute kidney injury requiring dialysis, starting an SGLT2 inhibitor within 30 days of hospital discharge was associated with fewer adverse kidney events. A survey by the Business Group on Health revealed that around 14% of large employers plan to drop or have already dropped coverage for GLP-1 drugs next year.

Studies indicate that persistent use of tirzepatide (Zepbound) for weight loss in adults over 55 years old can lead to lower long-term healthcare costs due to fewer hospital and emergency department visits.