Endocrinology and Metabolism

Original Articles

Deep Learning-Based Adrenal Gland Volumetry for the Prediction of Diabetes: Eu Jeong Ku, Soon Ho Yoon, Seung Shin Park, Ji Won Yoon, Jung Hee Kim; Received February 6, 2025 Accepted April 7, 2025 Published online June 18, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2025.2336 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
The long-term association between adrenal gland volume (AGV) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the association between deep learning-based AGV and current glycemic status and incident T2D.
Methods
In this observational study, adults who underwent abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) for health checkups (2011–2012), but had no adrenal nodules, were included. AGV was measured from CT images using a three-dimensional nnU-Net deep learning algorithm. We assessed the association between AGV and T2D using a cross-sectional and longitudinal design.
Results
We used 500 CT scans (median age, 52.3 years; 253 men) for model development and a Multi-Atlas Labeling Beyond the Cranial Vault dataset for external testing. A clinical cohort included a total of 9708 adults (median age, 52.0 years; 5,769 men). The deep learning model demonstrated a dice coefficient of 0.71±0.11 for adrenal segmentation and a mean volume difference of 0.6± 0.9 mL in the external dataset. Participants with T2D at baseline had a larger AGV than those without (7.3 cm³ vs. 6.7 cm³ and 6.3 cm³ vs. 5.5 cm³ for men and women, respectively, all P<0.05). The optimal AGV cutoff values for predicting T2D were 7.2 cm³ in men and 5.5 cm³ in women. Over a median 7.0-year follow-up, T2D developed in 938 participants. Cumulative T2D risk was accentuated with high AGV compared with low AGV (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 1.46).
Conclusion
AGV, measured using deep learning algorithms, is associated with current glycemic status and can significantly predict the development of T2D.

Fatty Liver Index Dynamics as a Predictor of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Cirrhotic Livers: Eun-Hee Cho, Min Gu Kang, Chang Hun Lee, Shinyoung Oh, Chen Shen, Ha Ram Oh, Young Ran Park, Hyun Lee, Jong Seung Kim, Ji Hyun Park; Received December 15, 2024 Accepted March 13, 2025 Published online May 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2286 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; however, surveillance strategies for patients with T2DM, especially without cirrhosis, are inadequate. This study examined whether the fatty liver index (FLI) and its dynamic changes can effectively identify patients with T2DM at increased risk for HCC.
Methods
Data from 92,761 individuals with T2DM aged 40 to 79 who underwent two health screenings (2012 to 2015) were analyzed. The FLI, calculated using waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, was used to stratify patients by baseline FLI and FLI changes between screenings. HCC cases were identified via International Classification of Diseases codes and reimbursement records (2016 to 2020).
Results
Patients with baseline FLI of 30 to 59.9 had a 1.90-fold higher risk (P<0.01) and those with FLI ≥60 had a 2.94-fold higher risk (P<0.01) of developing HCC compared to those with FLI <30. An increase in FLI from <30 to ≥30 resulted in a 2.10-fold higher risk of HCC (P<0.01), while a reduction in FLI from ≥30 to <30 led to a 0.64-fold lower risk (P=0.03). Protective benefits of FLI reduction took approximately 3 years to manifest.
Conclusion
Baseline and dynamic monitoring of FLI effectively identified HCC risk in T2DM patients with non-cirrhotic livers, supporting early detection and intervention.

Current Status of Delay in Injectable Therapy among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in South Korea: Multicenter Retrospective Study (2015–2021): Jong Han Choi, Min Kyong Moon, Hae Jin Kim, Kyung Ae Lee, Hyun Jin Kim, Jung Hae Ko, Jae-Seung Yun, Seung-Hyun Ko, Suk Chon, Nam Hoon Kim; Received December 14, 2024 Accepted March 12, 2025 Published online May 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2280 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
We aimed to assess the therapeutic inertia associated with injectable therapies and the factors influencing glycemic control following these therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in South Korea.
Methods
This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 2,598 T2DM patients aged 20 to 75 years from 10 referral medical centers in South Korea. These patients had been treated with three or four oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) and were subsequently initiated on insulin (n=1,942) or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs, n=656) between January 2015 and December 2021. We analyzed the time to initiation of injectable therapy, changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and associations between clinical factors and glycemic control.
Results
At the time of injectable therapy initiation, the mean HbA1c was 9.54%, with insulin users having a higher HbA1c level (9.79%) than GLP-1RA users (8.70%). The mean time from starting 3 or 4 OADs to initiating injectable therapy was 3.19 years: 53.5% of patients had started injectable therapy after 2 years, and 24.2% started after 5 years. Among insulin users, older age (P= 0.004), higher body mass index (P=0.035), and lower HbA1c levels at insulin initiation (P<0.001) were associated with better glycemic control. Among GLP-1RA users, only the HbA1c level at therapy initiation (P<0.001) was a significant factor.
Conclusion
This study highlighted significant delays in initiating injectable therapies, particularly insulin, in T2DM patients in South Korea. Early initiation of injectable therapy may improve long-term glycemic control in these patients.

Exploring Sex Differences in Type 2 Diabetes via a Male-Dominant Beta-Cell Cluster from Single-Cell Pancreatic Sequencing of Public Datasets: Nguyen Van Anh, Hyo-Wook Gil, Samel Park, Seongho Ryu; Received December 27, 2024 Accepted February 18, 2025 Published online May 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2025.2297 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell dysfunction. Although sex differences in type 2 diabetes prevalence, progression, and complications have been reported, the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences remain largely unknown. We aimed to utilize single-cell RNA sequencing to identify a beta-cell cluster that is more prevalent in males than in females and exhibits distinct gene expression patterns, gene set enrichment profiles, and cell-cell communication compared to other clusters.
Methods
FASTQ files from four public datasets were preprocessed, aligned to the human genome (GRCh38), and integrated into a high-quality matrix to mitigate batch effects. We focused on beta-cells from type 2 diabetes patients, performed trajectory inference to identify clusters, and conducted differential gene expression and gene set enrichment analyses. These findings were validated using bulk RNA-seq datasets. Additionally, cell-cell communication analysis was performed to identify ligand-receptor interactions, followed by a sensitivity analysis to assess sex-specific differences.
Results
We identified a male-dominant beta-cell cluster (adjusted P value=4.2×10^–6) that displayed unique gene expression patterns and downregulation of pathways associated with protein metabolism and insulin synthesis. Differentially expressed genes (e.g., interleukin 24 [IL24], regulator of G protein signaling like 1 [RGSL1]) were confirmed through bulk analysis. Moreover, the cluster demonstrated distinct communication patterns with other cell types, underscoring sex-specific differences.
Conclusion
We have identified a male-dominant beta-cell cluster characterized by distinct gene expression, signaling pathways, and cell interactions. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and may inform the development of more effective, sex-specific therapeutic strategies in the future.

The Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease across Different Durations of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Longitudinal Cohort Study: Mi-sook Kim, Kyu-Na Lee, Jeongmin Lee, Jeongeun Kwak, Seung-Hwan Lee, Hyuk-Sang Kwon, Jing Hughes, Kyung-Do Han, Eun Young Lee; Received December 9, 2024 Accepted March 4, 2025 Published online May 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2271 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
This study investigated the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a marker of insulin resistance, and the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), focusing on variations by diabetes duration.
Methods
We analyzed 1,219,148 Korean adults with T2DM from National Health Insurance Service data who underwent biennial health evaluations (2015 to 2016). ESRD was defined using specific procedural codes (V codes), and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for ESRD across TyG index quartiles and diabetes duration categories, adjusting for various confounders.
Results
Over 6,967,381 person-years of follow-up, 7,548 participants developed ESRD. Higher TyG index quartiles were independently associated with increased risk of ESRD, which was more pronounced with longer diabetes duration. The adjusted HR for ESRD in the highest TyG quartile (Q4) compared to the lowest quartile (Q1) was 1.235 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.995 to 1.533) in new-onset diabetes, and 1.592 (95% CI, 1.465 to 1.730) in those with diabetes for ≥10 years. Compared to the lowest TyG quartile in new-onset diabetes, the adjusted HR for ESRD in the highest quartile with diabetes duration ≥10 years increased to 10.239 (95% CI, 8.440 to 12.422). Subgroup analysis revealed that a higher TyG index consistently increased the risk of ESRD, with stronger associations observed in younger individuals and those without comorbidities.
Conclusion
The TyG index is a significant predictor of ESRD in T2DM, particularly in those with prolonged diabetes duration. Targeting insulin resistance early may mitigate the risk of ESRD in this population.

Review Article

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Prevalence and Current Status of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Korean Adults Based on Fact Sheets 2024: Eun-Jung Rhee; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):174-184. Published online April 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2025.2398

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Korea has entered ‘super-aged’ society in 2025 with the proportion of people 65 years or older exceeding 20% as of the end of the year 2024. The health burden of cardiovascular diseases increases with age, and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, may be linked to increased population-level cardiovascular risk. According to data from 2022, the overall prevalence of obesity reached 38.4%, marking a continued upward trend, based on National Health Insurance medical checkup data. In the combined data of 2021 to 2022, the prevalence of diabetes was 15.5% in Koreans older than 30 years according to the Diabetes Fact Sheet 2024 published by the Korean Diabetes Association, based on data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The prevalence of hypertension in the total population of Korea in 2022 was 30% according to the Korean Hypertension Fact Sheet produced by the Korean Society of Hypertension. Lastly, the prevalence of dyslipidemia in 2022 was 40.9% according to the Dyslipidemia Fact Sheet published by the Korean Society of Lipid and Atherosclerosis. In this article, I would like to review the prevalence and current management of cardiovascular risk factors in Korea according to the fact sheets released by various associations in 2024.

Original Article

The Severity of Diabetes and the Risk of Diabetic Foot Amputation: A National Cohort Study: Jin Yu, Ji-Hyun Kim, Bongseong Kim, Kyungdo Han, Seung Hwan Lee, Mee Kyoung Kim; Received November 28, 2024 Accepted February 4, 2025 Published online April 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2266 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background
This study aimed to assess whether markers of diabetes severity could serve as predictors for foot amputation risk among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods
We analyzed data from the nationally representative Korean National Health Insurance System database, tracking 2,544,077 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who participated in routine health check-ups between 2009 and 2012, with followup extending through the end of 2018. The parameters used to define the diabetes severity score encompassed diabetes duration, insulin usage, the number of oral glucose-lowering medications, the presence of chronic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease. Each factor was assigned one point, yielding a cumulative severity score ranging from 0 to 6.
Results
The risk of diabetic foot amputation was predominantly predicted by insulin therapy, diabetic retinopathy, and a prolonged duration of diabetes. The hazard ratios for foot amputation increased with the severity score as follows: 2.31 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.15 to 2.47) for a score of 1, 4.73 (95% CI, 4.42 to 5.07) for a score of 2, 8.86 (95% CI, 8.24 to 9.53) for a score of 3, 16.95 (95% CI, 15.60 to 18.4) for a score of 4, 23.98 (95% CI, 21.25 to 27.05) for a score of 5, and 37.87 (95% CI, 28.93 to 49.57) for a score of 6.
Conclusion
Specific markers of advanced diabetes effectively identified patients at an elevated risk for diabetic foot amputation.

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Diabetes Progression and Its Impact on Kidney Cancer Risk: Insights From a Longitudinal Korean Cohort Study
Jin Yu, Bongseong Kim, Kyungdo Han, Mee Kyoung Kim
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Review Article

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Advances in Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Clinical Applications: So Yoon Kwon, Jun Sung Moon; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):161-173. Published online April 8, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2025.2370

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has revolutionized diabetes management, significantly enhancing glycemic control across diverse patient populations. Recent evidence supports its effectiveness in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes management, with benefits extending beyond traditional glucose monitoring approaches. CGM has demonstrated substantial improvements in glycemic control across multiple metrics. Studies report consistent glycosylated hemoglobin reductions of 0.25%–3.0% and notable time in range improvements of 15%–34%. CGM effectively reduces hypoglycemic events, with studies reporting significant reductions in time spent in hypoglycemia. CGM also serves as an educational tool for lifestyle modification, providing real-time feedback that helps patients understand how diet and physical activity affect glucose levels. While skin-related complications remain a concern, technological advancements have addressed many initial concerns. High satisfaction rates and long-term use suggest that device-related issues are manageable with proper education and support. Despite high initial costs, CGM’s prevention of complications and hospitalizations ultimately reduces healthcare expenditures. With appropriate training and support, CGM represents a transformative technology for comprehensive diabetes care.

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Associations of time in tight range, time in range, and glycated hemoglobin with albuminuria in type 1 diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Ji Yoon Kim, Seohyun Kim, Sang Ho Park, Jin A Lee, So Hyun Cho, Rosa Oh, Myunghwa Jang, You-Bin Lee, Gyuri Kim, Kyu Yeon Hur, Jae Hyeon Kim, Sang-Man Jin
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.2025; 226: 112325. CrossRef

Original Articles

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Discrepancies in Dapagliflozin Response in Terms of Glycemic Control and Body Weight Reduction: Ji Eun Jun, Kyoung-Ah Kim, Nan-Hee Kim, Kwan-Woo Lee, In-Kyung Jeong, on Behalf of the BEYOND Investigators; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):278-288. Published online March 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2142

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, reduces hyperglycemia and obesity by inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption. This post hoc study evaluated clinical factors influencing patient response to dapagliflozin.
Methods
The analysis focused on patients treated with dapagliflozin (10 mg/day for 52 weeks) within the randomized, double-blind, parallel-group BEYOND trial. Adequate glycemic control (GC) was defined as a reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of ≥ 1.0% or the achievement of an HbA1c level <7.0% at week 52. Significant weight loss (WL) referred to a reduction in body weight of ≥3.0% at week 52. Participants were classified into four groups based on their GC and WL responses: GC+/WL+, GC+/WL−, GC−/WL+, and GC−/WL−.
Results
Among dapagliflozin recipients (n=56), at 52 weeks, HbA1c had decreased by 1.0%±0.8% from baseline, while body weight had declined by 2.4±3.1 kg. Overall, 69.6% of participants achieved GC+, and 57.1% achieved WL+. Male sex and shorter diabetes duration were significantly associated with achieving GC+. Conversely, higher estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly linked to WL+. The only factor significantly associated with both GC+ and WL+ was shorter diabetes duration (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.68 to 0.97; P=0.023). The GC+ and WL+ groups exhibited favorable responses beginning soon after dapagliflozin therapy was initiated. Furthermore, HbA1c decline was more strongly associated with reduction in visceral fat than with WL.
Conclusion
A short duration of diabetes and early response to treatment appear to represent key factors in maximizing the benefits of dapagliflozin for blood glucose and weight management.

Association between the Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Cardiovascular Risk and Mortality across Different Diabetes Durations: A Nationwide Cohort Study: Jeongeun Kwak, Kyung-Do Han, Eun Young Lee, Seung-Hwan Lee, Dong-Jun Lim, Hyuk-Sang Kwon, Jeongmin Lee; Received October 15, 2024 Accepted January 3, 2025 Published online March 5, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2205 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
We aimed to assess the association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality in a large cohort of diabetes patients.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of 1,090,485 participants from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database was conducted. Participants were stratified into TyG quartiles.
Results
Higher TyG index quartiles were significantly associated with an increased CVD risk and mortality risk. In fully adjusted models, participants in the highest TyG quartile (Q4) had an 18% higher risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 1.23) and a 16% higher risk of mortality (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.23) compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1). The association was particularly pronounced in patients with fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL (CVD [HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.37], mortality [HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.26]; P for interaction <0.001). Patients with a diabetes duration of ≥10 years showed the strongest association between the TyG index and CVD risk (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.38 to 1.50), while the mortality risk was particularly elevated in those with a diabetes duration of less than 5 years (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.30). Subgroup analyses revealed stronger associations between TyG index and CVD risk in younger participants, non-obese individuals, and non-smokers.
Conclusion
The TyG index is a significant predictor of CVD and mortality in diabetic patients, particularly in those with poor glycemic control or longer disease duration.

Prevalence of Mortality and Vascular Complications in Older Patients with Diabetes in Korea: Kwang Joon Kim, Jeongmin Lee, Yang Sun Park, Yong-ho Lee, Kyeong Hye Park, Hee-Won Jung, Chang Oh Kim, Man Young Park, Hun-Sung Kim, Bong-Soo Cha; Received September 9, 2024 Accepted January 2, 2025 Published online February 18, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2173 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
This study investigated the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose, as well as their management and comorbidities among older Korean adults.
Methods
Data from 269,447 individuals aged 65 years and older from the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2000 and 2019 were analyzed to evaluate trends in DM prevalence, healthcare utilization, mortality, and complications.
Results
Among 269,447 individuals, 18.6% (n=50,159/269,447) were diagnosed with DM and 27.0% (n=72,670/269,447) had impaired fasting glucose. The DM group had the highest body mass index, waist circumference, and prevalence of current smokers (P<0.001) but not the highest hypertension prevalence. From 2010 to 2019, the prevalence of DM and impaired fasting glucose increased from 15.5% to 21.9% and from 26.0% to 30.6%, respectively. Cancer-related mortality in DM was 1.15 times higher than in those with normal glucose tolerance (P<0.001), and cardiovascular disease-related mortality was 1.32 times higher (P<0.001); all mortalities were higher in female participants. Myocardial infarction (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; P<0.001), stroke (HR, 1.24; P<0.001), and heart failure (HR, 1.13; P<0.001) were significantly higher in those with DM.
Conclusion
This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of DM and related complications in older individuals based on longterm representative data in Korea. These results highlight the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance management and outcomes in this population.

Time to Insulin Therapy and Severe Hypoglycemia in Korean Adults Initially Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Study: You-Bin Lee, Kyungdo Han, Bongsung Kim, So Hee Park, Kyu Yeon Hur, Gyuri Kim, Jae Hyeon Kim, Sang-Man Jin; Received July 4, 2024 Accepted November 19, 2024 Published online February 4, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2082 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
We examined the distribution of time to insulin therapy (TIT) post-diabetes diagnosis and the hazard of severe hypoglycemia (SH) according to TIT in Korean adults initially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and who progressed to insulin therapy.
Methods
Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (2002 to 2018), we selected adult incident insulin users (initially diagnosed as T2D) who underwent health examinations between 2009 and 2012. The hazards of SH, recurrent SH, and problematic hypoglycemia were analyzed according to groups categorized using the TIT and clinical risk factors for SH (TIT ≥5 years with risk factors, TIT ≥5 years without risk factors, 3 ≤TIT <5 years, 1 ≤TIT <3 years, and TIT <1 year).
Results
Among 41,637 individuals, 14,840 (35.64%) and 10,587 (25.43%) initiated insulin therapy within <5 and <3 years postdiabetes diagnosis, respectively. During a median 6.53 years, 3,406 SH events occurred. Compared to individuals with TIT ≥5 years and no risk factor for SH, individuals with TIT <3 years had higher outcome hazards in a graded manner (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence intervals] for any SH: 1.117 [0.967 to 1.290] in those with 3 ≤TIT <5 years; 1.459 [1.284 to 1.657] in those with 1 ≤ TIT <3 years; and 1.515 [1.309 to 1.754] in those with TIT <1 year). This relationship was more pronounced in the non-obese subpopulation.
Conclusion
Among adults who progressed to insulin therapy after being diagnosed with T2D, a shorter TIT was not uncommon and may predict an increased risk of SH, particularly in non-obese patients.

Review Article

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Evolving Characteristics of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in East Asia: Joonyub Lee, Kun-Ho Yoon; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):57-63. Published online January 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2193

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: In East Asians, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is primarily characterized by significant defects in insulin secretion and comparatively low insulin resistance. Recently, the prevalence of T2DM has rapidly increased in East Asian countries, including Korea, occurring concurrently with rising obesity rates. This trend has led to an increase in the average body mass index among East Asian T2DM patients, highlighting the influence of insulin resistance in the development of T2DM within this group. Currently, the incidence of T2DM in Korea is declining, which may indicate potential adaptive changes in insulin secretory capacity. This review focuses on the changing epidemiology of T2DM in East Asia, with a particular emphasis on the characteristics of peak functional β-cell mass.

Original Articles

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Tirzepatide and Cancer Risk in Individuals with and without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: A.B.M. Kamrul-Hasan, Muhammad Shah Alam, Deep Dutta, Thanikai Sasikanth, Fatema Tuz Zahura Aalpona, Lakshmi Nagendra; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):112-124. Published online January 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2164

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Background
Data on the carcinogenic potential of tirzepatide from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited. Furthermore, no meta-analysis has included all relevant RCTs to assess the cancer risk associated with tirzepatide.
Methods
RCTs involving patients receiving tirzepatide in the intervention arm and either a placebo or any active comparator in the control arm were searched through electronic databases. The primary outcome was the overall risk of any cancer, and secondary outcomes were the risks of specific types of cancer in the tirzepatide versus the control groups.
Results
Thirteen RCTs with 13,761 participants were analyzed. Over 26 to 72 weeks, the tirzepatide and pooled control groups had identical risks of any cancer (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.53 to 1.16; P=0.22). The two groups had comparable cancer risks in patients with and without diabetes. In subgroup analyses, the risks were also similar in the tirzepatide versus placebo, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist groups. The overall cancer risk was also comparable for different doses of tirzepatide compared to the control groups; only a 10-mg tirzepatide dose had a lower risk of any cancer than placebo. Furthermore, compared to the control groups (pooled or separately), tirzepatide did not increase the risk of any specific cancer types. Despite greater increments in serum calcitonin with 10- and 15-mg tirzepatide doses than with placebo, the included RCTs reported no cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Conclusion
Tirzepatide use in RCTs over 26 to 72 weeks did not increase overall or specific cancer risk.

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Dietary and pharmacological energy restriction and exercise for healthspan extension
Maria Lastra Cagigas, Isabella De Ciutiis, Andrius Masedunskas, Luigi Fontana
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism.2025; 36(6): 521. CrossRef
GLP-1 receptor agonists in the context of cancer: the road ahead
Isabelle R. Miousse
American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology.2025; 328(6): C1822. CrossRef
Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus - a current view of the different drug classes and strategies for their use
Jan Brož
Vnitřní lékařství.2025; 71(3): 144. CrossRef
Repurposing glucose-lowering drugs for cancer therapy
Michaela Luconi, Giulia Cantini, Clara Crescioli
Trends in Cancer.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Impact of 1-Year Tirzepatide Use on Glycemic and Metabolic Profile in Oerweight to Obese People with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Deep Dutta, Abul Bashar Mohammad Kamrul-Hasan, Ritin Mohindra, Nishant Raizada
Diabetes Technology and Obesity Medicine.2025; 1(1): 289. CrossRef

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Quadruple Combination Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Jaehyun Bae, Min Heui Yu, Minyoung Lee, Bong-Soo Cha, Byung-Wan Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):258-267. Published online January 13, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2120

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Achieving optimal glucose control is essential in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral quadruple combination therapy for the treatment of T2D.
Methods
This meta-analysis reviewed original research on oral quadruple combination therapy for T2D, including both experimental and observational studies with a minimum duration of 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to follow-up. The secondary endpoint was the incidence rate of adverse events. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Outcomes were pooled as the standardized mean difference (using Hedge’s g) and the risk ratio for adverse events in random-effects meta-analyses.
Results
The meta-analysis included 17 studies. Oral quadruple combination therapy resulted in an additional mean reduction in HbA1c levels of 1.1% in patients who did not achieve glycemic control with oral triple combination therapy. Compared with switching to injectables, such as insulin or a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist–containing regimen, this therapy was non-inferior, even demonstrating a slightly superior glucose-lowering effect. Furthermore, it was determined to be safe, with an adverse event rate of 0.25, indicating no significant difference in safety compared with adding a placebo or switching to an injectable-containing regimen.
Conclusion
Oral quadruple combination therapy is a valid option for patients with T2D who are unable to achieve glycemic targets with oral triple combination therapy, offering both effective glycemic control and a favorable safety profile.

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