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Donna Pacheco

GLP‑1s and Asthma: Can Metabolic Drugs Help Calm the Airways?

GLP-1 injection pen, asthma inhaler, and inflamed lungs with molecular structures in a scientific setting

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that affects millions worldwide and often overlaps with metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recently, interest has grown in whether glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor agonists (GLP‑1 RAs)—a class of drugs commonly used to manage diabetes and obesity—could help reduce …

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GLP‑1s and Liver Disease: Rethinking MASLD Care Beyond Obesity and A1C

3D liver with fatty deposits, GLP-1 injection pen, stethoscope, molecular structures, and test results for liver enzymes

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are rapidly becoming leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Traditionally, clinicians have associated MASLD with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, often using body mass index (BMI) and A1C as screening triggers. However, an important shift is occurring …

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Inside the ADA 2026 Guidelines: A New Cardiometabolic Roadmap for Diabetes Care

Medical tools including a glucose meter, stethoscope, and ADA 2026 Guidelines clipboard, with digital icons representing cardiometabolic health

The updated ADA 2026 standards represent a major shift in how clinicians approach diabetes management. Rather than focusing solely on lowering A1C, these new recommendations promote a broader, holistic strategy that integrates cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic (CKM) risk management into everyday care. This article breaks down the key updates and …

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Prescribing GLP‑1s for Obesity Without Diabetes: How to Treat “Normoglycemic” Risk

A doctor holding a GLP‑1 injection pen while consulting with a woman about obesity treatment, surrounded by medical tools and healthy food.

In recent years, GLP‑1-based treatments for obesity have evolved from being primarily a diabetes-focused strategy to becoming a powerful tool for managing weight and reducing cardiometabolic risk—especially in individuals without type 2 diabetes. This growing trend is shifting how clinicians identify and manage obesity, moving beyond A1C levels to a …

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GLP‑1s and Depression: Could an Incretin Help Lift Mood?

Illustration of a human head split in half, showing stormy depression on one side and bright, healthy brain activity on the other, with GLP-1 medication and insulin pen in the foreground.

The potential link between GLP‑1 therapies and depression has sparked growing interest among clinicians and researchers. If you’ve ever wondered whether glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonists could positively influence mood, you’re not alone. Early research suggests these medications may ease depressive symptoms by dampening inflammation and influencing brain signaling, though …

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GLP‑1s for PCOS: From Insulin Resistance to Cycle Control

Woman using GLP‑1 injection with PCOS medical tools in clinical setting

Could a diabetes medication help women with PCOS regain control of their cycles and metabolism? GLP‑1 receptor agonists, best known for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, are showing promise for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These medications may support weight loss, improve insulin resistance, and even lead to …

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Continuous Ketone Monitoring: Can We Finally Get Ahead of DKA?

Continuous ketone monitor on a patient’s abdomen showing ketone levels, with a smartphone displaying rising ketone alerts and a virtual doctor consult in the background.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) continues to be one of the most dangerous acute complications faced by people with diabetes, particularly those on insulin or SGLT2 inhibitors. While traditional approaches rely on intermittent blood ketone checks, a new frontier is emerging—continuous ketone monitoring for DKA prevention. This article explores how this technology …

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GLP‑1s for Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: A New Era, New Responsibilities

Pediatric endocrinologist explaining GLP‑1 injection to adolescents with type 2 diabetes and obesity

As GLP‑1 therapies expand into pediatric care, a growing number of providers are asking how to best implement them in adolescents diagnosed with both type 2 diabetes and obesity. The conversation around GLP‑1 therapy for adolescents with type 2 diabetes is evolving quickly. With promising clinical results, these therapies bring …

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Inside the GLP‑1/GIP Pipeline: What the Next Wave of Co‑Agonists Could Mean for Care

High-tech medical scene showing a vial labeled GLP-1/GIP co-agonist with capsules, syringe, and a digital display of a pancreas and molecules.

The GLP‑1 GIP co‑agonist pipeline is ushering in a new era of metabolic therapy that could reshape the way clinicians approach type 2 diabetes and obesity management. As drug developers push beyond single-pathway therapies like GLP‑1 receptor agonists, new combinations—such as GLP‑1/GIP dual agonists and triple agonists—are showing potential to …

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AI Decision Support for CGM and Insulin: How to Use It Without Losing Clinical Judgment

Clinician desk with CGM device, insulin tools, and smartphone showing AI insulin adjustment recommendation

AI decision support in diabetes care is reshaping how clinicians manage continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin dosing. These tools deliver quick data-driven recommendations, raising key questions: How do we preserve clinical judgment? Where does AI end and provider expertise begin? This article explains how to safely evaluate and use …

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