Presenter at the 2019 Diabetes SymposiumI wish to thank Dr. Mihail “Misha” Zilbermint and Dr. Shabina R. Ahmed for inviting me to present at the 2019 Diabetes Symposium of Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. The symposium was a meaningful educational activity discussing the latest progress in the field of clinical diabetology. Over 100 primary care providers attended the seminar.
The topic of my presentation was “Modern lipid approach in patients with diabetes.” Experts discussed in detail various important subjects, such as advanced hospital management of diabetes, recent clinical research on low carbohydrate diet, kidney protection by SGLT-2 inhibitors, diabetes devices, and cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes.
GT
Obesity MedicineHarvard Medical School offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn cutting-edge developments in the field of research and clinical obesity. Numerous subjects were discussed in detail. Topics ranged from molecular biology, genetics, and hormonal feedbacks to clinical, neuropsychological, and surgical interventions to nutritional, epidemiological, and public health.
GT
Certified LipidologistI am pleased to announce that, as of October 2018, I am a certified clinical lipidologist, accredited by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL). The role of the lipidologist is to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Currently, there are approximately 700 certified lipidologists in the U.S.
Dyslipidemia is a major public health concern. Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly what’s called the “bad” cholesterol (LDLc) or non-HDL cholesterol are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease leading to heart attack and stroke. World Health Organization estimates that globally, 45% of people have elevated total cholesterol.
Dyslipidemia could be monogenic, polygenic or due to comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, weight gain, lack of exercise, or use of other medications.
According to ABCL, I am 1 of 3 physicians in the U.S. who is certified in all three specialties; endocrinology/diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. This allows me to provide comprehensive and detailed care to endocrine patients, particularly those with diabetes.
GT
Honored to be selected again as a Washingtonian Top Doctor, 2018I am humbled and honored to be selected again by my peers as one of the 2018 Washingtonian Top Doctors in endocrinology. It is a wonderful opportunity to work closely with my fellow physicians and care for my patients in the greater Washingtonian area.
GT
Merit-based payment for blood pressure careI am happy to contribute to the editorial by Lisa Eramo published in Medical Economics, January 2018. The article is important as it raises physician awareness of Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) under which hypertension management falls. MIPS, part of 2015 MACRA, will go into effect in 2019.
GT
Honored to be selected as a Washingtonian Top Doctor, 2017I am humbled and honored to be selected by my peers as one of the 2017 Washingtonian Top Doctors in endocrinology. It’s a wonderful opportunity to work closely with my fellow physicians and care for my patients in the greater Washingtonian area.
GT
An overview of new hypertension guidelinesNew definitions:
- Established CVD
- DIABETES
- CKD
- AGE>65 and “healthy”
GT
Recombinant PTH for Chronic Primary HypoparathyroidismPrimary hypoparathyroidism (PHPT) is a rare endocrine condition defined by hypocalcemia and deficient parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is primarily managed with high dose oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation instead of targeting the root cause of deficient PTH.
Conventional treatment is difficult to manage and often inadequate at controlling symptoms and preventing complications. RhPTH (1-84) is a recombinant form of PTH that acts as a direct substitute to the native hormone. It is a novel therapy that allows significant dose reductions in calcium and vitamin D supplementation, while achieving improved serum calcium, phosphate and calcium-phosphate product levels.
These biochemical advantages over the conventional therapy can translate to significant clinical benefits: reduced adverse events and improved quality of life. Our patient experienced just that with PTH replacement therapy. We propose a simple and practical protocol of how to initiate and titrate PHPT treatment. We emphasize the need for RhPTH(1-84) in all patients with resistant or refractory hypoparathyroidism.
EZ, IB, GT
Metformin and CVD preventionRecent literature suggests that early metformin use could help reduce CVD progression and outcomes in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes beyond glycemic control. It is important to discuss this information with individuals who are in the prediabetic or early diabetic stages of the disease, A1c 5.7-7.0%. Benefits should be weighed against metformin adverse effects, polypharmacy, life expectancy and comorbidities, particularly in the setting of cardiac, renal or hepatic pathology. Individualized patient discussion and clinical decision would be pivotal to proper medical care.
GT
National Lipid Association, InterviewHappy to be a member of National Lipid Association (NLA). My involvement with NLA has generated a small contribution to the LipidSpin edition, May 2017. Thank you NLA and Dr. Paul Ziajka!
GT
Clinical Hypertension SpecialistI am pleased to announce that, as of June 2016, I am a certified hypertension specialist, accredited by the American Society of Hypertension. Currently, there are about 1600 certified specialists in the U.S. and Canada.
Hypertension is a major public health concern. About 30% of Americans have elevated blood pressure. It is a main contributor to poor cardiovascular outcomes, leading to heart failure, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, vascular dementia and chronic kidney disease.
Hypertension is commonly seen in various endocrinological conditions such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid anomalies.
GT
Medications that Promote Weight Loss in Type 2 DiabetesType 2 diabetes is prevalent and a common cause of other conditions such as kidney failure (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), eye disease (retinopathy), bone infection (osteomyelitis) and heart illness (coronary artery disease). It is primarily due to excessive body weight. So it is natural to look for medications that can help not only with glucose control but also targeting the root problem, obesity.
In the diabetes world, there are two such drug classes, ‘GLP-1 agonists’ and ‘SGLT-2 inhibitors’. Both can assist patients in losing significant body weight. These medications could be expensive, but if covered by health insurance, would be viable options for type 2 diabetes. Of course, side effects and contraindications need to be discussed with the physician.
GT
Blood pressure in type 2 diabetesBlood pressure (BP) control is a critical part of managing patients with type 2 diabetes. Perhaps it is the single most important aspect of diabetes care, which unlike hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia can reduce both micro- and macrovascular complications. Hypertension is more prevalent in individuals with diabetes than general population, and in most cases its treatment requires two or more pharmacological agents (about 30% of individuals with diabetes need 3 or more medications to control BP).
In this article we describe the key evidence that has contributed to our understanding that reduced BP translates into positive micro- and macrovascular outcomes. We review the data supporting current recommendation for BP target < 130/80 mmHg. Two studies suggest that a lower BP goal could be even more beneficial. We also present the comparative benefits of various antihypertensive drugs in reducing diabetes-related micro- and macrovascular complications.
Finally we propose an evidence-based algorithm of how to initiate and titrate antihypertensive pharmacotherapy in affected individuals. Overall, achieving BP < 130/80 mmHg is more important than searching for the “best” antihypertensive agent in patients with diabetes.
GT
Victoza vs. Byetta in type 2 diabetesIn LEAD-6 trial, about 500 patients with type 2 diabetes were followed for 26 weeks. Participants were randomized to receive either Victoza 1.8 mg once daily or Byetta 10 mcg twice daily. Results indicated relative superiority of Victoza over Byetta as shown by improved A1c (-Δ1.1% vs -Δ0.8%) and better convenience and tolerability.
GT
- Normal BP: <120/80 mmHg
- Elevated BP “Pre HTN”: 120-130/<80
- Stage 1 HTN: 130-140/80-90
- Stage 2 HTN: >140/90
New targets for treatment:
- If ASCVD 10-year-risk is <10%, then target BP <140/90
- If ASCVD 10-year-risk is ≥10%, then target BP <130/80
- Established CVD
- DIABETES
- CKD
- AGE>65 and “healthy”
GT
Recombinant PTH for Chronic Primary Hypoparathyroidism Primary hypoparathyroidism (PHPT) is a rare endocrine condition defined by hypocalcemia and deficient parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is primarily managed with high dose oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation instead of targeting the root cause of deficient PTH.
Conventional treatment is difficult to manage and often inadequate at controlling symptoms and preventing complications. RhPTH (1-84) is a recombinant form of PTH that acts as a direct substitute to the native hormone. It is a novel therapy that allows significant dose reductions in calcium and vitamin D supplementation, while achieving improved serum calcium, phosphate and calcium-phosphate product levels.
These biochemical advantages over the conventional therapy can translate to significant clinical benefits: reduced adverse events and improved quality of life. Our patient experienced just that with PTH replacement therapy. We propose a simple and practical protocol of how to initiate and titrate PHPT treatment. We emphasize the need for RhPTH(1-84) in all patients with resistant or refractory hypoparathyroidism.
EZ, IB, GT
Metformin and CVD prevention Recent literature suggests that early metformin use could help reduce CVD progression and outcomes in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes beyond glycemic control. It is important to discuss this information with individuals who are in the prediabetic or early diabetic stages of the disease, A1c 5.7-7.0%. Benefits should be weighed against metformin adverse effects, polypharmacy, life expectancy and comorbidities, particularly in the setting of cardiac, renal or hepatic pathology. Individualized patient discussion and clinical decision would be pivotal to proper medical care.
GT
National Lipid Association, Interview Happy to be a member of National Lipid Association (NLA). My involvement with NLA has generated a small contribution to the LipidSpin edition, May 2017. Thank you NLA and Dr. Paul Ziajka!
GT
Clinical Hypertension Specialist I am pleased to announce that, as of June 2016, I am a certified hypertension specialist, accredited by the American Society of Hypertension. Currently, there are about 1600 certified specialists in the U.S. and Canada.
Hypertension is a major public health concern. About 30% of Americans have elevated blood pressure. It is a main contributor to poor cardiovascular outcomes, leading to heart failure, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, vascular dementia and chronic kidney disease.
Hypertension is commonly seen in various endocrinological conditions such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid anomalies.
GT
Medications that Promote Weight Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is prevalent and a common cause of other conditions such as kidney failure (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), eye disease (retinopathy), bone infection (osteomyelitis) and heart illness (coronary artery disease). It is primarily due to excessive body weight. So it is natural to look for medications that can help not only with glucose control but also targeting the root problem, obesity.
In the diabetes world, there are two such drug classes, ‘GLP-1 agonists’ and ‘SGLT-2 inhibitors’. Both can assist patients in losing significant body weight. These medications could be expensive, but if covered by health insurance, would be viable options for type 2 diabetes. Of course, side effects and contraindications need to be discussed with the physician.
GT
Blood pressure in type 2 diabetes Blood pressure (BP) control is a critical part of managing patients with type 2 diabetes. Perhaps it is the single most important aspect of diabetes care, which unlike hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia can reduce both micro- and macrovascular complications. Hypertension is more prevalent in individuals with diabetes than general population, and in most cases its treatment requires two or more pharmacological agents (about 30% of individuals with diabetes need 3 or more medications to control BP).
In this article we describe the key evidence that has contributed to our understanding that reduced BP translates into positive micro- and macrovascular outcomes. We review the data supporting current recommendation for BP target < 130/80 mmHg. Two studies suggest that a lower BP goal could be even more beneficial. We also present the comparative benefits of various antihypertensive drugs in reducing diabetes-related micro- and macrovascular complications.
Finally we propose an evidence-based algorithm of how to initiate and titrate antihypertensive pharmacotherapy in affected individuals. Overall, achieving BP < 130/80 mmHg is more important than searching for the “best” antihypertensive agent in patients with diabetes.
GT
Victoza vs. Byetta in type 2 diabetes In LEAD-6 trial, about 500 patients with type 2 diabetes were followed for 26 weeks. Participants were randomized to receive either Victoza 1.8 mg once daily or Byetta 10 mcg twice daily. Results indicated relative superiority of Victoza over Byetta as shown by improved A1c (-Δ1.1% vs -Δ0.8%) and better convenience and tolerability.
GT