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Top stories in endocrinology: Ketogenic diets require diabetes medication adjustments; intensive diabetes therapy may increase hypoglycemia hospitalization rates

The top stories in endocrinology last week included a speaker at the American Association of Diabetes Educators annual meeting who suggested that health care providers revise diabetes medication regimens for patients who adopt a ketogenic or low-carb diet. In other news, a study that found the use of intensive glucose-lowering agents to treat patients with diabetes may be leading to more instances of hypoglycemia that require hospital and ED visits.

Other news from AADE topped the list as well, including a study that found that smart glucose meters improved diabetes management in pregnancy, research that suggested ambulatory glucose profiles can help patients create personalized diabetes plans, and a speaker who contended that an assessment of hypoglycemia is critical at every appointment for patients with diabetes.

Ketogenic, low-carb diets require diabetes medication adjustments

HOUSTON — Health care providers must consider revising medication regimens when a person with diabetes adopts a ketogenic or other low-carbohydrate eating plan that can affect glucose levels and blood pressure, according to a speaker at the American Association of Diabetes Educators annual meeting. Read more.

Intensive diabetes therapy increases hypoglycemia hospitalization rates

Use of intensive glucose-lowering agents to treat patients with diabetes and lower HbA1c may be leading to more instances of hypoglycemia that require hospital and emergency department visits, according to findings published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Read more.

Smart glucose meters improve diabetes management in pregnancy

HOUSTON — Remote monitoring of pregnant women with diabetes via a smart glucose meter increased patient engagement with diabetes care and education specialists and better informed treatment decisions, a speaker said. Read more.

Ambulatory glucose profile can help patients create personalized diabetes plan

HOUSTON — Standardized continuous glucose monitoring metrics and time-in-range targets can help patients and diabetes care and education specialists work together to achieve agreed-upon goals and personalize glucose management decisions. Read more.

Assessment of hypoglycemia critical at every diabetes appointment

HOUSTON — Assessment of hypoglycemia is critical at every appointment for a person with diabetes, and there are several important steps diabetes care and education specialists can take help prevent dangerously low blood glucose. Read more.