Top in endocrinology: PFAS exposure during pregnancy; once-weekly insulin

Exposure to high amounts of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during pregnancy may cause long-term increases in weight and fat mass, according to research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

For example, the researchers’ analysis of longitudinal data from 547 women showed an association betweeneach doubling of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid concentration and a 3.8 kg increase in body weight. Notably, some types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorohexane sulfonate, may be linked to lower fat mass and body weight later in life.

“Our study supports the idea that pregnancy may be a sensitive period of PFAS exposure as it may be associated with long-term weight gain and subsequent adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes in women,” Jordan A. Burdeau, PhD, of the department of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a press release.

It was the top story in endocrinology last week.

In another top story, a new once-weekly insulin injector, insulin efsitora alfa (Eli Lilly), conferred noninferior HbA1c reductions compared with daily insulins in a study of treatment-naive adults with type 2 diabetes.

Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:

Greater exposure to PFAS during pregnancy may lead to higher body weight later in life

Exposure to higher amounts of some types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during pregnancy may lead to long-term increases in body weight, waist circumference and fat mass, according to new findings. Read more.

QWINT: Once-weekly basal insulin noninferior to daily insulins in type 2 diabetes

A novel once-weekly basal insulin conferred noninferior HbA1c reductions compared with daily insulins for insulin-naive adults with type 2 diabetes and those who switched from daily injections, according to topline results from two trials. Read more.

Providers should assess HbA1c and CGM metrics in diabetes management

Both HbA1c and continuous glucose monitoring metrics have limitations, and providers should not rely on a single metric for managing a patient’s diabetes, according to researchers. Read more.

Digital access key to boosting diabetes self-management education uptake for older adults

More than one-third of older adults with diabetes lack the digital tools necessary for virtual diabetes self-management education, and providers can play a role in promoting digital inclusion, according to a speaker at the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists annual meeting. Read more.

Peter Libby, MD, to keynote annual CMHC, with focus on revolutionizing atherosclerosis care

The Cardiometabolic Health Congress announced that Peter Libby, MD, one of the foremost authorities in atherosclerosis, will deliver the keynote address at its upcoming annual conference. Read more.