AACE In the news

March 20, 2025 | Healio

Biomarkers Identified by Machine Learning Could Assist in Diagnosing Liver Diseases

Machine learning may help identify biomarkers and develop predictive models that could assist in the diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and hepatic fibrosis, researchers reported. AACE President, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, shares his perspective on the study, highlighting its potential to improve MASLD diagnoses by providing noninvasive and cost-effective alternatives to liver biopsy. He emphasizes the need for further validation with liver biopsy data and integration into clinical practice could lead to earlier interventions, potentially reducing the progression of MASLD to more severe conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and cirrhosis. Read the full article on Healio to learn more.

March 6, 2025 | Health

Zepbound Is Now Available in Additional Doses at Lower Costs

Eli Lilly has reduced the prices of certain Zepbound vials and introduced higher-dose options, making the weight-loss drug more accessible. AACE President Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, and AACE member Karl Nadolsky, DO, FACE, DABOM, explain that these changes improve affordability for some patients without insurance coverage and expand access to a broader range of individuals. Read the full article on Health.com to learn more.

February 25, 2025 | Medscape

Screening and Management of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Dr. Carol H. Wysham interviews AACE President, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, on the Medscape InDiscussion: Type 2 Diabetes (Season 3) podcast to discuss the screening and management of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in endocrine practice. Tune in to learn why MASLD is considered the hepatic complication of type 2 diabetes, the importance of FIB-4 screening, and how to optimize patient care with GLP-1s, SGLT2s, and emerging therapies. Plus, explore the critical role of lifestyle interventions in managing MASLD and reducing cardiovascular risk.

February 17, 2025 | Healio

AACE Guidance Examines Medication Options for Preventing ASCVD in Adults With Dyslipidemia

AACE published its first updated guideline on the pharmacologic management of adults with dyslipidemia since 2017, incorporating new recommendations for recently approved medications. Developed using the GRADE methodology, the guideline prioritizes patient-related factors, including social and economic considerations. AACE members Shailendra B. Patel, BM, ChB, DPhil, and Kathleen L. Wyne, MD, PhD, emphasize the need for more research on LDL cholesterol targets, diabetes, and metabolic liver disease. Read the full article on Healio for expert insights and key recommendations.

February 13, 2025 | Medscape

AACE Publishes Guideline on Drug Management of Dyslipidemia

AACE members Shailendra B. Patel, BM, ChB, DPhil, and Kathleen L. Wyne, MD, PhD, provide insights on the new AACE Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Management of Adults with Dyslipidemia. Based on the GRADE evidence-rating system, the guideline helps clinicians make informed treatment decisions by focusing on patient-important outcomes. They highlight that while newer cholesterol-lowering medications may offer benefits, their impact on major heart-related outcomes is limited, and certain risk assessment tests provide only small improvements in predicting cardiovascular disease. Read the full article on Medscape to explore these expert perspectives and key recommendations.

January 10, 2025 | Medscape

Are Patients On GLP-1s Getting the Right Nutrients?

As the use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) continues to exponentially expand obesity treatment, concerns have arisen regarding their impact on nutrition in people who take them. AACE President, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, addresses these concerns in a Medscape article, providing key insights on optimizing patient outcomes through nutrition, education, and support.

December 12, 2024 | NPR News

Consultations for Obesity Drug Prescriptions Are Way Up Over 2023, Survey Finds

Appointments with health professionals for obesity drug consultations are way up, according to data from Zocdoc, a provider of scheduling services. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains that this trend reflects a growing recognition of obesity's health impacts, noting that as times change and awareness grows about the health benefits of weight loss, more people facing weight-related complications are seeking care, and the gender gap is starting to equalize. Despite this progress, high costs and limited insurance coverage still prevent many patients from accessing these medications. Learn more by listening to the full NPR News interview.

December 3, 2024 | The New York Times

Why Am I So Tired All the Time?

Feeling constantly tired despite getting enough sleep? Chronic exhaustion is common but often treatable. In this New York Times article, AACE President, Susan L. Samson, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FACE, highlights hypothyroidism as a potential cause of fatigue, explaining how it can be identified and treated effectively.

October 4, 2024 | Healio

Hepatic Steatosis Identified in More Than Half of Younger Adults Without History of MASLD

A recent Obesity study challenges assumptions about liver disease risk in younger populations, revealing high rates of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis among adults under 45. University of Florida researchers examined 1,420 adults without prior MASLD diagnosis, finding rates of these conditions in younger adults comparable to older individuals. This highlights the need for early screening, especially in those with risk factors like diabetes and obesity. AACE President-Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, notes that MASLD is now the most common chronic liver disease in the U.S., affecting 25-30% of the population. He emphasizes the study's key finding that young adults with both obesity and type 2 diabetes show similar fibrosis rates to older adults, underscoring the critical importance of early intervention in this group.

September 25, 2024 | CNET

I Tracked My Blood Sugar for a Month. It Was an Emotional Roller Coaster

Biosensors that measure glucose are now available without a prescription. In a CNET article about a journalist's month-long experience with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, offers key insights. He reassures that glucose spikes can be normal for people without diabetes after meals and shouldn't be overinterpreted. Dr. Isaacs highlights the benefits of CGMs as they provide more precise information than traditional A1C tests and can motivate people to take control of their health, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the device's limitations.

September 9, 2024 | touchENDOCRINOLOGY

Improving Global Endocrine Health: Initiatives from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE)

AACE President, Susan L. Samson, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FACE, shares recent achievements and future initiatives in a new article on touchENDOCRINOLOGY. Key highlights include international growth, new certificate programs, and advocacy accomplishments.

September 4, 2024 | NPR News

Patients are Struggling to Fill Obesity Drug Prescriptions

Drug manufacturers have declared obesity drugs to be "available,” but patients are still struggling to fill prescriptions. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains in an NPR News interview that while the renewed availability is encouraging, sometimes patients still can’t get their prescriptions. He remains hopeful that these supply challenges will be resolved soon.

August 26, 2024 | Health

Many Patients Stop Weight Management Drugs Too Soon—Here’s Why That Concerns Doctors

A new study found that most people taking GLP-1 drugs for weight management cut their treatment short. In an article by Health.com, AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains that taking GLP-1s for only a month will have only a minimal effect—it can take up to five or six months to reach the full dose. Discontinuing treatment too early can lead to muscle loss, weight regain, and lower metabolism due to changes in body composition. To ensure long-term success, Dr. Isaacs advises managing side effects by keeping meals small and working closely with a health care professional.

August 22, 2024 | SELF

Hypothyroidism Symptoms Are Easy to Miss—Here Are Some Clues to Pay Attention To

Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, can lead to a wide range of symptoms. AACE President, Susan L. Samson, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FACE, explains the importance of a thorough diagnostic evaluation when assessing for hypothyroidism, as its symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4 levels. Dr. Samson advises discontinuing biotin supplements before testing as it can interfere with test results, and cautions against using over-the-counter thyroid supplements, especially if your bloodwork is normal.

August 19, 2024 | Hone Health

What’s Causing Menopause Belly—And How Do I Get Rid of It?

In an article discussing menopause belly, AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, emphasizes that while menopause is a natural and healthy process, it can lead to symptoms such as bloating and weight gain. These changes are often driven by declining estrogen levels, which contribute to increased fat storage and insulin resistance, making weight management more challenging. Learn how lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and proper sleep, along with consulting your health care professional to determine your eligibility for hormone replacement therapy, can help alleviate these effects

August 14, 2024 | Healthline

Ozempic’s Effects on Pregnancy and Fertility: Experts Answer 4 Common Questions

Losing weight can increase the chance of pregnancy for those with overweight or obesity. However, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may interfere with the effectiveness of some forms of birth control, and the FDA advises against using these medications when trying to conceive. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains in a Healthline article that while GLP-1 drugs can aid in weight loss and improve fertility by addressing issues such as insulin resistance, these anti-obesity medications are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus. The article advises consulting with your health care professional if pregnancy occurs while taking these medications.

August 5, 2024 | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Meal Planning for Older Adults with Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes are told to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, and AACE Member, Joanna Miragaya, MD, PhD, FACE, provide insights on effective meal planning strategies for older adults with diabetes to help manage blood glucose levels. These strategies include starting with reliable resources, planning meals, and making healthy food swaps. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article concludes with two diabetes-friendly recipes and a list of meal-planning resources.

July 17, 2024 | Allure

How Much Should You Actually Care About Your Cortisol Levels?

Concerns about cortisol levels causing stress have surged, with social media often spreading alarmist advice. However, the true impact of cortisol on health is more complex. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, offers insights on how endocrinologists view fluctuations in cortisol levels and the importance of focusing on overall stress management rather than on cortisol levels in an article by Allure.

July 16, 2024| Healio News

MASH Therapies Still Needed Despite Boom in GLP-1 Use in Liver Disease

GLP-1 receptor agonist use in diabetes and obesity has soared, and indications are now expanding into liver diseases, specifically metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). However, the jury is still out on its benefits. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, provides insights into how the fields of hepatology and endocrinology are tackling the use of GLP-1s for the treatment of patients with MASH and/or obesity and type 2 diabetes, in an article on Healio News.

July 15, 2024 | Healio News

Future of Treating MASH’ Will Combine GLP-1 Drugs, Liver-Specific Medications

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is a public health threat, affecting 30% to 38% of the adult population globally. The prevalence has risen in parallel with epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In an article published in Healio News, AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, discusses the importance of screening patients for MASH by identifying high-risk populations, the future of MASH treatment using combination therapies, and the need for multidisciplinary care.