1.A prospective study in insulin regimen de-escalation from multiple daily injection in patients with poorly controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Yik Hin Chin ; Xun Ting Tiong ; Noor Lita Adam ; Subashini Rajoo ; Chin Voon Tong ; Miza Hiryanti Binti Zakaria ; Daanisha Nayar ; Sze Wei Lim ; Siew Hui Foo
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):5-
Introduction:
Multiple daily insulin injections, while effective for glycemic control, impose considerable costs on healthcare systems
and carry inherent risks including hypoglycemia, weight gain, and poor treatment adherence. This study evaluates the
glycemic effects of insulin regimen de-escalation from multiple daily injections in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM) patients and explores the predictors of successful insulin de-escalation.
Methodology:
This is a multi-centred, prospective observational study of adult T2DM patients on multiple daily insulin injections
with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7–12% who underwent de-escalation to one or two injections. Patients were reassessed
at 3 months and 6 months. Primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline. Secondary endpoints were changes in
body weight, hypoglycemia frequency, treatment adherence and predictors of successful insulin de-escalation defined
by at least a 0.3% reduction in HbA1c while on de-escalated regimen.
Results:
A total of 80 patients were included. HbA1c improved from 9.23 to 8.52% (p <0.001) with total daily insulin dose reduction
from 0.81 + 0.35 units per kg to 0.46 + 0.24 units per kg. Symptomatic hypoglycemia decreased from 22.5 to 5.0%. Insulin
adherence improved from 50.0 to 92.3%. Body weight decreased by 1.4 kg. Forty-nine patients (61.3%) were successfully
de-intensified. Factors associated with successful insulin de-escalation included a high baseline HbA1c, high fasting blood
glucose and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate, while increased age, disease duration and being Indian were
associated with unsuccessful insulin de-escalation. After adjustment of the confounders, only HbA1c (OR 2.07, 95% CI
1.23–3.46, p = 0.006) and the status of being Indian (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05–0.94, p = 0.041) remained as significant positive
and negative predictors respectively for successful insulin de-intensification.
Conclusion
Insulin regimen de-escalation, when combined with optimized oral glucose-lowering agents, improved glycemic control
and treatment adherence while reducing hypoglycemia and body weight. These findings support insulin therapy deescalation as a safe, effective strategy for poorly controlled T2DM patients taking multiple daily insulin injections.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
;
Prospective Studies
;
Insulins
2.Conundrum in the Management of a Rare Cause of Cushing Syndrome
Wee Mee Cheng ; Lit Sin Yong ; Poh Shean Wong ; Nor Afidah binti Karim ; Noor Lita Adam
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):32-
Introduction:
Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
(PBMAH), characterized by bilateral adrenal macronodules
>1 cm, is a rare genetic disease contributing to <2% of
Cushing syndrome.
Case:
A 56-year-old male with underlying diabetes mellitus
and hypertension presented with worsening proximal
muscle weakness. Detailed neurological assessment was
unremarkable. Re-assessment revealed more apparent
cushingoid features, prompting referral to endocrinology.
Basal cortisol was markedly elevated at 957 nmol/L (145.4–
619.4 nmol/L). Unsuppressed cortisol after 1 mg overnight
dexamethasone and low-dose dexamethasone test confirmed
Cushing Syndrome. Suppressed adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH <0.33 pmol/L) suggested autonomous
cortisol secretion from adrenal glands. Computed
tomography adrenal reported massively enlarged
hypodense multinodular adrenal glands of varying sizes.
Oral ketoconazole, an adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitor,
was initiated. Despite careful titration to keep serum
cortisol 400–500 nmol/L, he experienced glucocorticoid
withdrawal syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy was
planned but deferred as he continued to lose weight despite
persistent hypercortisolism. Extensive investigations
were conducted for possible opportunistic infections or
malignancy. His chest X-ray revealed a suspicious right
lung cavity. Positive serum galactomannan and bronchial
alveolar lavage galactomannan suggested pulmonary
aspergillosis. Voriconazole was introduced, with drug-drug
interaction judiciously addressed. He underwent bilateral
adrenalectomy and required lifelong glucocorticoid and
mineralocorticoid replacement. Histopathological report confirms bilateral macronodular adrenocortical disease. A
referral to a genetic clinic was made to explore the potential
hereditary basis.
Conclusion
PBMAH is a highly heterogeneous disease with variable
presentation and a wide spectrum of hypercortisolism.
Definitive management remained controversial and
individualized. Multidisciplinary discussion is crucial,
and genetic study is highly recommended for long-term
prognostication and familial screening.
3.Rare presentation of right Adrenal Mass: Extramedullary haematopoiesis in a patient with Thalassaemia Intermedia
Poh Shean Wong ; Lit Sin Yong ; Nor Afidah Binti Karim ; Ee Leng Gan ; See Guan Toh ; Noor Lita Binti Adam
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2021;36(1):80-84
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare cause of adrenal mass. We present a 44-year-old woman who has thalassaemia intermedia, referred to Endocrinology clinic for huge adrenal mass. Along with a paraspinal lesion discovered in this patient, the leading diagnosis was EMH. The patient was treated with hypertransfusion and hydroxyurea, which led to a reduction in the size of the right adrenal mass and paraspinal mass. This case highlights the challenges in managing this rare condition. Although EMH is a rare cause of adrenal mass, the diagnosis must be considered in any patient with a history of a congenital hemolytic disorder, to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.
Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary
4.Management of diabetes in pregnancy in primary care
Nurain Mohd. Noor ; Lili Zuryani Marmuji ; Mastura Ismail ; Hoong Farn Weng Micheal ; Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof ; Mohd. Aminuddin Mohd. Yusof ; Rohana Abdul Ghani ; Norasyikin Binti A. Wahab ; Nazatul Syima Idrus ; Noor Lita Adam ; Norlaila Mustafa ; Imelda Balchin ; Ranjit Singh Dhalliwal
Malaysian Family Physician 2019;14(3):55-59
Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with risks to the woman and her developing fetus. Management
of the condition at the primary care level includes pre-conception care, screening, diagnosis, as well
as antenatal and postpartum care. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in ensuring its holistic
management.


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