Introduction: The 2021 IDF-DAR risk calculator had been previously evaluated in multiple studies and subsequently widely accepted and applied in clinical practice as a practical standardized tool for patient risk stratification. Recently updated, the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk calculator enables a more individualized, evidence-related evaluation of patientrelated and disease-related risk factors, incorporating modern diabetes technologies, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, and advanced insulin formulations to enhance risk stratification. This tool allows medical professionals to tailor Ramadan practices based on overall factors toward promoting safe fasting. Methodology: This prospective multicentre observational study recruited adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes attending public hospitals nationwide. People with diabetes (PwD) intending to perform Ramadan fasting were invited to participate and assessed using the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator in the 6-week pre-Ramadan period between 30th January and 19th March 2026. Results: A total of 458 PwD were evaluated and stratified into low (15.7%), moderate (41%), and high risk (43.3%) categories. Most participants had Type 2 diabetes (83.6%), with 60.3% having a disease duration exceeding 10 years and 43% exhibiting poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c >9%). Insulin therapy was used by 76.4% of participants, including two individuals with Type 1 diabetes using AID systems. Most participants reported no recent hypoglycemia (76.4%), 81.0% performed glucose monitoring, and 3.3% used CGM. Severe comorbidities were uncommon, with 1.1% having unstable macrovascular disease and 4.4% advanced chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30). Notably, 72.2% received structured Ramadan education. Conclusion Majority of PwD attending tertiary diabetes clinics were in the moderate- to high-risk category and intended to fast despite medical advice against fasting in some cases. Although most participants were on insulin therapy, hypoglycemia was low in the pre-Ramadan period. Integration of modern technologies, advanced insulin therapies, and structured education may support safer fasting practices.
Risk Assessment ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Hospitals ; Fasting

Introduction: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is fundamental in the diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of diabetes mellitus. Appropriate utilization is essential to ensure optimal glycemic control, cost-effectiveness, and laboratory efficiency. Regular audits are crucial for assessing adherence to testing intervals and for identifying gaps in diabetes management. The aim was to evaluate the utilization pattern and glycemic outcomes of HbA1c testing at Hospital Teluk Intan in 2025. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive audit was conducted using Laboratory Information System data from 1 January to 31 December 2025. All HbA1c tests performed during the study period were included. Rejected samples and duplicate tests within 3 months for the same patient were excluded. Data were analyzed for test volume, inpatient versus outpatient distribution, age group, and glycemic control categories. Results: A total of 10,208 HbA1c tests were performed, with 987 (9.7%) rejected samples. Among valid requests, 3,561 (34.9%) were inpatient and 5,660 (55.4%) were outpatient. Adults accounted for 9,196 tests (90.1%), while paediatric requests were minimal (n = 25). Regarding glycemic status, 4,502 (44.1%) had HbA1c <6.5%, and 828 (8.1%) were between 6.5 and 7.0%. Suboptimal control (7.0–10.0%) was observed in 2,443 patients (23.9%), while 1,448 (14.2%) demonstrated poor control (>10.0%). Overall, 38.1% of patients had HbA1c ≥7.0%, indicating inadequate glycemic control. Conclusion HbA1c testing at Hospital Teluk Intan is predominantly utilized in adult and outpatient settings. Despite substantial testing volume, over one-third of patients demonstrated suboptimal or poor glycemic control, underscoring persistent therapeutic gaps. These findings highlight the need for strengthened diabetes management strategies and targeted quality improvement initiatives to enhance glycemic outcomes and optimize resource utilization.
Glycated Hemoglobin ; Hospitals

Introduction: Cranial radiotherapy is an established treatment for intracranial germinoma but may lead to late cerebrovascular complications including radiation-induced vasculopathy, cavernoma formation, and premature intracranial atherosclerosis. These complications may manifest many years after treatment and represent an important cause of stroke in young adult survivors of brain tumors. Case: We report a 39-year-old male with a history of suprasellar germinoma treated with transsphenoidal surgery followed by craniospinal radiotherapy in 2006. He subsequently developed panhypopituitarism requiring lifelong hormone replacement therapy. In October 2024, he experienced a cerebrovascular accident resulting in mild residual right-sided weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multifocal old infarcts, small vessel disease (Fazekas grade 2), and multiple susceptibility artifacts suggestive of radiation-induced cavernomas.In March 2026, he presented with new onset right-sided weakness and facial asymmetry. Initial neurological examination revealed right-sided motor power of 4/5. Computed tomography of the brain showed no acute intracranial hemorrhage but confirmed multiple old infarcts and small vessel ischemic changes. Computed tomography angiography revealed intracranial atherosclerotic disease with 25–50% stenosis of the cavernous segments of both internal carotid arteries and mild irregularities of posterior circulation vessels without evidence of large vessel occlusion or aneurysm. Radiation-induced vasculopathy is a recognized delayed complication of cranial irradiation, often presenting 5–25 years after treatment. Pathophysiological mechanisms include endothelial injury, accelerated atherosclerosis, and progressive arterial stenosis. In rare cases, cranial irradiation may also lead to secondary Moyamoya syndrome, characterized by progressive stenosis of the intracranial internal carotid arteries with development of collateral vessels. Although this patient’s vascular imaging did not demonstrate the characteristic collateral network seen in Moyamoya syndrome, it remains an important differential diagnosis in young patients presenting with recurrent stroke after cranial irradiation. In this patient, young age, prior cranial irradiation, multifocal infarcts, and coexisting radiation-induced cavernomas strongly suggest radiationrelated cerebrovascular disease as a major contributor to recurrent stroke. Conclusion Long-term survivors of intracranial germinoma treated with cranial radiotherapy remain at risk of delayed cerebrovascular complications. Early recognition and aggressive secondary stroke prevention, along with continued neurological surveillance, are essential to reduce morbidity in this population.
Ischemic Stroke ; Germinoma

Introduction: Graves’ disease may lead to thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy, a potentially reversible condition following restoration of euthyroidism. Radioiodine (RAI) therapy is commonly used as definitive treatment for patients with long-standing Graves’ disease or poor compliance with antithyroid medications. However, individuals with severe underlying cardiomyopathy may remain vulnerable to cardiovascular instability during the peri-treatment period. Case: We report a 39-year-old male with a 10-year history of Graves’ disease who had previously defaulted on follow-up and was admitted with thyroid storm. Echocardiography during that admission demonstrated severe dilated cardiomyopathy with global hypokinesia and an ejection fraction (EF) of 26%. Following treatment with carbimazole and propranolol, he achieved biochemical euthyroidism and remained clinically stable (NYHA class I). In view of his long-standing disease and prior thyroid storm, he underwent RAI therapy as definitive therapy as per the guidelines. One week following RAI, he developed a persistent cough and progressive dyspnea. Six weeks later, he presented to the emergency department with hypotension (BP 60/31 mmHg) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (heart rate 100 bpm), requiring intubation and inotropic support for cardiogenic shock. Laboratory evaluation showed low free T4 (5.31 pmol/L) with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (2.1 mIU/L). Repeat echocardiography demonstrated persistent severe left ventricular dysfunction (EF ~25%) without new structural abnormalities. The patient improved rapidly with supportive management and was successfully extubated after stabilization. Although RAI is considered a safe and effective definitive therapy, transient thyroid hormone fluctuations and inflammatory thyroid destruction may occur following treatment. In patients with severe pre-existing cardiomyopathy, these physiological changes may precipitate arrhythmias or acute cardiac decompensation. In this case, new-onset atrial fibrillation in the setting of markedly reduced myocardial reserve likely triggered cardiogenic shock despite biochemical euthyroidism. Conclusion This case highlights that patients with advanced Graves’ cardiomyopathy may remain at risk of acute cardiovascular deterioration following RAI therapy. Careful cardiovascular risk assessment, optimization of heart failure therapy, and close monitoring after definitive treatment should be considered in this high-risk population.