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Early onset of type 2 diabetes and a high prevalence of co‐morbidities predispose the Asian population to a high risk for, and rapid progression of, diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Apart from renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors have been shown to delay renal disease progression in patients with DKD. In this review article, we consolidate the existing literature on SGLT‐2 inhibitor use in Asian patients with DKD to establish contemporary guidance for clinicians. We extensively reviewed recommendations from international and regional guidelines, data from studies on Asian patients with DKD, global trials (DAPA‐CKD, CREDENCE and DELIGHT) and cardiovascular outcomes trials. In patients with DKD, SGLT‐2 inhibitor therapy significantly reduced albuminuria and the risk of hard renal outcomes (defined as the onset of end‐stage kidney disease, substantial decline in renal function from baseline and renal death), cardiovascular outcomes and hospitalization for heart failure. In all the cardiovascular and renal outcomes trials, there was an initial decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which was followed by a slowing in the decline of renal function compared with that seen with placebo. Despite an attenuation in glucose‐lowering efficacy in patients with low eGFR, there were sustained reductions in body weight and blood pressure, and an increase in haematocrit. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that SGLT‐2 inhibitors represent an evidence‐based therapeutic option for delaying the progression of renal disease in Asian patients with DKD and preserving renal function in patients at high risk of kidney disease.

The prevalence of obesity in Asia is of epidemic proportions, with an estimated 1 billion overweight/obese individuals in the region. The majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are overweight/obese, which increases the risk of cardiorenal outcomes in these patients; hence, sustained reductions in body weight and visceral adiposity are important management goals. However, most of the glucose-lowering therapies such as insulin, sulfonylureas, glinides, and thiazolidinediones induce weight gain, which makes the management of overweight/obese T2DM patients challenging. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are the only oral glucose-lowering agents that have been shown to reduce body weight and visceral adiposity. In addition, SGLT-2 inhibitors therapy reduces ectopic fat deposition and improves adipose tissue function and weight-related quality of life. In this article, we aim to consolidate the existing literature on the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors in Asian patients with T2DM and to produce clinical recommendations on their use in overweight or obese patients with T2DM. Recommendations from international and regional guidelines, as well as published data from clinical trials in Asian populations and cardiovascular outcomes trials are reviewed. Based on the available data, SGLT-2 inhibitors represent an evidence-based therapeutic option for the management of overweight/obese patients with T2DM.

Diabetes mellitus in Asia accounts for more than half of the global prevalence. There is a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the region among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and it is often associated with multiple risk factors including hypertension, renal disease and obesity. The early onset of T2DM and the eventual long disease duration portends an increasing proportion of the population to premature CVD. In addition to lowering blood glucose, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors exert favourable effects on multiple risk factors (including blood pressure, body weight and renal function) and provide an opportunity to reduce the risk of CVD in patients with T2DM. In this article, we consolidated the existing literature on SGLT‐2 inhibitor use in Asian patients with T2DM and established contemporary guidance for clinicians. We extensively reviewed recommendations from international and regional guidelines, published data from clinical trials in the Asian population (dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, empagliflozin, ipragliflozin, luseogliflozin and tofogliflozin), CVD outcomes trials (EMPAREG‐OUTCOME, CANVAS and DECLARE‐TIMI 58) and real‐world evidence studies (CVD‐REAL, EASEL, CVD‐REAL 2 and OBSERVE‐4D). A series of clinical recommendations on the use of SGLT‐2 inhibitors in Asian patients with T2DM was deliberated among experts with multiple rounds of review and voting. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that SGLT‐2 inhibitors represent an evidence‐based therapeutic option for the primary prevention of heart failure hospitalization and secondary prevention of CVD in patients with T2DM, and should be considered early on in the treatment algorithm for patients with multiple risk factors, or those with established CVD.

The Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology convened a consensus statement panel for optimising cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in type 2 diabetes, and reviewed the current literature. Relevant articles were appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, and consensus statements were developed in two meetings and were confirmed through online voting. The consensus statements indicated that lifestyle interventions must be emphasised for patients with prediabetes, and optimal glucose control should be encouraged when possible. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease with adequate renal function, and for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. In addition to SGLT2i, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are recommended for patients at high risk of CV events. A blood pressure target below 140/90 mmHg is generally recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes. Antiplatelet therapy is recommended for secondary prevention in patients with atherosclerotic CV disease.

Insulin degludec/aspart (IDegAsp) is the first soluble insulin co-formulation, combining a long-acting insulin degludec (IDeg) and rapid-acting insulin aspart (IAsp). In type 2 diabetes patients with oral antidiabetes agent (OAD) inadequacy, insulin initiation with IDegAsp once daily provides superior long-term glycemic control compared to insulin glargine, with similar fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin doses, and numerically lower rates of overall and nocturnal hypoglycemia. Furthermore, in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes previously treated with insulins, IDegAsp twice daily effectively improves glycated hemoglobin and FPG, with fewer hypoglycemic episodes versus premix insulins and basal bolus therapy. In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, IDegAsp once daily with two doses of IAsp is a convenient, yet effective, regimen as compared to the conventional 4-5 injection-based basal bolus therapy. IDegAsp is an appropriate and reasonable option for initiation of insulin therapy in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Biochemistry is both life science and a chemical science, since it explores the chemistry of living organisms and the molecular basis for the changes occurring in living cells. Consistent to its definition, the department has been a source of dynamic changes in teaching methods for the The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery . The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Nutrition is a yearly subject that aims to provide students with a comprehensive working knowledge of basic Biochemistry including Molecular Biology and Basic Nutrition. This knowledge will help facilitate their understanding of the molecular basis of diseases and subsequently enable them to relate biochemistry to future clinical subjects in the medical curriculum.

Mostafa Alshamiri,1 Mahmood Mohammed Ali Ghanaim,2 Philip Barter,3 Kuan-Cheng Chang,4 Jian-Jun Li,5 Bien J Matawaran,6 Anwar Santoso,7 Sameh Shaheen,8 Ketut Suastika,9 Nuntakorn Thongtang,10 Ahmad KM Yusof11 1Cardiac Science Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2Emergency Department, Dubai Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 3School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; 4Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; 5Center for Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical School, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines; 7Department of Cardiology – Vascular Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, National Cardiovascular Centre, Harapan Kita Hospital, Depok, Indonesia; 8Department of Cardiology, Ain Shams University School of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt; 9Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia; 10Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 11Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a growing burden across the world. In Asia and the Middle East, in particular, CVD is among the most prevalent and debilitating diseases. Dyslipidemia is an important factor in the development of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular events, and so effective management strategies are critical to reducing overall cardiovascular risk. Multiple dyslipidemia guidelines have been developed by international bodies such as the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, which all have similarities in practice recommendations for the optimal management of dyslipidemia. However, they differ in certain aspects including pharmacological treatment, lifestyle modification and the target levels used for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The evidence behind these guidelines is generally based on data from Western populations, and their applicability to people in Asia and the Middle East is largely untested. As a result, practitioners within Asia and the Middle East continue to rely on international evidence despite population differences in lipid phenotypes and CVD risk factors. An expert panel was convened to review the international guidelines commonly used in Asia and the Middle East and determine their applicability to clinical practice in the region, with specific recommendations, or considerations, provided where current guideline recommendations differ from local practice. Herein, we describe the heterogeneous approaches and application of current guidelines used to manage dyslipidemia in Asia and the Middle East. We provide consensus management recommendations to cover different patient scenarios, including primary prevention, elderly, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, documented CVD, acute coronary syndromes and family history of ischemic heart disease. Moreover, we advocate for countries within the Asian and Middle East regions to continue to develop guidelines that are appropriate for the local population. Keywords: Asia, dyslipidemia, guidelines, Middle East, cardiovascular disease

Unfortunately, the fifth author name was incorrectly published in the original publication. The correct name should read as 'Ozgur Demir'.