Thursday, February 26, 2026

MASLD–T2D Overlap Requires Early Detection and Integrated Care




A growing body of medical research is highlighting the urgent need for earlier detection and integrated care for patients living with both metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Once viewed as separate conditions, experts now recognise that these two metabolic disorders are deeply interconnected, often worsening one another and increasing the risk of serious complications if left unmanaged.

MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver in people who consume little or no alcohol. It is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. T2D, characterised by elevated blood sugar due to insulin resistance or impaired insulin production, shares many of the same underlying risk factors. When these two conditions overlap, the consequences can be severe.

Amid deaths in India, the Nipah virus outbreak has Asia on high alert

 


Health authorities across Asia are on heightened alert following a renewed outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India. The virus, known for its high fatality rate and potential to spread through close contact, has once again triggered emergency containment measures, contact tracing, and public health advisories in affected regions.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats of the Pteropus species are considered the natural reservoir. The virus can also spread through contaminated food or direct contact with infected animals, particularly pigs. Human-to-human transmission is possible, especially among family members and healthcare workers who are in close contact with infected patients.

How Women's Lives in Balochistan Are Being Rewritten by PCOS




In the rugged landscapes of Balochistan where access to healthcare is often limited and conversations around women’s health remain sensitive, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is quietly reshaping the lives of thousands of women. Once considered a rare hormonal disorder, PCOS has become increasingly common across Pakistan, and its impact in Balochistan is particularly profound due to social, economic, and cultural challenges.

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. 

It can cause irregular menstrual cycles excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and difficulty in conceiving. While these symptoms are medical in nature, in conservative societies like parts of Balochistan, they often carry deep social consequences. Fertility, for instance, is closely tied to a woman’s status within marriage and family life. When a woman struggles to conceive due to PCOS, she may face stigma, emotional distress, and even pressure from extended family members.


Monday, February 23, 2026

Which ADT Is Safer for the Heart for Prostate Cancer?



When it comes to treating prostate cancer androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is one of the most common approaches. ADT works by lowering testosterone levels, which helps slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer cells. But while it can be effective against cancer, many patients and doctors are increasingly asking an important question: which type of ADT is safer for the heart?

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it remains a major health concern, especially in older men. ADT has long been a standard treatment for advanced or high-risk prostate cancer, but growing evidence suggests that not all forms of ADT carry the same cardiovascular risks.

Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy Associated with Increased Risk of Dementia




A growing body of research is uncovering a concerning connection between eye health and brain health. Recent studies suggest that the severity of diabetic retinopathy—a common complication of diabetes—may be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. The findings highlight how conditions affecting small blood vessels in the eye could reflect similar damage occurring in the brain.

Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, these blood vessels can leak, swell, or become blocked, leading to vision problems and even blindness. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision impairment globally. However, its impact may extend far beyond eyesight.

MASLD–T2D Overlap Requires Early Detection and Integrated Care

A growing body of medical research is highlighting the urgent need for earlier detection and integrated care for patients living with both m...