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A new real-world study reveals that advanced GLP-1 therapies, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, provide comparable glycemic control while offering superior weight benefits compared to metformin in adolescents newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Exploratory real-world experience with GLP-1 receptor agonists vs. metformin in youth with new-onset type 2 diabetes: a single-center retrospective study. Image Credit: Meteoritka / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers compared the efficacy of metformin and GLP-1–based therapies, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist tirzepatide, in youth newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Aggressive Nature and Treatment Challenges of Youth-Onset T2D

Youth-onset T2D progresses rapidly, with early onset of complications in adulthood. Metformin remains the first-line therapy for newly diagnosed pediatric patients; however, while it effectively lowers glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), it has minimal effects on weight loss and limited durability in glycemic control. GLP-1–based therapies, already recommended in adults, are gaining traction in younger populations due to their glucose-lowering and weight-reducing effects.

Rationale for Exploring High-Potency GLP-1 Therapies

Several GLP-1 receptor agonists are approved for pediatric T2D, supported by guidelines as adjunctive treatments to metformin. Yet, approved pediatric doses yield modest weight benefits. This has prompted investigation into higher-potency GLP-1RAs and monotherapy approaches, including dual incretin agents such as tirzepatide, to assess whether stronger metabolic effects can be achieved in this age group.

Study Design and Population Characteristics

This retrospective, real-world study extracted data from electronic medical records of an urban pediatric hospital. Eligible participants were youth with newly diagnosed T2D who received GLP-1RA or metformin monotherapy between January 2022 and March 2024. Exclusion criteria included combination therapy, insulin as first-line treatment, and diabetes secondary to other causes.

Collected variables included demographics, diabetes duration, BMI, HbA1c, BMI z-scores, medication type and dose, and adverse effects. All participants were publicly insured. The primary outcomes were monthly changes in HbA1c and percent BMI within the first year post-diagnosis, with secondary outcomes assessing median changes in HbA1c, BMI, and z-scores.

Baseline Demographics and Medication Profiles

A total of 125 youth were included (median age 14.83 years), with 113 on metformin and 12 on GLP-1RA therapy. The GLP-1RA group was predominantly female (83%) compared to 51% in the metformin group, and fewer individuals identified as Latino (41.7% vs 69.9%). The most prescribed GLP-1RA was semaglutide 1 mg (33%), followed by tirzepatide 7.5 mg (25%). Higher-potency formulations (semaglutide up to 2.4 mg and tirzepatide) were used, which may account for stronger weight effects compared to pediatric trials that employed lower doses. Seven GLP-1RA recipients reported gastrointestinal adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Comparative Glycemic and Anthropometric Outcomes

Baseline HbA1c levels were similar across groups. At follow-up, unadjusted analyses showed lower HbA1c in the GLP-1RA group (36 vs 44 mmol/mol, p = 0.03), but adjusted models revealed no statistically significant monthly HbA1c change (β −1.1, p = 0.308). Median HbA1c decreased by 8.7 mmol/mol with metformin and 14.2 mmol/mol with GLP-1RA therapy.

Regarding weight outcomes, GLP-1RA recipients exhibited greater BMI reduction (−0.43 kg/m² per month) compared with metformin (−0.01 kg/m² per month). Adjusted regression analysis indicated an approximately 1% additional monthly BMI reduction with GLP-1 therapy (β = −1.08%, p = 0.001). Final percent BMI reduction was −5.1% for GLP-1RA and −0.59% for metformin, with corresponding z-score decreases of −0.02 and −0.01, respectively.

Interpretation of Efficacy and Safety Findings

At study completion, 83% of GLP-1RA users and 67% of metformin users achieved the target HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol. Although glycemic control was comparable, GLP-1RA therapy conferred superior weight reduction benefits. Adverse events were limited to gastrointestinal symptoms, consistent with the known pharmacological effects of GLP-1. The small sample size of the GLP-1RA, however, limits generalizability, and baseline BMI differences may have influenced the observed outcomes.

Study Limitations and Future Research Directions

The interpretation of the findings is limited by the small GLP-1RA cohort (n = 12), baseline imbalances in BMI and sex, the single-center retrospective design, incomplete autoantibody testing, and a median follow-up of approximately eight months. Larger, multicenter trials with balanced cohorts and extended follow-up are required to confirm comparative effects on HbA1c sustainability, beta-cell preservation, and insulin sensitivity.

BOGOTA, Colombia, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) announces that it has published its first 2024 Financial Sustainability Report, in line with its commitment to transparency, sustainable value creation, and a fair and equitable energy transition for the country.

This document marks a milestone in the evolution of sustainability disclosure practices by consolidating the content previously presented separately under the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the metrics of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) into a single report, incorporating reference elements from the International Sustainability Standards Board (“ISSB“) framework.

This unified report has been implemented in response to the need to simplify, standardize, and enhance the value of sustainability information disclosed to the market. It is structured around the Ecopetrol’s pillars of governance, strategy, risk and opportunity management, metrics, and targets.

The full report is available at the following link:

https://www.ecopetrol.com.co/wps/portal/Home/sostecnibilidad/reportes-estandares/Informesgestionsostenibilidad 

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA’s shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla – Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector.

For more information, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets
Carolina Tovar Aragón
Email: [email protected]

Head of Corporate Communications
Marcela Ulloa
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.

 

Homeowners in Southeast Asia today are paying greater attention to creating modern living spaces of their very own. With increasing interest in both form and function, they are making design choices that more closely intertwine with technology, comfort, and seamless connectivity.

 

Cooling is one such aspect, which is fundamental to many Southeast Asian homes located in humid tropical climates – for instance, 2025 has been Malaysia’s hottest year in its modern history, with extreme temperatures ranging from 40°C to 45°C[1]. Meanwhile, Northern Vietnam experienced record high temperatures in August 2025, with Hanoi hitting peak temperature at 40.3°C[2]. Naturally, air-conditioners play a critical role in the modern home, providing not only essential comfort but also offering the potential to enhance design harmony and lifestyles through effortless connection, customization, and control.

 

 

Shifting Home Design and Interior Aesthetics

When it comes to home design, minimalist, open-plan homes with full-height windows and panoramic glass walls are gaining popularity amongst Southeast Asian consumers. However, these homes often feature square-shaped living areas, making it challenging to identify a suitable wall space for air conditioners without compromising on interior design.

 

 

Traditional wall-mounted air conditioners often disrupt intended aesthetics, requiring large sections of uninterrupted wall space, resulting in inflexible interior and potential clash with modern décor. It is no surprise then, that ceiling-mounted system air conditioners (SACs) are emerging as the preferred alternative.

 

As Jenny Baek, Vice-President and Head of the Air Solution Business Group at Samsung Electronics, explains: “Even if someone isn’t installing floor-to-ceiling glass, they may still want to keep their walls flexible, and system air conditioners give them that freedom”.

 

In fact, in a recent survey[3], 84% of Thai system air conditioner users expressed high satisfaction, citing effective cooling for large areas and less impact on interior aesthetics as the main benefits.

 

 

Samsung’s WindFree 1Way Cassette is an ideal choice to meet such needs. Featuring WindFree™ technology to effectively maintain a comfortable level of coolness without any unpleasant cold drafts, the air-conditioner disperses cool air through 10,000 micro air holes. Meanwhile its ultra-slim silhouette fits seamlessly into ceiling and blends effortlessly into modern interiors – freeing up walls for art, shelves or curtains and delivering clean, quiet and sleek comfort.

 

It’s evident that comfort and style are rising priorities for consumers in the region. In 2024, Samsung’s system air conditioner sales in Southeast Asia rose by over 20% from the previous year, with sales of the one-way cassette model alone jumping more than 35%.

 

 

Powering Effortless and Smart Living

Beyond design, intuitiveness, adaptiveness, and sustainable use are key for homeowners, with consumers in the Philippines citing energy efficiency and upgraded features as the two most important factors for consideration when purchasing new air-conditioners[4]. 

 

 

Equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, the WindFree 1Way Cassette works seamlessly with SmartThings to enable all-day comfort, offering centralized control over settings and performance. Working in the background, features like SmartThings Al Energy Mode can automatically adjust settings to reduce energy use by up to 20%[5] for cost and energy savings. Meanwhile, Comfort Humidity Control monitors temperature and humidity to maintain a steady indoor climate.

 

Designed to offer convenience and effortless support for daily life, the WindFree 1Way Cassette can be configured to switch on automatically when one is on the way home with Welcome Cooling[6]. It can also connect seamlessly to wearable devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch or Ring, to track sleep cycles and optimize room temperatures with the AI-powered Good Sleep Mode[7].

 

 

In-store Experiences to Make Informed Choices

Traditionally, system air conditioners (SACs) were installed primarily in commercial spaces such as offices, hotels, or large stores, and therefore promoted through specialized distributors or catalogues rather than in general retail environments. However, in the same Samsung research survey[8], customers – for example, those in Thailand – who expressed an intention to purchase system air conditioners also wanted the ability to see and compare them in person, at general electronics stores or large supermarkets, not just through catalogues or installers.

 

Responding to this shift, Samsung introduced in-store displays for its system air conditioners in Southeast Asia starting in June earlier this year. Shoppers can now view, compare, and purchase models directly at large electronics retailers and supermarkets. The pilot program launched in select locations in Thailand, including Siam Paragon mall, generated overwhelming consumer response.

 

 

More Southeast Asian consumers can look forward to new opportunities to explore the product portfolio, with Samsung expanding in-store SAC displays to six Southeast Asian markets including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia this year. Interested consumers are now able to pop into participating stores to experience the technology firsthand and enjoy greater flexibility in how they cool their homes.

 

For more information, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

 

 

 

[1] Climate crisis deepens as Malaysia hits 45°C

[2] Record heatwave blasts northern Vietnam

[3]  Based on the Samsung 1-way cassette AC Study in Southeast Asia conducted across two markets, Thailand and the Philippines, from November to December 2024.

[4]  Based on the Samsung 1-way cassette AC Study in Southeast Asia conducted across two markets, Thailand and the Philippines, from November to December 2024.

[5] Requires the use of SmartThings app and a Samsung account. Actual savings may vary by usage patterns and environment. Savings realized from comparison of power consumption with AI Energy Mode on and off, using AI Comfort Cooling mode at 24°C for cooling and 22°C for heating.

[6] This function may be affected by the GPS conditions.

[7] It can be used when linking a Samsung smartphone with Samsung software One Ul version 4.0 or later and a wearable device that supports Wear OS: Galaxy Watch 4 or later, Fit 3 or later, Galaxy Ring. You must download the Samsung SmartThings App on the wearable device and connect the air conditioner to your home Wi-Fi.

[8] Based on the Samsung 1-way cassette AC Study in Southeast Asia conducted across two markets, Thailand and the Philippines, from November to December 2024.