Ihsan Almarzooqi

Ihsan Almarzooqi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 May 2024 in Frontiers in Endocrinology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
HZHala Zakaria
Hala Zakaria
YSYousef Said
Yousef Said
SASofia Aleabova
Sofia Aleabova
JBJestoni Bangayan
Jestoni Bangayan
MDMirabelle Dandan
Mirabelle Dandan
IAIhsan Almarzooqi
Ihsan Almarzooqi
Background: Diabetes Mellitus, a global health challenge, affects 537 million individuals. Traditional management relies on periodic clinic visits, but technological advancements, including remote monitoring, offer transformative changes. Telemedicine enhances access, convenience, adherence, and glycemic control. Challenges include trust-building and limitations in face-to-face interactions. Integrating remote monitoring with in-person healthcare creates a hybrid approach. This study evaluates the impact on Type 2 Diabetes patients over 3 months.Methods: A retrospective case-control observational study. Inclusion criteria involved previous Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis and a minimum 3-month GluCare model period with two physical visits. Patients in the case group had in-clinic visits, bi-weekly app engagement, and monthly body weight readings. Control group had in-clinic visits only. Outcomes measured included HbA1c, lipid profile, CV risk, eGFR, urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Uric Acid, and CRP.Results: Case group showed significant HbA1c improvements (-2.19%), especially in higher baseline levels. Weight, BMI, LDL, total cholesterol, and CVD risk also improved. Controls showed smaller improvements. Higher digital interactions correlated with better outcomes. Patients with ≥11 interactions showed significant reductions in HbA1c (-2.38%) and weight (-6.00 kg).Conclusion: The GluCare.Health hybrid model demonstrates promising outcomes in Type 2 diabetes management. The integration of in-clinic consultations with continuous remote monitoring leads to substantial improvements in glycemic control and clinical parameters. The study highlights the importance of patient engagement in achieving positive outcomes, with higher digital interactions associated with greater reductions in HbA1c and weight. The hybrid approach proves more effective than digital-only interventions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, end-to-end solutions in diabetes care.

20 April 2024 in Metabolism Open
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
HZHala Zakaria
Hala Zakaria
SASheikha Alshehhi
Sheikha Alshehhi
MCMilena Caccelli
Milena Caccelli
COCigdem Ozkan
Cigdem Ozkan
JKJudy Kattan
Judy Kattan
IAIhsan Almarzooqi
Ihsan Almarzooqi
Emerging anti-obesity pharmacotherapy provides an option to correct maladaptive physiological and hormonal changes associated with obesity. One of the widely used medications in this context is glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. However, the misuse of these medications without any guidance and monitoring of lifestyle modifications can lead to unfavorable outcomes. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid care model, incorporating GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP agonist therapies, in managing obese patients with/without pre-diabetes. This study showcases the midway results of a 6-month program, which includes a multidisciplinary care team and digital technology for continuous engagement and monitoring of patients, both in-clinic and remotely. In a retrospective observational study, 115 participants were treated with GLP-1s (semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide). Physicians, dietitians, and coaches worked together to support behavioral changes using a dedicated app provided to patients. At the care team end, an integrated portal enabled continuous data flow allowing for the care team to provide personalized care via chat at regular intervals. Data collected included food logs, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and digital biomarkers such as sleep and activity. At the midpoint of the program, participants exhibited statistically significant improvements in various metabolic parameters. Mean weight reduction was 8 %, with significant reductions in BMI, fat mass, and cholesterol levels. 24 (20.9 %) of patients lost ≥5 % of body weight, 55 (47.8 %) patients lost ≥10 % weight, and 36 (31.3 %) patients lost ≥15 % weight. Sub-analysis of pre-diabetic patients (n=36) demonstrated substantial improvements, including control of pre-diabetes in 80.6 % of cases and reduced HbA1c levels back to normoglycemia (5.39 ± 0.27). The Zone.Health's program, which combines pharmacotherapy with continuous engagement and monitoring to enable sustainable lifestyle modifications, demonstrated significant improvements in weight, body composition, and metabolic markers. Pre-diabetes was also effectively addressed. It is necessary to conduct further research to assess the long-term sustainability and optimal adoption of such care models into clinical practice.

11 November 2023 in Metabolism Open
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
IAIhsan Almarzooqi
Ihsan Almarzooqi
HZHala Zakaria
Hala Zakaria
SASofia Aleabova
Sofia Aleabova
MCMilena Caccelli
Milena Caccelli
COCigdem Ozkan
Cigdem Ozkan
YSYousef Said
Yousef Said
Diabetes is a pressing global health issue, demanding innovative strategies for improved treatment. However, traditional care often falls short of patient goals. To address this, digital health solutions, including smartphone apps and remote monitoring, have emerged as crucial in diabetes management. This study aims to assess a comprehensive intervention, combining remote continuous data monitoring (RCDM) with in-clinic care, for enhancing diabetes-related outcomes. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital RCDM component by comparing adherent and non-adherent patients. Conducted in the United Arab Emirates, a retrospective study involved 89 patients primarily on anti-diabetic medications. They were split into two groups based on adherence to RCDM. Over time, significant improvements were observed across various parameters. Notably, patients exhibited weight loss (−4.0 ± 5.3, p < 0.001), reduced waist circumference (−4.74 ± 7.8, p < 0.001), lowered HbA1c levels (−1.00 ± 1.3, p < 0.001), decreased systolic BP (−3.1 ± 13.1, p = 0.035), and diminished diastolic BP (−3.4 ± 9.9, p = 0.002) annually. Furthermore, patients adhering to the GluCare model demonstrated substantial HbA1c reductions (−1.53 ± 1.5, p < 0.001), improved lipid profiles, notably decreased total Cholesterol (−16.6 ± 50.3, p = 0.034), and lowered LDL levels (−18.65 ± 42.6, p = 0.006). The intervention model effectively managed T2D patients through a comprehensive approach, yielding notable improvements in HbA1c levels and other outcomes within a year. The study underscores the limitations of traditional care and reliance simply on pharmacotherapy, and emphasizes the need for a hyper-personalized, and continuous approach for T2D management.

27 March 2025 in Interactive Journal of Medical Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
HZHala Zakaria
Hala Zakaria
HJHadoun Jabri
Hadoun Jabri
SASheikha Alshehhi
Sheikha Alshehhi
MCMilena Caccelli
Milena Caccelli
JDJoelle Debs
Joelle Debs
IAIhsan Almarzooqi
Ihsan Almarzooqi
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a complex and multifaceted health condition characterized by a clustering of interconnected metabolic abnormalities, including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Effective management of MetS is crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of combining glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 agonists with a continuous, digitally delivered behavioral change model by an integrated care team, in treating MetS among individuals with obesity. Methods: The 6-month Zone.Health (meta[bolic]) weight loss program involved 51 participants (mean age 45, SD 10 years; mean BMI 35, SD 5 kg/m²), categorized by gender, and treated with either tirzepatide or semaglutide. Participants received continuous support via a digital health platform, which facilitated real time monitoring and personalized feedback from an integrated care team. Engagement levels with the digital platform, measured by the frequency of inbound interactions, were tracked and analyzed in relation to health outcomes. Results: Tirzepatide reduced waist circumference (WC) by −18.08 cm, compared with −13.04 cm with semaglutide (P<.001). Triglycerides decreased significantly with both drugs, with tirzepatide showing a reduction of −64.42 mg/dL and semaglutide −70.70 mg/dL (P<.001). Tirzepatide generally showed more pronounced improvements in fasting glucose, blood pressure (BP), low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol compared with semaglutide. Higher engagement with the digital health platform showed significant difference among the 3 groups; the group with the highest level of app-based interactions (≥25 interactions) had the greatest WC reduction (mean −19.04, SD 7.40 cm) compared with those with ≤15 interactions (mean −9.60, SD 5.10 cm; P=.002). Similarly, triglycerides showed the greatest reduction in the group with ≥25 interactions (mean −108.56, SD 77.06 mg/dL) compared with those with ≤15 interactions (mean −44.49, SD 50.85 mg/dL; P=.02). This group also exhibited the largest reduction in diastolic BP (mean −10.33, SD 7.40 mm Hg) compared with those with ≤15 interactions (mean −0.83, SD 7.83 mm Hg; P=.004), and the most substantial decrease in fasting glucose levels (mean −18.60, SD 10.82 mg/dL) compared with those with ≤15 interactions (mean −2.49, SD 27.54 mg/dL; P=.02). Participants in the highest quartile of digital engagement had a 60% greater likelihood of MetS reversal compared with those in the lowest quartile. Conclusions: This study shows that combining GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists with a digital behavioral change model significantly improves MetS markers in individuals with obesity. Tirzepatide proved more effective than semaglutide, leading to greater reductions in WC and triglyceride levels, along with better improvements in fasting glucose, BP, and lipid profiles. Higher app-based engagement was linked to better health outcomes, with participants in the highest engagement group having a 60% greater likelihood of treating MetS compared with those with the lowest engagement.