Weekly Dose Podcast: New Insights on Colonoscopy Adherence, rt-CGM in GDM, Semaglutide Effects, Parent Vaccine Views, and MI Causes

The newest episode of the Weekly Dose Podcast from Patient Care^® delivers a fast, clinician-focused roundup of 5 key studies shaping primary care practice this week, spanning cancer screening, metabolic health, cardiovascular disease, and pediatric vaccination trends.

The episode opens with new modeling data suggesting a surprisingly practical way to improve follow-up after an abnormal FIT result: providing patients with a rideshare to their colonoscopy appointment. Simulations showed that raising completion rates from 35% to 70% could meaningfully reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, while also remaining cost-saving—even at higher per-ride costs—highlighting a scalable opportunity to strengthen screening adherence.

Next, attention turns to gestational diabetes, where an international randomized trial found that real-time continuous glucose monitoring significantly reduced the rate of large-for-gestational-age infants compared with standard SMBG. Women using rt-CGM also achieved tighter late-pregnancy glucose control, particularly those on glucose-lowering therapy, reinforcing the value of continuous monitoring as part of standard GDM care.

New US survey data on semaglutide offer another critical update in metabolic and behavioral health. Adults using the medication reported sharp reductions in intrusive “food noise,” with constant food-related thoughts falling from 62% before treatment to 16% on therapy. Respondents also described improved mental well-being and healthier habits, reflecting semaglutide’s influence beyond weight loss.

The episode also examines new insights into parental attitudes toward childhood vaccines. A national poll found broad confidence in routine immunizations such as MMR and polio, with roughly 9 in 10 parents viewing them as important and safe. However, perceptions are less favorable for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for children, where both perceived importance and safety confidence were notably lower.

Finally, the podcast highlights findings from a large community-based cohort showing that myocardial infarction in adults aged 65 and younger often differs by sex in its underlying cause. More than half of MIs in women were linked to nonatherothrombotic mechanisms such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection, embolism, or physiologic stress, whereas most MIs in men were plaque-related. These cause-specific patterns underscore the importance of tailored diagnostic and management strategies, especially in younger women.

Listen to the full Weekly Dose episode for deeper clinical insights and practical takeaways for your primary care practice.