Diabetes Insights - Breakthroughs and Innovators

Prof. Kei Sakamoto on exercise, AMPK and glucose uptake in type 2 diabetes Watch the video on YouTube to see EASD TV host speak with Prof. Kei Sakamoto, 12th recipient of the EASD - Novo Nordisk Foundation Diabetes Prize for Excellence, about his research into exercise, glucose uptake and insulin signalling. The conversation explores how exercise stimulates glucose uptake in muscle, including the role of LKB1 and AMPK in pathways that function independently of insulin. Prof. Sakamoto discusses how understanding these mechanisms could inform new treatment approaches, particularly for people who cannot exercise as much as they would like, and why carefully targeting specific molecules and tissues is important. He also reflects on the complexity of diabetes, the challenges of developing treatments that maintain the body's metabolic balance, and the importance of fundamental research in paving the way for future discoveries. Explore Prof. Kei Sakamoto's portrait. For more episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Prof. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler on the Future of Type 1 Diabetes Watch the full video on YouTube. EASD TV host, Vivienne Parry speaks with Prof. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler, this year's Claude Bernard Prize Lecture recipient, about her remarkable career in type 1 diabetes research and the evolution of our understanding of the disease. The conversation traces the journey from early research into the autoimmune nature of type 1 diabetes to pioneering birth cohort studies that revealed how early the disease process can begin. Prof. Ziegler discusses the importance of early detection and screening, the development of approaches to identify people at risk, and the emergence of treatments that can delay progression to clinical type 1 diabetes. She also reflects on research into possible environmental modifiers, the questions that remain around disease progression, and her long-standing ambition to contribute to the prevention of type 1 diabetes. Finally, Prof. Ziegler discusses the teams, families and research participants who have been central to this work throughout her career. Explore our speaker's profile: Prof. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler For more episodes, visit our podcast archive.

How can patient voices help shape the future of diabetes care? Watch the full video on YoutTube. EASD TV host, Vivienne Parry is joined by Bastian Hauck and Renza Scibilia from the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) to discuss some of the most pressing topics facing people living with type 1 diabetes. The conversation explores the growing interest in emerging therapies - including the off-label use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 1 diabetes - the rapid evolution of continuous glucose monitoring technologies, responsible stewardship of health data, and the ongoing global effort to end diabetes stigma. Central to the discussion is the importance of ensuring that people with lived experience are involved in shaping research, innovation and healthcare policy. As Bastian reminds us throughout the episode, meaningful progress begins with one simple principle: "Nothing about us without us." This episode is dedicated to the memory of our friend and colleague, Bastian Hauck, whose passion for patient advocacy and unwavering commitment to ensuring that people living with diabetes always had a voice continue to inspire the global diabetes community. Explore our speaker's profile: Bastian Hauck Renza Scibilia For more episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Dr Jeroen van der Velde on exercise timing, circadian rhythms and type 2 diabetes Watch the full video on YouTube. Does exercising in the morning, afternoon or evening make a difference for metabolic health? In this episode, Dr Jeroen van der Velde discusses the latest evidence on exercise timing and type 2 diabetes, exploring how circadian rhythms influence glucose metabolism and why later-day exercise may offer additional benefits for glycaemic control. Topics discussed include: Exercise timing and type 2 diabetes risk Circadian rhythms and metabolic health Morning versus afternoon or evening exercise Chronotypes ("morning larks" and "night owls") Shift work and metabolic disease Meal timing and exercise Why regular physical activity remains the most important recommendation Learn more about the speaker: Dr Jeroen van der Velde For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Elizabeth Robertson and Rachel Connor on immunotherapies, screening and the next era of type 1 diabetes research Watch the full video on YouTube. In this episode, Elizabeth Robertson (Diabetes UK) and Rachel Connor (Breakthrough T1D) discuss one of the most exciting developments in diabetes research: the growing possibility of delaying and ultimately preventing type 1 diabetes. Topics discussed include: The rapid progress of immunotherapies for type 1 diabetes Why early screening is becoming increasingly important The ELSA study and identifying people at risk before clinical diagnosis Stem cell-derived beta cell therapies and the latest clinical trials How charities accelerate research through funding and international collaboration The importance of ensuring new therapies reach people through healthcare systems and policy For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Former Pres. Prof. Stefano Del Prato reflects on navigating COVID-19 and shaping the future of EASD Watch the full video on YouTube. In this episode, Vivienne Parry speaks with former EASD President Prof. Stefano Del Prato about leading the Association through the COVID-19 pandemic and how one of the most challenging periods in EASD's history became a catalyst for lasting change. Discover how the rapid transition to a virtual Annual Meeting expanded EASD's global reach, inspired the creation of the Global Council and strengthened international collaboration across the diabetes community. Prof. Del Prato also reflects on the importance of in-person scientific meetings, the continued evolution of the EASD Annual Meeting and the innovations that are shaping its future. Explore our speaker's profile: Prof. Stefano Del Prato For more episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Can AI Really Transform Diabetes Care? Watch the full video on YouTube. In this episode, Vivienne Parry is joined by Prof. João Filipe Raposo (Portugal) and Prof. Harald Sourij (Austria) for a lively discussion on the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in diabetes care. Discover how AI is already supporting diabetes management through automated insulin delivery systems, continuous glucose monitoring and personalised risk prediction, while also exploring the evidence still needed before wider implementation in routine clinical practice. The discussion also covers data privacy, regulation, patient trust and why human expertise and shared decision-making remain essential as AI becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare. Explore our speakers' profiles: Prof. João Filipe Raposo Prof. Harald Sourij For more episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Prof. Daisuke Yabe on East-West Diabetes Research and the Future of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes Watch the full video on YouTube. In this episode of Diabetes Insights, Vivienne Parry speaks with Prof. Daisuke Yabe (Kyoto University) about why EASD has become one of the world's leading forums for diabetes research and collaboration. The discussion explores how differences in diabetes phenotypes between Europe and East Asia are helping researchers better understand the disease, improve treatments and develop new scientific collaborations across continents. Professor Yabe also discusses the exciting progress being made in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials using iPS cell-derived islet cells for people living with type 1 diabetes. He explains how this approach could help overcome donor shortages and bring scalable cell therapies closer to clinical practice. Topics covered: International collaboration in diabetes research iPS cell-derived islet transplantation Stem cell therapies for type 1 diabetes Clinical trials in Japan The future of regenerative medicine Featured speaker: Prof. Daisuke Yabe - Kyoto University For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Inside the EASD Guideline Development Process Watch the full video on YouTube. In this episode of Diabetes Insights, Prof. Thomas Karagiannis and Dr Francesco Zaccardi explain the rigorous methodology behind the first EASD clinical guidelines and why robust evidence-based processes are essential for producing trustworthy recommendations. Discover how guideline development panels are assembled, how conflicts of interest are managed, and why patient perspectives are incorporated alongside scientific evidence. The discussion also explores the first EASD guideline on diabetes distress, future guidance on continuous glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes, and prevention strategies for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.. Featured speaker: Dr Thomas Karagiannis Dr Francesco Zaccardí For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Dame Melanie Davies and Amanda Adler discuss the process, challenge and potential impact of EASD’s new clinical guideline on cgm. Watch the full video on YouTube. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is becoming an increasingly important part of diabetes care, but how should it be used in people living with type 2 diabetes? In this episode, Dame Melanie Davies and Prof. Amanda Adler discuss the development of a new EASD clinical guideline on CGM in type 2 diabetes. They explain how guideline topics are selected, the rigorous process of reviewing evidence, and why patient perspectives are essential to developing meaningful recommendations. The discussion explores outcomes beyond HbA1c, including quality of life, confidence in self-management, behaviour change, and broader health impacts. The speakers also consider how future recommendations could influence clinical practice, healthcare policy, and access to diabetes technology. Explore the latest EASD Annual Meeting presentations and learn more about our featured speakers: Dame Melanie Davies - University of Leicester, diabetes clinician-scientist and co-chair of the EASD CGM Guideline Group Prof. Amanda Adler - University of Oxford, diabetologist, health services researcher, and co-chair of the EASD CGM Guideline Group For more content from our previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Prof. Standl reflects on his five decade journey with EASD Watch the the full video on YouTube. In this special episode, Prof. Eberhard Standl celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 50 years since attending his first EASD Congress in 1975. Prof. Standl reflects on the remarkable progress made in diabetes research and clinical care over the past five decades, from managing diabetic ketoacidosis in the 1970s to today's advances in continuous glucose monitoring, hybrid closed-loop systems, and emerging therapies for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The discussion explores the enduring importance of lifestyle interventions, patient-clinician partnerships, diabetes remission, and exciting new research linking diabetes, obesity, metabolism, and cancer. Explore the latest EASD Annual Meeting presentations and learn more about our featured speaker: Prof. Eberhard Standl - Helmholtz Munich, clinician-scientist and leading expert in diabetes, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic disease For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

EASD Representives discuss the latest recommendations, diabetes technology and the future of type 1 diabetes care Watch the full video on YouTube. In this episode, Prof. Richard Holt and Prof. Kirsten Nørgaard discuss the updated EASD-ADA Consensus Report on Type 1 Diabetes and explain the key developments shaping modern type 1 diabetes care. Topics discussed include: The role of consensus reports within the EASD guidance framework How consensus reports differ from formal clinical guidelines Why the report was updated four years after the original publication Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as the current gold standard of care The importance of public consultation and community engagement Featured speakers: Prof. Richard Holt (University of Southampton and co-author of the EASD-ADA Type 1 Diabetes Consensus Report) Prof. Kirsten Nørgaard (Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen and co-author of the EASD-ADA Type 1 Diabetes Consensus Report) For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

How clinicians can use social media to educate, advocate and improve diabetes care Watch the full video on YouTube. In this episode of EASD TV, Prof. Partha Kar discusses the opportunities and challenges of social media in healthcare. The conversation explores how clinicians can use platforms like X, LinkedIn and Substack to share evidence-based information, learn from people living with diabetes and influence policy and implementation in healthcare systems. Topics discussed include: Tackling misinformation and harmful health narratives online The role of social media in diabetes advocacy and patient engagement Why clinicians should not abandon contested digital spaces Navigating online abuse, racism and misinformation Using social media to improve access to CGM technology The importance of implementation science in diabetes care Global inequalities in access to diabetes technologies and treatments Featured speaker: Partha Kar - Consultant Diabetologist, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and National Specialty Advisor for Diabetes at NHS England Explore more from EASD TV and previous podcast episodes in our podcast archive.

Diabetes Care Editors discuss the Diabetes Care editorial challenging political threats to science, health equity, and diabetes care. Watch the full video on YouTube. Dr. Steven Kahn and Dr. John Buse discuss the growing impact of healthcare policy decisions on diabetes care, biomedical research, and public health in the United States and globally. The conversation explores: The future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in diabetes research Concerns around NIH and CDC funding cuts Political pressures affecting science and healthcare Why chronic disease research must remain a global priority The importance of advocacy from senior leaders in diabetes Featured speakers: Dr. Steven Kahn - Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Care 2.Dr John Buse - Deputy Editor of Diabetes Care Read the editorial discussed in this episode: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/1/5/163166/The-Forces-Reshaping-America-s-Health-Landscape Explore more content from EASD and previous episodes in our podcast archive.

Experts discuss preconception care, GLP-1s, CGM use and postpartum support Watch the full video on YouTube to learn more about the latest international guidelines on diabetes and pregnancy, including recommendations on preconception care, therapeutics, CGM use and postpartum management. Explore the challenges of managing diabetes before, during, and after pregnancy, including discussions around metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, nutrition, breastfeeding and cardiovascular risk. Learn why experts are calling for more evidence and better coordinated care for women living with diabetes throughout pregnancy and beyond. Explore the latest EASD Annual Meeting presentations and speaker profiles: Prof. Jennifer A. Wyckoff - University of Michigan, specialist in diabetes and pregnancy care Prof. Annunziata Lapolla - University of Padova, expert in nutrition and diabetes in pregnancy Prof. Linda A. Barbour - University of Colorado, specialist in maternal-fetal metabolism and therapeutics Prof. Rosa Corcoy - Barcelona, expert in diabetes technology and pregnancy care For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Why patient voices are now shaping research, guidelines and global diabetes policy Watch the full video on YouTube to explore how lived experience is transforming diabetes care, research, and policy. Discover how the Diabetes Online Community (such as Dedoc°) is influencing clinical guidelines, contributing to research and ensuring that patient voices are embedded across the EASD ecosystem. Learn more about the growing role of lived experience in healthcare innovation, including patient-led insights into technology, access, and global disparities in diabetes care. Explore the latest EASD Annual Meeting content and speaker profiles: Bastian Hauck - Dedoc° advocate and patient representative Renza Scibilia - Diabetes advocate, writer and lived experience expert For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive

From enteroviruses to vaccines: exploring the infection-autoimmunity link Watch the full video on YouTube to explore the role of viral infections in the development of type 1 diabetes, focusing on the growing evidence linking enteroviruses - particularly Coxsackie B viruses - to disease onset. Learn how advances in sequencing technologies now allow scientists to detect viruses in human tissues with unprecedented precision, and how long-term cohort studies are helping to identify viral patterns associated with diabetes risk. The discussion also highlights: Clinical trials using antiviral therapies to preserve insulin production The development of vaccines targeting diabetes-associated viruses The concept of persistent infection and its role in triggering autoimmunity Differences between beta and alpha cells in response to viral infection Novel research approaches, including insights from bat immune systems Explore related research and speaker profiles: 1. Prof. Knut Dahl-Jørgensen (University of Oslo) - Diabetologist 2. Pof. Heikki A. Hyöty (Tampere University) - Virologist 3. Prof. Decio L. Eizirik (Université Libre de Bruxelles - Immunology expert For more content from previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Understanding regional challenges, unique phenotypes and the future of global diabetes research Watch the full video on YouTube to explore how global perspectives are shaping the future of diabetes research and care. In this episode, experts from the EASD Global Council, Dr. Fawaz Alzaid and Dr. Banshi Saboo, discuss how diabetes presents differently across regions and why these differences matter. Key topics include: The role of global collaboration in advancing diabetes science Regional challenges, including climate, diet, and access to care The “thin-fat” phenotype and its implications for South Asian populations The importance of early-life interventions and maternal health Opportunities and challenges in adopting new technologies globally The growing importance of big data and continuous glucose monitoring in research Explore our featured speakers' profiles and the dedicated session at the EASD 2025 Annual Meeting: Dr. Banshi Saboo Dr. Fawaz Alzaid For more content from our previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.

From GLP-1 therapies to next-generation treatments and long-term weight management Watch the full video on YouTube to explore the future of anti-obesity medications and emerging therapeutic strategies. In this episode, experts, Dr. Daniela Liśkiewicz and Dr. Juan Pablo Frías discuss the rapid evolution of obesity pharmacotherapy, from GLP-1 receptor agonists to next-generation combination treatments and oral therapies. Key topics include: The shift from injectable to oral and longer-acting medications Multi-agonist therapies targeting multiple metabolic pathways The importance of “quality weight loss” and preserving muscle mass Challenges in long-term weight maintenance and preventing regain The role of lifestyle intervention alongside pharmacotherapy Future targets, including metabolic “set point” regulation Explore more about the speakers: Dr Daniela Liśkiewicz Dr Juan Pablo Frias For more episodes, visit our podcast archive.

Integrating mental health into diabetes treatment - from distress to family impact Watch the full video on YouTube to explore why psychological care is essential in diabetes management and how multidisciplinary teams can improve patient outcomes. In this episode, experts discuss the growing recognition of mental health in diabetes care, including diabetes distress, depression and fear of hypoglycaemia and how these factors influence both quality of life and clinical outcomes. Key topics covered: The psychological burden of living with diabetes Diabetes distress, depression, and fear of hypoglycaemia The role of clinical psychologists within diabetes teams The impact of diabetes on families and caregivers The need for specialised training and “diabetes psychologists” New guidelines on diabetes distress and their implications Explore our featured speakers' profiles and the dedicated session at the EASD 2025 Annual Meeting: Prof. Maciej Małecki - diabetologist and expert in clinical diabetes care Prof. Norbert Hermanns - clinical psychologist specialising in diabetes Dr. Dominic Ehrmann - clinical psychologist focusing on behavioural diabetes research For more content from our previous episodes, visit our podcast archive.