Diabetes Insights - Breakthroughs and Innovators

In this episode, Bastian Hauck and Renza Scibilia from the Dedoc° explore how lived experience is reshaping the future of diabetes care. Once excluded from scientific discussions, people living with diabetes are now playing a central role in research, clinical guidelines, and innovation. From contributing to EASD guideline development to sharing global perspectives in leading journals, patient voices are driving more relevant, inclusive, and impactful care. Join us as we discuss the evolution of patient involvement, the power of peer support, and why lived experience is now recognised as essential expertise in diabetes research and practice.

In this episode, experts in diabetes and virology, Profs. Knut Dahl-Jørgensen (University of Oslo), Heikki A. Hyöty (Tampere University), and Decio L. Eizirik (Université Libre de Bruxelles), explore the long-debated link between viral infections and type 1 diabetes. With new technologies enabling the detection of viruses at unprecedented sensitivity, the evidence connecting enteroviruses - particularly Coxsackie B viruses - to beta cell damage is becoming stronger. The discussion covers groundbreaking studies detecting viruses in pancreatic tissue, trials using antiviral therapies to preserve insulin production, and the development of vaccines aimed at preventing disease onset. The panel also explores why certain cells are more vulnerable than others, how persistent infections may drive autoimmunity, and what lessons can be learned from unexpected sources, including bat immunity. Join us for a deep dive into one of the most complex and promising areas of diabetes research, and what it could mean for future prevention strategies.

In this episode, members of the EASD Global Council, Dr. Fawaz Alzaid and Dr. Banshi Saboo, share their perspectives on the global challenges of diabetes, highlighting how regional differences shape both risk and care. From the Middle East to South Asia, they explore how factors such as climate, diet, and socioeconomic conditions influence diabetes prevalence and outcomes. The discussion delves into unique population-specific characteristics, including the “thin-fat” phenotype seen in India, the impact of extreme heat on physical activity in the Middle East, and the role of high-carbohydrate diets across Asia. The speakers also reflect on the importance of global collaboration, data sharing, and inclusive research to better understand diabetes across diverse populations. Join us to learn how international partnerships, emerging technologies and a deeper understanding of regional differences are helping to shape the future of diabetes prevention and care worldwide.

In this episode, leading experts Dr. Daniela Liśkiewicz and Dr. Juan Pablo Frías explore the rapidly evolving landscape of anti-obesity medications. From the rise of GLP-1-based therapies and oral treatments to next-generation multi-agonists, this discussion highlights how innovation is transforming obesity care. The conversation moves beyond weight loss alone, focusing on treatment quality, long-term weight maintenance, and patient-centred outcomes. The speakers also examine emerging therapeutic targets, the importance of preserving muscle mass, and the growing role of lifestyle interventions alongside pharmacotherapy. Looking ahead, they share insights into future directions, from resetting metabolic “set points” to improving global access to treatment.

In this episode, leading experts Maciej T. Małecki, Norbert Hermanns and Dominic Ehrmann explore the essential role of clinical psychology in diabetes care. Living with diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, requires constant decision-making and places a significant psychological burden on individuals and their families. From diabetes distress and depression to fear of hypoglycaemia, mental health challenges can directly impact glycaemic control and quality of life. This discussion highlights why clinical psychologists must be integrated into multidisciplinary diabetes teams, the need for specialised “diabetes psychologists,” and how education, guidelines and policy change can help address current gaps in care.

In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving world of scientific publishing and the challenges facing researchers today, featuring insights from Diabetologia Editor in Chief Prof. Hindrik Mulder, Maria Hodges, Past EASD Early Career Member Pierre Larraufie and Annette Schürmann. From the rise of predatory journals and paper mills to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Our experts discuss how open access has reshaped publishing, why peer review remains essential, and the pressures placed on early career researchers navigating where and how to publish. They also explore the limitations of impact factors, the risks of fraudulent data, and the urgent need for new ways to evaluate scientific contribution. Join us for a timely conversation on how the research community can safeguard quality, transparency, and trust in science and what the future of publishing might look like.

In this episode, Prof. Chantal Mathieu and Prof. Francesco Dotta discuss two major European clinical trials presented at the EASD Annual Meeting: MELD-ATG and VERA-T1D. Both studies were conducted through the INNODIA consortium, a large European collaboration aimed at identifying biomarkers and testing new disease-modifying therapies for type 1 diabetes. The VERA-T1D trial investigated verapamil, a long-established cardiovascular drug, for its potential to preserve beta cell function after diagnosis. While the study narrowly missed its primary endpoint, the results provide important insights into disease heterogeneity and future combination therapies. The MELD-ATG trial used an innovative adaptive trial design to identify an effective low dose of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), showing that a single low-dose infusion may help delay beta-cell decline in newly diagnosed patients. Together, these studies highlight the rapid progress being made in type 1 diabetes research and the growing move toward precision medicine approaches.

In this episode, members of the EASD Committee on Clinical Affairs (CCA) discuss how clinical guidance is developed, reviewed and translated into real-world practice. CCA Chair, Prof. Richard Holt and Prof. Anne Peters explore the production of consensus reports, expert opinion documents and the EASD’s new guideline programme. They discuss the first EASD guideline on diabetes distress, the upcoming guideline on continuous glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes, and updates to the Type 1 diabetes consensus report. The conversation also highlights the critical role of patient involvement, public consultation and policy engagement in ensuring that guidance improves care across Europe and beyond.

In this episode, Prof. Nita Forouhi (University of Cambridge) and Prof. Michael Lean (University of Glasgow) explore the science behind nutrition, weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission. They discuss the role of ultra-processed foods, meat consumption and the importance of whole-food, minimally processed diets. The conversation highlights groundbreaking research showing that substantial, intentional weight loss can reverse type 2 diabetes by reducing fat in organs like the liver, pancreas, and heart, restoring insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function. They also tackle how to communicate evidence-based messages amid a flood of misinformation, and the importance of patient-centred research and guidance for real-world diabetes prevention and remission.

In this episode, experts from the University of Amsterdam (Prof. J. Hans de Vries), the University of Newcastle (Prof. James A.M. Shaw) and Deakin University (Prof. Jane Speight) explore one of the most feared complications of type 1 diabetes: severe hypoglycaemia. While advances in continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery have reduced severe episodes by around 40%, they have not eliminated the problem. The discussion examines why technology has limits, the challenges of impaired awareness and when transplantation may be considered for people with recurrent severe hypoglycaemia. The conversation also highlights the profound psychological burden of hypoglycaemia; from trauma and anxiety to the long-term impact of messaging around glucose targets and emphasises the importance of listening to people with diabetes when shaping future care.

In this episode, Prof. Gill Livingston (University College London) and Prof. Thomas van Sloten (UMC Utrecht) explore the complex relationship between diabetes and dementia. People with diabetes face a higher risk of cognitive decline, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, and as treatment improves and life expectancy increases, dementia is becoming a growing clinical challenge. The discussion examines how diabetes medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, may influence cognitive outcomes, the role of lifestyle and vascular risk factors, and why prevention must become central to diabetes care. This episode also highlights the urgent need for clinical trials that include dementia and cognition as primary outcomes.

In this episode, Professor Francesco Giorgino (EASD President) and Professor Leszek Czupryniak (EASD Global Council Advisor) introduce EASD's newest initiative: the Global Council, launched in Madrid in 2023. This 13-member council brings together diabetes experts from Asia, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and underrepresented regions of Europe to provide direct, active contributions to EASD activities and address global challenges in diabetes research and care. The conversation addresses the urgent importance of diversity in diabetes data and research, particularly as political movements in some regions actively discourage it and explains how registries are essential for understanding diabetes epidemiology and care delivery across different contexts. Listen in to hear the announcement of a historic milestone: EASD's first new prize in nearly 60 years: the inaugural Global Impact Prize for Diabetes was awarded to Dr. Viswanathan Mohan from India for pioneering work in diabetes epidemiology and subtypes in Asia in 2025. Looking forward, the council is developing global structures for registries, supporting research development in underserved regions, and moving from hopes to concrete solutions.

In this episode, a cardiologist, an epidemiologist and a diabetologist come together to discuss the deep and evolving links between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The conversation explores heart failure as a common but often under-recognized complication of diabetes, how cardiovascular risk begins even before type 2 diabetes develops, and why modern therapies increasingly target multiple organs at once. The speakers highlight the importance of early detection, collaboration across specialties, and prevention as populations age and chronic disease patterns shift.

In this episode, Prof. Frédéric Gachon and Prof. Olga Pivovarova-Ramich explore how the timing of eating and exercise influences metabolism and diabetes risk. Drawing on recent research in chronobiology, they discuss circadian rhythms, chronotype, late-night eating, intermittent fasting, and how aligning daily behaviours with our internal clocks may improve metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. Prof. Gachon and and Prof. Pivovarova-Ramich explore how eating late or at the wrong time disrupts your body’s rhythm, and how different chronotypes (early risers vs night owls) respond to meal timing. They also touch on the growing popularity of intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating, as well as exercise timing and its connection to performance and sleep. Listen in now to understand how the timing of diet and exercise can improve health outcomes, especially for individuals living with diabetes.

In this weeks episode of Diabetes Insights - Breakthroughs and Innovators, experts discuss the highly anticipated SURPASS CVOT trial, a head-to-head cardiovascular outcomes study comparing tirzepatide 15 mg weekly with dulaglutide 1.5 mg weekly in people with type 2 diabetes. With over 13,000 participants, the trial demonstrates that tirzepatide provides equivalent cardioprotective benefits to dulaglutide, confirming its role in improving both glycaemic control and cardiovascular outcomes. EASD TV Host Vivienne Parry sits with Prof. Tina Vilsbøll (EASD Honorary Secretary) and Prof. Hertzel Gerstein (EASD Independent Advisor and McMaster University) to unpack the trial’s implications for clinical practice, highlighting how outcomes trials like this inform personalised medicine, integrate care between diabetologists and cardiologists, and generate new hypotheses in areas such as liver disease, cognitive function, and obesity management. This episode underscores the growing importance of transdisciplinary approaches in diabetes care, where therapies can target multiple complications simultaneously. Join us to understand how outcomes trials like SURPASS-CVOT are shaping guidelines, expanding treatment options, and improving care for people living with type 2 diabetes worldwide.

In our first episode of 2026, Prof. Hindrik Mulder, Editor-in-Chief of Diabetologia, offers a journal’s-eye view of the most exciting and challenging developments in diabetes research today. Drawing on his unique overview of submissions from across the global research community, prof. Mulder discusses emerging breakthroughs such as hypoimmune stem cell-based therapies that are transforming from theoretical possibilities into scalable, off-the-shelf treatments for diabetes. Prof. Mulder discusses how these innovations could revolutionise diabetes care by overcoming the historical barriers of islet transplantation. We further explore Diabetologia's special 2025 issue on "Opportunities and Challenges in Diabetes," which tackles the critical issues of healthcare disparity, access, and equity. Prof. Mulder passionately addresses why diversity in research is essential to understanding disease heterogeneity and why the scientific community must continue advocating for inclusive research despite political headwinds. Learn about the journal's innovative approach to incorporating patient perspectives in research design, the appointment of a dedicated DEI editor, and the exciting launch of Metabologia - Diabetologia's new sister journal - covering the expanding landscape of metabolic disorders. This conversation reminds us that embracing complexity and acknowledging what we don't know is fundamental to advancing diabetes science.

In this episode, Dr. Tamara Hannon (Indiana University Health) and Prof. Martin Wabitsch (Universtätsklinikum Ulm) unpack the findings of the SURPASS-PEDS trial - the first study to evaluate the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in adolescents with type 2 diabetes. With youth-onset type 2 diabetes rising sharply across the US and Europe, and with young people experiencing faster beta-cell decline, more severe obesity, and greater socioeconomic burdens, the need for effective therapies has never been greater. They discuss why adolescent disease differs fundamentally from adult type 2 diabetes, why weight-loss expectations cannot be compared across age groups, and how tirzepatide not only reduces HbA1c but also halts the extreme weight-gain velocity commonly seen in this population. They also reflect on what early intervention could mean for long-term metabolic health, how guidelines may evolve, and how better treatment options could transform quality of life for young people living with type 2 diabetes. This conversation highlights why youth-onset type 2 diabetes is fundamentally different from adult disease, why weight loss behaves differently in children, and how early intervention could change the life course for young people at high risk of long-term complications.

In this episode, EASD presents its inaugural clinical guideline on diabetes distress. Drawing on two years of multidisciplinary work, the guideline was developed by clinicians, methodologists, psychologists and people with lived experience. Prof. Jane Speight, Prof. Richard Holt and patient-advocate Michelle Law describe what diabetes distress is (the emotional burden tied to daily self-management) and why routine assessment and supportive care must become part of standard practice. The guideline sets out eight good practice statements to help clinicians normalise conversations about emotional wellbeing, plus graded recommendations for managing distress in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Psychological interventions are endorsed where evidence supports them, and clinic-level actions that clinicians can deliver without referral are highlighted. The panel also discusses evidence gaps, the need for practical tools and training, and how people living with diabetes can drive implementation by asking for these conversations in clinic. Join EASD TV to hear how this guideline aims to transform diabetes care by putting emotional wellbeing alongside clinical outcomes.

In this episode, leading experts Anette Ziegler (Helmholtz Munich), Chantal Mathieu (KU Leuven & EASD President), and Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill (Breakthrough T1D) join EASD TV to discuss the emerging global consensus on screening for early-stage type 1 diabetes. They explore why population-wide screening is now considered both feasible and essential, how early detection can prevent DKA and enable access to disease-modifying therapies, and what the new guidance means for clinicians, health systems, and policymakers. From optimal screening ages and two-step testing strategies to implementation challenges, cost-effectiveness, and the promise of prevention, this conversation outlines one of the most significant shifts in type 1 diabetes care in decades.

Last week we heard the diabetologist's perspective on cardiovascular outcomes. In this weeks episode, EASD TV continues its deep dive into major clinical trials with the cardiologist’s perspective. Cardiologist Dr. Matthew Cavender (University of North Carolina) joins Vivienne Parry to unpack the SOUL trial, a major cardiovascular outcomes study evaluating oral semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes. The trial followed more than 8,000 high-risk participants and demonstrated a 14% reduction in major cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke. Dr Cavender explains why having an effective oral GLP-1 receptor agonist is an important development for both diabetes and cardiovascular care, and what the findings mean for clinical practice, guideline implementation, and patient access. From cross-disciplinary teamwork to the future of evidence-based prescribing, this episode offers a clear look at how the SOUL trial is shaping modern treatment strategies.

At the EASD 2024 Annual Meeting, the SOUL trial attracted significant attention as the first study to show cardiovascular risk reduction using an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. In this episode, Dr Rodica Busui (Oregon Health & Science University-OHSU, Oregon, USA) explains the trial’s major outcomes, including a 14% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events -matching results previously observed with injectable GLP-1 formulations. The discussion highlights the potential impact of an oral agent on clinical practice, including improved accessibility, suitability for older adults, and earlier use in the treatment pathway. Dr Busui also reviews new data on heart failure phenotypes, particularly HFpEF, and the growing need to address cardiometabolic multimorbidity in people with type 2 diabetes. Another key topic is the high proportion of participants using SGLT2 inhibitors in the trial. The reassuring safety data regarding combined therapy offers important guidance for clinicians prescribing contemporary cardiometabolic treatments. This episode provides a clear and timely overview of how oral GLP-1 therapies may influence the future of cardiovascular and diabetes care.

In this episode, Dr. Sean Wharton (University of Toronto and Wharton Medical Clinic, Canada) and Dr. Nasreen Alfaris (King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) join host Vivienne Parry to discuss the groundbreaking ATTAIN trial, presented at the EASD 2025 Annual Meeting in Vienna. The trial tested Orforglipron, the first oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, showing promising results in weight reduction and cardiometabolic improvements among people living with overweight or obesity. Beyond the data, the discussion explores what makes Orforglipron different, from its potential to expand access and affordability, to its implications for type 2 diabetes prevention. With obesity now the most common chronic disease worldwide, could this be a pivotal step toward truly scalable care?

What does the future hold for beta cell biology and diabetes treatment? Join Prof. Raphaël Scharfmann (INSERM), recipient of the 2025 Albert Renold Prize, as he explores how developmental biology is unlocking new ways to generate functional beta cells - an important step toward curing diabetes. In this inspiring interview from the EASD 2025 Annual Meeting in Vienna, Prof. Scharfmann discusses the progress in stem cell-derived beta cell generation, the collaboration driving translational research, and the next big challenge, counting beta cells in the living human pancreas. Discover how decades of research are shaping the next frontier in diabetes science and what it means for future therapies.

In this episode, Vivienne Parry introduces the EASD Rising Stars of 2025, four early-career researchers whose work spans exercise physiology, precision diabetes medicine, childhood obesity, and metabolic biology. Dr Sindre Lee-Ødegård (Norway) explores exercise as medicine for highrisk groups; Dr Martin Schön (Slovakia/Germany) works on precision diabetes diagnosis and lifestyle interventions; Dr Cadenas-Sánchez (Spain) investigates childhood obesity and brain health; and Dr Jens Lund (Denmark) uncovers how metabolites like lactate act as powerful signalling molecules. From exercise as medicine to precision diabetes care, childhood obesity, and molecular metabolism, these young scientists are redefining how we understand, prevent, and treat diabetes.Together, they reflect on their research journeys, their ambitions for the next decade, and the challenges facing young scientists today. Join us for an inspiring look at the next generation shaping the future of diabetes research and care.

In this episode, Dr. Viswanathan Mohan, recipient of the inaugural EASD Global Impact Prize, reflects on his remarkable 50-year career transforming diabetes care in India and worldwide. From pioneering diabetes as a medical speciality and training over 29,000 educators, to leading translational research and nationwide screening initiatives, Dr. Mohan’s work has set new benchmarks in global health impact. He discusses the evolving causes of India’s diabetes epidemic, from genetics and high-carbohydrate diets to pollution and urbanisation, and the policies needed to address them. Dr. Mohan also explores how innovation, affordability, and access to technologies like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can bridge the care gap for millions, and shares his enduring hope for a future cure for type 1 diabetes. Join us to learn how one physician’s lifelong mission continues to inspire global change in diabetes prevention and treatment.

In this episode, EASD TV host Vivienne Parry sits with Prof. Mikael Rydén (Karolinska Institute), recipient of the 40th Camillo Golgi Prize, about his groundbreaking research on adipose tissue. Prof. Rydén shares insights into how different fat cell subtypes influence disease progression, particularly in diabetes and obesity. His work highlights the potential of precision medicine in tailoring treatments based on the composition of adipose tissue, shifting the focus from generalised treatments to more personalised approaches. Join us for a deep dive into how Prof. Rydén’s research is revolutionising diabetes care and what it means for the future of metabolic health.

In this episode, Dr Teresa Mezza, recipient of the 2025 EASD Minkowski Prize, takes listeners inside her pioneering research on the early mechanisms of type 2 diabetes. As both a clinician and researcher at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli in Rome, Dr Mezza studies patients before and after partial pancreatectomy, offering a unique perspective on beta cell adaptation, function, and decline. Her work is revealing early biomarkers that could identify individuals at risk of diabetes - even before hyperglycaemia develops - paving the way for earlier intervention and prevention. Dr Mezza also discusses the importance of translational research, the challenges facing young scientists, and her belief that perseverance and curiosity are the driving forces of meaningful discovery. Join us for this inspiring conversation about science, mentorship, and the future of diabetes research.

In this episode, EASD host, Vivienne Parry sits down with 2025 EASD Claude Bernard Prize recipient, Prof. Andrew Hattersley, to reflect on his career which has transformed diabetes research and care worldwide. From the discovery of key genetic mutations in maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and neonatal diabetes to establishing a global genetic testing programme that has helped patients in more than 100 countries, Prof. Hattersley has shaped our understanding of diabetes. Tune in to hear reflections on his early breakthroughs, the team collaborations that made them possible, and the far-reaching clinical impact of precision medicine for children and families worldwide. Looking to the future, he explores the next frontier: bringing personalised approached into type 2 diabetes care.

In this episode, we meet Prof Gerald Shulman, recipient of this year’s EASD-Novo Nordisk Foundation Diabetes Prize for Excellence, whose pioneering research has reshaped our understanding of insulin resistance and its role in type 2 diabetes and beyond. Prof. Shulman shares insights from over four decades of research into how ectopic lipid accumulation disrupts insulin signalling, leading to diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular complications, cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. He explains how his discoveries - from the role of diacylglycerols to innovative mitochondrial-targeted therapies now in clinical trials - could mark a paradigm shift in the treatment of insulin resistance. Join us for this inspiring conversation on the future of metabolic medicine and the exciting prospect of treating insulin resistance as a central target for preventing chronic disease.

In this special episode, host Vivienne Parry is joined by experts Anna Krook (Karolinska Institute), Klemen Dovč (Ljubljana University Medical Centre), Peter Gillard (University Hospital Leuven), and Julia Mader (University of Graz) to explore the rapid evolution of diabetes technology. From continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems to AI-powered apps and integrated health records, the panel discusses how these innovations are transforming care and what barriers remain. They unpack emerging trends in personalisation, device standardisation, and the urgent need for equitable access to ensure no one is left behind. The conversation draws on insights from Diabetologia’s 60th Anniversary Technology Supplement and Symposium (the official journal of the EASD), along with reflections from people living with diabetes themselves. The panel also explores a central question: how do we ensure everyone, from preschoolers to older adults, in both urban and rural settings, can benefit from these technologies? Tune in to hear what’s next for diabetes tech, and why centring people with diabetes in innovation is critical.

In this episode, Dr Andreas Birkenfeld (Germany) and Dr Viswanathan Mohan, 1st EASD Diabetes Global Impact Prize winner (India), join host Vivienne Parry to explore the growing importance of recognising, screening and managing pre-diabetes on a global scale. They discuss how moving beyond diabetes remission to pre-diabetes remission could prevent long-term complications, and why strategic, risk-based screening could ease the economic burden on health systems. From policy change and health economics to public awareness and culturally tailored approaches, this episode highlights why proactive intervention in pre-diabetes is critical and what it will take to make it happen worldwide.

What does the future hold for people living with diabetes? In this episode, our host Vivienne Parry together with diabetes advocates Bastian Hauck, Renza Scibilia and Christian Collin dives into recent advances in diabetes prevention, screening, and therapeutics - from GLP-1 drugs to innovative community-driven screening strategies. But as science accelerates, can our health systems and societies keep up? Join us for an eye-opening conversation on equity, access, and the power of community in reshaping diabetes care.

In this lively episode of Diabetes Insights, Prof. Francesco Rubino (King’s College London) and Dr. Louis Aronne (Weill Cornell Medicine) join Vivienne Parry to debate one of the biggest questions in obesity care: will next-generation medications make bariatric surgery obsolete? Drawing on decades of clinical experience and new trial evidence, they explore whether powerful GLP-1-based therapies and combination drugs can rival the life-changing outcomes of surgery. From costs and complications to patient preferences and the hidden biology of obesity, they unpack how a new era of multi-modal treatment is reshaping care. 🎧 Tune in for sharp insights, respectful disagreement and a glimpse into the future of integrated obesity management. #diabetes #Obesity #GLP1 #BariatricSurgery #Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Thomas (Eli, Lilly & Company), Dr. Elizabeth Niemoller (Sanofi) and Prof. Michele Solimena (Helmholtz Zentrum München & Technical University of Dresden) join host Vivienne Parry to examine how partnerships between academia and industry are transforming diabetes research and care. They discuss the culture shift from cautious collaboration to dynamic, mission-driven partnerships and how initiatives like INNODIA and the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) are delivering real progress for patients. From translational breakthroughs to embedding patient advocates in clinical trial design, they explore why diverse perspectives, early regulatory foresight and shared goals are essential to accelerating therapeutic innovation. 🎧 Listen now for an insider’s look at how public-private partnerships are redefining diabetes science.

Today on Diabetes Insights, Prof. Raphael Scharfmann (INSERM, France) and Dr. Valeria Sordi (San Raffaele Diabetes Research Institute, Italy) join our host, Vivienne Parry to discuss the progress and remaining challenges in creating functional, insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells. From the fundamental biology of pancreatic development to translational protocols for generating clinical-grade cells, our experts highlight how far the field has advanced and what hurdles remain before cell replacement therapies become a routine option for people with diabetes. They explore key questions around immune rejection, scalability, long-term viability of transplanted cells, and how the research community is navigating the complexities of cell manufacturing at clinical scale. Listen now for a fascinating look at how cutting-edge science is shaping the future of cell-based therapies in diabetes care.

In this episode, Professors Hood Thabit (University of Manchester, UK) and Helen Murphy (University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK) join Vivienne Parry and EASD to discuss the opportunities and persistent challenges in diabetes care in hospitals and pregnancy. The conversation examines how diabetes technology - from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to hybrid closed-loop systems - is improving outcomes for people with diabetes in inpatient settings and for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The guests reflect on recent advances, national implementation success stories from the NHS, and gaps that still exist in gestational and type 2 diabetes care. A compelling discussion on the balance between innovation, infrastructure, and integrated care. #Diabetes #Type1Diabetes #GestationalDiabetes #CGM #InpatientCare #PregnancyCare #DigitalHealth #Podcast

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history, fall, and resurgence of GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) in diabetes therapy. Once overshadowed by GLP-1, GIP is now back in the spotlight, thanks to dual and triple agonist therapies like tirzepatide. Experts discuss how GIP signaling in the brain may influence appetite and weight regulation, why early studies underestimated its therapeutic value, and what the future holds for multi-agonist drug development in metabolic disease. Join Prof. Michael Nauck from the University of Bochum, Dr. Alice Adriaenssens from UCL and our host, Vivienne Perry as they revisit the incretin story, unpack recent breakthroughs in GIP biology, and offer a glimpse into the next wave of gut hormone-based therapies that go beyond glucose control to address obesity and energy expenditure.

In this episode, we explore the evolving world of cell therapy in type 1 diabetes. Professor James Shaw (Newcastle University), Dr Timothy Kieffer (University of British Columbia & Fractal Health), and Dr Trevor Reichman (University of Toronto) join EASD to discuss the established role of islet transplants and the exciting promise of stem cell–derived islets. The conversation covers the clinical realities of pancreas and islet cell transplants, the challenges of immunosuppression, and how scalable, gene-edited stem cell therapies could shape the future of diabetes care. From early trial successes to the potential of immune-evasive cells and gene therapies for GLP-1 delivery, today's episode examines what’s possible today and what’s coming next.

Today’s episode is special, as the topic was requested by members of the Early Career Academy. The spotlight is on work-life balance in academic medicine and research. Dr Anna Krook from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Dr Benoit Gauthier from the Andalusian Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Centre – CABIMER with the Ministry of Health of Andalusia in Spain, delve into the critical topic of work-life balance for everyone but specifically, early career academics. Listen in as they discuss the unique challenges faced during this demanding period, including securing grants, managing teaching responsibilities, and navigating personal relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of supportive partnerships, mentorship, and effective delegation. Practical advice is shared on prioritizing tasks, communicating needs, and finding strategies for maintaining well-being amidst the pressures of academic life.

In this episode Diabetes Perspectives, Prof. Partha Kar, National Specialty Advisor for Diabetes with NHS England, shares how the UK became the first country in the world to offer universal access to continuous glucose monitors and hybrid closed-loop systems for people with type 1 diabetes. Prof. Kar discusses the challenges of clinical inertia, the crucial role of patient advocacy, and how data-driven outcomes persuaded policymakers to invest in diabetes technology. He also offers lessons for healthcare leaders worldwide and explains why success isn’t just about funding but about listening to those living with the condition. Join us for a practical, inspiring conversation about driving real change in healthcare systems.

In this episode, Prof. Emma Ahlqvist (Lund University) and Prof. Matthias Blüher (University of Leipzig) join host Vivienne Parry to explore the future of type 2 diabetes. They unpack the shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to one that embraces stratified and personalised care. From using machine learning to define diabetes subtypes to applying AI tools for screening, they share how new approaches could enable earlier diagnosis, better treatment choices, and improved outcomes. With obesity increasingly recognised as a chronic disease and not merely a lifestyle issue, they also discuss the need for broader access to therapies - and how stigma continues to stand in the way of effective treatment. Join us for an inspiring glimpse into what diabetes care could look like by 2034. #DiabetesCare #Type2Diabetes #PersonalisedMedicine #AI

In this episode of Diabetes Insights, we’re talking about a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in diabetes care: Sexual Health. Studies show that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience sexual dysfunction, yet many patients and healthcare professionals struggle to discuss it openly. Join host Vivienne Parry as she speaks with Dr. Aleksandra Uruska, a diabetologist from Poznań University of Medical Sciences, and Dr. Marieke Dewitte, a clinical psychologist and sexologist from Maastricht University. Together, they explore the biological, psychological, and social factors affecting sexual health in diabetes, the importance of breaking the stigma, and how healthcare providers can better support patients in addressing these challenges.

Could weight loss be the key to managing heart failure? In this episode of Diabetes Insights, we dive into the STEP-HFpEF trial, a groundbreaking study exploring the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Host Vivienne Parry speaks with Prof. Melanie Davies (University of Leicester), Prof. Mark Petrie (University of Glasgow), and Prof. Mikhail Kosiborod (Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, USA) about the link between obesity, diabetes, and HFpEF, and how weight management could transform heart failure treatment. With trials already in motion to explore prevention, could we stop HFpEF before it starts? Join us for this insightful conversation on targeting obesity to treat heart failure.

In this episode of Diabetes Insights, we explore the power of screening in type 1 diabetes and the potential for early intervention. Host Vivienne Parry speaks with EASD President, Prof. Chantal Mathieu and Prof. Annette Ziegler about groundbreaking research into detecting type 1 diabetes in its earliest stages. With new disease-modifying therapies on the horizon, early screening is no longer just about preventing complications at diagnosis but it could delay the onset of diabetes and open doors to future treatments. We discuss how registries, European-wide collaboration, and real-world screening initiatives are shaping the future of early detection, patient monitoring, and clinical trials. Join us for this insightful conversation on how screening could transform type 1 diabetes care.

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF) in shaping diabetes policy across Europe. Host Vivienne Parry speaks with Bart Torbeyns about why bringing together stakeholders - including patient associations, research institutions, healthcare professionals, and industry - is essential to influencing policy makers and improving access to diabetes care. We discuss the importance of securing diabetes on the EU agenda, tackling the rising costs of diabetes, and addressing misconceptions around obesity and new therapeutics. With European elections reshaping healthcare priorities, how can the diabetes community push for action? Join us for a compelling discussion on the future of diabetes policy, prevention, and care.

In this episode of Diabetes Insights, we dive into the latest findings from the FLOW Trial - a groundbreaking trial evaluating the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on chronic kidney disease (CKD). This discussion features expert insights from Dr. Peter Rossing, Dr. Richard Pratley and Dr. Katherine Tuttle. The results reveal a 24% reduction in kidney disease progression, an 18% decrease in major cardiovascular events, and a 20% drop in total mortality - findings that could reshape clinical practice. Tune in to explore how this research is transforming diabetes and kidney disease management.

In this episode of the EASDtv Podcast, we explore a cutting-edge approach to diabetes screening - using voice. Dr Guy Fagherazzi and Dr Abir Elbeji from the Luxembourg Institute of Health discuss their research into how AI-powered voice analysis can detect subtle vocal changes linked to type 2 diabetes. With a growing global burden of undiagnosed diabetes, this technology could provide a scalable, non-invasive screening tool accessible via smartphones. How does it work? How accurate is it? And what does this mean for the future of diabetes care? Tune in to find out how voice-based AI could change the landscape of diabetes screening.

In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Juleen Zierath, recipient of the 2024 EASD-Novo Nordisk Foundation Diabetes Prize for Excellence. A former EASD President, Prof. Zierath shares insights from her pioneering research on the role of exercise in diabetes management, exploring how physical activity can improve glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and overall metabolic health. She also discusses the impact of circadian rhythms on metabolism, the mysteries of insulin action, and the future of precision medicine in diabetes care.

The role of beta cells in diabetes is well established, but how important are the other cells within the islet network? In this episode of Diabetes Insights, Prof. Mark Huising (University of California) and Prof. Guy Rutter (Imperial College London) dive into the intricate crosstalk between islet cells and its impact on insulin secretion and glucose regulation. They debate the influence of alpha and delta cells on beta cell function and explore whether these interactions could hold the key to better diabetes treatments.

In this episode, Prof. Hindrik Mulder, Editor-in-Chief of Diabetologia, joins us to discuss the journals accomplishments over the past year and its vision for the future of diabetes research. From embracing AI in research processes to addressing global health disparities, Prof. Mulder highlights how Diabetologia remains at the forefront of the field. He also shares his excitement about advancements in stem-cell and beta-cell research, the potential of precision medicine, and the role of incretin-based therapies, Prof. Mulder previews Diabetologia's special symposium on technology in diabetes care, co-created with patients, and explores how collaborative efforts are driving innovation in treatment and care. Join us for this inspiring conversation about the future of diabetes research and care.