Diabetes Insights - Breakthroughs and Innovators

32 Episodes
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By: EASD - European Association for the Study of Diabetes

EASD presents: Diabetes Insights - Breakthroughs and Innovators Join us for expert interviews and discussions on the latest advances in diabetes research. Discover how groundbreaking medicines and cutting-edge technologies are shaping the future of diabetes treatment and management. Get inspired by the stories of distinguished researchers whose discoveries and contributions have transformed our understanding of diabetes. These podcasts were recorded at the EASD Annual Meeting 2024 in Madrid, Spain. You can learn more about the research discussed by watching the scientific presentations in the EASD Media Centre (https://www.easd.org/media-centre/home.html). New episode released every Friday.

The Future of Diabetes Technology: Beyond Devices to Equity and Personalisation
Last Friday at 6:00 AM

Watch the full video on YouTube to explore how technology is transforming diabetes care.

In this episode, our host Vivienne Parry is joined by Anna Krook (Karolinska Institute), Klemen DovÄŤ (Ljubljana University Medical Centre), Peter Gillard (University Hospital Leuven), and Julia Mader (University of Graz) to discuss:

Advances in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems How AI and data integration are shaping diabetes management Personalisation trends from sensors tailored to skin types and ages to systems addressing exercise and pregnancy The importance of device performance standards and regulatory oversight Why equity, access, a...


Can Pre-Diabetes Remission Reduce Global Diabetes Incidences?
06/27/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to learn how pre-diabetes remission could reshape diabetes care and prevention strategies globally. In this episode, Dr Andreas Birkenfeld (Germany) and Dr. Viswanathan Mohan (India) join Vivienne Parry to discuss:

The clinical case for pre-diabetes remission How opportunistic and risk-based screening can improve outcomes The economic case for early intervention in diabetes care Policy barriers and the need for tailored national strategies How awareness and advocacy can shift the public and political conversation

Learn more about our speakers and their work:

Dr Andreas Birkenfeld Dr. Viswanathan Mohan


What Will the Future Bring for People Living with Diabetes?
06/20/2025

In this episode, diabetes advocates Bastian Hauck, Renza Scibilia and Christian Collin join Vivienne Parry to discuss 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?

The conversation covers:

Prevention strategies and screening Stigma and advocacy differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes Disparities in access to therapies within societies and globally Role of people living with diabetes in driving access and innovation The importance of community engagement in education and policy change


Will Next Generation Obesity Drugs make Bariatric Surgery Obsolete?
06/13/2025

Watch the full debate to hear two leading experts tackle one of the most talked-about questions in obesity care. In this episode, Prof. Francesco Rubino (King’s College London) and Dr. Louis Aronne (Cornell Medical College) join Vivienne Parry to debate whether next-generation medications will eventually make obesity surgery obsolete.

The conversation covers: •The evolving role of bariatric surgery in an era of powerful GLP-1-based therapies •What new medications and minimally invasive procedures could reshape obesity care •The economic, clinical, and patient-preference factors influencing treatment choices •Why obesity management is moving toward multi-modal, integrated care models •The importan...


Breaking Barriers: Public-Private Partnerships Revolutionizing Diabetes Research
06/06/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to learn how collaborations between academia and pharma are driving progress in diabetes care. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Thomas (Eli, Lilly & Company), Dr. Elizabeth Niemoller (Sanofi) and Prof. Dr. Michele Solimena (Helmholtz Zentrum MĂĽnchen & Technical University of Dresden) join Vivienne Parry to unpack the power of partnerships.

The conversation covers:

The evolution of public-private collaborations in diabetes research How projects like INNODIA and the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) are accelerating translational breakthroughs The growing importance of patient advocates in study design and advocacy Why precompetitive science, shared data a...


Producing Beta Cells: Generation of Pancreatic islets from Stem Cells
05/30/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to join experts Prof. Raphael Scharfmann (INSERM, France) and Valeria Sordi (San Raffaele Diabetes Research Institute, Italy) as they explore the future of beta cell replacement therapies in diabetes.

They discuss the progress made in generating stem cell–derived beta cells, how insights from developmental biology have shaped clinical protocols, and the latest updates from ongoing clinical trials and translational research. They also examine the key challenges still facing the field, including immune rejection, long-term cell survival, and the complexities of scaling up production for widespread clinical use.

Learn mo...


Advances in Diabetes Care: Technology in Hospitals, Pregnancy & Gestational Diabetes
05/23/2025

Learn how diabetes technology is transforming inpatient and pregnancy care in the most recent episode of Diabetes Insights: Breakthroughs and Innovators podcast.

Today, Prof. Hood Thabit and Prof. Helen Murphy discuss how CGM and digital tools are changing clinical practice - from labour wards to emergency admissions - and the need for more integrated care systems, especially for gestational and type 2 diabetes.

Listen for insights on:

How CGM improves outcomes for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes The challenges hospitals face managing diabetes without specialist staff The importance of national policies and healthcare integration Current...


The Rise of GIP: From Biology to Medicine
05/16/2025

Delve into the evolving story of GIP-based therapies and their role in type 2 diabetes care. In this episode, our expert guests explore how dual and triple agonists like tirzepatide are reshaping obesity and metabolic control, and why GIP is gaining renewed attention in diabetes pharmacology.

You can also explore each speakers' profiles as well as watch each speaker’s Lecturesession from the EASD Annual Meeting 2024 for deeper insights into incretin science, clinical outcomes, and next-generation therapies:

Prof. Michael Nauck's Profile and EASD 2024 Lecture Dr. Alice Adriaenssens' Profile and EASD 2024 Lecture


"Old and New" Islets for Type 1 Diabetes: From Transplant to Stem Cells
05/09/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to join experts Dr James Shaw (Newcastle University), Dr Timothy Kieffer (University of British Columbia & Fractal Health), and Dr Trevor Reichman (University of Toronto) for an in-depth conversation on the latest in cell therapies for type 1 diabetes as they explore how these therapies are transforming lives.

From the clinical use of islet transplants to scalable, gene-edited stem cells, this discussion explores how regenerative medicine is transforming care. You can also watch each speaker’s lecture sessions from the EASD Annual Meeting 2024 for further insights into diabetes cell therapy, clinical outcomes, and fu...


Finding the Balance: Work-Life Balance in Research and Academia
05/02/2025

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 high...


Establishing Diabetes Technology in a National Healthcare System: How the UK Revolutionised Diabetes Care
04/25/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to hear Professor Partha Kar’s insights into the UK’s trailblazing rollout of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and artificial pancreas technology for people with type 1 diabetes.

Discover how patient advocacy, data-led decision-making, and inclusive policymaking transformed diabetes care - and what other healthcare systems can learn from this example.

You can also watch Prof. Kar’s chaired sessions from previous EASD Annual Meetings for deeper insights into diabetes care innovation, patient-centred policy, and health equity.

Learn more about Professor Partha Kar and his groundbreaking work in diabet...


The Future of Type 2 Diabetes - Where Are We Going?
04/18/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to explore the future of type 2 diabetes care through the lens of personalised medicine, precision diagnostics, and digital innovation. In this episode, our expert guests examine how sub-typing, AI-driven risk prediction, and early screening are changing the way we understand and manage type 2 diabetes.

You can also watch each speakers full lecture from the EASD Annual Meeting 2024 for deeper insights into diabetes phenotyping, clinical decision-making, and patient-centred care.

Learn more about our expert speakers and their pioneering research: Professor Emma Ahlqvist and her EASD 2024 lecture, and Professor Matthias BlĂĽh...


When Sex is Ex - Sexual Problems in Diabetes
04/11/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to dive into the latest discussions on sexual health, intimacy, and the science behind human connection. This episode explores expert insights into the evolving landscape of sexual wellness, relationships, and medical advancements that shape our understanding of pleasure and health.

You can also watch the full session from the EASD Annual Meeting 2024 for more in-depth discussions on health, well-being, and medical research.

Learn more about our expert speakers and their groundbreaking work; Dr Aleksandra Uruska and Dr Marieke Dewitte.


Targeting Obesity to Treat Heart Failure - With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)
04/04/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to explore the latest insights into heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Discover how weight loss and metabolic therapies could transform treatment for people with diabetes, obesity, and heart failure.

You can also watch the full session from the EASD Annual Meeting 2024 for more insights into cardiovascular health, diabetes management, and obesity care.

Delve deeper into the professional portrait of our speakers; Melanie Davies, Mark Petrie and Mikhail Kosiborod


Avoiding Complications at Onset - The Future of Type 1 Diabetes Screening and Care
03/28/2025

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. ...


Shaping Policy for Better Diabetes Care - European Diabetes Forum (EUDF)
03/21/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to explore the latest insights into diabetes policy and advocacy. Learn how the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF) is driving unified action to improve diabetes care across Europe.

Discover why early intervention is a financial investment, how obesity and diabetes policies are evolving, and what the new European Parliament means for healthcare priorities.

For additional insights, watch the full session on the EASD Media Centre and delve deeper into the professional portrait of our speaker, Bart Torbeyns.


Saving Hearts, Kidneys and Lives in Type 2 Diabetes - Results from the FLOW Trial
03/14/2025

The FLOW study continues to deliver groundbreaking insights into the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people with type 2 diabetes. In this episode, experts discuss the latest findings, revealing a 24% reduction in kidney disease progression, 18% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and 20% reduction in total mortality - proving that this treatment saves hearts, kidneys, and lives.

Watch the full video on YouTube to learn how GLP-1 receptor agonists provide metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal benefits across different CKD stages, why early intervention is key, and how new research is uncovering the mechanisms...


Can We Screen for Type 2 Diabetes using Voice?
03/07/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to explore the latest insights on AI-driven voice analysis for type 2 diabetes screening. Learn how subtle vocal changes, undetectable to the human ear, could provide a new tool for early diabetes detection.

Discover how AI and deep learning are advancing diabetes research and what this means for future screening methods by watching the full session from the EASD 2024 Annual Meeting for more insights or exploring more about our speaker, Dr. Fagherazzi (Luxembourg Institute of Health).


Exercise is Medicine - Physical Activity and Insulin Action in Diabetes
02/28/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to explore Prof. Juleen Zierath’s groundbreaking research on exercise metabolism, and diabetes.

Learn more about how physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, the role of circadian rhythms in glucose metabolism, and how personalized exercise interventions could transform diabetes care.

You can also explore more about our speaker, Professor Juleen Zierath (Karolinska Institute, Sweden), and her award-winning research from the EASD Annual Meeting 2024 for deeper insights into the future of metabolic health and diabetes treatment.


Islet Networks Regulating Insulin Secretion - A Debate
02/21/2025

Watch the full video on YouTube to explore the latest insights on islet biology and its impact on diabetes research. Learn more about the role of alpha and delta cells in glucose regulation and how targeting islet networks could shape future diabetes therapies. You can also explore more about our speakers: Mark Huising (University of California, Davis) and Guy Rutter (University of Montreal) from the EASD Annual Meeting 2024 for more insights and the latest research and developments in diabetes care.


Diabetologia Journal in Review - Innovations, AI and the Future of Diabetes Research
02/14/2025

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...


Talking Guidelines - New Guidelines for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Diseases
02/07/2025

In this episode, Prof. Frank Tacke (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin), Prof. Michael Roden (University of Düsseldorf), and Prof. Hannele Yki-Järvinen (University of Helsinki) discuss the groundbreaking new guidelines for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The episode explores the shift from the term "NASH" to MASLD, addressing the rationale behind this change and its implications for reducing stigma and improving diagnosis. The experts delve into innovative diagnostic tools, such as FIB-4 and transient elastography, and the evolving role of GLP-1 receptor agonists and emerging liver-specific therapies. Join us to learn how multidisciplinary collaboration between hepatologists, diabetologists, and obesity specia...


Putting Diabetes on the Agenda - How to Get Policymakers on Board
01/31/2025

In this episode, we explore the vital role of National and European diabetes forums, respectively, in shaping policies and improving care for people living with diabetes. Featuring Bogdan Timor (Romanian Diabetes Forum) and Frank Nobels (Belgian Diabetes Forum), the discussion highlights how collaborative efforts, and shared strategies can drive early detection, prevention, and better management of diabetes across Europe. From Romania's groundbreaking diabetes prevention law to Belgium's integrated care and data projects, this episode showcases the power of collective advocacy in transforming diabetes care.


Help! I Need Somebody - Complex Diabetes Cases in the Emergency Room
01/24/2025

In this episode, Aoife Egan and Daniel Morganstein discuss the complexities of managing glycaemic emergencies in special patient populations. From diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during pregnancy to hypoglycaemic crises triggered by cancer treatments, they explore the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and awareness in delivering timely and effective care.


Once Weekly Insulins - A Paradigm Change for Basal Insulin Replacement
01/17/2025

QWINT: A Paradigm Shift in Insulin Therapy In this episode, Harpreet Bajaj, Carol Wysham, and Richard Bergenstal explore the revolutionary QWINT program, a once-weekly insulin therapy currently in development. With a unique mechanism of action resulting in a 17-day half-life, QWINT has the potential to transform diabetes care by reducing the treatment burden for patients and caregivers alike. The discussion covers key findings from the program’s trials, including strong patient preference despite challenges in type 1 diabetes management, and highlights the benefits for older patients and those requiring assistance with daily activities. Join us to learn how QWINT is poised to...


The Future of Type 1 Diabetes - Will We See Prevention or Cure?
01/10/2025

In this first episode of the year, our very own president Prof. Chantal Mathieu and other leading experts explore the future of type 1 diabetes. Join Vivienne Parry as she sits down with renowned experts - EASD President Prof. Chantal Mathieu, Dr. Peter Rossing, and Dr. Rory McCrimmon - to discuss the future of type 1 diabetes. From global screening initiatives to cutting-edge research on islet transplantation and organ protection, this conversation highlights how far we've come - and the exciting journey ahead! Tune in for insights from experts dedicated to improving lives through groundbreaking research and solutions.


Identifying the Genetic Causes of Neonatal Diabetes
12/20/2024

In this episode, Dr Elisa De Franco, recipient of the 2024 EASD Minkowski Award, takes us on a journey through her groundbreaking research into neonatal diabetes. Dr De Franco’s work has revolutionised the understanding and treatment of this rare form of diabetes, diagnosed in babies under six months old. From identifying 10 - 15 genetic mutations linked to neonatal diabetes to shedding light on beta cell biology, Elisa’s discoveries are transforming lives and advancing diabetes research. Join us to explore the global impact of Exeter's diagnostic service, the role of next-generation sequencing in genetic research, and how rare genetic mutations provide vita...


Metabolic Mastermind - Adipose Tissue's Role in Energy and Glucose Control
12/13/2024

Adipose tissue isn't just "fat" - it's a remarkable endocrine organ with transformative impacts on health and diabetes. In this episode, discover groundbreaking insights from Dr Alice Williamson of Queen Mary University, London, and Dr Lori Goodyear of Harvard Medical School. Learn about the genetic factors behind insulin resistance and the revolutionary role of exercise in remodelling adipose tissue. From genetic breakthroughs to potential therapies, this discussion unpacks the future of diabetes care. Find out why fat is more than just a roll around your middle - it’s a key player in metabolic health!


The Forgotten Few or Many? Diabetes Care for People at Margins of Society
12/06/2024

In this episode, Alice Rickford and Andrzej Kokoszka discuss the complex challenges of managing diabetes in disadvantaged communities and among individuals with mental health conditions. Alice Rickford, a healthcare professional from London, highlights barriers like homelessness, access to care, and the stigma faced by people living with diabetes in vulnerable situations. Andrzej Kokoszka, from Poland, sheds light on the relationship between mental health and diabetes, focusing on depression, body image issues, and the role of self-management. The conversation offers practical advice for clinicians, emphasizing the need for a holistic, patient-centred approach to care, and how building trust and providing emotional...


Global Perspectives on Diabetes
11/29/2024

In Episode 3 of our podcast, experts from Argentina, Mexico, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka share a comprehensive view of the diabetes epidemic in their countries. The conversation highlights the alarming rise in diabetes and pre-diabetes cases, touching on the challenges faced by their healthcare systems and the urgent need for government intervention. Dr. Prasad Katulanda (Sri Lanka) discusses the exponential growth in diabetes rates, while Dr. Abdul Basit (Pakistan) talks about the push for government action and better healthcare funding. Dr. Javier Farias (Argentina) and Dr. Leonardo Mancillas (Mexico) also share the growing concern over obesity and the steps their countries...


What the Future Will Bring - Diabetes Care in 2030
11/22/2024

Episode 2 features Matthias BlĂĽher and Anette Ziegler, two leading experts in diabetes research, as they share their insights into the future of diabetes care by 2030. The conversation explores innovative developments in the prevention and treatment of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, with a focus on early diagnosis, immune interventions, and the potential of incretin-based therapies. Dr. BlĂĽher discusses the exciting possibilities of personalised medicine and new pharmacotherapies, while Dr. Ziegler emphasizes the importance of primary prevention and the latest research into viral triggers. This episode delves into the evolving landscape of diabetes care and the potential to revolutionise tr...


Diabetes Remission - is Type 2 Diabetes Reversible?
11/15/2024

Our first episode features Dr. Roy Taylor, a leading diabetes researcher and recipient of the prestigious EASD Claude Bernard Prize, discussing groundbreaking insights into type 2 diabetes remission. He shares his journey in proving that type 2 diabetes can, in many cases, be reversed through targeted weight loss to reduce fat in the liver and pancreas. Dr. Taylor recounts the challenges he faced in gaining acceptance for his theories and highlights the role of media and patient stories in spreading awareness. His approach has influenced a shift in treatment options, including the development of a national programme in the NHS for diabetes...