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Do You Need to Lose Weight to Prevent Diabetes? Maybe Not
Weight loss has long been considered the top recommendation for preventing type 2 diabetes. In fact, research shows that losing just 5–7% of body weight can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by nearly 60%. But what about the people who lose weight and still have elevated glucose levels? Or, those who make significant lifestyle changes, don’t lose weight, yet show improvements in their glucose status? Are they simply outliers, fortunate or unfortunate depending on how their metabolism responds? Emerging research suggests that diabetes prevention is more complex than simply losing weight. Read on to learn what scientists are discovering…
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Are You Ready to Lead in Diabetes Care and Education?
As I returned from Chicago after the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists Board of Directors orientation and quarterly meeting, I found myself reflecting on what it means to lead in a field that is evolving faster than ever. With rapid advances in technology, changes in telehealth opportunities, and the emergence of new therapies like GLP-1s for obesity treatment, it is clear that the future of diabetes care will be shaped not only by seasoned experts but also by those willing to step forward, ask questions, and share fresh ideas. Walking into that room as an incoming board member…
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Debunk the Junk: 4 Common Myths About Insulin Pumps
Starting on an insulin pump can feel like a big step, especially for someone who’s been managing their diabetes a certain way for years. But with the right support, it can also be an empowering transition. As clinicians, we each bring our own experiences and perspectives when it comes to diabetes technology. And often, our patients surprise us in wonderful ways. That’s why it’s helpful to pause and reflect on the assumptions we may carry about who’s “right” for pump therapy. Let’s explore a few common myths I hear in practice. By unpacking these together, we can make more personalized,…
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Double Diabetes: Supporting Patients Through the Diagnostic Overlap
If you’ve never heard the term “double diabetes” before, don’t be alarmed. It’s not an official diagnosis, and you likely won’t find it in a medical textbook. However, it’s a term that’s gaining traction to describe a growing population of adults whose diabetes doesn’t fit neatly into the diagnostic criteria for either type 1 or type 2. Sometimes referred to as “hybrid diabetes,” “type 1.5,” or “LADA” (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults), recent research suggests that the distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is less clear-cut than previously thought. In some cases, features of both types can coexist.…
