Being a minority person with diabetes doubles down on the health care disparities that vulnerable minority populations already face, according to an expert panel that examined disparities in diabetes and diabetes care during the Scientific Sessions. Ashley M. Butler, PhD, reviewed community- and family-based strategies to improve type 1 diabetes management among African American and…

While experts may not agree which diet is best for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, most agree that there’s no one-size-fits-all diet and that the optimal approach often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, including diet, and medical therapies. Four distinguished clinicians and researchers, including Thomas Pieber, MD, analyzed four different diets and discussed…

Countries around the world—from the Americas to Europe to Southeast Asia and beyond—have instituted taxes aimed at curbing the consumption of sugary beverages as part of a larger effort to combat the negative health outcomes associated with high sugar consumption. A panel of health policy researchers, including Rafael Meza, PhD, reported on the effects of…

To date, precision medicine initiatives in diabetes have focused mostly on further understanding the disease, identifying disease-specific biomarkers, and using those biomarkers for diagnosis and to predict treatment response, according to Paul W. Franks, PhD. To take the next step to clinical implementation, future work must focus on patient engagement, clinician education, and regulatory approval,…

During a virtual debate at this year’s Scientific Sessions, pediatric endocrinologist Belinda S. Lennerz, MD, PhD, demonstrated the benefits of carbohydrate restriction in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, while Carmel E. Smart, RD, PhD, argued that patients can achieve comparable glycemic control with less restrictive diets and less risk.

Three experts discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve diabetes care during a virtual Scientific Sessions symposium. Adrian Aguilera, PhD, discussed how AI can be used to improve precision medicine and tailor treatments for type 2 diabetes patients.

A better understanding of cognitive issues could lead to improved weight loss therapies and help curb the obesity epidemic, according to three behavioral scientists who examined the role of cognitive function in obesity and appetite regulation during the Virtual 80th Scientific Sessions. Cognitive function, especially executive function, may be a critical missing moderator of weight…

During a two-hour virtual presentation at this year’s Scientific Sessions, four diabetes care and education specialists discussed innovative programs and research designed to address care gaps in diabetes management. Jodi Krall, PhD, discussed the use of technology, particularly telemedicine, to expand access to nutrition and diabetes education.

Management of the diabetic foot infection osteomyelitis is a daunting task. While many treatment algorithms exist, there’s no one-size-fits-all protocol, according to Crystal Holmes, DPM, CWSP, who moderated a Scientific Sessions symposium examining dilemmas in diabetic foot infection management.