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A major development in diabetes care is gaining momentum. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is now urging global health authorities—including the World Health Organization (WHO)—to formally recognize a newly identified form of diabetes known as Type 5 diabetes. This push could reshape how millions of people are diagnosed and treated worldwide—especially in regions where diabetes doesn’t fit the traditional Type 1 or Type 2 profile. What Is Type 5 Diabetes? Type 5 di

Managing type 2 diabetes isn’t just about counting carbs or cutting sugar—it’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle. A growing body of research shows that one of the most effective ways to help patients improve their diet is by aligning nutrition plans with their cultural food preferences. A recent pilot study published in Nutrition Today highlights how culturally tailored dietary education can significantly improve outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes. Why Diet Is So

Caption: The implantable device encapsulates islet cells, protecting them from immune rejection. The device also carries an oxygen generator to keep the cells healthy. Credit: Courtesy of the researchers Caption: The implantable device encapsulates islet cells, protecting them from immune rejection. The device also carries an oxygen generator to keep the cells healthy. Credit: Courtesy of the researchersFor many people living with type 1 diabetes, “treatment” is not a once-a-

Prediabetes can feel like medical limbo. Some people hear the word and think, “So… do I have diabetes or not?” Others assume it’s a scare tactic. But the most useful way to see prediabetes is simpler: it’s a high-risk zone with leverage—a time when the body is showing elevated glucose signals, but you still have a strong chance to change your trajectory. In a recent Johns Hopkins conversation, the key point is that a prediabetes diagnosis can be valuable precisely because it

Every year, American Diabetes Alert Day serves as an important reminder: millions of people are living with diabetes—or prediabetes—without even knowing it. And the numbers are more serious than most people realize. The Alarming Reality of Diabetes in America According to the most recent data from the CDC and The American Diabetes Association: * 38.4 million Americans have diabetes * That’s about 1 in 10 people * Nearly 1 in 5 people with diabetes don’t know they have it * 11

A new study from researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health has found that people living with type 1 diabetes may face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia as they age. As life expectancy continues to improve for those with type 1 diabetes, researchers are taking a closer look at long-term complications—especially those affecting brain health. What the Study Found The study, conducted by scientists at the Boston University School of Public Heal

A new study suggests that two simple daily habits—getting enough sleep and staying physically active—may significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in teenagers. Researchers found that when teens replaced sedentary time with either moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or additional sleep, their insulin resistance improved—a key factor in preventing diabetes. Why This Matters for Teen Health Teenagers today spend a large portion of their day sedentary—often

A new wave of research suggests something many people already wear every day—a smartwatch—could help detect early signs of diabetes long before a formal diagnosis. According to reporting from Science News, scientists are finding that everyday wearable data like heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels may reveal subtle changes linked to blood sugar regulation. What the Research ShowsResearchers analyzed data collected from smartwatches and fitness trackers and found th

The American Red Cross is offering free A1C testing during the month of March after new data revealed that many blood donors may be living with undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes. The American Red Cross says their findings are based on several free A1C screening tests they offered last year. They provided A1C to more than 920,000 blood donors and they say among the donors with elevated A1C levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes. Why the Free A1C Testing Matters An A

Could living in the mountains actually improve your metabolic health? A new study highlighted by Fox News suggests that people who live at higher elevations may have a lower risk of developing certain metabolic diseases — including type 2 diabetes. Here’s what researchers found and what it could mean for your health. What the Study Found According to a report by Fox News, researchers analyzed health data and found that individuals living at higher altitudes showed a lower pre

Heatmaps showing differences between patients with and without T2D Heatmaps showing differences between patients with and without T2DScientists say they are using artificial intelligence (AI) to discover tiny changes in the pancreas that may help explain how type 2 diabetes develops — and how we might detect it earlier. A research team from the German Center for Diabetes Research and collaborators trained AI to spot subtle differences in human pancreatic tissue that would be

Managing weight with type 1 diabetes (T1D) isn’t as simple as “eat less, move more.” In fact, that approach can backfire — especially when insulin, blood sugar fluctuations, and hormone changes are part of the equation. In a recent episode of the Direct Diabetes video podcast, registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist Sarah Hormachea, RDN, CDCES, breaks down what safe, evidence-based weight management really looks like for people l

Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) doesn’t mean giving up adventure. In fact, it might just mean planning a little differently — and discovering something even more powerful along the way. In a recent episode of the Direct Diabetes video podcast, host Madi Cheever sits down with Paul Reed, founder of Type One Outdoors, to talk about hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, blood sugar management, and what he calls “intangible wilderness therapy.” If you or someone you love lives

New diabetes guidelines are starting to consider GLP-1 medications—not just for type 2 diabetes, but also for people with type 1 diabetes who struggle with obesity. What Is Type 1 Diabetes?Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body can’t make insulin on its own. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to control their blood sugar. Traditionally, weight gain wasn’t common with type 1, but now many patients are also living with overweight or obesi

A groundbreaking new analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights that bariatric surgery delivers superior long-term outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes, regardless of their social or economic background. This study offers powerful insights into how we think about treatment equity and effectiveness in diabetes care. Why This Matters: The Role of Social Vulnerability in Diabetes Social determinants of health — including income, education level, neighborhoo

What if type 1 diabetes could be delayed — or even prevented — before symptoms ever appear? In a powerful and hopeful podcast conversation, registered dietitian and diabetes educator Madi Cheever speaks with pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Larry Deeb, who has spent more than four decades on the front lines of diabetes care. He explains how far diabetes treatment has come — and where it may be headed next. From Urine Tests to Smart Pumps: 40 Years of Progress Dr. Deeb began prac

Medical University of South Carolina Medical University of South CarolinaEvery person living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) knows the daily routine: checking blood sugar, calculating carbs, dosing insulin — day in and day out. But what if scientists could stop the disease at its source instead of just managing it? That’s exactly what a new research initiative funded with a $1 million grant from an organization called "Breakthrough T1D" is trying to do: reprogram the immune system

A promising new development could change how doctors approach type 1 diabetes (T1D) in young children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing an expanded use of a drug called Tzield (teplizumab) that may delay the onset of clinical type 1 diabetes in children as young as 1 year old. If approved, this would be the first treatment designed to slow the progression of type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear in very young children. What Is Tzield (Teplizumab)? Tzield is

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has released its highly anticipated Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, a comprehensive update to the gold standard guidelines clinicians and health systems rely on for diagnosing, treating, and managing diabetes and prediabetes in people of all ages. These new standards reflect the latest scientific evidence and are designed to improve health outcomes and quality of care for millions of people living with diabetes. (American Diabetes A

When managing diabetes, most people focus on food choices, physical activity, and medication. But there’s another factor that can quietly influence blood sugar levels every day: the weather. Changes in temperature — especially extreme heat or cold — can affect how your body uses insulin, how glucose is absorbed, and even how reliable your diabetes supplies perform. Understanding these effects can help you stay more stable year-round. Cold Weather and Blood Sugar LevelsCold te