JCS/T2D - We are advocates. We learn. We share. We inform.

Abstract

This post explains why I took medical courses to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical side of type 2 diabetes and obesity care. The insights gained help me better interpret the data, support public education, and present CGM and related metrics in a more informed way.

Key Points

• Medical coursework offered critical insight into diabetes and obesity care priorities.
• Understanding clinical perspectives shaped how I interpret CGM data.
• CME courses emphasized scientific integrity and commercial neutrality.
• These experiences support better health communication and patient education.
• Learning from clinicians strengthens how I present data to the public.

Abstract

A new study led by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Karolinska Institutet reveals that insulin resistance varies widely between individuals, even among those with the same diagnosis. By analyzing muscle tissue from over 120 people, the team uncovered unique molecular "fingerprints" that could help detect insulin resistance earlier and guide more personalized treatments for type 2 diabetes. Professor Juleen Zierath, a pioneer in exercise and metabolic research and winner of the 2024 Diabetes Prize for Excellence, played a key role in the study. The findings highlight the importance of moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches in diabetes care.

Key Points

• Researchers discovered unique molecular “fingerprints” in muscle that reveal how individuals respond to insulin.
• Insulin resistance varies widely, even among people with the same diagnosis.
• Some individuals with type 2 diabetes respond better to insulin than those without the condition.
• A human-specific muscle protein, AMPKγ3, may offer a new target for treatment.
• The findings support more personalized and earlier approaches to diabetes care.

Abstract

The American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Standards of Care reflect a growing shift toward personalized, patient-centered diabetes management. This overview translates key updates for individuals living with diabetes, emphasizing broader use of technology, smarter lifestyle guidance, integration of heart and kidney care, and increased attention to social and environmental factors. The focus is no longer just on medications, but on the full context of a person’s health and daily life.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released its updated Standards of Care in Diabetes for 2025 several months ago. These annual updates guide how healthcare providers deliver diabetes care across the U.S. While the standards are written for clinicians, many of the changes have a direct impact on people living with diabetes. This summary highlights what’s new and why it matters from a patient perspective.

Key Points

• More personalized care plans – New guidelines support tailoring diabetes treatment based on individual needs, not just type 1 or type 2 labels.
• Broader access to CGM technology – Continuous glucose monitors are now recommended for more people, including some with type 2 diabetes not on insulin.
• Lifestyle advice goes beyond diet and exercise – Sleep quality, muscle maintenance, and hydration are emphasized alongside plant-based nutrition.
• Support beyond medication – Social factors like affordability and access to care are now officially part of diabetes treatment planning.
• Integrated heart, kidney, and liver care – Screening and treatment are becoming more coordinated to protect long-term health.