Diabetes Awareness

In June 2021, Robert A. Gabbay, MD, PhD, FACP, chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association, spoke with Healio about various aspects of diabetes care.

In these videos, Gabbay discussed:

• Recent advances in diabetes care, such as the potential approval of a new drug to delay the development of type 1 diabetes and expanded indications for existing therapies to treat diabetes-related kidney and heart disease;
• How clinicians should approach discussion of diabetes with patients who are newly diagnosed with the disease, including a focus on empowerment in addition to diet and exercise;
• The ways in which endocrinologists and primary care providers collaborate to provide the best care for patients with diabetes;
• How technology has transformed diabetes care, including the incorporation of virtual visits, increasingly effective communication between providers and patients and the impact of continuous glucose monitoring;
• The significant effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on diabetes care, ranging from the acceleration of the use of technology to shining a light on existing health care disparities;
• Exciting areas of research, such as the connection between COVID-19 and diabetes, novel therapeutic options and the expanded use of technology;
• The “rich” pipeline, which includes dual-agonist therapy as well as new treatments for diabetes-related liver disease and other complications; and
• The importance of diabetes awareness, the need to address certain issues, such as “diabetes stigma,” and ensuring that even people without diabetes are mindful of their relationship with food and exercise.