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Deutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD


Rethinking diabetes prevention

A new ten-point framework for diabetes prevention aims to restore metabolic health across the entire life course, targeting risk factors before disease onset and emphasizing remission. The framework identifies key priorities, including personalized prevention strategies, digital tools, and reducing health inequities.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 10, 2026

Is “yo‑yo dieting” really harmful? New analysis challenges long‑standing assumptions about weight cycling

Weight loss followed by weight regain, known as 'yo-yo dieting,' is not supported by strong scientific evidence. The authors found that benefits of losing weight outweigh the theoretical risks of weight cycling in most cases. Repeated attempts at weight loss can provide meaningful periods of improved metabolic health and quality of life.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2026

New study on obesity criteria shows: vast majority of affected individuals are classified as clinically obese

A new study found that almost all people with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) exhibit increased body fat mass and health-related complications. Clinical obesity is associated with a 3-8 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes compared to non-obese individuals.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Special strength training with lighter weights effectively strengthens muscle health and metabolism in type 2 diabetes

A new study shows that blood flow restriction training (BFRT) effectively strengthens muscle health and metabolism in type 2 diabetes, reducing visceral fat and improving mitochondrial function. BFRT is a low-impact alternative to classic strength training with heavy weights, promoting better insulin action and cardiovascular health.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2026

Prediabetes: blood-based epigenetic markers enable more precise risk assessment

Researchers have identified blood-based epigenetic markers that can accurately classify individuals into high-risk prediabetes clusters. These biomarkers reflect different biological signaling pathways and can be used to identify people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its complications early on.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalBiomarker Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2026

People with diabetes or fatty liver disease are less effective at obtaining energy from ketone bodies

A study found that mitochondria in people with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease have impaired ability to utilize ketone bodies for energy production. This defect was greater than the overall decline in mitochondrial function, suggesting a potential new target for improving energy metabolism in diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2025

People with diabetes or fatty liver disease are less effective at obtaining energy from ketone bodies

A study by the German Diabetes Center found that people with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease have impaired mitochondrial ketone body oxidation, reducing their ability to produce energy from ketones. This defect suggests a potential new target for improving energy metabolism in diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2025

Time-restricted eating without calorie reduction does not improve metabolic health, but does shift the body's internal clocks

A new study found that time-restricted eating without calorie restriction does not improve metabolic health in women with overweight or obesity, but shifting the body's internal clocks. The study also revealed that participants who followed a late-eating schedule went to bed and woke up later.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2025

An evolutionary comparison of pancreas development: A milestone in translational research and diabetes therapies

Researchers compared single-cell atlases of pancreas development in humans, pigs, and mice, finding that pigs closely resemble humans in developmental tempo and gene regulation. The study identifies potential alternative sources for regeneration of insulin-producing beta cells, opening up new prospects for regenerative therapies.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2025

Biomarkers for brain insulin resistance discovered in the blood

Scientists at DZD have identified epigenetic signatures in the blood that indicate how well the brain responds to insulin. The findings suggest a mutual influence between insulin resistance in the brain and metabolic disease, enabling precise classification of individuals with and without insulin resistance.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2025

Depression in diabetes: Possible therapeutic success through biomarkers

A large-scale analysis found that biomarkers for chronic inflammation influence the therapeutic success of depressive symptoms in people with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes patients with higher inflammatory markers respond better to behavioral therapy, while those with type 1 diabetes may benefit more from anti-inflammatory treatments.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetologia·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2025

Clusters of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease for precision medicine

Research identifies six clusters of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with varying pathophysiology and clinical outcomes. These clusters may enable personalized risk prognosis and treatment through lifestyle modification programs and targeted therapies.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2025

Type 1 diabetes: Hybrid closed-loop and open-loop systems compared

A study comparing hybrid closed-loop and open-loop systems in young people with type 1 diabetes found that hybrid closed-loop systems offered improved long-term blood sugar values, a lower risk of hypoglycemic coma, but a higher rate of diabetic ketoacidosis. The results suggest that hybrid closed-loop therapies may be beneficial for i...

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Heterogeneity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Researchers have identified three major pathomechanisms of MASLD: hepatic genetic component, metabolic de novo lipogenesis, and adipose tissue dysfunction. These subtypes have distinct risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Novel pharmacological approaches may facilitate targeted therapies for each subtype.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeNews article·DateDec 16, 2024

The food additive carrageenan (E 407) could disrupt the intestinal barrier and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes

A clinical study found increased permeability of the small intestine and inflammation in the gut, linked to higher body weight and insulin resistance. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigations into carrageenan's effects on human health.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2024

Beta cells: New insights into the structure, interactions and neuronal networking of primary cilia

Research reveals the structural features of beta cell primary cilia, including microtubule organization and interactions with neighboring cells. The findings suggest that primary cilia play a crucial role in signal transmission and networking of beta cells with other islet cells, potentially linking to type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 4, 2024

Metabolically healthy obesity: Fat distribution key to assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Research suggests that metabolically healthy obese individuals have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those with metabolic unhealthy obesity. Fat distribution plays a crucial role in defining metabolic health, according to a recent review article.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 10, 2024

The cardiometabolic risk of a higher body mass index may be underestimated in taller grown populations worldwide

A recent study found that for every same increase of BMI, fat mass and type 2 diabetes risk are increased in taller people. The authors hypothesize that the cardiometabolic risk of a higher BMI may be underestimated in taller grown populations worldwide.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2024

Optimum protection against diabetes: Weight loss plus remission of prediabetes

Researchers found that people who achieved weight loss and prediabetes remission had a 76% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who only lost weight. This suggests that normalization of blood sugar levels should be included as a therapeutic goal in guidelines to improve diabetes prevention.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetologia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

Kallistatin contributes to the beneficial metabolic effects of weight loss

Researchers found that Kallistatin expression increases after weight loss in individuals with overweight and obesity. Additionally, human Kallistatin improves hepatic insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests that Kallistatin may be an interesting therapeutic target for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024