World Diabetes Day:
Diabetes across life stages
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed annually on November 14th, initiated in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise public awareness about diabetes. This day also commemorates the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of the discoverers of insulin.
The theme for World Diabetes Day in 2025 is "Diabetes across life stages", recognizes that every person living with diabetes should have access to integrated care, supportive environments and policies that promote health, dignity and self-management.
1. What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar, resulting from absolute or relative insulin deficiency and impaired insulin utilization. It can be categorized into four types:
1.1 Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)
T1DM is a chronic metabolic endocrine disorder where the pancreas' beta cells are destroyed, leading to an absolute lack of insulin. This destruction is typically mediated by the immune system, which mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Consequently, patients are unable to produce sufficient insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. (click "Autoimmune Disease Series: Type 1 Diabetes" for more information)
1.2 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
T2DM is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is primarily the result of decreased insulin sensitivity (insulin resistance) and a gradual decline in insulin secretion from beta cells. Possible contributing factors include genetics, lifestyle, age, and ethnic or racial background.
1.3 Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
GDM refers to the abnormal glucose tolerance first discovered or diagnosed during pregnancy. It typically occurs at any stage of pregnancy but is most often identified in the second or third trimester. The main mechanism of GDM is insulin resistance, which may be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, obesity, poor dietary habits, and lifestyle. Additionally, pregnancy itself increases insulin demand, potentially leading to poor blood glucose control. Women with a history of GDM are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes postpartum.
1.4 Other Specific Types of Diabetes
These are all forms of diabetes caused by factors other than type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. Classified by etiology, other specific types can be divided into several subcategories, including monogenic defects in beta cell function, pancreatogenic diabetes, drug- or chemical-induced diabetes, endocrine diseases, monogenic defects in insulin action, genetic syndromes associated with diabetes, infections, and rare forms of immune-mediated diabetes. Among these, monogenic defects in beta cell function and pancreatogenic diabetes are relatively common subcategories.
2. The latest research advancements in diabetes
Currently, scientists have made a series of significant progress in diabetes research, encompassing everything from blood sugar control medications and insulin therapies to innovative diabetes management devices, as well as potential therapies like immunotherapy and beta cell regeneration. Here are some of the latest research developments:
2.1 Pharmacological Advances
SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, among other novel hypoglycemic drugs, have been proven to effectively lower blood glucose and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) emphasized the importance of these drugs in its 2024 clinical practice standards [1]. For instance, new drugs like empagliflozin have shown excellent performance in improving blood glucose control in adults with T2DM and have demonstrated potential applications in obesity, cardiovascular risk-related diseases, and diabetic nephropathy.
Additionally, researchers are developing more effective insulin formulations, such as long-acting and rapid-acting insulins, to better mimic the natural secretion pattern of insulin and help patients control blood glucose levels more effectively.
2.2 Disease Classification and Personalized Treatment
Researchers have identified different subtypes of type 2 diabetes, including Severe Insulin Deficiency Diabetes (SIDD), Severe Insulin Resistance Diabetes (SIRD), Mild Obesity-Related Diabetes (MOD), and Mild Age-Related Diabetes (MARD). The identification of these subtypes provides a scientific basis for personalized treatment strategies [2].
2.3 Early Diagnosis and Screening
Early diagnosis and screening of islet autoantibodies are crucial directions in the early diagnosis research of type 1 diabetes, aiding in earlier diagnosis and intervention [3]. The application of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM) and automated insulin delivery systems is transforming the management of type 1 diabetes, enhancing patients' self-management abilities and treatment adherence [4]. New devices such as continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and smart insulin pumps can monitor blood glucose levels in real-time and automatically adjust insulin delivery, providing patients with more convenient and efficient management tools.
2.4 Other Research Progress
Recent studies show that non-endocrine tissues can be reprogrammed to respond to blood glucose changes without the use of insulin, offering new possibilities for diabetes treatment. Advances in genomics have deepened our understanding of beta cell function, aiding in the identification of diabetes susceptibility genes and propelling the development of personalized medicine. Analyzing an individual's lipid profile can assess their risk of diabetes and inform the development of corresponding prevention and treatment strategies.
Read more：
Diabetes: What You Need to Know Before Starting Research?
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
3. Diabetes Research Related Products from CUSABIO
To aid in your research of diabetes-related biomarkers and signaling pathways, to comprehend the pathogenesis of diabetes, assess the progression of the disease, and develop novel therapeutic approaches, CUSABIO has meticulously assembled a suite of commonly utilized proteins, antibodies, and ELISA kits in diabetes research. The targets encompass, but are not limited to, insulin (INS) and its receptor (INSR), islet beta cell markers such as GLUT2 and PDX1, inflammatory markers including TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP, oxidative stress markers like 8-OHdG and MDA, and molecules associated with the insulin signaling pathway such as IRS1/2.
● Hot Targets in Diabetes Research
● CUSABIO Recombinant Proteins for Diabetes Research
Measured by its binding ability in a functional ELISA. Immobilized Human GIPR at 2μg/mL can bind Anti-GIPR recombinant antibody (CSB-RA009438MA1HU)，the EC50 16.18-18.70 ng/mL.
Measured by its binding ability in a functional ELISA. Immobilized Human GLP1R at 2 μg/mL can bind Anti-GLP1R recombinant antibody (CSB-RA009514MA1HU), the EC50 is 54.54-94.23 ng/mL.
Measured by its binding ability in a functional ELISA. Immobilized Human IL6 at 2μg/mL can bind Anti-IL6 recombinant antibody (CSB-RA011664MA1HU)，the EC50 is 35.80-41.82 ng/mL.
Measured by its binding ability in a functional ELISA. Immobilized Human TNF at 5 μg/ml can bind Human TNFR2 protein (CSB-MP023978HU2). The EC50 is 3.470-4.107 ng/mL.
