Both of Herman’s grandfathers were engineers. One began as a custodian for the Glenn L. Martin Company before moving into engineering and then starting his own businesses. The other worked alongside the RCA Corporation to develop radar. “Technology was moving away from vacuum tube–based electronic systems,” Herman says, “so he got upfront practical knowledge of […]
Read MoreCategory: Diabetes
Sarcopenic Obesity & T2D, Cumulative BMI Burden From Childhood to Adulthood & Risk of Metabolic Multimorbidity, and more!
Welcome to the latest episode (September 2026) of DOC Updates, where every month Neil Skolnik, MD and John Russell, MD review the most important articles on diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease. This month on DOC Updates: Diaz KM, Murdock ME, Serafini MA, et al. Evaluating movement breaks as a public health strategy to mitigate the […]
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Special Edition: Hypertension Part 2—Advanced Hypertension Management: Uncontrolled and Resistant Hypertension and the Importance of Aldosterone
Uncontrolled and resistant hypertension is more common than we think. In the second episode of this special three-part series, Dr. Neil Skolnik discusses management strategies, but also explores our new understanding of aldosterone and its stealth role in hypertension. This series is supported with support from AstraZeneca. Please listen to the episodes by clicking on […]
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Special Edition: Metabolic-Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
What is the difference between MASH and MASLD? In this special episode, Dr. Neil Skolnik breaks down these conditions, which affect insulin resistance of the liver, an area of increasing concern for people with diabetes. This special episode is sponsored with support from Lilly. Presented by: Neil Skolnik, MD, Professor of Family and Community Medicine, […]
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Special Edition: Evidence-Based Strategies for Weight Loss and Long-Term Weight Maintenance in People with Diabetes
Weight maintenance is a challenging topic for both clinicians and patients. In this special episode, Neil Skolnik is joined by Jamie Almondoz, MD, who discusses the toxic narratives that have historically been part of the weight loss conversation, and the latest strategies for maintaining a healthy weight after the initial loss. This special episode is […]
Read MoreNicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Signaling Activates Beige Adipocytes and Mediates Systemic Metabolism
Optimal function of beige adipocytes is essential for energy balance and metabolic homeostasis. We previously identified that cholinergic receptor nicotinic α2 subunit (CHRNA2) mediates a beige fat selective signaling in mice and humans. Here, we investigate the molecular composition of CHRNA2-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in beige adipocytes and its impact on whole-body metabolism. Expression […]
Read MoreRsk4 Mediates Brain FGF19 Signaling to Constrain Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice
Central administration of fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF19) has been shown to reduce body weight in obese mice, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we show that ribosomal S6 kinase 4 (Rsk4) is required for FGF19 to counteract obesity. Rsk4 is predominantly expressed in hypothalamic neurons. While loss of Rsk4 has negligible effects on […]
Read MoreTXNIP Is Positioned as a Key Mediator of Hyperglycemia-Induced Vascular Senescence
Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is regarded as a potential therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia can upregulate the expression of TXNIP in various cell types, thereby inducing oxidative stress. However, the regulatory mechanisms by which this protein modulates vascular function in the aorta remain incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the response of TXNIP […]
Read MoreTargeting the ADA/ADO Axis Rescues β-Cell Failure in Type 2 Diabetes
The progressive decline of functional β-cell mass is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet no current therapies effectively halt this process. While chronic inflammation and metabolic stress contribute to β-cell dysfunction, the key signals integrating these pathways remain elusive. Circulating adenosine deaminase (ADA) elevation in people with diabetes is often viewed as a […]
Read MoreKetone Bodies Derived From Medium-Chain Triglycerides Support Brain Metabolism and Function Under Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Impaired cognitive function caused by insulin-induced hypoglycemia is a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) for which no protective strategies are currently available. In this first-in-human mechanistic study using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the direct contribution of the infused ketone β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) to brain metabolism during clamped hypoglycemia was greater in participants with T1DM than […]
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