ADA Scholars 2026 | On-Demand-ADA Scholars Program Part 2

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript covers an ADA educational session featuring two major themes: emerging diabetes technology and research funding, followed by a talk on diabetes and obesity care.<br /><br />First, Dr. Ekterk reviews diabetes technology, emphasizing that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves outcomes by revealing glucose patterns that fingerstick checks miss. He explains that starting CGM early in type 1 diabetes leads to better long-term A1c results and highlights automated insulin delivery (AID) systems as the current standard of care. He discusses differences among current CGMs, insulin pumps, and AID systems, including recent FDA approvals and updated device features. He also describes future directions such as artificial intelligence, fully closed-loop “bionic pancreas” systems, and continuous ketone monitoring, noting that these innovations may improve safety and reduce patient burden.<br /><br />A panel then discusses how investigators can secure research funding from NIH/NIDDK, Helmsley Charitable Trust, Breakthrough T1D, and the ADA. Panelists stress the importance of matching a proposal to a funder’s mission, contacting program officers early, studying funding priorities, and not self-eliminating. They also explain grant pathways, review processes, and examples of how early ideas can grow into larger funded projects over time.<br /><br />Finally, Dr. Wayne Ho presents on diabetes and obesity care. He explains that obesity is a chronic disease, not a matter of willpower, and that treatment should not be stepwise or delayed. He reviews lifestyle therapy, medications, metabolic surgery, and the growing role of GLP-1 and related therapies. He emphasizes individualized, team-based care, the importance of matching treatment intensity to disease severity, and the emerging role of telehealth and AI in improving access and efficiency.

Keywords

diabetes technology

continuous glucose monitoring

CGM

automated insulin delivery

AID systems

type 1 diabetes

A1c outcomes

insulin pumps

FDA approvals

artificial intelligence

closed-loop systems

bionic pancreas

research funding

NIH NIDDK

obesity care