Novel Innovations in Diabetes Mellitus Prevention, Screening and Management

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 3146

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor Assistant
Doctoral School of “Carol Davila”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: diabetes; pharmacy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Rheumatology, Geriatrics), Family Medicine, Labor Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: compliance to treatment; prevention; diet; obesity; diabetes; comorbidities; general practitioner
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The continuous increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications has escalated into a global healthcare challenge with pandemic dimensions. As the number of people living with DM continues to rise, early detection and preventive strategies have become essential in reducing its impact on public health. This Special Issue, “Novel Innovations in Diabetes Mellitus Prevention, Screening, and Management,” will compile significant research and innovative approaches aimed at addressing the global DM epidemic.

We welcome original research, reviews, and perspective articles on all aspects related to DM screening and prevention. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, advancements in screening technologies such as novel biomarkers, genetic profiling, and non-invasive methods. Additionally, studies on the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing screening efficiency and personalized risk assessment are highly encouraged.

We also invite contributions focusing on preventive strategies, encompassing lifestyle interventions, dietary modifications, and community-based programs. Articles addressing the importance of public health policies, educational campaigns, and their effectiveness in raising awareness and promoting healthy behaviors are particularly welcome.

By bringing together diverse research areas this Special Issue aims to provide healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with valuable insights and practical tools to improve DM screening and prevention efforts.

Dr. Anca Pantea Stoian
Guest Editor

Dr. Teodor Salmen
Dr. Mihaela Adela Iancu
Guest Editor Assistants

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Keywords

  • diabetes mellitus
  • prevention
  • screening
  • complications
  • cardiovascular disease
  • neuropathy
  • retinopathy
  • nephropathy

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1567 KiB  
Article
Whole Exome Sequencing in 26 Saudi Patients Expands the Mutational and Clinical Spectrum of Diabetic Nephropathy
by Imadeldin Elfaki, Rashid Mir, Sanaa Almowallad, Rehab F. Almassabi, Wed Albalawi, Aziz Dhaher Albalawi, Ajaz A. Bhat, Jameel Barnawi, Faris J. Tayeb, Mohammed M. Jalal, Malik A. Altayar and Faisal H. Altemani
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61061017 - 29 May 2025
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a health problem all over the world due to its serious complications such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and limb amputation. The risk factors for T2DM are environmental, lifestyle, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a health problem all over the world due to its serious complications such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and limb amputation. The risk factors for T2DM are environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. The genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed the linkage of certain loci with diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. The objective of this study was to examine the association of genetic loci with diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the Saudi population. Materials and Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analysis, such as Genome Analysis Toolkit, Samtools, SnpEff, Polymorphism Phenotyping v2, and Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant (SIFT), were used to examine the association of gene variations with DN in 26 Saudi patients (18 males and 8 females). Results: The present study showed that there are loci that are probably linked to DM and DN. The genes showed variations that include COCH, PRPF31, PIEZO2, RABL5, CCT5, PLIN3, PDE4A, SH3BP2, GPR108, GPR108, MUC6, CACNA1D, and MAFA. The physiological processes that are potentially affected by these gene variations include insulin signaling and secretion, the inflammatory pathway, and mitochondrial function. Conclusion: The variations in these genes and the dysregulation of these processes may be linked to the development of DM and DN. These findings require further verification in future studies with larger sample sizes and protein functional studies. The results of this study will assist in identifying the genes involved in DM and DN (for example, through genetic counseling) and help in prevention and treatment of individuals or populations at risk of this disease and its complications. Full article
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19 pages, 2245 KiB  
Article
Core Exercise as Non-Pharmacological Strategy for Improving Metabolic Health in Prediabetic Women
by Nuray Yiğiter, Faruk Akçınar, Yavuz Yasul, Vedat Çınar, Taner Akbulut and Gian Mario Migliaccio
Medicina 2025, 61(5), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61050942 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 887
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Prediabetes (PD) is characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and is associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week core exercise intervention on glycemic control, lipid [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Prediabetes (PD) is characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and is associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week core exercise intervention on glycemic control, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, body composition, and physical performance in prediabetic women. Materials and Methods: Eighteen prediabetic women aged 20–55 years were randomly allocated to either a core exercise group (n = 9) or a control group (n = 9). The intervention group completed 24 supervised core exercise sessions over 8 weeks, whereas the control group remained sedentary. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations included anthropometric measurements, flexibility and strength tests, fasting and postprandial glucose levels, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profiles, and serum iron levels. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis, and a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were conducted to explore multidimensional metabolic changes. Results: Core exercise significantly improved the body weight, BMI, fat percentage, and circumferences (shoulder, chest, and hip), along with an enhanced flexibility and back-leg strength (p < 0.05). Glycemic indices (FBG, PBG, and HbA1c), insulin, and HOMA-IR levels were significantly reduced, while serum iron and HDL-C increased (p < 0.05). Lipid markers, including the TG, LDL-C, CHOL, and TG/HDL-C ratio, showed significant improvements. The PCA and cluster analyses identified three clusters reflecting metabolic risk, body composition, and protective factors. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that an 8-week structured core exercise program significantly improves glycemic control, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in women with prediabetes. Multivariate analyses (PCA and hierarchical clustering) corroborate a metabolic shift towards a reduced insulin resistance and a more favorable cardiometabolic profile, supporting core training as a viable, evidence-based non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate metabolic risk. Full article
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16 pages, 353 KiB  
Article
SGLT-2i—A Useful Tool for Real-Life Metabolic and Body Weight Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
by Mihaela-Simona Popoviciu, Teodor Salmen, Delia Reurean-Pintilei, Vlad Voiculescu and Anca Pantea Stoian
Medicina 2025, 61(3), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61030548 - 20 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Elevated blood sugar poses an increasingly significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. We aimed to assess the efficacy of the SGLT-2i class in achieving metabolic control in patients with T2DM within a real-world standard-of-care regimen. Material and Methods: A prospective [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Elevated blood sugar poses an increasingly significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. We aimed to assess the efficacy of the SGLT-2i class in achieving metabolic control in patients with T2DM within a real-world standard-of-care regimen. Material and Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted over 6 months including individuals receiving care in an outpatient department, with baseline assessments and follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. Results: A total of 280 patients were assessed, with a mean age of 63.69 ± 9.16, 53.9% of which were males, with a mean DM duration of 9.06 ± 5.64 years, and a DM duration varying from 6 months to 24 years. Discussion: Real-world evidence bridges the gap between guidelines and practice. It emphasizes the need to overcome clinical inertia in order to optimize patient outcomes and contributes to the body of evidence supporting the efficacy of fixed-dose SGLT-2i combinations in managing T2DM and associated comorbidities. Conclusions: We demonstrate the significant clinical and therapeutic impact of SGLT-2i in T2DM patients in a real-world setting. This class of medication not only positively influences glycemic and weight control but also reduces CV risk factors and visceral adiposity. Full article
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